Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Multimodal approach for the in-situ investigation of high temperature tensile behavior and damage progression in SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix minicomposites
No full textCeramic matrix composites (CMCs) offer significant advantages for implementation into hot zone components of gas turbine engines when compared to superalloys. For their continued implementation into advanced engines, reliable evaluation of life limiting behavior under specific thermomechanical conditions is required. In this research, the mechanical behavior and damage within unidirectional ceramic matrix minicomposite specimens under high temperature tensile loading conditions will be investigated using acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques.
Initial tensile experiments were performed at room temperature to establish the baseline, expected minicomposite mechanical behavior. DIC was demonstrated to provide accurate, non-contact strain measurements at room temperature. DIC strains were used to determine fundamental minicomposite properties at room temperature, including modulus and interfacial shear strength. Next, high temperature experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of temperature on mechanical properties and AE-estimated damage events of the minicomposites. Tests were conducted from 1200°C up to 1482°C using a conventional slit furnace. The decline in mechanical strength properties as test temperature was increased was related to the weakening of SiC fibers and the boron nitride interphase at high temperatures.
The use of DIC during high temperature experiments would provide in-situ strain information of the minicomposite surface under thermomechanical loading. Before DIC was used during minicomposite tensile testing at high temperatures, a high temperature DIC method was first developed. A quadrupole lamp furnace (QLF) was adapted for this technique. Development of this method included the accurate determination of the sample temperature, accurate identification of the hot zone, and use of the experimental setup under mechanical loading conditions. The developed high temperature DIC method was used to measure surface strains of the minicomposites during tensile loading from 982°C up to 1200°C. The AE activity was also monitored during these tests. Results showed a decrease in mechanical properties with an increase in temperature, accompanied by an increase in fiber sliding. Comparisons between slit furnace and QLF tests revealed differences in mechanical behavior, arising from differences in the thermal profiles of the furnaces.
In this dissertation, the benefits of employing a concurrent, multimodal approach to monitoring damage in ceramic matrix minicomposites at high temperatures are demonstrated. In addition, insights of high temperature damage mechanisms within SiCf/SiC minicomposites are discussed
Lean healthcare: Evaluation of the scheduling and prior authorization process in a mid-sized hospital
No full textIntro: A patient’s journey in diagnosis or healing frequently includes referral to a hospital system for images or ancillary services, wherein the authorization and scheduling process for those services can cause delays, threatening patient outcomes. Reducing these delays improves patient care and the hospital revenue. In this study, a team trained in LEAN healthcare quality improvement methodologies sought to analyze the referral and authorization processes of a midsized urban hospital to identify root causes of delays and propose solutions for Csuite's consideration.Methods: A team of eight osteopathic medical students and one graduate student were trained in LEAN methodologies via lecture and simulation. The LEAN process improves care by standardizing operations and minimizing waste. A LEAN expert supervised the team. The team observed and interviewed staff in the targeted departments of physical therapy, interventional radiology, authorizations, and scheduling (DEPTS) and mapped their workflow, including EPIC electronic health record processes. Particular attention was paid to referrals taking longer than 72 hours. The team created maps reflecting the DEPTS’ current state. Documentation was obtained for DEPTS work queues, and crossover workflows were mapped to reveal interdependence. Inefficiencies were mapped as “storm clouds” to signify problem areas. After analyzing inefficiencies, the team evaluated potential solutions based on solutions’ degree of benefit versus effort, controllability versus non-controllability, and cost versus no cost to determine C-Suite recommendations.Results: The investigation found improvements needed in work processing, EPIC information management/queues, and employee training and management. The analysis revealed multiple critical inefficiencies in scheduling and authorization workflows, including delays caused by non-standardized protocols, redundant work queues, and poor interdepartmental communication. Workflow mapping identified areas of waste and rework such as redundant excel files created and managed by employees trying to keep work better organized than the EPIC system provided. The team recommended standardizing protocols, sorting work queues by appointment date, and refining triage processes with visible authorization dates. Processes needed real-time synchronization of work queue updates and integration of management dashboard metrics into team workflows. Many of the recommended improvements included designing new processes within the EPIC system: consolidating or eliminating unnecessary work queues. Because an EPIC Boost Specialist was onsite during investigation, some recommendations were implemented immediately to streamline scheduling and prior authorization processes. Workforce training gaps surfaced, exemplified by the universal misunderstanding of the "Cancel Request" button’s function in reducing bottlenecks. The team proposed staff training, development of reference manuals, where additional staff could be located, and interdepartmental communication.Conclusion: Through a LEAN healthcare investigation including detailed electronic medical record system informatics mapping, systemic root causes of referral delays at a midsized urban hospital and promising resolution strategies were identified. Recommended solutions were aimed at redundant work in queues, non-standard procedures, and poor interdepartmental communication. The LEAN team implemented some immediate system changes, improving work queue communication during investigation, mapped ideal workflows to establish a standard protocol for post investigation use, and emphasized the importance of open departmental collaboration
Assessing reproducibility in military medical research: A cross-sectional study of open access practices in unclassified publications (2013–2023)
No full textBackground: Accessibility and transparency in scientific research are essential for fostering reproducibility, collaboration and the advancement of knowledge. Military medical research, which is critical for innovation, defense strategy, and medical advancements, is typically disseminated through specialized journals. Recent initiatives by the federal government have pushed to make federally funded research accessible to the general public. However, concerns persist about the degree to which military research articles are openly accessible, limiting the ability of external researchers, policymakers, and the public to engage with these findings.Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluates reproducibility of articles published in military-focused journals from 2013-2023. Pertinent journals were identified using Google Scholar and a random sample of 250 articles was selected to be included in our study. Two investigators (ML & KM) extracted data on key reproducibility metrics in a masked, duplicate fashion, including availability of data and materials, adherence to open-access policies, and the disclosure of conflicts of interest. The focus of this study was strictly accessing military research articles published in peer-reviewed academic and professional journals, which are not classified or subject to national security restrictions.Results: Preliminary analysis indicates that a significant proportion of military research articles remain behind paywalls, restricting access for those outside institutional or governmental networks. This was evidenced by 81 (32.8%) of articles inaccessible due to not being open-access, while the investigators were able to access 166 (67.2%) of the articles on a control network without subscriptions to any journals. Of the articles from which data was extracted, 145 were of a study design containing empirical data while 57 had no empirical data. Additionally, three articles were removed for being duplicated in the retrieval. Articles with open-access availability were also evaluated for the transparency of their methods, data sharing practices, and potential for reproducibility. Of accessible articles, 5 (3.0%) stated that their materials were available, 23 (13.9%) stated that their data was available, 2 (1.3%) linked to an accessible protocol, 81 (48.8%) lacked a conflict of interest statement, and 42 (25.3%) lacked a funding statement.Conclusion: Ensuring the open accessibility of military research articles is crucial for promoting innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based policy decisions. This study highlights existing gaps in accessibility and provides recommendations for improving transparency in military research publications. By advancing open-access practices, the broader scientific and policy communities can better utilize military research to address global challenges and technological advancements
Development and fabrication of a pre-detonation ignition system
No full textThis poster presents the development and fabrication of a robust detonation-based ignition system, with the primary goal of creating a reliable Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT) tube that operates using gaseous hydrogen and oxygen at 150 psi. This system is intended as a versatile ignition solution that can first be used to initiate combustion in liquid rocket engines which utilize Jet-A fuel and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These tests will serve as a critical validation platform to demonstrate system functionality in a simpler combustion environment. Once verified, this DDT system will be applied to initiate detonation in rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs), where sustained detonation is the primary mode of thrust generation. Key parameters, including fill fraction, equivalence ratio, and ignition timing delay, were selected to achieve consistent and reliable ignition events. The pre-detonation rig and its components were fabricated and assembled successfully, demonstrating the system's functionality through preliminary testing. This research lays the foundation for future integration into advanced propulsion architectures, including RDREs and other detonation propulsion systems.Lew Wentz FoundationMechanical and Aerospace Engineerin
Evaluating the usefulness of randomized clinical trials in prostate cancer screening: A systematic review
No full textBackground: Prostate Cancer screening plays a crucial role in identifying the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths worldwide, with more than 1.2 million cases reported in 2018 alone. Effective screening methods aim to achieve early detection and prompt management, while limiting overdiagnosis and treatment. Randomized controlled trials serve as the gold standard for evaluating screening methods and form the foundation for developing screening guidelines. However, there is concern in the research community about accumulating waste in clinical literature as some of these studies lack critical elements necessary for reproducibility and validity. This study aims to evaluate both the usefulness and transparency of randomized controlled trials on prostate cancer screening, utilizing a previously published 13-item usefulness criteria developed by van ’t Hooft et al. The goal is to ultimately evaluate the overall utility of the trials.Methods: This systematic review analyzes the 13 criteria in 147 RCTs on prostate cancer screening identified through PubMed and Embase published between 1994 and 2024. Articles were screened in a double blind, masked fashion by two examiners, with discrepancies resolved by a third examiner. The usefulness criteria that were assessed were scored on a point system, with 0-2 points available for each item leading to a total possible score of 26. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics on the number and proportion of criteria met, along with linear regression plots comparing the sum of the satisfied usefulness criteria over time with the sum of transparency criteria met over time.Results: Ninety-five percent of studies scored within the lower two thirds of the total 26-point scale, with a mean score of 10.3. Criteria such as problem-base (n=144, 98%) scored highly in terms of satisfaction while key areas like patient-centeredness (n = 68, 46.3%) and information gain (n=103.0 70.1%) were largely absent in most of the studies. Regarding the transparency criteria, there was generally low satisfaction, as indicated in absence of preregistration (n=111.0, 75.5%), and publicly published protocols (n=130, 88.4%). However, overtime there is an upward trend in satisfaction of both usefulness and transparency (r = 0.21, p = 0.010) criteria with a greater positive correlation between the sum of transparency criteria overtime.Discussion: Although there are areas within these clinical trials that satisfy the usefulness criteria, significant gaps remain, contributing to literature that lacks reproducibility, generalizability or validity. Existing transparency guidelines may explain the observed upward trend of satisfaction over time. However, it has become clear that incorporating the usefulness criteria is essential to further improve the effectiveness of clinical trials and reduce waste. The application of the usefulness criteria has shown its ability to identify areas of weakness and potentially aid in the development of future guidelines during the planning phase of clinical trials.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating standardized usefulness assessment tools, like the one studied, to optimize resources in clinical trial development and information reporting, ultimately improving the effectiveness of screening for life-threatening cancers.Level of Evidence: Level I
Value of flexibility: Arbitrage in the cattle industry and how cattle producers coordinate complex market dynamics
No full textThis research aims to determine the value of flexibility in stocker cattle production systems. Flexibility is critical in the U.S. cattle and beef industry, and it is significantly more complex for several reasons. Coordinating complex cattle industry dynamics requires flexibility in stocker production and marketing which is accomplished by producers using arbitrage in various feeder cattle markets. Changing cattle and feed market conditions create market signals to change how, when, and how much cattle production occurs. The flexibility of the cattle industry is to arbitrage changing market conditions occurring in the stocker sector. Stocker production involves taking weaned calves from cow-calf production and growing cattle to heavier weights and more maturity prior to feedlot placement for finishing. Producers have the freedom to choose how they operate within the industry.
This research will use data from the 2017 Oklahoma Beef Calf/ Stocker Movement Survey, as well as Oklahoma Auction Summary data from the Livestock Marketing Information Center. The survey data is analyzed using latent class analysis to discover possible unobserved subgroups within a data set, called latent classes. Since stocker production varies greatly within the sector, each producer has a preferred weight, class, or gender of cattle, which all have different values. A latent class analysis will capture the many different subgroups of stocker producers in Oklahoma. The auction data will add an aspect of the value of this flexibility by mimicking stocker cattle programs and yielding a value of gain, or the value received by a producer once the cattle have sold at specific points in time.
Due to the scarcity of stocker cattle research, this project categorizes and quantifies some of the intricacies of stocker cattle producers decisions and management strategies, as well as the value a producer can receive by being flexible within the industry. By taking advantage of the opportunities to arbitrage, flexible producers can shift between production strategies to maximize returns or alleviate risk
Exploring GPCR activation of CFTR in model human airway cell lines
No full textIntroduction: Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) protein. The disease causes respiratory and digestive complications. CFTR protein activity can be modulated through GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) signaling pathways. However, in vitro models for studying GPCR-mediated CFTR activation are not well-established. In this study, we investigated the potential utility of widely available model airway epithelial cell lines to study GPCR-mediated CFTR regulation.
Methods: We cultured wild-type and F508del-CFTR human bronchial epithelial (HBE). Using Ussing chambers, we examined the effects of prostaglandin ligands on CFTR-mediated chloride transport.
Results: Prostaglandin receptors were expressed in 16HBE cells. Application of prostaglandin ligands resulted in activation of CFTR-mediated ion transport.
Conclusion: Prostaglandin ligand treatment enhanced CFTR function, consistent with presence of prostaglandin receptor expression in the tested cell lines. Further research is needed to characterize the cell type-specific responses to prostaglandin ligands and their effects on CFTR activation.Lew Wentz FoundationIntegrative Biolog
Understanding the impact of the mother child relationship on health and wellness of the mother and child in the OK Moms Registry
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: Early childhood development, particularly within the first two years of life, is shaped by both health and environmental factors. Parental health and early life experiences/exposures are key developmental determinants. Registries allow investigation of a broad spectrum of maternal and other environmental factors and their subsequent impact on child development. Potentially impactful variables include substance use, exposure to untested prescription medications during pregnancy, maternal and early life trauma, resilience, social relationships, and mental and physical health. By systematically identifying the factors that positively and negatively influence early development, targeted interventions can be designed to optimize child outcomes. The OK Moms Registry seeks to compile comprehensive data on the interrelationships between maternal health (physical and mental), environmental exposures, social networks, trauma, and resilience during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with the ultimate goal of elucidating their effects on child development and disease.Study Methods: Participants are recruited into the registry through 1) self-selection from community events, flyers in the community, and respondent-driven sampling; or through 2) direct recruitment at the OSU Pediatric Clinic. Maternal caregivers are recruited anytime from pregnancy to 24 months postpartum. Assessments occur during pregnancy, at birth, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Data are collected retrospectively if participants enter the study at any time postpartum. For all other participants, data are collected longitudinally over a period of up to 30 months. The birth assessment survey is sent via text message about one week before the expected due date, and if the participant has not given birth or has missed a survey, reminders are sent weekly for up to three weeks. Medical record reviews are conducted as part of the registry once consent and enrollment are completed.Results: OK Moms has enrolled 133 maternal-child dyads. The average age of mothers is 28.65. It is 17.2% Hispanic, 58.9% White, 16.7% African American, 15.6% American Indian/Alaskan Native. The average ACE score of the mother is 2.9, with a range of 0-9. 6.8% of the mothers failed to retain custody of their children. Of those who did not retain custody of their child, the child was removed in 40% of cases, and the mother gave up rights in 60% of cases. More than a third (33.7%) of moms reported consuming alcohol before they were pregnant and none reported use after knowing they were pregnant. More than one in five (21.7%) reported using cannabis before they were pregnant, and 13% reported continued use. Nearly half (46.7%) of children report screen time with an average number of 63.5 minutes per day, and 12.9% of the children under 2 answered yes to “does your baby have a video device in their room for the purpose of playing for the child.Conclusions: The OK Moms registry will collect diverse data on mother and child development from prepregnancy to two years old, focusing on cultural, environmental, and life experience factors. This approach enables a deeper understanding of how factors like trauma, substance use, and relationships impact child development, ultimately supporting better outcomes for mothers and children
Overview of adverse childhood experiences with the age of diabetes diagnosis: Examination of the 2021 BRFSS.
Get PDFBackground: Previous research has linked the manifestation of multiple chronic diseases that are frequently due to health behaviors to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Despite this, the link between ACEs and the age of diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis is scarce. As such, our primary objective was to evaluate and describe the impact of ACEs on the age at diagnosis utilizing the data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Our secondary objective was to analyze the relationship between various demographic factors and the Type II DM diagnosis age.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2021 cycle of BRFSS. Applying sampling weights, provided by BRFSS, we assessed prevalence rates of ACEs across sociodemographic variables and utilized binary and multivariable regressions to determine associations between sociodemographic factors and ACE scores on age of Type II DM diagnosis.Results: Among the 437,708 respondents, 57,616 (12.59%) individuals reported having diabetes with 6,901 including responses for age of DM diagnosis and ACEs. We found a dose-response relationship between ACEs and earlier age of diabetes diagnosis—with individuals experiencing 1-3 ACEs being diagnosed 2.15 years earlier (SE=0.48, P<.001) than those with 0 ACEs, and 6.37 years earlier for individuals experiencing 4+ ACEs (SE=0.61, P<.001 ). Significant differences in ACEs and age of diagnosis were also found between ethnoracial groups—compared to White, non-Hispanic individuals with 0 ACEs the mean age of diagnosis was more than 12 years earlier among those who experienced 4+ ACEs and were either Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, or Hispanic.Conclusion: Our study showed that diagnosis of Type II DM among adults who experienced childhood adversity occurred at a much earlier age than those without ACEs. While early diagnosis is critical in long-term DM management, appropriate identification of childhood adversity may be a key component to the development of the disease. This may be achieved through comprehensive child and family resources that target mental health and behavioral factors already known to be associated with DM
Evaluating data-sharing policies and author compliance in leading pain journals: A cross-sectional analysis
No full textBackground: Reproducibility and transparency are essential pillars of high-quality biomedical research, particularly in chronic pain management, a field with significant societal and economic impacts. Despite increasing recognition of their importance, adherence to data-sharing practices remains inconsistent, with varying levels of engagement among top journals in pain and pain management (P&PM).Methods: Original research articles from five of the top P&PM journals were screened and analyzed for data-sharing statements (DSS). Furthermore, we identified influential variables on the inclusion of DSS in pain clinical-studies; and thematically analyzed their content to identify prevalent themes. Lastly, corresponding authors were contacted to assess their willingness to share their data.Results: A comprehensive literature review of clinical studies published between 2020 and 2023 identified 602 eligible articles. DSS inclusion varied significantly, with the Journal of Headache and Pain achieving 100% compliance, while others, such as the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, lagged at 20%. Hierarchical logistic regression highlighted substantial journal-level variability, but no significant differences by study design. Thematic analysis revealed pervasive reliance on corresponding authors (68.97%) and conditional data availability (93.87%) as barriers to open data sharing. When contacted, only 34.38% of corresponding authors responded, with less than half providing data as promised.Conclusions: This cross-sectional study evaluated the use of data-sharing statements (DSS) in the five leading P&PM journals, analyzing trends and barriers to implementation. These findings underscore the need for stronger policies and resources to support transparency. Recommendations include adopting mandatory DSS policies, providing editorial support, and fostering collaborations to standardize open science practices across the field