Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Anxiety in elementary-aged children in the US from 2016-2022: An analysis of the National Survey of Children’s Health
No full textIntroduction: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the presentation of anxiety disorders during childhood are multifactorial with genetics, parenting style, and personality being major components. The American Psychologist Academy states there has been a decade-long mental health crisis among children. Common stressors that may have intensified childhood anxiety during this timeframe include food insecurity, homelessness, and school violence. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 200,000 US children lost their primary caregiver and parental unemployment peaked at 21.7%, causing additional household stress.Adolescent anxiety is a predictor of anxiety as an adult. Identifying anxiety at a young age allows for early intervention and decreased morbidity. This investigation analyzed data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) to assess rates of parent-reported anxiety and severity in 5-9 year-old children in the United States from 2016 through 2022 and to determine trends in anxiety diagnoses and severity during this timeframe.Methods: The National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) is a self-reported household survey that aims to gather annual information on the health of children 0-17 years of age. Using this data, we assessed trends of anxiety with linear regression during this time. We then conducted a regression to assess the difference in association among years using 2016 as the reference year. Finally, we repeated these analyses among children with anxiety disorders using severity of diagnosis (mild/moderate and severe) to determine if a change in symptom severity occurred during this timespan.Results: The prevalence of anxiety diagnosis from 2016-2022 showed a statistically significant increase trend (Coef: 0.005; SE: 0.001, P < .001). Compared to 2016 where the prevalence of anxiety was at its lowest during this timespan at 4.86%, 2022 was the highest at 6.36%. Additionally, compared to 2016 in which 4.10% of children reported displaying severe symptoms, only 2021 and 2022 showed statistically significant increases compared to this baseline -years where children reporting severe symptoms nearly doubled at 8.21%, and 7.79%, respectively.Conclusion: In addition to the increasing trend in reported anxiety among 5-9-year-old children, during the post-COVID-19 pandemic years, the percentage of children with severe symptoms has nearly doubled compared to 2016. Potential factors contributing to this could include loss of caregiver, food insecurity, poverty, earlier onset of puberty, and increased social stressors. As healthcare professionals, it is crucial to identify these characteristics early in childhood so that appropriate intervention can be prescribed. The USPSTF recommends anxiety screening in all children ages 8 and older. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for children with mild to moderate anxiety. Children with severe anxiety symptoms may warrant pharmaceutical intervention for appropriate management of symptoms. Early intervention with CBT may help children develop a more positive mindset using evidence-based thinking, reducing overall duration of therapy and decreasing the severity of mental health disorders as the child develops. Further research is needed to identify potential factors that may be leading to the continual increases in the overall prevalence of anxiety and severity of symptoms to identify potential therapeutic strategies
Hydrodynamics of metachronal swimming with multiple propulsive appendages
No full textThe metachronal rowing of multiple propulsive appendages is a common aquatic locomotion strategy used by a wide variety of swimming animals. In a metachronal rowing system, the motion of each propulsive appendage, or paddle, is coordinated to have a phase delay relative to its neighboring propulsors. This coordination results in a wave-like motion of the paddle tips, that travels along the body of the swimmer in the same direction as the swimming motion. Using this propulsion strategy, some animal species are known to achieve swimming speeds equivalent to 100s of times their body length per second, and instantaneous accelerations as high as 20g. In this dissertation, a self-propelling robotic platform was developed and implemented to study the physics of metachronal rowing propulsion. On this robotic platform, the number of paddles, the distance between paddles and the Reynolds number of the paddling system were varied. Placing multiple paddles close together results in hydrodynamic interactions between the tip vortices and the pressure wakes that form on adjacent paddles, which can significantly enhance the propulsive performance. Increasing or decreasing the phase lag allows a swimmer using metachronal rowing to reorient the primary direction of the wake in order to generate more force in either the vertical or horizontal direction, respectively, while the use of a metachronal hybrid stroke allows the swimmer to increase acceleration by maximizing stroke amplitude. The swimming performance of the system was found to be relatively consistent across several orders of magnitude of the Reynolds number (42 ≤ ReL ≤ 54724), with the model swimming speed found to scale proportionally to the stroking speed of the paddle throughout the entire range
How does physiological flexibility determine plasticity of behavior in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)?
No full textPlasticity in physiology and behavior are essential for survival, particularly in response to adversity. While behavioral plasticity is assumed to be tied to physiological state, the relationship is poorly understood. In our current study, we investigated how changes in endocrine and inflammatory responses impact activity, social behavior, and neophobia in captive zebra finches. We manipulated physiological states with three treatments: corticosterone, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and fluoxetine. Pairs of same-sex zebra finches were given these treatments over 18 days. The birds were first dosed with corticosterone to simulate a stress response. A week later, they were injected with LPS to elevate inflammatory cytokine levels, and after another week, they were injected with fluoxetine to lower cytokine levels. Videos were recorded the day before a treatment was administered as a behavioral baseline for each individual. Videos were then recorded after each treatment to assess how behavior may have changed. We scored behavioral variables from the recorded videos to assess activity, prosocial behaviors, and neophobia. We found all three treatments were associated with a decrease in activity, with males driving this effect for corticosterone. The corticosterone treatment also led cagemates to spend less time near each other, while administration of LPS resulted in males spending more time together. We also found that though treatment did not affect neophobic behaviors, males exhibited less neophobia than females. Overall, physiological state altered various behavioral responses, indicating that physiological state does determine behavioral flexibility in response to adversity
Determining DNA differences: Using PCR to determine the genetic material in Deltochilum gibbosum fed on either dung or carrion
Get PDFDung beetles of the subfamily Scarabaeinae are notable for their coprophagous, or dung eating, behavior. They feed on animal dung as adults, use the resource as a part of reproduction, and when their eggs hatch the larvae feed on that dung as well. However, a species of dung beetle native to Oklahoma is just as comfortable using animal matter, such as fur, feathers, and carrion, as they are using dung. Deltochilum gibbosum, the humpbacked dung beetle, is a large (> 2 cm) dung beetle that displays this feeding behavior. A beetle that can perform the ecosystem service of nutrient recycling using both dung and carrion is not only ecologically important but is also valuable to cattle operations looking to keep their pastures healthy. Since Deltochilum gibbosum can utilize both dung and carrion, they would need to have a gut microbiome suited for both resources. However, the microbiome of these beetles has never been examined. We acquired eight Deltochilum gibbosum, four male and four female, from the Insect Adventure. Two of the males and two of the females were fed on pig dung, while the other beetles were fed using dead laboratory mice. After staying on their target diet for a period of four weeks, the beetles were dissected, and their guts were preserved in a freezer in ethanol. The DNA was extracted using a DNeasy Plant Pro Kit and the associated process. A PCR test will be performed on the extracted DNA. This data will allow us to get an idea of the microbiome of these beetles while also determining if there are any differences between the beetles fed on dung and those fed on carrion. We hypothesize that the microbiome of Deltochilum gibbosum fed on carrion will be different than the microbiome of those fed on dung.Entomology and Plant Patholog
Energy transfer and conversion mechanisms in dielectric Mie resonator optical antennas
No full textAn optical antenna (OA) is “a device that converts freely propagating optical radiation into localized energy, and vice versa” [Novotny and van Hulst, Nature Photonics 2011]. The power localized by an OA particle is quantified by its extinction cross section that may be profoundly large (e.g., exceed its geometric cross section) for certain materials and frequencies. Such efficient OA particles are intriguing and hold significant promise as solar energy conversion devices, specifically if the photogenerated carriers can be harnessed to drive chemical reactions (photocatalysis) or form rectified currents (photovoltaics) or let to thermalize by heat generation (photothermal). This thesis work investigates Mie scattering, resonance energy transfer (RET), photoluminescence (PL), and photothermal response in Cu₂O nanosphere and/or nanocube OAs by single-particle scattering and fluorescence spectroscopies. An oscillator model for bound photon states in spherical Mie resonators is also developed to analyze RET. We reveal photons of 532 nm (2.33 eV), localized at a 35-85 nm-diameter particle, transfer to the Au surface with a probability of 709%, whereas the energy transfer efficiencies for plasmonic Mie resonators via hot-electron injection channel are limited to less than 1% [Knight et al. Science 2011]. The OA also mediates RET in the reverse direction, namely from an excited electron-hole pair in Au to the resonator mode, followed by photon emission (scattering) that enhances fluorescence quantum yield of Au by up to 1.3×10⁵ times. We attribute this giant Purcell enhancement to strong concentration of the photon states at the Cu₂O/Au nanogap which spatially overlap with the emitter (coupled Au volume) along with low absorption and scattering damping in Cu₂O particles (i.e., dipole-forbidden gap and smaller particle size). Hence, the Cu₂O nanoparticles are efficient optical antennas as both receivers and emitters. The submicron Cu₂O cubes also show enhanced Raman scattering of up to 1150×, as compared to the bulk Cu₂O. They also undergo enhanced photothermal heating (measured by Raman thermometry), as first reported in this thesis for single particles. Under moderate laser radiation (532 nm) of few mW, a particle can reach temperatures in excess of ~1,200 oC and undergo evaporative oxidation to CuO as we characterize by Raman spectroscopy. We also investigate free-exciton and bound-exciton PL in single particles of ~300-nm-sized Cu₂O cubes, determining dissociation energies of 0.15 and 0.3 eV respectively, consistent with bulk Cu₂O. The bound exciton PL in Cu₂O is not observed even at room temperature for the bulk due to rapid exciton dissociation. We were also able to measure the oxygen vacancy bound exciton (Vo⁺⁺) PL up to 265 oC using low laser power, as first reported in this thesis for single particles. We attribute this PL enhancement to Purcell effect in which the emission wavelength aligns with localized photon states in the Mie-resonator particle (OA)
Aluminum-enhanced filament for additively manufactured hybrid rocket fuel
No full textThis poster presents the impact of aluminum powder additives on Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filaments for additively manufactured fuel grains for hybrid rockets, which combine solid fuel with liquid oxidizers for safer handling. Aluminum integration into ABS aims to enhance thrust and efficiency, potentially rivaling solid and liquid rocket performance. The research involves designing, fabricating, and testing hybrid motors with aluminum-infused ABS fuel grains, using Nitrous Oxide as the oxidizer. Standardized fuel grains of 54 mm diameter are produced via additive manufacturing for consistent testing. Experiments on a hybrid rocket test stand measure thrust and specific impulse, comparing aluminum-enhanced ABS to pure ABS and traditional materials. Preliminary results suggest significant performance gains, underscoring the potential of advanced materials in improving hybrid rocket propulsion and safety. This work contributes to aerospace engineering by demonstrating the benefits of material innovation in propulsion systems.Lew Wentz FoundationMechanical and Aerospace Engineerin
Investigating the relation between INI-1 and mononucleosome movement
No full textAtypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) is a type of cancer that is typically seen in pediatrics. AT/RT is known to contain a mutated version of INI-1. INI-1 is a core protein within the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex whose function is to move a mononucleosome up and down the strand of DNA (Allen). INI-1 has the ability to bind both to the mononucleosome DNA and to free DNA, which has already been proven by experiments facilitated within our lab. Once bound, the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex then has the ability to move the mononucleosome along a strand of DNA which is important in cells, as it allows DNA to be properly read. I hypothesize that due to its role within the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and the mutations that come from INI-1 to create AT/RT cancer, INI-1 will play a vital role in proper mononucleosome movement via the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. This was tested through plasmid preparation, polymerase chain reaction, nucleosome assembly dialysis in order to assemble mononucleosomes to test the hypothesis, and then was continued through enzyme digestion and SWI/SNF remodeling to further understand mononucleosome movement. The results are expressed through various agarose and native PAGE gels to allow visualization of the length and location of the mononucleosome. To proceed further, the SWI/SNF remodeling will need to be repeated on the same in vitro mononucleosomes by using SWI/SNF without INI-1 to understand the differences and how it could possibly lead to further cancerous mutations
Positive and negative language as execution nears: Linguistic analysis of interviews with Ted Bundy
No full textPrior research has suggested that individuals facing death, such as those on death row, exhibit an increase in positive language as the execution date approaches. These results are consistent with Terror Management Theory (TMT). This research tested this idea by analyzing how the linguistic characteristics of Ted Bundy’s spoken language evolved over time. In the study, interviews with Bundy from 1977 to 1989 were analyzed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC, Boyd et al., 2022a) to examine emotional language, particularly positive and negative emotions. The study tested the hypothesis that there would be a positive shift in Bundy’s language as execution approached. Statistical analyses, including Spearman’s correlation and z-score outlier detection, revealed stability in Bundy’s emotional language, contradicting the hypothesis. Exploratory analyses also examined the percentages of words related to Dark Triad traits. Results found that two of the four word categories analyzed (i.e., swear words and clout) were lower compared to normative data. These findings contribute to forensic linguistics and criminology by providing insights into how individuals use language when facing mortality
Poultry management for 4-H Club members
No full textThe Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311
Preventing bed bugs
No full textThe Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311