Links Between Social Support, Thwarted Belongingness, and Suicide Ideation among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students

Emerging adults with a lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity are at greater risk for engaging in suicide-related behaviors. This disparity highlights a need to elucidate specific risk and protective factors associated with suicide-related behaviors among LGB youth, which could be utilized as targets for suicide prevention efforts in this population. Informed by the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide, the present study hypothesized that social support would be indirectly associated with decreased suicide ideation via lower thwarted belongingness. A sample of 50 emerging adults (62.0% male, 70.0% Hispanic) who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning, or “other” orientation, with a mean age of 20.84 years (SD = 3.30 years), completed self-report assessments. Results indicated that support from both family and the LGB community were associated with lower thwarted belongingness over and above the effects of age, sex, and depressive symptoms. Indirect effects models also indicated that both family and LGB community support were associated with suicide ideation via thwarted belongingness. The results of the present study suggest that family and LGB community support may represent specific targets for reducing thwarted belongingness that could be leveraged in suicide prevention efforts for LGB emerging adults

Persistent current formation in a high-temperature Bose-Einstein condensate: an experimental test for c-field theory

Experimental stirring of a toroidally trapped Bose-Einstein condensate at high temperature generates a disordered array of quantum vortices that decays via thermal dissipation to form a macroscopic persistent current [T. W. Neely em et al. arXiv:1204.1102 (2012)]. We perform 3D numerical simulations of the experimental sequence within the Stochastic Projected Gross-Pitaevskii equation using ab initio determined reservoir parameters. We find that both damping and noise are essential for describing the dynamics of the high-temperature Bose field. The theory gives a quantitative account of the formation of a persistent current, with no fitted parameters.Comment: v2: 7 pages, 3 figures, new experimental data and numerical simulation

The Development and Evaluation of a Novel Thoracoscopic Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Simulator

Background: Thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia (DH) repair has a high recurrence rate. Effective simulation modeling may improve technical performance for thoracoscopic DH repair. The study purpose was to evaluate measures of validity evidence for a low-cost thoracoscopic DH simulator. Materials and Methods: Synthetic diaphragm/intestine was connected to a to-scale left-sided neonatal rib cage and then covered with synthetic skin. Forty participants evaluated the DH repair simulator, using survey ratings that were analyzed for test content and internal structure validity evidence. Results: Observed averages (on a scale of 0?5) for the domains were 4.6 for Relevance, 4.5 for Value, 4.3 for Physical attributes, 4.0 for Realism of experience, 3.8 for Realism of materials, and 4.2 for Ability to perform. The highest observed averages were ?relevance to practice? and ?value, testing tool,? whereas the lowest ratings were realism, intestines and realism, diaphragm. The observed average of global opinion ratings was 2.84/4.0, indicating the simulator can be considered for teaching thoracoscopic DH repair but could be improved. Experienced surgeons (more than eight DH repairs, at least four thoracoscopic repairs) had higher overall ratings than inexperienced surgeons (4.4 versus 4.1, P=.001). Conclusions: We successfully created a thoracic space relevant to a thoracoscopic DH repair and completed the model using inexpensive, readily accessible materials. After participants performed a simulated thoracoscopic DH repair, their ratings indicated the simulator was relevant to clinical practice and valuable as a learning tool but still requires improvements. Improvements and additional evaluation of validity evidence (content, internal structure, response processes, and relationship to other variables) are necessary prior to full implementation of this model as an educational tool.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140147/1/lap.2013.0196.pd

The Development and Evaluation of a Novel Thoracoscopic Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Simulator

Background: Thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia (DH) repair has a high recurrence rate. Effective simulation modeling may improve technical performance for thoracoscopic DH repair. The study purpose was to evaluate measures of validity evidence for a low-cost thoracoscopic DH simulator. Materials and Methods: Synthetic diaphragm/intestine was connected to a to-scale left-sided neonatal rib cage and then covered with synthetic skin. Forty participants evaluated the DH repair simulator, using survey ratings that were analyzed for test content and internal structure validity evidence. Results: Observed averages (on a scale of 0?5) for the domains were 4.6 for Relevance, 4.5 for Value, 4.3 for Physical attributes, 4.0 for Realism of experience, 3.8 for Realism of materials, and 4.2 for Ability to perform. The highest observed averages were ?relevance to practice? and ?value, testing tool,? whereas the lowest ratings were realism, intestines and realism, diaphragm. The observed average of global opinion ratings was 2.84/4.0, indicating the simulator can be considered for teaching thoracoscopic DH repair but could be improved. Experienced surgeons (more than eight DH repairs, at least four thoracoscopic repairs) had higher overall ratings than inexperienced surgeons (4.4 versus 4.1, P=.001). Conclusions: We successfully created a thoracic space relevant to a thoracoscopic DH repair and completed the model using inexpensive, readily accessible materials. After participants performed a simulated thoracoscopic DH repair, their ratings indicated the simulator was relevant to clinical practice and valuable as a learning tool but still requires improvements. Improvements and additional evaluation of validity evidence (content, internal structure, response processes, and relationship to other variables) are necessary prior to full implementation of this model as an educational tool.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140147/1/lap.2013.0196.pd

Evaluation of Three Sources of Validity Evidence for a Laparoscopic Duodenal Atresia Repair Simulator

Purpose: Laparoscopic duodenal atresia (DA) repair is a relatively uncommon pediatric operation requiring advanced minimally invasive skills. Currently, there are no commercial simulators available that address surgeons' needs for refining skills associated with this procedure. The purposes of this study were (1) to create an anatomically correct, size-relevant model and (2) to evaluate the content validity of the simulator. Materials and Methods: Radiologic images were used to create an abdominal domain consistent with a full-term infant. Fetal bovine tissue was used to complete the simulator. Following Institutional Review Board exempt determination, 18 participants performed the simulated laparoscopic DA repair. Participants completed a self-report, six-domain, 24-item instrument consisting of 4-point rating scales (from 1=not realistic to 4=highly realistic). Validity evidence relevant to test content and response processes was evaluated using the many-facet Rasch model, and evidence of internal structure (inter-item consistency) was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Results: The highest observed averages were for ?Value as a training and testing tool? (both observed averages=3.9), whereas the lowest ratings were ?Palpation of liver? (observed average=3.3) and ?Realism of skin? (observed average=3.2). The Global opinion rating was 3.2, indicating the simulator can be considered for use as is, but could be improved slightly. Inter-item consistency was high (α=0.89). Conclusions: We have successfully created a size-appropriate laparoscopic DA simulator. Participants agreed that the simulator was relevant and valuable as a learning/testing tool. Prior to implementing this simulator as a training tool, minor improvements should be made, with subsequent evaluation of additional validation evidence.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140148/1/lap.2014.0358.pd

Preliminary Evaluation of a Novel Thoracoscopic Infant Lobectomy Simulator

Purpose: Thoracoscopic lobectomy in infants requires advanced minimally invasive skills. Simulation-based education has the potential to improve complex procedural skills without exposing the patient to undue risks. The study purposes were (1) to create a size-appropriate infant lobectomy simulator and (2) to evaluate validity evidence to support or refute its use in surgical education. Materials and Methods: In this Institutional Review Board-exempt study, a size-appropriate rib cage for a 3-month-old infant was created. Fetal bovine tissue completed the simulator. Thirty-three participants performed the simulated thoracoscopic lobectomy. Participants completed a self-report, 26-item instrument consisting of 25 4-point rating scales (from 1=not realistic to 4=highly realistic) and a one 4-point Global Rating Scale. Validity evidence relevant to test content and response processes was evaluated using the many-facet Rasch model, and evidence of internal structure (inter-item consistency) was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Results: Experienced surgeons (observed average=3.6) had slightly higher overall rating than novice surgeons (observed average=3.4, P=.001). The highest combined observed averages were for the domain Physical Attributes (3.7), whereas the lowest ratings were for the domains Realism of Experience and Ability to Perform Tasks (3.4). The global rating was 2.9, consistent with ?this simulator can be considered for use in infant lobectomy training, but could be improved slightly.? Inter-item consistency for items used to evaluate the simulator's quality was high (α=0.90). Conclusions: With ratings consistent with high physical attributes and realism, we successfully created an infant lobectomy simulator, and preliminary evidence relevant to test content, response processes, and internal structure was supported. Participants rated the model as realistic, relevant to clinical practice, and valuable as a learning tool. Minor improvements were suggested prior to its full implementation as an educational and testing tool.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140149/1/lap.2014.0364.pd

Evaluation of Three Sources of Validity Evidence for a Synthetic Thoracoscopic Esophageal Atresia/Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair Simulator

Purpose: Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia (EA)/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair is technically challenging. We have previously reported our experiences with a high-fidelity hybrid model for simulation-based educational instruction in thoracoscopic EA/TEF, including the high cost of the tissue for these models. The purposes of this study were (1) to create a low-cost synthetic tissue EA/TEF repair simulation model and (2) to evaluate the content validity of the synthetic tissue simulator. Materials and Methods: Review of the literature and computed tomography images were used to create computer-aided drawings (CAD) for a synthetic, size-appropriate EA/TEF tissue insert. The inverse of the CAD image was then printed in six different sections to create a mold that could be filled with platinum-cured silicone. The silicone EA/TEF insert was then placed in a previously described neonatal thorax and covered with synthetic skin. Following institutional review board?exempt determination, 47 participants performed some or all of a simulated thoracoscopic EA/TEF during two separate international meetings (International Pediatric Endosurgery Group [IPEG] and World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgeons [WOFAPS]). Participants were identified as ?experts,? having 6?50 self-reported thoracoscopic EA/TEF repairs, and ?novice,? having 0?5 self-reported thoracoscopic EA/TEF repairs. Participants completed a self-report, six-domain, 24-item instrument consisting of 23 5-point rating scales and one 4-point Global Rating Scale. Validity evidence relevant to test content and response processes was evaluated using the many-facet Rasch model, and evidence of internal structure (interitem consistency) was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Results: A review of the participants' ratings indicates there were no overall differences across sites (IPEG versus WOFAPS, P=.84) or experience (expert versus novice, P=.17). The highest observed averages were 4.4 (Value of Simulator as a Training Tool), 4.3 (Physical Attributes?chest circumference, chest depth, and intercostal space), and 4.3 (Realism of Experience?fistula location). The lowest observed averages were 3.5 (Ability to Perform?closure of fistula), 3.7 (Ability to Perform?acquisition target trocar sites), 3.8 (Physical Attributes?landmark visualization), 3.8 (Ability to Perform?anastomosis and dissection of upper pouch), and 3.9 (Realism of Materials?skin). The Global Rating Scale was 2.9, coinciding with a response of ?this simulator can be considered for use in neonatal TEF repair training, but could be improved slightly.? Material costs for the synthetic EA/TEF inserts were less than $2 U.S. per insert. Conclusions: We have successfully created a low-cost synthetic EA/TEF tissue insert for use in a neonatal thoracoscopic EA/TEF repair simulator. Analysis of the participants' ratings of the synthetic EA/TEF simulation model indicates that it has value and can be used to train pediatric surgeons, especially those early in their learning curve, to begin to perform a thoracoscopic EA/TEF repair. Areas for model improvement were identified, and these areas will be the focus for future modifications to the synthetic EA/TEF repair simulator.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140150/1/lap.2014.0370.pd

Applying the mesolens to microbiology : visualising biofilm architecture and substructure

Biofilms pose a public health risk due to their ability to protect bacteria from mechanical, environmental and chemical factors. Thereby they can confer resistance to their constituent bacteria and serve as a vehicle for spread of antimicrobial resistance [1]. Understanding the structure of bacterial communities is critical to developing novel methods of biofilm eradication. Current techniques for imaging live biofilms are limited by sacrificing the size of the imaging volume or spatial resolution. Common approaches to imaging biofilm architecture include electron microscopy techniques [2], single or multi-photon confocal microscopy [3] or wide field epi-fluorescence microscopy using low-magnification, low-numerical aperture lenses [4]. Here we use the Mesolens, an optical microscope with a unique combination of a low magnification (x4) and a high numerical aperture (0.47) which can image specimens up to 6x6x3 mm in volume with a lateral resolution of 700 nm and an axial resolution of 7 μm [5]. Using the Mesolens, it is possible to image whole live colony biofilms with cellular resolution in a single dataset. We report the finding of intra-colony channels (measuring ca.15 μm in diameter) which form when Escherichia coli colonies are grown on a solid surface as an inherent property of biofilm formation. By tracking the movement of 200 nm fluorescent microspheres, we observe translocation of the microspheres from the base of the biofilm into the colony with specific localisation to the channel systems. The uptake of microspheres by the colony, infers that these features are inherent to biofilm formation and provide a role in structural support. The biofilms in this work were grown on a nutrient-rich solid medium, and by expanding from the observations of our bead uptake assay we can deduce that the channels may also play a role in nutrient uptake and dissemination throughout the colony. These findings serve as evidence of a fundamental principle of structural biology and bacterial organisation

Shifts in Southern Wisconsin Forest Canopy and Understory Richness, Composition, and Heterogeneity

We resurveyed the under- and overstory species composition of 94 upland forest stands in southern Wisconsin in 2002–2004 to assess shifts in canopy and understory richness, composition, and heterogeneity relative to the original surveys in 1949–1950. The canopy has shifted from mostly oaks (Quercus spp.) toward more mesic and shade-tolerant trees (primarily Acer spp.). Oak-dominated early-successional stands and those on coarse, nutrient-poor soils changed the most in canopy composition. Understories at most sites (80%) lost native species, with mean species density declining 25% at the 1-m2 scale and 23.1% at the 20-m2 scale. Woody species have increased 15% relative to herbaceous species in the understory despite declining in absolute abundance. Initial canopy composition, particularly the abundance of red oaks (Quercus rubra and Q. velutina), predicted understory changes better than the changes observed in the overstory. Overall rates of native species loss were greater in later-successional stands, a pattern driven by differential immigration rather than differential extirpation. However, understory species initially found in early-successional habitats declined the most, particularly remnant savanna taxa with narrow or thick leaves. These losses have yet to be offset by compensating increases in native shade-adapted species. Exotic species have proliferated in prevalence (from 13 to 76 stands) and relative abundance (from 1.2% to 8.4%), but these increases appear unrelated to the declines in native species richness and heterogeneity observed. Although canopy succession has clearly influenced shifts in understory composition and diversity, the magnitude of native species declines and failure to recruit more shade-adapted species suggest that other factors now act to limit the richness, heterogeneity, and composition of these communities

Preliminary Evaluation of a Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Simulator for Pediatric Surgical Education

Purpose: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) decreases overall costs and length of stay in patients with choledocolithiasis. However, utilization of LCBDE remains low. We sought to evaluate a previously developed general surgery LCBDE simulator among a cohort of pediatric surgical trainees. The study purpose was to evaluate the content validity of an LCBDE simulator to support or refute its use in pediatric surgery education. Materials and Methods: After IRB exempt determination, 30 participants performed a transcystic LCBDE using a previously developed simulator and evaluated the simulator using a self-reported 28-item instrument. The instrument consisted of two primary domains (Quality and Ability to Perform) that were rated using twenty-five 4-point rating scales and one 4-point global rating scale. Validity evidence relevant to test content was evaluated using a many-facet Rasch model. Interitem consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. P?Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140153/1/lap.2016.0248.pd