Digital Commons Network^™

Harnessing The Gut-Diet Axis To Enhance Chemotherapy And Immunotherapy, Jill Carline

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, represents a critical "gut-diet axis" that significantly influences cancer progression and therapeutic efficacy. While a state of homeostasis supports systemic immunity, dysbiosis is linked to chronic inflammation and can actively promote resistance to standard cytotoxic chemotherapies and modern immune checkpoint inhibitors. Specifically, research indicates that Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) promotes resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer by activating Notch1 receptors to inhibit apoptosis and push cancer cells into a resilient, stem-cell-like state. Conversely, the introduction of fiber-rich and fermented foods can cultivate beneficial bacteria …

Reday Program 2026, Bryant University

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

Program for the 2026 Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day). Program includes schedule at a glance, descriptions for panels, workshops, and presentations, along with sign-up links for specific sessions in the electronic version of the program. Printed program was in color with double-sided printing on 8 1/2" x 11" paper stapled together in the upper left corner.

Changes In Depression, Eating, Sleep, And Emotion Regulation In Air Force Rotc Cadets After The 12-Wk Star Training Program, Antonella V. Schwarz, Hunter Haynes, Sheena Puleali’I, Jacob Mota, Molly F. Johnson, Maria G. Kaylor, Andrew Addison, Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Austin J. Graybeal

Faculty Publications

Introduction: – Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets must balance collegiate demands with military preparation, leaving them vulnerable to psychological stressors. While structured strength and conditioning (S&C) programs enhance physical readiness, their impact on psychological health in cadet populations remains unclear. This study evaluated changes in depression, eating behaviors, sleep quality, and emotion regulation during a 12-wk S&C program. Methods: – Forty-nine U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets (21 female, 28 male; age: 20 ± 2 yr; body mass index: 24.2 ± 4.4 kg·m⁻²; body fat %: 27.1 ± 9.0%) completed the Supporting Tactical Athlete Readiness (STAR) program, a …

Does Volume Cycling Elicit A Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy Re-Sensitization Effect? A Comparison Of Constant Versus Cycled Resistance Training Protocols, Joshua C. Pelland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study examined whether volume cycling in resistance training can elicit a skeletal muscle hypertrophy re-sensitization effect without muscle atrophy. We hypothesized that muscle size would be maintained during lower volume phases, that re-sensitization would occur following these phases, and that overall hypertrophy would be similar between cycled and constant volume conditions.

Methods: Thirty-seven trained men and women had their lower limbs randomized to either a constant volume (12 sets/week throughout) or cycled volume (alternating 4-week phases of 12 and 4 sets/week) condition for unilateral calf press training over 20 weeks. Lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscle thickness (MT), calf …

Pleistocene Glacial Effects On North American Phylogeographic Patterns, Noah Garland, Ingrid Jordon-Thaden

Scholars Week

The biodiversity of alpine ecosystems are grossly underestimated, in turn threatening habitat loss. Much work is needed in this respect to better understand the process of speciation and extinction in these environments, given the threat of global climate change. We are testing hypothesis regarding rapid radiation of plant lineages both into and out of refugia in the context of dispersal during post-glacial and inter-glacial periods, focusing on the phylogeny of trans-Beringian alpine plant species by observing circumpolar lineages extending into southern portions of the North American Cordillera, the Rocky Mountains and the Intermountain Region.  Focal taxa include species of Draba …

Site-Directed Mutagenesis Of The He1Α Subunit Of Human Branched Chain Α-Ketoacid Dehydrogenase Complex, Riley B. Corcoran, Isabel Wilson, Bálint Csuka-Nagy, Stephen Baron

ASPIRE 2026

No abstract provided.

Protocol For Inducing Focal Striatal Stroke In Mice Using Photothrombosis, Bridget R. Boyle, Eileen Collyer, Andrea P. Berghella, Elena Blanco-Suarez

Department of Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Here, we present a protocol for inducing focal striatal stroke in mice using photothrombosis. We describe steps for photothrombotic striatal surgery, magnetic resonance imaging, open field behavioral assessment of stroke-induced motor deficits, and post-stroke monitoring. We then detail procedures for tissue collection and immunofluorescence. This protocol provides a standardized approach for consistently modeling striatal stroke in mice, enabling mechanistic studies and preclinical therapeutic testing.

Development, Validation, And Comparative Evaluation Of A Rheotaxis-Based Microfluidic Device To Isolate A Subpopulation Of High-Performance Human Spermatozoa, Charlene S. Fournier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fertility has declined over the past decades, and male infertility is now recognized as contributing equally to the need for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Current clinical sperm processing methods rely on multiple centrifugation steps, which are time- and labor-intensive and may be detrimental to spermatozoa. Therefore, improved methodologies are needed to select functional, healthy spermatozoa while mimicking natural sperm selection. Microfluidics has expanded in reproductive biology and offers an efficient approach to selecting spermatozoa based on progressive motility and rheotaxis—their natural ability to swim against a constant flow. In this study, I developed a rheotaxis-based microfluidic device to isolate highly …

Characterizing The Diet, Movement, And Hooking Frequency Of Pier-Hooked Juvenile Green Turtles (Chelonia Mydas), Cody R. Mott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Green sea turtles are impacted by their interactions with recreational fishing piers, but how these interactions affect their diet, behavior, and hooking risk remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify interactions between juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and a recreational fishing pier in southeast Florida. The goals were to evaluate how proximity to the pier influences turtle diet, behavior, and incidental hooking. We compared pier-hooked turtles with individuals captured on an adjacent reef and at a control site lacking a nearby pier. Dietary preferences were assessed using nitrogenous blood analytes and stable isotope analysis. …

Transcriptomic Analysis Of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group C Skin Samples, Austen N. Gleave

Theses and Dissertations

Xeroderma Pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder caused by defective DNA damage repair enzymes. This condition results in an increased risk of developing skin cancer and other symptoms in those affected. In this thesis, we examined the effects of Xeroderma Pigmentosum on gene expression in patient skin biopsy samples. To accomplish this, we utilized statistical analysis of spatial transcriptomic and single-cell RNA sequencing techniques to discover differences between patient and heterozygous carrier skin samples. We found that the skin samples from Xeroderma Pigmentosum patients showed elevated levels of inflammation, immune activation, and cellular stress, while the carrier skin samples leaned …

Oxygen Under Pressure: A Comparative Study Of Maximal Oxygen Uptake In Firefighters And Civilians, Jordan N. Hunt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study aimed to investigate and compare V̇O2max levels between firefighters and age-matched individuals from the general population. This study used a quantitative, comparative, cross-sectional design to assess differences in directly measured V̇O2max with a breath-by-breath portable analyzer between firefighters and matched civilians, determine the percentage of firefighters meeting NFPA recommended fitness thresholds, and examine the accuracy of estimated V̇O2max values. A total sample size of 52 participants (26 per group) participated in this study. Firefighters exhibited significantly higher directly measured V̇O2max and V̇O2peak than age-, sex-, and BMI-matched individuals from the general population. Firefighters in this …

Irrigation Water Loss And Recovery In Utah, Bradley S. Crookston, Troy Peters, Matt Yost, Burdette Barker

All Current Publications

When deciding which irrigation systems to adopt, permit, or promote, it is important to consider how their efficiency and losses affect the water balance of Utah’s watersheds and drainage basins. Irrigators have no control over precipitation and only limited control of surface waters entering and leaving the state, as most of those are controlled by legal agreements. However, Utah’s water managers, elected officials, and water users can consider how surface water flows and groundwater storage is affected by using more efficient irrigation systems. Sprinkler, surface, or drip irrigation systems each have trade-offs in irrigation application efficiency, cost, and other factors. …

Small Grain Forage Production Guide, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Earl Creech, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Michael Pace, Kalen Taylor, Cory Farnsworth, Jacob Hadfield, Corey Ransom, Steven Price, Claudia Nischwitz, Clara Anderson

All Current Publications

Small grain forages can be used for pasture, hay, and silage and have become more common in cropping systems in Utah and the western United States. The most common small grain species used for forage production are barley, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat. Although there has been an increase in the use of small grains for forage production in the western U.S., little published information is available on best management practices for small grain forage production. This guide will discuss the key production practices for small grains used for forage.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Perceptions And Patient Burden, John William Glisson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational study examined relationships among perceived environmental risk factors, depressive symptoms, and functional symptom burden in adults diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with an unclear etiology, and some individuals attribute the diagnosis to environmental exposures such as pesticides or military service. The purpose of this study was to assess whether environmental risk perceptions were associated with depressive symptoms or functional impairment, and whether depressive symptoms were associated with functional status. Participants were recruited through online ALS support networks and advocacy organizations, resulting in a final sample of 145 adults …

Reproductive Performance Of Friesian Holstein Crossbred Dairy Cattle After A Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak In Lembang, Indonesia, Hanunghanindito Pamungkas, Septiyani Septiyani, Nurcholidah Solihati

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that may impair reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the reproductive performance of Friesian Holstein crossbred dairy cows following an FMD outbreak at UPTD BPTSP and HPT Cikole, Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. A retrospective study was conducted using reproductive records collected from 2019 to 2023. The reproductive parameters analyzed were calving interval, service per conception, conception rate, service period, and first mating postpartum. Differences between the pre- and post-FMD periods were assessed using paired sample t-tests. The results showed significant differences in calving interval, service …

Polymorphism Of The Mx Gene In Riau Kampung Chickens, Elfawati Elfawati, Restu Misrianti, Sadarman Sadarman

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

One of the genetic markers for avian influenza is the Mx gene. The purposed of this study was to determine the polymorphism of the Mx gene of kampung chicken in Riau Province. A total of 61 samples from three subpopulations have been genotyped using PCR-RFLP. Allele and genotype frequencies have been calculated using PopGene. The Mx gene was amplified, producing a DNA fragment measuring 299 base pairs. This fragment was digested with the Hpy81 enzyme, which yielded three genotypes: the AA genotype showed by a single 299 bp band; AG showed by 299, 200, and 99 bp bands; and GG …

The Potency Of Inulin Extraction Waste Fermentation From Local Tubers As A Feed Additive, Mohamad Septian, Danes Suhendra, Mikael Sihite, Dyah Saputri

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aims to determine the potential of inulin extraction waste fermentation as a feed additive based on the content of lactic acid, dry matter, pH, and Fleigh points. This research was conducted from March to June 2022 at the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Laboratory, Tidar University. The experimental design used in this study was a Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments (fermentation of inulin extraction waste: T1 Dioscorea alata (uwi), T2: ganyong (Dioscorea alata discolor), T3: gadung(Dioscorea hispida), and T4: umbi ungu (Ipomoea batatas). Each treatment was replicated 5 times. The variables …

The Potential Of Bioactive Peptides From Goat Milk Kefir With Antibacterial Activity As An Antibiotic Substitute, Dhea Athillah, Jajang Gumilar, Eka Wulandari

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

This study aims to determine the optimal incubation time for goat milk kefir that produces the highest antibacterial peptides, and to determine the antibacterial activity of purified goat milk kefir. Protein levels were determined using the microassay method. Kefir, which is known to have the best incubation time for producing the highest antibacterial activity when ultrafiltered with a 10 kDa cut-off membrane, was analyzed for its molecular weight using SDS-PAGE. The antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. The highest soluble protein content was found in kefir incubated for 36 hours, with a soluble …

Intersecting Determinants Of Health: Correlating Food Insecurity And Sleep Deprivation Across Southern Adventist University Demographics*, Heaven Robles, Jesica Paralafox Ramirez, Kimberly Mongare, Joshua C. Jenkins, Melany Castillo, Philip Chen Dr, Aaron Corbit Dr

Campus Research Month

For university students, social determinants of health such as food security and sleep patterns heavily dictate both health outcomes and academic success. Using a cross-sectional study design, statistical analyses will be conducted using the Jamovi software platform to compare mean sleep durations and food access scores across multiple academic departments and ethnic demographic groups. The study evaluates four primary hypotheses: (1) Consistent food access positively correlates with sleep quality; (2) Food security and sleep metrics vary significantly across academic departments; (3) Systemic ethnic disparities exist in food accessibility; and (4) Underrepresented ethnic groups experience a compounded burden of food insecurity …

Not Just Static: Evolutionary Throughlines In The Female Voice, Maria Hand '26

Honor Scholar Theses

Vocal communication is essential for many forms of human interaction and discourse. As such, the human voice has been the subject of extensive scientific research in a variety of contexts, including that of potentially evolved characteristics. Researchers have long studied the various changes that occur in direct relation to hormonal shifts across the ovulatory cycle, but one particularly interesting facet of this research is the voice. There are numerous acoustic parameters that are highly socially salient, and thus an ideal means with which to study potential ovulatory cycle related changes. Studies of this subject additionally provide further insight into the …

Ratfish (Chimaera Monstrosa) Chondocranium, Riley B. Glogowski, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Una To Put Names On 2 Buildings, Jennifer Edwards

Documents

the naming of the Academic Commons Building and the new Science and Technology Building at UNA

The Science And Technology Building University Of North Alabama, Barbie Hampel-University Advancement

Documents

Brochure and floor plans for the New Science and Technology Building at UNA

University Of North Alabama Science And Technology Building Grand Opening And Ribbon Cutting, University Of North Alabama

Documents

Invitation to the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the new Science and Technology Building at UNA

New Species Of Kronosvirus Bacteriophages That Infect Caulobacter Strain Cbr1, Tannaz Mohammadi, Austin Millwood, Maherah Shaik, Bert Ely

Faculty Publications

Caulobacter segnis strain CBR1 enhances the germination rate and total biomass of Arabidopsis plants. Since bacteriophages are usually present in the rhizosphere, we isolated three additional bacteriophages, designated TMCBR2, TMCBR3, and W2, that can replicate using CBR1 as the host strain. The genome sizes and morphologies of the new phages were similar to those of the previously isolated Kronos phage, and when we compared the nucleotide sequence of these new phage genomes, we found only minor differences among the four phage genomes. Pairwise sequence comparisons indicated that the phage genomes should be grouped into three separate species within Kronosvirus genus. …

Impact Of One Nucleotide On Organ Enumeration And Phyllotaxy In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Hazel R. Frans, Tara Phelps-Durr

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Arabidopsis thaliana is a model organism used by scientists to study plant genetics, development, and physiology. CRISPR-Cas9 is a biotechnology tool adapted from a bacterial defense mechanism to precisely edit DNA using a guide mRNA and a Cas9 protein. This project aims to create CRISPR-CAS9 mutations in the APETALA3 (AP3) gene of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. AP3 is a class B gene critical to the petal and stamen development of Arabidopsis flowers. The AP3 protein contains a MADS domain, which binds directly to DNA and may be responsible for the expression of the CaRG-box genes. AP3 works in conjunction …

Morphology, Phylogeny And Distribution Of Scaeurgus (Cephalopoda: Octopoda) In Southeast Pacific Seamounts, Sergio A. Carrasco, Christian M. Ibáñez, Andrea I. Varela, Jan M. Tapia-Guerra, Erin E. Easton, Javier Sellanes

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Octopuses of the genus Scaeurgus inhabit upper bathyal benthic habitats and are composed of five recognized species. In this study, we conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of two individuals of Scaeurgus and provided additional field observations of the genus in seamounts of the Nazca and Salas y Gómez ridges (southeast Pacific Ocean) over the last six years. Specifically, two specimens of Scaeurgus were collected at 234 m depth in 2019 during the EPIC oceanographic cruise onboard the R/V Mirai (JAMSTEC, Japan), and five other specimens were video recorded at depths between 210 and 340 m during three oceanographic expeditions …

Snail Snacks: Introduced Seaweeds Facilitate Performance Of An Introduced Marine Snail, Alysha B. Putnam, Adeline Dwyer, Paulette Peckol

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Facilitative interactions among introduced species can accelerate invasion and community change, yet positive interactions are often overlooked compared to competition and predation. In marine systems, positive facilitation is more commonly demonstrated indirectly through habitat modification, with fewer studies examining direct performance impacts. While introduced herbivores in non-marine systems consume and even prefer introduced food sources, this pattern is less studied in marine environments. In this study, we tested grazing preferences and growth responses of the introduced periwinkle Littorina littorea and the native Littorina obtusata, when fed native and introduced seaweeds from southern New England. L. littorea grazed broadly across …

A Novel Endolysin Of Phage Persinger Infecting Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Activity Against Biofilms And Structural Prediction, Layla Abbud

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

Endolysins are proteins that degrade bacterial cell walls. They are encoded on the genome of bacteriophages (viruses that infect and kill bacteria). At the end of the lytic cycle of a bacteriophage, endolysins cut the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, allowing the release of viral progeny. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-known multidrug-resistant human pathogen that causes serious problems, especially in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). One property of P. aeruginosa is the production of biofilms, which is a defense against antibiotics. Previous research has shown that endolysins from bacteriophages can degrade biofilms. The endolysin protein from Persinger, …

Dna Barcoding Of Eight Freshwater Fish Species (Order Siluriformes) From The River Ravi, Pakistan, Hafiz Muhammad Ashraf, Hafiz Abdullah Shakir, Muhammad Irfan, Shaukat Ali, Chaman Ara, Noor Khan, Muhammad Khan, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Zafar Saleem

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Pakistan's freshwater bodies host significant fish species, but molecular identification is still in its infancy, necessitating the use of morphological and molecular DNA barcoding techniques. The study confirmed the species of the order Siluriformes found in the River Ravi, Pakistan, using DNA extracted from muscle tissue, sequenced for the COI gene, and obtained accession and Barcode Index Numbers from GenBank and BOLD databases. In the BLAST search, identities ranged from 99.23–100% and 99.52–100% in the GenBank and BOLD databases, respectively. The study revealed that the Kimura 2-Parameter genetic distance increased from lower to higher taxonomic levels: within species (0.00%) < within genus (15.17%) < within family (19.77%). The study estimated average nucleotide differences (104.964) and nucleotide diversity (0.16099) but found Tajima's neutrality test to be statistically insignificant. The neighbor-joining tree displayed closely linked species under a node, whereas divergent species were grouped under distinct nodes. The COI gene-based DNA barcoding aids in Pakistan's fish resource inventory, monitoring, and management, providing valuable input for traditional methods.