Digital Commons Network^™

The Pleading Problem, Adam N. Steinman

Faculty Scholarship

Federal pleading standards are in crisis. The Supreme Court's recent decisions in Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly and Ashcroft v. Iqbal have the potential to upend civil litigation as we know it. What is urgently needed is a theory of pleading that can bring Twombly and Iqbal into alignment with the text of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and a half-century worth of Supreme Court precedent, while providing a coherent methodology that preserves access to the courts and allows pleadings to continue to play their appropriate role in the adjudicative process. This Article provides that theory. It develops a …

An Assessment Of Linear Wrist Motion During The Taking Of A Bite Of Food, Meredith Drennan

All Theses

Motivated by the goal of building a device capable of detecting when a user takes a bite of food, we examine whether there is a correlation between linear wrist motion and bite detection. Such a device could be used to manage weight loss by tracking eating trends over time and providing real time feedback to the user regarding eating rate or total consumption. A comprehensive analysis of tracking linear motion using low cost inertial sensors is presented. Based on this theory, we discuss the design and tracking accuracy of a prototype bite counting device. We show that tracking position using …

Modified Method For The Microbial Enumeration Of High Fat Foods, Robert Valerio

All Theses

Foods of high fat content, such as peanut butter and ground beef, can be of particular interest to food microbiologists due to their role in harboring microorganisms that lead to spoilage and/or foodborne illnesses. In previous studies on raw poultry rendering materials, Glenn (2006) determined standard phosphate buffer serial dilutions produced erratic microbial enumeration results. As the material contained high fat, it was
hypothesized that the immiscibility of fat in the aqueous buffer caused the errors. This could occur by fat globules entrapping microorganisms in foods. Upon serial dilution with aqueous buffers, the fat globules may not be evenly dispersed …

Rural Life Census Data Center Newsletter: Birth And Infant Mortality In South Dakota, Saileza Khatiwada, Jake Cummings, Diane Kayongo-Male

Census Data Center Newsletter Archive: 2007-2010

The joy of birth and the sorrow of losing a newborn are profoundly personal experiences. Still, to some extent, both infant births and deaths are associated with numerous social and environmental factors. These factors include maternal health and level of access to, and quality of, health care (MacDorman and Mathews 2008). Moreover, infant mortality has been recognized as a relatively reliable marker of societal well-being (Gortmaker and Wise 1997). Therefore, it is important that we examine infant mortality rates throughout the state of South Dakota.

Differential Gene Expression And Protein Abundance Evince Ontogenetic Bias Toward Castes In A Primitively Eusocial Wasp, James H. Hunt, Florian Wolschin, Michael T. Henshaw, Thomas C. Newman, Amy L. Toth, Gro V. Amdam

Peer Reviewed Publications

Polistes paper wasps are models for understanding conditions that may have characterized the origin of worker and queen castes and, therefore, the origin of paper wasp sociality. Polistes is ‘‘primitively eusocial’’ by virtue of having contextdependent caste determination and no morphological differences between castes. Even so, Polistes colonies have a temporal pattern in which most female larvae reared by the foundress become workers, and most reared by workers become future-reproductive gynes. This pattern is hypothesized to reflect development onto two pathways, which may utilize mechanisms that regulate diapause in other insects. Using expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for Polistes metricus we …

Socioeconomic Status And Prevalence Of Obesity And Diabetes In A Mexican American Community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004-2007, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch, Anne R. Rentfro, Jennifer Salinas, Adriana Perez, H. Shelton Brown, Belinda M. Reininger, Blanca I. Restrepo, Jeff Gaines Wilson, Monir Hossain, Mohammad H. Rahbar, Craig Hanis, Joseph B. Mccormick

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction Mexican Americans are at increased risk for obesity and diabetes. We established a cohort on the United States-Mexico border to determine the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in this Mexican American population and to see whether minor economic advantages had any effect on health.

Methods We randomly selected and extensively documented 810 people aged 35 to 64 years. Weighted data were analyzed to establish prevalence of obesity and diabetes and other markers of poor health such as elevated glycated hemoglobin levels.

Results Rates of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) were 57% in the first (lower) of …

Effect Of Grazing System On Livestock Performance, Botanical Composition, And Standing Crop In The Nebraska Sandhills, Mitchell B. Stephenson

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A 10-year study compared a 4-pasture deferred-rotation (DR) grazing system with an 8-pasture short duration grazing (SDG) system at the Barta Brothers Ranch near Rose, NE to determine differences in livestock performance, botanical composition, and standing crop. Pastures were grazed by 50 to100 cow-calf pairs with both single (DR system) and multiple (SDG system) grazing periods from 15 May to 15 October. Livestock performance data were collected from spayed heifers substituted into each grazing system during the last 3 years of the study. Botanical composition was collected on 275 frequency of occurrence transects in 1998, 2003, and 2008. Standing crop …

Time To Get Real: A Food Assessment Of Dining At Pomona College, Samantha Meyer

Pomona Senior Theses

Pomona College is an institution deeply committed to sustainability and student well being; however these commitments are not reflected in the College’s food purchases. Before this study, an assessment of purchasing had not been conducted at Pomona College. Using the Real Food Calculator – a metric designed to evaluate food purchasing at academic institutions – I tracked all food purchased by one of the College’s dining halls over the course of one month. Each food item was assessed based on the potential health concerns of its ingredients and whether the item was locally produced, ecologically sound and/or humane to determine …

Promoting Wellness For At-Risk Women In Nebraska: A Qualitative Study, Hannah Nelson

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Health care concerns and beliefs of young women of Nebraska, specifically related to preconception care, was the primary concern of this research. Data collected from focus group interviews (n=24) conducted across the state, in both urban and rural settings, and with women of different racial groups asked questions concerning their belief system for necessary components to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Questions were designed using the Life Course Theory, which is a holistic approach to health. In these interviews, the women identified four main areas that, when improved, can greatly enhance overall wellness. These areas include: attaining better physical health, improving …

Unsaturated Fatty Acids Repress The Expression Of Adipose Fatty Acid-Binding Protein, Ap2, In Raw 264.7 Macrophage, Sara L. Coleman

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

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, aP2, present in macrophages has been implicated in the integration of lipid metabolism and inflammatory response, contributing to development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. We investigated the modulation of aP2 expression by inflammatory insults and fatty acids in RAW 264.7 macrophages. When the cells were incubated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS; 100 ng/ml) or 10 ng/ml of tumor necrosis factor α for 18 h, aP2 mRNA and protein levels were drastically increased. Unsaturated fatty acids (100 μM of 18:1, 18:2, 18:3, 20:5 in complex with BSA), but not saturated fatty acids (16:0), significantly repressed the basal aP2 …

Youth School Enrichment Nutrition Programming In Nebraska: A Descriptive Study, Ashley M. Keller

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

The objectives of this study were to determine the nutrition knowledge of students in grades K-6 (n = 62,324) participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), to determine if the nutrition information provided by the program impacts youth nutrition knowledge and behaviors, and to determine if there is a difference in the impact of the school enrichment program versus the non-school enrichment program. Without proper nutrition and physical activity the tendency for children to gain weight increases; therefore, increasing the likelihood of becoming obese. In the past 20 years, the prevalence of obesity has doubled. Eating behaviors and the amount …

Assessing Dietary Intake, Eating And Exercise Attitudes And Fitness Levels In College-Aged Students, Katie J. James

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

BACKGROUND The transition from high school to college can be a stressful lifestyle change for young adults. During this transition students develop a variety of health attitudes and behaviors that may have a negative impact on their overall wellbeing. OBJECTIVE To determine the correlation of BMI to dietary intake, fitness level and eating and exercise attitudes of college students. SETTING Participants completed an eating and exercise attitude survey, 2-day diet recall, and preformed three fitness tests at a Midwestern University through their Campus Recreational Center. PARTICIPANTS 772 students between the ages of 18-25 from a Midwestern University between the years …

Modulation Of Lipid Metabolism By Phytosterol Stearates And Black Raspberry Seed Oils, Mark Mckinley Ash

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

Naturally occurring compounds and lifestyle modifications as combination and mono-therapy are increasingly used for dyslipidemia. Specficially, phytosterols and fatty acids have demonstrated an ability to modulate cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in different fashions. In two separate studies, the lipid-lowering effects of black raspberry seed oil and three different phytosterol stearates were examined in order to elucidate the effects of these dietary components and the factors influencing their therapeutic actions.

The first study examined high cholesterol diets supplemented with crude and refined black raspberry seed oils, coconut oil or soybean oil. The crude and refined raspberry seed oil (RSO) treatments significantly …

What Is The Evidence That Increasing The Length Of Breastfeeding Has On Risk Reduction Of Breast Cancer, Jaci K. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to review the literature to determine if breast cancer incidence was reduced by breastfeeding duration. It is important for health care providers to present the benefits of breastfeeding to women of childbearing age and especially to those who are pregnant. This literature review will result in a pamphlet that will be available to health care providers to present to prenatal patients. Informing women about the benefits of breastfeeding and breast cancer risk reduction will promote their ability to make an informed decision on breastfeeding. The Health Belief Model is the framework that was used …

Normalizing The Immediate And Early Postpartum Period: A Teaching Module For Nursing Students, Cate Edlebeck

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Worksite Breastfeeding Programs On Breastfeeding Initiation, Duration, And Exclusivity, Amy Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Countermeasures Against The Negative Effects Of Microgravity, Philys E. Johnson

Theses (Pre-2016)

Spaceflight exposes astronauts to a plethora of harmful environmental elements including microgravity. Exposure to microgravity has been demonstrated to have significant effects on the reproductive system, cardiovascular system and nervous system. One particular effect of exposure to a space environment is an increase in oxidative stress. This particular type of stress is known to activate the transcription factor Nuclear Factor - KB. This pro-inflammatory transcription factor regulates more than 200 genes. These genes are responsible for inflammation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, activation of this transcription factor has been linked to carcinogenesis, viral infections, diabetes, and arthritis. Due to …

The Relationship Among Identity Development, Sociocultural Ideals Of Beauty, And Self-Objectification Among Females In Early Adulthood, Hillary Lambert

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The sexualization of women and girls in Western society has been widely studied and has been shown to contribute to a number of different negative outcomes for women, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and low self-esteem. Two prominent theories have emerged to explain how sexualization leads to pathology. Sociocultural theory states that women internalize unrealistic ideals of beauty obtained through media outlets and interpersonal interactions. Likewise, self-objectification theory states that women are socialized to view themselves as objects to be evaluated and looked at by others and incorporate these ideals into their view of self. Because identity achievement is …

Comparative Performance Of Fluorometry And High Performance Liquid Chromatography In The Detection Of Aflatoxin M1 In Two Commercial Cheeses, Gustavo Peña

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM₁) is frequently found in milk and dairy products. It is a metabolite formed in cows from aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁), contained in animal feeds. In cheese production AFM₁ distributes between curds and whey. In this study, cows were fed 64 µg/AFB₁/d for the high treatment, and 5 µg/AFB₁/d for the low treatment, to obtain milk contaminated with AFM1 over the 0.5 µg/L and under 0.05 µg/L restrictions, respectively. Cheese was manufactured with milk contaminated with AFM₁ at 0.8 and 0.03 ìg/kg by the higher and lower …

Is There A Link Between Technical Advances And The Number Of Obese People In The United States?, Amanda Pneuman

Honors College Theses

Obesity is defined medically as having a BMI of over 30kg/m2. BMI is body mass index which is calculated by (weight in kg)/height in meters) 2. Obesity is an ongoing problem throughout the United States with over half the states having 20% to 24% of their population being classified as obese. In 2003 more than 300,000 people in this nation died from an illness that was related to being overweight or obese. Obesity affects many aspects of life including social skills, job opportunities, financial issues, and most importantly, health. What is causing these increasing statistics for obese Americans? There are …

The Impact Of Linking Ethanol And Beef Production On Economics, Carbon, And Nutrient Budgets, C. G. Carlson, D. E. Clay, C. Wright, K. D. Reitsma

SDSU Extension Extra Archives

This publication uses a case-study approach to investigate the impacts of linking corn production, ethanol, and backgrounding calves on economics and soil sustainability. The purpose of the paper is to initiate a dialog and provide an example of how the three industries can be integrated to enhance profitability. Conclusions drawn from this case study should not be extrapolated beyond the scope of this publication.

Camelina Production, Kathleen Grady, Thandiwe Nleya

SDSU Extension Extra Archives

Hisotry and Description Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is an oilseed plant currently being researched as a potential new crop for South Dakota. It is a member of the Brassicaceae (or mustard) family, which includes mustard, canola, rapeseed, Crambe, broccoli, and several other vegetable crops. Cam¬elina is commonly known as gold-of-pleasure or false flax. It originated in Northern Europe and Central Asia, where it has been grown for at least 3,000 years. It was grown as an agricultural crop in Europe and the Soviet Union through World War II. European production dwindled after the 1950s, as rapeseed/canola production increased. Camelina …

La Enfermedad Respiratoriaen Los Terneros Lecheros, Alvaro Garcia, Russ Daly

SDSU Extension Extra Archives

La enfermedad respiratoria es la segunda causa de muerte (diarrea es la primera) en las terneras lecheras no destetadas. Los problemas respiratorios han aumentado en un 34 por ciento en los últimos 20 años, causando cerca de 21 por ciento de la mortandad de los terneros (NAHMS 2007). Las terneras que sobreviven continúan con un des¬empeño pobre al convertirse en vacas adultas. Para prevenir este problema, es importante tener en cuenta tanto causas predisponentes como determinantes.

Creating A Wellness Program For Hotel Front Desk Employees, Karima Abdel-Moty

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The majority of hotel front desk employees fulfill their job demands in generally similar ways, in terms of workplace conditions. The demanding and hectic nature of this job results in very tangle physical and emotional effects on the employee. Through an analysis of current literature, guidelines on implementing a wellness program suited specifically for hotel front desk employees will be created. Through successful implementation of an employee wellness program, management will be able to provide effective job resources that will result in engaged front desk employees, and consequently, higher levels of customer service, productivity, and profitability.

Evaluation Of A 3-Dimensional Inertial Tracking System For Quantifying Human Movement, David T. Delion

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an inertial tracking unit (ITU) by comparing it to an optical tracking system. The ITU was attached to a bowling ball along with reflective markers for the optical system. Each trial started with the ball at rest on a pedestal the ball was then hung from a steel cable 10 feet long and set in motion in an elliptical pattern for approximately 25 seconds. The ball was then removed from the cable and returned to the pedestal so as to end each trial at rest. This was repeated 10 times with 5 …

The Effects Of Cellular Theta Breathing Meditation On Cell Mediated Immune Response: A Controlled, Randomized Investigation Of Altered Consciousness And Health, Marjorie D. Hardgrave

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Medical anthropology is well positioned to make contributions to consciousness research based on biocultural approaches that integrate methodologies from the biological, behavioral and social sciences to explore aspects of human health. The ubiquity and perseverance of health related activities involving altered states of consciousness (ASC) across cultures past and present suggest that these potentials are deeply rooted in human sociocultural evolution. Analyzing the relationship between immune function and meditative ASC represents an effort to empirically investigate the adaptive value of these human potentials.

A controlled, randomized investigation of two meditation practices was conducted at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas …

Exploring Preservice Teachers' Views Of Intelligence, Anne Marie Poliquin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study explored preservice teachers' views of intelligence. Specifically, I was interested in whether preservice teachers believed that intelligence was changeable (incremental) or fixed (entity). Dweck and colleagues found that people view traits like intelligence as either fixed or incremental (Dweck & Leggett, 1988; Dweck, Chiu, & Hong, 1995; Plaks, Grant & Dweck, 2005). Teachers bring both their beliefs and knowledge into the classroom. Views about intelligence affect beliefs about student ability. Teachers' expectations, instructional decisions, teaching strategies, and educational assessment are affected by these beliefs. In order for change to occur, learners must engage deeply (Dole & Sinatra, 1998, …

Use Of An Animal Model To Explore Prenatal Predictors Of Insulin And Glucose Metabolism In Southwestern Alaskan Yupiit, Julie Jo Kachinski

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Compared to other North American indigenous populations, Southwest Alaskan Yupiit exhibit very low rates of type 2 diabetes despite the occurrence of common risk factors. Contemporary Yupiit obtain a substantial portion of their calories from traditional foods, which contain high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Epidemiological and experimental animal research has linked glucose and insulin homeostasis with a diet high in omega-3s. This study used an experimental animal model to explore potential diabetes protective effects (for adult offspring) of prenatal maternal nutrition modeled on traditional locally-obtained Yupiit diets. The results of this study showed that the adult offspring whose …

Oral Cancer In Nevada: A Public Health Perspective, Karl Kingsley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and oral cancer remains the eighth leading cause of cancer death among US males. Although previous epidemiologic studies have found that overall rates of cancer, including oral cancer, have declined in the US in recent decades – these declines are neither uniform nor consistent within this population. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that rates of oral cancer in Nevada are relatively high, although no evidence was available to support these assertions.

Oral Cancer Epidemiology: Based upon this information, a detailed and thorough epidemiologic examination of oral cancer rates in …

Self-Efficacy And The Predictors For Nclex-Rn® Success For Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Linda Anne Silvestri

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) is the examination that nursing graduates must pass to attain the title of registered nurse and practice professionally. Each year a substantial number of nursing graduates are unable to enter the nursing profession because of failure on the NCLEX. Failure on this examination is a concern, especially since this country desperately needs nurses. Currently, the United States (U.S.) is faced with a nursing shortage. This shortage significantly impacts the U.S. health care system and requires urgent attention so that the health care needs of the people in this country are met. …