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SK609, a Novel Dopamine D3 Receptor Agonist and Norepinephrine Transporter Blocker with Putative Pro-Cognitive Actions, Does Not Induce Psychostimulant-Like Increases in Risky Choice During Probabilistic Discounting
Get PDFRATIONALE: Psychostimulants, such as amphetamine (AMPH) and methylphenidate (MPH), non-selectively elevate extracellular concentrations of the catecholamine neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), and are common pharmacological strategies used to improve prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent cognitive dysfunction. However, this approach can be problematic given AMPH has been shown to increase preference for risky choices in a rodent assay of risk/reward decision making. SK609 is a novel NE reuptake blocker that selectively activates DA D3 receptors without affinity for the DA transporter. SK609 has been shown to improve cognitive performance without increasing psychostimulant-like spontaneous locomotor activity, suggesting SK609 may benefit neurocognitive function without psychostimulant-like side effect liability.
OBJECTIVES: We compared AMPH, MPH, and SK609 within dose ranges that display their cognitive enhancing properties in a probabilistic discounting task (PDT) of risk/reward decision making behavior to assess their potential to increase risky choice preference.
METHODS: Rats chose between small/certain rewards delivered with 100% certainty and large/risky rewards delivered with descending probabilities across a session (100 - 6.25%) following administration of AMPH (0.25-1 mg/kg), MPH (2-8 mg/kg), and SK609 (4 mg/kg).
RESULTS: AMPH and MPH increased risky choice behavior at doses previously reported to enhance cognition, whereas SK609 did not. AMPH and MPH also reduced sensitivity to non-rewarded risky choices.
CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the combination of NE transporter blockade and selective D3 activation in pro-cognitive action without psychostimulant-like side effect liability. The absence of DA transporter blockade and non-selective dopaminergic activation are beneficial properties of SK609 that differentiates it from the traditional pro-cognitive psychostimulants
Mastering LaTeX: From Basics to Research Excellence
Get PDFInstructors: Mohammad Rostami & Atik Faysal (PhD candidates in Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this one hour workshop, attendees will be able to:
1. Structure and create a basic LaTeX document with essential components like title pages, sections, and text formatting.
2. Incorporate and format tables, figures, and captions into their documents.
3. Apply fundamental LaTeX commands for professional formatting, including citations, bibliographies, and equations.
4. Navigate and use LaTeX platforms like Overleaf to collaborate effectively on academic projects.
5. Leverage AI-powered tools and table generators to streamline document creation processes.
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of LaTeX for academic writing? This hands-on workshop combines the best aspects of LaTeX crash courses and beginner-level research-focused sessions. Designed for students, researchers, and professionals, it provides a comprehensive introduction to LaTeX, equipping you with the skills to craft professional documents with precision.
The session is divided into two interactive parts
1. Foundations of LaTeX (First Hour): Learn the basics of setting up a LaTeX document, structuring sections, and formatting text. Explore how to add tables and figures effectively.
2. Advanced Research Applications (Second Hour on Feb 21st): Dive into creating bibliographies, managing citations, and structuring research papers. Discover tools like Overleaf and AI-powered plugins to enhance collaboration and productivity.
Throughout the workshop, participants will work on building a personalized mini research paper template, ensuring they leave with practical experience and confidence to create publication-ready documents.
Prior to workshop: Bring your laptop to the workshop Create a free Overleaf account prior to the workshop (https://www.overleaf.com/login) Bring note-taking materials for additional instructions and tips.
Workshop Recordings:
Part 1: (through page 25 of handout)
https://rowan.zoom.us/rec/share/M_iAd6SbJRwQGgMQxE3j8aWd1ldi2egzCU37Bo5mChXSfb9Y6a8TQa-98tkbdew.ksxEWt_DHNF5__uA?startTime=1738951342000
Passcode: #@w29PVQ
Part 2:
https://rowan.zoom.us/rec/share/6LiVVCyf_R7Le7F-hhw_El7XxJ7C7QGTz8mfG_q43VO78dN9JG9zF5C1x5vnJu9c.DWZtqNw7SENJqeTd?startTime=1740161117000
Passcode: mu3.Tf0
Educators’ Perceptions of World Language Curriculum Models, Curriculum Coherence, and Student Learning in New Jersey High School Spanish Programs
Get PDFThis mixed-methods explanatory sequential study aimed to identify the most commonly used World Language curriculum models in New Jersey high schools, assess the level of curriculum coherence in Spanish programs, and examine their impact on student learning. Surveys and interviews with high school Spanish teachers revealed that, while theoretical curriculum coherence exists in most programs, it is not significantly associated with teacher or district characteristics such as experience, tenure, region, or type. A disconnect was also observed between the World Language curriculum models, perceived curriculum coherence levels, and their effects on student learning. Several themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis may have impacted the quantitative results as quantitative confounding variables. Despite the need for further investigation, this study offers valuable insights for educators and policymakers, providing a clearer understanding of the relationship between curriculum models, curriculum coherence, and student outcomes, and suggesting directions for future research in World Language curriculum studies
Comparing Cognitive Tests and Smartphone-Based Assessment in 2 US Community-Based Cohorts.
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Smartphone-based cognitive assessments have emerged as promising tools, bridging gaps in accessibility and reducing bias in Alzheimer disease and related dementia research. However, their congruence with traditional neuropsychological tests and usefulness in diverse cohorts remain underexplored.
METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 406 FHS (Framingham Heart Study) and 59 BHS (Bogalusa Heart Study) participants with traditional neuropsychological tests and digital assessments using the Defense Automated Neurocognitive Assessment (DANA) smartphone protocol were included. Regression models investigated associations between DANA task digital measures and a neuropsychological global cognitive
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that smartphone-based cognitive assessments exhibit concurrent validity with a composite measure of traditional neuropsychological tests. This supports the potential of using smartphone-based assessments in cognitive screening across diverse populations and the scalability of digital assessments to community-dwelling individuals
First-Gen Students: Finding Their Purpose
Get PDFThe life of a first generation college student is one that is complex. Not only because of the fact they are the first in their family to embark on a college journey but because of the experiences they encounter. The various journeys they embark on throughout their time in college is what makes each student unique in their own right. And all of this is attributed to one thing, purpose. Without purpose, the journey of a college student is one without a destination. One that is just going through the motions. For our first generation college students, we want them to get the most out of their college experience so they can not only find their purpose but establish it. Purpose is the foundation of students as it is intertwined with their emotional, social and academic factors of their experience as a whole. Without purpose, the complex life of a college student is simply one without meaning
Intrusive Advising in Health Career Opportunity Programs
Get PDFRowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Health Careers Opportunity Program provides six pathway programs for students from under-resourced backgrounds. Many HCOP participants are first generation college students who have limited exposure to health careers or to professional networks. They often face obstacles in their personal lives that hinder their ability to solely focus on their career aspirations. Students cannot thrive academically or professionally if they are not doing well personally. Therefore, the HCOP team utilizes intrusive advising to foster meaningful relationships with students that enables them to provide holistic support throughout their participation in the programs. This session explores intrusive advising as a methodology and why community matters for first gen students pursuing health professions
Exploring the Factors That Influence K-12 Teachers’ Use of Open Educational Resources
Get PDFThe features of open educational resources (OERs) have the potential of enhancing teaching effectiveness and student learning experiences in K-12 education. Encouraging K-12 teachers to use OERs requires an understanding of the factors that have an influence on teachers’ decisions to adopt or use OERs in their teaching. In this regard, this study explored the factors related to how teachers perceived their use of OERs, including the perceived ease of use of OERs, perceived usefulness of OERs, intention to adopt OERs, attitudes, OER self-efficacy, and so on. The relationships of several proposed factors were explored. The participants were teachers from a university in the northeastern United States. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were applied to analyze the collected data. The results indicated that teachers’ perceptions of using OERs were positive overall. Their perceived ease of use and usefulness were two significant predictors of teachers’ adoption of OERs. Other factors that addressed teachers’ willingness and challenges with the use of OER were reported and discussed
Performance Assessment of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials with Low to High Thermoregulation Range in Asphalt Binder
Get PDFAsphalt pavements face significant challenges due to low temperature cracking and rutting caused by extreme temperature fluctuations and traffic loading. These issues result in higher maintenance costs and reduced service life of the pavements. To address this, researchers explored the use of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (MPCMs) to induce thermoregulation in asphalt pavements. However, the existing research focused on high-temperature performance of binders, highlighting the need of research on evaluating the low-temperature performance. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the impact of incorporating MPCMs on low to high temperature performance of binders. Three types of MPCMs were incorporated into asphalt binder with melting points of 6°C (MPCM6D), 28°C (MPCM28D) and 37°C (MPCM37D) at varying dosages (5%, 10%, and 20%) using a low shear mixture. The thermoregulation property and performance of binders were studied. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis was conducted to verify thermoregulation properties and assess the survival of capsules during blending. The low temperature cracking resistance was evaluated by measuring creep stiffness and creep rate using Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). The behavior within and outside MPCMs thermoregulation range was assessed by examining complex shear modulus (G*) change rate through temperature sweep test. The results showed that enthalpy change increased with increase in MPCMs dosage, indicating effective thermoregulation and capsule survival. Due to steady state test conditions, BBR could not able to capture the low temperature performance of MPCM binders. The temperature sweep test indicated that G* change rate was not constant, illustrating that near the melting points, MPCMs could thermoregulate stiffness of binder. In conclusion, outside the thermoregulation range, all MPCMs positively impacted rutting resistance while compromising fatigue and low-temperature cracking attributable to physical interaction of MPCMs with binder. Within the thermoregulation range, MPCM6D and MPCM 28D effectively enhanced low and intermediate temperature cracking resistance whereas MPCM37D enhanced rutting resistance
PLANNING, OUTCOMES, OVERSIGHT: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF NEW JERSEY STATUTES AND REPORTS FROM 1970 TO 1999
Get PDFBetween the decades of 1970 through 1999, there were major shifts in higher education in New Jersey. Utilizing a grounded theory approach this dissertation created a database of legislation, hearings transcripts, and education reports. Searching this database for commonly used terminology, this dissertation was seeking a pattern in language use that could demonstrate the incursion of neoliberal economic terminology into the way high education was discussed during these years. A grounded theory exploration, this dissertation does not claim to have achieved a proven connection between the language shift and decisions made by education leadership. All it can demonstrate is that there is a linguistic shift including very specific terminology. Demonstrating that there is such a pattern in the over 3,000 documents reviewed lays out the theory that this incursion exists. Thoughtful insights into the use of language as it impacts higher education, this dissertation highlights the way linguistic shifts can change attitudes and therefore outcomes
A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY: NCAA DIVISION III FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT-ATHLETES AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Get PDFThe development of transferable skills is seen as an important factor for higher education institutions to enhance the employability of their graduates (Holmes, 2013; Tymon, 2013). An overarching purpose of the higher education system is to prepare students for their professional careers and lives. This qualitative instrumental single case study explored how first-generation student-athletes develop transferable skills through intercollegiate athletics at a public, Division III university in New Jersey. Further, it sought to understand how the university validates these transferable skills for first-generation student-athletes. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth open-ended interviews to capture rich details from the participants related to the phenomenon. This study assists in filling the void in research regarding the transferable skills first-generation student-athletes develop through intercollegiate athletics and how the university validates these experiences for them that may contribute to a more career ready first-generation student-athlete