The Impact of Parental Involvement on Academic Achievement and Self-Concept of Elementary School Students

Lack of parental involvement in schools is the missing link to long-term student success at the elementary school level. Within the first few years of elementary school, parental help and support is all that students need as they begin to grow and learn new concepts at school The continuing absence of parental involvement in school can have a long-term impact on the students, hindering their growth in the years to come in their academics and self-concept. A literature review and surveys with parents and teachers indicated that the lack of parental involvement in schools contributed to students’ behaviors, lack of self-awareness, and self-regulation

TREATMENT OF CRANIOFACIAL DEFICITS ASSOCIATED WITH DOWN SYN-DROME IN A MOUSE MODEL

poster abstractTrisomy 21 is the genetic source of the group of phenotypes commonly known as Down syndrome (DS). These phenotypes include cognitive im-pairment, heart defects and craniofacial abnormalities, including a small mandible. The Ts65Dn mouse model contains three copies of approximately half the genes found on human chromosome 21 and exhibits similar pheno-types to individuals with DS including a small, dysmorphic mandible. Our lab has traced this deficit to a smaller first branchial arch (BA1) consisting of fewer neural crest cells (NCCs) at embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5). At E9.5, Dyrk1a, a gene known to affect craniofacial development, is upregulated in the BA1, likely contributing to its cell deficit. Using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an extract from green tea and a known inhibitor of Dyrk1a, we are attempting to rescue this deficit. We hypothesize the consumption of EGCG by pregnant mothers at E7 and E8 will rescue the mandibular deficit in de-veloping embryos by reducing the expression or activity of Dyrk1a. From our data we conclude the treatment of pregnant mothers with EGCG results in increased embryo size of trisomic embryos. Further analysis will be done to determine embryo volume, the volume of the BA1, and number of NCCs within the BA1 to determine the effects of EGCG in vivo. This research will better our understanding of craniofacial development and could lead to po-tential genetic-based therapies in the future

A Study of ELL Adult’s Use of Mobile Communication Applications: an Examination of Tie Strength

This study begins to examine the problems that surround the usability and design of mobile communication applications for E.L.L (English Language Learner) immigrant adults in the United States by looking at the intent of this population when using phones. A user study was conducted where ELL immigrant adults answered questions about their mobile phone use. The results show that ELL immigrant adults use their smart phones daily and communicate with their friends and family, showing that maintenance of strong ties is important to this community. We hope this study moves towards an inclusive application that takes into account the relationship maintenance needs of this community

Treatment with a Green Tea Polyphenol Corrects Craniofacial Deficits Associated with Down Syndrome

poster abstractDown syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). Individuals with DS present craniofacial abnormalities including an undersized, dismorphic mandible leading to difficulty with eating, breathing, and swallowing. Using the Ts65Dn DS mouse model (three copies of ~50% HSA21 homologs), we have traced the mandibular deficit to a neural crest cell (NCC) deficiency and reduction in first pharyngeal arch (PA1 or mandibular precursor) size at embryonic day 9.5. At E9.5, Dyrk1A, a triplicated DS candidate gene, is overexpressed and may cause the NCC and PA1 deficits. We hypothesize that treatment of pregnant Ts65Dn mothers with Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a known Dyrk1A inhibitor, will correct NCC deficits and rescue the undersized PA1 in trisomic E9.5 embryos. To test our hypothesis, we treated pregnant Ts65Dn mothers with EGCG from either E7-E8 or E0-E9.5. Our preliminary study found an increase in PA1 volume and NCC number in trisomic E9.5 embryos after treatment, but observed differences between treatment regimens. Differential gene expression was also quantified in trisomic treated embryos. This preliminary data suggests EGCG treatment has the potential to rescue the mandibular phenotype caused by trisomy. These findings provide preclinical testing for a potential therapy for craniofacial disorders linked to DS

Concordancia y confiabilidad de una prueba neuromuscular y cognitiva basada en estímulos de luz para evaluar el tiempo de reacción integrativo en el deporte

La reacción en los deportes de equipo implica una serie de procesos sistémicos que integran funciones para desarrollar una respuesta considerando la situación, el tiempo y el espacio. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la concordancia y la confiabilidad de una prueba neuromuscular y cognitiva basada en estímulos de luz para evaluar el tiempo de reacción integrativo en los deportes. Catorce participantes activos realizaron dos sesiones con 10 repeticiones de la Prueba de Reacción Deportiva NeuroPhys (NPSRT). La prueba mostró confiabilidad moderada a casi perfecta (coeficiente de correlación intraclase = 0.53-0.81) y buena concordancia (Método Bland-Altman, BIAS = -0.0004-0.029) entre sesiones; no hubo diferencias medias absolutas entre sesiones (prueba t de medidas repetidas = p≤0.050) y presentaron correlaciones lineales moderadas a altas (Pearson r = 0.53-0.83, p≤0.05). El NPSRT podría considerarse como una prueba confiable para evaluar el tiempo de reacción en los deportes de equipo.Reaction in team sports involves a series of systemic processes integrating functions to develop a response considering situation, time and space. The aim of this study was to analyze the agreement and reliability of a neuromuscular and cognitive test based on light stimuli to assess integrative reaction time in sports. Fourteen active participants performed two sessions with 10 repetitions of the NeuroPhys Sport Reaction Test (NPSRT). The test showed moderate to almost perfect reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.53-0.81) and good agreement (Bland-Altman Method, BIAS = -0.0004-0.029) between sessions; there were no absolute mean differences between sessions (repeated measures t-test = p≤0.050) and presented moderate to high lineal correlations (Pearson r = 0.53-0.83, p≤0.05). The NPSRT could be considered as a reliable test to assess reaction time in team sports.peerReviewe

Diet modulates the relationship between immune gene expression and functional immune responses

Nutrition is vital to health and the availability of resources has long been acknowledged as a key factor in the ability to fight off parasites, as investing in the immune system is costly. Resources have typically been considered as something of a "black box", with the quantity of available food being used as a proxy for resource limitation. However, food is a complex mixture of macro- and micronutrients, the precise balance of which determines an animal's fitness. Here we use a state-space modelling approach, the Geometric Framework for Nutrition (GFN), to assess for the first time, how the balance and amount of nutrients affects an animal's ability to mount an immune response to a pathogenic infection. Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars were assigned to one of 20 diets that varied in the ratio of macronutrients (protein and carbohydrate) and their calorie content to cover a large region of nutrient space. Caterpillars were then handled or injected with either live or dead Xenorhabdus nematophila bacterial cells. The expression of nine genes (5 immune, 4 non-immune) was measured 20 h post immune challenge. For two of the immune genes (PPO and Lysozyme) we also measured the relevant functional immune response in the haemolymph. Gene expression and functional immune responses were then mapped against nutritional intake. The expression of all immune genes was up-regulated by injection with dead bacteria, but only those in the IMD pathway (Moricin and Relish) were substantially up-regulated by both dead and live bacterial challenge. Functional immune responses increased with the protein content of the diet but the expression of immune genes was much less predictable. Our results indicate that diet does play an important role in the ability of an animal to mount an adequate immune response, with the availability of protein being the most important predictor of the functional (physiological) immune response. Importantly, however, immune gene expression responds quite differently to functional immunity and we would caution against using gene expression as a proxy for immune investment, as it is unlikely to be reliable indicator of the immune response, except under specific dietary conditions. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Influencia de la altitud y la temperatura ambiental en la activación muscular mecánica y funcional posterior a una carrera contrarreloj de 30'

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of altitude and environmental temperature on muscle mechanical and functional activation after 30' Time Trial run (30' TT). Twenty physical active males (Age= 20.4 ±3.21 years, VO2max= 47.2 ±5.2 ml/kg/min) performed a 30' TT in three different conditions of altitude and temperature: Control Condition [CC] (1137 m.a.s.l. at 26 ±1.5°C), Heat-Low Condition [HLC] (3 m.a.s.l. at 30.5 ±0.6°C), and Cool-High Condition [CHC] (2369 m.a.s.l. at 14.2 ±0.6°C). Tensiomyography (TMG), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) were measured pre and post running. During the 30' TT, distance, speed, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and thermal index (WBGT) were measured. Results show a significant decrease in body weight and a significant increase in DOMS and jump height in CMJ after running in each condition. TMG responses increased maximum radial muscle displacement (Dm) and decreased muscle contraction time (Tc) both rectus and biceps femoris muscles after running. During the 30' TT, the results did not show a significant difference in RPE, HR, distance, and speed among conditions. In conclusion, altitude and temperature seem not to significantly affect the mechanical and functional responses 30' TT, despite the tendency of HLC to decrease both activation and performance.El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la altitud y la temperatura ambiental influyen en la activación funcional y mecánica, en el nivel muscular, después de 30' de carrera contrarreloj. Veinte hombres físicamente activos (edad = 20,4 ± 3,21 años, VO2máx = 47,2 ± 5,2 ml/kg/min) realizaron 30' de carrera contrarreloj (30'TT) en tres diferentes condiciones de altitud y temperatura: condición control [CC] (1137 msnm, 26 ± 1.5 °C), condición caja y calor [HLC] (3 msnm, 30.5 ± 0.6 °C) y condición de altura y frío [CHC] (2369 msnm, 14.2 ± 0.6 °C). Tensiomiografía (TMG), salto contramovimiento (CMJ) y dolor muscular de aparición tardía (DOMS) se midieron antes y después de la carrera. Durante los 30'TT, se calcularon la distancia, la velocidad, la frecuencia cardíaca (FC), el esfuerzo percibido (RPE) y el índice de estrés térmico (WBGT). Los principales resultados muestran una disminución significativa en el peso corporal y un aumento significativo tanto en el DOMS como en la altura de salto en CMJ, después de correr en cada condición. Las respuestas de TMG aumentaron el desplazamiento muscular radial máximo (Dm) y el tiempo de contracción muscular (Tc), en el recto femoral y en el bíceps femoral, luego de correr. Durante el 30'TT, los resultados no mostraron una diferencia significativa en el RPE, la FC, distancia y velocidad entre las condiciones. En conclusión, la altitud y la temperatura parecen no afectar significativamente las respuestas mecánicas y funcionales después de 30' de carrera contrarreloj, a pesar de la tendencia de la condición HLC de disminuir la activación y el desempeño de la prueba

Assessment of Diversity of Antimicrobial Resistance Phenotypes and Genotypes of \u3ci\u3eMannheimia haemolytica\u3c/i\u3e Isolates from Bovine Nasopharyngeal Swabs

The threat of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) for cattle operations is exacerbated by increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Mannheimia haemolytica, a leading cause of BRD. Characterization of AMR in M. haemolytica by culture and susceptibility testing is complicated by uncertainty regarding the number of colonies that must be selected to accurately characterize AMR phenotypes (antibiograms) and genotypes in a culture. The study objective was to assess phenotypic and genotypic diversity of M. haemolytica isolates on nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from 28 cattle at risk for BRD or with BRD. NPS were swabbed onto five consecutive blood agar plates; after incubation up to 20 M. haemolytica colonies were selected per plate (up to 100 colonies per NPS). Phenotype was determined by measuring minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for 11 antimicrobials and classifying isolates as resistant or not. Genotype was indirectly determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS). NPS from 11 of 28 cattle yielded at least one M. haemolytica isolate; median (range) of isolates per NPS was 48 (1–94). NPS from seven cattle yielded one phenotype, 3 NPS yielded two, and 1 NPS yielded three; however, within a sample all phenotypic differences were due to only oneMIC dilution. On each NPS all M. haemolytica isolated were the same genotype; genotype 1 was isolated from three NPS and genotype two was isolated from eight. Diversity of M. haemolytica on bovine NPS was limited, suggesting that selection of few colonies might adequately identify relevant phenotypes and genotypes

Implementación de SPARQL Composicional con Consultas Anidadas basadas en SQL.

109 p.La Web Semántica es una extensión de la web actual en la cual se busca que la información esté acompañada de significado de manera que sea procesable de manera automática por las máquinas. Para llevar a cabo esta visión, el consorcio de la Web (W3C) propone dos estándares fundamentales: Resource Description Framework (RDF), como modelo de datos para representar información; y SPARQL, como lenguaje estándar para consultar datos RDF Este proyecto consiste en la implementación de SPARQL en su versión Composicional (SPARQL-C), la cual esta basada en la especificación W3C para SPARQL, pero se define a través de una sintaxis (operadores) y semántica (significado de los operadores) formales. Adicionalmente, se estudiaron e implementaron consultas anidadas para SPARQL basadas en las estructuras definidas para SQL. Ambas Implementaciones fueron validadas a través de casos de prueba especificados por la W3C. El resultado de este proyecto cumple con los requerimientos del lenguaje, en concordancia con los casos de prueba definidos por la W3C. Palabras clave: SPARQL, Web Semántica, RDF, Base de datos, Lenguaje de consulta./Abstract:The Semantic Web is an extension of the current Web in which the information is accompanied with some meaning in order to allow an automatic processing by machines. To accomplish this vision, the Web Consortium (W3C) proposed two main standards: the Resource Description Framework (RDF), as the data model for representing information; and SPARQL, as the standard language for querying RDF data. This project is oriented to implement the Compositional version of SPARQL (SPARQL-C), which is based on the W3C specification of SPARQL, but is defined in terms of formal syntax (operators) and semantics. Additionally, we studied and implemented nested queries for SPARQL based on SQL structures. Both implementations were validated through test cases specified by the W3C. The result of this project meets the requirements of the language, in accordance with the test cases defined by the W3C. Keywords: SPARQL, Semantic Web, RDF, Database, Query Language