Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: An interdisciplinary debate is currently taking shape regarding the usefulness of pan-ethnic identities; scholars in the field of Political Science as well as fields focused on the study of people of color such as Black Studies, Latino/Chicano Studies, and/or Asian Studies are involved. They are asking and responding to questions surrounding the value of this type of ethnic self-identification. Whereas it is clear that there is evidence supporting the arguments for as well as against encouraging pan-ethnic identifiers, prior research has shown that a small number of Latino/as in the United States choose pan-ethnic identifiers such as Latino, Hispano, or Hispanic to classify their ethnic identity. This pan-ethnic identity has been named latinidad. While this paper forgoes the debate concerning the value of latinidad, it does ask questions about this group that represents approximately 34% of Latina/o respondents of the National Latino Political Survey (NLPS): do they comprise a politically, socially, or economically distinctive sub-group within the Latino population? If so, what specific characteristics or variables set them apart? Does the use of latinidad have significant political implications?

Publication Type: Poster
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Abstract
Over the past four decades considerable research has been conducted in animal stem cell identification. In 1998, the attention shifted to the identification of human embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Research scientists from UK, USA and Korea used different methods like fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and flow cytometry with a blue laser to isolate the different markers associated with different embryonic and human cells. Over the years the need to properly identify these stem cells while they differentiate into specific cell characteristics is increasing, but there is an urgent need to overcome the hurdles and pitfalls of improper identification that may result in tumorous results. We propose a method that employs Wavelet Transform Signal Processing methods to increase the accuracy in identification of stem cells using near infrared (NIR) cameras. Markers corresponding to different proteins that generate unique spectral characteristics are more accurately identified with this novel system. With this new system medical researchers can now use precise information to seed a fully cultivated set of stem cells in appropriate human organs to cure dreaded diseases like Parkinson’s, diabetes, coronary arterial damage of the heart and cancer. The entire system is combined into a hardware and software system that will ultimately create a system called as Identification of Human Embryonic Stem Cell using Signal Characteristic Analysis with the acronym of hE[SC]2AN. It is imperative to note that this project does not delve with the growing of cell cultures or reinventing the biological process of differentiation of stem cells. The proposal system serves as a tool for accurate identification of stem cell markers using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Recent exercises to evaluate our techniques have revealed the success of our imaging techniques for differentiating stem cells as discussed in the sequel. Also recently researchers from UCLA, UC Davis have developed a superior near infrared-emitting quantum dots technique for in vivo imaging and have been working with research collaborators at Stanford University to perform in vivo imaging with these probes in mice. Their technique uses NIR methods which is also the basis for this methodology.

Advanced Bio-Instrumentation to Identify and Isolate Stem-Cell Lineages
Stem cells have unique developmental properties that make them critical for new cell-based therapies involving transplantation needed to treat degenerative and genetic diseases like Parkinson, cardiac disorders and cancers. Stem cells can be isolated from different embryonic and adult tissue sources and different cell and molecular factors have been used to produce different cell types. Current efforts are focused on characterization of cells at different times during differentiation, identifying different regulatory factors responsible for expression of different cell populations and developing methods and instrumentation to identify and subsequently isolate specific cells. The proposed research addresses the need for improved bio-instrumentation that can be used to both analyze and manipulate human stem cell populations for treating patients with a wide range of clinical diseases. Recently, there has been a remarkable advance in research focused on understanding how different cell and molecular factors control proliferation and differentiation of embryonic and adult human stem cells. However, it is critical that we also develop new imaging, detection, identification, sorting and processing technologies specifically for human stem cell populations before clinical therapy can be successful. Among the most common methods for identifying stem cells are indirect procedures which are inefficient, time consuming and not very sensitive. They rely on analyzing cell progeny after the differentiation of the stem cell lineages. The problem is that cells are often phenotypically unstable and expression is transient under different growth conditions. The development and application of powerful new imaging methods has become essential to identifying specific cell types appearing during differentiation. Our approach is to apply near infrared (NIR) imaging employing Wavelet Transform Signal Processing methods to increase signal strength and accuracy. The advantages of this method are the following:

– Greater signal to noise ratio: Use of novel dyes for labels that do not overlap spectrally with visible dyes Very low autofluorescence/background Low energy excitation wavelengths cause less damage than visible dyes The proposed work plan involves designing and constructing an imaging system using the SC 6000 NIR camera system coupled to an image processor to collect digital images of fluorescently labeled human mesenchymal stem cell lineages at different stages during differentiation. Images will be processed and stored in a database which can be evaluated with new signal processing protocols using Wavelet Transform methodology to resolve small differences between phenotypes of cells. Our rationale is that new sensitive imaging bioinstrumentation coupled with knowledge about expression of lineage specific biomarkers can be used for the exact identification, purification and processing of specific cell populations. We hypothesize that this approach can increase the yield of specific stem cells for transplantation and decrease contamination by other cell types, especially oncogenic lineages. We believe it is critical that the development of advanced instrumentation for identifying/isolating cells proceed pari passu with the methods to grow cells and characterize different regulatory factors. We will be testing multiple fluorescent labels to increase quantum yield and improve imaging sensitivity in combination with different biomarkers to enhance cell identification so specific cell populations can be discriminated during growth in culture.

References
[1] “Autocrine growth of small cell lung cancer mediated by coexpression of c-kit and stem cell factor”, GW Krystal, SJ Hines and CP Organ Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
[2] “Novel Stem Cell Technology Leads To Better Spinal Cord Repair”, University of Rochester Medical Center report - The University of Rochester Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, collaborated on the work, April, 2006 issue of the Journal of Biology.
[3] Cells discovered at MIT may play role in lung cancer, June 29, 2005, article published and researched on Internet.
[4] Hemchandra Shertukde, “Near Infra Red Imaging using state-of-the art cameras and Wavelet Transform tracker for Embryonic Stem Cell Identification.” Proceedings, workshop on FLIR applications at the Inframation Exposition, Las Vegas, NV, October, 2006.
[5] H. Shertukde, ‘Signal Processing Tools for Identification of hESC’, Mini Symposium on Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Its impact on the State of Connecticut, UT 320, CETA, UHART, March 17, 2006.
[6] Mills, E., LaMonica, K., Hong, T., Pagliaruli, T., Mulrooney, J. and Grabel, L. “Roles for Rho/Rock and vinculin in parietal endoderm migration. Cell Communication and Adhesion. (in press)
[7] Hemchandra Shertukde, Rekha Shertukde, Karan Shertukde “Near Infra Red Imaging using state-of-the art cameras and Wavelet Transform tracker for Embryonic Stem Cell Identification.” Proceedings, Ist CT Symposium on Stem-cell research, Farmington, CT, September 17, 2008

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: From the founding of the U.S. Constitution to recent scandals and terrorist attacks, anonymous communication has been an issue of longstanding social import. Although anonymity has been studied for well over a century, scholarship on anonymous communication has been fragmented and the role of message receivers has been largely overlooked. A theoretical model is developed in this manuscript explaining receiver responses to anonymous communication. The context of the communication, the degree to which the source is perceived anonymous, the receiver’s desire to identify the source and potential ability to determine the source’s identify are posited to impact attempts at identifying (or further anonymizing) the source as well as perceptions of the source, message and medium. The manuscript concludes by identifying instances where anonymity may be particularly beneficial or problematic for message receivers and offering directions for future research.

Publication Type: Roundtable
Abstract: As online education increasingly characterizes standard practice in the 21st century educators must come to understand how to identify and measure online dispositions-related practices.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Internet predators are finding new ways every day to prey on the vulnerabilities of youth in chat rooms and lure them into sexual activities. This study will examine chat room transcripts between adult predators and adult volunteers of the group “Perverted Justice” posing as youth. The method of content analysis will be used to interpret the underlying meanings behind the words and actions of the predators and how they affect potential victims. The purpose of this study is to not only encourage further research in a field with too few studies, but to make others aware of the predators searching for children on the Internet and their methods of seduction