Long-term Effects of Notch1 Signaling on Neural Stem Cells following Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating problem which stands as a leading cause of death and disability. The elderly is significantly affected by TBI, typically as the result of falls, and recovery is especially limited. This, in part, is associated with decreased tissue-specific stem cell regeneration and replacement of damaged cells in the aged brain. The diminished ability of the aged brain to recover is especially devastating after TBI, likely leading to permanent loss of sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Studies have shown that the mature mammalian brain contains Neural Stem Cells (NSCs), found in specific regions of the brain, which can generate functional neurons during normal and pathological conditions. Two of those regions, the Dentate Gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus as well as the Subventricular Zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles, have proven to be niches for these multipotent NSCs. A key regulator in the maintenance of these NSCs is the Notch signaling pathway, shown to control proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of NSCs during development and throughout adulthood. In the current study, we assessed the regulatory mechanisms that drive the regenerative functions of NSCs in a neuropathological state following TBI. Using the Lateral Fluid Percussion Injury model, we analyzed the diffuse effects of the injury response on 3-month old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Immediately following TBI, Notch agonist, antagonist or vehicle was infused into the lateral ventricle for 7 days to assess the role of Notch signaling on neural stem cell proliferation/survival and neurogenesis at 30 days post-TBI. Dividing cells during infusion time were labeled with BrdU via single daily intraperitoneal injections for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed at 30 days post-injury and brain tissues were processed then immunolabeling for BrdU and Doublecortin. We found a higher number of BrdU-positive cells in the FPI+Notch1 agonist group when compared to Sham and FPI+Jagged-1 Fc antagonist groups in the contralateral granular zone. A significant increase in proliferation/survival was also seen in FPI+Notch1 versus Sham/FPI+Jagged-1 Fc and for FPI+Vehicle versus Sham animals in both the ipsilateral and contralateral hilus. DCX immunolabeling did not establish a significant difference in FPI+Notch1 compared to Sham animals, nor across any other groups, which is consistent with what we know of activation of the Notch pathway. Our results demonstrate that Notch1 signaling is directly involved in cellular proliferation/survival of NSCs in the DG following TBI at 30 days post-injury, but further work must be done to understand the fate of these cells. Thus, drug treatment targeting Notch1 signaling could serve as a potential therapeutic target following TBI to preserve NSCs and limit long-term cognitive deficits

Transferring Power through a Magnetic Couple

Properties of several working magnetic coupled rotors have been measured and their performance compared to theoretical models. Axial magnetic couplers allow rotors to work within harsh environments, without the need for seals, proper alignment, or overload protection on a motor. The influence of geometrical parameters, such as distance from the center of the rotors, polarity arrangement, and the number of dipole pairs were experimentally tested. These results can be used to improve rotor designs, to increase strength and efficiency

An investigation of the impact of early intervention and the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program at Rowan University

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of early intervention / pre-college programs. The study sought to determine if there was any significant information regarding the impacts of early intervention / pre-college programs on target populations. The study involved 92 conveniently selected students from Cooper\u27s Poynt Family School and Woodrow Wilson High School, located in Camden, New Jersey. The primary focus of the study was the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program and its effectiveness on selected youth. The data collection instruments included a 15-question survey and scores from a Pineland ecology pre & post-test. This self designed survey was based upon a national GEAR-UP Program survey that is used nationally on an annual basis. The pre / post-test were produced by the C.H.A.M.P. Program and are used during the six-week summer sessions to identify students\u27 knowledge base in math, reading, and environmental science. Out of 120 surveys that were distributed, 92 were returned by mail, for a response rate of 77%. The results of the survey showed that there were significant impacts for students that joined the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program. Attitudes and opinions regarding the program\u27s services and influences towards college, ranged in agreement between 63% to 89% for the early intervention program. The study concluded that generally students who participated in the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program and responded to the survey enjoyed their experiences, improved their academic skills, and rated highly the effectiveness of the program

Full disclosure: examining the experience of male faculty of color at a predominately white institution

This study explores the lived experiences of male faculty of color (African American and Latino American) at Upstate University, a predominately White, private, liberal arts institution (PWI). To gain a better understanding of the lived experiences of male faculty of color, a group that has traditionally been underrepresented and marginalized in academia, the conceptual framework for this study will be guided by Gloria Ladson-Billings\u27 (1995) Critical Race Theory (CRT). Specifically, the component of counter-storytelling was incorporated into the study. A qualitative phenomenological study was designed to dig deep into the research while constantly bracketing to capture the reality or true lived experiences of the participants (Collins, 2000; Creswell, 2007; Van Manen, 1990). Interviews were conducted with 15 full-time tenured (associate and full professor) faculty in Phase I and Phase II, via focus groups and individual interviews that responded to a questionnaire about their lived experiences at Upstate University. The findings of this study revealed that the experiences of male faculty of color at Upstate University are both rewarding and challenging. The stories that participants told revealed a number of challenges in the lived experience of male faculty of color, revolving around issues of sense of belonging, lack of visible diversity with the academia and community, the negative impacts of race relations, the taxation of men of color within professoriate, and the great value of mentorship of male faculty of color at Upstate University