Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2013

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 22021 - 22050 of 24651

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Effective Rnai-Mediated Β2-Microglobulin Loss Of Function By Transgenesis In Xenopus Laevis, Hristina Nedelkovska, Eva-Stina Edholm, Nikesha Haynes, Jacques Robert Jan 2013

Effective Rnai-Mediated Β2-Microglobulin Loss Of Function By Transgenesis In Xenopus Laevis, Hristina Nedelkovska, Eva-Stina Edholm, Nikesha Haynes, Jacques Robert

Biology

To impair MHC class I (class I) function in vivo in the amphibian Xenopus, we developed an effective reverse genetic loss of function approach by combining I-SceI meganucleasemediated transgenesis with RNAi technology. We generated transgenic outbred X. laevis and isogenetic laevis/gilli cloned lines with stably silenced expression of β2-microglobulin (b2m) critical for class I function. Transgenic F1 frogs exhibited decreased surface class I expression on erythrocytes and lymphocytes, decreased frequency of peripheral CD8 T cells and impaired CD8 T cell-mediated skin allograft rejection. Additionally, b2m knockdown increased susceptibility to viral infection of F0 transgenic larvae. This loss of function strategy …

Go to article

Transience And Constancy Of Interactions In A Plant-Frugivore Network, Suann Yang, Reka Albert, Tomas A. Carlo Jan 2013

Transience And Constancy Of Interactions In A Plant-Frugivore Network, Suann Yang, Reka Albert, Tomas A. Carlo

Biology

Plant-animal mutualistic interactions such as frugivory and seed dispersal display great variation in time due to fluctuations in fruit abundance, animal abundance, and behavior. In particular, some species participate in interactions with other species only transiently, while other species are active for longer periods of time. Species with a longer period of activity are able to interact with more species, and thus engage in constant participation in an interaction network. Species with high constancy would thus be expected to help maintain the biodiversity of a community; however, the manner in which constant species link to their partners may be critical …

Go to article

Global Land Governance: From Territory To Flow?, Thomas Sikor, Graeme Auld, Anthony J. Bebbington, Tor A. Benjaminsen, Bradford S. Gentry, Carol Hunsberger, Anne Marie Izac, Matias E. Margulis, Tobias Plieninger, Heike Schroeder, Caroline Upton Jan 2013

Global Land Governance: From Territory To Flow?, Thomas Sikor, Graeme Auld, Anthony J. Bebbington, Tor A. Benjaminsen, Bradford S. Gentry, Carol Hunsberger, Anne Marie Izac, Matias E. Margulis, Tobias Plieninger, Heike Schroeder, Caroline Upton

Geography

This article reviews recent research on contemporary transformations of global land governance. It shows how changes in global governance have facilitated and responded to radical revalorizations of land, together driving the intensified competition and struggles over land observed in many other contributions to this special issue. The rules in place to govern land use are shifting from 'territorial' toward 'flow-centered' arrangements, the latter referring to governance that targets particular flows of resources or goods, such as certification of agricultural or wood products. The intensifying competition over land coupled with shifts toward flow-centered governance has generated land uses involving new forms …

Go to article

Evaluating The Effects Of Common-Pool Resource Institutions And Market Forces On Species Richness And Forest Cover In Ecuadorian Indigenous Kichwa Communities, Johan A. Oldekop, Anthony J. Bebbington, Karl Hennermann, Julia Mcmorrow, David A. Springate, Bolier Torres, Nathan K. Truelove, Niklas Tysklind, Santiago Villamarín, Richard F. Preziosi Jan 2013

Evaluating The Effects Of Common-Pool Resource Institutions And Market Forces On Species Richness And Forest Cover In Ecuadorian Indigenous Kichwa Communities, Johan A. Oldekop, Anthony J. Bebbington, Karl Hennermann, Julia Mcmorrow, David A. Springate, Bolier Torres, Nathan K. Truelove, Niklas Tysklind, Santiago Villamarín, Richard F. Preziosi

Geography

We compare conservation outcomes between a protected area (PA) and four indigenous common-property regimes (CPRs) under differing degrees of market integration in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We first assess how market forces and common-pool resource institutions governing processes of forest conversion affect biodiversity and forest cover, and whether institutions mitigate the effect of market forces. We then analyze how biodiversity and forest cover differ between a PA, and communities with different market access. Finally, we link biodiversity and forest cover changes within communities to differences in land-use practices. While we show similar levels of forest cover and biodiversity between the PA …

Go to article

Improving Operational Land Surface Model Canopy Evapotranspiration In Africa Using A Direct Remote Sensing Approach, M. Marshall, K. Tu, C. Funk, J. Michaelsen, P. Williams, Christopher A. Williams, J. Ardö, M. Boucher, B. Cappelaere, A. De Grandcourt, A. Nickless, Y. Nouvellon, R. Scholes, W. Kutsch Jan 2013

Improving Operational Land Surface Model Canopy Evapotranspiration In Africa Using A Direct Remote Sensing Approach, M. Marshall, K. Tu, C. Funk, J. Michaelsen, P. Williams, Christopher A. Williams, J. Ardö, M. Boucher, B. Cappelaere, A. De Grandcourt, A. Nickless, Y. Nouvellon, R. Scholes, W. Kutsch

Geography

Climate change is expected to have the greatest impact on the world's economically poor. In the Sahel, a climatically sensitive region where rain-fed agriculture is the primary livelihood, expected decreases in water supply will increase food insecurity. Studies on climate change and the intensification of the water cycle in sub-Saharan Africa are few. This is due in part to poor calibration of modeled evapotranspiration (ET), a key input in continental-scale hydrologic models. In this study, a remote sensing model of transpiration (the primary component of ET), driven by a time series of vegetation indices, was used to substitute transpiration from …

Go to article

Incidence Of Injury And Illness In Merchant Seafarers, Rafael Yitzhak Lefkowitz Jan 2013

Incidence Of Injury And Illness In Merchant Seafarers, Rafael Yitzhak Lefkowitz

Public Health Theses

This retrospective study estimates cumulative incidences of injury and illness in a seafarer cohort using data from one company providing remote medical services and claims auditing for seafarers. There were 3,526 medical events and 16,626 individual medical services in the merchant seafarers covered by these services between 2008 and 2012. The majority of medical events occurred in men, numbering 3,099 (97.5%); median age was 38.9 years (range: 18-80). The total at-risk seafarer population was estimated by utilizing standard crew size for each class of vessel, and this was used to calculate cumulative incidence for injury and illness. The four-year overall …

Go to article

Essentialist Reasoning And Knowledge Effects On Biological Reasoning In Young Children, Patricia A. Herrmann, Jason A. French, Ganie B. Dehart, Karl S. Rosengren Jan 2013

Essentialist Reasoning And Knowledge Effects On Biological Reasoning In Young Children, Patricia A. Herrmann, Jason A. French, Ganie B. Dehart, Karl S. Rosengren

Psychology

Biological kinds undergo a variety of changes during their life span, and these changes vary in degree by organism. Understanding that an organism, such as a caterpillar, maintains category identity over its life span despite dramatic changes is a key concept in biological reasoning. At present, we know little about the developmental trajectory of children's understanding of dramatic life-cycle changes and how this might relate to their understanding of evolution. We suggest that this understanding is a key precursor to later understanding of evolutionary change. Two studies examined the impact of age and knowledge on children's biological reasoning about living …

Go to article

State Interests And The Duration Of Abortion Rights, Randy Beck Jan 2013

State Interests And The Duration Of Abortion Rights, Randy Beck

Scholarly Works

Few areas of the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence have attracted as much attention in recent decades as the case law recognizing a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy has exercised more influence over the Court’s abortion jurisprudence than perhaps any other sitting Justice. His jointly authored plurality opinion in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey reaffirmed the basic right to an abortion first recognized in Roe v. Wade, applying that right to regulations effective from the outset of pregnancy. Later opinions, particularly Justice Kennedy’s dissent in Stenberg v. Carhart and his majority opinion in Gonzales v. …

Go to article

Subwavelength Surface Plasmons Based On Novel Structures And Metamaterials, Ruoxi Yang Jan 2013

Subwavelength Surface Plasmons Based On Novel Structures And Metamaterials, Ruoxi Yang

Theses

With the rapid development of nanofabrication technology and powerful computational tools over the last decade, nanophotonics has enjoyed tremendous innovation and found wide applications in ultrahigh-speed data transmission, sensitive optical detection, manipulation of ultra-small objects, and visualization of nanoscale patterns. Surface plasmon-based photonics (or plasmonics) merges electronics and photonics at the nanoscale, creating the ability to combine the superior technical advantages of photonics and electronics on the same chip. Plasmonics focuses on the innovation of photonic devices by exploiting the optical property of metals. In particular, the oscillation of free electrons, when properly driven by electromagnetic waves, would form plasmon-polaritons …

Go to article

Short Chain Fatty Acid Production By Probiotic Organisms In The Gastrointestinal Tract, Elyssa Rautiola Jan 2013

Short Chain Fatty Acid Production By Probiotic Organisms In The Gastrointestinal Tract, Elyssa Rautiola

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Interest in determining the mechanism by which pro biotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA) has increased over the past few years. This study uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to characterize lactate production in aerobic test tube cultures, aerobic bioreactor cultures, and anaerobic bioreactor cultures. To collect anaerobic bioreactor samples, a novel in vitro anaerobic model was developed. The pH and colony forming units of each bacterial sample was also measured in order to understand the correlation between lactate production and bacterial growth. The purpose of this study was to analyze production of SCFA …

Go to article

Reductions In Muscular Strength Three Months And Six Months Following Bariatric Surgery Are Proportional To Absolute Weight Loss, Renee Walton Jan 2013

Reductions In Muscular Strength Three Months And Six Months Following Bariatric Surgery Are Proportional To Absolute Weight Loss, Renee Walton

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Prior studies in patients following bariatric surgery have demonstrated an associated reduction in lean muscle mass concomitant with total weight loss. Less described are any changes of skeletal muscular strength following bariatric surgery and if changes in strength are propmiional to total weight loss. Purpose: To describe changes in upper and lower body strength following weight loss surgery. Methods: Seven subjects (age (yr) = 48 ±13; weight (kg)= 137.4 ± 5.4; BMI (kg/m2 ) =50 ±5) who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Henry Ford Hospital (6 Roux-en-Y bypass and 1 vetiical sleeve) were assessed. Within 30 days prior to …

Go to article

Casualties Of The Drug War, Allan Wachendorfer Jan 2013

Casualties Of The Drug War, Allan Wachendorfer

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The "War on Drugs" started with the Controlled Substances Act and expanded with the Sentencing Reform Act and Anti-Drug Abuse Acts. Mostly they have provided tertiary measures that have done little to eradicate drugs or drug addiction. Instead, the U.S. remains the number one nation in the world in drug use. In addition, there is an ever growing prison population that has surpassed unsustainable levels. Many of the people behind bars are there for drug related crimes. It is time to examine drug policies, particularly those that send people to prison, and to consider establishing more programs that help people …

Go to article

Effect Of Rolling On Viscoelastic Fluids Using A Novel Testing Device, Aswini Mangadu Jan 2013

Effect Of Rolling On Viscoelastic Fluids Using A Novel Testing Device, Aswini Mangadu

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this research thesis project was to develop a mechanical testing device that could enable us to load articular cartilage with a rolling/sliding motion. This novel device was then used to observe the effect of a rolling motion on the fluid film thickness of different lubricants (motor oil, synovial fluid and Hyaluronic Acid (HA)) to varying loads (1kg, 2,kg, 3kg and 4kg) and speeds (10, 25, 48 and 91 mm/s) applied on the sample fluids for 10 cycles. We were able to examine the effect of different speeds within each load for each of the fluid that was …

Go to article

Design, Product Development And Risk Assessment Of Tin (Sn) Ring Electrodes As A Substitute To Silver-Silver Chloride (Ag Agci) Ring Electrodes For High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Hd-Tdcs), Linford Leitch Jan 2013

Design, Product Development And Risk Assessment Of Tin (Sn) Ring Electrodes As A Substitute To Silver-Silver Chloride (Ag Agci) Ring Electrodes For High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Hd-Tdcs), Linford Leitch

Dissertations and Theses

The objective of this research thesis is to test the viability of Tin (Sn) ring electrodes as an inexpensive alternative to sintered Silver-Silver Chloride (Ag|AgCl) ring electrodes for High Definition – transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS). Throughout our initial bench top testing of tin electrodes in combination with a ‘conductive electrode gel’, the passing of a 2mA direct current on agar block showed the formation of white cloud around the anode electrode and a cluster of air bubbles on the cathode. The analysis of pertinent literature indicates that the white milky substance produced during the stimulation at the anode is …

Go to article

Finite Element Study Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Customization Of Models And Montages, Dennis Q. Truong Jan 2013

Finite Element Study Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Customization Of Models And Montages, Dennis Q. Truong

Dissertations and Theses

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that applies low amplitude current via electrodes placed on the scalp. Rather than directly eliciting a neuronal response, tDCS is believed to modulate excitability – encouraging or suppressing activity in regions of the brain depending on the polarity of stimulation. The particular application of tDCS is often determined by the electrode configuration and intensity of stimulation. MRI-derived finite element models have been developed to analyze the effect of these parameters allowing novel electrode configurations to be tested in subject specific models. By creating a subject specific model of an obese …

Go to article

Global Trends In Seasonality Of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (Ndvi), 1982-2011, J. Ronald Eastman, Florencia Sangermano, Elia A. Machado, John Rogan, Assaf Anyamba Jan 2013

Global Trends In Seasonality Of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (Ndvi), 1982-2011, J. Ronald Eastman, Florencia Sangermano, Elia A. Machado, John Rogan, Assaf Anyamba

Geography

A 30-year series of global monthly Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) imagery derived from the Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) NDVI3g archive was analyzed for the presence of trends in changing seasonality. Using the Seasonal Trend Analysis (STA) procedure, over half (56.30%) of land surfaces were found to exhibit significant trends. Almost half (46.10%) of the significant trends belonged to three classes of seasonal trends (or changes). Class 1 consisted of areas that experienced a uniform increase in NDVI throughout the year, and was primarily associated with forested areas, particularly broadleaf forests. Class 2 consisted of areas experiencing …

Go to article

Effects Of Chemotherapy On Sensory Inhibition And Sensory Memory In Breast Cancer Survivor, Raquel Bibi Jan 2013

Effects Of Chemotherapy On Sensory Inhibition And Sensory Memory In Breast Cancer Survivor, Raquel Bibi

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Go to article

Application Of Computational Fluid Dynamics As A Simulation-Based Design Guide In A Microfluidic 3d Living Cell Array (3d Lca) Device, A.H. Rezwanuddin Ahmed Jan 2013

Application Of Computational Fluid Dynamics As A Simulation-Based Design Guide In A Microfluidic 3d Living Cell Array (3d Lca) Device, A.H. Rezwanuddin Ahmed

Dissertations and Theses

The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a tool in the aerodynamics and oil industry provides a reinforcement to efficiency in the design of aircrafts or for understanding the flow through pipes. A similar approach can be taken towards microfluidics, where traditionally devices have been designed based on experience or physiological replication, and a CFD simulation is shown post-manufacture to show the flow and diffusion patterns present. In this study, a reverse approach is suggested, by designing the device first in CFD and perform simulations on variations of alterable parameters to get insight on how the changing parameters affect …

Go to article

Transport Pathway Across Hcaecs Uncer Convective Condtitions And The Role Of Apoptosis In Ldl Transport Through Hcaecs, Janpen Phupeerasupong Jan 2013

Transport Pathway Across Hcaecs Uncer Convective Condtitions And The Role Of Apoptosis In Ldl Transport Through Hcaecs, Janpen Phupeerasupong

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Go to article

A Novel Biomaterial Enables Chemotactic Study Of Motile Central Nervous System-Derived Tumor Cells, Tanya Singh Jan 2013

A Novel Biomaterial Enables Chemotactic Study Of Motile Central Nervous System-Derived Tumor Cells, Tanya Singh

Dissertations and Theses

"The local cell microenvironment plays an important role in maintaining the dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cell-ECM relationship. ECM is a complex network of macromolecules with distinct mechanical and biochemical characteristics [1]. The multifaceted interactions that occur between cells and the ECM are crucial to the regulation of processes that maintain homeostasis. These mechanisms are often deregulated during cancer onset and progression, which cause the ECM to become highly disorganized, alter the cell-matrix interactions, and promote increased hypervascularity and metastasis as these components are indicative of cancer progression. Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common, malignant …

Go to article

Exploring The Interaction Of Two Self-Excited Energy Harvesters, Yi Han Jan 2013

Exploring The Interaction Of Two Self-Excited Energy Harvesters, Yi Han

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Go to article

Cognitive Function In Aging Cocaine Smokers, Saba Rastegar Jan 2013

Cognitive Function In Aging Cocaine Smokers, Saba Rastegar

Dissertations and Theses

Substance abuse disorders are becoming more prevalent in the aging population. Cocaine, specifically, is a major concern as it is the most commonly reported illegal drug associated with emergency room visits among older adults. The combined effects of aging and long-term cocaine use may significantly impact cognitive function in aging cocaine smokers; however, there is relatively little literature on this matter. The purpose of this study was to compare cognitive function in aging cocaine smokers and healthy aging individuals. The study enrolled a total of 20 participants between the ages of 50 and 60. Fourteen participants were in the aging …

Go to article

Photocrosslinked Methylcellulose Hydrogels For Controlled Protein Release, Das Dritiman Jan 2013

Photocrosslinked Methylcellulose Hydrogels For Controlled Protein Release, Das Dritiman

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Go to article

Drug Treatment Of Kidney Clip-Induced Hypertension In Rats; Peroxidase Tracer Spot Frequency In Rat Aorta After Chemically Induced Apoptosis, Simon Kleinbart Jan 2013

Drug Treatment Of Kidney Clip-Induced Hypertension In Rats; Peroxidase Tracer Spot Frequency In Rat Aorta After Chemically Induced Apoptosis, Simon Kleinbart

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Go to article

Wage Dispersion Between College Majors, Erwin Ma Jan 2013

Wage Dispersion Between College Majors, Erwin Ma

Dissertations and Theses

"The United States has benefitted from an educated workforce that has been integral to the growth in productivity and innovation in various industries. The education system, which was built to be largely public and egalitarian, allowed individuals of every background to reach their productive potential. Human capital development theorists believe that education is the key to increasing productivity. The skills taught from primary schools, on-the-job training, and institutions of higher education are treated as investments in the individual which lead to higher wages. A degree can also serve as a signaling mechanism to employers, which suggests that an individual may …

Go to article

International Relations Reflected Through The Camera Lens The West's Representation Of The Third World., Jihan Joseph Jan 2013

International Relations Reflected Through The Camera Lens The West's Representation Of The Third World., Jihan Joseph

Dissertations and Theses

In the pursuit of studying international relations often the subject of culture is left out of the conversation. This thesis focuses on the unlikely subject of film to discuss the importance of culture in international relations. It analyzes at Western film's portrayal of the developing world and explores the connection of film and international relations.

Go to article

International Law V. Traditional Norms Community And State Response To Domestic Violence In Bangladesh And Pakistan, Twafiqa Mohinuddin Jan 2013

International Law V. Traditional Norms Community And State Response To Domestic Violence In Bangladesh And Pakistan, Twafiqa Mohinuddin

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis investigates the implementation of international human rights norms and treaty laws regarding domestic violence in Bangladesh and Pakistan and how compliance is hindered by traditional norms, which exist within communities and at the state level. While the focus of this thesis is on Pakistan and Bangladesh, the findings and lessons can be applied to countries who are suffering from patriarchal norms which facilitate domestic violence. Domestic violence is a worldwide epidemic that discriminates against woman regardless of her color, education, or social class. Domestic violence is a form of gender-based violence which exploits and hinders women from enjoying …

Go to article

A Decade Of Failure; Missed Opportunities And The Escalating Crisis Over Iran's Nuclear Program, Louis Charbonneau Jan 2013

A Decade Of Failure; Missed Opportunities And The Escalating Crisis Over Iran's Nuclear Program, Louis Charbonneau

Dissertations and Theses

For the past decade the United States and its European allies powers have been unable to persuade the Islamic Republic of Iran to halt what appears to be a program to develop either a nuclear-weapons capability or an actual atomic arsenal. There is good reason to want to prevent Iran from acquiring atomic weapons, although it is too late to stop Tehran from acquiring the capability to produce a nuclear weapon should it choose to manufacture one. Tehran‘s desire to develop either a nuclear weapons capability or an actual arsenal is based on a realist assessment of its security environment …

Go to article

Motor Sequence Learning In Adults With Adhd, Karin Fisher Jan 2013

Motor Sequence Learning In Adults With Adhd, Karin Fisher

Dissertations and Theses

"A healthy motor system is able to switch and adapt to different environmental contexts and select the most suitable strategy, thus maximizing the efficiency of the movements and save time or energy. Motor hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD is clinically well recognized and can be understood as abnormal motor inhibition. Individuals with ADHD often have problems with responding effectively to a situation that requires a mobilization of complex motor programs. This deficient flexibility of the motor system in ADHD suggests hypofunctioning of the nigral-striatal dopaminergic system. This study used the motor sequence learning paradigm to examine the selection of movement …

Go to article

The Building Blocks Of Museum Education: Examining Early Childhood Education Programs In Art Museums, Meghan Ann Lally Jan 2013

The Building Blocks Of Museum Education: Examining Early Childhood Education Programs In Art Museums, Meghan Ann Lally

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Go to article

First Prev Next Last