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Musical Chills: The Impact of Age and Musical Ability
No full textListening to music is widely regarded as a pleasant experience, but sometimes music evokes such a strong rush of emotions that it elicits physical sensations. Musical chills, also referred to as frisson or thrills, is a peak emotional response to music often distinguished by goosebumps, tingling sensations, or raised hair on the skin (del Campo & Kehle, 2016). Musical chills are typically described as pleasurable, as evidenced by subjective self-reported pleasure ratings of songs that elicit chills (Grewe et al., 2007; Grewe et al., 2011; Salimpoor et al., 2009; Sumpf et al., 2015, Mori & Iwagana, 2015, 2017; Bannister, 2020) although they occasionally elicit negative emotions (Panksepp, 1995 Maruskin et al., 2012; Bannister, 2019).
A common approach for gauging musical chills is to have participants self-report how often or how strongly they experience chills via a questionnaire after listening to a piece of music (Sloboda, 1991; Panksepp, 1995; Blood & Zatorre, 2001; Juslin et al., 2014; Bannister, 2019). Chills can also be continuously self-reported, typically by having listeners press a button to indicate a reaction, which is advantageous in allowing researchers to pinpoint the moment that chills occur – as well as the moments leading up to and following the reaction (Grewe et al., 2007; Guhn et al., 2007; Nagel et al., 2008; Grewe et al., 2009; Salimpoor et al., 2009; Grewe et al., 2011; Salimpoor et al., 2011; Mori & Iwagana, 2015; Mori & Iwagana, 2017; Bannister, 2020). A range of physiological correlates of chills have been identified, such as an increase in skin conductance response – a measure of the quick changes in the electrodermal activity of the skin (Guhn et al., 2007; Salimpoor et al., 2009; Grewe et al., 2011; Salimpoor et al., 2011; Mori & Iwagana, 2015; Mori & Iwagana, 2017; Bannister & Eerola, 2018), and an increase in heart rate (Blood & Zatorre, 2001; Guhn et al., 2007; Grewe et al., 2009; Salimpoor et al., 2009; Salimpoor et al., 2011). Furthermore, chills have been linked to brain activity in the ventral striatum, limbic and paralimbic structures, and various other neural structures linked to pleasure and reward (Blood & Zatorre, 2001). These correlates of chills are important because they provide a measure of a subjective experience which may shed light on the phenomenon of musical chills and musical emotional more generally
Aging-Related Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Single Cells
No full textMechanical properties, along with biochemical and molecular properties, play crucial roles in governing cellular function and homeostasis. Cellular mechanics are influenced by various factors, including physiological and pathological states, making them potential biomarkers for diseases and aging. While several methods such as AFM, particle-tracking microrheology, optical tweezers/stretching, magnetic tweezers/twisting cytometry, microfluidics, and micropipette aspiration have been widely utilized to measure the mechanical properties of single cells, our understanding of how aging affects these properties remains limited. To fill this knowledge gap, we provide a brief overview of the commonly used methods to measure single-cell mechanical properties. We then delve into the effects of aging on the mechanical properties of different cell types. Finally, we discuss the importance of studying cellular viscous and viscoelastic properties as well as aging induced by different stressors to gain a deeper understanding of the aging process and aging-related diseases
Comparing AIT and EFT in Reduction of Negative Emotions Associated With a Past Memory: A Randomized Control Study
No full textPURPOSE: To assess whether Quick AIT was statistically equivalent to Basic Recipe Clinical EFT for the reduction of negative emotion associated with a past event
Effect of Addition of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on the Strength of Heat-Cured Denture Base Resins: Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vitro Studies
No full textBackground: Metal oxide nanoparticle-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been shown to improve mechanical properties, such as strength. Different types of metal oxide nanoparticles have been used previously, but the comparative effect on the strength of heat-cured denture base resins remains unclear. Objective: This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that will aim to pool evidence to compare and analyze the effects of the addition of different metal oxide nanoparticles, with varied sizes and concentrations, on the strength (flexural, impact, transverse, compressive tensile strength, and fracture toughness) of heat-cured PMMA. In addition, this review aims to analyze methodological factors, such as adherence to testing and sample-making guidelines, and the effects of surface treatments of the nanoparticles on the strength of heat-cured denture base resins. Methods: The protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework. Search strategies to identify studies on the effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on the strength of heat-cured PMMA were developed by the subject matter expert in library science. Following this, a systematic search of 5 electronic databases (PubMed [NCBI], Scopus [Elsevier], Cochrane Library [Wiley], CINAHL Plus with Full Text [EBSCO], and Dimensions Free Web App) was conducted to retrieve in vitro studies published in English from January 2012 to October 2023. Along with this citation chasing, other online sources and gray literature were also searched. Furthermore, papers will be screened, and appropriate data elements will be extracted in a standardized manner. A risk-of-bias assessment will be performed using a modified Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A meta-analysis will be performed using a random-effects model. Results: Search in databases resulted in 1837 papers, of which 1752 were duplicates, leaving 85 records that were screened for titles and abstracts based on the eligibility criteria. A similar search run on other online sources identified 129 papers that will be further analyzed for inclusion. The study was initiated in November 2023 and research questions and search strategies were formulated. The proposed study is expected to be completed by December 2024. Conclusions: This systematic review will comprehensively analyze the effects of the incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles in heat-cured denture base resins on the strength of the material. We anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of the effects and method of use of metal oxide nanoparticles to improve the strength of PMMA denture base resins
Development and Pilot Testing of a Surface Discrimination Test for People with Lower Limb Amputation
No full textIntroduction: There is a lack of understanding as to how sensory loss and sensory deficits impact those with LLA. The purpose of this research is to determine the extent to which people with LLA can discriminate between surfaces underfoot, in order to better understand the relationship between people with LLA and their perception of the ground they are walking on. We developed a test to determine which qualities of surfaces may be easier to distinguish.
Methods: 10 unimpaired adults and 2 adults with LLA participated. Participants compared surfaces underfoot that consisted of ceramic, rough tile, gravel, sand, and sandpaper to span surface qualities of motility and roughness. With their vision obscured, participants were asked to take two steps onto two adjacent samples, with one sample underneath each foot. Each sample was compared against a ceramic control sample. Participants were asked to report if the samples were the “same” or “different”. Unimpaired adults completed trials with a standardized shoe and with the participant’s personal footwear. Discrimination scores were computed as the proportion of correct responses (% Correct) in total and by sample. For the unimpaired group, logistic regression analysis was used to obtain an odds ratio for correct discrimination, with pairwise comparison to detect any associations between independent variables (footwear, session number, sample, leading leg) and correct responses.
Results: All participants were able to complete the testing protocol. For unimpaired participants, only sample had a statistically significant association with participant accuracy (p\u3c0.001). Sandpaper achieved the lowest scores (%Correct=15%, 95% CI=[11; 19]). Participants were the most accurate when one of the surfaces was gravel (%Correct=95.4%, SD=1.17 CI=[92.5; 97.2]). Results for the two participants with LLA differed. Both individuals scored lower in comparison to unimpaired individuals on rough tile (z= -1.8 and -2.4, respectively).
Discussion: The combination of “rough” and “motile” qualities (gravel) produced the highest response accuracy for both groups. While results for the participants with LLA were mixed, both demonstrated poorer scores with the rough tile sample. This suggests that people with LLA have a harder time detecting rough surfaces compared to motile surfaces, possibly due to an absence of cutaneous sensation from the prosthetic limb.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that discrimination ability depends on surface quality. Individuals with LLA may be able to discriminate between surfaces, despite sensory deficits, but at lower accuracies compared to unimpaired individuals
Better Gait Quality and Speed in Adults with Down Syndrome when Wearing Supportive Shoes Compared to Unsupportive Shoes and Barefoot
No full textBackground: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS), often experience a slower gait speed and decreased quality of gait. Different types of footwear have shown changes in gait in people without DS. The current study aimed to examine the differences between wearing commercially available supportive shoes, unsupportive shoes, and no footwear on gait quality and speed in people with DS.
Methods: In this repeated measures study, 20 adults with DS walked under three footwear conditions: supportive, unsupportive, and no footwear. Gait deviations were scored according to the Rancho Los Amigos Observational Gait Analysis (OGA) and gait speed was measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test.
Results: When gait was examined, the OGA results showed significant differences across all three conditions for overall major deviations (F=3.912, df=2, p=.029; p=0.026) and overall total deviations (F=3.896, df=2, p=.029; p=0.047) for left and right legs, respectively. Pairwise comparisons between conditions did not reach significance. There was a significant difference in gait speed (Greenhouse-Geisser adjusted F=8.974, p=0.004). Gait speed was significantly faster when participants wore supportive shoes compared to when they walked barefoot (8.9±2.0 vs. 10.0±2.3, p=0.002) and compared to when they wore unsupportive shoes (8.9±2.0 vs. 10.8±3.4, p=0.014)
Conclusion: Adults with Down syndrome who wore supportive shoes demonstrated better gait quality with fewer deviations compared to when they walked barefoot. Additionally, they had a faster gait speed when walking in supportive shoes compared to both walking in unsupportive shoes and barefoot
Developing a Remote Gamma-Ray Spectra Collection System (RGSCS) by Coupling a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector With a Cosmicguard Background Reduction Device
No full textDespite being widely used for high-resolution spectral analysis and quantifying low activity in natural samples, the operations and data analysis of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray detectors are seldom fully automated due to the excessive costs associated with commercially available automatic sample changing systems. This paper introduces the design and implementation of a cost-effective, customized remote gamma-ray spectra collection system centered around the HPGe detector coupled to a cosmic-ray veto background reduction device. The HPGe detector system, equipped with a Lynx DSA, is seamlessly integrated with an economically viable automatic sample changer. This sample vial changer is controlled by a high-torque NEMA 34 stepper servo motor from Vention. Web control of the rotary actuator is facilitated through a CAD-based programming tool. The remote-controlled sample pick-and-place procedure is executed using a robotic arm (Trossen Robotics, Viper X 250). The DYNAMIXEL servomotors of the robotic arm are programmed using Python software supported by the Robotic Operating System. Beyond its technical construction, this system is uniquely fashioned for academic research, providing invaluable hands-on experience in gamma spectrometry to both junior researchers and students
Factors Shaping Charter School Leaders’ Student Recruitment Practices in Southern Nevada
No full textCharter schools have witnessed significant growth in the United States, accompanied by increased diversity among student populations. However, Southern Nevada charter schools diverge from national trends, enrolling a less racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. This study examined factors that shape charter school leaders’ student recruitment practices in Southern Nevada. In addition to addressing the lack of literature coverage on Southern Nevada charter schools’ demographics, this study also introduced new research regarding the predicament of charter school demographics in Southern Nevada. Using a case study approach, data from 16 charter school leaders and staff members across four identified charter schools were gathered, alongside website analysis and enrollment data review. Three main themes emerged: challenges related to complex public funding, difficulties in community outreach and informing about admission processes, and constraints imposed by charter school enrollment caps and application procedures. Based on these findings, the recommendations were provided for both policymakers and charter school leaders. This study lays the groundwork for discussions aimed at enhancing charter school recruitment practices and addressing public funding complexities, fostering greater inclusivity in Southern Nevada’s educational landscape
Racial Microaggressions Research: Intersectionality, Coping Strategies, and Groups Impacted
No full textMicroaggressions, a term first coined to name everyday experiences with oppression five decades ago (Pierce et al., 1977), has evolved in the literature naming specific aggressions taking place in microsystems targeting minoritized groups (Sue et al., 2007). However, as this research area expands, a need for specificity about who is being impacted by racial microaggressions and how this impact takes place remains a gap in the literature that the research program of this dissertation aimed to address. Expanding from traditional racial microaggression approaches (Sue et al., 2019; Williams et al., 2021), this dissertation incorporates aspects of intersectionality, coping strategies, and novel forms of racial oppression in an effort to expand our understanding of the impact of microaggressions. Chapter 2 presents findings from a cross-sectional study applying intersectional methods to assess the experience of LGBTQ+ students of color and explore other axes of oppression, such as cisness, in connection with attitudes of persistence in school. Results showed that while all participants are impacted by intersectional microaggressions, gender expansive people reported the most concerning levels of impact. Chapter 4 presents findings from an online cross-sectional study assessing alcohol or substance use as a coping strategy for the psychological distress associated with racial microaggressions among people of color. Findings in a mediation analysis suggested that the relation between racial microaggression and alcohol/drug use as a coping strategy is best explained by the psychological distress associated with both. Chapter 6 reports findings from a study exploring a specific type of microaggression, immigration status microaggressions, and their psychological impact on Latinx and Asian college students. Results suggested that immigration status microaggressions psychologically impact both groups. However, moderated mediation findings presented more significant effects for Latinx students than Asian ones
Liminal Embodiment and the Changing Parental Body
No full textThis dissertation sits at the intersection of sociology of the body, parenting, and life course to examine how the role and status of becoming a parent shape individuals\u27 embodiment. Grounded in research highlighting body and embodiment as crucial, yet understudied aspects of social experiences, my study views biological changes as rooted in the social, where symbolic messages shape how parents think and understand their bodies and embodiment. The transition to parenthood serves as a unique lens for analyzing embodiment, as pregnancy, barriers to assisted reproductive technology, and adoption serve as evidence for the intersection of physical and social changes. My study, therefore, aims to fill gaps in existing literature by providing insights into how parents contest, challenge, or accommodate societal messages about their bodies throughout the process of becoming and being a parent. Between May 2021 and June 2022, I conducted 40 interviews with parents who have diverse families, including biological and adopted children. In these interviews, participants recounted their embodied experiences before, during, and after becoming a parent. The results show how embodiment is important to diverse lived experiences and social pathways, over the transition to parenthood. The diverse pathways in the transition to parenthood shed light on varied experiences and hierarchies within social transitions, offering an alternative framing of a universal experience of body size and weight-related stigma. Drawing across these results, I introduce liminal embodiment, which merges life course perspectives with the study of body and embodiment. The concept asserts that bodies are constantly in transition, with embodied experiences influencing social pathways during significant life events, like parenthood. Further, liminal embodiment is multidimensional; the transitional nature of the body extends beyond appearance to include performance expectations, particularly in the context of parenthood. These conclusions provide implications for understanding how changes in body size and shape throughout the life course are context-dependent, influenced by social transitions and normative and non-normative pathways. Overall, my project emphasizes the inevitability of bodily changes throughout the life course and advocates for a shift in practices to better support individuals through major life transitions