Digital Commons Network^™

Is It Time To Reevaluate Our Dietary Fat Recommendations?, Nicole Elizabeth Vasichek

Health Nutrition and Exercise Science

Despite Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) focus on decreased fat intake, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Consumer-confusion regarding fat-recommendations in response to these guidelines may be related to health educator (e.g. RDN) mixed-messaging. A random sample of RDNs (n=281), completed an online-survey targeting perceptions, knowledge, and dietary patterns regarding fat. Survey responses provided insights such as: 70% of RDNs strongly-agree olive oil should be regularly-utilized, 99% agree omega-3 fatty acids promote health, and 69% believe it is important to consider fat when choosing foods. Additionally, 40% of RDNs “rarely”/“never” recommend fish-oil supplements …

Variation In Core And Accessory Parts Of Genome Of Escherichia Coli Isolated From Soil From Riparian Areas In New York State, Oleksandr Maistrenko

Genomics and Bioinformatics

Escherichia coli is commensal bacteria and is a symbiont of the digestive system of vertebrates. Due to frequent deposition of E. coli into extrahost habitats (soil, water), approximately half of its population exists as free living organisms. It is unclear what genome-wide variation stands behind adaptation for extrahost habitat. This thesis applies a genome-wide association study approach to find genetic variation in core and accessory parts of genome of E. coli that is associated with 1) forest or agricultural field soil habitats and 2) with survival phenotype in soil microcosm. Gene composition analysis suggests that pan-genome of environmental E. coli …

Proceedings Of The 3rd Annual Cuny Games Festival, Robert O. Duncan, Joe Bisz, Julie Cassidy, Carlos Hernandez, Kathleen Offenholley, Maura A. Smale, Deborah Sturm, Cuny Games Network

Publications and Research

Proceedings of the CUNY Games Conference, held from January 22-23, 2016, at the CUNY Graduate Center and Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Literacy and Story - Anything Can be Attempted: In-Person Simulations and Role-Plays in Educations - Game Design - STEM - Design Research - Literature and Story - Awareness: Gender and Sex - Transformative Games Initiative: Game Design as a Classroom Laboratory for Any Discipline - Narrative and Rhetoric - Design Challenges - Information Literacy and Language - Game Design for All: What’s Your Game Plan? Turn Any Idea into a Game! - Ghosts in the Machine - Game …

Wheat Dockage Content: Analysis Of Dockage And Its Relation To Fusarium Head Blight, Taghrid Saleh Alhumaid

Food Safety

Hard red spring wheat crop grown in different locations in the US were surveyed for the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). DON is often found in wheat that is infected with the plant fungal disease Fusarium head blight. The contamination of wheat by DON is a major wheat industry concern since it affects human and livestock health. Furthermore, DON reduces wheat grain yield and quality. In this study, DON was measured using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) in 1353 HRS wheat samples collected from 2013-2015. Results indicate that there was positive significant correlation (P<0.001) between DON content and damaged kernels (0.635) and total defects (0.445). However, for the three-year average, DON content had a weak positive significant correlation (P<0.001) with the percentage of wheat dockage (0.111). Overall, DON production had an effect on kernel damage and total defects, but DON production was not impacted by the percentage of wheat dockage.

New Australian Plants And Animals. An Exhibition - And - Physiology, Phenomenology And Photography: Picturing The Indeterminate Within An Australian Art Practice. An Exegesis, Michael Gray

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This practice-led research project investigates indeterminate aspects of perception related to human vision and postcolonial conditioning. Through an inventive range of lens-based artworks, the research draws parallels between preconscious visual phenomena and the subjective experience of non-indigenous Australians of multiple generations.

The resulting body of creative work, New Australian Plants and Animals, can be seen to approach preconscious visual phenomena derived from the physiology of the human eye through the use of primitive photographic lens technology. This process is applied to the subject matter: introduced plants and partially naturalised migrants. This synthesis of subject and materials creates new insights …

Identifying Plant Functional Traits To Assist Ecological Intervention In A Drying Landscape, Ana Luiza Muler

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) are among the most vulnerable to land use and climate change and many attempts are in place to restore these ecosystems. Therefore, it is necessary to assess differences in plants’ ability to withstand water-stress, including biotic interactions. Such knowledge helps us understand community assembly, which is crucial for ecological intervention. This study involved: (1) reviewing the literature on traits that can differentiate functional types; (2) adapting the methodology to measure leaf water potential at turgor loss point (πtlp) for small-leaved species; (3) using these traits to quickly identify water-use strategies of adult …

Magnesium Therapy Prevents Senescence With The Reversal Of Diabetes And Alzheimer’S Disease, Ian James Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

In the current global epidemic for Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease there has been a major interest in magnesium therapy to delay the severity of NAFLD, Type 3 diabetes and neurodegeneration in the developing and developed world. The objective of magnesium therapy is to activate the anti-aging gene Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) to prevent cardiovascular disease, NAFLD and diabetes. Reduced consumption of nutrients such as fatty acids, glucose, cholesterol and increased magnesium consumption is closely linked to reduced bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and activation of Sirt1 relevant to active nuclear and mitochondria interactions …

Consistent Prebiotic Effect On Gut Microbiota With Altered Fodmap Intake In Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Randomised, Controlled Cross-Over Trial Of Well-Defined Diets, Emma P. Halmos, Claus T. Christophersen, Anthony R. Bird, Susan J. Shepherd, Jane G. Muir, Peter R. Gibson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Altering FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) intake has substantial effects on gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate effects of altering FODMAP intake on markers of colonic health in patients with Crohn’s disease.

METHODS:

After evaluation of their habitual diet, 9 patients with clinically quiescent Crohn’s disease were randomised to 21 days of provided low or typical (“Australian”) FODMAP diets with ≥ 21-day washout in between. Five-day fecal samples were collected at the end of each diet and analyzed for calprotectin, pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and bacterial abundance. Gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded daily.

RESULTS:

Eight participants …

Epidemiology And Risk Factors For Community-Associated Clostridium Difficile Infection: A Narrative Review, Lauren E. Bloomfield, Thomas V. Riley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was once considered a primarily nosocomial concern. Emerging evidence from the last 20 years has highlighted a drastic shift in the known epidemiology of CDI, with disease outside of hospitals apparently occurring more frequently and causing severe disease in populations that were thought to be at low risk. This narrative review summarises potential pathways for infection outside of the hospital environment and highlights likely routes of transmission. Further, evidence is presented on potential risk factors for development of disease. Understanding the epidemiology of CDI outside of hospitals is essential to the ability to prevent and control …

Effects Of Exercise Interventions And Physical Activity Behavior On Cancer Related Cognitive Impairments: A Systematic Review, Philipp Zimmer, Freerk Baumann, Max Oberste, Peter Wright, Alexander Garthe, Alexander Schenk, Thomas Elter, Daniel A. Galvao, Wilhelm Bloch, Sven Hübner, Florian Wolf

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This systematic review analyzes current data on effects of exercise interventions and physical activity behavior on objective and subjective cancer related cognitive impairments (CRCI). Out of the 19 studies which met all inclusion criteria, five RCTs investigated rodents, whereas the other 14 trials explored humans and these included six RCTs, one controlled trial, two prospective noncontrolled trials, one case series, one observational study, and three cross-sectional studies. The results from animal models revealed positive effects of exercise during and after chemotherapy or radiation on structural alterations of the central nervous system, physiological as well as neuropsychological outcomes. The overall study …

Anglican-Roman Catholic Ecumenical Dialogue: A Case For A Rahnerian Logic Of Symbol, Eric S. Dart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the ecumenical relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion and the necessity for a symbolic cognitive and narrative conversion in both communions. Drawing upon Karl Rahner's theology of symbol, this dissertation argues that such a cognitive and narrative conversion is determined by the interpretation and appropriation of God's mystery as the origin and goal of Christian activity and belief. As such, there is a demand for a second naïveté in both communions, whereby, the methods employed by ecumenical dialogue extend beyond the logic of criticism and seek to embrace a postcritical logic of symbol.

Computational Assessment Of Neural Probe And Brain Tissue Interface Under Transient Motion, Michael Polanco, Sebastian Bawab, Hangsoon Yoon

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The functional longevity of a neural probe is dependent upon its ability to minimize injury risk during the insertion and recording period in vivo, which could be related to motion-related strain between the probe and surrounding tissue. A series of finite element analyses was conducted to study the extent of the strain induced within the brain in an area around a neural probe. This study focuses on the transient behavior of neural probe and brain tissue interface with a viscoelastic model. Different stages of the interface from initial insertion of neural probe to full bonding of the probe by astro-glial …

การผลิตโปรตีเอสจากวัสดุเหลือทิ้งทางการเกษตรโดย Bacillus Pumilus, พัชราภรณ์ การงาน

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

โปรตีเอสเป็นเอนไซม์ที่เร่งปฏิกิริยาการย่อยสลายโปรตีนให้เป็นกรดอะมิโน และเปปไทด์สายสั้นๆ ซึ่งสามารถนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ในการบำบัดน้ำเสียที่มีโปรตีนนมสูงจากร้านกาแฟได้ ซึ่งแบคทีเรียในสกุล Bacillus เป็นแบคทีเรียที่ผลิตโปรติเอสได้ดี โดย Bacillus pumilus มีความสามารถในการผลิตโปรติเอสปริมาณสูง ซึ่งคัดแยกได้จากบ่อน้ำพุร้อนทางภาคเหนือของประเทศไทย วิทยานิพนธ์นี้สนใจการผลิตโปรตีเอสจาก B. pumilus และศึกษาปัจจัยของแหล่งคาร์บอน และไนโตรเจน รวมถึงภาวะที่เหมาะสมต่อการผลิตโปรติเอส การผลิตโปรติเอสจาก B. pumilus มีค่ากิจกรรมของเอนไซม์โปรติเอสสูงที่สุด เท่ากับ 2.545 ยูนิตต่อมิลลิลิตร โดยเลี้ยงในอาหารสำหรับผลิตโปรติเอสประกอบด้วย 1 เปอร์เซ็นต์ โมลาส 1 เปอร์เซ็นต์ รำข้าว ภาวะในการเลี้ยงที่เหมาะสม คือ ค่าความเป็นกรด-ด่างเริ่มต้นในการเลี้ยงเท่ากับ 8.0 บ่มที่อุณหภูมิ 30 องศาเซลเซียส ความเร็วรอบ 250 รอบต่อนาที เป็นเวลา 24 ชั่วโมง ราคาอาหารเป็นหนึ่งในปัจจัยสำคัญสำหรับการผลิตโปรติเอส ดังนั้นการใช้วัสดุเหลือทิ้งทางการเกษตรเป็นแหล่งอาหารเลี้ยงเชื้อ เป็นการลดต้นทุนในการผลิตโปรตีเอส จึงเหมาะกับการนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ในระดับอุตสาหกรรม และการประยุกต์ใช้ในการบำบัดน้ำเสีย

Comparison Of Pcr Tests For The Detection Of Mycoplasma Agalactiae In Sheep And Goats, Hüban Göçmen, Ruben Sebastian Rosales, Roger David Ayling, Mi̇hri̇ban Ülgen

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study was to compare PCR tests for the detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae in sheep and goats. Samples obtained from sheep and goats in Turkey were tested to determine the presence of M. agalactiae. Mycoplasma culture and two direct PCR methods based on the uvrC gene and polC gene were compared with PCR of the 16S rRNA gene followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR/DGGE) on DNA extracted from clinical samples (following culture enrichment). A total of 234 samples were examined: 9.4% and 13.2% were positive for M. agalactiae based on the uvrC gene and polC gene …

Effects Of Acetic Acid Supplementation In Broiler Chickens Orallychallenged With Salmonella Pullorum, Gulbeena Saleem, Rukhshanda Ramzaan, Farina Malik Khattak, Raheela Akhtar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to investigate the comparative efficacy of three different concentrations of acetic acid on broiler chickens experimentally challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). A total of 360 birds were divided into five groups (A?E). Group A served as the unchallenged, untreated control. All the birds in groups B?E were challenged with 4 × 104 cfu/mL of S. Pullorum. Birds in groups C, D, and E were respectively treated with three different concentrations, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, of acetic acid. Pathological examination revealed congested and hemorrhagic liver, hepatitis and necrotic areas in the liver, hydropericardium, focal …

Impact Of Short Compensatory Growth Periods On Performance,Carcass Traits, Fat Deposition, And Meat Properties Of Najdi Lambs, Ahmed Sami, Bander Al-Salbood, Mohamed Abouheif

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Forty-eight Najdi male lambs weighing 33.1 ± 0.06 kg and approximately 4.5 months old were divided into three groups (16 lambs in each) to study the impact of compensatory growth on performance, carcass traits, fat deposition, tissue distribution, and lean chemical composition. The control group was fed ad libitum throughout the entire 12 weeks of the trial period. The other two groups were feed-restricted by 20% and 40% of the ad libitum group intake. Lambs in restricted treatments were feed-restricted for 3 weeks followed by 4 weeks of ad libitum feeding (compensatory) and then 2 weeks of feed restriction followed …

Genetic Analysis Of Avian Paramyxovirus Type I Strains Isolatedfrom Backyard Poultry In Iran, Fereshteh Sabouri, Mehdi Vasfi Marandi, Vahid Karimi, Mohammad Malekan, Mohsen Bashashati

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most serious diseases amongst many species of birds and causes huge economic losses in the poultry sector. Backyard poultry are the main source of food in rural areas of many developing countries and play a crucial role in the epidemiology of ND. The sequence of the F protein cleavage site is the major virulence determinant of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The aim of this study was to understand the molecular characterization of F proteins of Iranian backyard poultry in NDVs. The complete open reading frame sequences of the F gene of six isolates …

Butchered Bones, Carved Stones: Hunting And Social Change In Late Saxon England, Shawn Hale

Masters Theses

Textual, archaeological, and art historical evidence all point to a significant reorganization of Anglo-Saxon society in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Changes in landownership, the development of proto-urban centers, the growth of merchant and artisan classes, as well as the proliferation of occupations associated with royal and regional administration, collectively altered the Anglo-Saxon social order. This radical reorganization benefitted some groups of individuals and threatened others with decreased social standing. Established elites and the nouvuae riche utilized exclusionary measures to counter any degree of social mobility provided by economic and political changes.

Shifting hunting practices and perceptions are particularly emblematic …

Assessment Of The Efficacy Of The Hose-Bridge As A Road-Crossing Structure For Dekay's Brownsnake (Storeria Dekayi), Sarah Elizabeth Manka

Masters Theses

Various structures have been integrated into roadways to ensure the road does not impede wildlife movements between adjacent habitats. Where traffic volume is low, the costs of installing and maintaining such structures is typically prohibitive. I tested the efficacy of a hose-bridge deployed temporarily on a State Park road in Illinois that allowed the passage of cars over it and small wildlife species to cross through it. I predicted that, during the 4.5 -week period of peak migratory movement, road-based mortality of Dekay's Brownsnakes (Storeria dekayi) would be less at the site having the hose-bridge, when compared to a similar …

Culture For Sale: The Appropriation Of Japanese Style Tattoos Through Transculturation, Evan Lohmann

Masters Theses

Japanese style tattoos onto the bodies of celebrities in the United States articulate a lack of awareness towards this ancient art form through their appropriation of historically inaccurate images. The prominence of these celebrities in magazines circulated within the United States act as powerful mediums which may lead to the commodification of certain Japanese symbols in capitalistic societies like the United States. I use post-colonialism, Orientalism, transnationalism and hyper identification as the theoretical framework and semiotics as the methodology in order to examine fourteen magazine covers that showcase celebrities in the United States sporting noticeable Japanese style tattoos. The overall …

Economic Growth Paradox In Nigeria: A Perspective From Natural Resource Wealth Time Series Analysis For The Period 1980 - 2013, Jamiu Amusa

Masters Theses

This thesis empirically examines the paradox of economic growth in Nigeria with a viewpoint from natural resource wealth. The question involved in this study is that whether natural resource wealth has a positive impact on economic growth in Nigeria or not. The economy of Nigeria is observed to be growing on paper but deplorably, poverty and unemployment is on a progressive increase in reality. The study uses the endogenous growth theory (AK Model) in terms of how resource wealth can influence economic growth. It exploits time series analysis (Unit Root and Co-integration) techniques to test for the existence of a …

White-Rot Fungi As Pretreatment Agents For Wood Destined For Biofuel Applications, Ryan M. Kalinoski

Masters Theses

Efficient and economical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels is often hampered by the chemical recalcitrance of the material. Inexpensive and environmentally-friendly pretreatment processes are therefore desirable in order to lower the cost of biofuel production and minimize negative environmental impacts. To that end, we have explored the use of a naturally occurring white-rot fungus, Trametes versicolor, as a direct pretreatment agent for hardwood destined for biofuel applications. Specifically, we examined the pretreatment effects on the hardwood mixture after treatment with the wild-type strain of T. versicolor (52J) compared with those from a cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH)-deficient strain (m4D) , …

Expression Of Artemia Lea Proteins In Drosophila Melanogaster Cells Using Multicistronic Vector Constructs, Kazi Nazrul Islam

Masters Theses

In nature several organisms exhibit anhydrobiosis, the outstanding feature to survive in extreme desiccation by entering into a state of dormancy known as diapause. The cyst of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana shows anhydrobiosis by entering into a diapause phase. Previous studies showed a correlation between anhydrobiosis and expression of highly hydrophilic polypeptides termed late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of LEA proteins are still unknown. The presence of multiple LEA proteins in Artemia suggests that some of them might work together. Here, I aimed to express different combination of two LEA proteins from Artemia franciscana …

Effects Of Habitat Alteration On Ecomorphology Of Fish Communities In A Restored Stream, Carl Anthony Favata

Masters Theses

Decades of anthropogenic pressure have devastated lotic ecosystems across the riverscapes of North America, resulting in degradation of critical habitat and contributing to sharp declines in biotic integrity. In response, local stream restoration projects have increased in frequency. However, little effort has been allocated to monitoring and project success has been limited. In addition, restoration projects typically focus on ecological effects above the population-level, while relationships with physiological processes are seldom assessed. Lessons from the long-term restoration and ecological monitoring of Kickapoo Creek highlight some of the complex dynamics driving reach-scale restoration projects. Following instream restoration, I predicted that alterations …

Sampling Efficiency, Population Characteristics, And Potential Impacts Of Harvest Regulations On Three Riverine Species Of Catfish, Zachary Adam Mitchell

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Feasibility Of Wastewater Effluent As A Nutrient Source For Algae In The Context Of Biofuel Production, Justin Ryan Dore

Masters Theses

Algae have the potential to support the production of biodiesel due to their ability to produce large volumes of oils in relatively small footprints. However, algae production for biodiesel is hampered by the expenses associated with water and nutrients required for sufficient growth. A possible source of inexpensive and nutrient-rich water is the effluent of traditional wastewater treatment facilities. If wastewater effluent can support algae growth, the added benefit of reducing high nutrient loads to natural water systems can be realized. The overarching goal of the current research was to explore the feasibility of growing algae (Scenedesmus) using wastewater effluent …

Genetic Structure And Diversity Of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) In Three Large Midwestern Rivers, Vaclav Alexei Sotola

Masters Theses

Little information is available regarding the genetic structure and diversity of sportfishes in large rivers, which can be vital to continuing the sustainable exploitation of these fisheries. Additionally, impoundments often have vast impacts on riverine systems. These impacts include altering the flow regime, changing the nutrient load, and preventing migratory fish from reaching their spawning grounds. If fishes are prevented from reaching their spawning grounds, their genetic diversity and structuring could begin to change relative to historic measures, potentially decreasing their fitness and ability to survive. I screened microsatellite loci to assess the genetic population structure and diversity of channel …

Shame On You: An Analysis Of Guilt-Based Advertising Strategies Directed At Parents, Jamie M. Alexander

Masters Theses

This thesis examines print advertisements in Parents, a popular parenting magazine, for a period of two years. This study uses critical discourse analysis to find meaning in these print advertisements. Through this analysis, three prominent themes were found in the two-year data collection period. The first of which is the #1 Recommended, a theme that highlights the cultural importance of using only products that have been recommended by medical professionals or hospitals, thereby emphasizing the social power of such persons or establishments. The second is comfort, care, and the good stuff, a theme that highlights a maternal desire to …

Behavioral Patterns Of The Cannibalism And Sexual Taboos, Kayla R. Rice

Masters Theses

Previous research has suggested that there may be a connection between the cannibalism taboo and sexual attraction. Specifically, it appears that when forced to choose someone to cannibalize, people choose victims in a pattern that mimics who they would choose to be sexually intimate with. To confirm and explore this relationship, the current study measured sexual orientation and examined whether participants' preferences in who to cannibalize if forced reflected their desired sexual partner. Participants recruited from Amazon Turk responded to forced pair choices regarding either desired sexual partner or cannibalism victims. Targets included all combinations of three variables: Physical Appearance …

An In Vitro Study On The Effect Of Synthesized Tin (Iv) Complexes On Glioblastoma, Colorectal, And Skin Cancer Cell Lines, Jennie L. Williams, Lesley C. Lewis-Alleyne, Melinda Solomon, Long Nguyen, Robert Johnson, Jennifer Vital, Ping Ji, John Durant, Camille Cooper, Patrice Cagle, Patrick Martin, Don Vanderveer, William L. Jarrett, Alvin A. Holder

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

((E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenolato-2,2-diphenyl-6-aza-1,3-dioxa-2-stanna-[d,h]dibenzocyclononene, [Sn(Ph₂SB)] (compound 1, where Ph₂SB=(E)-2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenolato Schiff base) and two novel compounds, [[SnPh2(F-azoSB)] (compound 2, where F-azoSB=4-((E)-(4-fluorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-((E)-(2-hydroxyphenylimino)methyl)phenolato Schiff base), [[SnPh2(sulf-azoSB)]0.125CHCl₃ (compound 3, where sulfamerazineazosalSB=4-((E)-(4-hydroxy-3-((E)-(2-hydroxyphenylimino)methyl)phenyl)diazenyl)-N-(4-methylpyrimidin-2-yl) benzenesulfonamide Schiff base), and the control compound, cisplatin (compound 4) were analysed to comparatively determine their effect on cancer cell growth. Anti-cancer properties of compounds 1-4 were examined using glioblastoma (U-1242 MG), colorectal (HT-29 and HCT-116), and skin (A431) human cancer cell lines. With regards to human glioblastoma cells, compounds 1 and 3 demonstrated anti-proliferative capacity in the cell line tested. Specifically, compounds 1 and 3 inhibited cell proliferation by 50% at …