Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing The Functions Of Prescription Stimulant Abuse Among College Students, Matthew J. Dwyer

Theses and Dissertations

Non-medical prescription stimulant use (NMPSU), such as using medications like Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta without a prescription or at a higher dosage than prescribed, is a rising trend in American adults. Use is most prevalent among college age adults (18-25 years old). Survey research among experienced users has identified several reasons college students are engaging in NMPSU, including enhancement of cognitive, athletic, and social performance, but less is known about how the relative reinforcing value differs based on the reasons of use. Behavioral economic drug purchase tasks have been used to capture reinforcer strength and motivation related to use of …

Testing The Infection Prevalence Of Schistosoma Mansoni After Mass Drug Administration By Comparing Sensitivity And Specificity Of Species- Specific Repeat Fragment Amplification By Pcr And Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, Miriam Price, Austin Cyrs, Chummy Sikasunge, James C. L. Mwansa, Nilanjan Lodh

Clinical Lab Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Schistosomiasis is a blood parasitic disease caused by trematode parasites of the

genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma mansoni is one of the main contributors of the disease and 90% of the global burden of schistosomiasis is in Africa. Mass drug administration (MDA) has been implemented to reduce the disease burden in endemic areas. Because of MDA, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for classical diagnostic tests are reduced. In any disease situation, diagnosis is vital in determining asymptomatic, concurrent, current, new, and reinfection cases to evaluate the efficacy of any control program. We have evaluated the positive infection for S. mansoni from …

Ethical Orientation Versus Short-Term Ethics Training: Effects On Ethical Behavior In The Prisoner’S Dilemma Game And Dictator Game Experiments, Yingyot Chiaravutthi

DLSU Business & Economics Review

This study tests the effects of an individual’s ethical orientations and the effectiveness of short-term ethics training on prosocial behavior in the prisoner’s dilemma and the dictator economic games. Ethical orientations are classified based on the levels of idealism and relativism that an individual possesses; whereas ethics training is a module that was introduced to bring about awareness of ethical dilemmas in economic games. The experiment, which was conducted with 156 participants from Thailand, resulted in prosocial behavior which contradicts expected economic predictions based on the assumptions of rationality and self-interest. Although an individual’s ethical orientations are not a reliable …

The Concentration Of Total Nucleated Cells In Harvested Bone Marrow For Transplantation Has Decreased Over Time., Nicole L. Prokopishyn, Brent R. Logan, Deidre M. Kiefer, Jennifer A. Sees, Pintip Chitphakdithai, Ibrahim A. Ahmed, Paolo N. Anderlini, Amer M. Beitinjaneh, Christopher Bredeson, Jan Cerny, Saurabh Chhabra, Andrew Daly, Miguel Angel Diaz, Nosha Farhadfar, Haydar A. Frangoul, Siddhartha Ganguly, Dennis A. Gastineau, Usama Gergis, Gregory A. Hale, Peiman Hematti, Rammurti T. Kamble, Kimberly A. Kasow, Hillard M. Lazarus, Jane L. Liesveld, Hemant S. Murthy, Maxim Norkin, Richard F. Olsson, Mona Papari, Bipin N. Savani, Jeffrey Szer, Edmund K. Waller, Baldeep Wirk, Jean A. Yared, Michael A. Pulsipher, Nirali N. Shah, Galen E. Switzer, Paul V. O'Donnell, Dennis L. Confer, Bronwen E. Shaw

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Bone marrow (BM) is an essential source of hematopoietic stem cell grafts for many allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, including adult patients (for specific diseases and transplantation strategies) and the majority of pediatric recipient. However, since the advent of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts, there has been a significant decrease in the use of BM in HCT, thought to be due mainly to the increased logistical challenges in harvesting BM compared with PBSCs, as well as generally no significant survival advantage of BM over PBSCs. The decreased frequency of collection has the potential to impact …

Stochastic Resonance Enables Bpp/Log∗ Complexity And Universal Approximation In Analog Recurrent Neural Networks, Emmett Redd, A. Steven Younger, Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Stochastic resonance (SR) is a natural process that without limit increases the precision of signal measurements in biological and physical sciences. Most artificial neural networks (NNs) are implemented on digital computers of fixed precision. A NN accessing universal approximation and a computational complexity class more powerful that of a Turing machine needs analog signals utilizing SR's limitless precision increase. This paper links an analog recurrent (AR) NN theorem, SR, BPP/log∗ (a physically realizable, super-Turing computation class), and universal approximation so NNs following them can be made computationally more powerful. An optical neural network mimicking chaos indicates super-Turing computation has been …

Comparative Analysis Of Feature Selection Methods To Identify Biomarkers In A Stroke-Related Dataset, Thomas Clifford, Justin Bruce, Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi, John Matta

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper applies machine learning feature selection techniques to the REGARDS stroke-related dataset to identify health-related biomarkers. A data-driven methodological framework is presented to evaluate multiple feature selection methods. In applying the framework, three classifiers are chosen in conjunction with two wrappers, and their performance with diverse classification targets such as Current Smoker, Current Alcohol Use, and Deceased is evaluated. The performance across logistic regression, random forest and naïve Bayes classifier methods, as quantified by the ROC Area Under Curve metric and selected features, was similar. However, significant differences were observed in running time. Performance of the selected features was …

Multi-Objective Optimization Approach To Find Biclusters In Gene Expression Data, Jeffrey Dale, Junya Zhao, Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Gene expression levels of organisms are measured by DNA microarrays. Finding biclusters in gene expression matrices provides invaluable information about effects of disease at the genetic level. These biclusters could identify which genes are up-regulated/down-regulated under certain conditions. This paper investigates a methodology for evolutionary-based biclustering using the NSGA-II algorithm. It also presents an improvement to the recovery and relevance external validation metrics as well as a new method for synthetic data generation for biclustering. Results obtained demonstrate its effectiveness in discovering useful biclusters on varied synthetic data when applied with the average Spearman's rho measure as the fitness function.

Genotype Combinations Linked To Phenotype Subgroups In Autism Spectrum Disorders, Junya Zhao, Thy Nguyen, Jonathan Kopel, Perry B. Koob, Donald A. Adieroh, Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper investigates a computational model that allows for systematic comparison of phenotype data with genotype (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)) data based on machine learning techniques to identify discriminant genotype markers associated with the phenotypic subgroups. The proposed discriminant SNP identifier model is empirically evaluated using Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) simplex sample. Six phenotype markers were selected to cluster the sample in a hexagonal lattice format yielding five multidimensional subgroups based on extremities of the phenotype markers. The SNP selection model includes random subspace selection of SNPs in conjunction with feature selection algorithms to determine which set of SNPs were …

The Molecular Biogeography Of The Indo-Pacific: Testing Hypotheses With Multispecies Genetic Patterns, Eric D. Crandall, Cynthia Riginos, Chris E. Bird, Libby Liggins, Eric Treml, Maria Beger, Paul H. Barber, Sean R. Connolly, Peter F. Cowman, Joseph D. Dibattista, Jeff A. Eble, Sharon F. Magnuson, John B. Horne, Marc Kochzius, Harilaos A. Lessios, Shang Yin Vanson Liu, William B. Ludt, Hawis Madduppa, John M. Pandolfi, Robert J. Toonen, Michelle R. Gaither

Faculty Publications

Aim: To test hypothesized biogeographic partitions of the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean with phylogeographic data from 56 taxa, and to evaluate the strength and nature of barriers emerging from this test.

>Location: The Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Time Period: Pliocene through the Holocene.

Major Taxa Studied: Fifty-six marine species.

Methods: We tested eight biogeographic hypotheses for partitioning of the Indo-Pacific using a novel modification to analysis of molecular variance. Putative barriers to gene flow emerging from this analysis were evaluated for pairwise Φ_ST, and these Φ_ST distributions were compared to distributions from randomized datasets and …

Attachment As A Moderator Between Exposure To Maternal Depression And Externalizing Outcomes In Childhood, Christina Carlone

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Alpha Oscillations And Feedback Processing In Visual Cortex For Conscious Perception, Tony Ro

Publications and Research

Variability in perception between individuals may be a consequence of different inherent neural processing speeds. To assess whether alpha oscillations systematically reflect a feedback pacing mechanism for cortical processing during visual perception, comparisons were made between alpha oscillations, visual suppression from TMS, visual evoked responses, and metacontrast masking. Peak alpha oscillation frequencies, measured through scalp EEG recordings, significantly correlated with the optimum latencies for visual suppression from TMS of early visual cortex. Individuals with shorter alpha periods (i.e., higher peak alpha frequencies) processed visual information faster than those with longer alpha periods (i.e., lower peak alpha frequencies). Moreover, peak alpha …

Bioprinting With Human Stem Cell-Laden Alginate-Gelatin Bioink And Bioactive Glass For Tissue Engineering, Krishna C. R. Kolan, Julie A. Semon, Bradley Bromet, D. E. Day, Ming-Chuan Leu

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies have shown great potential in the fabrication of 3D models for different human tissues. Stem cells are an attractive cell source in tissue engineering as they can be directed by material and environmental cues to differentiate into multiple cell types for tissue repair and regeneration. In this study, we investigate the viability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in alginate-gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogel bioprinted with or without bioactive glass. Highly angiogenic borate bioactive glass (13-93B3) in 50 wt% is added to polycaprolactone (PCL) to fabricate scaffolds using a solvent-based extrusion 3D bioprinting technique. The fabricated scaffolds …

Unconventional Rock Requires Unconventional Analysis: Methods For Characterization, Shane K. Butler, Alexander Azenkeng, Blaise A.F. Mibeck, Bethany A. Kurz, Kurt E. Eylands

EERC Publications, Papers, & Presentations

Advanced image analysis techniques were applied to better understand and quantify factors that could affect CO₂ storage in the Bakken Formation, with an ultimate goal of improved method development to estimate CO₂ storage potential of unconventional reservoirs.

Und Today: July 2019, University Of North Dakota

UND Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Animal Science Department News, Department Of Animal Science

Animal Science Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Blunted Evoked Prouroguanylin Endocrine Secretion In Chronic Constipation., Scott A. Waldman, Renata Tenenbaum, Henry C. Foehl, Peter Winkle, Patrick Griffin

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Prouroguanylin (ProUGN) in the intestine is cleaved to form uroguanylin (UGN), which stimulates guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C), inducing cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling. Paracrine release regulates fluid secretion, contributing to bowel function, whereas endocrine secretion evoked by eating forms a gut-brain axis, controlling appetite. Whereas hormone insufficiency contributes to hyperphagia in obesity, its contribution to the pathophysiology of constipation syndromes remains unexplored. Here, we compared circulating ProUGN and UGN in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

METHODS: Circulating ProUGN and UGN levels were measured in 60 healthy …

Focus, 2019, Summer, Andrews University

Focus

FOCUS (ISSN 1077-9345) is published quarterly, free of charge, for alumni and friends of Andrews University, an institution owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Summer 2019: In My Words/Fine Print, Great Passions, Brian Bruess

St. Norbert College Magazine 2019-2023

The annual Academic Awards Dinner is a highlight of the spring semester and was celebrated this year on April 23. President Brian Bruess ’90 reflects on the real message underlying the stories he heard there.

St. Norbert College Magazine Summer 2019, St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College Magazine 2019-2023

The home page of Summer 2019 St. Norbert College Magazine.

Summer 2019: We’Re Looking At A Packed Summer, Susan Allen

St. Norbert College Magazine 2019-2023

Aaah, the long, lazy days of summer … time for the beach, the cabin, the fishing trip; time for family and friends; time, too, for meditative afternoons alone with a book. Our St. Norbert friends make time to enjoy the season. But the tote they grab as they head out for a sunny day is packed with more than their water wings and sunscreen. Their plans are rich and diverse, and they pack accordingly!

Identification Of A Novel Class Of Er-Selective Ligands Lacking Cross-Reactivity To Gper, Richard Anthony Pepermans

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Estrogen plays multiple roles in health and disease, exerting its effects through the classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and the G protein‑coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Current ER‑targeting ligands, including the therapeutic ERα antagonist tamoxifen, have been shown to cross‑activate GPER. This cross‑activation is hypothesized to contribute to clinically observed endocrine resistance in breast cancer, highlighting the potential benefit of truly ER‑selective antagonists. We report the identification of a novel class of ER‑selective ligands that lack cross‑reactivity towards GPER, identifying a truly ER‑selective agonist (AB‑1) and antagonist (AB‑82P). Importantly, AB‑82P degrades a clinically relevant ERα mutant and exhibits inhibitory effects …

The Future Is Femtech: Privacy And Data Security Issues Surrounding Femtech Applications, Celia Rosas

UC Law Business Journal

No abstract provided.

Mapping Consumer Cognition And Emotions: A Neuroscientific Approach, Dongjun Rew

Theses and Dissertations

Although the rival theories for consumer decision making process, cognitive perspective and experiential perspective, have successfully contributed to the marketing discipline, there is an alternative point of view that cognition and emotions work together for a decision or even a behavior. However, the methodological limitation has been a big hurdle that interrupts insightfulness and fruitfulness of marketing research, especially in consumer research. This study thus aims to develop a brain map and functional connectivity of consumer decision making and emotions to show physiological and neurological evidence that emotional behaviors and cognitive behaviors are associated when consumers decide a behavior by …

Commentary: The History Of Neurosurgery At Albany Medical College And Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, New York., Pouya Entezami, Michael R. Gooch, Adedamola Adepoju, Julie Pilitsis, Tyler J. Kenning, Alan Boulos, David L. Semenoff

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

The origins of the Department of Neurosurgery at Albany Medical College closely parallel the development of early America and the establishment of modern health care.The tales of Washington Irving, the works of the Hudson River School of painters, and summers in the Catskill Mountains or Adirondacks are the stories that color the history of Upstate New York (Figure1). As a social, industrial, and political hub of the American colonies, New England’s need for centers providing structured medicine led to the creation of Albany Medical College in1839, one of the earliest such institutions in the young nation.1 Rapid progress in nearly …

Horizontal Rna Transfer Goes Deep: Platelet Consumption And Microrna Utilization By Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells., Lawrence E. Goldfinger, Leonard C. Edelstein

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

African American Parent Perspectives On School Segregation And Integration, Beatrice Rendon

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This capstone thesis explores the question: What are African American parent perspectives on segregation and integration in a large urban district in the Midwest? I review the literature on Critical Race Theory, counterstorytelling as a narrative research approach, historical factors leading to re-segregation in American schools, African American family engagement paradigms, African American families and school choice, and the effects of segregation on students. My narrative research approach centers the voices of four African American women who tell the stories of their school experiences as students and parents of Black children in the same urban district. While each parent had …

Summer 2019 Gsbms Alumni Connections, New York Medical College

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

• New York Medical College Celebrates 160th Commencement
• Inaugural Clinical Laboratory Sciences Class Arrives at NYMC
• NYMC Researchers Aim to Transform Treatment of Babesiosis
• Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy Hosts Annual Research Forum
• NYMC Observes Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day
• Lectureship Honors the Late Gabor Kaley, Ph.D.
• Center for Disaster Medicine Receives Funding and Expands Training Programs
• Graduate Student Research Forum Displays a Broad Field of Research

Exploring New Teacher Beliefs: Identity, Home-Life, And Culture In The Classroom, Frederick B. Bradley Iii

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A persistent shortage of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students, teachers, and professionals is seen by many as a threat to the nation’s global economic standing. Deficits in these areas are often attributed to a lack of quality K-12 STEM education, which is due in large part to a high rate of teacher turnover. Moreover, such teacher attrition has been shown to occur far more often in high-need schools and districts; thus serving to further marginalize disadvantaged members of society.

This study occurs within the context of The Robert Noyce Scholarship Program at our research-intensive university in the southeastern …

“It’S A Broken System That’S Designed To Destroy”: A Critical Narrative Analysis Of Healthcare Providers’ Stories About Race, Reproductive Health, And Policy, Brianna Rae Cusanno

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Constructions of race, reproductive health, and gender have been inextricably linked in the United States since the beginning of the nation. Today, these linkages remain evident in the marked racial and gender inequities in reproductive health outcomes that persist in the U.S. To better understand how these meanings and material outcomes are negotiated and produced by actors on the ground, this study asked: “How do reproductive healthcare providers (RHPs) communicate about the intersections of race, reproductive health, and policy?” I conducted semi- structures interviews with 24 RHPs, resulting in over 35 hours of recorded interviews. Drawing on critical-cultural communication, Reproductive …

Evaluation Of Corrosion Mechanisms In Stainless Steel Orthodontic Retainer Wires, Jamie Martin

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Title: Evaluation of Corrosion Mechanisms in Stainless Steel Orthodontic Retainer WiresAuthors: Jamie Martin, Ghada Nimeri, David BerzinsObjective:Orthodontic retainers fabricated from stainless steel wire and acrylic are prone to several types of corrosion in the oral environment, including stress, crevice, and galvanic corrosion. The aim of this study was to determine the relative effect of stress corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and crevice corrosion on stainless steel retainer wires.Methods:Three different brands of 0.032-inch stainless steel wires were tested. Six new segments (2-inch length) of each brand of wire were tested in each of four tests: 1) in an artificial saliva solution to determine …