Digital Commons Network^™

Patent: Fusion Proteins For Treating Metabolic Disorders, Brian R. Boettcher, Shari L. Caplan, Douglas S. Daniels, Norio Hamamatsu, Stuart Licht, Stephen Craig Weldon

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The invention relates to the identification of fusion proteins comprising polypeptide and protein variants of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) with improved pharmaceutical properties. Also disclosed are methods for treating FGF21 associated disorders, including metabolic conditions.

Concentration Coding In The Accessory Olfactory System, Hannah Ada Arnson

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Understanding how sensory systems encode stimuli is a fundamental question of neuroscience. The role of every sensory system is to encode information about the identity and quantity of stimuli in the environment. Primary sensory neurons in the periphery are faced with the task of representing all relevant information for further processing by downstream circuits, ultimately leading to detection, classification and potential response. However, environmental variability potentially alters stimulus properties in non-relevant ways. Here, we address these problems using the mouse accessory olfactory system: AOS) as a model. The AOS is an independent olfactory system possessed by most terrestrial vertebrates, although …

Actomyosin Contractility In Nonmuscle Cells, Nilushi Lakmali Dasanayake

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Forces and stresses generated by the action of myosin minifilaments are analyzed via simulation of their motion in idealized computer-generated random, isotropic actin networks and actin bundles. The networks and bundles are generated as random collections of actin filaments in two dimensions with constrained orientations, crosslinked and attached to fixed walls: four walls for isotropic networks, two for bundles). Myosin minifilaments are placed on actin filament pairs and allowed to move and deform the network so that it exerts forces on the walls.

The stresses are overwhelmingly contractile in both cases, because minifilament equilibrium positions having contractile stress have lower …

The Grizzly, March 28, 2013, Jessica Orbon, Sara Sherr, Rosemary Clark, Alyse Reid, Heidi Jensen, Vivek Reddy, John Parry, Megan Maccaroni, Rachel Brown, Jacquelyn Heikel, Sofia Gallicchio, Jordan Demcher, Misha Fausto, Allen Weaver

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Students Fight Prisons • St. Paddy's Day Cleanup Trouble • Science Plans Change • Town, Gown Growth • 9th Annual Edible Books Festival April 2 • "Ricochet," New CIE Event • WeCAN Raises Awareness • UC Tech Support • Opinion: Campus Safety Isn't Customer Service; Dorm Security Shouldn't be Compromised • Coach Profile: Sam Campo, Softball • Senior Spotlight: Allison Pfrommer • Warren Named All-American

It's Happening At State: March 28, 2013

It's Happening at State

Provides summary information of news and events of interest to the faculty and staff of NDSU.

Dynamic Circadian Protein–Protein Interaction Networks Predict Temporal Organization Of Cellular Functions, Thomas Wallach, Katja Schellenberg, Bert Maier, Ravi Kiran Reddy Kalathur, Pablo Porras, Erich E. Wanker, Matthias E. Futschik, Achim Kramer

School of Biomedical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Optimal Control Of Weakly Forced Nonlinear Oscillators, Isuru Sammana Dasanayake

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Optimal control of nonlinear oscillatory systems poses numerous theoretical and computational challenges. Motivated by applications in neuroscience, we develop tools and methods to synthesize optimal controls for nonlinear oscillators described by reduced order dynamical systems. Control of neural oscillations by external stimuli has a broad range of applications, ranging from oscillatory neurocomputers to deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. In this dissertation, we investigate fundamental limits on how neuron spiking behavior can be altered by the use of an external stimulus: control). Pontryagin's maximum principle is employed to derive optimal controls that lead to desired spiking times of a neuron …

Kenyon Collegian - March 28, 2013

The Kenyon Collegian

No abstract provided.

The East Texan, 2013-03-28, Texas A&M University-Commerce

All Issues

A color copy of The East Texan, a student newspaper published at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

The Implementation Of The Animal Damage Control Act: A Comment On Wildlife Services's Methods Of Predatory Animal Control, Tiffany Bacon

Journal of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary

No abstract provided.

Family Structure And Early Child Health: Policy Implications And Directions For Future Research, Kristin Turney

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Invited commentary on "Family Matters: Links Between Family Structure and Early Child Health."

Considering Social Factors And Potential Moderation Effects In Children’S Health Research, Sharon Bzostek

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

In light of dramatic changes in American family demography in recent decades, there is a growing recognition that family structure is one of a host of important social factors contributing to children’s health and well-being. The article by Augustine and Kimbro contributes to a growing body of research linking children’s family structure and health outcomes, focusing specifically on the association between family living arrangements and children’s risk of obesity. Their analyses are especially helpful in suggesting that family scholars should pay more attention to potential heterogeneity in relationships between family structure and children’s outcomes.

Media Influence On Youth: Scientific Evidence, Policy Considerations, And The History Of Media Self-Regulation, Francesca R. Dillman Carpentier

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

This invited commentary reviews the survey research described in "Examining the Relationship between Media use and Aggression, Sexuality, and Body Image" and situates this research within the recent history of entertainment media regulation.

Nothing About Us Without Us! The Failure Of The Modern Juvenile Justice System And A Call For Community-Based Justice, Charisa Smith Esq.

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

The modern juvenile justice system is failing our society. A literature review reveals resounding criticism of the system at all points—arrest, court processing, and incarceration. The current system does not effectively reduce recidivism, is wrought with racial disparities, operates with a minimal degree of cultural competence, violates human rights norms, and fails to empower and reform individuals who are directly affected. The current system shatters social bonds and does not hold governmental agencies accountable for wrongdoing or ineffectiveness. Community-based approaches more effectively reduce crime, cost less, are more empowering and culturally competent, help ameliorative civic fragmentation, and are more socially …

Addressing The Challenges Of Child And Family Homelessness, Kerri Tobin, Joseph Murphy

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Homeless children in families comprise the fastest-growing group of homeless persons in the United States. Indeed, the American Academy of Pediatrics considers homelessness to be an issue with which pediatricians should be concerned. In this article, we review existing literature to provide a background for researchers, policymakers, and social service providers hoping to understand the phenomenon of child and family homelessness and various strategies used to address it. We begin with a definition and description of the population of homeless families with children. We then offer a broad consideration of the effects of child and family homelessness, from physical health …

Observations From The Balcony: Directions For Pediatric Health Disparities Research And Policy, Jean L. Raphael

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

In 2002, the Institute of Medicine released Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare, a landmark monograph documenting health disparities in the U.S. health care system. Since the publication of Unequal Treatment, the field of pediatric health disparities research has advanced significantly with a proliferation of studies examining a wide array of topics concerning inequities in child health. Advances in health care policy and legislation have also added to a heightened discourse on pediatric health disparities. While there has been substantial activity in efforts to address pediatric health disparities, questions remain regarding whether these efforts have changed …

Family Matters: Links Between Family Structure And Early Child Health, Laura L. Freeman, Mackenzie Brewer

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

This paper reviews the research of the past two decades that addresses the relationship between family structure and early child health outcomes. Specifically, we focus on family structure’s influence on child health during pregnancy, birth, and infancy. We briefly summarize the most pervasive changes to family structure in the US during recent decades and discuss how early child health is linked to future outcomes for children and adults. We review research that highlights the mechanisms linking family structure to early child health and identify key risk and protective factors for children from the prenatal period through infancy. We conclude with …

Family Structure And Obesity Among U.S. Children, Jennifer M. Augustine Ph.D., Rachel T. Kimbro

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Child obesity in the U.S. is a significant public health issue, particularly among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Thus, the roles of parents’ human and financial capital and racial and ethnic background have become important topics of social science and public health research on child obesity. Less often discussed, however, is the role of family structure, which is an important predictor of child well-being and indicator of family socioeconomic status. The goal of this study, therefore, is to investigate how preschool aged children’s risk of obesity varies across a diverse set of family structures and whether these differences in obesity are …

The Need For School-Based Teen Dating Violence Prevention, Jeff R. Temple, Vi D. Le, Alexandra Muir, Laurie Goforth, Amy L. Mcelhany

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Schools have several competing demands, and often suffer from inefficient access to needed resources. Thus, the addition of any program into an already overtaxed school system must be met with convincing evidence that 1) a need or problem exists and is relevant to the education of students, 2) the problem is amenable to change, and 3) addressing the problem is in the best interest of educators and students. The purpose of the present paper is to present a case for inclusion of teen dating violence prevention programs in middle and high schools. We also discuss a recent survey of 219 …

All Adults Once Were Children, Robert W. Block

Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk

Issue Editor, Robert Block's, point of view and summary of the articles in New Morbidities 2.0

Around Campus

Cal Poly Magazine

No abstract provided.

Close To The Action, Rachel Henry

Cal Poly Magazine

No abstract provided.

Alumni In The News

Cal Poly Magazine

No abstract provided.

The First Molecular Phylogeny Of Buthidae (Scorpiones), Victor Fet, Benjamin Gantenbein, Alexander Gromov, Graeme Lowe, Wilson R. Lourenço

Euscorpius

The first partial phylogeny of family Buthidae (17 genera) is presented, based on molecular data (16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA). The strong support for a monophyletic Old World group of 13 genera (mainly Palearctic desert forms) is demonstrated, while representative genera from Madagascar (Grosphus) and Southeast Asia (Lychas) group outside, as well as New World genera Centruroides and Rhopalurus. A very strong support is observed for the first time for three groups of Old World genera: (a) Compsobuthus, Mesobuthus, Liobuthus, Kraepelinia; (b) Hottentotta, Buthacus; (c) Orthochirus, Anomalobuthus. Phylogenetic …

Morphology Analysis Supports Presence Of More Than One Species In The “Euscorpius Carpathicus” Complex (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), Victor Fet, Michael E. Soleglad

Euscorpius

We investigate a number of scorpion populations from southern and central Europe, commonly classified under a “catch-all” name of Euscorpius carpathicus (L., 1767). This species includes a high number of described subspecies but its composition is not resolved. The detailed morphology analysis in the present paper includes a number of new characters, in particular individually mapped external patellar accessory trichobothria. It suggests that several clearly separated lineages are present. E. carpathicus (L.) is restricted here to geographically marginal populations from Romania (terra typica), which exhibit loss of one trichobothrium in the patellar series em (= 3). Another lineage (Austria, Croatia, …

Two New Andean Species Of Brachistosternus Pocock (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae), Jose A. Ochoa, Louis E. Acosta

Euscorpius

Two new Andean species of the genus Brachistosternus Pocock from southern Peru and northern Chile are described: B. titicaca sp. n. from the Titicaca basin (Departamento Puno, Peru), at 3850-3900 m, and B. quiscapata sp. n. from Departamento Tacna (Peru) and Provincia Arica (Chile), at 3100-3400 m. Both species belong to the subgenus Brachistosternus (Leptosternus) Maury. They are related to the Argentinean species B. (L.) intermedius Lönnberg and B.(L.) montanus Roig Alsina. Comparisons between these four species are provided, including a combination of characters: length/width ratio of metasomal segment V, number of setae of metasomal segment V and tarsus III, …

The Daily Egyptian, March 27, 2013, Daily Egyptian Staff

March 2013

No abstract provided.

Rotunda - Vol 91, No 19 - Mar 27, 2013, Longwood University

Rotunda

No abstract provided.

Prokinetic And Laxative Effects Of The Crude Methanolic Extract Of Viola Betonicifolia Whole Plant In Rodents, Naveed Muhammad, Najeeb Rehman,, Haroon Khan, Muhammad Saeed, Anwar Gilani

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Abstract Background: The present study was aimed to provide ethnopharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Viola betonicifolia whole plant in indigestion and constipation. Methods: Mice were used in in-vivo prokinetic and laxative studies while in-vitro experiments were conducted on isolated tissues of rabbit and guinea-pig gut preparations suspended in a tissue bath to measure isotonic contractions. Results: The crude methanolic extract of Viola betonicifolia (VBME) showed partially atropine-sensitive prokinetic (50 and 100 mg/kg) and laxative (30 and 100 mg/kg) activities in mice. When tested in isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum, VBME caused dose-dependent contractions at 0.01-0.3 mg/mL and …

Evolution Of Sindbis Virus With A Low-Methionine-Resistant Phenotype Is Dependent Both On A Pre-Existing Mutation And On The Methionine Concentration In The Medium, Victor Stollar, Virginia Mensah, Sandra Adams, Mei Ling Li

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

SVlm21 is a mutant of Sindbis virus which was isolated by serial passage of virus in mosquito cells maintained in low-methionine medium; it therefore has a low-methionine-resistant (LMR) phenotype. This phenotype requires mutations at nts 319 and 321; these mutations result in Arg to Leu and Ser to Cys changes at positions 87 and 88 respectively in the viral methyl transferase, nsP1. To better understand the genesis of SVlm21, we carried out serial passages of viruses having only one of these amino acid changes, but in mosquito cells maintained in normal methionine-medium. Whether the passage was begun with SV319 or …