Observation of new quantum interference effect in solids

In order to achieve quantum interference of free electrons inside a solid, we have modified the geometry of the solid so that de Broglie waves interfere destructively inside the solid. Quantum interference of de Broglie waves leads to a reduction in the density of possible quantum states of electrons inside the solid and increases the Fermi energy level. This effect was studied theoretically within the limit of the quantum theory of free electrons inside the metal. It has been shown that if a metal surface is modified with patterned indents, the Fermi energy level will increase and consequently the electron work function will decrease. This effect was studied experimentally in both Au and SiO2 thin films of special geometry and structure. Work function reductions of 0.5 eV in Au films and 0.2 eV in SiO2 films were observed. Comparative measurements of work function were made using the Kelvin Probe method based on compensation of internal contact potential difference. Electron emission from the same thin films was studied by two independent research groups using Photoelectron Emission Microscopy (PEEM).Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

The Scavenger Receptor MARCO Modulates TLR-Induced Responses in Dendritic Cells

The scavenger receptor MARCO mediates macrophage recognition and clearance of pathogens and their polyanionic ligands. However, recent studies demonstrate MARCO expression and function in dendritic cells, suggesting MARCO might serve to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. To gain additional insight into the role of MARCO in dendritic cell activation and function, we profiled transcriptomes of mouse splenic dendritic cells obtained from MARCO deficient mice and their wild type counterparts under resting and activating conditions. In silico analysis uncovered major alterations in gene expression in MARCO deficient dendritic cells resulting in dramatic alterations in key dendritic cell-specific pathways and functions. Specifically, changes in CD209, FCGR4 and Complement factors can have major consequences on DC-mediated innate responses. Notably, these perturbations were magnified following activation with the TLR-4 agonist lipopolysaccharide. To validate our in silico data, we challenged DC‘s with various agonists that recognize all mouse TLRs and assessed expression of a set of immune and inflammatory marker genes. This approach identified a differential contribution of MARCO to TLR activation and validated a major role for MARCO in mounting an inflammatory response. Together, our data demonstrate that MARCO differentially affects TLR-induced DC activation and suggest targeting of MARCO could lead to different outcomes that depend on the inflammatory context encountered by DC

Can Stem Cell Transplantation Restore Insulin Levels in Diabetics?

A recent public interest in stem cell research has led to new approaches to treat various pathologies, including diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to the inability of the β cells in the pancreas to produce insulin. Therefore, the standard diabetes treatment is introducing insulin to the bloodstream. With the advancement of stem cell therapy, a new approach to treating diabetes mellitus is being researched. Scientists are working to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into mature insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. These cells are then transplanted into in vivo models and observed after a glucose challenge for normal blood glucose and elevated C-peptide levels. The subjects in each study are monitored, and the efficacy of each implantation is evaluated. Scientists have engineered novel retrievable encapsulation devices to prevent an autoimmune attack that can be easily removed in the event of tumor growth. It is evident that there is much potential to stem cell therapy and beta-cell encapsulation as an alternate treatment for diabetes

Itch Mediation and How It Differs from Pain

Itch, to most, is a common nuisance, although when chronic it can negatively affect quality of life. It is obvious that itch is processed differently than pain, but how it differs is not clear. Researchers have been trying to find a path that specifically mediates itch. They have found that itch is mediated through at least two different pathways: histamine dependent and histamine independent. However, many of the mediators involved in the transduction of itch also mediate pain. Although some itch-specific neurons have been found, the majority of the pruritogenic neurons are also responsive to pain stimuli. Two theories that can explain how the brain processes itch and pain as different sensations are the specificity theory and the selectivity theory

Investigating 5’ untranslated regions and translational regulation across human genes

Untranslated regions (UTRs) are important mediators of post-transcriptional regulation. The length of UTRs and the composition of regulatory elements within them are known to vary substantially across genes, but the reasons remain poorly understood in humans. Here, I investigated whether this variation, specifically in 5’UTRs, correlates with gene dosage sensitivity and whether it differs between different categories of disease genes. I investigated 5’UTR length, the number of alternative transcription start sites (TSS), the potential for alternative splicing, the number and type of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and the propensity of 5’UTRs to form secondary structures. I explored how these elements vary by gene tolerance to loss-of-function (LoF; using the LOEUF metric), and in genes where changes in dosage are known to cause disease. I found that LOEUF correlates with 5’UTR length and complexity. Genes that are most intolerant to LoF have longer 5’UTRs (P<1x10-15), greater TSS diversity (P<1x10-15), and more upstream regulatory elements compared to LoF tolerant genes. These differences are evident in disease gene sets but not in recessive developmental disorder genes where LoF of a single allele is tolerated. Finally, I focused on a single category of 5’UTR regulatory elements, start-stops, which have only recently been described. I analysed variants within them using ClinVar and the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project (GEL). I identified candidate variants for future functional studies and highlight the complexity of interpreting UTR variants. These results underscore the importance of 5’UTRs in post-transcriptional regulation through tightly regulating mRNA and protein levels, particularly in genes susceptible to changes in dosage. Including UTR analysis in diagnostic pipelines should enhance diagnoses, though challenges in interpreting UTR variants remain. This work enhances our understanding of 5’UTR features and their role in disease

Gene Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Cancer is a genetic disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and can spread throughout the body. Cancer cells have distinguishing traits which facilitate their unlimited growth; these traits can be used in the development of gene therapy cancer treatment, which includes: CRISPR, a gene-editing tool that can precisely modify human DNA; Kymriah, which induces T cells to kill cancer cells; Gendicine and zinc metallochaperones, which utilize p53, a protein vital for the destruction of cancer cells. Scientists continue to improve gene therapy treatments, making them available to more patients and decreasing the toxicity of treatments

"We have not been here before": Aging and elderly women with intellectual disabilities

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston UniversityBACKGROUNDS: Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) face important health disparities, and are underrepresented in research. There is a particular lack of research from the perspective of members of this population. However, adults with ID are living longer than ever before, and, after a long history of institutionalization, are aging in the community. Aging adults with ID face important support gaps and challenges as pioneers in aging in the community. Aging women with ID are further marginalized by gender and age. This qualitative, participatory study explores lived experiences of aging and elderly women with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: In order to maximize voice for participants with ID, this study used qualitative, participatory methods including individual interviewing and Photo Voice, a participatory technique where participants are given cameras and become co-researchers on the project as they document their worlds. RESULTS: Important themes emerged including: The experience of aging with ID is a gendered phenomenon, anticipation of increased independence and community participation as a result of aging, community inclusion and the importance of relationships and belonging. Discussion: While further research is needed to quantify the experiences described by participants, the importance of community inclusion and relationships suggests that policy level supports for aging in place and individualized planning with be important for this generation of adults with ID. This thesis concludes with recommendations as to how adults with ID can best be supported in achieving healthy aging from a systems perspective

Melatonin and Its Effect on Learning and Memory

Melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland and secreted into the body in a circadian rhythm. Melatonin is known to be involved in many vital body functions, including sleep, reproduction, and immune response. Exogenous melatonin, sold as over the counter natural supplements in drugstores, is commonly taken by many people to help cure various ailments. Melatonin also plays a role in the hippocampus. This paper investigates the effects of melatonin on long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Long-term potentiation, described as a long-lasting strengthening of synapses between nerve cells, is thought to be responsible for long-term memory retention. It is found that melatonin has a negative effect on long-term potentiation, inhibiting its magnitude. As long-term potentiation is related to some forms of learning and memory, melatonin inhibits learning and memory too. The practice of taking melatonin supplements causes one’s long-term potentiation to be inhibited to a greater degree than it would be under normal conditions and can significantly impact one’s learning and memory. In conclusion, although more studies need to be conducted, one should be wary and display caution before using melatonin supplements with any regularity

Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network 2021 Year in Review

Training staff about antiracism to promote equity and justiceBuilding trust and safety for autistic people of colorAdopting a horizontal organization to treat all AWN workers equallyImproving our accessibility to make our resources available to allHolding our first-ever AWN retreat to build and strengthen our community