Vocational interest profiles: profile replicability and relations with the STEM major choice and the Big-Five

Normative circular and dimensional models are the dominant structures for the organization of vocational interests in the scientific literature. However, it is increasingly recognized that not all individuals' interest configurations can be adequately represented by normative models. Adopting a person-centered, multidimensional perspective on vocational interests, the current study seeks to identify distinct profiles of interests based on RIASEC data that integrate interest configurations that align with and deviate from normal circular and dimensional structures. We also test the replicability of the profile structure, examine the likelihood of STEM degree choice as a function of profile membership, and investigate core personality predictors of interest profile membership. Latent profile analyses revealed six profiles of vocational interests, representing distinct combinations of the RIASEC interests (i.e., social-dominant, disinterested, high realistic-dominant, investigative-dominant, ambivalent, and conventional-dominant), which replicated entirely across independent subsamples. Furthermore, the profiles differed on the likelihood of STEM degree choice, with the conventional-dominant profile evincing the highest probability of choice and the social-dominant profile evincing the lowest probability of choice. Finally, results revealed that the Big-Five personality traits were differentially related to interest profile membership, largely in line with vocational interest theory. The present findings constitute novel evidence that a person-centered framework for the representation of interest configurations can accommodate both people's adherence to and deviations from normative structures for the organization of interests. The findings also underpin the use of all available interest information on individuals, rather than reliance on the two or three highest interest dimensions, to inform educational and vocational decision-making

Smad and p38 MAP kinase-mediated signaling of proteoglycan synthesis in vascular smooth muscle

Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathological process of most cardiovascular disease. A critical component of the "response to retention" hypothesis of atherogenesis is proteoglycan/low density lipoprotein (LDL) binding. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is present in atherosclerotic lesions, regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proteoglycan synthesis via an unknown signaling pathway, and increases proteoglycan/LDL binding. This pathway was investigated using the activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) inhibitor SB431542 and inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase as a possible downstream or alternative mediator. TGF-β stimulated and SB431542 inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. In human VSMC, TGF-β increased [ 35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans associated with a 19% increase in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain size by size exclusion chromatography. SB431542 caused a concentration-dependent decrease in TGF-β-mediated [ 35S]sulfate incorporation with 92% inhibition at 3 μM. Two different p38 MAP kinase inhibitors, SB203580 and SB202190, but not the inactive analogue SB202474, concentration dependently blocked TGF-β-mediated [ 35S]sulfate incorporation. TGF-β increased [ 3H]glucosamine incorporation into glycosaminoglycans by 180% and [ 35S]Met/Cys incorporation into proteoglycan core proteins by 35% with both effects completely inhibited by SB431542. Blocking both Smad2/3 and p38 MAP kinase pathways prevented the effect of TGF-β to increase proteoglycan to LDL binding. TGF-β mediates its effects on proteoglycan synthesis in VSMCs via the ALK5/Smad2/3 phosphorylation pathway as well as via the p38 MAP kinase signaling cascade. Further studies of downstream pathways controlling proteoglycan synthesis may identify potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease

Relations among math self-efficacy, interest, intentions, and achievement: a social cognitive perspective

Drawing on social cognitive perspectives, the present study examined an integrative model of the interplay among math self-efficacy, interests, aspirations, and achievement among early and middle adolescents. Based on short-term longitudinal data from approximately 400 students, analyses using fully latent structural equation analyses, establishing requisite levels of longitudinal invariance, revealed that (a) math self-efficacy positively predicted math achievement using both class grades and standardized test score operationalizations; (b) prior math achievement positively predicted basal levels of math self-efficacy but not changes in self-efficacy; (c) math interest and intentions were reciprocally linked over time; and (d) prior math interest positively predicted subsequent math self-efficacy whereas the opposite was not true. Notably, all effects were observed while accounting for prior variance in outcomes as well as the effects of known covariates. The current findings contribute to understandings of the motivational processes involved in math achievement and choosing educational pathways, and suggest that multidimensional interventions may be most profitable if both achievement and selection outcomes are at stake

Magnetars as Astrophysical Laboratories of Extreme Quantum Electrodynamics: The Case for a Compton Telescope

A next generation of Compton and pair telescopes that improve MeV-band detection sensitivity by more than a decade beyond current instrumental capabilities will open up new insights into a variety of astrophysical source classes. Among these are magnetars, the most highly magnetic of the neutron star zoo, which will serve as a prime science target for a new mission surveying the MeV window. This paper outlines the core questions pertaining to magnetars that can be addressed by such a technology. These range from global magnetar geometry and population trends, to incisive probes of hard X-ray emission locales, to providing cosmic laboratories for spectral and polarimetric testing of exotic predictions of QED, principally the prediction of the splitting of photons and magnetic pair creation. Such fundamental physics cannot yet be discerned in terrestrial experiments. State of the art modeling of the persistent hard X-ray tail emission in magnetars is presented to outline the case for powerful diagnostics using Compton polarimeters. The case highlights an inter-disciplinary opportunity to seed discovery at the interface between astronomy and physics.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, Astro2020 Science White Paper submitted to the National Academies of Science

Fabrication of scalable and structured tissue engineering scaffolds using water dissolvable sacrificial 3D printed moulds

One of the major challenges in producing large scale engineered tissue is the lack of ability to create large highly perfused scaffolds in which cells can grow at a high cell density and viability. Here, we explore 3D printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a sacrificial mould in a polymer casting process. The PVA mould network defines the channels and is dissolved after curing the polymer casted around it. The printing parameters determined the PVA filament density in the sacrificial structure and this density resulted in different stiffness of the corresponding elastomer replica. It was possible to achieve 80% porosity corresponding to about 150 cm2/cm3 surface to volume ratio. The process is easily scalable as demonstrated by fabricating a 75 cm3 scaffold with about 16,000 interconnected channels (about 1 m2 surface area) and with a channel to channel distance of only 78 μm. To our knowledge this is the largest scaffold ever to be produced with such small feature sizes and with so many structuredchannels. The fabricated scaffoldswere applied for in-vitro culturing of hepatocytes over a 12-day culture period. Smaller scaffolds (6× 4mm) were tested for cell culturing and could support homogeneous cell growth throughoutthe scaffold. Presumably, the diffusion of oxygen and nutrient throughout the channel network is rapid enough to support cell growth. In conclusion, the described process is scalable, compatible with cell culture, rapid, and inexpensive

Where have all the diagnostic morphological parasitologists gone?

Advances in laboratory techniques have revolutionized parasitology diagnostics over the past several decades. Widespread implementation of rapid antigen detection tests has greatly expanded access to tests for global parasitic threats such as malaria, while next-generation amplification and sequencing methods allow for sensitive and specific detection of human and animal parasites in complex specimen matrices. Recently, the introduction of multiplex panels for human gastrointestinal infections has enhanced the identification of common intestinal protozoa in feces along with bacterial and viral pathogens. Despite the benefits provided by novel diagnostics, increased reliance on nonmicroscopy-based methods has contributed to the progressive, widespread loss of morphology expertise for parasite identification. Loss of microscopy and morphology skills has the potential to negatively impact patient care, public health, and epidemiology. Molecular- and antigen-based diagnostics are not available for all parasites and may not be suitable for all specimen types and clinical settings. Furthermore, inadequate morphology experience may lead to missed and inaccurate diagnoses and erroneous descriptions of new human parasitic diseases. This commentary highlights the need to maintain expert microscopy and morphological parasitology diagnostic skills within the medical and scientific community. We proposed that light microscopy remains an important part of training and practice in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases and that efforts should be made to train the next generation of morphological parasitologists before the requisite knowledge, skills, and capacity for this complex and important mode of diagnosis are lost. In summary, the widespread, progressive loss of morphology expertise for parasite identification negatively impacts patient care, public health, and epidemiology. © 2022 American Society for Microbiology

A Short-Term Physical Activity Randomized Trial in the Lower Mississippi Delta

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine if a short-term pedometer-based intervention results in immediate increases in time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to a minimal educational intervention. Methods: A sample of 43 overweight adults 35 to 64 years of age participated in a one week pedometer-based feasibility trial monitored by accelerometry. Participants were randomized into a one-week education-only group or a group that also wore a pedometer. Accelerometer-measured MVPA was measured over 7 days at baseline and again for 7 days immediately post-intervention. Results: Minutes of MVPA increased significantly in the overall sample (p = 0.02); however, the effect of adding the pedometer to the education program was not significant (p = 0.89). Mean (6SE) MVPA increased from 12.762.4 min/day to 16.263.6 min/day in the education-only group and from 13.263.3 min/day to 16.363.9 min/day in the education+pedometer group. The correlation between change in steps/day and change in MVPA was 0.69 (p,0.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the addition of a pedometer to a short-term education program doe

Fluorocarbon adsorption in hierarchical porous frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks comprise an important class of solid-state materials and have potential for many emerging applications such as energy storage, separation, catalysis and bio-medical. Here we report the adsorption behaviour of a series of fluorocarbon derivatives on a set of microporous and hierarchical mesoporous frameworks. The microporous frameworks show a saturation uptake capacity for dichlorodifluoromethane of >4 mmol g-1 at a very low relative saturation pressure (P/Po) of 0.02. In contrast, the mesoporous framework shows an exceptionally high uptake capacity reaching >14 mmol g-1 at P/Poof 0.4. Adsorption affinity in terms of mass loading and isosteric heats of adsorption is found to generally correlate with the polarizability and boiling point of the refrigerant, with dichlorodifluoromethane > chlorodifluoromethane > chlorotrifluoromethane > tetrafluoromethane > methane. These results suggest the possibility of exploiting these sorbents for separation of azeotropic mixtures of fluorocarbons and use in eco-friendly fluorocarbon-based adsorption cooling