Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Variety- And Market-Class-Specific Effects Of Dietary Pulses On Human Health, Jiayu Tang

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

While pulses are globally recognized for their high levels of dietary fibers, protein, and polyphenols, research often focuses on characterizing the physiological effects of a single variety. This approach overlooks the substantial genetic and compositional diversity that exists across pulse varieties and individual market classes, which can differ extensively in nutrient content and structure. These compositional differences have the potential to produce distinct physiological and microbial responses in humans, yet variety- and market-class-specific effects remain poorly characterized.

This thesis uses two complementary research methodologies to investigate the health-relevant effects of different pulse varieties and market classes, providing foundational knowledge to …

Transforming Theory Into Action: Feminist Frameworks In Reproductive Justice Organizing, Ella R. Mitchell

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This honors thesis examines how feminist theoretical frameworks can be translated into practical strategies for reproductive justice organizing. Grounded in a reproductive justice framework and drawing on three key feminist frameworks, intersectional feminism, queer feminist theory, and feminist ethics of care, this paper explores how each provides critical tools for understanding and responding to reproductive oppression. Intersectional feminism illuminates how overlapping systems of inequality structure reproductive experiences and political marginalization. Queer feminist theory challenges heteronormative assumptions about family, gender, and reproduction, expanding reproductive justice discourse to include LGBTQ+ communities and diverse forms of kinship. Feminist ethics of care emphasizes relational …

Unleashing Stress: The Effects Of Training, Bond Strength, And Stress On Pet Dog Behaviors And Health, London Maria Wolff

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Humans and dogs have formed a unique ability to communicate with each other through evolutionary and developmental mechanisms. This increased communication serves to form dynamic interspecies bonds by facilitating learning and training over the lifetime of a dog. However, it is not known what factors permit the unique capacity of dogs to form bonds with, and learn from, their human companions. Odor is a notable candidate for interspecies communication about emotional states, with studies showing that both dogs and humans use odor information to detect human emotions (Calvi et al., 2020). Possibly, this may include detection of both acute and …

Biocomputing Approach To Modeling And Modulating Calcium Signaling, Sehee Sun

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Biocomputing is an emerging field that seeks to perform computational tasks using biological substrates and processes. Unlike conventional computing systems based on silicon hardware, biocomputing leverages the parallelism, energy efficiency, and complex dynamics of living systems. Among various cellular mechanisms, calcium (Ca2+) signaling stands out as a central regulator of diverse biological functions, offering a promising basis for programmable logic and control in living cells.

This thesis introduces a novel framework for modeling and modulating Ca2+ dynamics using biologically inspired Boolean logic circuits. Specifically, we propose the Ca2+ Boolean Logic (CaBL) model, in which Ca2+ fluxes and interactions are abstracted …

Program And Proceedings: Nebraska Academy Of Sciences 1880–2025, 145th Anniversary Year, One Hundred-Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Academy of Sciences: Programs and Proceedings

Program

Aeronautics and Space Science

Biological and Medical Sciences

Biology

Chemistry

Earth Sciences

Science Education

Anthropology

Applied Science and Technology

Physics and Engineering

Forensic Sciences

Ecology, Sustainability, and Environmental Science

Maiben Lecture: Mary Ann Vinton, "State of the Academy"

Friends of Science Awards: David Crouse and Daniel Sitzman

Adaptation To Tolerate High Doses Of Arabinoxylan Is Associated With Fecal Levels Of Bifidobacterium Longum, Edward C. Deehan, Zhengxiao Zhang, Nguyen K. Nguyen, Maria Elisa Perez-Muñoz, Janis Cole, Alessandra Riva, David Berry, Carla M. Prado, Jens Walter

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Dietary fiber supplements are a strategy to close the ‘fiber gap’ and induce targeted modulations of the gut microbiota. However, higher doses of fiber supplements cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that differ among individuals. What determines these inter-individual differences is insufficiently understood. Here we analyzed findings from a six-week randomized controlled trial that evaluated GI symptoms to corn bran arabinoxylan (AX; n = 15) relative to non-fermentable microcrystalline cellulose (MCC; n = 16) at efficacious supplement doses of 25 g/day (females) or 35 g/day (males) in adults with excess weight. Self-reported flatulence, bloating, and stomach aches were evaluated weekly. Bacterial taxa …

Sarcopenia And The Importance Of Resistance Training And Protein-Rich Diets For Prevention Of Muscle Loss In Older Adults: A Literature Review And Informational Pamphlet, Madison Steele

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The growing prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults as well as youths has prompted further research aimed at developing effective preventative measures and treatment plans. Sarcopenia is often thought to occur solely due to aging, but several other factors contribute to progressive muscle loss. Previous research studies have found an effect of physical activity and dietary protein levels on the risk of developing sarcopenia as well as its onset age. This study aims to review existing knowledge in the field to compile an extensive list of sarcopenia causes and methods of prevention. The main causes identified in this review are …

Implementation And Effectiveness Of Stress Management Strategies Among Stem Students At The University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dylan Hiser

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

High-stakes exams often induce significant stress among STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) students, impacting their academic performance and overall well-being. As the opportunity for careers in STEM grows rapidly, understanding the stressors that students face remains critical in mitigating the effects of this stress and ensuring the success of these students. The objective of this study is to determine how well STEM students respond to recommended interventions that mitigate exam stress and to identify trends in these students’ exam scores. To accomplish this, a set of surveys was sent to undergraduate STEM students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The …

Injectable And Rapidly Expandable Thrombin-Decorated Cryogels Achieve Rapid Hemostasis And High Survival Rates In A Swine Model Of Lethal Junctional Hemorrhage, Syed Muntazir Andrabi, S.M. Shatil Shahriar, Al-Murtadha Al-Gahmi, Benjamin L. Wilczewski, Mark A. Carlson, Jingwei Xie

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Effective therapies are urgently needed to stabilize patients with marginally compressible junctional hemorrhage long enough to get them to the hospital alive. Herein, we report injectable and rapidly expandable cryogels consisting of polyacrylamide and thrombin (AT cryogels) created by cryo-polymerization for the efficient management of lethal junctional hemorrhage in swine. The produced cryogels have small pore sizes and highly interconnected porous architecture with robust mechanical strength. The cryogels exhibit rapid shape memory properties and prove to be resilient against fatigue. These cryogels also show high water/blood absorption capacity, fast blood clotting effect, and enhanced adhesion of red blood cells and …

Copper−Cystine Biohybrid-Embedded Nanofiber Aerogels Show Antibacterial And Angiogenic Properties, Anik Karan, Navatha S. Polavaram, Margarita Darder, Yajuan Su, Syed Muntazir Andrabi, S M Shatil Shahriar, Johnson V. John, Zeyu Luo, Mark A. Decoster, Yu Shrike Zhang, Jingwei Xie

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Copper−cystine-based high aspect ratio structures (CuHARS) possess exceptional physical and chemical properties and exhibit remarkable biodegradability in human physiological conditions. Extensive testing has confirmed the biocompatibility and biodegradability of CuHARS under diverse biological conditions, making them a viable source of essential Cu²⁺. These ions are vital for catalyzing the production of nitric oxide (NO) from the decomposition of Snitrosothiols (RSNOs) found in human blood. The ability of CuHARS to act as a Cu²⁺ donor under specific concentrations has been demonstrated in this study, resulting in the generation of elevated levels of NO. Consequently, this dual function makes …

Soft Microreactors For The Deposition Of Microstructures And The Related Surface Chemistries Of Polymeric Materials, Jessica Wagner

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The precise control over small volumes of liquids is of great interest to various fields such as biotechnology, drug development, and diagnostics. Working at small scales reduces cost, time, and waste, which is why microfluidic lab-on-chip technologies have become popular in a wide range of industries and applications. Additionally, there are differences in properties such as mass transport and heat dissipation at the micron scale compared to in bulk. Microfluidic devices contain several interfaces to consider when preparing to fabricate devices. The substrate/device, substrate/solution, and solution/device interfaces are all of importance and must carefully be tuned depending on the desired …

Ten Questions Concerning Smart And Healthy Built Environments For Older Adults, Sanjay Kumar, Samuel H. Underwood, Julie L. Masters, Natalie A. Manley, Iason Konstantzos, Josephine Lau, Ryan Haller, Lily M. Wang

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

In the past decade, the term ‘global aging’ has gained much attention among researchers, policymakers, civil societies, and governments worldwide. The continuous decline in fertility rates and increased life expectancy have resulted in an ongoing demographic transition where the share of adults aged 65 or older is increasing and outnumbering children younger than five years. In the United States and other developed countries, this rapid demographic transition is expected to continue to strain the existing health infrastructure as it becomes increasingly challenging to ensure healthy living environments for older adults. The ten questions and answers in this paper have been …

Nitric Oxide: Physiological Functions, Delivery, And Biomedical Applications, Syed Muntazir Andrabi, Navatha Shree Sharma, Anik Karan, S. M. Shatil Shahriar, Brent Cordon, Bing Ma, Jingwei Xie

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that has a central role in signaling pathways involved in numerous physiological processes (e.g., vasodilation, neurotransmission, inflammation, apoptosis, and tumor growth). Due to its gaseous form, NO has a short half-life, and its physiology role is concentration dependent, often restricting its function to a target site. Providing NO from an external source is beneficial in promoting cellular functions and treatment of different pathological conditions. Hence, the multifaceted role of NO in physiology and pathology has garnered massive interest in developing strategies to deliver exogenous NO for the treatment of various regenerative and biomedical …

Machine Learning Approach For Automated Detection Of Irregular Walking Surfaces For Walkability Assessment With Wearable Sensor, Hui R. Ng, Isidore Sossa, Yunwoo Nam, Jong-Hoon Youn

Community and Regional Planning Program: Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity

The walkability of a neighborhood impacts public health and leads to economic and environmental benefits. The condition of sidewalks is a significant indicator of a walkable neighborhood as it supports and encourages pedestrian travel and physical activity. However, common sidewalk assessment practices are subjective, inefficient, and ineffective. Current alternate methods for objective and automated assessment of sidewalk surfaces do not consider pedestrians’ physiological responses. We developed a novel classification framework for the detection of irregular walking surfaces that uses a machine learning approach to analyze gait parameters extracted from a single wearable accelerometer. We also identified the most suitable location …

Can Body Mass Index Influence The Skin Temperature Of Adolescents? A Preliminary Study With The Use Of Infrared Thermography, Hamilton Henrique Teixeira Reis, Ciro José Brito, Alisson Gomes Da Silva, Manuel Sillero-Quintana, Victória Esther Teixeria Reis, Francisco Zacaron Werneck, Ismael Fernández-Cuevas, Matheus Santos Cerqueira, João Carlos Bouzas Marins

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

– Infrared thermography (IRT) has been used to assess skin temperature (Tsk), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as an important tool in medical screening not only of the general population, but also of young athletes. However, the subcutaneous adipose tissue can act as an insulator when the Tsk is assessed by IRT, modifying the normal Tsk data and leading to their misinterpretation. Considering that the body mass index (BMI) is an important predictor of obesity, the objective of this study was to verify if the Tsk measured by IRT is affected by the BMI in adolescents. A preliminary study was …

Differential Effects Of Protein Isolates On The Gut Microbiome Under High And Low Fiber Conditions, Marissa Behounek

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Protein isolates are a growing market share in the food industry both as food ingredients and as supplements. All dietary habits can influence and alter the gut microbiome; however, little is known about how protein isolates from different sources will change the composition and function of the gut microbiota under high and low fiber conditions. The study aims to determine the microbiome response to plant and animal protein isolates under high- and low-dietary fiber (H/LDF) conditions. Six commercially available protein isolates (beef, egg white, milk, pea, and two soy protein isolates) were subjected to in vitro enzymatic digestion and dialysis …

Ott, Megan And Joycin Stonacek. "Physiology For Kids Club." After-School Club Lesson Plans. University Of Nebraska, 2021., Megan Ott, Joycin Stonacek

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

No abstract provided.

Ruminant Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Nutritional And Therapeutic Opportunity?, Siew Ling Ong, Cherie Blenkiron, Stephen Haines, Alejandra Acevedo-Fani, Juliana A.S. Leite, Janos Zempleni, Rachel C. Anderson, Mark J. Mccann

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Milk has been shown to contain a specific fraction of extracellular particles that are reported to resist digestion and are purposefully packaged with lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids to exert specific biological effects. These findings suggest that these particles may have a role in the quality of infant nutrition, particularly in the early phase of life when many of the foundations of an infant’s potential for health and overall wellness are established. However, much of the current research focuses on human or cow milk only, and there is a knowledge gap in how milk from other species, which may be …

Molecular Genetic Modifications In The Human Genome: Racial Discrimination As A Biological Stressor, Nicolette Dobson

UReCA: The NCHC Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity

Research titled Molecular Genetic Modifications in the Human Genome: Racial Discrimination as a Biological Stressor by Nicolette Dobson in UReCA: The NCHC Undergraduate Journal of Research and Creative Activity, 2021, pages 1-24.

Abstract

Racial discrimination enhances group separation and places individuals into stereotypical categories based on race and other factors (e.g. gender, behavior, etc.). As seen in studies on physiological diseases and psychological disorders, minority groups (e.g. African Americans) face cellular senescence at an increased risk due to health-related comorbidities and prevalent experiences of racism. This review provides an analysis of modifications within the human genome that may lead to …

The International Scientific Association For Probiotics And Prebiotics (Isapp) Consensus Statement On Fermented Foods, Maria L. Marco, Mary Ellen Sanders, Michael Gänzle, Marie Claire Arrieta, Paul D. Cotter, Luc De Vuyst, Colin Hill, Wilhelm Holzapfel, Sarah Lebeer, Dan Merenstein, Gregor Reid, Benjamin E. Wolfe, Robert Hutkins

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

An expert panel was convened in September 2019 by The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) to develop a definition for fermented foods and to describe their role in the human diet. Although these foods have been consumed for thousands of years, they are receiving increased attention among biologists, nutritionists, technologists, clinicians and consumers. Despite this interest, inconsistencies related to the use of the term ‘fermented’ led the panel to define fermented foods and beverages as “foods made through desired microbial growth and enzymatic conversions of food components”. This definition, encompassing the many varieties of fermented foods, is …

Editorial: Predictive Modeling Of Human Microbiota And Their Role In Health And Disease, Hyun-Seob Song, Stephen R. Lindemann, Dong-Yup Lee

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Enabling Conceptual Learning To Prepare Students For The New World Of Nutrition Communication, Sabine Zempleni

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

During the last decades, the flow of nutrition information between nutrition professionals and consumer has changed profoundly. Newest scientific findings are freely available from public data bases and often make it prematurely into the media and social media. Therefore, students need to require a precise knowledge of nutrition concepts, be able to explain the concepts to the consumer, and apply those concepts to eating decisions. Many students have not made the transition from memorizing individual facts to conceptual learning. Students will need appropriate learning tools and instructions to help them make this transition successfully. The goal of this Peer Review …

Metabolic Benefits Of Plant-Based N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Brown Thermogenesis, Kyung Ho Park

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

There are two essential fatty acids for humans, a-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), which should be taken from foods to maintain health. Once incorporated into cells, ALA and LA, which are omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) and n-6 PUFA respectively, undergo elongation and desaturation to generate longer and more unsaturated fatty acids influencing inflammation and immunological responses. Numerous studies showed a dietary reduction of n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio improves cardiovascular health, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Fish oil, the main resource for n-3 PUFA, is shown to increase these health benefits. In our lab, we investigated the efficacy …

An Investigation Of The Operational And Design Characteristics Of Circadian Lighting Systems, Aaron Adams

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This report investigates the operation of circadian lighting systems to gain an understanding of the main design and control characteristics and to promote different objectives for use. Research is guided by asking how color intensity, color temperature and their temporal characteristics are related to the circadian response, and how this knowledge can be utilized when designing and operating lighting systems for indoor environments. This report consists of an extensive literature review and case study application cut short by the impact of the novel coronavirus. The case study takes place in an office space housed on the UNMC campus featuring an …

An Investigation Of The Operational And Design Characteristics Of Circadian Lighting Systems: Report, Aaron Adams, Iason Konstantzos

UCARE: Research Products

This report investigates the operation of circadian lighting systems to gain an understanding of the main design and control characteristics and to promote different objectives for use. Research is guided by asking how color intensity, color temperature and their temporal characteristics are related to the circadian response, and how this knowledge can be utilized when designing and operating lighting systems for indoor environments. This report consists of an extensive literature review and case study application cut short by the impact of the novel coronavirus. The case study takes place in an office space housed on the UNMC campus featuring an …

From Synthesis To Utilization: The Ins And Outs Of Mitochondrial Heme, Samantha A. Swenson, Courtney M. Moore, Jason R. Marcero, Amy E. Medlock, Amit R. Reddi, Oleh Khalimonchuk

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Heme is a ubiquitous and essential iron containing metallo-organic cofactor required for virtually all aerobic life. Heme synthesis is initiated and completed in mitochondria, followed by certain covalent modifications and/or its delivery to apo-hemoproteins residing throughout the cell. While the biochemical aspects of heme biosynthetic reactions are well understood, the trafficking of newly synthesized heme—a highly reactive and inherently toxic compound—and its subsequent delivery to target proteins remain far from clear. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about heme biosynthesis and trafficking within and outside of the mitochondria.

Effects Of Alternative Carbohydrate Sources And Soybean-Derived Isoflavones On The Microbiome And Immune System Of Nursery Piglets And Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cell Line J-2, Sydney Kinstler

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Four experiments were conducted to characterize the microbiome of the piglet and observe effects of diet on growth performance and immunity. In Exp. 1, 96 nursery piglets were fed varying carbohydrate sources and in Exp. 2, 64 piglets were fed a soy protein concentrate or soybean meal as-is or supplemented with an isoflavone concentrate. Body and feeder weights were measured for growth performance estimation. Luminal contents and scrapings were isolated for microbial composition analysis. Fecal and blood samples were extracted in Exp. 2 for microbiome and immunity analysis. Diets did not affect growth performance (P > 0.10); however, Exp. 1 …

Establishing Enhanced Learning Outcomes In Science For First Generational Undergraduate College Students, Marianna Burks

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

First-generation students represent an increasing percentage of the demographic for college and university enrollment at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Since 2001, results from the National Center for Education Statistics Longitudinal Study, indicates ‘higher percentages of first-generations college students attended public postsecondary institutions-76 vs. 72%’ (Redford & Hoyer, 2017). There is insufficient research, however, concerning how first-generation students’ needs are different, even unique, from those students who are second- generation and beyond attending college (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2017). Since this increase of students enrolling in post-secondary education, ‘understanding the needs of first-generation students is imperative more now …

Livestock Animals To Study Infertility In Women, Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, Andrea S. Cupp

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

• Anovulation is a major cause of infertility in mammalian females.

• Ovarian research in humans is challenging due to the shortage of “normal tissue” that can be obtained from women that are trying to get pregnant.

• Livestock animals provide valuable resources to investigate the optimal intra-follicular environment required to facilitate folliculogenesis and translate to humans.

• Different livestock models may be more useful depending on the specific biological process studied.

Nutr455: Advanced Nutrition And Human Metabolism- A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Sathish Kumar Natarajan

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

NUTR455, Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism is a capstone, ACE 10 course for undergraduate seniors in nutrition and health sciences that I teach in spring semesters since 2017. Among the 3 classes that I taught, spring 2019 class did awesome job in their overall performance, in-class participation, and in-class exams and in their final poster assignment. We analyzed three questions to as part of this teaching benchmark portfolio. 1) The role of in-class iClicker questions in improving student students understanding the key concepts and test whether it motivates the students to study course materials; 2) Tested whether review session impacted/improve …