Digital Commons Network^™

Do Culture And Biological Sex Influence People Who Engage In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?, Rachel Berger

Graduate Theses

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) refers to behaviors in which a person intentionally harms and causes tissue damage to oneself, without the desire to end his or her life. There have been contradictory findings with regard to differences in NSSI by biological sex and culture. In this study, I sought to examine if adults with independent cultural self- construals would report more occurrences of NSSI in comparison to those with interdependent cultural self-construals. Furthermore, I was interested in whether females would report more instances of NSSI in comparison to males in independent based cultures, and I examined whether the methods and reasons …

Pittsburg State University Annual Commencement, May 2014, Pittsburg State University

Commencement, 1903-Present

Program of undergraduate and graduate commencement exercises at Pittsburg State University on May of 2014

Metaheuristic Algorithms: Optimal Balance Of Intensification And Diversification, Xin-She Yang, Suash Deb, Simon Fong

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

In nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms, two key components are local intensification and global diversification, and their interaction can significantly affect the efficiency of a metaheuristic algorithm. However, there is no rule for how to balance these important components. In this paper, we provide a first attempt to give some theoretical basis for the optimal balance of exploitation and exploration for 2D multimodal objective functions. Then, we use it for choosing algorithm-dependent parameters. Finally, we use the recently developed eagle strategy and cuckoo search to solve two benchmarks so as to confirm if the optimal balance can be achieved in higher dimensions. …

An Intelligent Artificial System : Artificial Immune Based Hybrid Genetic Algorithm For The Vehicle Routing Problem, Li-Fu Hsu, Chiun-Chieh Hsu, Tsai-Duan Lin

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

Vehicle routing problems are well-known combinational optimization problems with considerable economic significance. Considering the vehicle routing problem with limited capacity on tree is a problem that often naturally arises in railway, river, and rural road networks. In this paper, we describe an artificial immune system that is distributed, robust, dynamic, diverse and adaptive. It captures many features of the vertebrate immune system and proposed an intelligent artificial system which hybrid genetic and immune algorithm to solve the vehicle routing problem with limited capacity on tree. Computational results show the proposed technique to be very competitive with the best-known heuristic routing …

Herbivory In The Northern Curly-Tailed Lizard (Leiocephalus Carinatus), Bonnie K. Kircher, Christopher D. Robinson, Michele A. Johnson

Biology Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

An Overview Of Agroforestry, Andy Mason, Douglas Wallace, Richard Straight

Agroforestry Notes (USDA-NAC)

Agroforestry is a management system that combines agriculture and trees to address conservation needs and build more profitable and weather-resilient farms, ranches and communities. Agroforestry practices provide opportunities to integrate productivity and profitability with environmental stewardship resulting in healthy and sustainable agricultural systems that can be passed on to future generations.

The Effects Of Caffeine On Health: The Benefits Outweigh The Risks, Danielle Ennis

Perspectives

This literature review examines the relationship between caffeine and various health effects. This paper will review the research on health risks related to caffeine consumption and weigh the balance between the risks and benefits that caffeine can provide. Although there are several risks correlated with caffeine consumption, this literature review highlights how the benefits may offset any potentials risks. The main benefits that will be discussed are enhancing physical performance, alertness, pain relief, reducing cognitive impairment, hydration, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Reducing United States Military Involvement, Nicolas Pacheco

Perspectives

This paper addresses the effect that a tactical reduction of United States military personnel could potentially have on the threat of terrorism against the American homeland. While terrorist factions employ varying strategies to further their causes of opposition to western society and occupation, the United States continues to discreetly carry out policies that support incumbent governments and pursue high-risk targets at the risk of civilian casualties. The impact of this hostility can be derived from historical perspectives of neocolonialism and hegemony, but it is crucial to continue to maintain global security interests to prevent international terrorism. This paper explains the …

Nexus/Physics: An Interdisciplinary Repurposing Of Physics For Biologists, E. F. Redish, C. Bauer, K. L. Carleton, T. J. Cooke, M. Cooper, Catherine Hirshfeld Crouch, B. W. Dreyfus, B. D. Geller, J. Giannini, J. S. Gouvea, M. W. Klymkowsky, W. Losert, K. Moore, J. Presson, V. Sawtelle, K. V. Thompson, C. Turpen, R. K.P. Zia

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Works

In response to increasing calls for the reform of the undergraduate science curriculum for life science majors and pre-medical students (Bio2010, Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians, Vision & Change), an interdisciplinary team has created NEXUS/Physics: a repurposing of an introductory physics curriculum for the life sciences. The curriculum interacts strongly and supportively with introductory biology and chemistry courses taken by life-science students, with the goal of helping students build general, multi-discipline scientific competencies. NEXUS/Physics stresses interdisciplinary examples and the content differs markedly from traditional introductory physics to facilitate this: it extends the discussion of energy to include interatomic potentials and …

Earthworm Remyelination Gene Expression Analysis, Shelby Shevik

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

Ua66 Ogden College Of Science & Engineering Newsletter, Cheryl Stevens, Dean

Ogden College of Science & Engineering Publications

No abstract provided.

The Setonian, May 1, 2014, Seton Hall University

2014

No abstract provided.

Prism #80, May 2014, Office Of The Provost

Prism: Western Michigan University's Newsletter for Academic Affairs

No abstract provided.

What Bathers Put Into A Pool: A Critical Review Of Body Fluids And A Body Fluid Analog, Wesley Lamont Bradford

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

No abstract provided.

The Development Of A Comprehensive Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Assay For Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Therapy, David Hardaker

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the most common fungal infection of the female urogenital tract, commonly caused by Candida albicans and C. glabrata. However, treatment can be difficult when caused by non-albicans strains due to resistance to the oral antifungal drug fluconazole. The mechanism through which strains of Candida, particularly C. glabrata, develop resistance to different antifungal classes has not been completely characterized. The ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, an important component of the cell membrane, is the major target of antifungals such as fluconazole, an inhibitor of the ERG 11 gene. Current research shows that an upregulation of specific genes in C. glabrata …

Green's Functions Of Discrete Fractional Calculus Boundary Value Problems And An Application Of Discrete Fractional Calculus To A Pharmacokinetic Model, Sutthirut Charoenphon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Fractional calculus has been used as a research tool in the fields of pharmacology, biology, chemistry, and other areas [3]. The main purpose of this thesis is to calculate Green's functions of fractional difference equations, and to model problems in pharmacokinetics. We claim that the discrete fractional calculus yields the best prediction performance compared to the continuous fractional calculus in the application of a one-compartmental model of drug concentration. In Chapter 1, the Gamma function and its properties are discussed to establish a theoretical basis. Additionally, the basics of discrete fractional calculus are discussed using particular examples for further calculations. …

Physical Ability Testing: A Review Of Court Cases 1992-2014, Joseph Westlin

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Selecting employees for hire and promotion is one of the most essential functions of an organization. Many companies that have positions which contain a physical component rely on physical ability testing as part of their selection procedure. The establishment of both the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) had a profound impact on the manner in which selection testing may legally be conducted (Gutman, Koppes, & Vodanovich, 2011). The current study sought to analyze court cases involving physical ability testing. Results revealed that pure ability tests did not significantly differ from work sample tests with regard …

Apolipoprotein E4 And Sirt1 Interaction In Alzheimer’S Disease, Brittany Ann Philpot

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose exact cause(s) are still unknown. Εpsilon 4, an allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4), is currently the most important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals that inherit two copies of the ApoE ε4 allele have an approximately ten to thirty times increased risk of developing AD in comparison to persons not carrying this allele. This association may relate to ApoE4’s susceptibility to proteolysis and neurotoxicity. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is involved with neurite extension and neurite retraction, and has been shown to function as a molecular switch with two separate cleavage patterns. Cleavage …

The Effect Of A Group Lifestyle Coaching Model On Hba1c And Psychosocial Constructs In Low-Income Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Lillian Tryon, D.N.P.

Faculty Works

The epidemic of diabetes and its complications is concerning, and new approaches need to be explored for fostering better patient outcomes in a cost effective way. This exploratory study examined the effectiveness of a group coaching model on glycemic control, diabetes knowledge, diabetes empowerment, and diabetes self-management compared to usual care or participation in a 90-minute diabetes education class. A convenience sample of 34 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was recruited at a clinic providing services to the uninsured. Participants self-selected into the coaching group (n= 12), class group (n = 10), or control group ( …

College Organizational Structure And Its Impact On Accessible Distance Learning For Students With Disabilities, Mana Kariman

Dissertations

This research focuses on the impact of organizational structure in colleges on accessibility in distance learning for individuals with disabilities. Research remains limited on the effect of the organizational structure that supports online/web-based courses regarding accessibility. Policies that outline the laws guide faculty to ensure the published online courses are accessible to everyone, including students with disabilities. Further, types of accommodations available to students with disabilities are discussed. Accessibility needs to be addressed by trainings for all faculty who provide accommodations. In conclusion, the accessibility laws affect the organizational structure in institutions and the impact of policy implementation.

Impacts Of Carbonate Mineral Weathering On Hydrochemistry Of The Upper Green River Basin, Kentucky, Laura Leigh Osterhoudt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Kentucky’s Upper Green River Basin has received significant attention due to the area’s high biodiversity and spectacular karst development. While carbonate bedrock is present throughout the watershed, it is more extensive and homogenous along the river between Greensburg and Munfordville than upstream from Greensburg where the geology is more heterogeneous. This research quantitatively evaluated how lithological differences between the two catchment areas impact hydrochemistry and inorganic carbon cycling. This first required correcting catchment boundaries on previous US Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Maps to account for areas where the boundaries cross sinkhole plains. Basin boundaries using existing Kentucky Division of Water …

Functionalization And Modification Of Naphthaquinone Analogs As Her2 Kinase Inhibitors, Divya Jyothi Lella

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

HER2 overexpression in breast cancer tumors predicts lower overall survival. Because of the aggressive nature of HER2 tumors and the association with metastatic disease, the HER2 receptor holds great promise as a therapeutic target in metastatic breast cancer. We are developing small molecule inhibitors that bind to the ATP binding site of the tyrosine kinase domain in order to inhibit tyrosine auto-phosphorylation. This process controls biological pathways that mediate the cell growth. In normal cells this process is highly controlled. We are targeting the modification of the side chain of the hydroxy methyl group of 2-Hydroxy methyl-5,8-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthaquinone. These compounds should …

Level Of Uv-B Radiation Influences The Effects Of Glyphosate-Based Herbicide On Fitness Of The Spotted Salamander, Nicholas A. Levis

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Numerous causes have been implicated in contributing to amphibian population declines since the 1980's, with habitat modification, ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) and environmental contaminants (such as glyphosate-based herbicide) being among the most common. This study identifies the effects of a generic glyphosate-based herbicide (GLY- 4 Plus) on mortality, immune function, body condition, and morphological plasticity of larvae of the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) under conditions that reflect open and closed canopy light regimes. Larval salamander responses to glyphosate-based herbicide varied depending on UV-B conditions. In general, it appears that an open canopy (i.e. greater UV-B exposure) may confer fitness benefits. In …

Does Protein Folding Exhibit Self-Organized Criticality?, Addison Wisthoff

Senior Theses

Proteins are known to fold into tertiary structures that determine their functionality in living organisms. By understanding the general features of this folding process, that are independent of specific proteins, folding can be better understood. Self-organized critical systems exhibit behavior that scales with system size. In this project, I wrote a simulation of a simplistic three-dimensional cubic lattice protein model. The model consisted of only two different types of amino acids, one being hydrophobic and the other hydrophilic, known as the HP model. To identify self-organized criticality in proteins, there must be clear signs of power law behavior in the …

Ua45/6 Commencement Program, Wku Registrar

WKU Administration Documents

Commencement program listing graduates.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 89, No. 52, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Rogers, Shelby. Gary Ransdell to Push for 4.8% Tuition Increase
• Phillips, Jonah. Bill Powell Survives Rough Waters to Carry on Legacy – Swimming
• Parker, Jacob & Jackson French. Student Pulls Gun by Bates-Runner Hall, Arrested on Campus – Michael Dearborn
• Conniff, Ben. Five Films to Induce Finals Procrastination – Movies
• Pait, Ryan. HBO’s Veep Continues to Find Its Identity Amid Stand-Out Writing – Television
• Holloway, Kae. Mean Girls Celebrates A Fetch Tenth Anniversary – Fashion
• French, Jackson. Crimes Remain Steady on Campus – WKU Police
• Mathews, Mackenzie. Professors Discuss …

Clemson Commencement Program, May 2014, Clemson University

Clemson Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

A Novel P.Leu(381)Phe Mutation In Presenilin 1 Is Associated With Very Early Onset And Unusually Fast Progressing Dementia As Well As Lysosomal Inclusions Typically Seen In Kufs Disease, Natalia Dolzhanskaya, Michael A. Gonzalez, Fiorella Sperziani, Shannon Stefl, Jeffrey Messing, Guang Y. Wen, Emil Alexov, S Stephan Zuchner, Milen Velinov

Publications

Whole exome sequencing in a family with suspected dominant Kufs disease identified a novel Presenilin 1 mutation p.Leu(381)Phe in three brothers who, along with their father, developed progressive dementia and motor deficits in their early 30s. All affected relatives had unusually rapid disease progression (on average 3.6 years from disease onset to death). In silico analysis of mutation p.Leu(381)Phe predicted more detrimental effects when compared to the common Presenilin 1 mutation p.Glu(280)Ala. Electron microscopy study of peripheral fibroblast cells of the proband showed lysosomal inclusions typical for Kufs disease. However his brain autopsy demonstrated typical changes of Alzheimer disease.

On The Modeling Of Polar Component Of Solvation Energy Using Smooth Gaussian-Based Dielectric Function, Lin Li, Chuan Li, Emil Alexov

Publications

Traditional implicit methods for modeling electrostatics in biomolecules use a two-dielectric approach: a biomolecule is assigned low dielectric constant while the water phase is considered as a high dielectric constant medium. However, such an approach treats the biomolecule-water interface as a sharp dielectric border between two homogeneous dielectric media and does not account for inhomogeneous dielectric properties of the macromolecule as well. Recently we reported a new development, a smooth Gaussian-based dielectric function which treats the entire system, the solute and the water phase, as inhomogeneous dielectric medium (J Chem Theory Comput. 2013 Apr 9; 9(4): 2126-2136.). Here we examine …

Faculty Notes- John Carroll University, John Carroll University

Faculty Notes - John Carroll University

May 2014, Vol. 7, Issue 2