Emission Dependence on Guest Molecule Structure in Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks Doped with Polypyridyl Osmium Complexes

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are compounds made of a metal center coordinated with organic molecules. They form porous, 3-D, lattice-like structures that may store small molecules and can be used in analytical sensing through luminescence. Transition metal complexes (TMCs) can be incorporated into the MOF scaffold to create luminescent MOFs (LMOFs). The Zn3(bpdc)6(bpy)2 MOF, (bpdc = biphenyldicarboxylic acid, bpy = 4,4- bipyridine), has been doped previously with [Os(CO)2Cl2(dcphen)]. The produced LMOF exhibited unique fluorescence response in alcohols. A metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) peak from the osmium TMC in the 550-600 nm range which is observed in the activated MOF and in nonpolar solvents, is not observed when the LMOF is soaked in polar solvents. Reproducibility tests were performed for the Zn3(bpdc)6(bpy)2 MOF and LMOF. It was found through these tests and by ICP-OES analysis that variability between samples in the intensity of the MLCT peak is caused by variability in the amount of TMC incorporated into the MOF scaffold. Tests in ethanol and toluene mixtures also suggest that the shutdown of the MLCT peak occurs because ethanol destabilizes the excited states of the TMC. The unique response in polar solvent was also believed to relate to pore size, and to ethanol interacting with itself within the pores and not the osmium complex. This hypothesis was investigated by replacing bpy in the MOF scaffold with linkers of varying lengths to achieve differing pore sizes: pyrazine, DABCO, and bipyridylethylene. Of these, only the Zn LMOF with DABCO linkers showed the same response in polar solvent. This supports the dependence of the response in polar solvents on pore size. Doping of the analogous [Co3(bpdc)3(bpy)]·4 DMF·H2O MOF with [Os(CO)2Cl2(dcphen)] was attempted to gain insight into the effect of the metal center, but doping proved unsuccessful

Singing in the beginning band classroom

The purpose of this action research study is to explore the impact vocal activities have on fourth and fifth grade beginning band students and how their perspective might change throughout instruction. The participants\u27 experience with vocal activities in the beginning instrumental classroom will shape their perspective. The following research questions guide this study: In what ways do vocal activities in the beginning instrumental classroom influence student knowledge of repertoire? In what way do vocal activities boost student confidence in the beginning instrumental classroom? What aspects of vocal activities encourage or discourage students from participating in the beginning instrumental classroom? Data was collected through participant responses on pre- and post-surveys. Observational data was also taken from the perspective of the teacher to gather information on rehearsal activities, participant reactions, and comments from participants throughout the study. Findings presented here provide insight into student perspective on singing in the band classroom and singing activities that can be implemented into the instrumental classroom. Findings indicate that the participants enjoyed most singing activities used in the band classroom and found them useful in their musical growth. Students desire an atmosphere of support in order for them to develop self-confidence and musicianship skills. Research into this topic is significant as we push to break the narrative of the band classroom and help more band directors become comfortable with vocal activities and using singing to benefit students’ musical abilities

Fatigue-inducing stimulation resolves myotonia in a drug-induced model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Slowed muscle relaxation is the contractile hallmark of myotonia congenita, a disease caused by genetic CLC-1 chloride channel deficiency, which improves with antecedent brief contractions ("warm-up phenomenon"). It is unclear to what extent the myotonia continues to dissipate during continued repetitive contractions and how this relates temporally to muscle fatigue. Diaphragm, EDL, and soleus muscles were examined in vitro during repetitive 20 Hz and 50 Hz train stimulation in a drug-induced (9-AC) rat myotonia model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>At the onset of stimulation, 9-AC treated diaphragm and EDL muscle had markedly prolonged half relaxation and late relaxation times (range 147 to 884 ms, 894 to 1324 ms). Half relaxation and late relaxation times reached near-normal values over the 5-10 and 10-40 subsequent contractions, respectively. In both muscles myotonia declined faster during repetitive 50 Hz than 20 Hz stimulation, and much faster than the rate of force loss during fatigue at both frequencies. Soleus muscle was resistant to the myotonic effects of 9-AC.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In a drug-induced model of mechanical myotonia, fatigue-inducing stimulation resolves the myotonia, which furthermore appears to be independent from the development of muscle fatigue.</p

Projecting the COVID-19 Weekly Deaths and Hospitalizations for Jefferson County, Kentucky

Introduction: The trends in the numbers of active hospitalizations and fatalities caused by the COVID-19 in Jefferson County, Kentucky, were projected over the period May 7 to August 20, 2020. Methods: The projections provided in this report are from a susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) model. The model was calibrated using the COVID-19 transmission dynamics parameters from relevant literature and clinical dynamics parameters from the county’s data. The model was used for measuring the impact of public health policy interventions designed to contain the infection. The policy was modeled by its intervention day and impact on the transmission of the virus such that the resulted fatalities resembled those observed in Jefferson County. Results: By May 6, 2020, there were 1,557 cases and 109 COVID-19 deaths in Jefferson County. The average age of deceased individuals was 76.5 years―76% of them had a previous medical condition, and 28% were African American. Among the hospitalized, 53% were admitted to the ICU, and 43% used a ventilator. The model’s status quo scenario, which produced the observed fatalities in the county, was identified assuming that the transmission of the virus was reduced by 70% with a policy intervention on April 7. Projections based on the status quo showed 91 active hospitalizations and 147 total fatalities, on average, on May 14. By June 4, the average number of active hospitalizations were projected to decrease to 61, but total fatalities to increase to 195, assuming a 70% reduction in transmission of the virus was maintained since the implementation of the policy intervention. By late August, the average number of active hospitalizations and total fatalities were projected to be 12 and 269, respectively. Conclusion: Had the county practiced weaker containment strategies, it would have been on an upward path with increased hospitalization and fatality trends. Therefore, decreasing the current social distancing measures without efforts regarding testing, isolating, and contact tracing can move the county to an unstable status. Had Jefferson County practiced stronger containment strategies, it could more safely plan open in early June. Still taking newer and even more effective measures can make a manageable early-June opening more likely

How Birds Combat Ectoparasites

Birds are plagued by an impressive diversity of ectoparasites, ranging from feather-feeding lice, to feather-degrading bacteria. Many of these ectoparasites have severe negative effects on host fitness. It is therefore not surprising that selection on birds has favored a variety of possible adaptations for dealing with ectoparasites. The functional significance of some of these defenses has been well documented. Others have barely been studied, much less tested rigorously. In this article we review the evidence--or lack thereof--for many of the purported mechanisms birds have for dealing with ectoparasites. We concentrate on features of the plumage and its components, as well as anti-parasite behaviors. In some cases, we present original data from our own recent work. We make recommendations for future studies that could improve our understanding of this poorly known aspect of avian biology

Suicide and Homicide More Common with Limited Urban Tree Canopy Cover

Distribution of urban tree canopies is generally not uniform. Multiple variables have been shown to be associated with tree canopy cover, including violence, health, and general well-being. Herein we examine the relationship of tree cover with intentional deaths. Suicide, homicide, and tree cover data were examined by ZIP code for Louisville, a mid-sized city in Kentucky. Relationship between intentional death (suicide and homicide) and tree cover was examined with Poisson regression analysis. In both univariate and multivariate models, suicides (P \u3c 0.0001 and P = 0.0005), homicides (P \u3c 0.0001 and P = 0.03), and combination (P = 0.0541) were negatively associated with tree cover. In this exploratory study we have found that sparse canopy cover is associated with higher rates of intentional human death (both suicides and homicides). Given that suicides and homicides are relatively rare occurrences, these data suggest that larger samples be examined to confirm the relationship between intentional death and canopy cover

Clean delivery practices in rural northern Ghana: a qualitative study of community and provider knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs

Abstract Background Knowledge, attitudes and practices of community members and healthcare providers in rural northern Ghana regarding clean delivery are not well understood. This study explores hand washing/use of gloves during delivery, delivering on a clean surface, sterile cord cutting, appropriate cord tying, proper cord care following delivery, and infant bathing and cleanliness. Methods In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo 9.0. Results 253 respondents participated, including women with newborn infants, grandmothers, household and compound heads, community leaders, traditional birth attendants, and formally trained health care providers. There is widespread understanding of the need for clean delivery to reduce the risk of infection to both mothers and their babies during and shortly after delivery. Despite this understanding, the use of gloves during delivery and hand washing during and after delivery were mentioned infrequently. The need for a clean delivery surface was raised repeatedly, including explicit discussion of avoiding delivering in the dirt. Many activities to do with cord care involved non-sterile materials and practices: 1) Cord cutting was done with a variety of tools, and the most commonly used were razor blades or scissors; 2) Cord tying utilized a variety of materials, including string, rope, thread, twigs, and clamps; and 3) Cord care often involved applying traditional salves to the cord - including shea butter, ground shea nuts, local herbs, local oil, or “red earth sand.” Keeping babies and their surroundings clean was mentioned repeatedly as an important way to keep babies from falling ill. Conclusions This study suggests a widespread understanding in rural northern Ghana of the need for clean delivery. Nonetheless, many recommended clean delivery practices are ignored. Overarching themes emerging from this study included the increasing use of facility-based delivery, the disconnect between healthcare providers and the community, and the critical role grandmothers play in ensuring clean delivery practices. Future interventions to address clean delivery and prevention of neonatal infections include educating healthcare providers about harmful traditional practices so they are specifically addressed, strengthening facilities, and incorporating influential community members such as grandmothers to ensure success.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/112409/1/12884_2011_Article_543.pd

Prosthetic Knee for CURE Kenya: Design and Manufacturing

The Prosthetic Knee team is partnered with the CURE International Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. In the region surrounding our client’s facility, there is a large number of lower-extremity amputations due to various infections and diseases. Often, these patients choose to undergo a more invasive transfemoral amputation to enable them to use a less expensive above-knee prosthesis. The goal of the project is to present the orthopedic workshop at CURE with a manufacturable prosthetic knee design in May of 2023 that provides through-knee amputee patients with a more affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and lightweight prosthetic option, thereby removing the need to undergo an additional amputation above the knee. The poster presents the overarching elements of the prosthetic design in addition to the recently integrated locking and damping components, which aid in the functionality of the knee. Funding for this work provided by The Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research.https://mosaic.messiah.edu/engr2022/1013/thumbnail.jp

The Perceived Impact of Prior Research Experience in Global Health on Residency Choice and Career Decisions among US Interns

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/94436/1/the_perceived_impact_of_prior_research_experience_in_global_health_on_residency_choice_and_career_decisions_among_US_interns.pd