Digital Commons Network^™

Dual Role Of Chibby In Regulation Of Cell Growth And Mesenchymal-To-Epithelial Transition-Like Processes, Victoria Fischer

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway is well known for its prominent role in tumorigenesis of colon cancers, but also of some other tumors. Beta-Catenin, the downstream mediator of canonical Wnt-signaling, is continuously degraded in the absence of Wnt signaling but stabilized upon activation of the pathway. Beta-Catenin then activates transcription of target genes in the nucleus, leading e.g. to proliferation, invasiveness and anoikis resistance, and can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Apart from its function as a transcriptional coactivator, beta-catenin forms part of adherens junctions where it plays a pivotal role mediating the connection between the adherens junction protein E-cadherin and the …

The Antimicrobial Properties Of Zinc-Releasing Bioceramics, Xin He

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

Up to 80% of nosocomial infections are caused by biofilm-producing bacteria such as Staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These types of microorganisms can become resistant to antibiotics and are difficult to eliminate. As such, there is tremendous interest in developing bioactive implant materials that can help to minimize these post- operative infections. Using water-based chemistry, we developed an economical, biodegradable and biocompatible orthopedic implant material consisting of zinc- doped hydroxyapatite (HA), which mimics the main inorganic component of the bone. Because the crystallinity of HA is typically too compact for efficient drug release, we substituted calcium ions in HA with zinc …

Racemization Of Amino Acids In Teeth For The Determination Of Age, Andrea Lee Toll

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Instrumental to forensic investigations is the ability to identify unknown human remains providing key evidence to criminal cases, resolution to missing persons, and assistance in mass or natural disasters. Identification of remains in an effort to determine age is an area of forensics that has received considerable attention. Traditional methods in age determination such as morphology are often biased, antiquated, and frequently result in a large margin of error. Conversely, the emergence of new forensic techniques provide promise to reduce the margin of error in determining age. One such technique has focused on relating the extent of amino acid racemization …

The Nebraska Sandhills Food Desert: Causes, Identification, And Actions Towards A Resolution, Andrew Thierolf

Community and Regional Planning Program: Theses

Declining populations over the past several decades have created issues for residents in many rural areas. A serious concern is the emergence of “food deserts,” areas where people do not have sufficient access to nutritious foods. The Sandhills region in west-central Nebraska is a prime example of an area that is subject to the food desert phenomenon. It features a low-density rural population that creates a difficult economic environment for grocery retailers.

This paper looks at multiple aspects of the food desert issue in the region. It begins by reviewing literature to determine the definition of the term “food desert” …

Achieving Sustainability In The Craft Brewing Industry, Mike Boden

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Continued growth in the craft brewing industry, coupled with natural resource limitations suggests the need for implementation of sustainable initiatives on a wide scale. These initiatives discussed include the areas of economic sustainability through cooperative growth and equilibrium, social sustainability through employee and community development, and environmental sustainability through energy and water conservation and renewable energy use. Specific techniques to achieve sustainability in the craft brewing industry are reviewed alongside case studies of craft breweries currently implementing these techniques. A sustainable metric is outlined for use in accomplishing these goals.

Resource Distribution And The French Revolution, Louan Pagan

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Throughout the centuries following the French Revolution (1789 -1799), social scientists and historians have attributed a myriad of causes to the sociopolitical upheaval. Food and beverages played a key role in the coming of French Revolution, for the people were in effect fighting for the right to have nutrition rather than for social or political ideals. Literary analysis of both primary and secondary sources illustrated the integral role of the peasant’s stomach to the uprising. The Enlightenment disillusionment of the royals, rising bread prices, discrepancy in food distribution both within and around Paris, and substandard quality of food, wine, and …

A Comparison Of Moist-Soil Seed Sampling Techniques In The Nebraska Rainwater Basin, Lisa Zilli

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Wetland managers sometimes estimate seed production of wetlands managed for migrating waterfowl habitat. Using estimation techniques, managers can determine if wetland plants produce enough seed to support the nutritional needs of migrating waterfowl. Usually, a one-time sampling method is used; this technique samples seeds once a year during peak seed production. However, this technique may underestimate seed production due to plants producing large quantities of seed before or after peak seed production or producing seed throughout the growing season. Season long sampling may be more representative of a wetland’s seed production. We comparing one-time sampling with season- long sampling by …

The Role Of Emotion In Understanding And Promoting Sustainability And Eco-Friendly Behavior, Chevelle Schreiner

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of empathy and perspective-taking in influencing

environmental concern (Sevilliano, Aragones, & Schultz, 2007) Although there may be a number of internal factors that inhibit pro-environmental behavior, it is important to evaluate the ways by which we can use emotion to encourage this type of behavior. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of emotion on eco-friendly behavior by investigating the effect of viewing high- or low-fear appeals on changing consumers‘ food choices will have on their attitudes and behaviors. Results show that the

likelihood that a participant intended to partake in more pro-environmental behaviors …

2012 Yellow Springs Cost Of Living Report, Center For Urban And Public Affairs, Wright State University

Economic Development

Many issues our community has faced in recent years reflect an underlying concern about our economic circumstances, particularly the cost of living in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The absence of reliable, accurate and objective information has contributed to conjecture and debate among residents. Early in this year, the James A. McKee Association resolved to try to help address this gap by sponsoring a study of the cost of living in the village. The availability of current Census data made this a particularly appropriate time to undertake this study. The hope is that this project will form a foundation for better understanding …

Effects Of Moderate Swim Exercise On Adiposity And Metabolic Function In Mice, Roberta L. Pohlman, Ana Carneiro, Vera Farah, Lynn K. Hartzler, Mariana Morris

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Vital Signs, Summer 2012, Boonshoft School Of Medicine

Vital Signs

A forty-eight page newsletter created by the Boonshoft School of Medicine to document the current affairs of the school. This issue includes a variety of feature articles, a research spotlight, alumni notes, and more.

Commencement 2012, Sacred Heart University

Commencement Programs

Program for the Graduate and Undergraduate ceremonies held May 12-13 2012.

The Effect Of Chlorine And Ozone In Controlling Microbes On Organically Grown Cilantro And Carrots, Adam Holtz

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This senior project investigates the relative efficacy of ozonated water and chlorinated water for the purpose of sanitizing freshly-harvested organic produce. The aim of this study was to assist the Cal Poly Organic Farm in deciding whether or not to invest in an ozone generator. The crops used for testing were grown organically in the same field. Carrots and cilantro were harvested and promptly treated with 5 ppm ozone solution or 25 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution. Carrots were sampled at 0, 7, and 14 days storage to determine microbial populations. Cilantro was similarly tested at 0, 6, and 12 days …

The Degree Of Peer Influences On Children's Food Choices At Summer Camp, Erin O'Neill

All Theses

Research has shown that peers influence each other in social situations. With childhood obesity becoming more prevalent in society, studying the influence peers have on their friends eating behaviors is important. National campaigns and laws have been promoted for the changing of food standards in schools but not recreation programs. Through direct observations of the foods children choose while amongst friends, the degree to which peers influence other children during a mealtime setting at camp is analyzed. When conducting research to test whether peers influenced children's food choices, noting the societal reasons and atmospheres in which children choose meals with …

Fotonovelas: A Parent Resource And Education Guide For Underserved Hispanic Families With Autism In Marin County, Tiffany Chi, Monica Christina Guzman Critchfield, Isaac Xuliang Stahlhut

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The current estimated prevalence of autism in the United States is 1 out of 88 children, up from 2006 when the estimated prevalence of autism was 1 out of 110 (Centers for Disease and Prevention, 2012). Increasing numbers are a major concern because there is a greater need for services for individuals with autism. According to Kidsdata (2010), approximately 5.7% of Marin County of California’s population of children has a diagnosis of autism. The Hispanic community forms the largest minority group in Marin County, consisting of 15.5% of the population (US Census Bureau, 2010). This community was the target underserved …

Hotline Press Newspaper- May 2012 Vol 28 No 50, Hotline Press Newspaper

Hotline Press Newspaper 2012

No abstract provided.

Biological Properties Evaluation And Chemical Profiles Of Phenolic Compounds In Muscadine Grapes (Vitis Rotundifolia), Qi You

All Dissertations

Phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins in muscadines have attracted much attention due to their diverse biological activities. With bioassays of antioxidant activities in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) total anthocyanin content (TAC), total procyanidin content (TPA), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ABTS radical scavenging Activity (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oil peroxidation inhibitory capacity of all muscadine samples, the muscadine grapes showed strong antioxidant activities. The liquid-liquid organic solvent extraction successfully separated the anthocyanins and other phenolics to different fractions. Strong linear relationship between responses of TPC, TAC and TPA versus their antioxidant activities …

Functions Of Autophagy In Lipid Homeostasis And Survival In Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer Cells, Ramesh Raj Kaini

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Androgen deprivation therapy, one of the standard treatments for prostate cancer, induces apoptosis as well as autophagy in androgen-responsive PCa cells. As modulation of autophagy is a new paradigm for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of various cancer therapies, we sought to determine the functions of autophagy during androgen deprivation. In this study, we confirmed that androgen removal or inhibition induces autophagy in two different hormone sensitive prostate cancer cells. Androgen deprivation also caused depletion of lipid droplets which was abrogated on inhibition of autophagy by pharmacological means (3-methyladenine, bafilomycin A1) or using a genetic approach (Atg5 siRNA). In addition, colocalization …

Undergraduate And Graduate Course Descriptions, 2012 Summer, Wright State University

Course Descriptions

Wright State University undergraduate and graduate course descriptions from Summer 2012.

Web Resources For Teaching Media Literacy, Krista Bittenbender Royal

INTO Faculty and Staff Publications

Preparing students for academic success involves more than just English; it must also address critical thinking skills. Using technology to integrate media literacy into a course can help students develop the higher-order thinking required for university classes. In this workshop, designed for teachers and curriculum coordinators, participants will learn about several web-based resources and materials used in an advanced English for Academic Purposes class that dealt with media literacy. These resources range from the websites of media literacy networks and current event sites to web-based information tools and visual representations of information, as well as educational learning resource centers that …

Novel Mechanisms Of Androgen Receptor Degradation By Alpha-Tocopherylquinone And Curcumin Analog 27, Alexandra Marie Fajardo

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Defining underlying molecular mechanisms exploited by cancer cells in their development and progression provides a necessary foundation for experimental therapeutics. The androgen receptor (AR) is a known therapeutic target for prostate cancer (CaP) given its well-established role in both the development and progression of CaP. The AR is a ligand activated transcription factor that regulates the expression of many genes involved in proliferation and differentiation. Identifying agents that down-regulate AR expression may elucidate mechanism(s) for selectively targeting the AR. Two related agents of the natural products curcumin and vitamin E, curcumin analog 27 (ca27) and alpha-tocopheryl quinone (TQ), respectively were …

Latino/Hispanic Young Men And Health Beliefs, Acculturation, And Emerging Adulthood: An Exploratory Study, Peter Andrew Guarnero

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

The purpose of the study was to identify factors that influenced health promotion behaviors in Latino/Hispanic mens health, including their experiences and health concerns. Acculturation, emerging adulthood and health were the three key ecological variables used in the study. The sample consisted of 16 Latino/Hispanic young men who were students at a Hispanic-serving university in the Southwestern United States. The study consisted of two data collection sessions. Session one consisted of a semi-structured individual interview and completion of a demographic questionnaire, two acculturation scales, a health promoting lifestyle scale, and visual analog scales for overall health perceptions and quality of …

Student Loyalty Assessment With Online Master's Programs, Ali Dehghan

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Relationship marketing is attracting, maintaining, and, in multi-service organizations, enhancing customer relationships. Educational programs and services, like those of businesses, depend highly on the repeated purchases of their loyal customers. The purpose of this descriptive research is to investigate the relationships between factors that may lead to student loyalty in online graduate educational programs. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the relationships between service quality, technology, trust, commitment and satisfaction, reputation and ultimately loyalty. A new model is presented, which includes the results of testing these variables.

The results of this study concluded that satisfaction with the program has the …

Be Good To Yourselves, Parents!, Winston J. Craig

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Laughter: Good Medicine, Winston J. Craig

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Interdisciplinary Cultural Competence Training In Public Health, Joni Tweeten

Theses and Dissertations

The United States is quickly becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, and the associated health dispmities are growing at an alarming rate. Culturally competent care and services can help reduce these disparities by enhancing the quality of care for all clients, especially those at risk for dispaiities. A public health workforce that is well-equipped with knowledge of cultural competence and the tools to practice it will be able to better meet the needs of the changing populations with which they work. To effectively improve the cultural competence of interdisciplinary public health teams, evidence-based interdisciplinary training is needed to provide effective …

Ethanol Exposure Impairs Glutamatergic Synaptic Transmission And Plasticity In The Ca1 Hippocampal Region During The Third Trimester-Equivalent Of Human Pregnancy: Implications For Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Michael P. Puglia

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder results from developmental exposure to ethanol. Although many organ systems are targeted by this teratogen, the central nervous system is exquisitely sensitive. Children with this disease often present with behavioral disorders as well as impairments in learning and memory. Ethanol exposure affects developmental processes throughout pregnancy; however, the third trimester-equivalent has demonstrated heightened sensitivity. Although the mechanism of action(s) of ethanol remains unknown, studies suggest that impairments in glutamatergic signaling and synaptic plasticity during the third trimester-equivalent period of development lead to alterations in synaptic formation and refinement. However, little is known about the developmental effects …

Irish Chefs And Restaurants In The Geography Of “Local” Food Value Chains, Leslie Duram, Mary Cawley

Publications

Restaurant chefs and owners have a potentially influential role to play in promoting the use of local foods and supporting producers. Indeed chefs are taste makers, and their conceptualization of local food can influence consumers’ perceptions, knowledge and geographical awareness. Yet their role is not well documented in research literature. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven purposively selected chefs in Galway City, Ireland, who are seeking to develop a local cuisine. Menus, websites, and statements of philosophy were also analyzed. Attention focused on the definition of local food, sources of supply, how local food is used in cuisine, and how …

The “Green Eating” Project: A Pilot Intervention To Promote Sustainable And Healthy Eating In College Students, Kelleigh E. Eastman

Senior Honors Projects

The “Green Eating” Project: A Pilot Intervention to Promote Sustainable and Healthy Eating in College Students

Kelleigh Eastman

Sponsor: Geoffrey Greene, Nutrition and Dietetics

A topic of interest that is growing in the general population is the idea of being sustainable, or “green”, and there is a rising awareness in sustainable practices involving food and the environment. Some of the “green” eating behaviors identified through my research included eating a plant-based (i.e. vegetarian or semi-vegetarian) diet, eating locally grown foods, eating organically grown foods, and eating foods that are labeled fair-trade. Frequently, these “green” eating behaviors are healthful eating behaviors …

Effect Of Tai Chi Exercise On Cognitive Function During Weight Loss In Obese Older Women, Alice R. Marolla

Senior Honors Projects

Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m², is a major public health problem in the United States, affecting over 34% of Americans. Among the populations with the highest obesity prevalence is women aged 60 years and older. As a Kinesiology major, I find it very important to examine the complications that arise as a result of obesity.

We know that obese individuals run the risk of developing hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease. A potential health risk associated with obesity that is understudied is cognitive functioning impairment, like dementia. Dementia is …