Digital Commons Network^™

Screening Bioactive Molecules In Tetrahymena Thermophila Using Phagocytosis Determined By Flow Cytometry, Santosh Gummidipundi

Master's Theses

The evaluation of molecules that have potentially bioactive significance is an expanding field, but current screening assays are expensive and time consuming. Mammalian cell-based assays require aseptic techniques, complex media and long generation times. This thesis reports on an assay that incorporates Tetrahymena phagocytic ingestion and flow cytometry to evaluate several potentially bioactive molecules. Several factors that influenced optimal and reproducible results were analyzed. Seven potentially bioactive molecules (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, morphine, colchicine, mexiletine and procainamide) were evaluated to determine their effect on phagocytosis by Tetrahymena. Assay results indicated that the phagocytic rate was unaffected by serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and …

Mitochondrial Dysfunction And Lipid Metabolism Play A Major Role In The Lethality Caused By Developmental Alcohol Exposure, Payam Khodabakhshi

Master's Theses

Exposure to ethanol during development causes a variety of physical, developmental, and cognitive abnormalities. In humans, these symptoms are referred to as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Previously, we established a Drosophila melanogaster model of FASD and showed that developmental ethanol exposure causes oxidative stress, and that this is a primary cause of the developmental lethality and delay associated with ethanol exposure. In this study, we investigate the role of fatty acid metabolism and lipid accumulation in connection to FASD. Here, we show that developmental ethanol exposure leads to dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism and …

Looking Backward, Moving Forward: The Experiences Of Indo-Fijian Immigrant Women In California, Ambrita Nand

Master's Theses

This study helps address gaps in knowledge concerning the lives of Indo-Fijian immigrant women in California and offers a space for their voices to be heard. The subsequent chapters investigate the lives of five Indo-Fijian immigrant women and their experiences upon migrating to Modesto, California. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected through participant observations, semi-structured in-depth interviews and informal conversations. The data are presented as anthropological silhouettes, a form of life-writing (the recording of events and experiences of a life), which explores each individual woman’s experience with life in Fiji to her eventual migration and transition to life …

Synthesis, Structural Characterization And Chromatographic Evaluation Of Silica Hydride-Based Perfluorinated Stationary Phase, Harshada Suyog Natekar

Master's Theses

Silica hydride based stationary phases have demonstrated unique selectivity and specificity for small sized polar molecules. The weakly hydrophobic nature of silica hydride is thought to be the key reason for its remarkable retention capabilities. Traditional stationary phases bonded with fluorine moieties have also exhibited enhanced retention of small polar molecules. In this research, a perfluorinated silica hydride stationary phase was synthesized by hydrosilation and silanization procedures. Chromatographic characterization of the newly packed column was carried out by a large number of retention studies. The separation capabilities of the column were evaluated in both the aqueous normal-phase (ANP) and reversed-phase …

Complex Effects Of Nitrogen Pollution And Grazing On Nectar Resources Of The Adult Bay Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas Editha Bayensis), Nidhi Jain

Master's Theses

Recent anthropogenic increases in atmospheric nitrogen due to urbanization and combustion have had many adverse effects on natural systems, including loss of biodiversity, especially in sensitive habitats. One such region is the serpentine ecosystem of Coyote Ridge in San Jose, CA, the last refuge for recurring populations of the federally threatened Bay Checkerspot Butterfly (BCB) (Euphydryas editha bayensis). Increases in non-native grass cover and decreases in native forb cover (including cover of the BCB’s native larval host plants) have been attributed to the fertilizing effects of increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition. To counteract this effect, grazing has been implemented as a …

Chloroflexi: The Tale Of A Bacterium Present In Human And Environmental Habitats, Jayashree Sanjeeviraman

Master's Theses

The phylum Chloroflexi is relatively unexplored, with the majority of its representatives being uncultivable. As a result, these microorganisms have not been characterized beyond their morphology and simple staining reactions, making the study of this phylum extremely challenging. Chloroflexi has been detected in the human oral cavity of patients suffering from peri-implantitis and in the vagina of patients suffering from bacterial vaginosis. Interestingly, Chloroflexi is also present in various environments such as freshwater lakes, soil, deep-sea sponges, hot springs and activated wastewater. Isolation of an environmental Chloroflexi with high 16S rRNA gene homology to a human-associated counterpart could be used …

Spartan Daily, October 21, 2015, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 145, Issue 25

Wintering North Pacific Black-Legged Kittiwakes Balance Spatial Flexibility And Consistency, Rachael Orben, Rosana Paredes, Daniel Roby, David Irons, Scott A. Shaffer

Faculty Publications, Biological Sciences

Background Marine environments are inherently dynamic, yet marine predators are often long-lived and employ strategies where consistency, individual specialization, routine migrations, and spatial memory are key components to their foraging and life-history strategies. Intrinsic determinates of animal movements are linked to physiological and life-history traits (e.g. sex, colony, experience), while extrinsic influences occur as the result of an animal’s interactions with either other animals or the environment (e.g. prey availability, weather, competition). Knowledge of the factors affecting animal movements is critical to understand energetic bottlenecks and population dynamics. Here, we attempt to understand the interaction of some of these factors …

Spartan Daily, October 8, 2015, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 145, Issue 20

Spartan Daily, October 6, 2015, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 145, Issue 18

Predicting 'Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder' Using Large Scale Child Data Set, Arpi Shah

Master's Projects

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder found in children affecting about 9.5% of American children aged 13 years or more. Every year, the number of children diagnosed with ADHD is increasing. There is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. In fact, a health practitioner has to analyze the behavior of the child to determine if the child has ADHD. He has to gather information about the child, and his/her behavior and environment. Because of all these problems in diagnosis, I propose to use Machine Learning techniques to predict ADHD by using large scale child data set. Machine …

Information Needs And Resources Provision For Secondary School Teachers In Imo State, Nigeria: Male Versus Female Teachers, G C. Umunnakwe Ph.D, Jacintha U. Eze (Ph.D)

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Considering the role of teachers in actualizing the dream of basic education for all, the need for them to be well informed in the profession, and the fact that little attention has been given to them in this area, this paper went to investigate the information needs and seeking behaviour of teachers in Imo state, Nigeria. This was done based on the gender of these teachers. The main objective of the study was to find out the various areas these teachers need information, the information sources utilized and the extent to which these needs are satisfied. A total of 860 …

Frequency Of Counseling Sessions And Weight Loss Maintenance In A Commercial Lifestyle-Based Weight Management Program, Ashlee K. Jenson Gossard

Master's Theses

Widespread overweight and obesity persist in the United States, and while many effective methods of weight loss have been developed, long-term weight loss maintenance (WLM) remains a challenge. Evidence strongly indicates that ongoing personalized support can effectively promote sustained WLM; however, the optimal frequency of supportive contact has yet to be investigated. This study retrospectively analyzed clinical records from a commercial lifestyle-based weight management program offering personalized WLM counseling. The unique element of this program was participants’ ability to select how often to contact their WLM counselor. Following weight loss, participants enrolled in the program's 12-month weight maintenance phase. The …

Spartan Daily, September 3, 2015, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 145, Issue 6

Spartan Daily, September 1, 2015, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 145, Issue 4

Analysis Of Information And Communication Technology Roles In Poverty Reduction Among Small And Medium Scale Farmers In Imo State, Nigeria, Jonadab Ubochioma Chikaire Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This study examines the role ICTs play in poverty reduction among small and medium scale (SMS) farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 170 (SMS) farmers in Imo State using well structured questionnaire. Analysis of data collected was done using percentages and mean presented in tabular forms. It was seen from results that 38.2% of the respondents are within the age bracket of 51-60 years. Majority (43.5%) attended secondary school, 48% have put in 11-20 years in farming, while 71.7% have a farm size 0.25-1.5 hectares. ICT devices used include radio, mobile phones, television, among others. On …

Scientometric Analysis Of Cloud Computing, Rosy Jan, Wasim Rashid Wani, Obaid Hafiz

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper analyses the growth pattern of cloud computing literature during 2009-2013 using web of science database. The cumulative publication output of top ten countries and India in the field accounts to 1879 publications. Total number of citations & high quality papers were also calculated. The growth in the publication is studied through Relative Growth Rate and doubling time. The authorship pattern is measured by different collaboration parameters like collaborative index and modified collaborative coefficient.

Conveniently Located Disaster: Socio‐Spatial Inequality In Hurricane Sandy And Its Implications For The Urban Sociology Of Climate Change, Gordon Douglas, Liz Koslov, Eric Klinenberg

Faculty Publications, Urban and Regional Planning

Hurricane Sandy was a major event with major implications for how sociologists think about the relationship between climate change and crisis in urban areas. The storm’s impact on New York provides a valuable case for considering how to study the impacts of climate change on large, densely settled cities with vulnerable hard infrastructure and highly complex social conditions that produce differentiated experiences across many different communities. This working paper considers data at several levels of analysis with the aim of assessing neighborhood inequalities in the impacts of such extreme weather. Drawn from the authors’ ongoing research project on unequal vulnerability …

Bibliometric Study Of Literature On Leptospirosis For The Period 2006-2013, Kotti Thavamani

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper attempts to assess the literary output in the field of Leptospirosis productivity for the period 2006-2013. Statistical analysis has been carried out using SPSS and other relevant measures. It shows that the year wise distributions of Leptospirosis records are increasing year after year except the years 2008, 2009 and 2011. It shows that 88.76% articles are of English language and followed by Spanish and French languages. It is observed that USA has contributed the highest number of records in the study period. Next major contribution belongs to England, Netherlands and India. India has the 4th position among the …

Analysis Of Information And Communication Technology Roles In Poverty Reduction Among Small And Medium Scale Farmers In Imo State, Nigeria, Jonadab Ubochioma Chikaire Mr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

This study examines the role ICTs play in poverty reduction among small and medium scale (SMS) farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 170 (SMS) farmers in Imo State using well structured questionnaire. Analysis of data collected was done using percentages and mean presented in tabular forms. It was seen from results that 38.2% of the respondents are within the age bracket of 51-60 years. Majority (43.5%) attended secondary school, 48% have put in 11-20 years in farming, while 71.7% have a farm size 0.25-1.5 hectares. ICT devices used include radio, mobile phones, television, among others. On …

Mobile Health-Care Information For All: A Global Challenge, Geoff Royston, Christine Hagar, Lesley-Anne Long, Dennis Mcmahon, Neil Pakenham-Walsh, Nand Wadhwani

Faculty Publications

Access to health-care information for citizens is a key determinant to reach both the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the emerging post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, but this challenge has repeatedly been relegated to the sidelines.1 What might kickstart progress? An obvious candidate is the mobile phone, which is becoming ubiquitous in low-income and middle-income countries.

User’S Perception Of Services Quality Of The Central Public Library Bahawalpur, Shakeel Ahmad Khan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study aimed at investigating the user’s perception of services quality provided by the Central Public Library of Bahawalpur. Survey among library users was administered and data was collected with the help of questionnaire. Findings of the study revealed that the Central Public Library of Bahawalpur is offering good quality of services for its users. Respondents were satisfied with different library services including, library books, journals, dictionaries, encyclopedias, Internet services, special collection, periodical collections, reference service, adult education program, reading room facility, library environment, opening hours and attitude of library staff with the library users. Respondents demanded e-resources of information …

Prokaryotic Diversity In The Rhizosphere Of Organic, Intensive, And Transitional Coffee Farms In Brazil, Adam Caldwell, Livia Silva, Cynthia Da Silva, Cleber Ouverney

Faculty Publications, Biological Sciences

Despite a continuous rise in consumption of coffee over the past 60 years and recent studies showing positive benefits linked to human health, intensive coffee farming practices have been associated with environmental damage, risks to human health, and reductions in biodiversity. In contrast, organic farming has become an increasingly popular alternative, with both environmental and health benefits. This study aimed to characterize and determine the differences in the prokaryotic soil microbiology of three Brazilian coffee farms: one practicing intensive farming, one practicing organic farming, and one undergoing a transition from intensive to organic practices. Soil samples were collected from 20 …

33rd Annual African American Commencement, 2015, San Jose State University, Associated Students

African American Commencement

33rd Annual African American Commencement

"Black Grad: Striving Today to Create a Better Tomorrow." The 2015 African American Commencement ceremony was held on Friday, May 22, 2015 in the Student Union Ballroom at San Jose State University.

Spartan Daily, May 13, 2015, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 144, Issue 42

Reducing Waste With Reusable Bag Ordinances And Plastic Bag Bans In The Bay Area: An Impact Analysis, Michael Thomas

Master's Projects

No abstract provided.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation: The Role Of The Advanced Practice Nurse In Screening Patient At-Risk, Sheri Rickman Patrick

Doctoral Projects

Problem: Human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is a global problem effecting every country including the United States. The impact of human trafficking while it is devastating to individuals, the impact goes well beyond individual victims and undermines the health, safety and security of all nations (U.S. Department of State Publication, 2007, p. 5).This research is an attempt to assess the knowledge of advance practice nurses or nurse practitioners (NP) in the subject of commercial sexual exploitation and their willingness to screen their patients who may be at-risk.

Methods: The design was web-based with advanced practice nurses who are …

Increasing The Calfresh Participation Rate In The County Of Santa Cruz, Juan C. Magaña

Master's Projects

No abstract provided.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Home Visitation Is Associated With A Decrease In Home Care And Healthcare Utilization Errors In High Risk Infants, Rupalee Patel

Doctoral Projects

The Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System’s (SCVHHS) Babies Reaching Improved Development and Growth in their Environment (BRIDGE) program was developed in 2011 to optimize high risk infants' care transition from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to home. In addition to hospital discharge teaching and public health nursing efforts, NICU infants need further in home support given their medical vulnerability after discharge. The objectives of the SCVHHS BRIDGE program are to provide caregiver interventions to minimize home care errors after NICU discharge and to optimize health care access and utilization across the transition of care. SCVHHS NICU infants at …

Bio-Identical Hormones Utilized For Treating Menopausal Symptoms: Are They Safe?, Maria D. White

Doctoral Projects

The use of compounded bioidentical hormones in the various forms of gels, creams, and troches has increased in popularity. The population of menopausal women is at a crossroads with the cascade of symptoms and determining what are their options. The Endocrine Society, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Menopause Society do not support the use of bioidentical hormones, despite the support for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) by the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine and other proponents for BHRT. The literature review reveals the need for studies documenting the safety of BHRT. The objective for this study was …