Digital Commons Network^™

Quantitative Reasoning Learning Progression: The Matrix, Robert L. Mayes, Jennifer Forrester, Jennifer Schuttlefield Christus, Franziska Peterson, Rachel Walker

Numeracy

The NSF Pathways Project studied the development of environmental literacy in students from grades six through high school. Learning progressions for environmental literacy were developed to explicate the trajectory of learning. The Pathways QR research team supported this effort by studying the role of quantitative reasoning (QR) as a support or barrier to developing environmental literacy. An iterative research methodology was employed which included targeted student interviews to establish QR learning progression progress variables and elements comprising those progress variables, development of a QR learning progression framework, and closed-form QR assessments to verify the progression. In this paper the focus …

How Does One Design Or Evaluate A Course In Quantitative Reasoning?, Bernard L. Madison

Numeracy

In the absence of generally accepted content standards and with little evidence on the learning for long-term retrieval and transfer, how does one design or evaluate a course in quantitative reasoning (QR)? This is a report on one way to do so. The subject QR course, which has college algebra as a prerequisite and has been taught for 8 years, is being modified slightly to be offered as an alternative to college algebra. One modification is adding a significant formal writing component. As the modification occurs, the current course and the modified one are judged according to six sets of …

Looking At The Multiple Meanings Of Numeracy, Quantitative Literacy, And Quantitative Reasoning, H. L. Vacher

Numeracy

The subject of this journal goes by a variety of names: numeracy, quantitative literacy, and quantitative reasoning. Some authors use the terms interchangeably. Others see distinctions between them. Study of psycholinguistic and ontological concepts laid out in the literature of WordNet and familiarity with the papers in this journal suggests a vocabulary matrix consisting of four rows (word senses) and three columns (word forms, namely numeracy, QL, and QR). The four word senses correspond to four sets of synonyms: {numeracy}, {numeracy, QL}, {QL, QR}, and {numeracy, QL, QR}. Each of the word forms is polysemous: “numeracy” points to the first, …

Genetic Determinants Of Amidating Enzyme Activity And Its Relationship With Metal Cofactors In Human Serum, Eric D. Gaier, Alison Kleppinger, Martina Ralle, Jonathan Covault, Richard E. Mains, Anne M. Kenny, Betty A. Eipper

UCHC Articles - Research

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

α-amidation is a final, essential step in the biosynthesis of about half of all peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), with enzymatic domains that utilize Cu and Zn, is the only enzyme that catalyzes this reaction. PAM activity is detected in serum, but its significance and utility as a clinical biomarker remain unexplored.

METHODS:

We used well-established enzymatic assays specific for the peptidylglycine-α -hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) and peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine α-amidating lyase (PAL) domains of PAM to quantify amidating activity in the sera of 144 elderly men. Relationships between PHM and PAL activity and serum levels of their …

From Balinghou To Jiulinghou, China's Millennials Come Of Age, Robert L. Moore, Zhao Chang

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Developments In Transnational Research Linkages: Evidence From U.S. Higher-Education Activity, Peter Koehn

Political Science Faculty Publications

In our knowledge-driven era, multiple and mutual benefits accrue from transnational research linkages. The article identifies important directions in transnational research collaborations involving U.S. universities revealed by key dimensions of 369 projects profiled on a U.S. higher-education association’s database. Project initiators, principal research fields, regional and country distributions, and the sources and amounts of funding for different types of transnational research activity are selected for analysis. The balanced total portfolio of reported current research projects by region suggests that U.S. university principal investigators increasingly recognize the value of collaborative knowledge generation in the Global South as well as in other …

Population And Demographic Structure Of Ixodes Scapularis Say In The Eastern United States., Joyce M. Sakamoto, Jerome Goddard, Jason L. Rasgon

CALS Publications

INTRODUCTION: The most significant vector of tick-borne pathogens in the United States is Ixodes scapularis Say (the blacklegged tick). Previous studies have identified significant genetic, behavioral and morphological differences between northern vs. southern populations of this tick. Because tick-borne pathogens are dependent on their vectors for transmission, a baseline understanding of the vector population structure is crucial to determining the risks and epidemiology of pathogen transmission. METHODS: We investigated population genetic variation of I. scapularis populations in the eastern United States using a multilocus approach. We sequenced and analyzed the mitochondrial COI and 16S genes and three nuclear genes (serpin2, …

Method Of Using Ccr3 Binding Agents To Detect Choroidal Neovascularization, Jayakrishna Ambati, Mark E. Kleinman

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Patents

The results presented herein demonstrate the specific expression of CCR3 in CNV endothelial cells in humans with AMD, and despite the expression of its ligands, eotaxin-1, -2, and -3, neither eosinophils nor mast cells are present in human CNV. The genetic or pharmacological targeting of CCR3 or eotaxins as disclosed herein inhibited injury-induced CNV in mice. CNV suppression by CCR3 blockade was due to direct inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, and was uncoupled from inflammation as it occurred in mice lacking eosinophils or mast cells and was independent of macrophage and neutrophil recruitment. CCR3 blockade was more effective at reducing …

Mythic Circle #36, Gwenyth E. Hood

The Mythic Circle

No abstract provided.

The Boy Who Didn't Know Who-He-Was (An Existential Fairytale), Ron Boyer

The Mythic Circle

No abstract provided.

The Breach, Alex B.

The Mythic Circle

No abstract provided.

Lilith And Eve Discuss Human Origins, Joe R. Christopher

The Mythic Circle

No abstract provided.

Luteolin And Diosmin/Diosmetin As Novel Stat3 Inhibitors For Treating Autism, Jun Tan, Deyan Luo, Roland Douglas Shytle

USF Patents

The present invention includes methods for the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and type 1 diabetes. Flavonoids, luteolin, diosmin, and diosmin's aglycone form, diosmetin, were found to inhibit activation/phosphorylation of STAT3 induced by IL-6 in cultured neuronal cells. Furthermore, mice treated with diosmin showed a significant reduction of autistic phenotype induced by IL-6 through inhibition of STAT3 activation.

Stable Differentiation Of Nt2 Cells, Samuel Saporta, Elise Spencer, Rania Shamekh

USF Patents

A method of differentiating adult stem cells, such as those derived from a teratocarcinoma cell line, the Ntera2/D1 clone (NT2). The developed cells exhibit a stable neurotransmitter phenotype without the required use of growth factors or retinoic acid in differentiation process, which may be difficult to completely remove during commercial production. An identification of specific neurotransmitters is possible in these differentiated NT2-derived neurons (NT2-N) after 30 days in culture or 30 days survival in vivo. The invention includes a method to stably differentiate neuronal stem/precursor cells to a neuronal phenotype for use in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disease, stroke …

Treatment Of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-Based Disease, Jun Tan, Doug Shytle, Kavon Rezai-Zadeh

USF Patents

The bioflavonoid luteolin reduces amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) generation. Luteolin is also a selective GSK-3 inhibitor that 1) decreases amyloidogenic γ-secretase APP processing, and 2) promotes presenilin-1 (PS1) carboxyl-terminal fragment (CTF) phosphorylation. GSK-3α activity is essential for both PS1 CTF phosphorylation states and PS1-APP interaction. To validate The findings were validated in vivo, using a Tg2576 Alzheimer's Disease model system. Luteolin treatment decreased soluble Aβ levels, reduced GSK-3 activity, and disrupted PS1-APP association.

Shape And Position Of The Node And Notochord Along The Bilateral Plane Of Symmetry Are Regulated By Cell-Extracellular Matrix Interactions., Maria Pulina, Dong Liang, Sophie Astrof

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

The node and notochord (and their equivalents in other species) are essential signaling centers, positioned along the plane of bilateral symmetry in developing vertebrate embryos. However, genes and mechanisms regulating morphogenesis of these structures and their placement along the embryonic midline are not well understood. In this work, we provide the first evidence that the position of the node and the notochord along the bilateral plane of symmetry are under genetic control and are regulated by integrin α5β1 and fibronectin in mice. We found that the shape of the node is often inverted in integrin α5-null and fibronectin-null mutants, and …

Vocabulary Instruction: Using The Keyword Approach With The Interactive Smart Board In Inclusive Classrooms, Kelly Volpe

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study are to (a) evaluate the effects of a traditional approach, the definitional approach, to vocabulary instruction for middle school students in an inclusive class; (b) evaluate the effects of using the keyword method in vocabulary instruction for middle school students; (c) evaluate the effects of using the keyword method and the Smart Board in vocabulary instruction for middle school students; (d) compare the effectiveness of the traditional approach, the keyword method, and the keyword method with the Smart Board in vocabulary instruction; and (e) examine the teacher and students satisfaction with the traditional approach, keyword …

The Use Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners In Establishing And Maintaining A Healthy Weight, Derrick Pickering, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity is an epidemic and continues to rise. The associated increased risk of mortality and co-morbid conditions is well documented. The use non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is a strategy being used to manage weight by reducing calorie intake. Research is inconclusive regarding the efficacy of NNS in weight management due to their inappropriate use and also the potential they may increase appetite. To most effectively manage weight, a comprehensive individualized plan must be devise of which proper use NNS may be a part.

Infectious Diseases, Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

Provides information about the role of infectious diseases in the early years of U.S. History, with particular emphasis on how they impacted injuries sustained in military conflict.

Cell Wall And Autolytic Properties Of A Cold-Sensitive Listeria Monocytogenes Mutant Deficient In Branched-Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis, Anthony M. Martini

Theses and Dissertations

Cellular membranes modulate several critical functions of bacterial physiology, including solute diffusion and nutrient transport. Biophysical properties of phospholipids, as well as environmental pressures such as temperature, can have a profound effect on these membrane functions and the kinetics of associated enzymes. Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular pathogen capable of robust low temperature growth, a characteristic thought to be facilitated by a membrane highly enriched in branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA). Mutants deficient in the biosynthesis of these fatty acids exhibit severe growth defects under low temperature and extreme pH conditions. Morphological investigations have also revealed these mutants to undergo …

Quantitative Reasoning Learning Progression: The Matrix, Robert L. Mayes, Jennifer H. Forrester, Jennifer D. Schuttlefield Christus, Franziska Peterson, Rachel Walker

Middle Grades & Secondary Education: Faculty Publications

The NSF Pathways Project studied the development of environmental literacy in students from grades six through high school. Learning progressions for environmental literacy were developed to explicate the trajectory of learning. The Pathways QR research team supported this effort by studying the role of quantitative reasoning (QR) as a support or barrier to developing environmental literacy. An iterative research methodology was employed which included targeted student interviews to establish QR learning progression progress variables and elements comprising those progress variables, development of a QR learning progression framework, and closed-form QR assessments to verify the progression. In this paper the focus …

A Conservation Status Index, As An Auxiliary Tool For The Management Of Cave Environments, Christiane Ramos Donato, Adauto De Souza Ribeiro, Leandro De Sousa Souto

International Journal of Speleology

The conservation of the Speleological Heritage involves bioecological, geomorphological and anthropogenic studies, both from inside the caves and from the external environments that surround them. This study presents a method to rank caves according to their priority for conservation and restoration. Nine caves were evaluated: indicators related to the environmental impacts and the vulnerability status presented by those caves (intrinsic features) and the values scored in a ‘Cave Conservation Index’ (CCI) were established. We also used a rapid assessment protocol to measure cave vulnerability for prioritization of conservation/restoration actions (RAP-cr) comparing natural cavities with the same lithology, due …

Vibrant Culture: Inspiring Minds, Hearts And Spirits, Louise Moore, Rob Fortener

Catholic Education Summit

What can you do to capture the positive energy in your Catholic school? How can you foster a vibrant culture? A strong culture is one of the most important determinants of how effective a school or any organization will be. What is the key to awakening that spirit and realizing its power in your school? In this session, you will explore the basic elements of culture and the power of culture. Ways of creating an inspiring and animating culture for your school will be discussed.

Combinatorial Therapeutic Vaccination Strategies For Hematologic Malignancies In The Early Period Following Experimental Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Robert G. Newman

Open Access Dissertations

Tumor relapse is the primary cause of mortality in patients with hematologic cancers following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Vaccination early post-HSCT can exploit both the state of lymphopenia and minimal residual disease for the generation of anti-tumor immunity. Here, multiple vaccinations utilizing lymphoma cells engineered to secrete the heat shock protein fusion gp96-Ig within two weeks of T cell replete syngeneic HSCT led to antigen cross-presentation and increased survival of lymphoma bearing mice. To enhance vaccine efficacy, IL-2 was directed to predominantly memory phenotype CD8+ T lymphocytes and natural killer cells via administration bound to anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody …

Simple Signaling Molecules For Inductive Bone Regenerative Engineering, Bret D. Ulery, Stephen J. Nelson, Meng Deng, Kevin W. H. Lo, Yusuf M. Khan, Cato T. Laurencin

UCHC Articles - Research

Abstract

With greater than 500,000 orthopaedic procedures performed in the United States each year requiring a bone graft, the development of novel graft materials is necessary. We report that some porous polymer/ceramic composite scaffolds possess intrinsic osteoinductivity as shown through their capacity to induce in vivo host osteoid mineralization and in vitro stem cell osteogenesis making them attractive synthetic bone graft substitutes. It was discovered that certain low crystallinity ceramics partially dissociate into simple signaling molecules (i.e., calcium and phosphate ions) that induce stem cells to endogenously produce their own osteoinductive proteins. Review of the literature has uncovered a variety …

Summer Odyssey Concludes 16th Year At Dominican, Sarah Gardner, Dave Albee

Press Releases

Summer Odyssey is an innovative program designed specifically for academically gifted and creatively talented students in grades 2-9 from Marin County’s public and independent schools. Since it started on the Dominican campus in 1998, Summer Odyssey has enrolled thousands of children and averaged between 120-125 participants in each of the last five years.

Identification Of A Cytotoxic Form Of Dimeric Interleukin-2 In Murine Tissues, Lucile E. Wrenshall, Suzanne E. Clabaugh, David R. Cool, Prakash Arumugam, William C. Grunwald Jr., Deandra R. Smith, Gino C. Liu, John D. Miller

Department of Surgery Faculty Publications

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a multi-faceted cytokine, known for promoting proliferation, survival, and cell death depending on the cell type and state. For example, IL-2 facilitates cell death only in activated T cells when antigen and IL-2 are abundant. The availability of IL-2 clearly impacts this process. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that IL-2 is retained in blood vessels by heparan sulfate, and that biologically active IL-2 is released from vessel tissue by heparanase. We now demonstrate that heparanase digestion also releases a dimeric form of IL-2 that is highly cytotoxic to cells expressing the IL-2 receptor. These cells include “traditional” IL-2 …

The Statesman, V. 58, I. 01, Stony Brook University

Stony Brook Statesman-Sucolian

v. 58, i. 01

Long-Term Health Effects Of Neutering Dogs: Comparison Of Labrador Retrievers With Golden Retrievers, Benjamin L. Hart, Lynette A. Hart, Abigail P. Thigpen, Neil H. Willits

Endocrinology Collection

Our recent study on the effects of neutering (including spaying) in Golden Retrievers in markedly increasing the incidence of two joint disorders and three cancers prompted this study and a comparison of Golden and Labrador Retrievers. Veterinary hospital records were examined over a 13-year period for the effects of neutering during specified age ranges: before 6 mo., and during 6–11 mo., year 1 or years 2 through 8. The joint disorders examined were hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and elbow dysplasia. The cancers examined were lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer. The results for the Golden Retriever …

Preparation And Biological Properties Of Ring-Substituted Naphthalene-1-Carboxanilides, Eoghan Nevin, Rodeney Govender, Jim O'Mahony, Aidan Coffey, Et. Al.

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

In this study, a series of twenty-two ring-substituted naphthalene-1-carboxanilides were prepared and characterized. Primary in vitro screening of the synthesized carboxanilides was performed against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)naphthalene-1-carboxamide, N-(3-methoxy-phenyl)naphthalene-1-carboxamide, N-(3-methylphenyl)naphthalene-1-carboxamide, N-(4-methylphenyl)naphthalene-1-carboxamide and N-(3-fluorophenyl)naphthalene-1-carboxamide showed against M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis two-fold higher activity than rifampicin and three-fold higher activity than ciprofloxacin. The most effective antimycobacterial compounds demonstrated insignificant toxicity against the human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cell line. The testing of biological activity of the compounds was completed with the study of photosynthetic electron transport (PET) inhibition in isolated spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts. The PET-inhibiting activity expressed by IC50 value …