Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On Communication In Children And Adolescents With Developmental Disorders, Shelby Anne Holm

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examined the effects of participation in a 10-week therapeutic horseback riding program on communicative behaviors in participants diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder or Down syndrome. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors utilized the Naples Equestrian Challenge Participant Initial Evaluation to complete a pre-evaluation prior to the first riding session and a post-evaluation during the last session. Following the post-evaluation, the researcher collected qualitative data through conducting parent interviews. The study included 16 participants (M = 12.62; age range 5-23 years old, 8 females and 8 males). Change scores for each participant were calculated and an aggregated mean for pre- …

The Impacts Of Yeast Fermentation And Bacillus Subtilis Dietary Products On Sperm Quality And Semen Microbiota Of Aged White Leghorn Roosters, Midian Nascimento Dos Santos

Theses and Dissertations

Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters have been widely exploited due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance. These feed additives improve growth, in part, by modulating intestinal microbiota. However, their impact on male reproductive performance is not well elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of a yeast fermentation product (YP) and Bacillus subtilis on rooster semen quality and microbiota. Dietary supplementation of YP linearly increased the concentration of yeast and bacteria in semen, whereas it linearly decreased sperm motility, suggesting that bacteria attached to yeast were excreted from the gut, contaminated semen at the cloaca and …

Incidence Of Salmonella Spp. In Farming Environments And Food Facilities By Improved Detection, Lurdes G. Siberio-Perez

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental samples from food processing facilities and production (farms) were taken and analyzed for the presence of indicator organisms and Salmonella spp. on food contact (FC) and nonood contact (NFC) surfaces. Salmonella was isolated from both FC and NFC surfaces of a fruit and catfish-processing plant environment, but not from a dairy processing plant or from produce packaging facility environments. Scatter plots did not show a relationship between indicator organisms and the presence of Salmonella in processing environments, regardless of the facility/environment. Salmonella ser. Gaminara and Salmonella ser. Give were prevalent in the fruit processing environment. Persistence could not be …

Investigations Into The Life Cycle Of Drepanocephalus Auritus With Notes On The Discovery Of A New Snail Host Biomphalaria Havanensis In Mississippi, Neely Rae Alberson

Theses and Dissertations

Drepanocephalus auritus is a digenetic trematode parasitizing the double-crested cormorant, a piscivorous waterbird often found feeding on catfish aquaculture ponds in Mississippi. The aquatic snail Planorbella trivolvis was the only known intermediate host in Mississippi until a new snail host, Biomphalaria havanensis, was discovered releasing cercariae belonging to North and South American D. auritus haplotypes. In addition, previous work has reported D. auritus metacercariae begin to resolve in channel catfish 7-21 days post-infection. As a result, a 2-year study was undertaken to elucidate the life cycle of D. auritus and identify if channel catfish can serve as a true intermediate …

Management Of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Using Gene Manipulation And Biological Nematicides Biological Nematicides, Weasam Adnan Radhi Aljaafri

Theses and Dissertations

Soybean cyst nematode (H. glycines), reniform nematode (R. reniformis), and Root-Knot nematode (M. incognita) are three damaging plant-parasitic nematodes on soybean. Syntaxin proteins are involved in the process of membrane fusion. T wo G. max syntaxin genes (Gm-SYP22-1, and Gm-SYP22-2) that were similar in amino acid composition have been found to contribute to the ability of Glycine max to defend itself from infection by the plant parasitic nematode Heterodera glycines. Syntaxin genes SYP22-1 and SYP22-2 were identified to be expressed specifically in syncytia undergoing a resistant reaction to H. glycines parasitism. The Gm-SYP22-1 and Gm-SYP22-2 genes were isolated by molecular …

Monitoring Aspergillus Flavus Progression And Aflatoxin Accumulation In Inoculated Maize (Zea Mays L.) Hybrids, Cedric Xavier Reid

Theses and Dissertations

Aflatoxins are a secondary metabolite produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. A. flavus has been known to infect several crops including tree nuts, peanuts, rice, cotton and maize. Aflatoxins have been found to cause tumors with aflatoxin B1 being the most carcinogenic biologically produced substance known to man. Therefore, the FDA has restricted the amount of aflatoxin in maize for human consumption to 20 ppb (ng/g). An estimated $225 million are lost each year in the United States due to aflatoxin contamination in maize crops alone. Agriculture is a vital part of Mississippi’s economy, and maize is one of its …

Platelet-Cancer Cell Interactions: Insights From The Canine Model, Shauna Ashtin Fuhrmann

Theses and Dissertations

Animal models have been recognized for the valuable roles they serve in both animal and human medicine. Dogs share many of the same naturally occurring tumors as humans including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and mammary tumors. In addition, dogs share the same environment as humans, have a shorter lifespan, and often have a quicker progression of disease, making them an attractive model of human disease. Platelets are small anucleate cell fragments that have essential roles in hemostasis, angiogenesis, and wound healing, and, more recently recognized, roles in development, survival, growth, and metastasis of various cancers. Their roles in angiogenesis has proven to …

The Politics Of The “Ideal Home” In Colonial Korea, Jeongwon Yoon

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the emergence and evolution of the concept of the “Ideal Home” in colonial Korea (1910–1945). In particular, I show that the newly appeared instruments including expositions, department stores and mass media enabled political power to disseminate the concept of the ideal home that homogenized people’s lifestyle. In the first chapter, I argue that the Home Exposition in 1915 was a political event that the state displayed a model of private spaces in public, and thereby attempting to induce people to behave productively in their home. In the second chapter, I demonstrate that department stores in the capital …

Ecuador’S Legal Authorities Target Practitioners Of Indigenous Justice, Luis ÁNgel Saavedra

NotiSur

No abstract provided.

Emerging Issues: New Uses, Whether Threat Or Chance, What Is The Current And Appropriate Legal Treatment?, Qadir Qeidary

Oklahoma Journal of Law and Technology

Legal status of the new detected uses for old patents as an independent invention is a problematic issue that gives rise to basic legal challenges regarding patent's promotion standards of protection, in particular the prolongation of the patent monopoly's term. International instruments, uncertainties, and a variety of treatments within different national and regional jurisdictions have increased the complexities of patentability of new uses. These uncertainties, especially in Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), the most important covenant on commercial aspects of intellectual properties toward new uses, have resulted in dividing various jurisdictions into contradictory of both …

Virtus Without Telos: The Ethics Of Vulnerability In Early Modern England, Holly A. Crocker

Criticism

Review of The Pain of Reformation: Spenser, Vulnerability, and the Ethics of Masculinity by Joseph Campana. New York: Fordham University Press, 2012. Pp. 296. $55.00 cloth.

Enhancement Of Nutrient Transport And Energy Production Of The Intervertebral Disc By The Implantation Of Polyurethane Mass Transfer Device, Yu-Fu Wang

Open Access Dissertations

Low back pain is a common problem that most people experience at some point in their life. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has been considered closely associated with low back pain. Since the IVD is the largest avascular tissue in the human body, insufficient nutrient supply has been suggested to be one of the etiologies for IVD degeneration. Therefore, enhancing the nutrient transport into the IVD could be a potential treatment strategy for disc degeneration. Mass transfer devices have been used for the purpose of drug delivery and hemodialysis, and similar concept could be applied to the IVD. A porous material …

Transcription Of The Virus-Like Agent Responsible For Carcinogenesis In Bicolor Damselfish, Jazmine S. Pritchett

Open Access Theses

Damselfish Neurofibromatosis (DNF) is a naturally occurring cancer that affects Bicolor Damselfish (Stegastes partitus) located on South Florida reefs. Damselfish Neurofibromatosis is characterized by tumor development within the pigmented cells of the skin (chromatophoromas) as well as Schwann cells (neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors). Damselfish Neurofibromatosis has been shown to be caused by a virus-like agent with a 2.4 kb DNA genome named the Damselfish Virus-like Agent (DVLA). Studies of DVLA have shown that this DNA is located and replicates within the mitochondria of infected cells. Five RNAs are transcribed from the DVLA genome but the …

Exploratory Study On The Role Of Phycotoxins In Dinoflagellates, Entesar B. A. E. S. Alrubaiaan

Open Access Theses

Phycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by dinoflagellates and other algae. Despite their notorious role in neurotoxicity to higher trophic level species, it is still unknown why algae produce phycotoxins. This study reviewed the available literature, that forms our current knowledge on the potential ecological roles of phycotoxins. It also experimentally examined three untested hypotheses. First, the role of phycotoxins in chemical defense against bacteria was tested. The second hypothesis examined the role of toxins in dissipating excess energy from intense light. Lastly, the role of toxins in alleviating copper toxicity was tested. Two bloom-forming toxic dinoflagellates (Alexandrium catenella a …

Long-Term And Ontogenetic Patterns Of Heavy Metal Contamination In Lake Baikal Seals (Pusa Sibirica), Ted Ozersky, Mikhail V. Pastukhov, Amanda E. Poste, Xiu Y. Deng, Marianne V. Moore

Faculty Research and Scholarship

Little is known about the history of heavy metal pollution of Russia’s Lake Baikal, one of the world’s largest lakes and a home to numerous endemic species, including the Baikal Seal, Pusa sibirica. We investigated the history of heavy metal (V, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Tl, Pb, U) pollution in Lake Baikal seals over the past 8 decades. C and N stable isotope analysis (SIA) and laser-ablation ICP-MS of seal teeth were used to examine changes in feeding ecology, heavy metal levels associated with life history events and long-term variation in metal exposure. SIA did not suggest large changes …

Comparative Genomics Of Two Super-Shedder Isolates Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7, Robab Katani, Rebecca Cote, Indira T. Kudva, Chitrita Debroy, Terrance M. Arthur, Vivek Kapur

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens and of major public health concern that cause considerable intestinal and extra-intestinal illnesses in humans. O157 colonize the recto-anal junction (RAJ) of asymptomatic cattle who shed the bacterium into the environment through fecal matter. A small subset of cattle, termed super-shedders (SS), excrete O157 at a rate (104 CFU/g of feces) that is several orders of magnitude greater than other colonized cattle and play a major role in the prevalence and transmission of O157. To better understand microbial factors contributing to super-shedding we have recently sequenced two SS isolates, SS17 …

Cross-Species Transmission Potential Between Wild Pigs, Livestock, Poultry, Wildlife, And Humans: Implications For Disease Risk Management In North America, Ryan S. Miller, Steven Sweeney, Chris Slootmaker, Daniel A. Grear, Paul A. Di Salvo, Deborah Kiser, Stephanie A. Shwiff

Zoonotics and Wildlife Disease: Publications

Cross-species disease transmission between wildlife, domestic animals and humans is an increasing threat to public and veterinary health. Wild pigs are increasingly a potential veterinary and public health threat. Here we investigate 84 pathogens and the host species most at risk for transmission with wild pigs using a network approach. We assess the risk to agricultural and human health by evaluating the status of these pathogens and the co-occurrence of wild pigs, agriculture and humans. We identified 34 (87%) OIE listed swine pathogens that cause clinical disease in livestock, poultry, wildlife, and humans. On average 73% of bacterial, 39% of …

Abl Kinase Regulation By Braf/Erk And Cooperation With Akt In Melanoma, Aditi Jain, Rakshamani Tripathi, Courtney P. Turpin, Chi Wang, Rina Plattner

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

The melanoma incidence continues to increase, and the disease remains incurable for many due to its metastatic nature and high rate of therapeutic resistance. In particular, melanomas harboring BRAF^V600E and PTEN mutations often are resistant to current therapies, including BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Abl kinases (Abl/Arg) are activated in melanomas and drive progression; however, their mechanism of activation has not been established. Here we elucidate a novel link between BRAF^V600E/ERK signaling and Abl kinases. We demonstrate that BRAF^V600E/ERK play a critical role in binding, phosphorylating and regulating Abl localization and Abl/Arg activation …

Issues In Urban Trip Generation, Kristina Marie Currans

Dissertations and Theses

In the 1976, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) compiled their first Handbook of guidelines and methods for evaluating development-level transportation impacts, specifically vehicular impacts (Institute of Transportation Engineers 1976). Decades later, these methods--essentially the same as when they were originally conceived--are used ubiquitously across the US and Canada. Only recently, with the guidelines in its third edition of the ITE's Trip Generation Handbook (Institute of Transportation Engineers 2014) new data and approaches have been adopted--despite substantial evidence that questions the accuracy of older data, automobile bias, and lack of sensitivity to urban contexts.

This dissertation contributes to this literature …

Students Share Findings From Wayne National Forest Internships, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

Reduced Immune Investment With Energy Stress: Evidence From A Mouse Model And Human Studies, Alaina L. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

During periods of energy stress, animals will prioritize and allocate energy from non-essential to essential tasks. Using a mouse model and published human data, we found that during periods of energy stress, energy is allocated away from immune function, and is prioritized for physical activity usage.

Sexual Dimorphism In The Femur And Pelvis Of Cebus Apella With A Randomization Experiment Examining Sample Size In The Fossil Record, Ryan P. Schaars

Theses and Dissertations

Measures of sexual dimorphism for six skeletal traits of the femur and pelvis of Cebus apella were calculated for 18 individuals to better understand primate skeletal dimorphism. A randomization experiment was also conducted on the measures of sexual dimorphism to examine sample size in the primate fossil record.

The Influence Of Phylogeny And Niche Differentiation On The Diets Of Malagasy Primates, Rebekka S. Hughes

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have shown that haplorhine diet is affected by phylogeny; however, until now studies in Malagasy strepsirrhines were lacking. The evolution of differences in Malagasy primates’ diets appears to differ from the pattern shown in haplorhines. My results indicate that niche differentiation may be a stronger predictor of diet.

Phylogenetic Affinities Of Homo Floresiensis Incorporating Postcranial Characters, Kristina M. Feeney

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this analysis is to generate hypotheses regarding the evolution and ancestry of Homo floresiensis. Building on the previous study by Argue et al. (2009) by including a much larger sample of postcranial data for a more integrated picture of primitive and derived features across the skeleton.

“On Soulless Feet We Cross The Floor...” The Illusion Of Control In Grim Fandango And Virtual Spaces, Christina Cicchetti

Theses and Dissertations

Even though users can choose what they do in virtual spaces, they are forced to operate within the confines of realms designed by the invisible authors of the game’s code. The illusion of choice blinds users to an assessment of the hidden structure supporting immersive virtual worlds.

Native And Exotic Street Trees: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis In New York City, Mariana Schroter

Theses and Dissertations

This study looks at the differences in the temporal distribution of urban street native and exotic trees in New York City from 1995 to 2015, attempting to answer the research question: Is there inequity in the distribution of tree population diversity or health, affected by socioeconomic and physical factors, when nested within origin?

Effects Of Fluoxetine On Social And Startle Behavior In The African Cichlid Astatotilapia Burtoni, Stephanie Shih

Theses and Dissertations

The commonly prescribed antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) is found in waste water and affects aquatic animals. Here we ask how social hierarchy and startle behavior in an African cichlid fish community is impacted by chronic fluoxetine exposure. Results indicate reduced aggression and startle rates, implying possible ecological consequences.

Feline Object Play: The Influence Of Catnip, Keri Detorres

Theses and Dissertations

Catnip triggers a unique olfactory response and results in a play-like activity in felines. This invoked response appears similar to, but more exaggerated and intense, than regular play. The play behavior of 24 cats with two identical toys, one of which was infused with catnip, was compared.

Methamphetamine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference In Adolescent Male And Female Mice Of Two Strains, Andre Bevil Toussaint

Theses and Dissertations

We used a conditioned place preference paradigm to test the rewarding effects of methamphetamine (1mg/kg) in adolescent male and female mice of two strains. We found that methamphetamine induced conditioned place preference in female C57Bl/6 and male 129/SvEv mice, but not female 129/SvEv or male C57Bl/6 mice.

Effects Of Aging And Dietary Phytoestrogens On Sperm Production In Sprague Dawley Rats, Brian Cutler

Masters Theses

Estrogens, in addition to testosterone, are physiologically relevant to normal sperm production in the testis and sperm maturation in the epididymis. Previous studies from our lab demonstrated that daily sperm production declines from 15 to 18 months of age in Sprague Dawley rats, and treatment with estrogen during this period attenuated the age-associated decline. Phytoestrogens are present in standard rodent diets at high levels (350-650 mg/kg) and may be potential endocrine disruptors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of removing dietary phytoestrogens during aging on sperm production. Retired breeder Sprague Dawley rats were obtained at 9 …