Digital Commons Network^™

Iron-Mediated Stabilization Of Soil Carbon Amplifies The Benefits Of Ecological Restoration In Degraded Lands, Lucas C. R. Silva, Timothy A. Doane, Rodrigo S. Correa, Vinicius Valverde, Engil Isadora Pujol Pereira, William R. Horwath

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Recent observations across a 14‐year restoration chronosequence have shown an unexpected accumulation of soil organic carbon in strip‐mined areas of central Brazil. This was attributed to the rapid plant colonization that followed the incorporation of biosolids into exposed regoliths, but the specific mechanisms involved in the stabilization of carbon inputs from the vegetation remained unclear. Using isotopic and elemental analyses, we tested the hypothesis that plant‐derived carbon accumulation was triggered by the formation of iron‐coordinated complexes, stabilized into physically protected (occluded) soil fractions. Confirming this hypothesis, we identified a fast formation of microaggregates shortly after the application of iron‐rich biosolids, …

Striatal Activity And Reduced White Matter Increase Frontal Activity In Youths With Family Histories Of Alcohol And Other Substance-Use Disorders Performing A Go/No-Go Task, Ashley Acheson, Malle A. Tagamets, Anderson M. Winkler, Laura M. Rowland, Charles W. Mathias, Susan N. Wright, L. Elliot Hong, Peter Kochunov, Donald M. Dougherty

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Youths with a family history of alcohol and other drug use disorders (FH+) are at greater risk of developing substance-use disorders relative to those with no such family histories (FH-). We previously reported that FH+ youths have elevated activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and dorsal striatum while performing go/no-go tasks and have reduced frontal white matter integrity. A better understanding of relationships between these variables would provide insight into how frontostriatal circuitry is altered in FH+ youths, which may be an important contributor to their elevated risk.

Methods: In this study, we used structural equation modeling (SEM) …

Stemchecker: A Web-Based Tool To Discover And Explore Stemness Signatures In Gene Sets, José P. Pinto, Ravi K. Kalathur, Daniel V. Oliveira, Tânia Barata, Rsr Machado, S Machado, Ivette Pacheco-Leyva, Isabel Duarte, Matthias E. Futschik

School of Biomedical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Bioresponsive Antisense Dna Gold Nanobeacons As A Hybrid In Vivo Theranostics Platform For The Inhibition Of Cancer Cells And Metastasis, Chenchen Bao, Joao Conde, James Curtin, Daxiang Cui, Furong Tian, Natalie Artzi

Articles

Gold nanobeacons can be used as a powerful tool for cancer theranostics. Here, we proposed a nanomaterial platform based on gold nanobeacons to detect, target and inhibit the expression of a mutant Kras gene in an in vivo murine gastric cancer model. The conjugation of fluorescently-labeled antisense DNA hairpin oligonucleotides to the surface of gold nanoparticles enables using their localized surface plasmon resonance properties to directly track the delivery to the primary gastric tumor and to lung metastatic sites. The fluorescently labeled nanobeacons reports on the interaction with the target as the fluorescent Cy3 signal is quenched by the gold …

Active Semi-Supervised Approach For Checking App Behavior Against Its Description, Ma Siqi, Shaowei Wang, David Lo, Deng, Robert H., Cong Sun

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Mobile applications are popular in recent years. They are often allowed to access and modify users' sensitive data. However, many mobile applications are malwares that inappropriately use these sensitive data. To detect these malwares, Gorla et al. Propose CHABADA which compares app behaviors against its descriptions. Data about known malwares are not used in their work, which limits its effectiveness. In this work, we extend the work by Gorla et al. By proposing an active and semi-supervised approach for detecting malwares. Different from CHABADA, our approach will make use of both known benign and malicious apps to predict other malicious …

Modification Of Traffic-Related Respiratory Response By Asthma Control In A Population Of Car Commuters, Maria C. Mirabelli, Rachel Golan, Roby Greenwald, Amit U. Raysoni, Fernando Holguin, Priya Kewada, Andrea Winquist, W Dana Flanders, Jeremy A. Sarnat

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Effects of traffic-related exposures on respiratory health are well documented, but little information is available about whether asthma control influences individual susceptibility. We analyzed data from the Atlanta Commuter Exposure study to evaluate modification of associations between rush-hour commuting, in- vehicle air pollution, and selected respiratory health outcomes by asthma control status.

Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, 39 adults participated in Atlanta Commuter Exposure, and each conducted two scripted rush-hour highway commutes. In-vehicle particulate components were measured during all commutes. Among adults with asthma, we evaluated asthma control by questionnaire and spirometry. Exhaled nitric oxide, forced expiratory volume in …

Moving Ahead And Looking Back, Tia Patsavas '16

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2002-2017

This spring, we polled several graduating seniors about their IWU experience, from post-college plans to best memories and biggest sources of inspiration. Their answers, excerpted for this article, provide telling glimpses of these students’ college journeys, just as the next chapter of their lives was about to begin.

Vocal Classification Of Vocalizations Of A Pair Of Asian Small-Clawed Otters To Determine Stress, Peter M. Scheifele, Michael T. Johnson, Michelle Fry, Benjamin Hamel, Kathryn Laclede

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Asian Small-Clawed Otters (Aonyx cinerea) are a small, protected but threatened species living in freshwater. They are gregarious and live in monogamous pairs for their lifetimes, communicating via scent and acoustic vocalizations. This study utilized a hidden Markov model (HMM) to classify stress versus non-stress calls from a sibling pair under professional care. Vocalizations were expertly annotated by keepers into seven contextual categories. Four of these—aggression, separation anxiety, pain, and prefeeding—were identified as stressful contexts, and three of them—feeding, training, and play—were identified as non-stressful contexts. The vocalizations were segmented, manually categorized into broad vocal type call types, and analyzed …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine For The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 37, Summer 2015), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

In Silico Molecular Docking Analysis To Predict The Role Of Metal Ions In The Function Of Drug Targeted Proteins, S. M. A. Shahid, Qazi M. S. Jamal, J. M. Arif, Fahad M. Al-Khodairy, Anupam Dhasmana, Mohtashim Lohani

School of Medicine Publications

Metal ions are required for many critical functions in living systems. Scarcity of some metal ions can lead to disease. A characteristic of metals is that they easily lose electrons from the familiar elemental or metallic state to form positively charged ions which tend to be soluble in biological fluids. Role of zinc, calcium and copper ions in the catalytic mechanism of drug targeted proteins such as Farnesyltransferase, Neuraminidase and Thioredoxin are analyzed using molecular docking, respectively. The docking results show that inhibitors have low Binding, docking and internal energies with proteins in the presence of Zn, Ca and Cu …

Gene Expression In Experimental Aortic Coarctation And Repair: Candidate Genes For Therapeutic Intervention?, John F. Ladisa Jr., Serdar Bozdag, Jessica Olson, Ramani Ramchandran, Judy R. Kersten, Thomas J. Eddinger

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a constriction of the proximal descending thoracic aorta and is one of the most common congenital cardiovascular defects. Treatments for CoA improve life expectancy, but morbidity persists, particularly due to the development of chronic hypertension (HTN). Identifying the mechanisms of morbidity is difficult in humans due to confounding variables such as age at repair, follow-up duration, coarctation severity and concurrent anomalies. We previously developed an experimental model that replicates aortic pathology in humans with CoA without these confounding variables, and mimics correction at various times using dissolvable suture. Here we present the most comprehensive …

A New, Flaccid, Decurrent Leaf Variety Of Juniperus Poblana From Mexico: J. Poblana Var. Decurrens R. P. Adams, Robert P. Adams, Andrea E. Schwarzbach

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Analyses of nrDNA and four cp DNAs (petN-psbM, trnS-trnG, trnD-trnT, trnL-trnF) plus morphology and leaf essential oils revealed that the weeping (flaccid), decurrent leafed junipers near Topia, Durango are closely related to J. poblana (formerly J. flaccida var. poblana) and should be recognized as a new variety, J. poblana var. decurrens R. P. Adams var. nov. The leaf oil of J. p. var. decurrens is dominated by α-pinene (53.2%) with moderate amounts of β-pinene (5.3%), myrcene (4.3%), δ-2-carene (1.2%), δ-3-carene (2.5%), limonene (3.2%), β-phellandrene (3.1%), terpinolene (1.0%), (E)-caryphyllene (1.1%), and germacrene D (1.5%) and shares eleven unique terpenes with J. …

Meta-Raps Hybridization With Machine Learning Algorithms, Fatemah Al-Duoli

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on advancing the Metaheuristic for Randomized Priority Search algorithm, known as Meta-RaPS, by integrating it with machine learning algorithms. Introducing a new metaheuristic algorithm starts with demonstrating its performance. This is accomplished by using the new algorithm to solve various combinatorial optimization problems in their basic form. The next stage focuses on advancing the new algorithm by strengthening its relatively weaker characteristics. In the third traditional stage, the algorithms are exercised in solving more complex optimization problems. In the case of effective algorithms, the second and third stages can occur in parallel as researchers are eager to …

Changes In Composite Toxicity Following Exposure To Pulp Capping Materials, Audra Long

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: Direct pulp capping involves placing a material over the exposed pulp in order to maintain its vitality. For decades, calcium hydroxide (CH) has served as the gold standard for this purpose, but its toxicity to the pulp may negatively impact treatment outcomes. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has become a popular alternative based partly on its excellent biocompatibility. Pulp-capped teeth are often restored with highly toxic composite materials, but the pulp capping material’s ability to alter these toxic effects has never been investigated. The purpose of this in vitro study is to determine the effects of Dycal, a CH-based cement, …

The Direct Effect Of Low-Magnitude High-Frequency Mechanical Vibration On Osteoclast Formation From Raw267.4 Monocytes, Maxwell Antonio Abraham

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Low-magnitude high-frequency (LMHF) mechanical vibration has been demonstrated to enhance bone formation possibly through inhibition of osteoclastogenesis of bone. Earlier research has demonstrated osteoclast formation from RAW264.7 monocytes was inhibited by a chewing cycle mimicking vibration through inhibition of dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). We hypothesize that application of LMHF mechanical vibration directly inhibits osteoclast formation from RAW264.7 monocytes in a frequency dependent manner. RAW264.7 monocytes (ATCC) were cultured in alpha minimal essential medium (MEM) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS ) and 1% Pen/Strep at 37°C and 5% CO2. The cells were seeded at a density of 2000 cells/well …

Influence Of Fluoride And Stress On The Electrochemical Properties Of Nickel-Titanium Coils, Ashley Barnes

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of fluoride and stress on the electrochemical properties of nickel-titanium coils. Forty Dentsply GAC NiTi coils were divided into four groups of ten and individually tested. Twenty coils were placed in a solution of artificial saliva, where ten of the twenty were compressed and the other ten were not stressed. The other twenty coils were placed in a 1500 ppm NaF solution, where ten were compressed and ten were not. The coils were connected to a computer driven potentiostat and three tests were conducted: open circuit potential monitoring for 2 …

Thermomechanical Characterization Of Variable Force Niti Orthodontic Archwires, Anjali Sudershan Krishan Mehta

Master's Theses (2009 -)

ABSTRACT THERMOMECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF VARIABLE FORCE NITI ORTHODONTIC ARCHWIRES Anjali Mehta, BDS MDS Marquette University, 2015 Introduction: Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) archwires, due to their properties of superelasticity and shape memory, have been extensively used in orthodontic mechanotherapy. However, one of the shortcomings of these wires is that they deliver constant forces across the entire arch. The amount of force needed to move a tooth is a function of the surface area of the tooth and its supporting bone; and is lesser for single rooted anterior teeth compared to larger molars. The introduction of heat treatment of NiTi wires and the influence …

Mechanical Properties And Patient Perceptions Of Commonly Used Clear Aligner Systems As-Received And After Clinical Use, Lauren Evan Montoure Teske

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the viscoelastic properties of two clear aligner systems, Invisalign (Align Technology, Inc, Santa Clara, CA, USA) and Simpli5 (Allesee Orthodontic Appliances, Sturtevant, WI, USA), and determine if there was a difference after use. A survey assessed patients’ perceptions of the aligner material and post-treatment satisfaction. Materials/Methods: Mandibular aligners were collected from two patients after 2-3 weeks of use (n=6). Duplicate, unused aligners were obtained for each patient (n=6). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) characterized the viscoelastic properties of the materials. Three tests were done on separate specimens: frequency scan (0.1-10 Hz under 25 μm displacement …

Priming Middle School Females’ Engagement In Engineering And Technology, Mary Bonk Isaac

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to validate data collected between 2009-2013 via an instrument used to assess middle school girls’ identification with and interest in engineering and technology following the Society of Women Engineers’ WOW events. Recognizing the importance of measuring the impact of such mentored E & T activities on young females’ attitudes about and interest in STEM, and more specifically, engineering and technology, SWE outreach experts developed a participant survey based on event objectives and domain knowledge, but never rigorously examined whether it produced statistically valid data that could be used to draw inferences about girls’ propensity …

The Effects Of Pre-Maximal Exertion Inhalation Of Ammonia And The Performance Effects During Deadlift Maximal Tests, Justin Nicholas Vigil

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ammonia as a stimulant on athletic performance during a deadlift one maximal repetition (1-RM) absolute strength test. It was hypothesized that ammonia inhalation would result in a larger 1-RM, possibly due to immediate catecholamine release attributed to the fight-or-flight response. If proven effective, ammonia inhalation would present an option to increase power and strength performance during training and competition based on an acute manipulation of natural occurring hormones, eliminating the side effects attributed to other supplementation methods. Subjects (n = 10 males, X±SD age = 21±1 years, mass = …

Creating Memories: Writing And Designing More Memorable Documents, James Eric Sentell

English Theses & Dissertations

If communication’s purpose is to enable action or belief (Johnson-Sheehan, 2012), then communication will be more effective—and thus more ethical—if the audience can easily remember it. However, the study of memory has long been neglected in English Studies. Therefore, communicators lack strategies for enhancing documents’ memorableness and an ethical framework for assessing (un)memorable documents and composing processes.

To develop an “ethic of memory” and identify strategies that enhance a document’s memorableness, I asked twenty subjects—ten teachers and ten college freshman—to walk down a high school hallway in which various posters and flyers had been posted by the administration, teachers, or …

Fast, Accurate, And Reliable Molecular Docking With Quickvina 2, Amr Alhossary, Stephanus Daniel Handoko, Yuguang Mu, Chee-Keong Kwoh

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Motivation: The need for efficient molecular docking tools for high-throughput screening is growing alongside the rapid growth of drug-fragment databases. AutoDock Vina ('Vina') is a widely used docking tool with parallelization for speed. QuickVina ('QVina 1') then further enhanced the speed via a heuristics, requiring high exhaustiveness. With low exhaustiveness, its accuracy was compromised. We present in this article the latest version of QuickVina ('QVina 2') that inherits both the speed of QVina 1 and the reliability of the original Vina.Results: We tested the efficacy of QVina 2 on the core set of PDBbind 2014. With the default exhaustiveness level …

A Convolution Kernel Approach To Identifying Comparisons In Text, Maksim Tkachenko, Hady W. Lauw

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Comparisons in text, such as in online reviews, serve as useful decision aids. In this paper, we focus on the task of identifying whether a comparison exists between a specific pair of entity mentions in a sentence. This formulation is transformative, as previous work only seeks to determine whether a sentence is comparative, which is presumptuous in the event the sentence mentions multiple entities and is comparing only some, not all, of them. Our approach leverages not only lexical features such as salient words, but also structural features expressing the relationships among words and entity mentions. To model these features …

Role Of Micro Rna-205 In Promoting Visceral Adiposity Of Nz10 Mice With Polygenic Susceptibility For Type 2 Diabetes, Arthur Agatston

All Publications

Scope: To characterize diet-dependent miRNA profiles and their targets in the visceral adipose of mice withpolygenic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.

Methods and results: Six-week NONcNZO10/LtJ (NZ10) and control SWR/J mice were subjected to highprotein-fish oil or control diets for 19 weeks and micro-RNA microarray analyses were implemented on visceraladipose RNA. We found that 27 miRNAs were significantly induced and 10 significantly repressed in the VA ofobese NZ10 mice compared with controls. 12 selected regulated miRNAs were confirmed by RT-PCR based on themicroarray data and we demonstrated that the expression of these miRNAs remained unaltered in the VA of controlSWR …

Perceived Barriers And Solutions: Engineering Design Implementation, Ken L. Turner

Dissertations

Engineering Design, part of the practices dimension of the Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, is widely recognized as the most challenging piece for teachers to implement. It involves practices that teachers are unfamiliar with, have not taught before, have not been taught, and have not experienced as a student. This manuscript documents a mixed-methods survey of over 200 K-12 teachers on their perceptions of both the greatest barriers to implementation of Engineering Design, and those items that will be of most value as a solution to those barriers. A systems approach to understanding Engineering Design was utilized; with data collection …

Contents, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Section I, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Complete Catalog, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Anthropology, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.

Biochemistry, Saint Mary's College Of California

Academic Catalog

No abstract provided.