Digital Commons Network^™

Bioavailability Of Manufactured Nanomaterials In Terrestrial Ecosystems, Jonathan D. Judy

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) from the rapidly increasing number of consumer products that contain MNMs are being discharged into waste streams. Increasing evidence suggests that several classes of MNMs may accumulate in sludge derived from wastewater treatment and ultimately in soil following land application as biosolids. Little research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of MNMs on terrestrial ecosystems, despite the fact that land application of biosolids from wastewater treatment will be a major pathway for the introduction of MNMs to the environment. To begin addressing this knowledge gap, we have conducted a series of experiments designed to test how …

Evaluating The Sustainability Of Four Organic Vegetable Production Systems, Delia W. Scott

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

A field study evaluating the sustainability of four organic vegetable production systems was conducted in Lexington, Kentucky in 2006 and 2007. The four systems included no-till, raised beds covered with biodegradable black mulch, bare ground with shallow cultivation, and bare ground with shallow cultivation and wood chip mulch. The two-year study compared yield, weed control, labor, and costs associated with each system, as well as physical, chemical, and microbiological soil characteristics. In 2006, tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were grown in the four systems, with no significant difference in yield. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) was grown in the …

Land Use Impact On Soil Gas And Soil Water Transport Properties, Sleem Kreba

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The consequences of land use choices on soil water and gas transport properties are significant for gas and water flux in agricultural environments. Spatial and temporal patterns and associations of soil water and soil gas characteristics and processes in different land uses are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterize soil structure under crop and grass systems, 2) quantify spatial patterns and associations of soil physical characteristics in crop and grass systems, and 3) quantify spatial and temporal patterns and associations of CO₂ and N₂O fluxes. The research was conducted in a …

“Advise Me!” Understanding Undergraduate Student Perceptions Of Learning In Academic Advising, Schyler Simpson

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

This dissertation is a theoretically driven empirical analysis of instructional communication in academic advising. It explores the effects of perceived advisor accommodation on advisee learning. Specifically, it examines whether academic advisors employ accommodation communication that influence affect, cognitive learning, and behavioral learning outcomes in advisees. Four hundred and seventeen students were asked to report on their perceptions of learning through an online cross-sectional survey that addressed communication accommodation strategies employed in the advisor/advisee experience. Results show that behavioral learning (measured by intentions) was significantly predicted by advisor inquiry of school-related content (β = .391, p < .01); advisor attentiveness (β = -.169, p < .01); affect toward advising content (β = .154, p < .01); and cognitive knowledge (β = .244, p < .01)].

Both Sides Of Our Mouths: Contemporary Legends As A Means Of Dissent In A Time Of Global Modernism, Gerald D. Abbott Jr.

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The legend is a permanent fixture of human societies. Though the legends themselves are permanent, their functions and meanings can fluctuate as the context in which they are told and retold shifts. As societies move through history, certain authoritative institutions create narratives that direct those societies and frame debates within them. Issues neglected by these institutions yet experienced by members of the population can be said to be unconstructed. Social problems that have achieved some level of construction inevitably provoke those who dissent from those constructions.

In these situations, members of a society look for alternative means for talking about …

Organizational Response To Perceptual Risk: Managing Substantial Response To Unsubstantiated Events, Elizabeth L. Petrun

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Analysis and perceived severity of risk influences organizational decisions to anticipated threats. As economic development and technology improve our standards of living, they also create new challenges to conceptualizing concrete and abstract threats. Organizations that face new threats, along with agencies that oversee these organizations, produce tightly coupled systems that increase risks for direct, indirect, and future stakeholders (Perrow, 1999). Natural disasters, political misbehavior, organizational corruption, financial collapse, food and water contaminations, chemical or nuclear accidents, international tension, to name a few, all present risks and challenges. Unfortunately, many of these situations endanger the lives and well-being of persons. The …

A Penile Spine/Vibrissa Enhancer Sequence Is Missing In Modern And Extinct Humans But Is Retained In Multiple Primates With Penile Spines And Sensory Vibrissae, Philip L. Reno, Cory Y Mclean, Jasmine E Hines, Terence D Capellini, Gill Bejerano, David M Kingsley

PCOM Scholarly Works

Previous studies show that humans have a large genomic deletion downstream of the Androgen Receptor gene that eliminates an ancestral mammalian regulatory enhancer that drives expression in developing penile spines and sensory vibrissae. Here we use a combination of large-scale sequence analysis and PCR amplification to demonstrate that the penile spine/vibrissa enhancer is missing in all humans surveyed and in the Neandertal and Denisovan genomes, but is present in DNA samples of chimpanzees and bonobos, as well as in multiple other great apes and primates that maintain some form of penile integumentary appendage and facial vibrissae. These results further strengthen …

Activation Of Gper Induces Differentiation And Inhibition Of Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation, F. Li, X. Yu, C. K. Szynarski, C. Meng, B. Zhou, R. Barhoumi, Richard E. White, C. L. Heaps, J. N. Stallone, G. Han

PCOM Scholarly Works

Background:Vascular pathology and dysfunction are direct life-threatening outcomes resulting from atherosclerosis or vascular injury, which are primarily attributed to contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dedifferentiation and proliferation by re-entering cell cycle. Increasing evidence suggests potent protective effects of G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) activation against cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying GPER function remains poorly understood, especially if it plays a potential role in modulating coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs).Methodology/Principal Findings:The objective of our study was to understand the functional role of GPER in CASMC proliferation and differentiation in coronary arteries using from humans and swine models. We …

Multifacted Role Of Tnf-Α During The Pathogenesis Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mula Ramanjaneya, Rangaiah Shashidharamurthy

PCOM Scholarly Works

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) a cytokine has been shown to be the key player during the pathogenesis of several autoimmune inflammatory disorders (presumably sterile inflammation) including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have shown that TNF-α is mainly involved in the proinflammatory responses. However recent studies have reported multifunctional role of TNF-α during the development of RA. Therefore, in this article we have highlighted the distinct functions of TNF-α during pathogenesis of RA

Isg15 Inhibits Ifn- A -Resistant Liver Cancer Cell Growth, Xin-Xing Wan, Hanchun Chen, Md. Asaduzzaman Khan, Ai-Hua Xu, Fu-Lan Yang, Yun-Yi Zhang, Dianzheng Zhang

PCOM Scholarly Works

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide. Interferon-a (IFN-a) has been widely used in the treatment of HCC, but patients eventually develop resistance. ISG15 ubiquitin-like modifier (ISG15) is a ubiquitin-like protein transcriptionally regulated by IFN-a which shows antivirus and antitumor activities. However, the exact role of ISG15 is unknown. In the present study, we showed that IFN-a significantly induced ISG15 expression but failed to induce HepG2 cell apoptosis, whereas transient overexpression of ISG15 dramatically increased HepG2 cell apoptosis. ISG15 overexpression increased overall protein ubiquitination, which was not observed in cells with IFN-a-induced ISG15 expression, suggesting that …

Checkup, Lehigh Valley Health Network

Checkup

No abstract provided.

Could Human Genome Sciences Have Become Standard Oil?, Fred D. Ledley

Natural & Applied Sciences Faculty Publications

Human Genome Sciences (HGS) was not a company with normal ambitions. At its inception, HGS aspired to dominate not only the field of genomic science, but also emerging markets for regenerative medicines designed to meet the needs of ageing populations. Fred Ledley asks whether HGS could have become the Standard Oil of our generation.

Educating Illinois, 2013-2018: Individualized Attention, Shared Aspirations, Illinois State University

Educating Illinois (2000-2018)

This version of Illinois State University's strategic plan includes four goals that promote achievements centered on the student educational experience; rigorous, innovative, and high-impact undergraduate and graduate programs; internal and external engagement; and institutional effectiveness. Each goal supports the University’s vision, mission, and five core values: pursuit of learning and scholarship, individualized attention, diversity, integrity, and civic engagement.

Photodegradation Of Malachite Green By Immobilization Of Titanium Dioxide On Glass Plates, Pei Wen Lee, Siew Teng Ong, Yung Tse Hung, Siew Ling Lee

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The effects of pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, numbers of dip coating, light sources and repetitive usage of dip-coated TiO2 were studied in batch experiments in order to investigate the photodegradation efficiency of malachite green in aqueous solution by using titanium dioxide, TiO2 immobilized on glass plates. The photodegradation of malachite green was found to be more effective at lower initial dye concentration. Kinetic studies showed good correlation coefficient for a pseudo-first order kinetic model. The removal of malachite green was dependent on the TiO2 loading where the percentage removal of malachite green was 92.15, 94.28 and 98.43 % …

Sustainable Agro-Food Industrial Wastewater Treatment Using High Rate Anaerobic Process, Rajinikanth Rajagopal, Noori M. Cata Saady, Michel Torrijos, Joseph V. Thanikal, Yung Tse Hung

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This review article compiles the various advances made since 2008 in sustainable high-rate anaerobic technologies with emphasis on their performance enhancement when treating agro-food industrial wastewater. The review explores the generation and characteristics of different agro-food industrial wastewaters; the need for and the performance of high rate anaerobic reactors, such as an upflow anaerobic fixed bed reactor, an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, hybrid systems etc.; operational challenges, mass transfer considerations, energy production estimation, toxicity, modeling, technology assessment and recommendations for successful operation.

A Critical Analysis Of Unschooling As A Method Of Progressive Education, Chloe Morin

Theses & ETDs

Research on home education shows that it is the fastest-growing alternative to traditional schooling on the school choice spectrum. While the vast majority of home educators are motivated primarily by religious factors, a small and passionate subgroup of the movement, called 'unschoolers,' is motivated almost purely by pedagogical reasons. The current study aimed to explore the unschooling movement in the United States and compare its philosophy to the progressive ideals that influenced its inception. A secure online survey containing 14 multiple-choice and short-answer questions was self-administered by 92 unschooling parents. The guiding questions of the survey were: 1) who chooses …

It's A Brawl Out There: Notes On Political Argument And A Super Smash Bros Dialogue, Justis Mills

Theses & ETDs

People are often inclined to get into political arguments, but it is not always clear why we bother. In this thesis, I establish a provisional definition for what makes an argument political, explore reasons why political arguments may be more vitriolic than their nonpolitical counterparts, and lay out a set of reasons why a person might want to start a political debate. I determine that the main reason will generally be to move an opponent's position slightly toward one's own. Once I have established some better and worse reasons for arguing, I look into ways that unequal power dynamics cause …

Touch This Poem, Emily Meyer

Theses & ETDs

The contemporary American poet Cole Swensen has authored numerous books of poetry, each of which typically traces the history of a particular object or artifact of material culture, recreating and manipulating the historical narrative surrounding its production. With varying degrees of emphasis, each collection addresses the relationship between the verbal and visual arts as it has evolved throughout Western civilization, entering a dialogue with the ekphrastic tradition of poems written about paintings. Responding to the gendered subject positions historically ascribed to each art form in this relationship, the four books analyzed at length in this thesis–Try, Such Rich Hour, Ours, …

The Hygiene Hypothesis, Monique Lutz

Theses & ETDs

Since the 1950s there has been an unprecedented rise in the prevalence of allergies and autoimmune diseases in developed countries. The 'hygiene hypothesis' is one of several explanations as to why this may be occurring. It hypothesizes that excessive sanitation and antibiotic use has drastically changed the microbial environment and our susceptibility to them. The hypothesis attributes the lack of immune system interactions with helminths and microbes to poor immune health and development. Research in this field has evolved from epidemiologic observations to the discovery of immune regulation mechanisms. Treatments that utilize parasitic worms and microbes have shown promising results …

A Phase 1b Study Of Humanized Ks-Interleukin-2 (Huks-Il2) Immunocytokine With Cyclophosphamide In Patients With Epcam-Positive Advanced Solid Tumors, Joseph P. Connor, Mihaela C. Cristea, Nancy L. Lewis, Lionel D. Lewis

Dartmouth Scholarship

BackgroundHumanized KS-interleukin-2 (huKS-IL2), an immunocytokine with specificity for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), has demonstrated favorable tolerability and immunologic activity as a single agent.MethodsPhase 1b study in patients with EpCAM-positive advanced solid tumors to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and safety profile of huKS-IL2 in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide. Treatment consisted of cyclophosphamide (300mg/m2 on day 1), and escalating doses of h

2013-2014 Southern Illinois University Bulletin Carbondale Campus (Undergraduate Bulletin), Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SIU Bulletins and Course Catalogs Archives

No abstract provided.

2013-2014 Southern Illinois University Bulletin Carbondale Campus (Graduate Catalog), Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SIU Bulletins and Course Catalogs Archives

No abstract provided.

I Did It My Way: Self-Determination Theory Applied To Sexual Adjustment, Sarah Mcknight

Theses & ETDs

Self-Determination theory has been variously applied to different health constructs. This theory posits that people have three basic needs; autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These needs are satisfied the most when a person engages in intrinsically motivated behaviors (done for the experience alone with a perceived internal locus of control). In this thesis we explored how the motivational style of participants influenced their motivations to engage in their first sexual experience. We also explored how the participant's motivations for their first sexual experience influenced their immediate affective reactions, their current sexual self-efficacy, and their current sexual anxiety. Our initial hypotheses were …

A Genotyping Analysis Of The Major Histocompatibility Complex In Two Polar Species: Genetic Diversity In The Arctic Fox And Southern Elephant Seal, Krystaal Mcclain

Theses & ETDs

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is part of the immune system in all vertebrates, potentially providing protection from a wide range of pathogens, and thus increasing individual fitness. The insight into species ability for long-term survival is key for conservation as populations with high diversity in the immune system may have increased survival to novel pathogens and changing environments. Conversely, when diversity is lost, the ability of a species to cope with new diseases and parasites could be reduced resulting in lower survival rates and increased infection. Historically, extreme cold temperatures in polar environments have prevented an influx of pathogens, …

Towards A Synthetic Model For Rubisco: Synthesis Of A Magnesium Complex Of Bis(3,5-Di-Tert-Butylpyrazol-1-Yl) Acetate, Samuel Mccamant

Theses & ETDs

The ligand bis-(3,5-ditertbutylpyrazol-1-yl) acetic acid was prepared in 37% yield using a three step procedure, and characterized using NMR, NMR, and IR spectrosopies. A complex of this ligand and magnesium was prepared in 51% yield and characterized using NMR, NMR, and IR spectroscopies. The changes in chemical shifts between the unbound ligand and the complex support the conclusion that a complex formed, but were not sufficient to determine the formula of the complex. A decrease in the C=O stretch from 1754 cm to 1657 cm also supports the conclusion that a complex formed. The suitability of the complex for modeling …

Variation Of Nimc1 Expression In Drosophila Stocks And Transgenic Strains, Viktor Honti, Gyöngyi Cinege, Gábor Csordás, Éva Kurucz, János Zsámboki, Cory J. Evans, Utpal Banerjee, István Andó

Biology Faculty Works

The NimC1 molecule has been described as a phagocytosis receptor, and is being used as a marker for professional phagocytes, the plasmatocytes, in Drosophila melanogaster. In studies including tumor-biology, developmental biology, and cell mediated immunity, monoclonal antibodies (P1a and P1b) to the NimC1 antigen are used. As we observed that these antibodies did not react with plasmatocytes of several strains and genetic combinations, a molecular analysis was performed on the structure of the nimC1 gene. In these strains we found 2 deletions and an insertion within the nimC1 gene, which may result in the production of a truncated NimC1 protein. …

2012-2013 Dmacc Annual Report, Dmacc

Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

New Rodenticides: An Update On Recent Research Trials, Gary Witmer, Katherine E. Horak, Rachael S. Moulton, Roger A. Baldwin

Wildlife Damage Management Conference Proceedings

Rodents cause substantial amounts of damage and losses of foodstuffs around the world. While various methods are used to reduce damage and losses to rodents, rodenticides re-main the most important tool in the toolbox. However, like all tools, rodenticides have ad-vantages and disadvantages. Several considerations are shaping the future of rodenticide use. These include manufacturing and registration costs, concern about toxicity levels and non-target animal hazards, potential hazards to children, reduced effectiveness of some formulations, and humaneness to the targeted rodents. While there have been very few new developments in ro-denticides in the last several decades, new formulations and active …

Colby College Catalogue 2013 - 2014, Colby College

Colby Catalogues

Colby College Catalogue: September 2013 - August 2014

The Puzzle Of Paradoxical Insomnia, Kristina Peltz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The current study investigated differences in objective sleep measures and subjective sleep measures between people with paradoxical insomnia and people with accurate perceptions of sleep, finding that sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset time significantly predicted whether someone would have paradoxical insomnia. There were no significant differences in sleep structure between groups as previous research has suggested. The study also examined differences in personality factors, attitudes toward sleep, and insomnia severity ratings, finding that people with paradoxical insomnia had more dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and higher insomnia severity ratings, but no significant personality differences. Together, these findings suggest …