Digital Commons Network^™

Closing The Rural Mortality Gap? An Examination Of 10-Year Cardiovascular Mortality Trends In Washington And Aroostook Counties, Maine, Christy Daggett

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This study examines a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality1 in two rural, white, low-income counties in Maine over 1999-2009: Washington County and Aroostook County. Two similar counties with similarly high rates of CVD mortality– Penobscot and Piscataquis - were selected as comparators. The study considers different factors known to correlate with CVD mortality, including behavioral risk factors, co-morbid conditions, insurance coverage, and social determinants of health.

Population Dynamics Of The Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi And Implications For Bottom-Up And Top-Down Controls Of The Plankton Community, Marianne E. Mcnamara

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

This dissertation investigated the ecology of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in Great South Bay, New York via field and laboratory studies. The research focused on the role of M. leidyi in controlling plankton community structure and the influence of the plankton community in regulating seasonal population blooms of M. leidyi. First, this study documented top-down control of microplankton by larval M. leidyi in Great South Bay. A relationship between high adult M. leidyi/low mesozooplankton with high microplankton abundance was also identified, and preceded an increase in larval ctenophores, suggesting that intense feeding on mesozooplankton by adult M. leidyi enhances prey …

Population Dynamics Of The Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi And Implications For Bottom-Up And Top-Down Controls Of The Plankton Community, Marianne E. Mcnamara

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

This dissertation investigated the ecology of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in Great South Bay, New York via field and laboratory studies. The research focused on the role of M. leidyi in controlling plankton community structure and the influence of the plankton community in regulating seasonal population blooms of M. leidyi. First, this study documented top-down control of microplankton by larval M. leidyi in Great South Bay. A relationship between high adult M. leidyi/low mesozooplankton with high microplankton abundance was also identified, and preceded an increase in larval ctenophores, suggesting that intense feeding on mesozooplankton by adult M. leidyi enhances prey …

Physical And Chemical Modifications Of Surface Properties Lead To Alterations In Osteoblast Behavior, Kathryn Elizabeth Dorst

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

Proper formation of the bone extracellular matrix (ECM), or osteoid, depends on the surface properties of pre-existing tissue and the aqueous chemical environment. Both of these factors greatly influence osteoblast migration, cytoskeletal organization, and calcium nodule production, important aspects when considering the biocompatibility of bone implants. By perturbing the physical and/or chemical micro-environment, it may be possible to elucidate effects on cellular function. To examine these factors, murine pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 subclones 4 and 24) were seeded on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates containing " wide" micro-patterned ridges (20 μ m width, 30 μ m pitch, & 2 μ m height), " narrow" …

An In Vitro Study Of The Anti-Biofilm Properties Of Proanthocyanidin And Chitosan In Pseudomonas Syringae Pv. Papulans, Kai Song

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

Biofilm-forming bacteria are a form of planktonic microorganisms that can become resistant against conventional antibiotics. Because they are difficult to eradicate, biofilm-forming bacteria are extremely problematic for the medical industry areas. Thus, materials that can distort biofilm structure would be helpful for eliminating chronic infection and decreasing bacterial resistance. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-biofilm effect of two bio-derived substances, proanthocyanidin and chitosan. Proanthocyanidins are secondary plant metabolites that are reported to have antibiotic and antioxidant functions. Chitosan is a deacetylated derivative of chitin, which is abundant in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects. It …

Structure And Assembly Of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Outer Spore Wall, Pei-Chen Coney Lin

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

In Saccharomycs cerevisiae, spores are a quiescent, stress-resistant cell type, which can survive for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions until nutrient conditions are suitable. The outer layers of the spore wall contain chitosan and dityrosine, which are macromolecules specific for the spore. These layers are critical for resistance of the spores to adverse environmental stresses. The dityrosine layer is an unique polymer component of cross-linked N, N'-bisformyl dityrosine. This layer provides a shield from protein-sized attack such as lytic enzymes. For structural studies, we took advantage of the insolubility of the spore wall materials by using solid-state NMR …

Grand Multiparity: Is It Still A Risk In Pregnancy?, Andrew H. Mgaya, Siriel N. Massawe, Hussein Kidanto, Hans N. Mgaya

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background The association of grand multiparity and poor pregnancy outcome has not been consistent for decades. Classifying grand multiparous women as a high-risk group without clear evidence of a consistent association with adverse outcomes can lead to socioeconomic burdens to the mother, family and health systems. We compared the maternal and perinatal complications among grand multiparous and other multiparous women in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). A standard questionnaire enquired the following variables: demographic characteristics, antenatal profile and detected obstetric risk factors as well as maternal and neonatal risk …

Species Composition And Reproductive Strategies Of Commensal Synalpheus Shrimp (Decapoda:Alpheidae) Occupying The Sponges Spheciospongia Vesparium And Spongia Sp. Of The Florida Reef Tract, Brittnee Nicole Barris

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

Synalpheus shrimp species of the gambarelloides group are the only marine organisms displaying the highest level of social functioning, eusociality. Their social hierarchies are equally complex compared to the reproductive abnormalities that have been recently discovered. For instance, snapping shrimp of the genus Synalpheus were thought to be gonochoric, i.e. developing as independent sexes, until scanning electron microscopy studies revealed intersexed gonopores in several species. This project analyzed both the species composition, and accompanying reproductive structures, of Synalpheus spp. (Caridea: Alpheidae) comprised of densely aggregating communal and pair-living colonies in the Florida Keys, Florida.

Colonies of pair-living and communal Synalpheus …

Granite State College, University System Of New Hampshire 2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog, Granite State College

Granite State College Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Using The Virtual World Of Second Life To Teach Cultural Competence For Health Science Professional Students., Ashley Mack 1986-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study provides preliminary evidence that the use of technology, particularly the virtual world of Second Life™, can break down barriers by enhancing student interest in and satisfaction with the content. Methods: A pre-conference survey was administered to students attending the University of Louisville Cultural Competency Workshop series; six questions examined students' attitudes toward the LGBT community. Two health care scenarios were presented to students attending the LGBT sessions, either the traditional workshop setting, or a virtual Second Life™ session. A post-session survey was administered to students in the LGBT breakout sessions. Results: Using Second Life™ to present the …

Community Level Impacts Of Microstegium Vimineum On Arthropod Community Structure And Foodweb Dynamics In A Temperate Deciduous Forest., Judith L. Metcalf

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Invasion by non-native primary producers are generally expected to lead to a decline in native species richness, however in some cases, these invasions can actually lead to an increase in diversity and abundance of certain groups of organisms. Arthropods are extremely sensitive to changes in the plant community, particularly herbivores, and the response of these primary consumers can influence predator populations. Microstegium vimineum is an invasive C4 grass that has developed strong populations in the understory of temperate deciduous forests along the east coast of the U.S. This work evaluates the influence that this invader may have on insect and …

Peptide Mediated Inhibition Of Porphyromonas Gingivalis Dual And Three Species Biofilms., Naga Srinija Gummadi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis is the key phase in transformation of bacterial biofilm from a commensal plaque to pathogenic form observed in periodontitis. Objectives: The goals of this study are to establish optimum levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum to reproducibly generate dual and three species biofilms and examine inhibition of biofilm formation by BAR peptide and BAR analogs C1-24 R1182 I1185 BAR, R1182 I1185 BAR and C1-24 BAR. Methods: S. gordonii was grown in BHIY media; P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were grown in TSBY and BHI media respectively supplemented with hemin and menadione. Labeled …

Forage News [2013-12], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Thank You Kentucky Farmers
• Forages at KCA
• Forage Variety Reports Now Available
• Southern Forages Translated Into Spanish
• Small Ruminant Grazing Conference to be held in Lexington on February 1, 2014
• AFGC Annual Conference - Memphis, TN
• 34th Kentucky Alfalfa Conference
• Updated Analysis on Fungicides and Alfalfa

Private Standards Organizations And Public Law, Peter L. Strauss

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Simplified, universal access to law is one of the important transformations worked by the digital age. With the replacement of physical by digital copies, citizens ordinarily need travel only to the nearest computer to find and read the texts that bind them. Lagging behind this development, however, has been computer access to standards developed by private standards development organizations, often under the umbrella of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and then converted by agency actions incorporating them by reference into legal obligations. To discover what colors the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires for use in work-place caution …

Use Of Seeded Exotic Grasslands By Wintering Birds, Andrew D. George, Timothy J. O'Connell, Karen R. Hickman, David M. Lesliee Jr.

The Prairie Naturalist

Despite widespread population declines of North American grassland birds, effects of anthropogenic disturbance on wintering habitat of this guild remain poorly understood. We compared avian abundance and habitat structure in fields planted to the exotic grass Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum; OWB) to that in native mixed-grass prairie. During winters of 2007–2008 and 2008–2009, we conducted bird and vegetation surveys in six native grass and six OWB fields in Garfield, Grant, and Alfalfa counties, Oklahoma. We recorded 24 species of wintering birds in native fields and 14 species in OWB monocultures. While vegetation structure was similar between field …

Habitat Selection By Two K-Selected Species: An Application To Bison And Sage Grouse, Joshua Taft Kaze

Theses and Dissertations

Population growth for species with long lifespans and low reproductive rates (i.e., K-selected species) is influenced primarily by both survival of adult females and survival of young. Because survival of adults and young is influenced by habitat quality and resource availability, it is important for managers to understand factors that influence habitat selection during the period of reproduction. My thesis contains two chapters addressing this issue for K-selected species in Utah. Chapter one evaluates habitat selection of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercusurophasianus) on Diamond Mountain during the critical nesting and brood-rearing period. Chapter two address selection of birth sites by bison (Bison …

Sudden Gains: A Pluralistic Approach To The Patient And Therapist Experience, Brian P. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to study instances of sudden gains within the case load of a private practice practitioner. Five clients whose progress was marked by such changes were contrasted with the views of five clients whose progress was marked by significant setbacks. Results from the quantitative analyses indicated that clients who experienced sudden gains during therapy tended to retain their therapeutic gains over a 2-year time period. In contrast, individuals who experienced setbacks in therapy generally continued to be distressed at the 2-year reassessment. Clients who experienced sudden gains were more distressed prior to treatment and …

Importance Of Placement Depth In Evaluating Soil Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Sulfur Using Ion Exchange Resin Capsules In Semi-Arid, Low Fertility Soils, Rachel Lynn Buck

Theses and Dissertations

Ion exchange resin capsules provide a possible alternative to conventional soil testing procedures. Previous studies with semi-arid, low fertility soils observed poor relationships with poorly mobile nutrients such as phosphorus (P). We propose that placement depth may improve those relationships. Our objective was to (1) determine if placement depth could improve resin capsule estimation of the bioavailability of nitrogen (N), P, and sulfur (S) and (2) to determine if resin capsules can effectively estimate S availability in semi-arid, low fertility soils. Field sites were established in Rush and Skull Valleys, Utah on loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. Fertilizer was …

Drug Discovery Through Combination Of Computational Screening And Design, Chemical Synthesis And Biological Evaluations, William Theodore Berger

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

A long-standing problem with the use of conventional cancer chemotherapy is the inherent lack of tumor specificity. Tumor-targeting drug-delivery systems (TTDS) have since been explored to overcome this deficiency. These drug conjugates can deliver potent cytotoxic drugs specifically to tumors and tumor cells with minimal systemic toxicity. Among various tumor-targeting molecules discussed, Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins (DARPins) represent a new approach to tumor targeting. In particular, DARPins targeting CD326 Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) receptors provide an effective cancer target, as EpCAM is critical to the regulation of cellular matrix composition and overall cancer aggressiveness. Botulism is a human illness …

An Ex Vivo Femoral Artery Model To Demonstrate Inflammatory Response And Monocyte Response Following Increased Vascular Wall Shear Stress, Aparna Kadam Baldwin

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

Background Vascular remodeling reestablishes blood flow in the case of occlusions and can save tissue that would otherwise become hypoxic and necrotic. Vascular growth in an adult can occur in two ways: angiogenesis and/or arteriogenesis. While some pathways that govern the two are similar, the triggers have been found to be distinct. This study focuses on arteriogenesis- believed to be triggered by increases in wall shear stress (WSS) due to arterial occlusion. Hypothesis Inflammatory response will be initiated in an ex vivo femoral artery model in response to an increase in WSS. The inflammatory response will be detected by increases …

The Effects Of L-Carnitine Supplementation On Body Weight, Body Fat Percentage And Fat Metabolism, Mohamed Abdurahman

Kinesiology Student Research - Archive

INTRODUCTION: L-carnitine is a nutritional ergogenic aid. Long chain fatty acids are a major source of energy at rest and during exercise for the body. L-carnitine is an enzyme that transports these fatty acids to the mitochondria for beta oxidation. It has been theorized that by increasing L-carnitine availability, fat oxidation will be increased within the body and glycogen can be spared, thus, increasing aerobic endurance capacity. Previous studies have shown mixed results. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether 10 days of L-carnitine supplementation in a recreationally active college-aged sample would result in increased fat metabolism. …

Proteomic Profiling Of Burkholderia Cenocepacia Clonal Isolates With Different Virulence Potential Retrieved From A Cystic Fibrosis Patient During Chronic Lung Infection., Siobhan Mcclean, Máire Callaghan, Jean Tyrrell, Isabelle Sa Correia

Articles

Respiratory infections with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) bacteria in cystic fibrosis (CF) are associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of death. In this work, we assessed the virulence potential of three B. cenocepacia clonal isolates obtained from a CF patient between the onset of infection (isolate IST439) and before death with cepacia syndrome 3.5 years later (isolate IST4113 followed by IST4134), based on their ability to invade epithelial cells and compromise epithelial monolayer integrity. The two clonal isolates retrieved during late-stage disease were significantly more virulent than IST439. Proteomic profiling by 2-D DIGE of the last isolate recovered …

Nanta Hosh Chahta Immi? (What Are Choctaw Lifeways?): Cultural Preservation In The Casino Era, Sean Everette Gantt

Anthropology ETDs

This dissertation investigates the long-term impacts of tribal economic development programs on the cultural preservation efforts of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI). Since the 1970s the Mississippi Choctaw have initiated many different economic enterprises ranging from manufacturing plants to resort development, owning and operating a diversified portfolio of manufacturing, service, retail, and tourism enterprises. This history of engaging with western business models offers a unique perspective for analyzing the long-term effects of these practices on a tribal community. My work with the MBCI engages a long debate over the use of capitalist business models in tribal economic development …

Active Transportation In Dayton, Ohio: A Case Study, Danielle P. Tong

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Introduction: The purpose of this case study was to describe Dayton, Ohio’s process for implementing an active transportation initiative and suggests ways in which it might be improved. Methods: This paper compares the strategies used in Dayton, Ohio to the 5Ps of the Active Living by Design’s Community Action Model, and compares them with the strategies of three communities described in the literature. Results: The City of Dayton fully initiated two of the 5Ps but neglected the other Ps. Some interview respondents attribute this to a lack of staffing within the City of Dayton. Dayton’s leadership for active transport comes …

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine 2013, Fall (Volume 48 No. 2), Noel T. Manning Ii

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine, previously titled The Webb Magazine, focuses on alumni news and campus events from Gardner-Webb College; now Gardner-Webb University. The magazine redesign recognized by the “Non-Profit Communications Report,” a national newsletter that provides practical tips and techniques to strengthen an organization’s communications, community relations and media relations efforts nonprofitcommunicationsreport.com. This issue includes many articles relating to the arts, such as music and theatre. Talented students and alumni are showcased on various platforms, from photography to being a harpist. Along with that, the WGWG Radio Station is featured in an article. There is also an emphasis on missions/outreach in …

Investigation Of The Role Of Tor And Nutrient Restriction On Lifespan Of Arabidopsis Thaliana, Debashree Banerjee

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase is evolutionarily conserved and is a key regulator, controlling many cellular functions to promote survival and growth in all eukaryotes. Several model organisms have indicated a relationship between TOR signaling and life expectancy, such as yeast, fruit flies and mice. Abundant nutrient availability promotes rapid growth and development, whereas depletion of nutrients reduces the activity of the pathways that are involved in growth and nutrient processing. This reduction in activity increases life expectancy, which is supported by evolutionary theories. The confirmed presence of the TOR homolog (a major regulator of growth and cell proliferation) …

Three Essays Evaluating Health Impacts Of The National School Lunch Program, Janet Peckham

All Dissertations

This research focuses on the health impacts of participation in the National School Lunch Program, a program providing free and reduced-cost lunches for income-eligible students and minimally subsidizing lunches for income-ineligible students. In the past decade, increasing incidence of childhood obesity, particularly among low-income individuals has drawn scrutiny over the NSLP's role in the health of student-aged children.

The first chapter introduces the reader to the NSLP, providing a history of the program since its inception at the turn of the 20th century and addressing current issues in the economic literature regarding health impacts of program participation. The second chapter …

Climate Impacts On Zooplankton Population Dynamics In Coastal Marine Ecosystems, Harold P. Batchelder, Kendra L. Daly, Cabell S. Davis, Rubao Ji, Mark D. Ohman, William T. Peterson, Jeffrey A. Runge

Marine Science Faculty Publications

The 20-year US GLOBEC (Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics) program examined zooplankton populations and their predators in four coastal marine ecosystems. Program scientists learned that environmental controls on zooplankton vital rates, especially the timing and magnitude of reproduction, growth, life-cycle progression, and mortality, determine species population dynamics, seasonal and spatial distributions, and abundances. Improved knowledge of spatial-temporal abundance and distribution of individual zooplankton taxa coupled with new information linking higher trophic level predators (salmon, cod, haddock, penguins, seals) to their prey yielded mechanistic descriptions of how climate variation impacts regionally important marine resources. Coupled ecological models driven by improved regional-scale climate …

Structural Characterization Of Super-Acid Oligomerized Fatty Esters., Esam Allehyani

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Fatty acid methyl esters can be oligomerized with very strong acid catalysts - superacids such as tetrafluoroboric or triflic acid with formation of dimer and trimer fatty acids at much lower temperature, such as 80-90 °C, than what is used presently. Insight into the reaction of polymerization of fatty esters/ acids can be obtained by structural characterization. This would determine the properties of the oligomeric products and their ability to substitute currently used materials. It was presumed that dimer fatty, trimer fatty acid esters, and oligomeric fatty acid esters are produced by polymerization of fatty acid methyl esters by a …

Phosphate Esters, Thiophosphate Esters And Metal Thiophosphates As Lubricant Additives, David W. Johnson, John E. Hils

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Phosphate esters, thiophosphate esters and metal thiophosphates have been used as lubricant additives for over 50 years. While their use has been extensive, a detailed knowledge of how they work has been a much more recent development. In this paper, the use of phosphate esters and thiophosphate esters as anti-wear or extreme pressure additives is reviewed with an emphasis on their mechanism of action. The review includes the use of alkyl phosphates, triaryl phosphates and metal containing thiophosphate esters. The mechanisms of these materials interacting with a range of iron and steel based bearing material are examined.