Opening Weekend: The First-Year Experience

Opening Weekend, at Bowling Green State University, is the four-day antecedent to the start of the Fall Semester in August. University sponsored programming during Opening Weekend provides academic support, social opportunities, and leadership opportunities for students. Through an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Opening Weekend, this project stands to recommend and identify areas of growth for the program that will benefit incoming students to the university

Higher Education Product Baskets: Degree Offering Distributions and the Financial Strength of Colleges and Universities

This paper evaluates the relationship between the distributions of degrees offered by a college and the financial strength of that institution. While no causal relationship is established, the findings generally show that the more spe-cialized an institution is, the more net wealth it is likely to hold. Additional evidence points to how this effect differs de-pending on the degrees themselves: High concentrations of STEM fields, for example, tend to benefit the home college's financial position.This research highlights the importance of the considerations by which university systems balance the types of insti-tutions in their network. It adds to the small but growing research into higher education finance. Finally, it advocates for an understanding of public institutions as policy platforms. By paying attention to the implementers of public poli-cies, those policies might have more sustainable impacts

Intrinsic electrophysiological properties of entorhinal cortex stellate cells and their contribution to grid cell firing fields

The medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) is an increasingly important focus for investigation of mechanisms for spatial representation. Grid cells found in layer II of the MEC are likely to be stellate cells, which form a major projection to the dentate gyrus. Entorhinal stellate cells are distinguished by distinct intrinsic electrophysiological properties, but how these properties contribute to representation of space is not yet clear. Here, we review the ionic conductances, synaptic, and excitable properties of stellate cells, and examine their implications for models of grid firing fields. We discuss why existing data are inconsistent with models of grid fields that require stellate cells to generate periodic oscillations. An alternative possibility is that the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of stellate cells are tuned specifically to control integration of synaptic input. We highlight recent evidence that the dorsal-ventral organization of synaptic integration by stellate cells, through differences in currents mediated by HCN and leak potassium channels, influences the corresponding organization of grid fields. Because accurate cellular data will be important for distinguishing mechanisms for generation of grid fields, we introduce new data comparing properties measured with whole-cell and perforated patch-clamp recordings. We find that clustered patterns of action potential firing and the action potential after-hyperpolarization (AHP) are particularly sensitive to recording condition. Nevertheless, with both methods, these properties, resting membrane properties and resonance follow a dorsal-ventral organization. Further investigation of the molecular basis for synaptic integration by stellate cells will be important for understanding mechanisms for generation of grid fields

Census 2020: The effect of a census undercount in Pierce County

CAUR is partnering with GTCF to provide data for a Census 2020 campaign in Pierce County. The purpose of this campaign is to provide materials and information about the importance of a complete and accurate census count. The research materials provided by CAUR will be used to provide information for a public education video and materials to be distributed to community leaders as they encourage constituents to actively participate in the upcoming 2020 Census. Census data has a wide variety of applications, both public/government and in private industry. CAUR worked closely with GTCF to identify four different use cases for census data that help convey the importance of having a complete and accurate count. These use cases represent aspects of day-to-day life for Pierce County residents that might be changed if the census count is inaccurate. For example, we present details on how bus routes might be altered if are using inaccurate census data, due to significant undercounts, potentially missing entire neighborhoods where bus service would be needed. We also evaluate the difference in federal funding to Pierce County if 10% of residents do not complete their census forms. The examples we use here provide insight into the issues that arise from both inaccurate and incomplete census data. In some of our use cases, we simulate an inaccurate census count in key areas. For example, we simulate the differences of siting a new health clinic if some houses incorrectly report the number of children in their homes. In other cases we examine the repercussions of failing to complete the census entirely. Federal grants are sometimes based on the number of residents in an area, and if the census count does not include all residents, then there is a proportional drop in grant funding. It is important to relay the message that the census is important, and that it should be completed honestly and accurately

Radiographic Imaging and Finite Element Modeling Methods for Analysis of the Basilar Thumb Joint

Laxity of the stabilizing ligaments, specifically the anterior oblique ligament (AOL) and the dorsoradial ligament (DRL), is believed to play a major role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA) of the basilar thumb joint. Increased laxity of the stabilizing ligaments is believed to contribute to cartilage degeneration through dorsal translation of the metacarpal, increased shear stresses, and a shift in contact to areas of weaker cartilage. Stress radiographs during functional tasks, such as key pinch, can be used to help assess joint instability. Eleven cadaveric specimens were rigged to simulate key pinch, and a mobile C-arm was used to take a series of radiographic images with the joint capsule intact, opened, and after transection of the AOL. Images were taken from the anteroposterior (AP) view up to 60⁰ toward the ulnar aspect of the arm to determine which angle allowed the best assessment of subluxation. The AP view showed the maximum amount of subluxation in a majority of the specimens. Subluxation significantly correlated with radiographic grades of OA but did not correlate with visual/arthroscopic grades of OA. Transection of the AOL did not have a significant effect on subluxation. Three-dimensional modeling techniques, such as finite element modeling, can be used to measure in vivo contact mechanics without disrupting the joint capsule and other supportive soft tissues. Models could have future clinical diagnostic and research applications, but they must first be validated against experimental data. Three specimens underwent MRI scanning in “relaxed” and “pinch” configurations to create finite element models for intact and open joint capsule simulations of key pinch. Model results were compared to experimental data collected by electronic sensors. Only measurements for contact force met validation criteria, and contact area was overestimated in every specimen. Contact measurements were not significantly affected by opening the joint capsule, but all four contact measures trended upward after opening the joint capsule. This supports the need for continued refinement of validation experimental methods and the benefits of computational modeling for future studies of contact mechanics