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HIGH- SPEED WIRELESS INTERFERENCE SEPARATION BASED ON PHOTONIC DEEP LEARNING ACCELERATORS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
No full textThis dissertation is centered on fast wideband interference management through advanced photonic signal processing and hybrid communication architectures. The core of this work is based on an optical pulse sampling technique proposed for photonic blind source separation (BSS) to recover wideband signals from their sub-Nyquist samples. With the use of ultra-short optical pulses to obtain statistically representative samples, this method retains important statistical properties of the signals while significantly reducing constraints imposed by analog to digital conversion and digital signal processing. Building on this foundation, we further apply the photonic BSS system within a hybrid free space optical (FSO) and radiofrequency (RF) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication platform for dynamic interference mitigation. The hybrid architecture dynamically switches between FSO and RF modes to adapt to varying environmental conditions. Additionally, this dissertation also leverages artificial intelligence algorithms in both optical communications and optical imaging area, combined with structured-light technology, galvo-mirror systems and passive sensing model to provide applications in medical and civil area, such as selective targeted ultraviolet disinfection system and microscopic three-dimensional reconstruction system
A Call to Care: An Investigation of Rhetorical Inquiry in First-Year Composition Educators
No full textThroughout colleges and universities across the country, First-Year Composition is known to be a general education course requirement that commonly works to set students up for academic success throughout their postsecondary educational journey and pursuits. This general education course works to focus on developing composition-based skill sets that help students in various academic areas and disciplines of study throughout their undergraduate degree completion (Kinnevay, 1971; The Council of Writing Program Administrators, 2014). While much scholarship in First-Year Composition has focused on student growth and development, there have been minimal practical considerations and examinations of a large stakeholder in this education setting: the educators themselves. This dissertation case study works to investigate First-Year Composition educators through providing them with the opportunity to engage in the “first condition” of the “rhetorical inquiry” process (Kopp, 2011; Kopelson 2003). Over the course of the Fall 2024 semester, four participants within Avenue University participated in this case study throughout qualitative interviewing methods and responsive interviewing (Rubin & Rubin, 2012). This case study aims to examine the idealized expectations, roles of authority, and positionality that first-year composition educators hold towards their courses, students, and even the pedagogical choices they make within the classroom environments they teach and lead within
Discovering and Characterizing Novel Temperate Bacteriophage Infecting Arthrobacter globiformis B-2979
Full text linkAmiCi24 is a novel temperate bacteriophage collected from a soil sample originating in Sewell, NJ, USA and cultivated with Arthrobacter globiformis B-2979. AmiCi24 is a Siphoviridae morphotype, belonging to the cluster AS and subcluster of AS3. The AmiCi24 genome consists of 38,466 basepairs, encoding 68 genes
Case Report and Brief Review: Hypoglycemic Hemiplegia as a Stroke Mimic
Full text linkHere we present the case of a 47-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM), who was brought to the emergency department with right sided hemiparesis and slurred speech. His blood sugar was 37 mg/dL. An intravenous line was established quickly, and the patient was administered intravenous dextrose. Within five minutes, his symptoms had significantly improved and by 10 minutes had resolved completely. A CT head and CT angiogram of the head and neck were within normal limits. Basic laboratory tests were within normal limits. The initial neurology service consult noted that his diagnosis was hypoglycemic hemiplegia. The patient was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of blood sugar and for an MRI brain. The patient required one more dose of dextrose two hours after arrival for a blood sugar of 60 mg/dL. The MRI brain was normal. This case illustrates that hypoglycemia can present with stroke-like symptoms. Non-stroke diagnoses that present with stroke-like symptoms are referred to the in the medical literature as “stroke mimics” and such presentations can imitate acute ischemia in up to 30% of suspected stroke cases The actual mechanism of hemiparesis has not been completely clarified. There are several theories. One is vasospasm. Perhaps the most common current hypothesis that some regions of the brain with greater metabolic activity have greater vulnerability to hypoglycemia. In our case, the ideology of the hypoglycemia itself was probably associated with missed meals and relatively excessive medication regimen for diabetes. It is for such cases as the one presented that stroke protocols emphasize early assessment of the blood glucose level
Sex Differences in Insulin Resistance and Triglyceride/HDL-Cholesterol Ratio in Human Subjects
Full text linkBackground: Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in dyslipidemia and the associated cardiovascular disease risk. To date, it remains unclear as to how IR alters plasma lipid profile in males versus females. The present study is an initial step to determine sex-specific differences in IR and plasma lipid profile using 40 μL of capillary blood. Methods: 12 adults aged 30-64 were recruited from Rowan Medicine-Sewell clinics, with 7 participants (3 males, 4 females) consenting to the study. After collecting 40 μL of capillary blood via finger prick, the samples were analyzed for glucose, triglyceride (TG), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) using Abbott Cholestech LDX analyzer. Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure were recorded. As a surrogate marker for IR, TG-fasting glucose (TyG) index was calculated [Ln[TG (mg/dL) x FPG (mg/dL)]/2]. To assess altered lipid profile, TG/HDL-C ratio was calculated. Results: Two male and two female participants fasted for this study. Both male subjects exhibited elevated TyG indices, TG levels, and TG/HDL-C ratios. Among females, one subject showed a high TyG index along with elevated TG and TG/HDL-C ratio, while the other subject had a low TyG index and TG, but with an elevated TG/HDL-C ratio due to low HDL-C. Conclusion: The small sample size in this study is insufficient for data analysis and interpretation. However, if similar trends—such as higher TyG indices, TG levels, and TG/HDL-C ratios in males—are observed in a larger cohort, it may suggest a more pronounced role of IR in exacerbating dyslipidemia among males compared with age-matched females
Rare Jugular Bulb Tumor Presenting As Bilateral Papilledema
Full text linkOptic disc edema, which may arise from a range of inflammatory, ischemic, compressive, infiltrative, or hereditary causes, can also indicate elevated intracranial pressure in the form of papilledema. Given its potential association with life-threatening conditions such as mass lesions or venous sinus thrombosis, timely identification and thorough evaluation are critical. In this case, a 61-year-old female presented with a complaint of a new-onset floater in her left eye. Despite minimal symptoms and an unremarkable systemic review, dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with hyperemia and hemorrhages, prompting urgent neuroimaging. MRI and MRV identified venous thrombi in the right jugular vein, sigmoid, and transverse sinuses, along with a homogeneously enhancing mass at the right jugular foramen, suspicious for a glomus jugulare tumor or metastatic schwannoma. This case emphasizes the critical role of ophthalmologic evaluation in detecting early signs of serious intracranial pathology and highlights the importance of a thorough, multidisciplinary work-up for patients presenting with optic disc edema, even in the absence of classic neurologic symptoms
Assessing the Accessibility of Wound Care Education for Unhoused Individuals of South Jersey
Full text linkUnhoused individuals face disproportionately high rates of wound-related complications due to environmental exposure, limited access to hygiene facilities, and delayed care. This study assessed the accessibility of wound care for the unhoused population in South Jersey, where approximately 2,607 individuals experience homelessness on any given night. Our research identified significant barriers to wound care access, including transportation limitations, lack of identification documents, absence of a physical mailing address, and language barriers. Data analysis revealed concerning trends: a 24% increase in New Jersey\u27s homeless population in 2024, with Black/African American individuals representing 49% of the homeless population despite comprising only 12% of the general population. Based on these findings, we propose a three-pronged intervention approach: (1) addressing language barriers through translated educational materials, (2) increasing access to basic wound care supplies via distribution of first aid kits with easy-to-follow instructions, and (3) creating an interactive resource database to connect unhoused individuals with community resources. This project aims to adapt successful street-level wound care education programs from Philadelphia to meet the specific needs of South Jersey\u27s unhoused population, ultimately improving wound care knowledge and reducing complications in this vulnerable community
The Relationship Between Running Cadence and Stress Fractures in Competitive Distance Runners
Full text linkRunning is one of the most popular sports and forms of exercise worldwide. Stress fractures are a common and potentially season-ending injury among competitive distance runners, with recurrence rates as high as 22%. Biomechanical factors, including running cadence, have been implicated in injury risk, but their precise role remains an area of active investigation. This literature review examines the relationship between cadence and stress fractures, drawing data from both observational and experimental studies. Observational studies suggest that low cadence and rearfoot striking are associated with increased risk of bone stress injuries. Experimental studies reinforce these findings, demonstrating that increased cadence reduces tibial stress fracture probability, peak hip adduction angle, and overall forces exerted on the hip and knee. Gait retraining programs incorporating cadence modifications have shown both immediate and sustained improvements in biomechanical outcomes. By synthesizing findings across multiple studies, this review highlights the potential for cadence adjustments to serve as a protective strategy against stress fractures in competitive distance runners. Future research should aim to optimize cadence recommendations based on individual characteristics such as height and body mass, while ensuring reproducibility through larger sample sizes
Dural Venous Sinus Thrombosis: Be Careful When You Sneeze
Full text linkDural venous sinus thrombosis (DVST) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that accounts for approximately 0.5–1% of all strokes. It is often associated with hypercoagulable states, infections, malignancies, and systemic inflammatory diseases. Clinical presentations are highly variable and can include headaches, focal neurological deficits, seizures, and altered mental status. Given its nonspecific symptoms, DVST remains a diagnostic challenge. This report presents a case of a young male who developed a persistent headache and had transient speech changes and was ultimately diagnosed with a dural venous sinus thrombosis
Establishing the Dose-Response Effect of Myofascial Release on Muscle Physiology
Full text linkContext: Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is often indicated for back pain due to its high tolerability and post-treatment improvement in patients’ self-reported pain and functionality. Specifically, myofascial release (MFR) has been found to yield a significant improvement in both symptoms and quality of life. Until recently, there has not been much data published about the quantifiable effect of MFR and other OMT modalities on muscle physiology, especially taking treatment dose and force into consideration. Therefore, quantifying the changes in muscle characteristics through myotonometry would greatly benefit the field of osteopathic medicine in order to create more personalized treatment plans for patients and to determine the ideal treatment conditions for maximal impact.
Objectives: Primary: To determine if there is a significant difference in the paraspinal musculature following MFR at different treatment doses and forces, and whether the effect is modulated by time or force. Secondary: To establish the physiological effect of osteopathic MFR treatment through objectively measurable outcomes, including muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity.
Methods: For preliminary results, 15 participants were randomly placed into one of six treatment groups receiving MFR for either 30 or 90 seconds at normal, 0.5x, or 1.5x force. Force was determined using a spring scale attached to a frictionless platform on which the provider stood to exert the required horizontal force on the patient. Measurements of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity were taken at the level of T1, 2-3 inches lateral to the spinous process to assess the perpendicular fibers of the trapezius muscle, before and after each treatment using the MyotonPro device. Inclusion criteria: The study population included first through fourth-year medical students at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine that are 18 years or older and of all genders and ethnic backgrounds. Exclusion criteria: Subjects with a history of any musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions taking medications that may alter muscle tone or those with a body mass index (BMI) \u3e 30 kg/m2 were excluded to avoid potential skewing of data.
Results: The study included 15 participants with an average age of 25.4 years, height of 66.23 in, weight of 155.53 lbs, and BMI of 24.86 kg/m². Paired samples t-tests showed no statistically significant changes in muscle tone (t(29) = 1.117, p = 0.273), stiffness (t(29) = 0.709, p = 0.484), or elasticity (t(29) = 0.340, p = 0.737) following MFR treatment. Effect sizes were small across all measures, with Cohen\u27s d values of 0.204 for tone, 0.129 for stiffness, and 0.062 for elasticity. Correlation analysis showed that there was minimal influence of applied force on tissue changes, with Pearson\u27s r values of 0.015 for tone, 0.124 for stiffness, and 0.097 for elasticity.
Conclusion: Trends from these preliminary results suggest a small decrease in muscle tone and stiffness following MFR with correlation analysis suggesting that the amount of total force applied has a small influence on the tissue changes seen. Limitations: These results are preliminary and were based on a limited sample size of only 15 participants, which may affect the statistical power and generalizability of our findings. Future directions: We intend to continue recruitment of subjects to achieve the target sample size of 66 participants, thereby enhancing the validity of these findings