12230 research outputs found
Sort by
MicroRNA-mediated regulation of the Parkinson\u27s Disease-associated gene, LRRK2
No full textParkinson’s Disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease. LRRK2 is one of the main PD-associated genes, as both familial mutations and its abnormal overexpression are associated with PD progression. However, underlying molecular mechanisms leading to LRRK2 abnormal overexpression are not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that regulate target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by binding to a specific sequence in their 3’ UTRs (untranslated regions at the ends of mRNAs) and blocking translation of the mRNA. Previous studies have identified miR-205 as one regulator of LRRK2. However, the LRRK2 3’ UTR has many other computationally-predicted miRNA binding sites. Given that alterations in miRNA regulation are also associated with PD, the goal of this study is to examine the role of computationally-predicted miRNAs on regulation of LRRK2. The approach involves transfecting miRNA mimics into SH-SY5Y cells, which are human, dopamine-producing neuronal cells. While these cells are a great model system for PD research, they are known to be hard-to-transfect. Thus, it was important to first evaluate the efficiency of transfection of miRNAs into these cells. Transfection of a fluorescein-labeled miRNA control and a negative control miRNA into cells by electroporation was evaluated using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Accordingly, \u3e80% transfection efficiency of miRNAs into our cell line was achieved, which places confidence in experiments involving miRNA transfection. Three miRNAs predicted to regulate LRRK2 (miR-130a, miR-200a and miR-185) were selected for analysis, and assays to test their regulatory effects upon transfection into SH-SY5Y cells were performed using a luciferase/LRRK2 reporter assay. miR-205 was used as the positive control and scrambled miRNA was used as the negative control. Of the miRNAs tested, miR-200a and miR130 were found to be involved in LRRK2 regulation. These results generate new knowledge on miRNA regulation of the PD-associated gene, LRRK2, which contributes to our understanding of mechanisms that may be compromised in PD
Jewish Resistance: Lions not Lambs
No full textCharacterized often as being led like lambs to the slaughter, Jews during the Shoah are further degraded by the myth that they never fought back. This research intends to investigate and track the myriad forms of resistance Jews partook in against the Nazi regime, from the ghetto wars to revolts within the death camps themselves there are countless acts of heroism and rebellion to be found in first hand accounts. By highlighting these moments the idea of Jewish passivity can be laid to rest
The Price of Neutrality: Swiss Policy and Complicity in WWII
No full textThis poster presents my research into Switzerland\u27s neutrality during World War II, a topic I found to be considerably more nuanced than commonly understood. While maintaining official neutrality, Switzerland engaged in significant financial transactions with Nazi Germany, including the movement of looted gold through its banking system. These actions, justified as necessary for neutrality, directly supported the Nazi war effort. Furthermore, Swiss refugee policies imposed restrictive measures, resulting in the denial of asylum and forced repatriation of persecuted individuals, notably Jewish and Roma refugees. The lack of post-war scrutiny changed in the 1990s, when revelations surrounding dormant Holocaust-era bank accounts sparked international attention, leading to the establishment of the Bergier Commission. This commission challenged the established narrative of Switzerland\u27s moral neutrality. My research demonstrates that Switzerland\u27s wartime experience highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by neutral states when national interests conflict with humanitarian responsibilities. By critically analyzing these policies and their enduring consequences, I aim to contribute to a broader understanding of the ethical responsibilities of neutral states during periods of global conflict
Stigma toward PrEP is higher among men and on subscales referencing sexual behavior and substance abuse
No full textAuthors: Sarah Boslaugh, Brandon Park, Rachel P. Winograd, PhD
Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe, approved, and effective medication for preventing HIV infection through sex or injection drug use. PrEP use should be compatible with recovery housing stay for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), but negative perceptions (stigma) of PrEP users endorsed by housing operators may obstruct PrEP use in these settings.
Methods: Between January and July 2024, a national sample of current recovery housing operators, owners, managers, etc. (N=145) completed online questionnaires including demographics; Community PrEP-related Stigma Scale (CPSS), which has four subscales (Stigma of Poor Judgment and Substance Use, Extreme Stigma, Stigma of Sexual Behavior, and Positive Community Perception); and a novel, manager-specific measure of stigma toward medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), another evidence-based intervention. Higher mean scores (range 1-7 for PrEP, 1-5 for MOUD) indicate greater stigma. Relationships among demographic variables, MOUD stigma, and PrEP stigma were examined using Spearman’s rho and one-way ANOVA.
Results: Overall PrEP stigma was moderate (M=2.7, SD=1.4), with Stigma of Sexual Behavior highest (M=3.3, SD =1.9), followed by Stigma of Poor Judgment and Substance Use (M=2.9, SD=1.6). Age, race, and house size were unrelated to PrEP stigma, but men (M=3.4, SD=1.3) reported higher PrEP stigma than women overall (M=2.3, SD=1.2) and on three subscales. MOUD stigma was significantly, positively associated with overall PrEP stigma (rho=0.3) and all subscales (rho range 0.4-0.2).
Conclusions: Intervention stigma toward PrEP and MOUD represents a prejudice against effective, approved medical treatments that obstructs HIV prevention and OUD treatment. Tailored education may be required to address differential PrEP stigma between men and women operators. Future research could investigate a potential “common factor” accounting for the significant correlation between PrEP stigma and MOUD stigma, motivating negative attitudes toward medical treatments associated with drug use and sexual behavior
Enhancing Interoperability in Geospatial Analytics Systems: Navigating Diverse Standards for Optimal Data Integrity
No full textIn this study, we explore the domain of geospatial analytics, focusing on how different geographic information systems (GIS) and technology solutions can better communicate and maximize interoperability. Central to our study is the impact of this interoperability on data integrity, which is critical for accurate decision-making in domains like urban planning, environmental management, and national security. Accurate decision-making requires modeling ecosystems that are easy to comprehend and are often intricate due to their physical or artificial nature and the diversity of geospatial parameters; therefore, it is essential to gather a comprehensive array of spatial and temporal measurements. We examine the mediation effect that UTTM has in improving the effectiveness of interoperability solutions, and how data complexity affects the reliability and accuracy of data integrity outcomes. Our approach integrates established theories from technology, innovation, and organizational management, enhancing the practical relevance of our findings within a geospatial analytics intelligence quotient framework. In the contemporary world, where data-driven approaches are prevalent, the importance of this research lies in avoiding faulty decision-making, which can have significant consequences across different industries and organizations. Trust in data quality is crucial. With a focus on making complex technical concepts accessible and easy to comprehend, this study intends to contribute valuable insights to enhance the data integrity of geospatial analytics, providing a foundation for informed decision-making in various critical domains
A Narrative Inquiry into the Role of Relationships in the Immigrant Experience with Adjustment in the United States
No full textWhile structural and acculturative factors are well recognized in shaping immigrants’ adjustment, prior research has offered limited insight into the role of relational factors. This qualitative study employed narrative inquiry, together with the Lifeline Technique, to explore how relationships influenced immigrants’ experiences of adjustment to life in the United States. Guided by a constructivist–interpretivist paradigm, this research examined how immigrants interpreted and constructed meaning from their relational experiences, both positive and negative, during adjustment. A diverse sample of nine immigrants participated. Findings revealed six central themes: relationships as anchors of belonging, relational wounds during the adjustment in US, in between two worlds, resilience through roles and responsibilities, cultural heritage and faith as relational protective factors, and inspiration across journeys. The findings indicate that immigrant adjustment is not solely an individual or acculturative process but a relationally embedded one, shaped by both supportive connections and ruptures. The study provides insights to inform counseling practice and education, strengthen community-based support, and deepen understanding of the relational factors that foster immigrant well-being and adjustment
Unraveling the SCARF: How dimensions of the SCARF model influence the relationship between workplace exclusion and turnover intentions
No full textWorkplace exclusion – often subtle and difficult to detect – significantly contributes to employee disengagement and turnover, costing US organizations over $1 trillion annually. This study examines how exclusionary behaviors (EBs) influence turnover intentions (TOIs) through disruption of psychological needs, using Rock’s SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) and self-determination theory. A two-wave survey of full-time US employees (N = 277) assessed EB, SCARF-based need satisfaction, and TOI. Partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed that EB significantly undermines all five SCARF domains, but only fairness and status mediated the EB–TOI link. Certainty, autonomy, and relatedness did not have significant effects. These findings suggest turnover risk intensifies when employees feel unfairly treated or socially devalued, rather than merely disempowered or disconnected. The study advances theoretical integration between SCARF and SDT and offers practical guidance for managers seeking to reduce attrition by fostering inclusive, respectful, and psychologically safe workplace environments
China’s Influence Over the Mining Industry in Africa
No full textHow much influence does China have over the international supply of minerals from Africa? The purpose of this research is to study China’s involvement in Africa’s mining industry and analyze its impact on US economic interests. China has traded and invested in many mining sites across Africa; However, I will be focusing on DRC, Zambia, and Zimbabwe for my research. Using ArcGIS pro tools, I will create and analyze a map that contains information about mineral deposits and facilities
Caffeinated Bees: Investigating the Impact on Foraging Behavior
No full textCaffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the nectar of some flowering plants (e.g., coffee, citrus), has been shown to affect insect behavior, including learning and memory in bumblebees. The presence of this compound in floral resources suggests a potential role in shaping pollinator foraging strategies. This study investigated the impact of caffeine exposure on the foraging behavior of bumble bees (Bombus impatiens).
Individually tagged bees were trained to forage on an artificial flower wall to establish a baseline foraging pattern. Following training, the bees were isolated and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: a control group receiving 3 µl of a 60% sucrose solution, and a caffeine group receiving 3 µl of a 0.0001 M caffeine solution mixed in 60% sucrose. This concentration of caffeine was chosen to mimic levels found in some floral nectars.
The foraging behavior of treated bees was subsequently observed in a testing arena containing an artificial flower wall with flowers filled with a consistent 60% sucrose reward. Video analysis was used to record each bee\u27s flower visits, noting the sequence, duration, and whether the visit was profitable (accessing the sucrose reward) or unprofitable (already visited or empty). Several foraging parameters were analyzed, including average session length, the number of profitable and unprofitable visits, the total number of visits, and the average foraging rate
Face Value: A Computational Approach to Subjective Impressions of Faces
No full textVarious computational models of first impressions have been developed to uncover the mechanisms driving these judgments. However, the implicit notion of a singular ``human\u27\u27 often overlooks meaningful individual differences in beliefs, attitudes, and associations, as well as culturally grounded group-level constructs. In this paper, we extend Cultural Consensus Theory (CCT) to estimate culturally shared beliefs about faces by incorporating latent constructs structured around interpretable facial features extracted via computer vision algorithms. We apply our model to a large-scale dataset of people’s first impressions of faces. Our approach reveals a robust mapping between facial features and culturally constructed impressions, allowing us to identify which features are most influential in shaping distinct cultural subgroups. Our research advances the understanding of how cultural and perceptual mechanisms interact in impression formation and offers a novel framework for modeling cultural consensuses in subjective social judgments