Digital Commons Network^™

Redefining The Standard: Who Can Be A Person Legally Responsible For The Care Of A Child Under The Family Court Act?, Alexsis Gordon

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Emerging American Police State: The Problem Is Not With The Police, But Higher Up, William E. Nelson

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.

Boys Will Be Girls, And Girls Will Be Boys: Urging The Supreme Court To Recognize A Transgender Student's Right To Use The Appropriate Facilities In A Federally Funded School, Dianna Felberbaum

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.

Associate Editors

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.

Inventory Of Wildlife Use Of Mortality Pits As Feeding Sites: Implications Of Pathogen Exposure, Jeremy W. Ellis, Susan A. Shriner, Hailey E. Mclean, Lauren Petersen, J. Jeffrey Root

Human–Wildlife Interactions

To better understand the use of mortality pits by wildlife and possible pathogen dissemination from the resulting wildlife contact in these areas, we used 8 camera traps on 4 mortality pits in Colorado from June to December 2014 to create a species inventory and establish use estimates for those species. We observed 43 species visiting (in or near) the mortality pits during 1,168 total camera trap days. Of these, 24 species directly interacted with the mortality pits or carcasses contained within them. The most common visitors to mortality pits were raccoons (Procyon lotor), coyotes (Canis latrans), domestic dogs (Canis lupus …

Best Management Practices In Counting Urban Black Bears, Jonathan L. Fusaro, Mary M. Conner, Michael R. Conover, Timothy J. Taylor, Marc W. Kenyon Jr.

Human–Wildlife Interactions

DNA-based capture-mark-recapture (CMR) techniques are commonly used to obtain population parameters of black bears (Ursus americanus) in rural and wildland landscapes; however, these techniques have not been implemented in urban clusters (i.e., 2,500 to 50,000 residents). Black bears can readily habituate to urban clusters, and wildlife managers need to monitor and manage these urban bear populations. We modified DNAbased CMR for black bear using hair-snares to take into account the small home ranges of urban bears, urban bear behavior, and human safety within Mammoth Lakes, California, USA. We conducted this study for 3 fi eld seasons in 2010, 2011, and …

Biochemical Characterization Of The Release Of Fak Autoinhibition, Jessica E. Hall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Focal adhesion kinase is an essential nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in development, in homeostasis and in the progression of human disease. Multiple stimuli activate FAK, which requires a change in structure from an autoinhibited to activated conformation. In the autoinhibited conformation the FERM domain associates with the catalytic domain of FAK and PI(4,5)P2 binding to the FERM domain plays a role in the release of autoinhibition, activating the enzyme. This work aims to better characterize the residues involved in the release of the autoinhibitory conformation. The first aim was to characterize the effects of point mutations …

The Nad+-Dependent Histone Deacetylase Sirtuin-2 Is Upregulated During Myogenesis And Promotes The Differentiation Of C2c12 Myoblasts, David A. Stanton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The postnatal growth and regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle rely on the successful activation and differentiation of muscle stem cells known as satellite cells. Although the NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-2 (Sirt2) has been suggested to have a role as a redox sensor during myogenesis, and in the regulation of metabolism, microtubule dynamics, and exit from the cell cycle exit, it is not known if Sirt2 has a regulatory role in muscle stem cell differentiation. This study aimed to elucidate the regulation of Sirt2 during the myogenic program of muscle satellite cells. The C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line was used to …

Salmonid Response To Habitat Restoration In A High-Elevation West Virginia Watershed, Cory T. Trego

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis have experienced significant population declines throughout much of their native range, largely due to habitat loss. Increasing effort has been put toward restoring and preserving existing brook trout habitat in the face of continued loss under uncertain future conditions (e.g., climate change). We conducted a study designed to analyze both macroscale (i.e. at channel unit level) and microscale (i.e. within individual pools) habitat use in the context of stream restoration by brook trout and two competing nonnative salmonid species: brown trout Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. First we conducted a before-after-control-impact assessment of a …

Investigating Stress Response Across Integrated Biological Systems, Alice A. Han

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The impact that a stressor has on a living system, whether it is on a cellular, organ, or even a whole organism level, can affect the overall health of the system. Monitoring the biochemical response resulting from a stressful experience offers insight into the numerous potential outcomes ranging on the spectrum of survival and death. Accessing this information not only provides a heightened understanding of the biochemical adaptions that occur, but also allows for the development of prediction models (to assess prospective influences of the stressor) or potential therapeutic treatments (to alleviate adverse effects) using measurable, quantifiable, and comparable metrics. …

12 Angry Men V. The Agency: Why Preemption Should Resolve This Conflict In Drug Labeling Litigation, Michelle L. Richards

Marquette Law Review

The Supreme Court has found in favor of preemption in tort liability cases involving matters of heavy federal regulation in which Congress has delegated implementation of a statute involving technical subject matter to the agency. It has not been the case, however, in matters concerning the labeling of prescription drugs, despite the fact that the FDA has exclusively regulated drug labeling for more than a century. In fact, the current state of affairs now allows a jury to substitute the judgment of the FDA in approving a label on a name-brand drug for their own in state law failure to …

Diatom Teratologies As Biomarkers Of Contamination: Are All Deformities Ecologically Meaningful?, Isabelle Lavoie, Paul B. Hamilton, Soizic Morin, Sandra Kim Tiam, Maria Kahlert, Sara Gonçalves, Elisa Falasco, Claude Fortin, Brigitte Gontero, David Heudre, Mila Kojadinovic-Sirinelli, Kalina Manoylov, Lalit K. Pandey, Jonathan C. Taylor

Faculty and Staff Works

Contaminant-related stress on aquatic biota is difficult to assess when lethal impacts are not observed. Diatoms, by displaying deformities (teratologies) in their valves, have the potential to reflect sub-lethal responses to environmental stressors such as metals and organic compounds. For this reason, there is great interest in using diatom morphological aberrations in biomonitoring. However, the detection and mostly the quantification of teratologies is still a challenge; not all studies have succeeded in showing a relationship between the proportion of abnormal valves and contamination level along a gradient of exposure. This limitation in part reflects the loss of ecological information from …

The Effects Of Oral Curcumin And Bioperine Supplementation On C - Reactive Protein In Crossfit Athletes, Bailey Franzen, Cassandra Greenawalt, Sloan Vlahos

Loma Linda University Research Reports

PURPOSE. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase inflammatory marker which circulates in blood plasma and rises in the presence of systemic inflammation. Strenuous exercise, such as that performed by CrossFit athletes, has been found to acutely raise CRP levels. Curcumin has demonstrated the ability to reduce CRP levels by blunting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines secondary to the suppression of the NF- κB pathway. Concomitant graduate research administration of bioperine with curcumin improves bioavailability by 2,000%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral curcumin and bioperine supplementation on CRP levels in CrossFit athletes. METHODS. Sixteen …

Using Thermal Infrared Imagery To Estimate Soil Hydraulic Parameters: A Novel Approach, Matthew B. Thomas

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

In this study, skin temperature measured with a thermal infrared (TIR) camera was used to estimate soil hydraulic parameters. These physical properties that control how soils transport and retain water are notoriously difficult to measure in the field due to spatial variability. Laboratory experiments were set up to record surface skin temperature response in a clean soil column using a TIR camera after an artificial wetting event. An array of thermocouples, a net radiometer, heat flux sensor and weather station were used to constrain the TIR data and the energy budget during the experiment. The soil column surface was then …

A Critical Approach To Rap Music, Kristen Porterfield

Senior Honors Theses

People have used music to tell stories and share ideas for ages, making it an influential means of communication (Delaney, 2007). Rap music in particular came on the scenes in the late twentieth century in New York and continues to be a popular form of expression into the 21^st century (Blanchard, 1999). However, many remain divided on whether rap music should have a place in society. Some claim rap is harmful and promoting of violent lifestyles (Richardson & Scott, 2002). Others, however, believe rap is useful in education and counseling settings for promoting discussion about life choices (Silvera, 2015). …

A Ph Dependant Switch In Dhp Oxidation Mechanism, Travis Fehr

Senior Honors Theses

Dehaloperoxidase (DHP) is a multifunctional enzyme found in Amphitrite ornata, a sediment-dwelling marine worm. This enzyme possess the structure of a traditional hemoglobin enzyme and serves as the primary oxygen carrier in A. ornata; however, it also possesses peroxidase and peroxygenase capabilities. These secondary oxidative functions provide a remarkable ability for A. ornata to resist the effects of toxic metabolites secreted by other organisms that cohabit its benthic ecosystem. This study will analyze the novel catalytic switching between peroxygenase and peroxidase oxidation mechanisms employed by DHP in response to pH changes.

Chapter 16 - Birds, Janice M. Glime

Bryophyte Ecology Volume 2: Bryological Interaction

Explore the contents of Bryophyte Ecology, Volume 2, Chapter 16 - Birds by clicking the links above. For the Contents section of this ebook, as well as Volumes 1 through 5, please visit the Bryophyte Ecology Main Page.

Ebook sponsored by Michigan Technological University and the International Association of Bryologists.

Chapter 12 - Terrestrial Insects, Janice M. Glime

Bryophyte Ecology Volume 2: Bryological Interaction

Bryophyte Ecology, Volume 2, Chapter 12 - Terrestrial Insects is coming soon. For the Contents section of this ebook, as well as Volumes 1 through 5, please visit the Bryophyte Ecology Main Page.

Ebook sponsored by Michigan Technological University and the International Association of Bryologists.

Synthesis And Mao Inhibitory Activity Of Novel Thiazole-Hydrazones, Özlem Atli, Yusuf Özkay

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

A series of new thiazole-hydrazones 3a-3n were synthesized, characterized, and screened for their $h$MAO-A and $h$MAO-B inhibitory activity by an in vitro fluorometric method. Selectivity indexes (SIs) were expressed as IC$_{50}$ (MAO-A) / IC$_{50}$ (MAO-B). Compound 3f showed promising $h$MAO-A inhibition with an IC$_{50}$ value of 1.20 $\mu $M and displayed a very significant SI of 0.04 towards $h$MAO-A. The mechanism of $h$MAO-A inhibition was investigated by enzyme kinetics using Lineweaver--Burk graphics. Compound 3f was further screened for its cytotoxicity by using a healthy NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line (ATCC CRL1658) and was evaluated as nontoxic at its effective …

Role Of Blueberry In Pancreatic Β-Cells, Weixiang Liu

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

“We are what we eat.” Imbalanced diet is a major reason for obesity and consequently type-2 diabetes. A healthy and attractive diet is key to the control and prevention of obesity and type-2 diabetes. Among many fruit products, blueberry is rich in bioactive substances and possesses powerful antioxidant potential, which can protect against oxidant-induced and inflammatory cell damage and cytotoxicity. Blueberry has been found to improve insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose, and thus reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, whether blueberry affects β-cell function and growth were not fully evaluated.

To study the effect of the …

Design Of Robust Hydrogel Based On Mussel-Inspired Chemistry, Yuan Liu

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The structure of catechol is found in mussel adhesive proteins and contributed to both wet-resistant adhesion and cohesive curing of these proteins. A synthetic nano-silicate, Laponite was incorporated into catechol-containing hydrogels and the hydrogel network-bound catechol formed strong reversible interfacial interaction with Laponite. The contribution of incorporated catechol-Laponite reversible interfacial interactions to the mechanics of hydrogels constructed by different strategies was studied. In the first strategy, Laponite and catechol were introduced into the double network hydrogel (DN) via the free radical co-polymerization of a catechol-containing monomer, backbone monomer, and crosslinker. The introduction of catechol-Laponite interactions significantly improved the compressive strength …

Estimating Fish Habitat Selection And Monitoring Stream Habitat Quality Requires More Than Simply Counting Fish, Tony Matthys

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Identifying techniques to more easily monitor, assess and manipulate habitat quality will improve the assessment of habitat restoration and the management of native fish species. We utilized a relatively novel tool the Sand Wand^TM (Streamside Environmental, Findley,Ohio) to manipulate stream substrates by removing sand We found that this technique can reduce the proportion of sand in the substrate. We observed a 34% reduction in the area of the streambed covered by sand and a decrease from 44% fine sediment within the streambed matrix before the manipulation to 20% post restoration (Chapter 1). In rivers that are heavily aggraded by …

Using Remote Site Incubators For Re-Introduction Of Arctic Graylng (Thymallus Arcticus) To The Big Manistee Watershed, Sunflower Wilson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Remote Site Incubators (RSIs) were developed for the incubation of salmonid eggs directly at a field site to enhance success and imprinting of young. These have been employed in the re-establishment of Arctic Grayling in Montana and are being laboratory tested for possible reintroduction of this species in the Big Manistee River, MI. Arctic Grayling, Rainbow and Brook Trout eggs, obtained from state hatcheries, were reared in a laboratory using flow through lake water to assess egg and fry survival using RSIs. Dead eggs and fry were removed daily and observations of developmental stages recorded. Rainbow Trout eggs were evaluated …

Control Of A Powered Ankle-Foot Prosthesis: From Perception To Impedance Modulation, Guilherme Aramizo Ribeiro

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Active ankle prostheses controllers are demonstrating gaining smart features to improve the safety and comfort offor users. The perception of user intention to modulate the ankle dynamics is a well-known example of such feature. But not much work focused on the perception of the environment, nor how the environment should be included in the mechanical design and control of the prosthesisprostheses. The proposed work aims to improve the feasibility of integrate the environment perception integration intoto the prostheses controllersler, and to define the desired ankle dynamics, as mechanical impedance, duringof the human walk on different environmental settings. As a preliminary …

Portulaca Oleracea Extract Can Inhibit Nodule Formation Of Colon Cancer Stem Cells By Regulating Gene Expression Of Notch Signal Transduction Pathway, Li Chen

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Portulaca oleracea extract on tumor formation in colon cancer stem cells and chemotherapy sensitivity. In addition, this study analyzed the genetic changes within the Notch signal transduction pathway associated with the effects of the extracts. Serum-free cultures of colon cancer cells (HT-29) and HT-29 stem cells were treated with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-FU to assess sensitivity. Injections of the stem cells were also given to BALB/c mice to confirm tumor growth and characteristics. In addition, the effect of different concentrations of P. oleracea extract was tested on the …

Co-Occurrence Of Nitrogen Fixation And Denitrification Across A Stream Nitrogen Gradient In A Western Watershed, Erin K. Eberhard

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

It is frequently assumed that N₂ fixation and denitrification do not co-occur in streams because each process should be favored under different concentrations of reactive nitrogen. Yet, both N₂ fixation and denitrification have been found to co-occur in marine and coastal ecosystems despite their differences in nitrogen requirements, and we cannot evaluate this assumption for streams because both processes are rarely quantified together. We asked if these processes could co-exist by measuring rates of N₂ fixation using acetylene reduction, denitrification using acetylene block, and N₂ flux using membrane inlet mass spectrometry on rocks and sediment in …

Investigating Mirna Functions In Arabidopsis By Short Tandem Target Mimic (Sttm), Yiyou Gu

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

MicroRNA (miRNAs) and other endogenous small RNAs play important role in regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. Till now, several techniques have been developed for miRNA function analysis. Because of the characteristic of miRNAs, the most applicable method for miRNA function research is blocking the whole miRNA family specifically. Here, we report an artificial non-coding transcript termed Short Tandem Target Mimic (STTM) for blocking miRNA activity in Arabidopsis thaliana. The STTM composed of two miRNA target sites with three nucleotides bulge in the miRNA cleavage site, the two-miRNA targets separated by spacer linker. We used this technique blocking several important endogenous …

Heterologous Expression And Purification Of Full-Length Human Polybromo-1 Protein, Sarah Hopson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Over the past decade, it has become apparent that the human polybromo-1 protein (BAF180) has a critical role in cancer. BAF180 is known to be a driver mutation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, where it has been found to be mutated in approximately 40% of cases. Mutations have also been found in several other cancers, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and epithelioid sarcomas. BAF180 is the chromatin targeting subunit of the PBAF (Polybromo-associated BRG1-associated factor) chromatin remodeling complex, a role facilitated by its nine domains: six bromodomains, which recognize and bind to acetylated lysines on histones; two BAH (bromo-adjacent homology) domains, …

Assessing Assessments: A Comparative Study Of Three Assessments Of Inquiry Skills In Tenth Grade High School Biology Students, Heather K. Murphy

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Inquiry is an educational technique where students develop scientific knowledge and understanding through processes similar to those used by scientist. One of the obstacles to implementing the techniques is the need for teachers to self-evaluate their teaching and determine the effectiveness of inquiry-based teaching techniques with respect to developing higher-order thinking (HOT) skills in students. Feedback from an assessment permits teachers to adjust their curriculum to incorporate the most effective inquiry-base lessons.

This report considers three short assessments of inquiry that were modified for use in the high school biology classroom. First there three assessments were compared against one another …

Social, Economic, And Technical Feasibility Of Ablution Gray Water Reuse In Tong, Ghana, Adrienne Masterton

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Water insecurity is a constant stressor for millions of people around the globe. The potential of gray water as an alternative water source has gained increasing attention in the literature. In water-scarce Muslim communities, the practice of ablution – the rinsing of the face, hands, and feet before prayer – offers a unique opportunity for gray water reuse.

This report investigates the feasibility of treating and reusing ablution gray water (AGW) with respect to religious acceptability, economic measures, and physical parameters in Tong, a rural community of Muslim subsistence farmers in northern Ghana. Investigatory tools included: household water use surveys, …