Global Fingerprints of Greenhouse Warming

Summarizes findings from several scientific articles that link human activities to global warming, and outlines the major impacts that can be observed from climate change over the past 100 years

Extreme Weather and Climate Change: Understanding the Link, Managing the Risk

Examines recent extreme weather events, their consequences, and links to larger statistical trends toward higher frequency and severity. Calls for a probability-based risk management framework for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change

Electrical Advantages of Dendritic Spines

Many neurons receive excitatory glutamatergic input almost exclusively onto dendritic spines. In the absence of spines, the amplitudes and kinetics of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) at the site of synaptic input are highly variable and depend on dendritic location. We hypothesized that dendritic spines standardize the local geometry at the site of synaptic input, thereby reducing location-dependent variability of local EPSP properties. We tested this hypothesis using computational models of simplified and morphologically realistic spiny neurons that allow direct comparison of EPSPs generated on spine heads with EPSPs generated on dendritic shafts at the same dendritic locations. In all morphologies tested, spines greatly reduced location-dependent variability of local EPSP amplitude and kinetics, while having minimal impact on EPSPs measured at the soma. Spine-dependent standardization of local EPSP properties persisted across a range of physiologically relevant spine neck resistances, and in models with variable neck resistances. By reducing the variability of local EPSPs, spines standardized synaptic activation of NMDA receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels. Furthermore, spines enhanced activation of NMDA receptors and facilitated the generation of NMDA spikes and axonal action potentials in response to synaptic input. Finally, we show that dynamic regulation of spine neck geometry can preserve local EPSP properties following plasticity-driven changes in synaptic strength, but is inefficient in modifying the amplitude of EPSPs in other cellular compartments. These observations suggest that one function of dendritic spines is to standardize local EPSP properties throughout the dendritic tree, thereby allowing neurons to use similar voltage-sensitive postsynaptic mechanisms at all dendritic locations.This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grant R01 MH83806 (ATG), the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (GJS), and NIH grants NS11613 and DC00086 (NTC). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Climate Change & International Security: The Arctic as a Bellwether

Examines how the trend toward seasonally open Arctic waters as a result of global climate change affects geopolitics. Analyzes 2008-12 policy statements and actions by Arctic states, other states with Arctic interests, and multilateral organizations

Economizing habitus : material calculation and ‘the rules of the game’ in the publishing industry

Pierre Bourdieu’s classical sociology and the actor network based ‘economization’ literature are often considered contradictory, despite some agreement on the constructed nature of economic man. Through an examination of the publishing industry, we argue that Bourdieu’s concept of habitus may offer a useful contribution to the literature on economization. We examine how those new to a field come to understand their position and the role of material devices in structuring this. We argue that Bourdieu’s theory, appropriately stated, sheds light on the tacit assessments made by market agents alongside their involvement in network-based calculative mechanisms, and allows studies of markets to deal with some persistent criticisms of the economization programme.PostprintPeer reviewe

Examining Teachers’ Practices and Perspectives of Family Engagement in a Rural High School Setting

Once considered an additional support for schools, family engagement became a more essential aspect of education to help connect teachers with family members in an effort to increase positive academic outcomes among students. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the current practices and perspectives of family engagement practices promoted by classroom teachers who currently teach at a high school in a rural setting. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Teacher Efficacy Theory based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory were two influences of the theoretical framework for this study. The two research questions examined teachers’ current practices and perspectives that promote student learning in the classroom and whether the family engagement practices enhanced or inhibited the relationship between teacher and student in the classroom. Data was collected through interviews with four participants from the “Pocahontas High School” located in North Georgia. The significance of the study, a literature review, methodology, and findings of this study were also provided in detail

The Experience of Social Isolation in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Results of a Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study

There is a lack of exploration into if, and how, adults with cystic fibrosis experience social isolation, a social condition associated with detrimental physical and psychological effects. Adults with cystic fibrosis experience barriers that may enhance the risk of social isolation, such as time-consuming treatment modalities, hospitalizations, fatigue, activity intolerance, and recommendations encouraging segregation from others with cystic fibrosis to prevent respiratory pathogen transmission. Additionally, these barriers may be augmented by social distancing guidelines related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. While adults with cystic fibrosis have needed to long adhere to infection control guidelines with others with cystic fibrosis, this social distancing now extends to their whole social network. The purpose of this dissertation was to address this gap in knowledge. The concepts of social isolation and social support and their relationship to this population were investigated through an integrative review, which further supports this gap. A subsequent integrative review explored coping in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis; the findings of this review will be relevant when designing future studies. The final step in this dissertation was gaining a preliminary understanding of objective and subjective social isolation in adults with cystic fibrosis through the following aims, using Cornwell and Waite’s Model of Social Isolation: Aim 1: To evaluate the process and resources of the proposed study methodology using Tickle-Degnen’s feasibility model in preparation for future studies of social isolation in adults with cystic fibrosis; Aim 2: To develop a preliminary characterization of social isolation in adults with cystic fibrosis using a parallel convergent mixed methods approach; Sub Aim 2a: To measure objective and subjective social isolation using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System - Social Isolation Short Form 8a Scale and the Lubben Social Network Scale – Revised version; Sub Aim 2b: To identify preliminary signals of relationships between objective and subjective social isolation, demographic data, health information, and health-related quality of life; Sub Aim 2c: To elucidate experiences and perceptions of objective and subjective social isolation using semi-structured interviews; Sub Aim 2d: To compare and contrast the relationship of objective and subjective isolation through the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data. The results of this mixed-methods feasibility study indicate that while there are opportunities to improve recruitment strategies, survey methods, and interview questions, this study design is a feasible approach for future work. Results reveal that participants were relatively healthy and, overall, experienced less social isolation than others with chronic illness. While exploring preliminary signals, relationships between objective and subjective social isolation, as well as relationships between many of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire - Revised domains and subjective social isolation were discovered. Qualitative exploration revealed five main themes: importance of socialization and social support, effect of cystic fibrosis on socialization, feelings of isolation, importance of cystic fibrosis-specific support, and COVID-19-related socialization and support. Quantitative data was supported by qualitative data during triangulation. This study provides an initial glimpse of how adults with cystic fibrosis experience social isolation

El uso de las prácticas curativas no occidentales en lugar de y dentro de la cultura biomédica

This paper explores the difficulties that the Hispanic community faces when accessing healthcare in the United States, which emphasizes the use of biomedical culture. Topics such as cultural and linguistic barriers, past and present healthcare policies, and the use of non-Western medical practices are examined. Furthermore, this paper explores the history and use of curanderismo as an accessible and culturally appropriate form of healthcare. Lastly, the integration and acknowledgement of curanderismo in biomedical culture is explored and encouraged in order to create a more holistic healthcare experience for the Hispanic community

Development of a High Throughput, Whole Organism Assay for Studying Metabolic Capacity in Crassostrea virginica

Genetic improvement of commercial lines has been a key component in the increased production of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). One form of genetic improvement, induced triploidy, is commonly used to produce sterile oysters with faster growth and higher meat quality. However, the details of the physiological advantage provided by triploidy are poorly understood. Whole animal respiration is an important indicator of an individual’s capacity to meet increased energetic demands for growth and stress response. I have developed an assay for the Agilent’s XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer to measure metabolic capacity (i.e., rates of basal, maximal, mitochondrial, and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption) in intact, recently settled eastern oysters (spat). In developing this assay, I optimized the concentration of two pharmacological agents, carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) and sodium azide (NaAz), required for estimating maximal and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCR) in spat samples. I found that 2 μM FCCP and 50 mM NaAz resulted in the best resolution of these partitions. A goal of my research is to use this assay to evaluate the metabolic capacity of oyster lines during the hatchery phase of their production. Thus, I utilized my assay to compare the metabolic capacity of diploid spat from the Rutgers Haskin NEH line to triploid spat from a cross of DEBY diploids and VIMS tetraploids. The triploid spat had increased levels of basal, maximal, and mitochondrial rates. The results of my study suggest that the XFe96 Analyzer provides a valuable platform for measuring metabolic variations among genetically improved oyster lines