Stereolithography Cure Process Modeling Using Acrylate Resin

In this paper, a complex stereolithography (SL) cure process model is presented that incorporates transient thermal and chemical effects which influence final part shape and properties. The model incorporates photopolymerization, mass diffusion, and heat transfer. Material properties are characterized and a comprehensive kinetic model parameterized for a model compound system. SL process simulations are performed using finite element methods with the software package FEMLAB, and validated by the capability of predicting the fabricated part dimensions. A degree of cure (DOC) threshold model is proposed which can predict the cure line size within 15% error, comparing with 30% prediction error by the exposure threshold model currently used in SL. Furthermore, through the sensitivity analysis conducted by the process model presented here, the sensitive parameters are identified and the SL bath temperature, photointiator absorptivity and concentration are found to be the most sensitive factors that affect the SL fabrication results. The sensitive variables will be the focus of further research meant to improve SL process speed and resolution.Mechanical Engineerin

The Genetics of PPARG and the Skeleton

Osteoporosis is a complex metabolic bone disorder. Recently it has been appreciated that the “obesity in bone” phenomenon occurs at the expense of bone formation, and that is a key component of the pathology of this disease. Mouse models with altered bone expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) impact bone formation, but genetic studies connecting PPARG polymorphisms to skeletal phenotypes in humans have proven to be less than satisfactory. One missense polymorphism in exon one has been linked to low bone mineral density (BMD), but the most studied polymorphism, Pro12Ala, has not yet been examined in the context of skeletal phenotype. The studies to date are a promising start in leading to our understanding of the genetic contribution of PPARG to the phenotypes of BMD and fracture risk

Playing With a Stacked Deck: Why Was a Single Payer Plan Dealt Such Bad Cards?

The final report of the Maine Health Care Reform Commission (MHCRC) was submitted to Governor Amgus King in November, 1995. Given the complexity of what we call the healthcare system as well as the moving targets of federal and state incentives for reform, the report accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. Commission members were mandated to offer a single payer universal coverage bill, a multiple payer universal coverage bill, and a bill to achieve reform through incremental changes to the existing system, emphasizing cost containment, managed care, and improved access. The commission was also mandated to cost out its recommendations Reactions to the MHCRC report were invited from individuals who represent constituencies which often have an influential role in healthcare. Five commentaries address pros and cons of particular elements of the commission’s report. This second commentary provides perspectives from three practicing physicians in Maine

Compounds And Methods For Treating Bone Disorders And Controlling Weight

The present invention provides peptides and methods of their use in treating bone disorders and bone-related conditions and in treating obesity

The Effect of High Fat Diet on Marrow Adipocytes from C57BL/6J (B6) Mice

In mice models, the administration of a high fat diet (HFD) is an accelerating factor for metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, and early type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (1)https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/lambrew-retreat-2021/1049/thumbnail.jp

A Whole Woman Strategy and Action Plan to Raise National Awareness About Osteoporosis

The University of Maine Center on Aging, in partnership with the Maine Center for Osteoporosis Research and Education, was one of three grantees taking part in a U.S. Administration on Aging-funded project to develop a national osteoporosis awareness and action plan targeting postmenopausal womenThe University of Maine Center on Aging’s portion of the research entailed several phases of activity. Initially, focus groups were conducted with 147 ethnically and racially diverse older women around the country (Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Kansas) to determine where older women obtain their health information, what they consider reliable and unreliable informational sources, and where they’ve gotten information in the past that has resulted in changes in their health behavior. The second phase focused on researching existing osteoporosis education programs and previous or ongoing campaigns to ascertain what programmatic elements have been most and least effective. Phase three entailed obtaining feedback from 13 focus groups with 122 ethnically and racially diverse older women around the country (California, Illinois, Georgia, Maine, and New York), concerning mock brochures, graphics, and messages for the campaign as well as ideas about spokespeople and promotional items.The report concludes by making a series of recommendations for implementing a nation osteoporosis education program based on the data gathered through the three research phases

Novel roles of miR-199b in regulating fat and bone metabolism

Public Health Problem: The incidence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and has contributed to an increase in the risk of numerous chronic disorders-type 2 diabetes-liver pathologies, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity can have negative effects on bone remodeling-reduced mineral density-osteoporosis Imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure-obesity-accumulation of fat mass and energy storage in white adipose tissue (WAT).https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/lambrew-retreat-2021/1036/thumbnail.jp

Semi-Automatic Classification of Skeletal Morphology in Genetically Altered Mice Using Flat-Panel Volume Computed Tomography

Rapid progress in exploring the human and mouse genome has resulted in the generation of a multitude of mouse models to study gene functions in their biological context. However, effective screening methods that allow rapid noninvasive phenotyping of transgenic and knockout mice are still lacking. To identify murine models with bone alterations in vivo, we used flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT) for high-resolution 3-D imaging and developed an algorithm with a computational intelligence system. First, we tested the accuracy and reliability of this approach by imaging discoidin domain receptor 2- (DDR2-) deficient mice, which display distinct skull abnormalities as shown by comparative landmark-based analysis. High-contrast fpVCT data of the skull with 200 μm isotropic resolution and 8-s scan time allowed segmentation and computation of significant shape features as well as visualization of morphological differences. The application of a trained artificial neuronal network to these datasets permitted a semi-automatic and highly accurate phenotype classification of DDR2-deficient compared to C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Even heterozygous DDR2 mice with only subtle phenotypic alterations were correctly determined by fpVCT imaging and identified as a new class. In addition, we successfully applied the algorithm to classify knockout mice lacking the DDR1 gene with no apparent skull deformities. Thus, this new method seems to be a potential tool to identify novel mouse phenotypes with skull changes from transgenic and knockout mice on the basis of random mutagenesis as well as from genetic models. However for this purpose, new neuronal networks have to be created and trained. In summary, the combination of fpVCT images with artificial neuronal networks provides a reliable, novel method for rapid, cost-effective, and noninvasive primary screening tool to detect skeletal phenotypes in mice

Plasma concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and body composition from mid-childhood to early adolescence

BACKGROUND • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may alter body composition by lowering anabolic hormones and increasing inflammation. Prior studies have found positive, inverse, and null associations of PFAS concentrations with adiposity among children and adolescents. Few studies have examined associations of PFAS concentrations with changes in body composition longitudinally. No study has examined the association of PFAS plasma concentrations with lean mass.https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/lambrew-retreat-2021/1038/thumbnail.jp

A High Fat Diet Increases Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue (MAT) But Does Not Alter Trabecular or Cortical Bone Mass in C57BL/6J Mice

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111767/1/jcp24954.pd