Digital Commons Network^™

Sentiment Of The Union: Analyzing Tone In Presidential State Of The Union Addresses, Chase Rydeen

Honors Theses

As the machine learning and data science craze sweeps the nation, the implications and implementations are vast. This paper takes a look at both of them through the lens of a topic of national importance, at the very least for the United States. This topic is the words used by past Presidents of the United States, which are being pulled from their State of the Union Addresses. The focus of this research is on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and it's applied processes. Natural Language Processing allows for effective analysis of text-based data. Using NLP, a sentiment analysis was conducted on …

The Minor Donor-Sibling Dilemma: Are Bone Marrow Donation Decisions Up To The Parent Or The Child?, Christina Carone

Touro Law Review

No abstract provided.

Taxonomic And Nomenclatural Notes On Miconia Crenata And Related Species (Melastomataceae: Miconieae) In The Greater Antilles, Walter S. Judd, Gretchen M. Ionta, Lucas C. Majure, Fabián A. Michelangeli

Faculty and Staff Works

The nomenclature and phylogenetic placement of five species of Miconieae in the Greater Antilles with conspicuous multicellular, simple, elongate, eglandular or gland-headed hairs, pseudolateral inflorescences, and flowers with elongated calyx teeth, 5-8, white, rounded petals, white, ovate anthers, and purple-or blue-black fruits are considered. These species have traditionally been considered within the poly-phyletic genus Clidemia, but are here transferred to Miconia sensu lato. Four new combinations are presented, i.e., Miconia dependens (D. Don) Judd & Majure, M. erythropogon (DC.) Judd & Ionta, M. octona (Bonpl.) Judd & Majure, and M. strigillosa (Sw.) Judd & Ionta. Finally, we note that the …

The Effectiveness Of Smoflipid On Liver Function In Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure Related Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease (Pnald), Chelsey Kitazawa, Kara Bates, Shannon Lew

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Abstract

Background:Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a treatment that supplies one's nutrition and hydration needs intravenously. Intravenous soybean lipid emulsions have been associated with Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease (PNALD), due to its high phytosterol content and high n-6:n-3 ratio and its propensity to mitigate inflammatory eicosanoid pathways. Composed of soybean oil, medium chain fatty acids, olive oil, and fish oil, Smoflipid may ameliorate PNALD and mitigate anti-inflammatory eicosanoid pathways.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of Smoflipid on improving liver function and bilirubin levels on home PN-dependent children with intestinal failure related PNALD.

Design: A prospective electronic medical record review …

Effects Of Ginger Supplementation On Inflammation In Individuals, Sara Kashlan, Brenda Rodriguez, Monique Vuong

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background. Ginger is a widely used ingredient in Southeast Asian countries and has gained increasing popularity in the Western diet due to its purported health benefits. Ginger has high antioxidant power because of its rich phytochemistry profile that contributes to its anti- inflammatory properties. While there have been animal studies, the research of ginger’s effects in humans is limited.

Objective. We sought to understand ginger’s effects on commonly assayed inflammatory biomarkers—C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF- α)—in individuals with varying levels of physical activity. We propose that ginger may lower levels of these biomarkers …

Preparation And Evaluation Of Cefuroxime Axetil Gastro-Retentive Floating Drug Delivery System For Improved Delivery Via Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology, Rahul Madhukar Lalge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to develop lipid-based gastro-retentive floating drug delivery system of amorphous Cefuroxime Axetil (CA) to minimize the enzymatic degradation in the gastro intestinal tract utilizing hot-melt extrusion technology for improved absorption.

Methods: Preliminary studies were performed to select the appropriate lipids. Selected ratios of CA and lipids were extruded using a twin screw hot-melt extruder. Extrudates obtained were milled to obtain floating granules and were further evaluated for drug content, floating strength and micromeritic properties. In vitro drug release studies were performed in 900 mL of simulated gastric fluid (without enzyme) of pH …

Spatial Patterns Of Winter Roadside Gray Wolf Sightability In Yellowstone National Park, Jeremy Sunderraj

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Imperfect detection is ubiquitous among wildlife research and can affect research conclusions and management. Detection probability is often included in observation-based models. We leveraged research of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in northern Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to evaluate how the probability of sighting radio collared wolf packs from ground-based observation locations was affected by the characteristics of each spatial location (i.e., distance from the road, visibility (from a viewshed analysis), habitat openness, carcass presence, and wolf group size). We used two complementary approaches focusing on sightings during early (mid-November to mid-December) and late (March) winter periods between 1995 and 2017. …

Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Modulates Gamma Wave Frequencies In Vigorously Active Individuals, Sasha Silver, Ranea Al-Tikriti, Nicole Jin

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Visualization and the demand to increase cognitive function to improve performance is an area of growing interest in athletes and physically active individuals. Gamma (25-45 Hz) waves, the fastest of the brainwave frequencies, are optimal for cognitive function.

Objective: Determine if savoring and ingestion of dark chocolate (70% cacao) can modulate gamma wave frequencies between visualization at a state of rest and a state of exercise performance in vigorously active individuals.

Participants/setting: The study recruited 10 vigorously active individuals from Loma Linda University. Participants’ mean age was 23.7± 2.2 years. Vigorous activity was defined by the Centers for Disease …

“A Great Machine”: George Macdonald And Popular Science, Karl Hoenzsch

North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies

No abstract provided.

Doc 2018-01 Human Sexuality Studies Certificate, Lee J. Dixon, Leslie H. Picca, Andrew Slade, Rebecca Whisnant, Kristen Altenau Keen

Senate Documents

Legislative Authority; Art. III. B. 1-7; DOC 2015-04

Experimental And Theoretical Studies Of Carbazole-Based Schiff Base As A Fluorescent Fe$^{3+}$ Probe, Hakan Kandemi̇r, Abdulkadi̇r Koçak, Süreyya Oğuz Tümay, Bünyemi̇n Çoşut, Yunus Zorlu, İbrahi̇m Fazil Şengül

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Synthesis of a new (E)-N1-((9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)methylene)-5-nitrobenzene-1,2-diamine as a fluorescent chemosensor for selective detection of Fe$^{3+}$ ion over a number of other metal ions is described. The method for the synthesis of the carbazole Schiff base was based on the condensation of carbazole-3-carbaldehyde with 4-nitro-o-phenyldiamine in dimethylformamide in a moderate yield. The structure of the final compound was characterized by $^{1}$H NMR, $^{13}$C NMR, IR, mass spectrometry, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The final compound exhibited exceptional selective and sensitive turn-on fluorescence response to the Fe$^{3+}$ cation. The fluorescent intensity of the final compound was increased 20-fold and the stoichiometry ratio of …

Photocatalytic Degradation Of The Herbicide Quinclorac In Water Using Mn (Iii) Salen And Solar Light, Yisi Yang, Yan Zhang, Qingru Zeng

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Quinclorac (QNC) is a widely used herbicide and is persistent in surface and ground waters. Its residuals and converted products are hazardous to aquatic animals, vegetation, and microbes, and it is therefore important to degrade QNC using an efficient and environmental friendly technology. In this study, the photocatalytical degradation of QNC using [(R,R)-(N,N$'$-bis(3,5,3$'$,5$'$-tetra-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediaminato] manganese(III) acetate (Mn (III) salen) and H$_{2}$O$_{2}$ was performed under natural sunlight irradiation and a 91% degradation rate was achieved in neutral pure water in 240 min. The identified degradation products confirmed that the cleavage of QNC molecules was the main process involved in the hydroxylation, along …

One-Pot Synthesis Of Substituted 4$H$-Chromenes By Nickel Ferrite Nanoparticles As An Efficient And Magnetically Reusable Catalyst, Hamideh Ahankar, Ali Ramazani, Katararzyna Slepokura, Tadeusz Lis, Sang Woo Joo

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Nickel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (NiFe$_{2}$O$_{4}$ MNPs) were prepared via the autocombustion assisted sol-gel method. The efficient catalyst was investigated by FT-IR, XRD, ICP, SEM, and TEM techniques. A one-pot, three-component reaction is reported for the synthesis of substituted 4$H$-chromenes in the presence of NiFe$_{2}$O$_{4}$ MNPs as a reusable catalyst in a green solvent at 40 $^{\circ}$C under clean, efficient, and mild conditions. Furthermore, selected products were characterized by FT-IR, $^{1}$H NMR, and $^{13}$C NMR. The single-crystal X-ray analysis of product 4u was also conclusively confirmed. Easy workup procedure, high purity of products via simple recrystallization, and environmentally benign conditions are …

Environmental Impact Assessment Of Natural Radioactivity And Heavy Metals In Drinking Water Around Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant In Mersin Province, Gürsel Karahan, Hali̇m Taşkin, Nesli̇ Bi̇ngöldağ, Eni̇s Kapdan, Yusuf Zi̇ya Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

The aim of this study was to determine natural radioactive and heavy element concentrations in Mersin drinking water samples before the commissioning of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant and to collect data for possible environmental contaminations in the future. Drinking water samples were taken from the provincial center, districts, and populated villages. The annual effective dose of natural radionuclides and cancer risks were calculated for each person living in the city. Hazard index and cancer risk were calculated, which were caused by heavy elements. Mean gross alpha and beta radioactivity concentrations in drinking water were 0.059 Bq/L and 0.120 Bq/L, …

A Simple Automated Microplate Method For Determining Reducing Sugars In Food Extracts And Synthetic Serum Using Cupric-Neocuproine As Reductant, Mustafa Bener, Esi̇n Akyüz, Furkan Burak Şen, Kevser Sözgen Başkan, Esma Tütem, Mustafa Reşat Apak

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In the present work, a simple automated microplate method based on cupric ion reduction is described for determining total reducing sugars in food extracts and synthetic serum. The reaction of Cu(II)-Nc (cupric-neocuproine) with reducing sugars was performed in alkaline medium in microplates, and the absorbance of the formed highly colored Cu(I)-Nc chelate in a plate reader at 450 nm was recorded. The proposed method was applied to reducing sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, maltose, and lactose) and their linear calibration curves were constructed. The detection and quantification limits (LOD and LOQ) for glucose were 0.14 and 0.46 $\mu $M, respectively. Absorbances …

Voltammetric Determination Of Phenmedipham Herbicide Using A Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode, Ersi̇n Demi̇r, Recai̇ İnam

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Phenmedipham is an herbicide used especially in the sugar beet harvest to fight against broad-leaved weeds and studies of its voltammetric behavior and detection have not been done before. The superior properties of carbon nanotubes such as electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and wide potential ranges make them attractive for chemical sensors and the phenmedipham compound gave an oxidation peak at $+$1320 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) on the nanostructured multiwalled carbon nanotube paste electrode. Square wave voltammetric measurements recorded for phenmedipham showed that the peak current increased linearly between 0.02 and 2.0 mg/L with a regression coefficient of $r$ = 0.9989, and …

The Synthesis Of New 3,4-(Bisaryl)-1,8-Naphthalimide And 2,3-(Bisaryl)-7$H$-Benzimidazo[2,1-A]Benzo[D]Isoquinolin-7-One Compounds And An Investigation Of Their Photochromic Properties, Ersi̇n Orhan, Mahmut Köse, Tolga Yazan

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Three new photochromic compounds, 3-(2,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl)-4-(2-phenyl-5-methyl-4-thiazolyl)-1,8-napht- halimide (1-O), 2,3-bis(2-phenyl-5-methyl-4-thiazolyl)-7$H$-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]isoquinolin-7-one (2-O), and 2,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl)-7$H$-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]isoquinolin-7-one (3-O), were synthesized and their photochromic properties were studied. Compound 1-O was synthesized by two consecutive Suzuki coupling reactions using 2,5-dimethylthiophene-3-boronic acid and 5-methyl-2-phenylthiazole-4-boronic acid. Photochromic compounds 2-O and 3-O were prepared by multistep reactions starting with 3-iodo-4-bromo-1,8-naphthalic anhydride and 2,5-dimethylthiophene-3-boronic acid or 2-phenyl-5-methylthiazole-4-boronic acid. All photochromic compounds showed a color change from colorless (or light yellow) to blue-green, purple, or orange colors (depending on the nature of the structures) on exposure to UV light at 365 nm in ethyl acetate solutions. The colored solutions can be reversed to …

The Encyclopedia Of North American Drosophilids Volume 1: Drosophilids Of The Midwest And Northeast, Thomas Werner, Tessa Steenwinkel, John Jaenike

Open Access Books

The Encyclopedia of North American Drosophilids: Volume 1: Drosophilids of the Midwest and Northeast provides an introduction to the flies of the family Drosophilidae of the Midwest and Northeast of the United States, as well as nearby regions in Canada. The book strives to facilitate identification of most of the drosophilid species in this region and provides remarks on interesting aspects of their biology and suggestions for future research on them. The book is intended for researchers, teachers, and students wishing to discover the diversity of these flies.

Version 4 is a major update that covers new species and includes …

Primula Veris Plants Derived From In Vitro Cultures And From Seeds: Genetic Stability, Morphology, And Seed Characteristics, Iwona Jedrzejczyk, Maria Morozowska, Renata Nowinska, Andrzej Jagodzinski

Turkish Journal of Botany

Flow cytometry measurement confirmed the genetic stability of Primula veris L. (cowslip) plants obtained during the micropropagation process. The mean 2C DNA content was 0.97 pg/2C and P. veris can be classified in the group of plants of very small genomes. Comparative morphological analysis of cowslip plants regenerated in vitro and derived from seeds was carried out in three subsequent years under common garden conditions, which limited the effects of environmental factors. The origin of specimens significantly influenced most of the morphological traits examined. Plants that originated from seeds were characterized by more intensive development rate and higher total seed …

Callus Production And Analysis Of Some Secondary Metabolites In Globularia Trichosantha Subsp. Trichosantha, Hati̇ce Çölgeçen, Havva Atar, Gülnur Toker, Gençay Akgül

Turkish Journal of Botany

This study describes the production of calli from Globularia trichosantha subsp. trichosantha and the quantitative determination of catalpol, aucubin, and verbascoside in the calli and the plant by HPLC. The seeds of the plant were sterilized and germinated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without in vitro plant growth regulator. Hypocotyl, cotyledon, first leaf, epicotyl, apical meristem, and root explants were taken from the 30-day-old aseptic seedlings germinated in vitro. Explants were then transferred to MS media for callus production together with varying concentrations of plant growth regulators. The best callus production occurred in the media containing 6 mg L?1 …

Elevated L-Lactate Drives Major Cellular Pathologies Associated With Neurodegeneration, Jessica Behnke

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Within the past few decades, lactate research has expanded from initial findings deeming lactate as a dead-end metabolic product to recognition of lactate’s role as a potential energy substrate in the CNS. Due to the tight relationship between lactate and energy metabolism, interest in the scientific community has been mounting around associations among metabolic dysregulation, elevated lactate and neurodegenerative states such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion (AD, PD, ALS, I/R injuries), and physiological aging, however underlying cellular mechanisms and/or facilitators for neuronal degeneration pathologies still remain unknown. Here, we tested several hypotheses that implicate L-lactate to various neurodegenerative …

A Model To Predict Concentrations And Uncertainty For Mercury Species In Lakes, Ashley Hendricks

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

To increase understanding of mercury cycling, a seasonal mass balance model was developed to predict mercury concentrations in lakes and fish. Results indicate that seasonality in mercury cycling is significant and is important for a northern latitude lake. Models, when validated, have the potential to be used as an alternative to measurements; models are relatively inexpensive and are not as time intensive. Previously published mercury models have neglected to perform a thorough validation. Model validation allows for regulators to be able to make more informed, confident decisions when using models in water quality management. It is critical to quantify uncertainty; …

Meniscus Modeling And Emission Studies Of An Ionic Liquid Ferrofluid Electrospray Source Emitting From A Magneto-Electric Instability, Brandon Jackson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This dissertation presents three studies on the electrospray of ionic liquid ferrofluid. Ionic liquid ferrofluids are electrically conductive super-paramagnetic fluids which respond strongly in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. When a small reservoir of ionic liquid ferrofluid is positioned within a magnetic field, magnetic stresses will deform the fluid interface into a peak. The addition of a strong electric field will further stress the fluid interface until a threshold stress is reached at which point the surface tension cannot contain the combined stresses and a spray of fluid or ions results at the apex. This process is termed …

A Bluetooth Low-Energy Wireless Sensor Platform For Continuous Monitoring Of A Bioreactor Environment During Cell Manufacturing, Brad Nelson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A wireless sensor platform based on Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) technology was designed and prototyped for continuous monitoring of physical conditions and chemical analytes, which could be applied to bioreactors during the cell manufacturing process. Controlling environmental conditions such as pH, oxygen, glucose, temperature, and pressure is vital to ensure the consistency of the manufactured cells and maintain the potency of the product. Current methods to control bioreactor conditions focus only on monitoring the cell culture environment during cell growth, but there is a lack of direct quantification of cell properties to provide an integrated feedback system that can also maintain …

Acute Cardiovascular Responses To Novel Combinations Of Resistance And Aerobic Exercise, Travis Wakeham

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. One of the most effective forms of prevention and treatment is physical activity. However, recent studies have suggested that resistance exercise can increase arterial stiffness. Maintaining adequate strength is critical for performing activities of daily living, occupational-related tasks, and sport movements. The purpose of this project was to determine if novel combinations of resistance and aerobic exercise could offer musculoskeletal benefits without adverse cardiovascular consequences. In Study 1, we examined the effect of order (i.e. aerobic before resistance, or resistance before aerobic) on arterial stiffness when combining these exercise …

System Architecture Optimization Using Hidden Genes Genetic Algorithms With Applications In Space Trajectory Optimization, Shadi Ahmadi Darani

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In this dissertation, the concept of hidden genes genetic algorithms is developed. In system architecture optimization problems, the topology of the solution is unknown and hence, the number of design variables is variable. Hidden genes genetic algorithms are genetic algorithm based methods that are developed to handle such problems by hiding some genes in the chromosomes. The genes in the hidden genes genetic algorithms evolve through selection, mutation, and crossover operations. To determine if a gene is hidden or not, binary tags are assigned to them. The value of the tags determine the status of the genes. Different mechanisms are …

A Combined High Salt Plus Fructose Diet Mediates Hypertension, Taija Marie Hahka

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the main control center for the neurogenic regulation of blood pressure and is affected in fructose induced hypertension. The brain is by far the greatest consuming and energy demanding organ in the body which has the ability to metabolize and generate fructose but with consequences. Diets high in salt and fructose enter the body and eventually crosses the blood brain barrier where it exerts its effects on SNS signaling. The aim of this thesis is to determine the connection between fructose and hypertension along with the detrimental effects of fructose within the brain. Here …

Effect Of Hierarchical Structure And Orientation On Water-Repellent Legs Of Water-Walking Insects, Georgia Hurchalla

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Some insects have the ability to walk on water surface due to hierarchical leg structure and wax coating. This work presents studies of water strider and fire ant leg immersion force profiles to measure resistance of legs to submersion and show orientation effects. A high-sensitivity microbalance measured force during immersion of insect legs at various angles into water droplets. Legs oriented parallel to water surface could support three to five times as much force before immersion, compared to legs in a perpendicular orientation. Water pressure affects the setae structure differently at parallel and perpendicular approaches, and complete wetting is more …

Evaluating The Interactive Roles Of Soil Nutrients And Polyploidy On Competitive Outcomes Of Chamerion Angustifolium, Angela Walczyk

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Newly formed polyploids face strong barriers preventing their establishment, but despite these barriers polyploidy is prevalent among angiosperms being a major mechanism of adaptation and speciation. Morphological and phenological differences between diploids and related polyploids often results in different ecological tolerances among cytotypes. Differences in competitive abilities brought on by genome duplication can vary with abiotic and biotic environmental conditions and influence polyploid establishment. In my theses, I test the overall hypothesis that soil nutrient availability and polyploidy interact to affect competition and performance of Fireweed plants (Chamerion angustifolium), which differ in ploidy levels. Additionally, I examined whether …

Microbial Community Response To Light And Heavy Crude Oil In Freshwater Systems, Timothy M. Butler

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

With increased demand for oil, there is an increased risk for oil spills in many environments. A number of pipelines transport oil near or across freshwater systems including the Great Lakes. Microbes are capable of breaking down oil and have thus been proposed as tools for oil spill response through bioremediation. There is a need to understand the microbial response to diverse oil types in freshwater environments due to the lack of research into this topic. This study’s main objectives are to understand how the freshwater microbial communities respond to oil, and how the bacterial communities may respond to different …