Digital Commons Network^™

Amending Phb With Algal Biomass To Enhance Biodegradability, Amanda Stoudt, Celeste Hancock, Shawni Bastian, Charles Miller

Biological Engineering

Pollution of the world’s oceans has been taking place for over three centuries and is a growing problem all over the world. At least 60% of this pollution is made of petroleum-based plastic [1]. Plastic takes hundreds of years to degrade and, as a result, causes a number of environmental problems, including:

1. the death of marine mammals and sea birds

2. the release of toxic chemicals

3. disruption of the marine food web

To help reduce the amount of plastic that enters the oceans, scientists and engineers have started to develop biodegradable plastic alternatives. Many of these plastic alternatives …

Facilitation Of Microfluidic Channeling To Generate Concentration Gradients For Cellular Culture, Ryan Hatch, Tanner Hunt, Steven Rupp, Hyrum Wendel

Biological Engineering

This project aims to utilize the advantages of a microfluidic system to generate a testing apparatus that can be used in drug trials to observe the effects of different concentrations of nutrients or drugs on cell growth. With this proposed device drug research companies can save time, materials and money during the research and development phase. Critical aspects of the project include three areas: simulation, fabrication, and validation. This project is supported by GE Healthcare and is a continuation of a senior design project completed in the 2015 school year. By utilizing the COMSOL modeling software to simulate the microfluidic …

Measuring The Effects Of High-Altitude Flight And Upper Atmospheric Radiation On Muscle Cells, Lori M. Caldwell, Annelise Dykes, Katherine Glaittli, Charles Harding

Biological Engineering

As longer space missions become more desirable to public and private institutions, the physiological impact on astronauts must be considered. One of the primary concerns for those spending time in low-gravity environments is the eventual loss of muscle tissue due to atrophy, because a decreased force pulling on muscle fibers leads to marked atrophy in as little as nine days¹ (Fig. 1). This debilitating loss of muscle makes it difficult for homeward-bound astronauts, who are returning to full gravity, to regain their physical strength.

Non-Invasive, Inductive Electrodes For Application In Brain Computer Interfaces, Colin Ecsedy, Justin Marriott, Andrew Parker

Biological Engineering

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) have proved to be a major factor in facilitating motor recovery, recovery of hearing and vision loss, and other debilitating conditions and diseases (Nicolas-Alonso, 2012). This is accomplished by measuring neurological signals and interpreting that information into a desired action. The most common method of sensing neurological activity for BCI is by either surface or implanted electrodes that are either prone to unreliability or are dangerously invasive (Alpert, 2008). Part of this unreliability is based on the low specificity of the electrode method, requiring many pairs of electrodes to accurately detect signals in a particular area. By …

Optimization Of (2s)-Naringenin Production In Escherichia Coli, Logan Sherman, Zach Thomas, Cameron Zabriskie

Biological Engineering

Flavonoids, which are naturally occurring in plants, are known for their many health-promoting properties¹. These compounds have many applications for treatment of various health complications, but current processing limits their availability². Research in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering has been combined to make flavonoids easier to obtain by growing them in microorganisms³. Naringenin has been of particular interest in production because it is a precursor to many other flavonoid compounds⁴. While much research has been done on ways to optimize the production of naringenin from the amino acid L-tyrosine, a pathway has …

Optimized Bioproduction Of Resveratrol Using Genetically Modified Escherichia Coli, Scott Draper, Daniel Erickson, Brian Hoffmann

Biological Engineering

Resveratrol is a phenylpropanoid with many promising health benefits as an antioxidant (1). It is produced naturally in various plant species such as grapes, peanuts, and some berries.

The production of resveratrol through plants can be a long and expensive process (2). Producing resveratrol via microorganisms could be a way to eliminate these problems and thereby lower the cost (3,4). E. coli can be used to produce this compound in several hours, compared to several months of growing plants.

This project includes the analysis of several major growth parameters in E. coli that were designed and tested to achieve the …

Oxygen-Controlled Growth Chamber For Hypoxic Study, Dallon Durfey, Jared Theurer, Justus Clark

Biological Engineering

The purpose is to design a product that will allow researchers to more effectively and efficiently research the effects of low oxygen conditions on cell growth. The effects of hypoxic conditions on cell growth are studied in the research of Dr. Elizabeth Vargis at Utah State University. The process for this type of research has been practical and non-quantitative. Hypoxic conditions were introduced by simply closing the flask tightly with the included lid. The effects of cell growth were noted when the cap was closed, however, there were no quantifiable data to demonstrate oxygen concentrations over time. With the introduction …

Pairing Of Anaerobic And Aerobic Treatment Of Petroleum Wastewater, Zachary Fica, Alan Hodges, Jessica Vandarlin, Jordan Wanlass

Biological Engineering

Develop a novel treatment strategy for petroleum wastewater that meets the following State of Utah effluent guidelines:

• 25 mg/L BOD (38 mg/L COD)

• 25 mg/L TSS

Secondary objectives would include, but are not limited to:

• Reduction of nitrogen to at or below 10 mg/L

• Reduction of phosphorus to at or below 1 mg/L

• Production of value-added products

Synthesizing Microcarriers As A Platform For The Pharmaceutical Delivery Of Quercetin For Antiviral Applications, Taylor Eggertsen, Arther Hart, William Johnson

Biological Engineering

This project aims to increase quercetin bioavailability and antiviral activity against cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is the leading viral cause of birth defects in the U.S. Ganciclovir, the current treatment for CMV infection, exhibits cytotoxicity in pregnant women and other immunocompromised populations. Quercetin is a naturally derived compound with antioxidant, anti-cancer, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits anti-CMV activity (Cotin, 2012). Low solubility and rapid metabolic breakdown result in low bioavailability, however (Thilakarathna, 2013). Pluronic-F127 capped poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and chitosan-capped alginate microbeads are investigated as microcarriers to provide time-release antiviral treatment for congenital CMV. Quercetin, PLGA, chitosan, alginate, and Pluronic …

Marine Mammal Tracks From Two-Hydrophone Acoustic Recordings Made With A Glider, Elizabeth T. Küsel, Tessa Munoz, Martin Siderius, David K. Mellinger, Sara L. Heimlich

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A multinational oceanographic and acoustic sea experiment was carried out in the summer of 2014 off the western coast of the island of Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea. During this experiment, an underwater glider fitted with two hydrophones was evaluated as a potential tool for marine mammal population density estimation studies. An acoustic recording system was also tested, comprising an inexpensive, off-the-shelf digital recorder installed inside the glider. Detection and classification of sounds produced by whales and dolphins, and sometimes tracking and localization, are inherent components of population density estimation from passive acoustics recordings. In this work we discuss the equipment used …

Racial I(Nter)Dentification: The Racialization Of Maternal Health Through The Oportunidades Program And In Government Clinics In México, Rosalynn A. Vega

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Using an ethnographic approach, this article examines the role of racialization in health-disease-care processes specifically within the realm of maternal health. It considers the experiences of health care administrators and providers, indigenous midwives and mothers, and recipients of conditional cash transfers through the Oportunidades program in Mexico. By detailing the delivery of trainings of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) [Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social ] for indigenous midwives and Oportunidades workshops to indigenous stipend recipients, the article critiques the deployment of “interculturality” in ways that inadvertently re-inscribe inequality. The concept of racial i(nter)dentification is offered as a way of …

Exploring Strategies Microenterprise Owners Use To Succeed In Business Beyond 2 Years, Dr. Tamika Ebony Haynes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, microenterprises, critical segment of the small business population, accounts for 110 million small businesses that source new jobs. Despite the increase in the number of created businesses in the U.S., more than 70% of microenterprise business owners are unsuccessful after 2 years. The multiple case study included 6 participants living in Houston, Texas, and intended to explore business strategies microenterprise event management owners used to succeed in business beyond 2 years. The conceptual framework that grounded the study was the 5-stage small business growth model and the 5-stage of the evolution of entrepreneurship theory. The data …

Elementary Teachers' Perceptions Of Mathematics Instruction In Montessori And Traditional Classrooms, Linda Kofa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Students in grades 3 and 4 attending a traditional public elementary school in a northeastern state did not meet proficiency levels in mathematics as measured by the state's assessment system. Published reports indicated that students attending the Montessori programs were more proficient in solving math problems compared to students in traditional schools. However, researchers had not compared Montessori and traditional teachers' perceptions of teaching elementary mathematics. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of traditional and Montessori teachers regarding teaching basic problem solving skills in mathematics. Koehler and Grouws' model provided the theoretical framework. …

Exploring Strategies For Early Identification Of Risks In Information Technology Projects, Nina Michele Mack-Cain

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Project managers must ensure risk management and business justification for their projects. Approximately, 53% of IT projects failed due to project managers not identifying risks early in the projects' lifecycle. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies IT project managers utilize to identify risks early in the project's lifecycle. The study population consisted of 5 lead IT project managers from a telecom company located in the Midwest region of the United States who had managed IT projects. The conceptual framework that grounded this study was the general systems theory. The data collection process involved semistructured interviews, …

Internal Controls Possessed By Small Business Owners, Stephanie Weiss

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

On average, a small business could lose $150,000 a year due to employee fraud schemes. For most of the small businesses affected by employee fraud schemes, the average $150,000 loss could be detrimental to the small business, causing the business to close. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the internal controls small business owners apply to detect and prevent fraud from occurring in the business. The population for the study consisted of 3 small business owners located in Hartsville, South Carolina who implemented effective internal fraud controls in their business. The conceptual framework guiding the study …

"Kekerasan Itu Katarsis Dari Patriarki!": Resistensi Pada Kekerasan Terhadap Perempuan Dalam Praktik Gerakan Sosial Aliansi Laki-Laki Baru, Febi Rizki Ramadhan

Antropologi Indonesia

This research examines a movement of men’s participation towards the elimination of violence against women in Indonesia known as, Aliansi Laki-laki Baru (later refer as ALB). Using an ethnographic method, this research shows that ALB –as a social movement– could not be understood as a homogeneous and monolithic entity because of its diverse meanings of violence against women that are perceived by the participants. Furthermore, this research addresses the discourse productions as an act of resistance towards patriarchy and hegemonic masculinity. In this paper, I argue, patriarchy and hegemonic masculinity as the ideology of violence against women that are embodied …

Studies On The Floral Anatomy And Scent Chemistry Of Titan Arum(Amorphophallus Titanum, Araceae), Vijayasankar Raman, Nurhayat Tabanca, Betül Demi̇rci̇, Ikhlas Khan

Turkish Journal of Botany

Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.) Becc. ex Arcang., the titan arum, is popularly known for having the world's largest unbranched inflorescence. The enormous flower-like inflorescence is also called 'corpse flower' or 'carrion flower' due to the characteristic putrid odor of the bloom. The present study illustrates detailed anatomy and micromorphology of the inflorescence by light and scanning electron microscopy. Collenchyma was found to be the major tissue providing mechanical support in the spathe. The appendix consisted of a dense parenchymatous cortex enclosing a hollow center traversed by loose networks of aerenchyma. Anthocyanin pigments found in the epidermises and cortical tissues imparted a …

Regioselective Electrolytic 5,8-Difluorination Of Quinolines, Sean P. Spurlin

Honors College Theses

Over the past decade, synthesis of organofluorine compounds has become a mainstream research focus. The introduction of fluorine uniquely affects the biological properties of organic molecules such as making them more bioavailable, lipophilic and metabolically stable, and possibly increase the strength of a compound’s interactions with a target protein. Approximately 30% of agrochemicals and 20% of pharmaceuticals contain fluorine, including commonly prescribed drugs such as Lipitor, Lexapro and Prozac. This work describes the development of a new methodology to incorporate fluorine into organic compounds. Our new method involves a regioselective electrochemical 5,8-difluorination of quinolines using HF:pyridine as both the reagent …

Faculty Senate Minutes-2017

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Pilot Whale Vocalization Activity Using Hidden Markov Models, Valentin Popov, Roland Langrock, Stacy L. Deruiter, Fleur Visser

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Vocalizations of cetaceans form a key component of their social interactions. Such vocalization activity is driven by the behavioral states of the whales, which are not directly observable, so that latent-state models are natural candidates for modeling empirical data on vocalizations. In this paper, hidden Markov models are used to analyze calling activity of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) recorded over three years in the Vestfjord basin off Lofoten, Norway. Baseline models are used to motivate the use of three states, while more complex models are fit to study the influence of covariates on the state-switching dynamics. The analysis demonstrates …

Exercising Inclusion: A Case Study Exploring A Fitness Center Staff's Approach Toward Serving Clients With Disabilities, Joshua R. Pate, Julie Wallace Carr

Global Sport Business Journal

Nearly twice the number of U.S. adults with disabilities are inactive compared to U.S. adults without disabilities, and prior research has identified multiple barriers that prevent people with disabilities from exercising at fitness centers. The purpose of this case study was to explore the inclusion qualities present at a health and fitness center through the functional dimension of service quality and by using systems theory as a framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five employees at a fitness center, and a researcher participating in a progressive exercise program journaled about the experience. Analysis revealed that the fitness center served people …

Visualization Of Molecular Structures Using Hololens-Based Augmented Reality., M A Hoffman, J B Provance

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Biological molecules and biologically active small molecules are complex three dimensional structures. Current flat screen monitors are limited in their ability to convey the full three dimensional characteristics of these molecules. Augmented reality devices, including the Microsoft HoloLens, offer an immersive platform to change how we interact with molecular visualizations. We describe a process to incorporate the three dimensional structures of small molecules and complex proteins into the Microsoft HoloLens using aspirin and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) as examples. Small molecular structures can be introduced into the HoloStudio application, which provides native support for rotating, resizing and performing other …

Biochemical And Biophysical Methods For Analysis Of Poly(Adp-Ribose) Polymerase 1 And Its Interactions With Chromatin., Maggie H. Chassé, Uma M. Muthurajan, Nicholas J. Clark, Michael A. Kramer, Srinivas Chakravarthy, Thomas Irving, Karolin Luger

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase I (PARP-1) is a first responder to DNA damage and participates in the regulation of gene expression. The interaction of PARP-1 with chromatin and DNA is complex and involves at least two different modes of interaction. In its enzymatically inactive state, PARP-1 binds native chromatin with similar affinity as it binds free DNA ends. Automodification of PARP-1 affects interaction with chromatin and DNA to different extents. Here we describe a series of biochemical and biophysical techniques to quantify and dissect the different binding modes of PARP-1 with its various substrates. The techniques listed here allow for high …

International Consensus (Icon) On: Clinical Consequences Of Mite Hypersensitivity, A Global Problem., Mario Sánchez-Borges, Enrique Fernandez-Caldas, Wayne R. Thomas, Martin D. Chapman, Bee Wah Lee, Luis Caraballo, Nathalie Acevedo, Fook Tim Chew, Ignacio J. Ansotegui, Leili Behrooz, Wanda Phipatanakul, Roy Gerth Van Wijk, Demoly Pascal, Nelson Rosario, Motohiro Ebisawa, Mario Geller, Santiago Quirce, Susanne Vrtala, Rudolf Valenta, Markus Ollert, Giorgio Walter Canonica, Moises A. Calderón, Charles S. Barnes, Adnan Custovic, Suwat Benjaponpitak, Arnaldo Capriles-Hulett

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Since mite allergens are the most relevant inducers of allergic diseases worldwide, resulting in significant morbidity and increased burden on health services, the International Collaboration in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (iCAALL), formed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), and the World Allergy Organization (WAO), has proposed to issue an International Consensus (ICON) on the clinical consequences of mite hypersensitivity. The objectives of this document are to highlight aspects of mite biology that are clinically relevant, to update the …

Yap And The Hippo Pathway In Pediatric Cancer., Atif Ahmed, Abdalla D. Mohamed, Melissa Gener, Weijie Li, Eugenio Taboada

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

The Hippo pathway is an important signaling pathway that controls cell proliferation and apoptosis. It is evolutionarily conserved in mammals and is stimulated by cell-cell contact, inhibiting cell proliferation in response to increased cell density. During early embryonic development, the Hippo signaling pathway regulates organ development and size, and its functions result in the coordinated balance between proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Its principal effectors, YAP and TAZ, regulate signaling by the embryonic stem cells and determine cell fate and histogenesis. Dysfunction of this pathway contributes to cancer development in adults and children. Emerging studies have shed light on the upregulation …

Pecan Grove Review Volume 18, St. Mary's University

Pecan Grove Review

Creative writings by students, faculty, and staff of the St. Mary's University community.

An Investigation Of The Mechanics And Sticking Region Of A One-Repetition Maximum Close-Grip Bench Press Versus The Traditional Bench Press, Robert G. Lockie, Samuel J. Callaghan, Matthew R. Moreno, Fabrice G. Risso, Tricia M. Liu, Alyssa A. Stage, Samantha A. Birmingham-Babauta, John J. Stokes, Dominic V. Giuliano, Adrina Lazar, Deshaun L. Davis, Ashley J. Orjajo

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The close-grip bench press (CGBP) is a variation of the traditional bench press (TBP) that uses a narrower grip (~95% of biacromial distance (BAD)) and has potential application for athletes performing explosive arm actions from positions where the hands are held close to the torso. Limited research has investigated CGBP mechanics compared to the TBP. Twenty-seven resistance-trained individuals completed a one-repetition maximum TBP and CGBP. The TBP was performed with the preferred grip; the CGBP with a grip width of 95% BAD. A linear position transducer measured lift distance and duration; peak and mean power, velocity, and force; distance and …

Protective Behavioral Strategies As A Context-Specific Mediator: A Multilevel Examination Of Within- And Between-Person Associations Of Daily Drinking, Abby L. Braitman, Ashley N. Linden-Carmichael, James M. Henson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Research indicates that a drinker’s environmental and social context can be differentially associated with drinking outcomes. Further, although many researchers have identified that more frequent use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) is associated with lower alcohol consumption and negative consequences, scant research has examined how one’s drinking context may promote or hinder PBS use. The present study examined how the context of drinking each day (i.e., where and with whom) is associated with level of consumption and reported alcohol-related problems among n = 284 college drinkers (69.0% female) directly, as well as indirectly through the use of PBS. Two different …

Appendectomy Versus Non-Operative Treatment For Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis In Children: Study Protocol For A Multicentre, Open-Label, Non-Inferiority, Randomised Controlled Trial., Nigel J. Hall, Simon Eaton, Olivier Abbo, Alexis P. Arnaud, Marianne Beaudin, Mary Brindle, Andreana Bütter, Dafydd Davies, Tim Jancelewicz, Kathy Johnson, Richard Keijzer, Eveline Lapidus-Krol, Martin Offringa, Nelson Piché, Risto Rintala, Erik Skarsgard, Jan F. Svensson, Wendy J. Ungar, Tomas Wester, Andrew R. Willan, Augusto Zani, Shawn D. St Peter, Agostino Pierro

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Background: Appendectomy is considered the gold standard treatment for acute appendicitis. Recently the need for surgery has been challenged in both adults and children. In children there is growing clinician, patient and parental interest in non-operative treatment of acute appendicitis with antibiotics as opposed to surgery. To date no multicentre randomised controlled trials that are appropriately powered to determine efficacy of non-operative treatment (antibiotics) for acute appendicitis in children compared with surgery (appendectomy) have been performed.

Methods: Multicentre, international, randomised controlled trial with a non-inferiority design. Children (age 5-16 years) with a clinical and/or radiological diagnosis of acute uncomplicated appendicitis …

Pd-L1 Expressing Circulating Tumour Cells In Head And Neck Cancers, Arutha Kulasinghe, Chris Perry, Liz Kenny, Majid E. Warkiani, Colleen Nelson, Chamindie Punyadeera

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint pathway is emerging as a promising immunotherapeutic approach for the management and treatment of head and neck cancer patients who do not respond to 1st/2nd line therapy. However, as checkpoint inhibitors are cost intensive, identifying patients who would most likely benefit from anti PD-L1 therapy is required. Developing a non-invasive technique would be of major benefit to the patient and to the health care system.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 56 year old man affected by a supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A CT scan showed a 20 mm right …