A Simple, Low-Cost Implant for Reliable Diaphragm EMG Recordings in Awake, Behaving Rats

Breathing is a complex neuromuscular process vital to sustain life. In preclinical animal models, the study of respiratory motor control is primarily accomplished through neurophysiologic recordings and functional measurements of respiratory output. Neurophysiologic recordings that target neural or muscular output via direct nerve recordings or respiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) are commonly collected during anesthetized conditions. While offering tight control of experimental preparations, the use of anesthesia results in respiratory depression, may impact cardiovascular control, eliminates the potential to record volitional nonventilatory behaviors, and can limit translation. Since the diaphragm is a unique muscle which is rhythmically active and difficult to access, placing diaphragm EMGs to collect chronic recordings in awake animals is technically challenging. Here, we describe methods for fabricating and implanting indwelling diaphragm EMG electrodes to enable recordings from awake rodents for longitudinal studies. These electrodes are relatively easy and quick to produce (∼1 h), are affordable, and provide high-quality and reproducible diaphragm signals using a tethered system that allows animals to ad libitum behave. This system is also designed to work in conjunction with whole-body plethysmography to facilitate simultaneous recordings of diaphragm EMG and ventilation. We include detailed instructions and considerations for electrode fabrication and surgical implantation. We also provide a brief discussion on data acquisition, material considerations for implant fabrication, and the physiological implications of the diaphragm EMG signal

(WP 2025-05) Expanding Black Reparations with Human and Social Capital Investments

Disadvantaged social groups in the US suffered disproportionately in the covid pandemic and Great Recession, worsening high levels of inequality associated with their post-1980 declining intergenerational income mobility. For black Americans this reflects the long history of racial discrimination beginning with slavery. Reparations paid to descendants of enslaved individuals to eliminate the black-white wealth gap is a step toward addressing this history. A further needed step is to build predominantly black communities human and social capital through public investments in community health care centers (CHCs) and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). There is considerable evidence that investments in early childhood education positively affect later school performance, income and earnings, higher education, crime, and other well-being outcomes. CHCs and HBCUs promote early childhood education. This paper argues compensation is due to both individuals and their communities, and reparations payments should be accompanied by public investments in those communities

Introduction to the Historical Gazatteer of the Crimea (HGC) Repository

Introduction Henryk Jankowski’s historical-etymological dictionary of pre-Russian habitation names in Crimea1 contains toponyms of approximately 1,300 unique habitations that existed in this region prior to Russian annexation in 1783. The Historical Gazetteer of Crimea (HGC) is an open-access georeferenced gazetteer of historical places derived from Jankowski’s work. The HGC includes 135 habitations, 43 districts, 6 provinces, and 17 rivers shown on Jankowski’s map accompanying his book HGC materials are available through a Marquette University repository. Here we provide an overview of the HGC and the associated repository, starting with a review of the information sources used to create the gazetteer, followed by descriptions of the general HGC dataset format and the habitation, district, and province datasets. Description of HGC support datasets contained in this repository are then provided, followed by directions on how to access the dataset. Finally, advantages of associating gazetteer places with the GeoNames database are discussed. The authors encourage students, researchers, and the public to use HGC materials in their investigations of this historically and currently critical region of the world. To this end, all HGC materials are being made available through a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license. For geographers and historians in general, the HGC also provides an example of an approach to creating an open-access georeferenced gazetteer of historical places

The Stigma Attached to Disability is an Anathema to Religion

The “Gendered Disabilities” project is aimed at highlighting the need to support people with disabilities and the Muslim families caring for such persons. The project is rooted in the belief that every individual is equal regardless of the specific set of abilities they are able to utilize in life. Our abilities do not define us who we are as human beings, and our disabilities should not diminish our sense of self. Each person regardless of what he/she is able to do, has the right to live fully and free from stigma

COMPARISON OF SHEAR BOND STRENGTH OF NEW AND REBONDED SYMETRI™ CLEAR CERAMIC BRACKETS

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength of the Symetri™ Clear brackets bonded initially to enamel versus after rebonding. An additional aim was to see how a generic debond pliers compares to the Symetri™ Debonding pliers in terms of shear bond strength and bracket morphology after debond. Methods: Sixty extracted premolars and nine extracted canines were collected and stored in 1% Chloramine T solution. The canines were used for a pilot study to test methodology. The premolars were randomly assigned to one of three Groups: Group 1 (single bond), Group 2A (debond with Symetri™ pliers) and Group 2B (debonded with generic pliers). Premolars from Group 2A & 2B were prepared for bonding using the manufacturer\u27s protocol: cleaned with prophy paste, etched using 37% phosphoric acid, rinsed with water, and air dried. Ortho Solo primer was applied to the enamel surface before the bracket was bonded using Blugloo adhesive. Teeth were then mounted and stored in distilled water at 37oC. Forty-eight hours later, brackets from Group 2A & 2B were debonded using their designated pliers, Symetri™ or generic. Adhesive was removed from the enamel surface using a dental handpiece and a 12-fluted carbide finishing bur and bracket was cleaned using 90 grit aluminum oxide air-abrasion. Brackets were then rebonded to the same teeth at the same time as bonding Group 1 using the above protocol. Premolars from Group 1 were then mounted. All teeth were stored in distilled water for forty-eight hours before using the universal testing machine to test shear bond strength. After the final debond, premolars were evaluated using a microscope to score Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) to help identify where the bond failure occurred. Results: There were no significant differences in shear bond strength (ANOVA; P\u3e0.05) between Groups 1, 2A, and 2B. ARI scores for Group 1 were significantly lower than Group 2A and 2B (Kruskal-Wallis and Pairwise Comparisons with the Bonferroni Correction; P\u3c 0.05). Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in shear bond strength between the initial bonding and rebonding of Symetri™ Clear brackets, nor did the type of debonding pliers used have an impact on bond strength. Bond failure during the initial debond typically occurred within the adhesive layer, whereas subsequent failures more commonly occurred at the adhesive–bracket interface

Natural Health Community Program and Well-Being: An Uncontrolled Study of Women Survivors of Domestic Violence

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a local natural healing service program and to explore how engagement in natural healing services related to the well-being of survivors of domestic violence. Using longitudinal secondary data, we conducted t-tests, regression, and correlation analysis on three measures (hope, distress, and empowerment) that were completed by the participants (N = 31). We provided evidence of the positive impact of a community-based natural healing services program on the well-being of survivors of domestic violence, specifically their sense of hope. This research represents the potential for natural healing services provided at the community level

(WP 2025-04) Individual and Collective Behavior

Compares the mainstream and Institutional and evolutionary economics views of individual and collective behavior. Describes the methodological assumptions for each. Distinguishes the two opposed approaches conceptions of time they employ. Explains the role social identity applies in explaining two opposed approaches adopt different conceptions of time. Closes with an explanatory dilemma the subject creates