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A preliminary investigation into prediction of song production in zebra finches from EMG analysis of preparatory quiet expirations
No full textThe philosophical concept of free will is often highly debated. Benjamin Libet, an academic in experimental philosophy, discovered through recordings of cerebral activity that there is neural activity that correlates with a decision prior to our conscious declaration of that decision (Libet et al., 1983). In songbirds, previous studies have begun to show an increase in neuronal and respiratory activity in the seconds prior to song production, indicating preparatory action before performing this learned behavior (Daliparthi et al., 2019). In this study, the preparation for the learned motor behavior (song production) is compared against an unlearned control (defecation) in zebra finches. Electromyography (EMG) of respiratory muscles is employed as an additional technique to provide more detailed exploration of preparatory motor activity compared to previous studies. Our analysis of EMG recordings focused on the six expirations that occur prior to song production, because previous research has shown that there is an acceleration of the respiratory rhythm occurring in the last three respiratory cycles before song (Méndez, 2022). By measuring the electrical activity in the muscle, we hope to provide a more detailed understanding of how birds prepare for their upcoming song. Overall, this study aims to explore motor responses to determine whether expiratory muscular activation is preparatory for and predictive of an upcoming behavioral event. The larger goal of this study is to be able to, read a bird's mind by establishing physiological models for predicting behavior before the decision has occurred
THE PREDICTIVE UTILITY OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN ALCOHOL USE PATTERNS AMONG THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY
No full textDuring the fourth quarter of 2023, Tarrant County reported 2,658 individuals experiencing homelessness, contributing to Fort Worth's 24th rank among American cities with a 22% increase in homelessness rates over the past three years. Homelessness is frequently linked to substance abuse, a lack of familial and social support, and mental illness. Understanding the factors contributing to alcohol use in high-risk populations, particularly the homeless community, is essential for comprehensive intervention strategies. This study aims to investigate alcohol use patterns and perceived social support levels among the local homeless community to identify potential predictors of detrimental alcohol use behaviors. A 15-minute survey was administered at a local homeless shelter over two 3-hour visits. Forty-eight participants were recruited to evaluate alcohol usage patterns, homelessness information and social support levels. Upon completion of the survey, participants received hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste/toothbrush, comb, soap, deodorant floss, shampoo. Based on data collected from participants, the researcher projects that there will be a strong correlation between social support and homelessness, but not a correlation between alcohol abuse and social support. The projected findings offer insights into the intricate relationship between substance abuse patterns, wellbeing, and homelessness rates. These results can inform policymakers in developing targeted and effective programs to assist homeless individuals within the Tarrant County community
Are "clean" products safe for children? An analysis of contact allergens in "clean" children's products from a popular retailer
No full textBackground: Considering consumer trends toward the use of "clean" personal care products and increasing recognition of childhood allergic contact dermatitis, we sought to characterize the allergen profile of such children's products. Methods: Ingredients of baby washes/shampoos, bubble baths, and moisturizers identified using the "Clean Baby" filter on Target (R)'s online marketplace were analyzed for relevant pediatric contact allergens. Results: Product compositions declared fragrance in 82% of products, Compositae in 46%, cocamidopropyl betaine in 45%, glucosides in 37%, propylene glycol in 12%, lanolin in 1%, and no allergens in 9%-methylisothiazolinone and formaldehyde were not found.ConclusionChildren are greatly impacted by atopic dermatitis and skin barrier dysfunction, which underscores a need for greater public awareness of sensitizing and irritating ingredients, particularly regarding pediatric personal care products
Understanding the Effect of Ankle-Foot Orthotics in Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
No full textAnkle foot orthoses (AFOs) are frequently prescribed to improve balance in individuals with a variety of disabilities. However, the role of AFOs in balance control is not completely understood in individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDDs). The aim and purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of AFOs on balance in individuals with Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other diagnosed intellectual disorders.. The study included 15 individuals with intellectual disabilities who were assessed on balance using a portable force plate and a static AFO. The subjects performed a total of six balance tests on the force plate, three without the AFO and three with the AFO. Using data collected from the force plate, participants were measured and compared to themselves with and without the AFO. The results generally demonstrated an improvement in balance and individual balance variables when wearing the AFO. Specifically, 95% ellipse area, mean distance, anterior-posterior sway, and medio-lateral sway each decreased across the 15 participants. The balance variable of mean velocity was the only outlier in this trend. Further research in the field could improve on the method of this study as well as investigate other types of orthotics or how AFOs can be used in conjunction with other interventions
Devouring the Centaurus A Satellites: Modeling Dwarf Galaxies with Galacticus
No full textFor the first time, systematic studies of dwarf galaxies are being conducted throughout the Local Volume, including the dwarf satellites of the nearby giant elliptical galaxy Centaurus A (NGC 5128). Given Centaurus A's mass (roughly 10 times larger than that of the Milky Way), AGN activity, and recent major mergers, investigating the dwarf galaxies of Centaurus A and their star formation physics is imperative. However, simulating the faintest dwarfs around a galaxy of Centaurus A's mass with sufficient resolution in a hydrodynamic simulation is computationally expensive and currently infeasible. In this study, we seek to reproduce the properties of Centaurus A dwarfs using the semianalytic model Galacticus to model dwarfs within a 700 kpc region around Centaurus A, corresponding approximately to its splashback radius. We investigate the effects of host halo mass and environment and predict observable properties of Centaurus A dwarfs using astrophysical prescriptions and parameters previously tuned to match properties of the Milky Way's satellite galaxies. This approach allows us to approximately replicate cumulative luminosity functions, and luminosity-metallicity and luminosity-half-light-radii relations observed in the Centaurus A satellites. We provide predictions for the velocity dispersions, and star formation histories of Centaurus A dwarfs. The agreement between our predicted star formation histories for Centaurus A dwarfs and those of the Milky Way dwarfs implies the presence of universal processes governing star formation in dwarf galaxies. Overall, our findings shed light on the star formation physics of dwarf galaxies in the Centaurus A system, revealing insights into their properties and dependence on the host environment
Malnutrition and Surgical Outcomes: Making a Connection for Patients in Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation
No full textResearch Question: How does presurgical nutritional status for patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with autoislet transplantation correlate with intraoperative and postoperative complications?Background and Significance: For patients suffering severe pain refractory to medical management due to chronic pancreatitis, a possible therapeutic approach is a total pancreatectomy. As a result of this surgery, many patients suffer from brittle diabetes due to the removal of the islets of Langerhans, which contain the endocrine cells that function to control glycemic levels. Surgical intervention of either autologous or allogenic islet transplantation, using either the patient¿s own pancreatic islets or donor islets, can restore secretion of pancreatic hormones necessary for energy regulation. Patient nutritional status has been shown to have a significant impact on postsurgical outcomes for a variety of surgeries. However, it has not been extensively studied in patients undergoing pancreatic islet transplantation following total pancreatectomy. The focus of this retrospective study is to look at patients who have undergone total pancreatectomy with autoislet transplantation to control pain for chronic pancreatitis and compare the postoperative outcomes of patients who are undernourished, compared to well-nourished, and look for correlations between these two groups. This research will help surgeons have improved predictive power for achieving positive surgical outcomes which might be used to better screen and prepare patients for surgery.Materials and Methods: Data for this study was collected through REDCap, Microsoft Excel, and the electronic medical record Epic. Measures of the patients¿ nutritional status such as their subjective global assessments and presurgical BMIs were also obtained. Intraoperative complications and blood loss were recorded. Postoperative variables that were recorded include length of hospital and ICU stays, surgical complications, and feeding tube duration. Data was compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism.Results: The anticipated result was that poor nutritional status prior to TPIAT surgery would be correlated with an increased likelihood of complications. Despite our smaller data set of patients who underwent nutritional evaluation accessible through Epic, there was a trend for patients who were moderately nourished to have fewer postsurgical complications (36%) compared with those that were well-nourished (54%), although due to our small sample size the difference was not statistically significant. Despite this lower percentage, a relatively higher percentage of moderately nourished patients had more severe complications of a Clavien-Dindo classification III or above than those that were well nourished (66% of total complications compared to 14%). Length of total hospital stay was not statistically different between moderately nourished (13 days) and well-nourished (15 days, p-value: 0.63). Length of stay in intensive care was also similar between moderately nourished (1.9 days) and well-nourished (1.5 days, p-value: 0.36).Conclusion: Nutritional status of patients has been shown to be an important prognostic indicator to help evaluate patients for surgery. In TPIAT, more patient data is needed to confidently discern a correlation between presurgical nutrition and surgical complications. However, patients who are undernourished appear to experience more severe complications than their well-nourished counterparts. Despite this observation, there does not appear to have differing hospital lengths of stay or any difference in time spent requiring critical care that correlates with presurgical nutritional status
Effects of COVID-19 and the Interview Process for Internal Medicine Residency Applicants
No full textResearch Question: What was the impact on residency match placement in the 2020-2021 virtual interview cycle compared to the previous years of in person interview cycle Match placements?Background and Significance: Virtual recruiting of medical students for residency programs was implemented on a national scale at 444 internal medicine residency programs during the 2020-21 application cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match, applicants ranked programs without having visited their institutions. While residency programs have invested significant time and effort developing virtual interview days, there are undoubtedly components of the interview day that cannot be adequately experienced virtually, such as direct interactions with staff or touring facilities. The lack of in person interactions with programs prior to ranking was likely to affect both applicants and programs in their rank list process. We hypothesized that for the 2020-2021 Match, a larger proportion of applicants matched to the school-affiliated institutions relative to the prior application cycles.Materials and Methods: Data was aggregated from publicly available websites of Internal Medicine Residency Programs across the United States, obtaining information about the medical school alma mater of each internal medicine resident for the residency graduating classes of 2021-2025. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine whether the proportion of individuals who remain affiliated with the same institute for both medical school and residency differs significantly for the 2020-21 application cycle relative to prior years. All data was stored on a password protected computer and on the TCU cloud to be worked on with all research team members.Results: Initial analysis of a convenience sub-sample of residency programs indicates that fewer medical students who interview virtually are staying at internal medicine residency programs affiliated with their alma mater than did when interviewing occurred in person. However, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of matriculants that stayed in the same state and region as their medical school.Conclusion: Much attention has been paid to the social inequity that resulted as medical students, on top of the debt for their education, were required to spend thousands of dollars traveling for residency interviews. We posited that students, unable to travel and visualize alternative residencies, would decide to match in the school and hospital systems that they knew. Instead, we find that, in internal medicine, the ability to visit virtually has led to increased choices and a decrease in the number of students matching locally. We posit that the increase in applications, possibly due to the decreased travel costs, may demonstrate a willingness on the part of students to actively consider a broader range of programs that would previously have been out of reach due to financial constraints. Further studies should determine whether this is replicated in other specialties, and whether the effect is more pronounced in economically disadvantaged students
Backwater length estimates in modern and ancient fluvio-deltaic settings: Review and proposal of standardized workflows
No full textThe backwater effect (i.e. adjustments in open-channel flow as a response to proximity of standing water) is used to predict down-dip changes in morphodynamics and consequent sediment distribution on fluvial systems. However, there is currently no standardized method to obtain input parameters to estimate backwater length, nor where to measure these variables, for both modern and ancient settings. This study reviews existing methods for estimating backwater lengths in both settings and proposes workflows to minimize ambiguity in the results. The proposed workflows are prioritized based on practicality, accuracy, and smallest uncertainty ranges and allow different data types as input parameters. For the first time, applying multiple methods to obtain backwater length estimates is tested, both on a modern and ancient river system. In the modern case study, the riverbed intersection with sea level matches previously documented major changes in sedimentary trends. However, backwater lengths based on h/S (h = bankfull thalweg channel depth, S = slope) plot downstream of this zone which is characterized by major changes, when input parameters are derived from discharge and grain size. Therefore, we recommend obtaining bankfull thalweg channel depth from a cross-sectional profile if backwater length is estimated based on h/S. In the ancient case study, bankfull thalweg channel depth derived from fully preserved single-story channel fill and slope based on Shields' empirical relation with grain size, match changes in fluvial architectural style interpreted as a result of backwater effects. This review is a critical step forward in discussing and acknowledging the uncertainties and ambiguity in obtaining the necessary input parameters to estimate and compare modern and stratigraphic backwater lengths. The proposed workflows facilitate comparability and applicability of future backwater length estimates and subsequent interpretations of the hydrodynamic environment and resulting stratigraphic record. Potential scaling relationships between the backwater length, sedimentary trends, and avulsion nodes make this of key importance as the latter two also play a crucial role in devastating floods when rivers change course
Becoming a Maestro: How Identity, Experiences, and Preparation Shape Those Who Have the Courage to Lead On
No full textA community is only as strong as its education system, and strong education happens when a community is invested, engaged, and intimately involved. Maestro, a TCU College of Education initiative, is a grow your own program that works directly with local communities to identify, inspire, and prepare more Hispanic male students to become the future teachers in their Texas and U. S. communities
ERAS Protocols for Elective Spine Surgery: A Retrospective Review
No full textResearch Question: Do adults undergoing elective spine surgery in the two years following the implementation of our new ERAS protocol (July 2018 ¿ March 2020) demonstrate better clinical outcomes compared to patients treated using our original ERAS protocol? Furthermore, do these cohorts differ quantitatively in (1) thirty-day hospital readmission rates, (2) ninety-day postoperative infection rates, and (3) hospital length of stay?Background and Significance: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program has shown its utility in reducing the hospital length of stay (LOS). ERAS has been established in surgical specialties nationwide, but few studies have been directed at spine surgery. It was only recently that ERAS protocols were outlined for their use in spine surgery. The goal of the study is to evaluate the result of recent changes to the ERAS protocol on patient outcomes.Materials and Methods: This retrospective case-control study reviewed electronic medical records of neurosurgical patients at a quaternary referral center for trends and variances. The analysis focused on the recent changes (the addition of a multimodal analgesic regimen (MAR) and preoperative high-carbohydrate drink (HCD) to our ERAS protocol (July 2018- March 2020). Using IBM SPSS version 27, parametric and nonparametric analyses were conducted to assess for differences in infection rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), and readmission rates.Results: A between-subjects t-test was utilized to compare the LOS between the BEFORE group and the AFTER group in hours. The BEFORE group (M = 68.45, SD = 58.08) spent significantly more hours in the hospital than the AFTER group (M = 62.22, SD = 52.36), t (3264) = 3.19, p < .001. However, the effect of the difference was small (d = .18).Conclusion: While many studies have validated the differences between ERAS and non-ERAS cohorts, fewer studies have described modifications of already established ERAS protocols in patients undergoing elective spine surgeries. Changing two components to a complex protocol resulted in a statistically significant reduction in LOS between the BEFORE and AFTER groups. Broad application of these modifications will likely result in better patient satisfaction scores and more prudent utilization of resources