Multi-Nozzle Biopolymer Deposition for Freeform Fabrication of Tissue Constructs

Advanced freeform fabrication techniques have been recently used for the construction of tissue scaffolds because of the process repeatability and capability of high accuracy in fabrication resolution at the macro and micro scales. Among many applicable tissue scaffolding materials, polymeric materials have unique properties in terms of the biocompatibility and degradation, and have thus been widely utilized in tissue engineering applications. Hydrogels, such as alginate, has been one of the most important polymer scaffolding materials because of its biocompatibility and internal structure similarity to that of the extracellular matrix of many tissues, and its relatively moderate processing. Three-dimensional deposition has been an entreating freeform fabrication method of biopolymer and particularly hydrogel scaffolds because of its readiness to deposit fluids at ambient temperatures. This paper presents a recent development of biopolymer deposition based freeform fabrication for 3-diemnsinal tissue scaffolds. The system configuration of multi-nozzles used in the deposition of sodium alginate solutions and Poly-?- Caprolactone (PCL) are described. Studies on polymer deposition feasibility and structural formability are conducted, and the preliminary results are presented.Mechanical Engineerin

Seevolution: visualizing chromosome evolution

Summary: Genome evolution underpins all of biology, yet its principles can be difficult to communicate to the non-specialist. To facilitate broader understanding of genome evolution, we have designed an interactive 3D environment that enables visualization of diverse genome evolution processes. The system can intuitively and interactively animate mutation histories involving genome rearrangement, point mutation, recombination, insertion and deletion. Multiple organisms related by a phylogeny can be visualized simultaneously. As methods to infer evolutionary histories of genomes become increasingly complex, visualization of the evolutionary process will not only be useful for communication, but will also serve as an exploratory tool for discovering new patterns of genome evolution

On the X-ray Properties of OH Megamaser Sources: Chandra Snapshot Observations

We present Chandra snapshot observations for a sample of 7 sources selected from the Arecibo OH megamaser (OHM) survey at z~0.13-0.22 and with far-infrared luminosities in excess of 10^{11} L_sun. In contrast with the known H2O megamasers, which are mostly associated with powerful Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), the situation is far less clear for OHMs, which have been poorly studied in the X-ray band thus far. All of the observed sources are X-ray weak, with only one OHM, IRAS FSC 03521+0028 (z=0.15), being detected by Chandra (with 5 counts). The results from this pilot program indicate that the X-ray emission, with luminosities of less than ~10^{42} erg/s, is consistent with that from star formation (as also suggested in some cases by the optical spectra) and low-luminosity AGN emission. If an AGN is present, its contribution to the broad-band emission of OHM galaxies is likely modest. Under reasonable assumptions about the intrinsic X-ray spectral shape, the observed count distribution from stacking analysis suggests absorption of ~10^{22} cm^{-2}.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Exploring Factors of Non-Compliance for Adolescents with Celiac Disease

Individuals with celiac disease face many challenges when navigating the world around them. Adolescents with celiac disease must face the challenge of standing out in a world that is heavily influenced by peers and the pressure to fit in. The purpose of this project was to explore factors of non-compliance for adolescents with celiac disease. Using a qualitative design, two adolescent female volunteers participated in a focus group regarding factors in their lives that led them to not comply with the gluten-free diet. Data were analyzed and the focus group responses were then linked to previous related literature. The findings indicated that the respondents were in fact able to comply with the gluten-free diet based on the severity of their symptoms, support from others, knowledge of others about the gluten-free diet, and their own knowledge. These findings highlight the importance of support and knowledge and point out the need for a greater effort to offer continued support and research for celiac disease

The Experience of Rural, Southern Appalachian, First-Generation College Students at a University: A Narrative Study

The purpose of this narrative study was to obtain and analyze stories of rural, first-generation students from Southern Appalachia in order to understand their collegiate experiences in light of the home culture they brought with them. Based on my university experience working with similar students and a review of relevant literature, I determined there was a need for research studies that: a) seek to understand the meaning, for these students, of the accounts they give of their lives and experiences as college students, b) seek to understand how these students make sense of their lives in the context of their home culture and the university and how their understandings influences their behavior, and c) provide data, which can assist faculty, administrators and staff in understanding these students\u27 experiences. The primary research question that guided this study was: What is the experience of a rural, first-generation student from Southern Appalachia at this university? The study was a phenomenological study in which I used narrative as both the method of inquiry and the object of interpretation. The participants were eight, first generation university students from rural, Southern Appalachia. Using an in-depth phenomenological interview format, each participant was interviewed at least twice and served as a co-collaborator in the research process. After analyzing the individual student\u27s stories, I created a portrait of each student based on the patterns and themes and the connections between them. The themes served to explicate the experience of the student in the university culture and their home culture and reflected the students\u27 particular experiences as told in their stories. The analysis then moved from common story elements or themes (analysis of narrative) to the meta-narrative (narrative analysis). The common themes represent the elements used to emplot (configure) a meta-narrative of experience that is shared by these students. The themes and general findings of the study were: most of the students\u27 decisions and actions were taken with or made with their allegiance to home and family values or relationships foremost in their minds; it was evident that the students came to the university looking for connections and expecting to find relationships with faculty, new friends and the environment; the students in this study learned best when actively engaged in their learning and when they were able to relate the learning to some aspect of their lives; it was evident that the influence of home and family, their need for connecting and relationships, and their hands-on learning style played a significant role in affecting how the students pulled away from certain majors and gravitated towards others; and key to a sense of identity is the ability of the student to tie together the elements of his/her story. The previous four themes contributed to or led to a sense of identity, though not in a linear way