Digital Commons Network^™

The Design And Statistical Analysis Of Single-Cell Rna-Sequencing Experiments, Faye H. Zheng

Open Access Dissertations

Next-generation DNA- and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technologies have expanded rapidly in both throughput and accuracy within the last decade. The momentum continues as emerging techniques become increasingly capable of profiling molecular content at the level of individual cells. One goal of this research is to put forward best practices in the design of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments, specifically as it relates to choices regarding the trade-off between sequencing depth and sample size. In addition to general guidelines, an interactive tool is presented to aid researchers in making experiment-specific decisions that are informed by real data and practical constraints. Further, a new …

Mathematical Models Of Ebola Virus Disease And Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Yinqiang Zheng

Open Access Dissertations

This thesis focuses on applying mathematical models to studies on the transmission dynamics and control interventions of infectious diseases such as Ebola virus disease and vaccine preventable diseases.

Many models in studies of Ebola transmission are based on the model by Legrand et al. (2007). However, there are potential issues with the Legrand model. First, the model was originally formulated in a complex form, leading to confusion and hindering its uses in practice. To overcome the difficulty, the Legrand model is reformulated in a much simpler but equivalent form in this thesis. The reformulated model also provides an intuitive understanding …

Reactions Of Graphene Oxide And Buckminsterfullerene In The Aquatic Environment, Yingcan Zhao

Open Access Dissertations

Due to unique physical and chemical properties, carbon-based nanomaterials, including C60 and graphene oxide, now being used in an increasing number of applications. Considering their widespread use, nanoparticles will inevitably find their way to the natural environment. However, their environmental fate and transport have not been intensively explored, resulting in a general lack of knowledge regarding their risk assessment and life cycle exposure concentrations. To this end, this study has investigated: (i) the photo mineralization of aqu/nC60 clusters under photo irradiation, and (ii) environmental transformation of graphene oxide in the aquatic environment. This study shows that CO2 was produced from …

Developing A Model System To Study The Mechanisms Of Resveratrol Inhibition Of Ar-V7 Transcriptional Activity, Sarah R. Wilson

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Prostate cancer is one of the biggest threats to men’s health in the western world and it accounts for the second largest number of male cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is well established that prostate cancer cells depend on the androgen/androgen receptor pathway. Therefore, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has become the primary treatment option for prostate cancer. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer who receive (ADT) have shown increased quality of life. However, survival benefit with ADT is reduced dramatically in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Androgen receptor (AR) continues to be functional in CRPC through various mechanisms. It is …

Sare Grant Expands Unh Tomato Research, Lori Tyler Gula

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Vision & Change: Why It Matters, Anneke M. Metz, Jacqueline Mclaughlin

Publications

The 2011 AAAS "Vision and Change" report has been inspiring undergraduate biology educators nationwide to rethink their educational approach, favoring active learning strategies to better prepare today's students for a complex, data-rich future. Here, we consider the history of the movement, its place in the greater arena of STEM education. and the reasons why this new approach has never been more critical. We encourage all biology educators to consider becoming agents of change, and focus on helpful resources and practical suggestions to help ABT readers take the plunge (or at least get their feet wet) into the welcoming waters of …

Using Screen Recording Tools To Increase Instructor Presence In Online Courses, Laurie Bobley, Alan Sebel

Graduate School of Education Publications and Research

Introduction

Even with the volume of text-based communication that is common in online courses, students and instructors frequently report a feeling of isolation. This may be partly due to the lack of visual and audio cues that naturally occur in a traditional classroom. Screen recording technologies provide a way to increase presence as they can offer the opportunity to see and hear the instructor. Screen recording technologies are readily available, easy-to-use, web-based tools that can positively impact instructor-student connections, improve student satisfaction, and increase instructor presence. Instructor presence is indicated as a best practice for online teaching and learning. A …

Macroinvertebrate Assemblages In Selected New Jersey Springs, Yaritza R. Acosta Caraballo

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The springs included as part of this study are lotic systems where groundwater discharges to the surface. Spring water quality is influenced by the discharge and geologic origins of a spring. Biological indicators, such as aquatic macroinvertebrates, are used to assess the health of spring ecosystems due to their sensitivity to pollution. Currently, there are no published studies on the aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages in New Jersey springs. The objective of this study was to examine macroinvertebrate assemblages of New Jersey springs and to investigate the effects of geologic and hydrologic variables on macroinvertebrate community assemblages. We hypothesized that springs with …

Love That Dirty Water : A Preliminary Investigation Of Microbial Diversity In On-Street Hot Dog Water, Nelson S. Casanova

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Standard microbiological methods were utilized to assess the microbial diversity and abundance in the hot dog water found in mobile food carts. Since we could not directly assay the water, we devised a method of washing hot dogs with sterile water to indirectly assess the presence of microorganisms both growing in the water and on the hot dogs. Plating on LB-agar and LB-agar supplemented with antibiotics was used to isolate microbes from hot dog water from randomly selected vendors in twenty-six Manhattan neighborhoods and the Bronx. In addition, five major hot dog brands were similarly tested as store-bought controls. As …

The Role Of Performance Anxiety Within The Music Therapist, Emma Jane Walker

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the manifestation of anxiety, the role it plays in the life and practice of the music therapist, as well as exploring the techniques and exercises utilized by the therapist for this or her own care. This explorative research study used a survey approach to gather qualitative data based on both practicing music therapists and music therapy students’ perceptions and experiences related to performance anxiety within their training and clinical work. A total of 100 surveys were completed online by music therapy students, interns, novice clinicians, as well as seasoned music therapists and …

Experimental Assessment Of Floating Seagrass Wrack As Potential Habitat For Benthic Organisms, Joseph R. Mcginnis

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

During the summer, seagrass blades are frequently released into the water column as a method to reduce respiration demands of the plant and through physical disruption of the bed (e.g., crab foraging, boat propellers). This wrack has the potential to serve as both food and habitat for organisms dislodged or actively moving within the system. The purpose of this research was to determine how benthic organisms may use floating wrack as a food resource and shelter. Three experimental floating wrack bag treatments were assembled containing using artificial Zoster a marina (i.e., poly-ribbon), Z. marina blades, and a wrack bag control …

Oncolog, Volume 61, Number 08, August 2016, Joe Munch, Bryan Tutt, E Nielsen

OncoLog MD Anderson's Report to Physicians (All issues) Archives

• Finding a Way Forward in Parathyroid Carcinoma: Among the rarest of the rare malignancies, parathyroid carcinoma poses myriad diagnostic and treatment challenges. Owing to its extreme rarity, very little is known about the mechanisms driving parathyroid carcinoma, let alone how to target them; and survival rates have not budged in decades. However researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are working to change this.
• Studies Explore Screening for HPV-related Anal and Oropharyngeal Cancers: No consensus screening guidelines exist for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers other than cervical cancer. As a step toward establishing such guidelines, studies under way …

(Wp 2016-05) Hodgson, Cumulative Causation, And Reflexive Economic Agents, John B. Davis

Economics Working Papers

This paper examines Geoff Hodgson’s interpretation of Veblen in agency-structure terms, and argues it produces a conception of reflexive economic agents. It then sets out an account of cumulative causation processes using this reflexive agent conception, modeling them as a two-part causal process, one part involving a linear causal relation and one part involving a circular causal relation. The paper compares the reflexive agent conception to the standard expected utility conception of economic agents, and argues that on a cumulative causation view of the world the completeness assumption essential to the standard view of rationality cannot be applied. The final …

Trophoblast Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Expression Is Associated With Immune-Mediated Rejection Of Bovine Fetuses Produced By Cloning, Heloisa M. Rutigliano, Aaron J. Thomas, Amanda Wilhelm, Benjamin R. Sessions, Brady A. Hicks, Donald H. Schlafer, Kenneth L. White, Christopher J. Davies

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Trophoblast cells from bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) conceptuses express major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins early in gestation, and this may be one cause of the significant first-trimester embryonic mortality observed in these pregnancies. MHC-I homozygous-compatible (n = 9), homozygous-incompatible (n = 8), and heterozygous-incompatible (n = 5) SCNT pregnancies were established. The control group consisted of eight pregnancies produced by artificial insemination. Uterine and placental samples were collected on Day 35 ± 1 of pregnancy, and expression of MHC-I, leukocyte markers, and cytokines were examined by immunohistochemistry. Trophoblast cells from all SCNT pregnancies expressed MHC-I, while …

Preventing Opioid Misuse With Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: A Framework For Evaluating The Success Of State Public Health Laws, Rebecca L. Haffajee

UC Law Journal

The United States is in the midst of a prescription opioid overdose and misuse epidemic. Although many factors have contributed to the escalation of prescription painkiller misuse, it parallels increases in the supply and prescribing of opioids. Prominent state-level regulatory interventions, such as the establishment of prescription drug monitoring programs (“PDMPs”), recognize prescribers as opioid gatekeepers. Prescribers, who are uniquely situated to distinguish between appropriate use and misuse of opioids, are a natural target for regulation. PDMPs also target patients who seek to obtain high volumes of prescription opioids for illicit purposes. PDMP policies are widespread but heterogeneous, largely uninformed …

Editing Embryos: Considering Restrictions On Genetically Engineering Humans, Anna Zaret

UC Law Journal

In April 2015, scientists used a new genetic engineering tool known as CRISPR to edit the genes of a human embryo for the first time. CRISPR has made gene editing cheaper, more efficient, and more accurate than ever before. These advances in technology indicate that in the near future, technology will enable the genes of embryos to be edited, leading to the birth of the first “genetically modified human.” This Note explores the potential benefits and risks of editing embryos for reproductive purposes, and problematizes the lack of meaningful public regulation or deliberation in the United States on editing embryos. …

Whole Genomic Sequence Analysis Of Bacillus Infantis: Defining The Genetic Blueprint Of Strain Nrrl B-14911, An Emerging Cardiopathogenic Microbe, Chandirasegara Massilamany, Akram Mohammed, John Dustin Loy, Tanya Purvis, Bharathi Krishnan, Rakesh H. Basavalingappa, Christy M. Kelley, Chittibabu Guda, Raúl G. Barletta, Etsuko N. Moriyama, Timothy P.L. Smith, Jay Reddy

Jay Reddy Publications

Background: We recently reported the identification of Bacillus sp. NRRL B-14911 that induces heart autoimmunity by generating cardiac-reactive T cells through molecular mimicry. This marine bacterium was originally isolated from the Gulf of Mexico, but no associations with human diseases were reported. Therefore, to characterize its biological and medical significance, we sought to determine and analyze the complete genome sequence of Bacillus sp. NRRL B-14911.

Results: Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, sequence analysis of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic transcribed spacers, phenotypic microarray, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-offlight mass spectrometry, we propose that this …

Teaching Food Systems In Alaska, Jessika Beam

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

The health of Alaska’s food systems relies on the maintenance of food availability, food access, and food utilization overtime to ensure that food security exists. The Teaching Food Systems in Alaska educational modules were created to offer an opportunity to provide expert information and education to Alaska youth on the importance of food systems literacy in Alaska. The educational modules were created to engage youth in the food system. The goal is to inform and educate Alaska youth about food systems in Alaska through the development of a series of educational learning modules organized to address the three primary components …

An Evaluation Of Oral Health Training For Long-Term Care Facility Staff And Its Relation To Residents' Dental Plaque Levels, Olivia Christine Barrow

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

The overall goal of this project was to decrease dental plaque scores of residents living at Wild Flower Court (WFC) facility through improved oral health education of staff members. The examiner evaluated WFC nursing staff’s knowledge on providing patients with oral care and denture maintenance both before and after oral care training. The staff knowledge levels were correlated with residents’ plaque levels to determine if a relationship existed. The hypothesis was that WFC residents would have lower dental plaque levels after nursing staff received the oral health and denture maintenance training. Twenty-seven full-time WFC staff members received the oral health …

Adult Intimate Relationships: Linkages Between Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory And Adult Attachment Theory, Karen Ripoll-Núñez, Sonia Carrillo

Online Readings in Psychology and Culture

This paper focuses on the contributions of two lifespan-development theories to the study of adult intimate relationships. These are interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory (IPARTheory) and attachment theory. First, we focus on four major points of convergence and four points of divergence between theories in their understanding of intimate relationships in adulthood. Following this, we discuss each theory’s contributions to theoretical and empirical knowledge about adult intimate relationships, their modes of assessment, and the development of clinical interventions. Finally, we suggest possible future developments that could help to enrich both theories.

Massachusetts Office Of Public Collaboration Parent Mediation Program January-June 2016 And Fiscal Year 2016 Evaluation Report, Kaila Eisenkraft

Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Publications

Under the auspices of the Parent Mediation Program (PMP), administered by the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration (MOPC), separating, divorcing, or never-married parents in Massachusetts received up to four free hours of mediation services from community mediation centers to help deal with issues over parenting time, visitation, access, and parenting plans. MOPC and participating centers worked together to insure that the Parent Mediation Program weathered the twin challenges of reduced funding and increased demand for services during Fiscal Year 2016. The timely fulfillment of administrative responsibilities and the delivery of quality mediation services led to agreement rates, including parenting plan …

Therapeutic And Safety Evaluation Of Curcumin's Antimicrobial And Anti-Inflammatory Properties On Canine And Equine, Stephanie Bland

Dissertations

In total, four experiments were conducted to determine the therapeutic and safety effects of the nutraceutical, turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin on canine and equine. Two studies were conducted on client-owned, moderately arthritic canines, studying the therapeutic and safety effect of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties. In Exp. 1, two different dosages, 500 mg, SID of 95% curcumin and 250 mg, BID of 95% liposomal-curcumin, were evaluated in ten moderately arthritic dogs over five months. The dogs in the 95% curcumin group had an overall greater significance in pain reduction by Day 60. Exp. 2, was a follow-up experiment to Exp. …

Securing Sequences: Ensuring Adequate Protections For Genetic Samples In The Age Of Big Data, Elizabeth R. Pike

Cardozo Law Review

Bulk collection of our personal data is increasingly common. Our internet browser history leads to personalized, targeted advertising; credit card companies aggregate billions of our collective transactions to gain insight into our spending patterns; and, as recently revealed, the National Security Agency engaged in the widespread collection of our telephone data without our knowledge or consent. But what if the data being collected, stored, shared, and used without our knowledge or consent is arguably the most personal of all data - our unique genetic sequence? In ways underreported and underexamined, the genetic information of nearly every American is likely to …

Anticipatory And Consummatory Pleasure And Displeasure In Major Depressive Disorder: An Experience Sampling Study, Haijing Wu

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Pleasure and displeasure can be parsed into anticipatory and consummatory phases. However, existing research on pleasure and displeasure in major depressive disorder (MDD), a disorder characterized by anhedonia, has largely focused on deficits in the consummatory phase and most studies have been laboratory-based. Using experience sampling, we compared anticipatory and consummatory pleasure and displeasure for activities in the daily lives of adults with MDD (n = 41) and in healthy controls (n = 39). Participants carried electronic devices for one week and were randomly prompted eight times a day to answer questions about activities that they most and …

Effectiveness Of The Arkansas 4-H Atv Safety Training Course, Jesse Bocksnick

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In response to popularity of ATVs in Arkansas and youth ATV accident rates, the Arkansas 4-H program established an ATV safety training program in 2008. The program has educated 1,500 youth in Arkansas about basic concepts of safe ATV operation in response to youth accident rates. The course covered proper equipment, laws, proper riding, and handling techniques. The program has not been evaluated. The study was to evaluate participants’ knowledge levels prior to participation in the program and after receiving instruction and hands-on ATV operation training, and to determine if Standard Course and S-Course participants’ knowledge scores were different. The …

Intact Protein Detection, Separation, And Quantitation Using Liquid Chromatography - Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry, Evelyn Hsin-Yi Wang

Chemistry & Biochemistry Dissertations - Archive

There is an increasing demand for protein detection and quantitation in biological fluids for disease detection, protein therapeutics monitoring, and drug development response control. Current methods use highly sensitive and specific triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQ-MS) to quantify protein digest peptides to predict original intact protein concentrations from the sample. The bottom-up protein quantitation format requires protein digestion which is often incomplete and can introduce errors into protein quantitation methods. Therefore, absolute protein quantitation is impossible without including expensive isotopically labeled protein standards. In our lab, a method that bypasses the protein digestion step to directly quantify intact protein on …

Advances In Separation Methodologies: Fatty Acid, Fatty Amine, Water, And Ethanol Determination By Ionic Liquid Gas Chromatography And D-Amino Acid Evaluation In Mammalian Brain By Liquid Chromatography, Choyce Asher Weatherly

Chemistry & Biochemistry Dissertations - Archive

This dissertation focuses on two chromatographic techniques, gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The goal of the GC work is to describe advances in separation methodologies focusing on the separation and quantitation of commercially related compounds (i.e. fatty acids, fatty amines, water, and ethanol). Four ionic liquid (IL) columns were evaluated for rapid analysis and improved resolution of long-chain methyl and ethyl esters of omega-3, omega-6, and additional positional isomeric and stereoisomeric blends of fatty acids found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and potentially more complicated compositions. The potential for improved resolution of fatty acid esters is …

Behavioral Differences Between Native And Exotic Invertebrate Prey Affect Susceptibility To Predation By A Native Amphibian Predator, Zachary Cava

Biology Theses

Invasive species threaten global biodiversity via mechanisms that include altering the dynamics and structure of native food webs. Whereas much research has focused on how exotic species respond to native predators, less is known about how native predators are affected by invasive prey. Here I investigate the response of a rare and threatened native predator—the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) to a high-profile invasive crayfish species, Orconectes rusticus. Hellbenders have declined throughout much of their range, and although the potential for exotic predators (i.e. sport fish) to negatively impact C. alleganiensis has been addressed, effects of exotic prey …

Do Novel Weapons That Degrade Mycorrhizal Mutualisms Explain Invasive Species Success?, Philip L. Pinzone Mr.

Biology Theses

Invasive plants often dominate novel habitats where they did not co-evolve with local species. Several hypotheses suggest mechanisms that explain increased exotic plant success, including 'novel weapons' and 'degraded mutualisms'. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) are widespread plant invaders in North America that can dominate ecosystems. The goal of this study is to test whether these impacts are more consistent with novel weapons or degraded mutualism hypotheses. I examine tree seedling recruitment, (germination and initial survival) growth, (biomass) and mycorrhizal invasion (AMF content) as a function of F. japonica and R. cathartica …

Forest Islands In A Sea Of Urban Habitat, Michael J. Olejniczak

Biology Theses

Urban forests are poorly defined as ecological communities. Substantive links between anthropogenic landscape features and forest ecology are lacking. ‘Urbaness’ is commonly defined by human population density or land use classifications, but their use is inconsistent throughout the literature, and rarely is linked with ecological processes. Furthermore, it is unknown whether urban forests are functioning parts of a patchy urban woodland system or isolated islands amidst an ocean of unsuitable habitat. I first used digital satellite imagery and publicly available U.S. National Park data to link urban land use with forest processes. I then linked those land use classifications with …