Digital Commons Network^™

Progress Notes, Lehigh Valley Health Network

Progress Notes

No abstract provided.

Scholarworks Statistics - August 2016, Scholarworks

ScholarWorks Reports

For the month of August 2016, ScholarWorks recorded a total of 20,160 full-text and additional file downloads and 9,573 page views.

Math Via Movement: Using Emotional Intelligence In The Math Classroom, Renee Gestalt

Creative Arts Therapies Theses

The purpose of this curriculum development project was the conception of lesson plans incorporating dance/movement therapy principles in order to augment the instruction of mathematics at a third grade level in a public school while addressing emotional intelligence through social emotional learning. This endeavor was guided by the questions: How does movement affect third grade math students’ abilities to take in and retain information at a public school setting? How can social-emotional interventions change the experience of a third grade student learning mathematics? How can academic counseling informed by body movement and awareness benefit the facilitation of learning mathematics? In …

Amazon Book Review Of David Ray Griffin's God Exists But Gawd Does Not (2016), Theodore Walker

Perkins Faculty Research and Special Events

David Ray Griffin employs the term “anatheism” (ana-theism) for describing a natural scientific return to theism, by moving logically from traditional theism to atheism to panentheism. Griffin shows how natural scientific reasoning leads from commitment to traditional theism (“Gawd” exists) to modern atheism (“Gawd” does not exist), then from modern atheism to [constructive postmodern] Whiteheadian panentheism (“God” does exist).

Blimp-1–Mediated Cd4 T Cell Exhaustion Causes Cd8 T Cell Dysfunction During Chronic Toxoplasmosis, Sujin Hwang, Dustin A. Cobb, Rajarshi Bhadra, Ben Youngblood, Imtiaz A. Khan

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

CD8, but not CD4, T cells are considered critical for control of chronic toxoplasmosis. Although CD8 exhaustion has been previously reported inToxoplasma encephalitis (TE)–susceptible model, our current work demonstrates that CD4 not only become exhausted during chronic toxoplasmosis but this dysfunction is more pronounced than CD8 T cells. Exhausted CD4 population expressed elevated levels of multiple inhibitory receptors concomitant with the reduced functionality and up-regulation of Blimp-1, a transcription factor. Our data demonstrates for the first time that Blimp-1 is a critical regulator for CD4 T cell exhaustion especially in the CD4 central memory cell subset. Using a tamoxifen-dependent …

High-Sensitivity Mass Spectrometry For Probing Gene Translation In Single Embryonic Cells In The Early Frog (Xenopus) Embryo, Camille Lombard-Banek, Sally Ann Moody, Peter Nemes

Anatomy and Regenerative Biology Faculty Publications

Direct measurement of protein expression with single-cell resolution promises to deepen the understanding of basic molecular processes during normal and impaired development. High-resolution mass spectrometry provides detailed coverage of the proteomic composition of large numbers of cells. Here we discuss recent mass spectrometry developments based on single-cell capillary electrophoresis that extend discovery proteomics to sufficient sensitivity to enable the measurement of proteins in single cells. The single-cell mass spectrometry system is used to detect a large number of proteins in single embryonic cells in blastomeres in the 16-cell embryo of the South African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) that give rise …

Nasp: An Accurate, Rapid Method For The Identification Of Snps In Wgs Datasets That Supports Flexible Input And Output Formats, Jason Sahl, Darrin Lemmer, Jason Travis, James Schupp, John Gillece, Maliha Aziz, +Several Additional Authors

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of bacterial isolates has become standard practice in many laboratories. Applications for WGS analysis include phylogeography and molecular epidemiology, using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the unit of evolution. NASP was developed as a reproducible method that scales well with the hundreds to thousands of WGS data typically used in comparative genomics applications. In this study, we demonstrate how NASP compares with other tools in the analysis of two real bacterial genomics datasets and one simulated dataset. Our results demonstrate that NASP produces similar, and often better, results in comparison with other pipelines, but is much more …

Sweetening Of Glutamine Metabolism In Cancer Cells By Rho Gtpases Through Convergence Of Multiple Oncogenic Signaling Pathways, Thambi Dorai, John T. Pinto, Arthur J. L. Cooper

NYMC Faculty Publications

Comment on: Lukey MJ, Greene KS, Erickson JW, et al. The oncogenic transcription factor c-Jun regulates glutaminase expression and sensitizes cells to glutaminase-targeted therapy. Nat Commun 2016;7:11321.

Out-Of-Field Teaching In Australian Secondary Schools, Paul R. Weldon

Policy Insights

This report considers the extent to which Australian secondary school teachers are teaching subjects other than those in which they have specialised. It provides new data on the extent of out-of-field teaching overall and in a selection of subject areas, based on further analysis of the 2013 Staff in Australia’s Schools (SiAS) survey. In addition, the report uses new questions in the SiAS 2013 survey to assess the proportion of students affected by out-of-field teaching in selected subjects.

Outliving Love: Marital Estrangement In An African Insurance Market, Casey Golomski

Anthropology

Marital estrangement and formal divorce are vital conjunctures for married women’s kinship relations and life course, where a horizon of future possibilities are revalued and negotiated at the interstices of custom, law, and social and ritual obligations. In this article, after delineating the forms of customary and civil marriage and the possibilities for divorce or estrangement from each, I describe how some married women in Swaziland and South Africa mediate this complex social field for their children and families through pensions and continuing to pay for their partners’ insurance coverage. This was not solely out of avarice to reap future …

Error Resilient Video Coding Using Bitstream Syntax And Iterative Microscopy Image Segmentation, Neeraj Jayant Gadgil

Open Access Dissertations

There has been a dramatic increase in the amount of video traffic over the Internet in past several years. For applications like real-time video streaming and video conferencing, retransmission of lost packets is often not permitted. Popular video coding standards such as H.26x and VPx make use of spatial-temporal correlations for compression, typically making compressed bitstreams vulnerable to errors. We propose several adaptive spatial-temporal error concealment approaches for subsampling-based multiple description video coding. These adaptive methods are based on motion and mode information extracted from the H.26x video bitstreams. We also present an error resilience method using data duplication in …

The Use Of Stable Isotopes And Particulate Matter In The Investigation Of Local And Regional Atmospheric Chemistry, Tanya Lynn Katzman

Open Access Dissertations

The chemical composition of particulate matter (PM), a known contributor to air pollution, is highly variable, and elemental analysis reveals information about local and regional sources, as well as how air masses and climate influence PM compositions. Seasonal changes in climate, such as temperature, amount of daylight, or meteorological patterns influence source emissions (increased residential heating activities, decreased natural soil emissions) and the relative importance of certain chemical pathways in the atmosphere. Since the magnitude of these seasonal changes are highly dependent on location, each sampling site is unique and the chemical composition of PM provides valuable insight into local …

Optical Dosimetry Tools And Monte Carlo Based Methods For Applications In Image Guided Optical Therapy In The Brain, Akshay N Prabhu Verleker

Open Access Dissertations

Purpose: The long-term goal of this research is to determine the feasibility of using near infra-red light to stimulate drug release in metastatic lesions within the brain. In this work, we focused on developing the tools needed to quantify and verify photon fluence distribution in biological tissue. To accomplish this task, an optical dosimetry probe and Monte Carlo based simulation code were fabricated, calibrated and developed to predict light transport in heterogeneous tissue phantoms of the skull and brain. Empirical model (EM) of photon transport using CT images as input were devised to provide real-time calculations capable of being translated …

Protein Lc-Ms Using Slip Flow Chromatography, Ximo Zhang

Open Access Dissertations

Histones are essential chromosomal proteins with large numbers of variants and post-translational modifications (PTMs). PTM levels of histones are known to correlate with different stages of cancer. Due to the lack of resolution on intact histone separations, conventional methods for histone analysis require time-consuming digestion, which often leads to the loss of PTM information. Slip flow chromatography with orderly packed nonporous silica particles has been shown to greatly increase the efficiency of protein separation by reducing eddy diffusion and resistance to mass transfer. In this work, higher resolution for intact histones separation was achieved by using a 5 cm capillary …

The Effects Of Scarring On Face Recognition, Kevin J. Chan

Open Access Theses

The focus of this research is the effects of scarring on face recognition. Face recognition is a common biometric modality implemented for access control operations such as customs and borders. The recent report from the Special Group on Issues Affecting Facial Recognition and Best Practices for their Mitigation highlighted scarring as one of the emerging challenges. The significance of this problem extends to the ISO/IEC and national agencies are researching to enhance their intelligence capabilities. Data was collected on face images with and without scars, using theatrical special effects to simulate scarring on the face and also from subjects that …

Automating Stem Learning By Engaging In Artful-Inspired Play, Katie E. Roth

Open Access Theses

A full range of experimental methodologies split between two distinct yet related projects was performed in an effort to define ways to automate STEM learning in artful-inspired play. Both projects aim to offer impactful learning experiences through artful-inspired activities meant to automate STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning in children that are both scientifically and non-scientifically inclined. By participating in play that is both fun and engaging, learning is a byproduct of the activity which acts to automatically embed STEM knowledge and experiences within the user. Bridging the gap between STEM and artistic tendencies has the potential to provide a …

A Study Of Applications Of 3d Animation For Emergency Medicine Pedagogy, Huilong Zheng

Open Access Theses

There is ample precedent for the use of 3D animation in education, though little research on specific applications in the field of medicine. An experiment was carried out to assess the suitability of 3D animation for educational purposes in emergency medicine courses. Two groups of experimental participants were assessed on their ability to respond to three emergency medical situations in simulated test scenarios. Both groups received equivalent information on how to treat the three different medical emergencies. The control group received the information in traditional lecture format. The experimental group instead received the information from a set of 3D animations. …

Effects Of Soil Erosion Barriers On Percent Cover And Sediment Size, Michael Perez

STAR Program Research Presentations

Ranching began on Santa Rosa Island in the 1840’s, introducing nonnative megafauna that put selective grazing pressures on endemic species. Dense groves of island oak (Q. tomentella) are aid in sediment deposition and retention. A current restoration effort, involved installing soil erosion barriers, known as wattles, to prevent sediment from being lost upslope and recruit plant growth whose root systems could further stabilize the slope. This experiment was designed to compare percent cover of vegetation growth in areas with and without soil erosion barriers. This was done using the line intercept method (n=42) on three meter transects, measuring …

Cyber Security Training Tools For The Nuclear Energy Sector, Vu A. Pham

STAR Program Research Presentations

Nowadays, cyber security should be a priority for everyone when they connect their laptop to the internet; however, not many internet users have sufficient knowledge about cyber security. A cyberattack on an individual’s computer could result in the loss of personal information, financial information, or other resources. The damage from a cyberattack on a nuclear facility or other critical infrastructure could have much greater consequences. The attackers could impact the confidentiality of data, the availability of key systems, or the integrity of those safety or operating systems. Therefore, the National Nuclear Security Administration has tasked Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with …

Data Development And Analysis Pathways For Marine Mammals And Turtles: Creating A User Interface, Sarina Fernandez, Warren Asfazadour, Eric Archer, Lisa Komoroske

STAR Program Research Presentations

A major obstacle in genetic research is developing streamlined methods for analyzing large amounts of data. The statistical computer programming language R provides users with the ability to develop packages containing specific functions in order to create more accessible data analysis pipelines. However, writing code in R can still be intimidating to those with little to no coding experience. Fortunately, the R package shiny provides a framework for developing web applications based on R functions. Using shiny, we developed a user-friendly web application containing functions of the R package strataG. The strataG package contains several functions for summarizing genetic data …

Protein Crystallization Tray Protocol Development, Brooke Connell

STAR Program Research Presentations

In the field of protein crystallography the transfer of the protein crystals from the crystallization plate/tray, where the crystals are initially grown, to the site of analysis is a difficult and lengthy process. A new crystallization tray has been designed and 3D printed to eliminate this intermediate step which is called crystal fishing. The crystallization tray allows crystals to be grown directly on grids that are attached to the pins that are used for analysis of the crystal. The efficacy of protein crystallization using the aforementioned tray was tested in order for a protocol to be developed for potential users …

Comparative Analysis Of In Situ Fibronectin Using Tof-Sims, Spi-Ms, And Dropdesi-Ms In A Microfluidic Reactor, Shannon Fasing, Xiao-Ying Yu, Juan Yao, Jiachao Yu

STAR Program Research Presentations

Fibronectin is an important biomolecule due to its role in cell differentiation, growth, kinesis, and adhesion. Such biological responses are mediated through membrane recognition and signaling; where fibronectin is found. Studying the outer molecular surface of fibronectin allows deeper insight into the microbiological reactions that occur during these processes. In situ mass spectrometry analysis in aqueous solution accurately represents fibronectin’s chemical components, made possible by a vacuum compatible microfluidic reactor, SALVI (System for Analysis at the Liquid Vacuum Interface). SALVI was paired with the analytical tools: time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS), single photon ionization mass spectrometer (SPI-MS) and drop …

Inhibition Of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Enhances The Tumor Growth Of Ovarian Cancer Cell Line Derived From A Low-Grade Papillary Serous Carcinoma In P53-Independent Pathway, Xue Xiao, Gong Yang, Peng Bai, Shunping Gui, Tri M. Bui Nguyen, +8 Additional Authors

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: NF-kB can function as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on cancer types. The role of NF-kB in low-grade serous ovarian cancer, however, has never been tested. We sought to elucidate the function of NF-kB in the low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Methods: The ovarian cancer cell line, HOC-7, derived from a low-grade papillary serous carcinoma. Introduction of a dominant negative mutant, IkBαM, which resulted in decrease of NF-kB function in ovarian cancer cell lines. The transcription ability, tumorigenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed in derivative cell lines in comparison with parental cells.

Results: Western blot analysis indicated increased …

Malignant Hyperthermia, Taylor M. Morriss

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Complications related to the anesthetic process are multifaceted and abundant. As a future nurse anesthesia student, the underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of anesthesia-related complications are of particular interest. One such anesthesia-induced life-threatening metabolic process involves the hypermetabolism of skeletal muscle. This pharmacogenetic process, known as malignant hyperthermia (MH), has a variable incidence rate ranging from 1:10,000 to 1: 250,000 anesthetic cases. However, the prevalence of the genetic abnormalities may be as great as one in 400 individuals (Rosenberg, Pollock, Schiemann, Bulger, & Stowell, 2015, p. 1). “Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, but life-threatening, autosomal-dominant inherited disorder that may …

Roles Of Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin And Transforming Growth Factor-B Signaling In The Molting Gland (Y-Organ) Of The Blackback Land Crab, Gecarcinus Lateralis, Ali M. Abuhagr, Kyle S. Maclea, Megan R. Mudron, Sharon A. Chang, Ernest S. Chang, Donald L. Mykles

Life Sciences Faculty Scholarship

Molting in decapod crustaceans is controlled by molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH), an eyestalk neuropeptide that suppresses production of ecdysteroids by a pair of molting glands (Y-organs or YOs). Eyestalk ablation (ESA) activates the YOs, which hypertrophy and increase ecdysteroid secretion. At mid premolt, which occurs 7–14 days post-ESA, the YO transitions to the committed state; hemolymph ecdysteroid titers increase further and the animal reaches ecdysis ~ 3 weeks post-ESA. Two conserved signaling pathways, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), are expressed in the Gecarcinus lateralis YO. Rapamycin, an mTOR antagonist, inhibits YO ecdysteroidogenesis in vitro. In this …

2016-2017 Catalog, College Of The Holy Cross

Course Catalogs

This catalog lists available courses for the 2016-2017 term.

The College Catalog is a document of record issued in August 2016. The Catalog contains current information regarding the College calendar, admissions, degree requirements, fees, regulations and course offerings

Differences In The Carcinogenic Evaluation Of Glyphosate Between The International Agency For Research On Cancer (Iarc) And The European Food Safety Authority (Efsa)., C. J. Portier, B. Armstrong, B. Baguley, X. Baur, I. Belyaev, Melissa J. Perry, +Several Additional Authors

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Microfluidics, Armando P. Carreon Romero

BYU Research Development Office Research Networking Conference

his research focuses on leveraging micro and nanofabrication techniques to develop advanced microfluidic devices and systems. These innovations hold promise for a wide range of applications, from biomedical diagnostics to environmental monitoring and optical communications.

Understand Psychiatric And Neurodegenerative Disorders, Derin J. Cobia

BYU Research Development Office Research Networking Conference

This research will contribute to the advancement of neuropsychology and neuroscience by elucidating the neurobiological underpinnings of psychosis and dementia.

Adsorption Kinetics Of Bovine Serum Albumin To Strong Anion Exchange Adsorbents: Application Of The Pore Diffusion Model To Resins And Membranes, Sarah Catherine Jensen

Graduate Theses - Chemical Engineering

The replacement of traditional bead-based chromatography by membranes has gained recent interest in the bioseparations industry. However, membranes have drawbacks such as lower binding capacity that make them unrealistic for some applications. The goal of this work is to compare the adsorption kinetics of anion exchange bead-based resin and membranes both on a theoretical modeling level and experimental level. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was adsorbed to Q Sepharose FastFlow resin and Sartobind Q membrane to obtain adsorption equilibrium characteristics and kinetic data. A numerical solution was used to fit the pore diffusion model to the data and estimate a pore …