Digital Commons Network^™

A Gis Approach To Assessing The Impacts Of Tropical Storm Fay (2008) On Photosynthetic Rates In The Middle St. Johns River Basin, Gregory Barber

Theses & ETDs

The photosynthetic rate and its regional proxy, the normal vegetative index (NDVI), drop in response to flooding. In this study, a regional approach was used to assess the impact of precipitation driven flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fay (2008) on NDVI in the Middle St. Johns River Basin. To assess this event, weekly NDVI maximum value composites in and around the storm interval were analyzed for changes in NDVI as it relates to geographic distribution, elevation, and land cover. The geographic distribution of NDVI values in the Middle St. Johns River Basin was found to shift toward low NDVI values, …

Discovery Of A Prodigiosin Producing Vibrio, Stephanie Morgan

Theses & ETDs

A soil sample taken from Leffis Key in Bradenton led to the discovery of a bacterial isolate capable of producing bright pink-pigmented colonies in culture. Identification of the isolate was done using a polyphasic approach that included biochemical characterization and multi-locus sequence analysis with genes found in the isolate genome. The isolate was identified as a member of the Vibrio genus within the Gazogenes clade. Some of the pigment molecules responsible for the vibrant pink color observed in culture were purified via a series of steps including flash chromatography. Mass spectrometry analysis of the chemical extract identified the pigment molecules …

Exploring New Routes: Designing The Ideal Tetraamido Macrocyclic Ligand, Alex Wheeler

Theses & ETDs

In the United States alone there are a total of 43,180 impaired bodies of water across each of the 50 states that are completely unusable for drinking purposes. A problem that plagues many of these freshwater sources is pollution; most namely, the pollutants consists of run-off containing complex organic compounds. Current methods for dealing with wastewater treatment involve ozonolysis as well as chlorinolysis, which rely heavily on harmful chemicals that sometimes produce more toxic materials than those they act upon. To solve problems such as these, many scientists have dedicated themselves to the philosophy of green chemistry in order to …

“Buy With Your Heart, Not Your Head”: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House And Consumption In The Postwar United States, Joy E. Feagan

Theses & ETDs

This thesis examines the various reproductions of Eric Hodgins’ story, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, released in text, film, and radio between 1946 and 1951. Exploring the differences in the narrative across time and media, I argue, provides a better understanding of the various media that reproduced the story, as well as the mediadriven consumerism of the early cold war period. What was the relationship between media (print, film, and radio) and mass consumption in the post-World War II United States? And what were the consequences of this evolving relationship? I credit the origins of this relationship to postwar …

The Art Of Technology, Heath Hawkins

Theses & ETDs

This paper narrates a year-long creative exploration of New College’s inaugural TEDx. TEDxNewCollegeofFlorida was an experiment in utilizing incentive prizes and emerging technologies to create a culture of innovation and creative collaboration within a small, liberal arts college. This paper will provide a comprehensive examination of the creative accomplishments and failures that went into the formation of the event, as well as the original vision and purpose of the effort as a whole. Finally, this paper looks toward the future of New College, detailing the bold initiation of New College’s Virtual Reality Lab and the continual pursuit of moonshot ideas. …

Mysticism In Medici Florence: A Close Look At The Relationship Of A Ghettoized Jew And A Catholic Medici, Jessica Rose Zimmerman

Theses & ETDs

This thesis investigates the life of a ghettoized Jew, Benedetto Blanis, in Medici Florence during the early seventeenth century. This research relies on Edward Goldberg’s two companion works, published in 2011, transcribing and interpreting 196 letters sent by Benedetto to Don Giovanni De’ Medici. Goldberg provides the letters as they were written in seventeenth-century Italian, and with each he includes a small summary in English. Goldberg explains ghettoization, Jewish mysticism, the synagogue in Florence, along with many other topics related to Benedetto and Don Giovanni’s life as a means to contextualize the two. In 1615, Benedetto was hired by Don …

Conceptual Stupor: Gilles Deleuze And Transcendental Stupidity, Griffin Koss

Theses & ETDs

This thesis is dedicated to explaining the nuanced conception of stupidity which Deleuze develops at various points in his works. While generally underemphasized by Deleuze’s commentators, this thesis argues that stupidity, or transcendental illusion, serves a vital function within Deleuze’s thought. I will do so first by exploring the dogmatic image of thought, or the presuppositions of philosophy, followed by an account of passive temporal synthesis which aims to correct the flaws of this image. These passive syntheses in turn give rise to an account of how internally constituted, and non-individuated differences give rise to representation and identity through the …

Contemporary Strategies In Wildlife Conservation, Katherine James

Theses & ETDs

Wildlife conservation has gained popular support in recent decades, but is this support changing our behavior? Modern wildlife conservation efforts employ the strategies of habitat preservation, captive breeding and release programs, and public education in order to attack this difficult problem. Human behaviors, especially irresponsible consumerism, have led to the destruction of vital habitats through deforestation, pollution, and anthropogenic climate change. Zoos, aquaria, and groups such as the World Wildlife Fund contribute to public education about eco-friendly behaviors, and public policy must encourage farmers and manufacturers to utilize safer production tools. Conservationists have seen success with some threatened species but …

Anticoagulants And Their Effects On Canine Blood, Sarah Catherine Flax

Theses & ETDs

Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, are prescribed if a dog is at risk of forming a blood clot or to prevent one from growing larger. Warfarin will chemically inhibit the viability of vitamin K and interfere with the synthesis of coagulating protein factors in the liver and other chemicals that are necessary for clot formation. In essence, Warfarin increases how long it take to make fibrin by delaying the release of fibrinogen. This thesis aims to determine whether a five percent Warfarin solution is significant in slowing the time it takes canine blood to clot. This was done by extracting samples …

Magnetosensory Abilities Of The Whitespotted Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium Plagiosum), Charles Edelson

Theses & ETDs

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) was capable of being trained to orient to magnetic fields of the same strength as the geomagnetic field. Using a pair of orthogonal four coil Helmholtz arrays, 10 whitespotted bamboo sharks were target trained to orient to a laboratory controlled steady magnetic field. The sharks were then assessed on their ability to reorient to the field when it was placed randomly at one of four targets in the tank during experimental trials. The results of this study indicate that, although the sharks may have begun …

Tuning The Fluorescent Properties Of Lanthanide-­Doped Nanoparticles, Anne-Lise Emig

Theses & ETDs

Lanthanide-­doped upconverting nanoparticles are particularly useful for biological imaging because they exhibit low toxicity, decreased autofluorescence, strong photostability, and deep tissue penetration when compared to fluorescent dyes and quantum dots. Despite these advantages, their quantum yields and upconversion efficiencies are relatively low. Here, the effects of calcium co-­doping on the fluorescent properties of europium‐doped vanadate nanoparticles synthesized via a solvothermal route were explored. The nanoparticles synthesized were amorphous and thus had very low quantum yields. Elemental analysis showed very little calcium incorporated into the nanoparticles, so differences in fluorescent properties cannot be explained by calcium content. However, the presence of …

Stage Fright: The Horror Genre In Live Theatre, Grant Mcalister

Theses & ETDs

This thesis examines the unique possibilities and challenges of presenting the horror genre in live theatre. It considers the historical precedents for "horror theatre" set by Elizabethan revenge tragedy, 19th century gothic melodrama, and the Grand-Guignol, as well as the intersections and conflicts between the generic constructions of horror in cinema and the practical characteristics of live theatre as a form. The second two-thirds of the thesis consists of an original anthology play, Little Nightmares, and a discussion of its performance. A copy of that performance is included on a DVD.

Synthesis Of C. Elegans G97n Mutant Idh-1, Chelsea N. Hoyt

Theses & ETDs

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH-1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), a reaction that occurs in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Several mutated forms of the IDH-1 gene have been observed in various forms of cancer. Mutant IDH-1 converts α-KG to 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), which acts as a competitive inhibitor of α-KG-dependent dioxygenases and disrupts normal cell metabolism. The C. elegans IDH-1gene has never been used as a model when studying these mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase genes. Because the C. elegans and human IDH-1 genes are orthologous, the C. elegans gene has the potential to be utilized …

Effects Of Oil On Behavior And Cognition Of The Sand Fiddler Crab, Uca Pugilator (Bosc 1802) (Crustacea; Malacostraca; Decapoda; Ocypodidae), Kristine Jones

Theses & ETDs

The effects of oil exposure on the behavior and cognitive ability of the sand fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, were studied. Sixty specimens of U. pugilator from Sarasota Bay in Sarasota, Florida. were contained for 5 weeks prior to the experiment in a quarantine tank. Specimens were randomly asigned to groups, and half were exposed to mineral oil (substitute for crude oil) topically applied to in their enclosure. Righting response, locomotion, incline performance, maximim angle performance, burrowing, and defensive responses were tested. Results of the experimental specimens compared to the control specimens were significant in all areas. These results are consistent …

Effects Of Altered Laboratory Lighting Regimens On The Circadian Rhythms Of Captive Nurse Sharks (Ginglymostoma Cirratum), Lisa Marie Crawford

Theses & ETDs

This study examined the circadian rhythms of three captive nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) under altered laboratory lighting conditions in order to better understand the daily rhythms of the species, to determine whether captive nurse sharks possess an endogenous circadian rhythm, and to evaluate the effects on activity of changing the location of photoreception on the body of the nurse shark. The sharks were exposed to three lighting regimens: 12L:12D, all dark, and all light to evaluate their activity patterns. Additionally, the eyes of each shark were covered with patches to determine if the pineal organ played a role in regulating …

Born Too Soon Or Simply Born Black? Implications Of Preterm Birth Among African American Women, Nisha Hodge

Theses & ETDs

Preterm birth (PTB) is the birth of an infant less than 37 weeks old. It is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5. In the US, 9.6% of all births are preterm, but for African Americans the risk for having a preterm birth is 16-18%. The disproportionate rates of PTB among African American women have both biological and social influences. African American women’s distinctive vaginal biomes and predisposition to infection and pro-inflammatory response reveal genetic influences for determining increased risk for PTB. Genomic sequencing and methods of elucidating DNA methylation sites associated with preterm birth …

Experimental Investigations And Mathematical Modeling Of The Briggs-Rauscher Oscillating Reaction, Jessica Paredes

Theses & ETDs

The mechanism of the Briggs-Rauscher oscillating reaction includes a complex set of redox reactions involving peroxy radicals and iodine and manganese in various oxidation states. The Briggs-Rauscher reaction exhibits a number of color changes from orange to blue and back again before eventually reaching equilibrium. In this work, we analyzed the effects of temperature, pH, reactant concentration, and reaction vessel surface area on the oscillation amplitude and period, collecting data with a commercial webcam and analyzing it via the ImageJ software package. Concurrently, we modeled the kinetics of this reaction in MatLab and were able to observe realistic behavior in …

Alterations In Plasma Protein C Activity Levels Following Apheresis Platelet Donation And Whole Blood Donation, Frances Duggan, Kathleen O'Sullivan, Joan P. Power, Michael Healy, William G. Murphy

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

Citrate toxicity from platelet apheresis donation has been extensively reported. Effects include symptomatic adverse reactions, silent prolongation of QTc interval on an electrocardiogram and long-term bone effects. While haemostatic impairment is not of concern in healthy plateletpheresis donors, these donors receive doses of citrate during the procedures that induce significant in vivo anticoagulation. We wished to measure the effects this process has on other markers of haemostatic homeostasis, and, in particular, on protein C activity levels. Protein C binds to its activation complex through divalent cation bridges, and is, therefore, susceptible to inactivation by citrate: an effect on protein C …

A Critical Role Of Cxcr2 Pdz Motif-Mediated Interactions In Endothelial Progenitor Cell Homing And Angiogenesis, Yuning Hou

Wayne State University Dissertations

Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in postnatal vascularization in response to growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Chemokine receptor CXCR2 and its cognate ligands are reported to mediate EPC recruitment and angiogenesis. CXCR2 possesses a consensus PSD-95/DlgA/ZO-1 (PDZ) motif at its carboxyl terminus. The PDZ motif has been reported to regulate cellular signaling and functions. Here we investigated the potential role of the PDZ motif in CXCR2-mediated EPC motility and angiogenesis. We have found that introducing exogenous CXCR2 C-terminus significantly attenuated in vitro EPC migration and angiogenic activities in response to CXCR2 ligands, as well as in vivo EPC …

The Cost And Burden Of Chikungunya In The Americas, Danielle Bloch

Public Health Theses

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted virus that emerged in the Caribbean in late 2013 and proceeded to spread throughout the Americas. Acute CHIKV disease is characterized by high fever and potentially debilitating arthralgia. In a proportion of cases, serious long-term sequelae following acute disease have been reported. These conditions primarily include chronic inflammatory rheumatisms, but can also involve depression, sensorineural effects, headaches and cognitive delays following neonatal infection.

Methods: We developed data-driven computational simulation models for acute and long-term health conditions associated with CHIKV infection to estimate the economic cost and health burden of the 2013–2015 CHIKV epidemic …

Perceived Discrimination Correlates With Poor Angina Outcomes Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction, Lingling Ji

Public Health Theses

Background: Perceived discrimination (PD) have been previously linked with multiple physiological and behavioral health risks. However, limited data is available on the association between PD and clinically relevant outcomes, such as the frequency and severity of angina.

Method: This thesis explores the association between PD and angina outcomes using data from the Examining Heart Attacks in Young Women (VIRGO) study, which enrolled 2,670 patients with prior acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The Detroit Area Scale and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) were employed to assess perceived discrimination and angina-related outcomes, including its onset frequency and related physical limitation, treatment dissatisfaction and …

Association Of Blood Lead Levels In Children 0-72 Months With Living In Mid-Appalachia: A Semiecologic Study, R. Constance Wiener, R. J. Jurevic

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Introduction—Lead exposure in children remains a significant public health issue, although many advances have been made. The Mid-Appalachia area (Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) is 89–91% rural with a population density of 16–21 people/km2 (41–54 people/mi2 ). Mid-Appalachia has significant health disparities including concerns for the consequences of greater lead exposure to children due to mining and industrial footprints, and existing older housing. The purpose of this study is to compare the reported blood lead levels of screened children, aged 0–72 months in Mid-Appalachia, to the children in the USA in general.

Methods—Data from the Centers for …

2016 Dmacc Annual Report, Dmacc

Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Screening Of Exosomal Micrornas From Colorectal Cancer Cells, Cillian Clancy, Sonja Khan, Claire L. Glynn, Emma Holian, Peter Dockery, Pierce Lalor, James A.L. Brown, Myles Joyce, Michael J. Kerin, Roisin M. Dwyer

Forensic Science Publications

BACKGROUND: Cells release extracellular membrane vesicles including microvesicles known as exosomes. Exosomes contain microRNAs (miRNAs) however the full range within colorectal cancer cell secreted exosomes is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the full range of exosome encapsulated miRNAs secreted from 2 colorectal cancer cell lines and to investigate engineering of exosomes over-expressing miRNAs. METHODS: Exosomes were isolated from HCT-116 and HT-29 cell lines. RNA was extracted from exosomes and microRNA array performed. Cells were engineered to express miR-379 (HCT-116-379) or a non-targeting control (HCT-116-NTC) and functional effects were determined. Exosomes secreted by engineered cells were transferred to recipient cells and the …

Processes Of Racialization Through Media Depictions Of Transracial Violence, Megan Allen

Undergraduate Review

In this research project, I explore the process of racialization in media coverage of White-on-Black violent events (both crimes and incidents not recognized by the legal system as crimes) using a critical race theory framework. The past three years have seen a series of killings of and assaults on African American people that have become newsworthy, as they have been seen, often controversially, as unjustified. The controversy has largely broken down on racial and political lines, with minority Americans and the left seeing these incidents as evidence and example of ongoing racial inequality, with whites and the right, in particular …

2016 Annual Report, The Jackson Laboratory

Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Combining Habitat Loss And Agricultural Intensification Improves Our Understanding Of Drivers Of Change In Avian Abundance In A North American Cropland Anthrome, John Quinn, Tala Awada, Federico Trindade, Lilyan E. Fulginiti, Richard K. Perrin

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

An Introduction To The Special Issue On Geoscience Papers Of The Future, Cédric H. David, Yolanda Gil, Christopher J. Duffy, Scott D. Peckham, S. Karan Venayagamoorthy

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Advocates of enhanced quality for published scientific results are increasingly voicing the need for further transparency of data and software for scientific reproducibility. However, such advanced digital scholarship can appear perplexing to geoscientists that are seduced by the concept of open science yet wonder about the exact mechanics and implications of the associated efforts. This special issue of Earth and Space Science entitled "Geoscience Papers of the Future" includes a review of existing best practices for digital scholarship and bundles a set of example articles that share their digital research products and reflect on the process of opening their scientific …

Program Implementation Of Using Bathing Checklist To Increase Client Performance During Bathing, Specifically With Home Health Aides, Whitney Weber

MOT Student Capstones

The bathing checklist program was implemented for five months in a home health care setting with clients who received occupational therapy and home health aide services. This program's main intention was to help clients become more independent with bathing by the occupational therapy discharge utilizing the home health aide to achieve this goal. The bathing checklist complied of 18 steps of bathing and an educational sheet to inform the client and caregivers of the program. At occupational therapy discharge, the bathing checklist was removed from the home for data collection. From the participating clients, IO out of 11 were more …

Best Practice Guidelines For Therapeutic Intervention Of Disruptive Behaviors In The Preschool And Kindergarten Classrooms For All Peers In The Regular Education Environment For Academic Success, Crystal Mccain

MOT Student Capstones

Awareness of disruptive behavior in the classroom and how it effects the academic learning environment has become a concern for parents and educators as the classroom sizes continue to grow. By identifying techniques to better manage classroom behavior, we can reduce teacher and student stress and increase opportunities for academic success. The purpose of this study is to provide a good understanding of what disruptive behavior is and the role the occupational therapist can play, to provide educators with behavior management techniques that can be implemented into the kindergarten and preschool environment, to identify how disruptive behavior is affecting the …