Digital Commons Network^™

Rethinking Immigration’S Mandatory Detention Regime: Politics, Profit, And The Meaning Of “Custody”, Philip L. Torrey

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Immigration detention in the United States is a crisis that needs immediate attention. U.S. immigration detention facilities hold a staggering number of persons. Widely believed to have the largest immigration detention population in the world, the United States detained approximately 478,000 foreign nationals in Fiscal Year 2012. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, boasts that the figure is “an all-time high.” In some ways, these numbers are unsurprising, considering that the United States incarcerates approximately one in every one hundred adults within its borders—a rate five to ten times higher than any other Westernized …

Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Fungal Β-(1→6)-Glucan In Macrophages, Ilka Noss, Tammy R. Ozment, Bridget M. Graves, Michael D. Kruppa, Peter J. Rice, David L. Williams

ETSU Faculty Works

Over the last 40-yr, the majority of research on glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans. Recent studies indicate that β-(1→6)-glucans may be even more potent immune modulators than β-(1→3)-glucans. Mechanisms by which β-(1→6)-glucans are recognized and modulate immunity are unknown. In this study, we examined the interaction of purified water-soluble β-(1→6)-glucans with macrophage cell lines and primary peritoneal macrophages and the cellular and molecular consequences of this interaction. Our results indicate the existence of a specific β-(1→6)-glucan receptor that internalizes the glucan ligand via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. We show that the known β-(1→3)-glucans receptors are not responsible for β-(1→6)-glucan recognition and …

Celecoxib Or Diclofenac Hepatic Status In The Presence Or Absence Of Rebamipide, D. E. Murrell, Y. Rahmasari, J. W. Denham, P. C. Panus, S. Harirforoosh

ETSU Faculty Works

OBJECTIVE: Utilization of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, can produce gastrointestinal ulceration. Thus, cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitors, such as celecoxib, and protective agents (e.g. rebamipide) have been employed to alleviate harmful NSAID effects. This study sought to explore the influence of rebamipide on the hepatic outcomes following administration of two commonly prescribed NSAIDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were given either vehicle or rebamipide (30 mg/kg) orally twice daily for two days, then on the third day respective groups were dosed with either vehicle, celecoxib (40 mg/kg), or diclofenac (10 mg/kg) in addition to a respective dose of vehicle or rebamipide. …

A Comprehensive View Of The Epigenetic Landscape Part I: Dna Methylation, Passive And Active Dna Demethylation Pathways And Histone Variants, Anna Sadakierska-Chudy, Richard M. Kostrzewa, Małgorzata Filip

ETSU Faculty Works

In multicellular organisms, all the cells are genetically identical but turn genes on or off at the right time to promote differentiation into specific cell types. The regulation of higher-order chromatin structure is essential for genome-wide reprogramming and for tissue-specific patterns of gene expression. The complexity of the genome is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, which act at the level of DNA, histones, and nucleosomes. Epigenetic machinery is involved in many biological processes, including genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, heterochromatin formation, and transcriptional regulation, as well as DNA damage repair. In this review, we summarize the recent understanding of DNA methylation, cytosine …

Stability And Change: Stress Responses And The Shaping Of Behavioral Phenotypes Over The Life Span, Michael B. Hennessy, Sylvia Kaiser, Tobias Tiedtke, Norbert Sachser

Psychology Faculty Publications

In mammals, maternal signals conveyed via influences on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity may shape behavior of the young to be better adapted for prevailing environmental conditions. However, the mother's influence extends beyond classic stress response systems. In guinea pigs, several hours (h) of separation from the mother activates not only the HPA axis, but also the innate immune system, which effects immediate behavioral change, as well as modifies behavioral responsiveness in the future. Moreover, the presence of the mother potently suppresses the behavioral consequences of this innate immune activation. These findings raise the possibility that long-term adaptive behavioral change can be …

Domestication Affects The Structure, Development And Stability Of Biobehavioural Profiles, Sylvia Kaiser, Michael B. Hennessy, Norbert Sachser

Psychology Faculty Publications

Domestication is an evolutionary process during which the biobehavioural profile (comprising e.g. social and emotional behaviour, cognitive abilities, as well as hormonal stress responses) is substantially reshaped. Using a comparative approach, and focusing mainly on the domestic and wild guinea pig, an established model system for the study of domestication, we review (a) how wild and domestic animals of the same species differ in behaviour, emotion, cognition, and hormonal stress responses, (b) during which phases of life differences in biobehavioural profiles emerge and (c) whether or not animal personalities exist in both the wild and domestic form. Concerning (a), typical …

The Eco-Sustainable Initiative: A Case Study In And Evaluation Of Eco-Labeling, Chiara Dorigo

Pomona Senior Theses

This paper reviews the significance of eco-labeling as a green consumption practice, and more broadly as a form of everyday environmentalism. It uses a random sample of 50 eco-labelers from an online database to analyze the current eco-labeling landscape and evaluate the business model of an emerging eco-labeling startup called the Eco-Sustainable Initiative (ESI). Conclusions include recommendations for ESI before its launch, and implications of ESI’s merits and shortcomings for the eco-labeling landscape at large.

Use Of Fiber-Reinforced Cements In Masonry Construction And Structural Rehabilitation, Ece Erdogmus

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

The use of fiber reinforcement in traditional concrete mixes has been extensively studied and has been slowly finding its regular use in practice. In contrast, opportunities for the use of fibers in masonry applications and structural rehabilitation projects (masonry and concrete structures) have not been as deeply investigated, where the base matrix may be a weaker cementitious mixture. This paper will summarize the findings of the author’s research over the past 10 years in these particular applications of fiber reinforced cements (FRC). For masonry, considering both mortar and mortar-unit bond characteristics, a 0.5% volume fraction of micro fibers in type …

Issue 4

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Honors Research, Sarah Page, Daniel Lowes, Gabe Moore, Weelic Chong

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Issue 5

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Issue 6

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Crossword Corner

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Call For Submissions

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Spatial Cognition And Emotion Recognition As A Function Of Asd, Catalina Cumpanasoiu

Honors Theses

Past research shows that although autism has among its particularities a tendency for lower results on cognitive tasks, especially on the executive functioning skills, people with ASD perform equally well, and sometimes even better than controls on tasks for visuo-spatial cognition. However, there is also evidence suggesting that people on the spectrum might have an impaired emotion recognition mechanism. In addition, there is research on spatial cognition and affect, looking at how emotions provoked by stimuli can change the way in which we perceive the space. In the current study, we will look at spatial cognition and emotion recognition as …

Development Of A Genetic Over-Expression System For The Freshwater Sponge Ephydatia Muelleri, Joe Walsh

Honors Theses

The aim of this work is to develop an over-expression system for Ephydatia muelleri. Preliminary work by Klaske Schippers (Schippers, 2013) showed sponges were induced to transcribe reporter genes driven by the widely used cytomegalovirus promoter (CMV). Building off Schippers work, newly identified native Ephydatia promoters were identified from the genome and verified to drive expression ofreporter genes. Validated over-expression vectors and transfection technology will allow researchers around the world who are working with this organism to ask questions about cell specification, gene regulation and animal development.

Saffron Cod (Eleginus Gracilis) In North Pacific Archaeology, Megan A. Partlow, Eric Munk

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) is a marine species often found in shallow, brackish water in the Bering Sea, although it can occur as far southeast as Sitka, Alaska. Recently, we identified saffron cod remains in two ca. 500-year-old Afognak Island midden assemblages from the Kodiak Archipelago. We developed regression formulae to relate bone measurements to total length using thirty-five modern saffron cod specimens. The archaeological saffron cod remains appear to be from mature adults, measuring 22–45 cm in total length, and likely caught from shore during spawning. Saffron cod may have been an important winter resource for Alutiiq people living …

Finding The Middle Ground On A Slippery Slope: Balancing Autonomy And Protection In Mandatory Reporting Of Elder Abuse, Benjamin Pomerance

Marquette Benefits and Social Welfare Law Review

Millions of older Americans suffer from physical, mental, emotional, or financial abuse. Frequently, their abusers are family members, close friends, or other individuals who occupy positions of trust in their elderly victims’ lives. Unfortunately, due to a variety of factors, elder abuse is a tragically underreported crime. Experts estimate that for every case of elder abuse revealed to law enforcement authorities, five more cases go unreported, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.

To combat this secrecy surrounding elder abuse, federal and state lawmakers enacted statutes requiring certain people— or, in some jurisdictions, all people—to report instances of suspected elder abuse …

The Dark Side Of The Mooc - A Critical Inquiry On Their Claims And Realities, Markus Deimann

Current Issues in Emerging eLearning

Building on the work of French philosopher Michel Foucault, this paper utilises critical discourse analysis to examine claims attached to MOOCs in New York Times articles published between 2012 and 2013. Discourse analysis is proposed as a valuable tool enabling the understanding of MOOCs as historically constituted and socially constructed “events” with hidden meanings masked by rhetoric slogans. Noting that language is not just the reflection of social and psychological life but rather constructs social realities, this work posits how both media and commercial MOOC providers have constructed an “education is broken” narrative which states (1) traditional universities are no …

Adjoint-Based Airfoil Shape Optimization In Transonic Flow, Joe-Ray Gramanzini

Masters Theses

"The primary focus of this work is efficient aerodynamic shape optimization in transonic flow. Adjoint-based optimization techniques are employed on airfoil sections and evaluated in terms of computational accuracy as well as efficiency. This study examines two test cases proposed by the AIAA Aerodynamic Design Optimization Discussion Group. The first is a two-dimensional, transonic, inviscid, non-lifting optimization of a Modified-NACA 0012 airfoil. The second is a two-dimensional, transonic, viscous optimization problem using a RAE 2822 airfoil. The FUN3D CFD code of NASA Langley Research Center is used as the ow solver for the gradient-based optimization cases. Two shape parameterization techniques …

Sympathetic Reactivity In Young Women With A Family History Of Hypertension, Jody L. Greaney, Evan Matthews, Megan M. Wenner

Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education Scholarship and Creative Works

Young adults with a family history of hypertension (+FH) have increased risk of developing hypertension. Furthermore, the blood pressure (BP) response to sympathoexcitatory stimuli in young adults can predict the future development of hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesized young women with a +FH would have exaggerated cardiovascular and sympathetic reactivity compared with young women without a family history of hypertension (−FH). Beat-by-beat mean arterial pressure (MAP) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured in 14 women +FH (22 ± 1 yr, 21 ± 1 kg/m2, MAP 80 ± 2 mmHg) and 15 women −FH (22 ± 1 yr, 22 ± …

Energetic Costs Of Aggression In The Northern Cardinal, Sarah K. Wright

Honors Program Theses

Territorial aggression during the nonbreeding season has not been sufficiently studied, especially in a natural system. There has been some evidence to suggest that the steroid hormone precursor, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may regulate male aggression during the nonbreeding season, rather than testosterone. This study aimed to investigate the effects of energy status (through food supplementation) on nonbreeding aggression in the Northern Cardinal and add to the pre-existing evidence of a DHEA-mediated mechanism of aggression. It was hypothesized that if aggression was maintained for an extended period of time, metabolite levels would favor energy usage (more glycerol and less triglycerides) compared to …

Vast Challenge 2015: Mayhem At Dinofun World, Mark Whiting, Kristin Cook, Georges Grinstein, John Fallon, Kristen Liggett, Diane Staheli, R. Jordan Crouser

Computer Science: Faculty Publications

A fictitious amusement park and a larger-than-life hometown football hero provided participants in the VAST Challenge 2015 with an engaging yet complex storyline and setting in which to analyze movement and communication patterns. The datasets for the 2015 challenge were large—averaging nearly 10 million records per day over a three day period—with a simple straightforward structured format. The simplicity of the format belied a complex wealth of features contained in the data that needed to be discovered and understood to solve the tasks and questions that were posed. Two Mini-Challenges and a Grand Challenge compose the 2015 competition. Mini-Challenge 1 …

Attitudes And Behaviors Of South African Women And Psychosocial Determinants Of Gonorrhea, Takiyah White Ndwanya

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The incidence of gonorrhea had declined since the HIV epidemic in the late 1980s, but is now increasing globally due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant forms of this disease. In South Africa, the incidence of gonorrhea is highest among Black women due to their high co-infection rates with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study examined the psychosocial determinants of gonorrhea among Black women aged 18 - 35 in the Langa township in Cape Town, South Africa. All participants had reported at least one sexual experience and at least one positive test for gonorrhea in the past two …

Antibody Response Of Cattle To Vaccination With Commercial Modified Live Rabies Vaccines In Guatemala, Amy T. Gilbert, Lauren Greenberg, David Moran, Marlon Alvarado, Daniel L. Garcia, Leonard Peruski

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Vampire bat rabies is a public and animal health concern throughout Latin America. As part of an ecological study of vampire bat depredation on cattle in southern Guatemala,we conducted a vaccine seroconversion study among three dairy farms. The main objectives of this cross sectional and cohort study were to understand factors associated withbat bites among cattle, to determine whether unvaccinated cattle had evidence of rabies virus exposure and evaluate whether exposure was related to bat bite prevalence, and to assess whether cattle demonstrate adequate seroconversion to two commercial vaccines used in Guatemala. In 2012, baseline blood samples were collected immediately …

Evaluation Of Anthelmintic Fishmeal Polymer Baits For The Control Of Baylisascaris Procyonis In Free-Ranging Raccoons (Procyon Lotor), Timothy J. Smyser, Shylo R. Johnson, Melissa D. Stallard, Ashley K. Mcgrew, L. Kristen Page, Nikki Crider, Lora R. Ballweber, Robert K. Swihart, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Baylisascaris procyonis is a common gastrointestinal parasite of raccoons (Procyon lotor) and is a zoonotic helminth with the potential to cause severe or fatal infection. Raccoons thrive in human-dominated landscapes, and the fecal-oral transmission pathway and lack of effective treatment make B. procyonis a serious threat to public health. The distribution of medicinal baits has emerged as a socially acceptable and cost-effective method for managing disease in free-ranging wildlife. We assessed the suitability of a mass-producible anthelmintic bait for B. procyonis mitigation by evaluating the willingness of free-ranging raccoons to consume anthelmintic baits and determining whether bait consumption …

Using The “Placeholder” Concept To Reduce Genetic Introgression Of An Endangered Carnivore, Eric M. Gese, Patricia A. Terletzky

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

One of the most endangered species is the redwolf, Canis rufus. Reintroduction of the red wolf began in 1987, but in 1993 hybridization between coyotes (Canis latrans) and wolves was documented. To reduce genetic introgression, coyotes and coyote–wolf hybridswere captured, sterilized, and released as “placeholders”. Placeholders held territories until either displaced or killed by a wolf, or management personnel removed them before releasing a wolf. We evaluated the placeholder concept by examining the number of animals sterilized and released, likelihood of displacement by a wolf, factors influencing displacements, territory fidelity of placeholders, and survival rates and causes of mortality of …

Invaded Invaders: Infection Of Invasive Brown Treesnakes On Guam By An Exotic Larval Cestode With A Life Cycle Comprised Of Non-Native Hosts, Elden T. Holldorf, Shane R. Siers, Jonathan Q. Richmond, Page E. Klug, Robert N. Reed

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Background: Multiple host introductions to the same non-native environment have the potential to complete life cycles of parasites incidentally transported with them. Our goal was to identify a recently detected parasitic flatworm in the invasive Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) on the remote Pacific island of Guam. We considered possible factors influencing parasite transmission, and tested for correlations between infection status and potential indicators of host fitness. We used genetic data from the parasite and information about the native ranges of other possible non-native hosts to hypothesize how it arrived on Guam and how its life cycle may be …

Sestrin2, A Regulator Of Thermogenesis And Mitohormesis In Brown Adipose Tissue, Seung-Hyun Ro, Ian Semple, Allison Ho, Hwan-Woo Park, Jun Hee Lee

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Sestrin2 is a stress-inducible protein that functions as an antioxidant and inhibitor of mTOR complex 1. In a recent study, we found that Sestrin2 overexpression in brown adipocytes interfered with normal metabolism by reducing mitochondrial respiration through the suppression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression. The metabolic effects of Sestrin2 in brown adipocytes were dependent on its antioxidant activity, and chemical antioxidants produced similar effects in inhibiting UCP1-dependent thermogenesis. These observations suggest that low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in brown adipocytes can actually be beneficial and necessary for proper metabolic homeostasis. In addition, considering that Sestrins are ROS …