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A Cytoarchitectural Analysis of the Rat Amygdala in Ultrathin Serial Sections
No full textThis study delves into the cellular composition and functional dynamics of the lateral amygdala (LA), a crucial brain region implicated in emotional and auditory processing/learning. Utilizing IHC, ultrathin serial sectioning (Ultraplex Method), and RNAscope, distinct cell types are characterized within the LA based on calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) and inhibitory markers such as GABA. Despite a modest sample size, a diverse array of cell types are identified, with calbindin-positive neurons prominently emerging in inhibitory cells. Notably, GABA intensity varies depending on cell identity and marker colocalization, hinting at complex regulatory mechanisms involving GABAergic signaling and CBPs. Analysis of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGlut) expression patterns reveals differential expression of VGlut1 and VGlut2 in excitatory cells, with VGlut1 predominating. A study of the colocalization of CBPs, vesicular transporters, and Piccolo, a scaffolding protein in the excitatory presynaptic neuron, unveils preferential associations between specific markers. This provides insight into synaptic interactions and neurotransmitter release dynamics within LA circuitry. Additionally, RNAscope analysis confirms the cortical origin of cell populations used in IHC experimentation and highlights the expression patterns of genes implicated in memory formation and sensory processing, specifically CaMKIIa, Gad1, and CCK. This research contributes valuable insights into the neural infrastructure underlying the pathway from the auditory cortex to the LA. It paves the way for future studies illustrating the complex neural circuits mediating adaptive behavior and how that behavior alters the composition of GABAergic neurons in the cortex-amygdala pathway
Cleaner, Green Oxidation Chemistry: Development of New Oxoammonium- and Nitroxide- Mediated Transformations
No full textThis work investigates various key oxidation and oxidative functionalization reactions that occur using a bench-stable nitroxide and its oxoammonium nitrate salt congener. Such transformations include amidation of aldehydes to acyl azoles or hexafluoroisopropyl esters and oxidation of alcohols to ketones or aldehydes. These transformations are key, everyday reactions within organic chemistry, and the aim to make them cleaner and greener is essential to the future of chemistry. Novel compounds produced by these green methods will also be discussed, as well as the results of a scale-up protocol showing the efficacy of the reactions on a process chemistry level. As an additional component, the multistep synthesis of a novel triazolopyridine derivative will help to display the need for new, greener alternatives to chemical transformations
In Silico Conformation Analysis of the Disordered Regions of Proteins Associated with the β-Catenin Destruction Complex and p53
No full textCancer is a class of diseases caused by an accumulation of genetic mutations and abnormalities during cell division. These errors are caused by a variety of factors such as the inhibition of cell cycle control proteins such as p53 that prevent cells with incorrectly replicated chromosomes from segregating as well as genetic and environmental susceptibilities that further cause DNA alteration. Proteins like p53 are tumor suppressor proteins which prevent the growth of cancer cells by regulating the growth of cells as they pass through the cell cycle. Tumor suppressor proteins p53, Axin, Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), and β-catenin were analyzed using in silico techniques to investigate how intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of these proteins affect their protein-protein interactions to create a multi-protein destruction complex that leads to the degradation of cancer cells. PONDR-Fit, catGranule, and PONDR were all used on computational platforms to determine how well structured each of the proteins are. By determining the exact residues where the protein is disordered, researchers can target these areas to promote interactions that can prevent tumorigenesis. These results can indicate potential new approaches that can lead to more developments in cancer treatment for better health outcomes
Musical Engagement: A Conceptual Model of Contextual Influences
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model of contextual influences on musical engagement in a person’s life. I developed this domain-specific conceptual model based on Bronfenbrenner’s (2001) bioecological theory of human development. The model accounts for multiple, interacting contexts that may influence an adolescent’s musical development. In this model, I consider one’s musical life as an acknowledgment of the multitude of ways that music is a part of their daily life. A musical life encompasses more than a formal music education, and as Abeles (2010) posits, “Music education does not exist isolated in the music classroom. It is influenced by trends in general education, society, culture, and politics” (p.1). In this proposed contextual model, a person’s musical life can be seen as being influenced by three systems with dynamic interactions. While extant music education research seems to suggest certain factors are associated with the likelihood of a particular student enrolling in school music programs, such as race and socioeconomic status, many other contexts are interacting upon those decisions (Elpus, 2022). Thus, when we look at students who are enrolled in school music programs, it can be easy to focus on a singular aspect, such as race, socioeconomic status, or prior experience. However, to fully understand who is in the music classroom, it is important to consider an array of factors holistically
Applying Student-Centered Strategies in the Applied Teaching Music Studio
No full textApplied studio instruction is a field of education set in the context of a one-to-one setting, traditionally seen as a master-apprentice model, where the “training of skills” is said to be a priority. However, as the field evolves and is influenced by other areas in teaching and learning, one begins to look for ways to apply student-centered or constructivist strategies to the music studio. In this article, we will look broadly at what it means to be student-centered in the music studio, breaking down the areas into five categories of rapport, motivation, critical thinking, content specific areas such as practice, and authentic assessment. In order to connect theory with practice, relevant resources have been analyzed followed with specific examples of practice. In this way, readers may both understand more fully the context of the field, the theory underpinning these pedagogical concepts, and connect them with examples of practice
Language and Culture Immersion: A Case Study of Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture Immersion
No full textThis case study examined to the extent that participation in a Mandarin language and Chinese culture immersion program enabled the participants to increase their Mandarin language proficiency, acquire culture content knowledge, and influence their self-transformation. Descriptive qualitative and quantitative data were collected using the application form, reflective journals, content and language surveys, structured interviews, and language and culture tests. The findings indicated that: 1) Participants in the immersion program learned new target language through language and culture content-based instruction, and interactions. 2) Immersion in the target language and culture resulted in participants’ culture content knowledge and understanding gains. 3) The program provided an opportunity for participants to engage in critical consciousness and identity construction. The study concluded that language and culture immersion is beneficial to participants. The study implies that study abroad experiences help students develop new worldviews, gain cross-cultural understanding, and expand their teaching. Future research studies will benefit from a larger sample of participants
Generative AI and Statistical Analysis: An Exploratory Study
No full textGenerative AI, like ChatGPT, is revolutionizing education. While its benefits in personalizing learning and providing formative feedback are well-documented, its full potential remains largely unexplored. This paper focuses on Gemini, Google\u27s AI engine, and investigates its capabilities in a research setting. A doctoral student conducted informal research by applying Gemini to various statistical analyses within a research course. Findings highlight Gemini\u27s strengths and limitations in handling complex statistical tasks. This research contributes to a growing body of research on effectively integrating generative AI tools in academic and research environments
Exploring Essentialization, Stereotyping, and Forms of Dehumanization in American Sign Language
No full textThis paper investigates the philosophical implications of evolving and removing certain signs in American Sign Language (ASL), with a focus on those considered problematic due to their potential to perpetuate stereotypes or essentialism. Through an analysis of signs for words such as Jewish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Black, this study explores how language shapes and reflects social attitudes, particularly within the Deaf community. The research situates these signs within philosophical frameworks, identifying their potential contributions to social essentialism, prejudice, or forms of dehumanization.
While addressing the challenges of limited first-hand accounts from Deaf individuals, the paper emphasizes the need for further studies that center the perspectives of native ASL users. It also raises critical questions for future exploration, such as the implications of culturally borrowed signs, the symbolism inherent in certain signs, and the broader phenomenon of linguistic essentialism in signed and spoken languages. By analyzing these issues through a philosophical lens, this paper seeks to advance discussions on the inclusivity and ethical considerations of the ASL lexicon, ultimately advocating for greater accessibility to philosophical discourse for the Deaf community
