A connection between the morphology of the X-ray emission and rotation for solar-type stars in open clusters

It is suggested that the three-segmented morphology of the soft X-ray emission from cluster and field stars may be understood in terms of the recent classification of rotating stars into three kinds: those lying on the convective sequence, on the interface sequence, or in the gap between them.Comment: 7 pages, 1 (color) figure, accepted by ApJ Letter

The Contribution of Thalamocortical Core and Matrix Pathways to Sleep Spindles.

Sleep spindles arise from the interaction of thalamic and cortical neurons. Neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) inhibit thalamocortical neurons, which in turn excite the TRN and cortical neurons. A fundamental principle of anatomical organization of the thalamocortical projections is the presence of two pathways: the diffuse matrix pathway and the spatially selective core pathway. Cortical layers are differentially targeted by these two pathways with matrix projections synapsing in superficial layers and core projections impinging on middle layers. Based on this anatomical observation, we propose that spindles can be classified into two classes, those arising from the core pathway and those arising from the matrix pathway, although this does not exclude the fact that some spindles might combine both pathways at the same time. We find evidence for this hypothesis in EEG/MEG studies, intracranial recordings, and computational models that incorporate this difference. This distinction will prove useful in accounting for the multiple functions attributed to spindles, in that spindles of different types might act on local and widespread spatial scales. Because spindle mechanisms are often hijacked in epilepsy and schizophrenia, the classification proposed in this review might provide valuable information in defining which pathways have gone awry in these neurological disorders

Delay Differential Analysis of Seizures in Multichannel Electrocorticography Data

High-density electrocorticogram (ECoG) electrodes are capable of recording neurophysiological data with high temporal resolution with wide spatial coverage. These recordings are a window to understanding how the human brain processes information and subsequently behaves in healthy and pathologic states. Here, we describe and implement delay differential analysis (DDA) for the characterization of ECoG data obtained from human patients with intractable epilepsy. DDA is a time-domain analysis framework based on embedding theory in nonlinear dynamics that reveals the nonlinear invariant properties of an unknown dynamical system. The DDA embedding serves as a low-dimensional nonlinear dynamical basis onto which the data are mapped. This greatly reduces the risk of overfitting and improves the method's ability to fit classes of data. Since the basis is built on the dynamical structure of the data, preprocessing of the data (e.g., filtering) is not necessary. We performed a large-scale search for a DDA model that best fit ECoG recordings using a genetic algorithm to qualitatively discriminate between different cortical states and epileptic events for a set of 13 patients. A single DDA model with only three polynomial terms was identified. Singular value decomposition across the feature space of the model revealed both global and local dynamics that could differentiate electrographic and electroclinical seizures and provided insights into highly localized seizure onsets and diffuse seizure terminations. Other common ECoG features such as interictal periods, artifacts, and exogenous stimuli were also analyzed with DDA. This novel framework for signal processing of seizure information demonstrates an ability to reveal unique characteristics of the underlying dynamics of the seizure and may be useful in better understanding, detecting, and maybe even predicting seizures

GBM radiosensitizers: dead in the water…or just the beginning?

The finding that most GBMs recur either near or within the primary site after radiotherapy has fueled great interest in the development of radiosensitizers to enhance local control. Unfortunately, decades of clinical trials testing a wide range of novel therapeutic approaches have failed to yield any clinically viable radiosensitizers. However, many of  the previous radiosensitizing strategies were not based on clear pre-clinical evidence, and in many cases blood-barrier penetration was not considered. Furthermore, DNA repair inhibitors have only recenly arrived in the clinic, and likely represent potent agents for glioma radiosensitization. Here, we present recent progress in the use of small molecule DNA damage response inhibitors as GBM radiosensitizers. In addition, we discuss the latest progress in targeting hypoxia and oxidative stress for GBM radiosensitization

To treat or not to treat: the evolution of wastewater treatment management approaches

2018 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.The research presented in this thesis focuses on wastewater management practices to further the understanding of the evolution of wastewater treatment approaches. Within this thesis, wastewater treatment technologies and processes are categorized into four groups: dilution dependent, conventional, alternative, and emerging. The evolution of wastewater treatment technologies is initiated with initial investment by a society to self-organize; transformed when there are alterations in the way the society lives, primarily considering the urbanization and industrialization of societies; and satisfied when the society has incorporated sustainable practices that can ensure water security for future generations. The motivation of this research is to interpret how the concept of conventional wastewater treatment can be driven to encompass more sustainable approaches in both the developed and developing world. In order to facilitate understanding of this, we aim to address the following: what wastewater technologies are available and how practical are they?, what are some significant drivers that have driven the evolution of wastewater treatment up till now?, how do institutional arrangements affect implementation of technologies?, and how does public perception play a role in the adoption or repudiation of wastewater treatment technologies? To investigate these questions, South Africa and the United States were used as primary case studies. There is an abundance of technologies used in the field of wastewater treatment; however, the resources (natural, financial, and technical) of a society will determine the practicality of implementing certain technologies. The major drivers that lead to the transformation of treatment technologies include the following: population growth and urbanization, public health initiatives, actions to prevent the degradation of the natural environment, capacity building within institutional arrangements such as societal organization and regulation, concerns of climate change, objectives to minimize conflict, the demand on water from energy and food sectors, and social perception of science. In the United States, "conventional" technologies have been pushed to encompass secondary treatment standards for point source wastewater through policy measures. South Africa, due to its historical Apartheid era, has an additional layer of water management methods that pertains to the access to sanitation services as a human right. In both countries, development of industry has been clashing with preserving the environment and protecting public health. Sustainable, emerging technologies are trying to harmonize economic growth and environmental conservation by treating wastewater as a feed of resources to be recovered. In the exploratory Wastewater Treatment Survey presented in this thesis, responses from 655 U.S. participants were analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of surveys to produce social perception data for water managers. From the survey, it was observed that over 35% of U.S. participants were not at all likely or not so likely able to explain what happens to their wastewater. Even within the STEM field respondents, 30% were unsure what happens to their wastewater. This exemplifies a wide gap in the link between humans and their waste disposal. Of the 655 U.S. respondents, over 90% were moderately to extremely concerned about water pollution. A higher level of concern for wastewater pollution was also correlated with people who believed they had a better understanding of wastewater treatment. Those who were more concerned about water pollution were also more likely to get involved in water resources management activities. The respondents chose protecting public health and the integrity of the environment as the two main reasons why wastewater treatment is necessary. Of the U.S. respondents, around three-quarters of the participants believe that no longer can dilution be treated as the solution to pollution with the majority of the other participants believing that it may only be conditionally sufficient. Many alternative and emerging technologies are being heavily scrutinized by the public. Public buy-in is necessary to transform the wastewater field and will only be accomplished when societal perception and wastewater treatment technologies are linked. From the survey data, almost 60% of the U.S. participants were willing to increase a utility bill by at least 3 additional USD to pay for improvements in their wastewater treatment plant's treatment capabilities whereas only 46% were willing to pay at least 3 additional USD for improvements in their wastewater treatment plant's energy efficiency. In the real world, these improvements for a treatment plant may not be mutually exclusive; however, this type of information may help a water manager build public buy-in for the project. Only 14.35% of U.S. respondents were completely willing to drink direct potable reuse water, with an additional 22.29% very willing to drink it

Love\u27s Pleading : Ballad

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/4889/thumbnail.jp

Johnny-Jump-Ups

People holding hands in a circle around a large floral arrangementhttps://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/cht-sheet-music/13764/thumbnail.jp

Diabetes Care and the College Student

The focus of this project was to understand diabetes care as it relates to college students. Diabetes is a disease that affects a person’s daily life in immense ways and can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. College can be a difficult period of transition for students as they encounter new experiences and develop new routines. It is the first time in many individuals’ lives that they are learning how to live independently, away from their comfortable support systems. Being in a new environment is challenging, and it is especially notable as to how it can affect a person’s health. In this project, a survey was sent to college students regarding different aspect of diabetes care. The overall result was that diabetes is an individualized disease, which can cause each student to be struggling with something different related to diabetes care. There are both challenges and rewards to having diabetes. To promote health, students should be aware of all the resources and support available for them. This Honors Project resulted in the creation of a pamphlet that encompasses all the resources available that address the numerous challenges of dealing with diabetes and college life, all in one place