Digital Commons Network^™

Domain Rearrangement And Denaturation In Ebola Virus Protein Vp40, Rudramani Pokhrel, Pornthep Sompornpisut, Prem Chapagain, Brian Olson, Bernard Gertsman, Ras B. Pandey

Faculty Publications

The VP40 protein plays a critical role in coordinating the virion assembly, budding, and replication of the Ebola virus. Efforts have been made in recent years to understand various aspects of VP40 structure, dynamics, and function such as assembly of the protein and its roles in virus replication and penetration of the protein into the plasma membrane. A major conformational transformation is necessary for VP40 to form some of its oligomeric structures and to perform various functions. This conformational change from a compact structure with the N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) closely associated involves a dissociation or springing-out …

Differential Expression Of Genes Related To Innate Immune Responses In Ex Vivo Spinal Cord And Cerebellar Slice Cultures Infected With West Nile Virus, Parminder J.S. Vig, Deyin Lu, Amber M. Paul, Ram Kuwar, Maria Lopez, Dobrivoje S. Stokic, A. Arturo Leis, Michael R. Garrett, Fengwei Bai

Faculty Publications

West Nile virus (WNV) infection results in a spectrum of neurological symptoms, ranging from a benign fever to severe WNV neuroinvasive disease with high mortality. Many who recover from WNV neuroinvasive infection present with long-term deficits, including weakness, fatigue, and cognitive problems. While neurons are a main target of WNV, other cell types, especially astrocytes, play an important role in promoting WNV-mediated central nervous system (CNS) damage. Conversely, it has been shown that cultured primary astrocytes secrete high levels of interferons (IFNs) immediately after WNV exposure to protect neighboring astrocytes, as well as neurons. However, how intrinsic responses to WNV …

Conducting Synchronous Assessment Through Web Videoconference To Improve Online Learning: Case Outcomes With Nonparametric Analysis, Leping Liu, Li-Ting Chen

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Online assessment has always been a challenge to online teaching. Educators have been exploring a variety of methods to perform online assessment. However, it appears that there is not enough work in the field focusing on online synchronous assessment. This paper presents two cases that demonstrate the design and implementation of using web videoconference for synchronous assessment in an educational research methods online course and an instructional video production online course. The purpose of the two cases was to explore whether or with what methods student online learning could be improved through synchronous assessment. Case outcomes were analyzed with nonparametric …

A Pilot Study On Real-Time Monitoring Of Heart Rate And Movement Speed In Middle-Distance Race Of Physical Education Classes, Daqing Zhu, Xingui Zhang, Lanying Fu, Peiyong Wang, Shaohong Zhai

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

In Chinese universities, students need to participate in the middle-distance-race. Normally, female students are required to participate in the race of 800 meters, while male students are required to participate in the race of 1000 meters. However, it is difficult for teachers to grasp the real time information of students during the race. And there is a lack of timely communications between the teachers and students. Focusing on this issue, this study, with the use of POLAR heart rate sensor and other modern information technologies, expands the original function of the sensor to achieve a concurrent operation of detecting heart …

Faculty Senate Minutes - December 14, 2018, Usm Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Micrat: A Novel Algorithm For Inferring Gene Regulatory Networks Using Time Series Gene Expression Data, Bei Yang, Yaohui Xu, Andrew Maxwell, Wonryull Koh, Ping Gong, Chaoyang Zhang

Faculty Publications

Background: Reconstruction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs), also known as reverse engineering of GRNs, aims to infer the potential regulation relationships between genes. With the development of biotechnology, such as gene chip microarray and RNA-sequencing, the high-throughput data generated provide us with more opportunities to infer the gene-gene interaction relationships using gene expression data and hence understand the underlying mechanism of biological processes. Gene regulatory networks are known to exhibit a multiplicity of interaction mechanisms which include functional and non-functional, and linear and non-linear relationships. Meanwhile, the regulatory interactions between genes and gene products are not spontaneous since various …

Rhizosphere Microbial Communities Of Spartina Alternifloa And Juncus Roemerianus From Restored And Natural Tidal Marshes On Deer Island, Mississippi, Olga Mavrodi, Carina M. Jung, Jed O. Eberly, Samuel Hendry, Sanchirmaa Namijilsuren, Patrick D. Biber, Karl J. Indest, Dmitri V. Mavrodi

Faculty Publications

The U. S. Gulf of Mexico is experiencing a dramatic increase in tidal marsh restoration actions, which involves planting coastal areas with smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) for erosion control and to provide habitat for fish and wildlife. It can take decades for sedimentary cycles in restored marshes to approach reference conditions, and the contribution of the sediment microbial communities to these processes is poorly elucidated. In this study, we addressed this gap by comparing rhizosphere microbiomes of S. alterniflora and J. roemerianus from two restored marshes and a natural reference marsh located at Deer Island, …

Haiti And The Uses Of America: Post-U.S. Occupation Promises, By Chantalle F. Verna, Matthew Casey

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Elevating The Head Of Bed During Preoxygenation For Obese Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Clinical Policy Proposal, Brian F. Seymour Jr.

Doctoral Projects

Preoxygenation plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety for all patient populations, especially those considered clinically obese. The negative pathophysiological effects obesity has related to body habitus and respiratory mechanics increases the risk of unexpected adverse events. Obese patients encounter a 50% decrease in functional residual capacity (FRC) when undergoing general anesthesia. Dixon et al., (2005) addressed the link between efficient oxygenation and improving oxygen storage by lessening atelectasis and intrapulmonary shunting via preoxygenation in a more upright position. Can standardizing preoxygenation techniques among anesthesia providers improve patient safety and decrease hospital system’s risk by implementing an evidence-based clinical …

Drug Diversion Reporting And Response: A Policy Analysis, Lauren Roberts

Doctoral Projects

Despite the significant improvements made to address addiction and drug diversion by healthcare personnel, the issue continues to be problematic for most healthcare facilities. Current literature suggests that healthcare institutions incorporate early drug diversion and addiction education, implementation of effective policies and procedures, and continuous drug screening will strongly aid in decreasing the prevalence of drug diversion by healthcare providers.

Among all the different types of healthcare providers, anesthesia providers continue to be at a disproportionately higher risk for addiction and drug diversion when compared to other providers (AANA, 2016). The stress of a demanding profession, personality, and easy access …

Best Practice Policy Recommendation For Neuraxial Anesthesia Skin Antiseptic Solutions, Kyle Adams

Doctoral Projects

A clinical affiliate hospital in Mississippi lacked a best practice clinical policy regarding the most appropriate skin preparation solution to use prior to neuraxial anesthesia. The evidence showed that alcoholic chlorhexidine is the optimal solution due to advanced characteristics which help reduce infection. Reducing infections can potentially reduce further complications for the patient, hospitalization length, and cost. Also, chlorhexidine was found safe to use for neuraxial anesthesia if cross-contamination is avoided and adequate drying time is allowed. Lastly, alcoholic povidone-iodine is an appropriate alternate if 0.5% chlorhexidine is unavailable.

A best practice clinical policy was formulated and presented to a …

Following Epidural Pca Use, Do Obstetric Patients Feel Satisfied With Their Pain Control, James Mcrae

Doctoral Projects

ABSTRACT

Pain is a source of anxiety for many patients, and uncontrolled pain can have deleterious effects on patient outcomes (Patak et al., 2014). Pain associated with labor is a particular concern of obstetric patients. Epidural analgesia is currently the frontline treatment for pain associated with labor, with epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) often being utilized (Braveman, Scavone, Blessing, & Wong, 2013). Little evidence exists that details what factors of epidural PCA that patients considered important (Patak et al., 2014). In this project, a randomized questionnaire was administered to obstetric patients to assess satisfaction levels with their epidural PCA. The questionnaire …

Postoperative Pain In Instrumented Spinal Surgery: A Policy For Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Use, Clinton Whitley

Doctoral Projects

Instrumented multilevel spine surgery is associated with a large amount of opioid consumption, difficult mobilization, and significant pain in a population of patients who are predominantly already chronic pain sufferers (Mathiesen et al., 2013). The Health Resources and Services Administration (2018) recently claimed that our nation is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, with more than 115 opioid-related deaths occurring every year. As a result of this epidemic, many anesthesia providers have become aware and are attempting to do something about it. Organizations such as the Society for Opioid Free Anesthesia are at the forefront of the battle against …

Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Perception Of Simulation As A Positive Reinforcement To Classroom Lecture In Handling A Difficult Airway, Kayla Forbis

Doctoral Projects

The management of a difficult airway by anesthesia providers is a core component of providing safe care. Simulation provides an opportunity for the student to manage uncommon clinical scenarios without harm to an actual patient. This project aimed to determine if the use of simulation may be useful in training Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the management skills of a difficult airway. The proposed intervention of this project was the addition of simulation experience to didactic lecture covering difficult airway management techniques. As supported in the Adult Learning Principles of Medical Learners, by allowing the SRNA to actively participate in …

Tools To Increase Compliance And Decrease Mortality Due To Sepsis, Cody F. Carr

Doctoral Projects

Severe sepsis is a leading cause of death in the United States and is the most common cause of death among critically ill patients in non-coronary intensive care units (Mayr, Yende, & Angus, 2014). The incidence of severe sepsis is estimated to be 300 cases per 100,000 population and cost an estimated $14 billion in the United States (Mayr et al., 2014). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on identifying an early-assessment tool to identify sepsis and increase compliance when using the tool. Identifying sepsis early is important in starting a treatment plan to prevent morbidity and mortality. …

Table Of Contents

The Southern Quarterly

Table of contents for the special issue on The Caribbean South, 55.4.

Guest Editor's Introduction, John Lowe

The Southern Quarterly

One of the consequences of situating the U. S. as part of the circumCaribbean is that it creates an opportunity to examine important subjects—such as slavery, agricultural production, trade patterns, immigration, diaspora, travel writing and tourism—through a more comprehensive lens. Numerous slave owners had plantations in both the lower South and on the islands. Maroon culture created by runaways were common across the circumCaribbean, be they in lowland swamps or mountain retreats. Runaways also found refuge with Native Americans, leading to intermarriage and cultural exchange. Transnational studies are beginning to clear away artificial barriers separating the peoples and cultures of …

Using Personality Traits To Predict Pectoral Fin Contact Initiation Role In Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus), Riley Paige Macgregor

Master's Theses

Contact with the pectoral fin facilitates formation and maintenance of social relationships between dolphins (Dudzinski & Ribic, 2017). Additionally, several studies have shown that bottlenose dolphins have distinct personalities that are consistent across time and situation (e.g., Highfill & Kuczaj, 2007; Kuczaj, Highfill, & Byerly, 2012), and it has been suggested that these individual differences (i.e., personality) may influence tactile behavior exchanges. The current study therefore aimed to determine if bottlenose dolphin personality traits predict whether and how dolphins initiate contact as a rubber or rubbee during pectoral fin contact exchanges, and to identify whether the effects of personality traits …

The Uses And Gratifications Of Streaming Live Linear Sports Networks Online, Benjamin Whittle

Dissertations

The streaming of live sports television channels online is changing how sports fans access live sports T.V. content. This new technology is becoming a greater challenge to traditional cable/satellite television services as Americans continue to cancel their cable services for new online streaming options. DirecTV Now, SlingTV, PlayStation Vue, YouTube TV, among others, are offering sports fans access to the most popular live national and regional sports T.V. networks online via live streaming, allowing them to bypass traditional cable. These new services provide subscribers’ access to their favorite channels anywhere and on any mobile, internet connected device.

The purpose of …

Becoming Malala: A Discourse Analysis Of Western And Middle Eastern Print And Broadcast Coverage Of Malala Yousafzai From 2012-2017, Tamar Meguerditchian Gregorian

Dissertations

Deutsch Wells’ Kyle McKinnon called her the “most famous teenager in the world” (McKinnon, 2013). Her name is Malala Yousafzai, and at the age of 14 she stood up to the Taliban for threatening her right to an education and was shot in the head. In less than a decade, she became one of the youngest and most influential activists, known to the world simply as Malala. As a Middle Easterner, Muslim and “media darling,” Malala is no doubt an interesting activist to study.

This discourse analysis examined the media coverage of Malala in Western and Pakistani media from 2012-2017; …

Parental Attachment And Adult Attachment: The Moderating Role Of Dispositional Forgiveness And Gratitude, Christian Ammons

Master's Theses

Secure parental attachment, characterized by trust, care, and autonomy granting, is associated with improved psychological functioning and adjustment to college and is often associated with adult attachment relationships. Similarly, adult attachment, a characteristic of adult relationships, has been associated with improved college adjustment. Individual differences such as dispositional forgiveness and gratitude are often associated with secure adult attachment but have not been examined in relation to parent child attachment. The current study examined dispositional forgiveness and gratitude as moderators of the relationship between parental attachment and adult attachment. A sample of 185 college students participated and as expected, parental attachment …

Vulnerable Narcissism, Self-Criticism, And Self-Injurious Behavior: Emotion Regulation As A Moderator, Philip Stoner

Master's Theses

College students of traditional age have an elevated risk of self-injury (McManus et al., 2015). Self-injurious behavior (SIB) often indicates increased mental health concerns and elevated suicide risk (Whitlock, Eckenrode & Silverman, 2006). Self-criticism represents a non-physical form of self-injury (Baetens, et al., 2015), which is also associated with psychological distress and suicidal behavior. Thus, it is important to understand the risk factors associated with SIB and self-criticism. Vulnerable narcissism has been linked to self-injury (Dawood et al., 2017); however, there is little consensus about the nature of this relationship. Moreover, vulnerable narcissism has been associated with impaired emotion regulation …

Pathways Of Psychopathic Traits To Aggression Through Affective Correlates, Olivia C. Preston

Master's Theses

This thesis project examines the roles of empathy facets and emotion dysregulation in the relationship between psychopathic personality traits and aggression within an undergraduate sample. The project addresses three gaps in research – how psychopathic personality traits relate to empathy facets from a recently developed measure of empathy (Affective and Cognitive Measure of Empathy [ACME]; Vachon & Lynam, 2016); how psychopathic traits indirectly affect aggression functions (i.e., reactive, proactive) through empathy facets; and how emotion regulation contributes to these relations, above and beyond empathy. The sample was comprised of 368 university students. Findings indicated that largely all psychopathic traits were …

Ecological Stoichiometry: What Role Does It Play In The Competition And Spatial Distribution Patterns Of Aedes Albopictus And Aedes Aegypti?, James Deerman

Master's Theses

Ecological stoichiometry is the balance of chemical substances within animal bodies through interactions and processes within their ecosystem. Though relatively underexplored, it provides a wealth of information linking interactions across different levels of organization. Detritus is the base of the food web within the small aquatic ecosystems occupied by the mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. Nutrient content of detritus varies, but it can have a negative effect on mosquito growth and survival if nutrient thresholds are not met. I investigated nutrient environments and species abundance in cemetery vases in New Orleans, LA to assess detrital heterogeneity and its …

The Influence Of Socioeconomic Status And Subjective Social Status On The Career Development Of College Students, Dylan Richard

Master's Theses

Social class is often examined across social science disciplines and contains two distinct parts: socioeconomic status (SES) and subjective social status (SSS). Researchers have established that college students from various SES backgrounds experience college differently, however little research has examined how universities and those that work with college students can help aid the career development of students given their SES. Career development is a broad area of research; therefore, the current study examines a number of career development variables that are key in understanding college students’ career development, such as career adaptability, career decision-making difficulty, work values, and vocational interests. …

Psychopathic Personality Traits As A Moderator Of The Relationship Between Social Intelligence And Relational Aggression, Savannah Merold

Master's Theses

Social intelligence has been identified as one of many predictors of relational aggression. It is likely that a certain level of social intelligence may be necessary for relationally aggressive behaviors to be effective (e.g., some ability to understand human behavior is necessary to effectively harm others through the manipulation of status, social relationships, or sense of belonging). And yet, social intelligence is unlikely to be sufficient to produce relationally aggressive behavior. Merely because someone has the requisite levels of social intelligence to use relational aggression does not mean that he or she will be motivated to do so. There is …

Political Beliefs, Region Of Residence, And Openness To Firearm Means Safety Measures To Prevent Suicide, Sarah E. Butterworth

Master's Theses

Firearms account for approximately half of all suicides in the US and are highly lethal, widely available, and popular; thus, firearms are an ideal candidate for targeted means safety interventions. However, despite their value as a suicide prevention tool, firearm means safety strategies are not widely utilized, possibly due to factors which impede openness to their use. This study examined the relationship between region, political beliefs, and openness to firearm means safety in a sample of 300 American firearm owners. Overall, firearm owners were more willing to engage in means safety for others than for themselves and to store firearms …

The Song Style Of Antonio Carlos Jobim: An Analysis Of Four Songs, Rachel Rogers

Master's Theses

The songs of Antônio Carlos Jobim are a national treasure of Brazil, beloved around the world. Their beauty and subtle simplicity have enthralled audiences for the last 60 years, yet they often reveal some unusual construction. Following the lead of other Brazilian theorists, this study was commenced with the belief that applying rigorous theoretical analysis to bossa nova would show its qualityand enduring worth. Four songs were selected for analysis based on their importance in Jobim’s career and their centrality to the bossa nova genre, “Chega de Saudade,” “Corcovado,” “Insensatez,” and “Garota de Ipanema.” They are among the most recorded …

The Return Of The Dead: Resurrecting Chappell's Family Gathering, Jonathan Moore

Master's Theses

This thesis examines Fred Chappell’s virtually overlooked collection of poetry Family Gathering (2000), and how the poems operate within the mode of the grotesque. I argue that the poems illuminate both the southern grotesque and Roland Barthes’s theory of photography’s Operator, Spectator, and Spectrum. I address Family Gathering as a family photo album full of still shots, snapshots, and even selfies, which illumines how Chappell’s use of the grotesque in this collection derives more from its original association with visual arts rather than only depicting the grotesque typically associated with characteristics deemed explicitly shocking or terrifying. I argue that …

A Computational Analysis Of The Gradient Concentration Profile Of Deet And The Mosquito Behavioral Response, Brandon Carver

Master's Theses

DEET is a common active ingredient in most spatial repellents. DEET is also a volatile organic compound. DEET prevents mosquitoes from detecting and coming into contact with an human individual. Gas sensing technologies such as metal oxide semiconductor sensors can detect VOCs. The World Health Organization provides the majority of efficacy testing methods. This research adapts methods from the WHO and use of MOS sensors to further understand how and why DEET affects mosquitos. A custom developed system is used to measure DEET dissipation and observe mosquito behavioral response to the DEET. DEET dissipations and mosquito behavior is measured within …