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N-Methylation of Amphetamine by Phenylethanolamine n- Methyltransferase: Implications for Chronic Therapeutic Use
Get PDFIn current forensic analysis, the presence of methamphetamine in a sample is routinely presumed to reflect methamphetamine abuse. This is due to the expectation that individuals either abusing, or receiving amphetamine for therapeutic purposes (e.g. as treatment for ADHD) will not generate any significant levels of methamphetamine as a product of metabolism. We have hypothesized however, that because amphetamine can serve as a substrate for methylation by phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (PNMT), (which will be in equilibrium with the reverse demethylation reaction) some individuals chronically taking amphetamine for therapeutic purposes may generate low levels of methamphetamine that would show up on a drug test. We expect that the equilibrium between amphetamine and methamphetamine is determined by both the steady-state concentration of amphetamine and product inhibition of PNMT by methamphetamine. A method for the evaluation of methylation of amphetamine in human cytosol mix has already been developed. This study aims to continue previous work through adapting previous methodology for a pure PNMT assay, and developing a methodology for sample analysis with the Schimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE Single Quadrupole GC-MS
Unnamed (2024)
No full textCreated 2024.
This work of art is ink and permanent marker on mixed media paper.https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/digital-exhibits/1068/thumbnail.jp
Revisiting the Productivity Paradox: What is Next for the BRICS and European Banking Systems?
Get PDFInformation technology is a critical driver of productivity growth in modern economies. However, there has been no convincing explanation for the observed discrepancy in the literature, increasing suspicion on whether IT can improve institutional performance in contemporary banking markets. The fallacy of productivity adds credence to Robert Solow’s dictum, “You can see the computer age everywhere except in productivity statistics”. We employ two extensive bank-level datasets of 5,794 institutions across 37 nations to estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) payoffs from IT in BRICS and European markets. A DEA-based, Malmquist productivity index quantifies TFP change and its respective components. Findings provide evidence against the paradox as both regions experience IT-fueled productivity growth. Nevertheless, such associations vary across banking sector development, rationalizing how IT spending can explain productivity differences across nations. For BRICS banks, a significant proportion of TFP growth originates from frontier expansion instead of frontier progression, signaling a widening of technology gap. Contrastingly, IT has diminished the technology gap between European banks. Intra-country comparisons suggest that if IT-driven productivity growth is regarded as a nation’s long-term goal, industry characteristics should govern the distribution of knowledge capital
Beyond Cosmetology: Women\u27s Perception of Gender-responsive Programming Post-Incarceration
No full textThis study explores the extent to which gender-responsive programming is targeting the individual needs of incarcerated women. Women have unique needs compared to men, and correctional programming should be tailored to meet such needs. By auditing the programs available in women\u27s prisons in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts this study determined whether programs available to incarcerated women include appropriate gender-responsive supports. Recommended supports typically focused on teaching skills of empowerment, the development of self-identity and nurturing self-worth. In addition to the audit, this study utlizied qualitative interview data to analyze the perceptions of the current programs and the gender-based needs of 7 formerly incarcerated women. This study utilized a grounded theory approach to examine the perceptions of formerly incarcerated women on current programming. The overarching themes that emerged from the interview data are trauma and mental health, safety in groups, more compassion and less control, and technology as a barrier to reentry. Within these themes, the topics of trauma, abuse, mental health resources, productivity, experience of program directors, jealousy, emotional intelligence, self-fulfillment, and societal standards are discussed. Findings from this study provide awareness to the needs of incarcerated women and ways current programming is not meeting their needs
Levels of Metals Found in Fundulus heteroclitus Across Rivers of Southern Connecticut
No full textSouthern Connecticut is a densely populated and industrialized region with a history of pollution in local waterbodies. This area was influenced by the evolution of industry during the 1800s as manufacturing began to flourish. Industries that proliferated included textile manufacturing, metal fabrication, and armaments production. Several of these contributed to pollution in the waterways near manufacturing sites. The disposal of industrial waste into waterways continued as new businesses were introduced in the 20th century, such as chemical production, wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and aircraft manufacturing, many of which are still active. Pollutants discharged into waterways included chemicals, metals, and nutrients.
The rise in industry and population coincided with the decline in water quality. Though regulations and agencies were established to combat water pollution, the scope and enforcement of these initiatives were limited. Additionally, nonpoint source contributors such as rock weathering and urban runoff add to metals and metal-containing compounds entering water bodies. The consequences of the historic and continued discharge of industrial wastewater into the waterways of Connecticut can be seen in the health of aquatic life.
Through funding provided by the Quinnipiac River Fund, this study aims to discover the levels of metals found in Fundulus heteroclitus collected from several southern Connecticut rivers. In this study, F. heteroclitus was the chosen bioindicator species to assess the impacts that historic metal pollution was having on aquatic life. F. heteroclitus fits into an ecological niche similar to fish in other locations, which is ideal for equating these results to other studies. To achieve the objectives of this study, F. heteroclitus were sampled from the Branford River, Quinnipiac River, Housatonic River, and Ferry Creek. After collection, fish were euthanized, lyophilized, organized into samples, and prepared for shipping. Samples were analyzed for elemental composition through ICP-AES and ICP-MS analysis. Several elements were detected in the F. heteroclitus samples, some of which exceeded literature levels. Comparisons of the levels of elements found were made between locations. From the concentrations of metals accumulated in F. heteroclitus samples, the fish could be differentiated based on the river the fish were sampled from
Identification of Viral mRNA in Epstein-Barr Virus Isolated from Human Heart Biopsy Samples
No full textMyocarditis, characterized by inflammation of the myocardium, can lead to tissue necrosis and degeneration. While it shares similarities with other common illnesses, accurate diagnosis is crucial due to its potentially severe consequences. This study focuses on investigating the presence and reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in myocarditis by analyzing human heart tissue samples. Specifically, the study aims to detect EBV genome and EBV viral mRNA in human heart tissue samples using nucleic acid extraction, cDNA generation, and PCR analysis with specific primers targeting genes involved in EBV reactivation. Seventy-two heart tissue samples, previously collected from patients with myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, or non-cardiovascular-related causes, were used in this study.
The extracted nucleic acid samples were screened for DNA contamination and treated with DNase enzyme. Finally, gel electrophoresis was used to visualize PCR-amplified bands, which were sequenced for EBV genome confirmation. The EBV was successfully identified in 4 out of the 72 analyzed samples. Only patients who had cardiovascular disease at the time of heart tissue samples collection had the viral genome in their hearts, in contrast to the control patient population. The study\u27s findings provided valuable insights into the potential association of EBV genome presence in heart tissue and disease, which could have implications for cardiovascular health
Modern Characteristics of Domestic Extremists: A Study of Extremists in the United States
Get PDFThe goal of this paper was to perform exploratory research on multiple aspects of individuals radicalized in the United States. Previous research on this topic had often analyzed individuals using all or most of the accumulated data on this group over the entire period of “modern-day terrorism,” while ignoring shifting changes in culture, norms, and economics in the United States. This study aims to close a part of that research gap by empirically analyzing a data sample of individuals radicalized in the United States who either were caught in the attempt or after the carrying out of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil from the PIRUS database (Profiles of Individuals Radicalized in the United States). This study explores the individual characteristics of these radicalized individuals and how they have shifted over time across an approximate 50- year period. Analyses for this study include chi-squares, loglinear analyses, ordinal logistic regression, t-test, and ANOVA. Several significant results were found. Findings indicate multiple demographic characteristics of the radicalized individual have changed in this time period, including ideology sub-type, level of education, military history, criminal history, types of catalyzing events, and mental health history. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed
Comparison of Biofilm Community Diversity and Accumulation on Polypropylene Microplastic Versus Natural Stone in an Unimpaired and Impaired Section of the Quinnipiac River Watershed
No full textBiofilms comprise a unique community of microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, and fungi that form a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to create an absorptive surface on which chemical interactions can occur. Accumulation begins immediately upon introduction into an environment; in the case of microplastics, the EPS matrix colonizes into a distinct biome that alters the topography and density of the microparticle as it ages. Environmental nutrient levels, seasonality, and geography influence biofilm formation. This project compared the microbial diversity of biofilms on microplastic versus stone substrates cultured in an impaired and unimpaired section of the Quinnipiac River Watershed over a 90-day study period. We evaluated fecal coliform colony accumulation in the microplastic substrate over that of stone in conjunction with site location A Mann-Whitney U test revealed significantly greater total colony counts in the impaired Quinnipiac River compared to unimpaired Honeypot Brook (W=583, p=0.037). There were also greater total colonies in microplastics compared to stone substrate (W=1038, p=0.022). Generalized Linear Modeling indicates that both location and substrate explained the presence of total coliforms. A higher median count was seen at the impaired site on the microplastic surface. Comparison of sites using Simpson’s Diversity Index showed a slight difference in alpha diversity on microplastics, particularly at the unimpaired location. Bray-Curtis and Jaccard dissimilarity plotting indicated differences in biofilm community were detected between sites, but no differences were seen between substrates. Community analysis indicated that river rock and microplastics differed by two Families out of the top ten assessed. Of note was the presence of Aeromonadaceae, a known aquatic pathogen, retained on the microplastic surface and not on the stone. Our results support the hypothesis that impaired waterbodies with a microplastic burden can potentially retain a greater proportion of total coliforms with a unique biofilm community compared to that of an unimpaired site. Future directions include filtration of common fecal coliform operational taxonomic units to determine abundance for site and substrate location. Comparison of this study with that of environmental community analysis would provide valuable insight into microplastic preferential surface attachment
The Role of the Designer in Developing Sustainable Product Packaging: Its Impact on Society and the Environment
No full textThe negative impact of overconsumption on the environment and consumers continues to be a major concern. Designers have a unique responsibility to reverse the negative effects on our environment through sustainable product packaging and targeted communication strategies. The design practices currently utilized throughout various industries often prioritize low-cost product production along with packaging information that misleads consumers. Known as greenwashing techniques, these practices lead to excessive waste, environmental damage, and societal harm. For these reasons, it is imperative that designers place a higher priority on sustainable design principles along with honest communication tactics. By utilizing several skillsets, such as design thinking, improved product design, and sustainable design, professional designers have the ability to alter the way society perceives a product’s value and the consumer’s behavior when considering a purchase. Given their influence, this thesis aims to demonstrate the responsibility designers have to advance environmentally friendly practices
Moonglomrete for Construction on the Moon
No full textIn recent years NASA has planned to return to the Moon. Additionally, having people travel to the Moon and live on it for prolonged periods of time. Since humans would be living on the Moon, they will need a new type of structural material, one that can be produced from lunar resources. Current concrete technology will not be easily accessible on the Moon, due to the high cost of transporting the materials and lack of water. NASA has developed a problem statement stating, construction materials on the Moon with integrous material with minimum transportation from Earth. This research examines the manufacturing of a new concrete material called Moonglomrete, which consists of using a Fresnel lens to melt lunar rocks together to form concrete.
Through testing it has been demonstrate that Moonglomrete can be manufactured on Earth. Additionally, it\u27s plausible to manufacture Moonglomrete on the Moon but would primarily be dependent on the Fresnel Lens that is chosen. Further optimization of the manufacturing process was still required. With a primary focus on increasing the size of samples, and taking less time to manufacture Moonglomrete. Currently the manufacturing process of using a Fresnel lens to produce a basalt binder and use anorthosite as an aggregate has been proven as an effective alternative to making concrete on the Moon but warrants further research for options to improve the manufacturing process