1854 research outputs found
Sort by
Exploring the Synthesis of Substituted Porphyrins
Get PDFA current theme in our research laboratory is the development of low cost methods for the synthesis of lamellar vesicles as models for cell membranes. These vesicles, serving as simplified artificial cells, allow us to examine fundamental properties of the membrane including transport of materials across the membrane. Vesicles of varying size can also be employed as molecule delivery systems for a variety of compounds, including pharmaceuticals. We are especially interested in pharmaceuticals used in photodynamic therapy. This type of medical intervention entails delivery of a prodrug (one which is not initially bio-active). Upon exposure to a specific wavelength of light this prodrug molecule, a photosensitizer, becomes biologically active and elicits a desired biochemical response. Various derivations of the porphyrin class of molecules have been investigated as potential photodynamic molecules. Currently, Photofrin-II, a mixture of polymerized porphyrin molecules is the only FDA-approved porphyrin-based photodynamic therapy. This particular project will merge the synthesis of non-polymerized substituted porphyrins with their integration into lamellar vesicles of varying size. In keeping with our low-cost approach to vesicle formation, we will compare the use of water-in-oil emulsion versus extrusion mode of synthesis for vesicle construction. Of interest is our ability to tailor placement of the porphyrin into the center of the lamellar vesicle, or integrated within the membrane portion of the vesicle. Though outside the scope of the current project, an important question we wish to address is: does placement of a porphyrin photodynamic compound within a lipid or aqueous environment affect its ability to function as an effective photosensitizer. The work submitted under this proposal will bring us closer to conducting experiments which will probe this question
Doorbell Alert System
Get PDFThe purpose of this project was to design and fabricate a working prototype of a “doorbell” alert system to be used in the barn of a hard-of-hearing farmer. This project was completed in conjunction with AgrAbility, an organization that develops and provides assistive technology to agricultural workers. The problem is that a deaf farmer is unaware of when people come to the barn doors looking for them, as they may be in a stall on the other side of the barn
Computational Analysis of Steel Joists at Elevated Temperatures
Get PDFSteel joists are economical and efficient structural assemblies usually designed to transfer the load imposed on roofs or floor decks to structural frames. In many applications, steel joists are required to provide fire resistance for a given interval; therefore, they are either protected by fire-resistant membranes (e.g. ceiling) or fire-resistant materials (e.g. intumescent coating). Currently, the amount of time a steel joist is able to withstand the effects of fire (i.e. fire rating) is determined experimentally by testing conventional steel joist configurations subjected to a standard time-temperature curve known as the ASTM E119 standard fire.
In the current design methods for building construction, a designer selects steel joist assemblies and finds complete design requirements based on the assemblies. Using this method, designers have a relatively limited number of options to choose from. Additionally, fire ratings are assigned based on data gathered during experiments in laboratory settings that barely represent the actual loading and support conditions experienced by steel joists in a building. Consequently, it is impossible to accurately estimate the actual performance of these steel assemblies beyond the dimensions of the furnace, and at elevated temperatures produced by real fires different than the ASTM E119 standard fire.
This research project explores the possibility of effectively analyzing the behavior of steel joists at elevated temperatures using advanced computational tools. It focuses on developing computational models of common steel joists subjected to elevated temperatures due to fire. Numerical results are validated against experimental results available in the literature, and the models are assessed as potential alternatives to standardized fire tests
Assessing chemical communication in the invasive crayfish Orconectes rusticus
Get PDFOrconectes rusticus is an invasive crayfish species that has disrupted ecosystems in the Northern Eastern United States. Eradication methods have been ineffective. Because crayfish communicate chemically by secreting pheromones, understanding what information these pheromones carry can help develop baited traps that will improve trapping efficiency. The aim of this study was to determine how Orconectes rusticus respond to chemical signals produced by conspecifics of the same and opposite sex. Previous studies in our lab have shown that female O. rusticus are attracted to pheromones produced by males, but don’t exhibit avoidance or attraction to signals produced by females. Males, on the other hand, avoid signals produced by conspecific males, but do not exhibit a differential response towards female signals. However, in these studies, all individuals were presented with a same or opposite sex pheromone vs. a no pheromone control using a Y-maze. In our study, we examine how O. rusticus respond to same and opposite-sex pheromones when presented with these signals simultaneously. We collected pheromones by socially isolating male and female O. rustiducus for 7-9 days in small 1.5 liter containers. At the end of isolation period, the water in the containers was filtered and combined with water from other same-sex individuals to create a pheromone stock. The resulting pheromone stocks were pumped through the arms of the Y-maze. The pheromone assignment to a given arm of the maze was randomized. The behavior of the crayfish at the base of the Y-maze was videotaped and individuals were believed to make a choice when they moved towards or away from one of the arms. In this study we present our preliminary findings
Increasing Awareness of Natural Areas on the Elizabethtown College Campus through Digital Story Maps
Get PDFThe campus of Elizabethtown College includes multiple types of ecosystem—forests, meadows, wetlands, streams, and ponds. These areas can serve as outdoor extensions of the classroom, presenting convenient settings for research projects. They are also a valuable recreational resource. To increase student awareness of the natural areas of the campus, we are utilizing ArcGIS technology to create a story map of trails on campus, to be used for self-guided tours or tours guided by student volunteers. Story maps define the path and draw attention to notable or ecologically interesting locations along the path. Photos and detailed descriptions in the story map act as a starting place for students who want to know more about features of campus related to sustainability. We are creating two mapped versions of the trail—they vary in length, type of terrain, difficulty, and intended audience. The more basic trail, which only covers paved and packed gravel terrain, will be accessible to prospective students and families interested in learning about Etown’s natural lands and the learning opportunities they offer. The second trail is a more rigorous hike through densely wooded areas, best suited for those with a desire to learn and a willingness to make the more challenging trek. In addition, we are planning ecological restoration of a section of forest. Restoration will involve removal of invasive plants and planting with selected native species, with the objective of increasing plant and animal biodiversity of the restored area. Our goal is for the area we restore and the process we follow to serve as a model for future student restoration projects
Microfinance and its Impact on Women: A Case Study of India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia
Get PDFFor several years, microfinance institutions (MFI) have been providing the financially disadvantaged with small loans to allow them to escape poverty. These institutions specifically target women as recipients of the loans (usually less than $100 USD) because women in developing countries traditionally do not have access to start their own business, create their own income, and advance themselves in society. However, there are arguments that this approach does not increase a woman’s income or create a better living situation for the woman or her family. As every country has different microfinance policies and cultures, microfinance impacts every country differently. This paper is divided into two parts. The first part discusses several studies and outcomes regarding microfinance in developing countries in south and southeast Asia. The second part of this paper consists of critiques and possible improvements to these policies. The indicators that signify the success of microfinance are an increase in the woman\u27s income and independence, and indications of a higher standard of living for families, such as higher levels of children\u27s education and health. I believe that the data will indicate that certain countries have better microfinance systems and policies than others. Additionally, I believe that the cultures of certain countries have a significant impact on the level of success of microfinance in those countries regarding increasing the social and financial standing of women. I conclude with a discussion of how microfinance institutions and government policy can help women create better lives for themselves and their families
Taste modulator influences rare case of color-gustatory synesthesia
No full textWe investigated the effect of a sweetness blocker on the synesthetic taste experience of a rare color-gustatory synesthete, E.C., for whom specific colors elicit unique tastes. Blocking E.C.’s sweetness receptors while the tongue was otherwise unstimulated left other taste components of the synesthesia unaltered but initially reduced her synesthetic sweetness, which suggests a peripheral modulation of the synesthetic illusion
Characteristics and red flag correlates of psychiatric outpatients in a mandated-use prescription drug monitoring program state: A PBRN card study
No full textObjectives: All 50 states have implemented a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in efforts to control prescription drug abuse. Many now mandate PDMP checks before clinicians prescribe controlled substances. The aim of this study was to characterize the associations between patient characteristics, red flags found on PDMP reports, and prescriber behavior at community mental health agencies. Methods: Prescribers at 9 practice sites, in 5 regional community mental health centers, were recruited by a practice-based research network to participate in a card study. Prescribers completed a PDMP attitudes survey, and cards were completed for patients who had PDMP reports checked. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In total, 39 providers completed cards for n=249 unique patient encounters. Over one third of all patients reported an addiction disorder (38%) or a diagnosis of chronic pain (34%). In total, 20% of PDMP reports were found to have red flags, most commonly multiple prescribers or multiple pharmacies. Red flags were associated with race (P\u3c0.05), presence of chronic pain (P\u3c0.01), presence of an addiction diagnosis (P\u3c0.05), use of opioids (P\u3c0.001), and nonadherence with treatment (P\u3c0.006). Among prescribers, red flags were associated with lower prescribing rates (P\u3c0.01), and decisions to decrease dosage (P\u3c0.002). Conclusions: Red flags were commonly found on PDMP reports conducted in community mental health settings, and were associated with important patient characteristics and diagnostic factors. Practice-based research network methods can be leveraged to obtain real-time observational data about psychiatric prescribers\u27 use of PDMP reports in clinical decision-making in different settings
Work is worship Swami Vivekananda\u27s philosophy of seva and its contribution to the Gandhian Ethos
No full textResponse: How Do We Know What We Know About the Amish and Other Minorities?
No full textThe appraisal by Cory Anderson, Joseph Donnermeyer, Jeffrey Longhofer, and Steven Reschly (hereafter, appraisers) highlights a methodological divide that is important to the study of the Amish and other ethnic or religious minorities. In my reply, I discuss how my work is rooted in a cultural analytic paradigm that differs from the appraisers’ methodological orientation. My reply includes a deconstruction of the appraisal and a discussion of its “shortcomings.” I conclude by showing how the discourse surrounding this appraisal raises important epistemological questions of how we understand human societies