Digital Commons Network^™

Ptdins(4,5)P2 And Ptdins(3,4,5)P3 Dynamics During Focal Adhesions Assembly And Disassembly In A Cancer Cell Line, Dhurgham Alfahad, Salem Alharethi, Bandar Alharbi, Khatab Mawlood, Philip Dash

Turkish Journal of Biology

Focal adhesions (FAs) are large assemblies of proteins that mediate intracellular signals between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The turnover of FA proteins plays a critical regulatory role in cancer cell migration. Plasma membrane lipids locally generated or broken down by different inositide kinases and phosphatase enzymes to activate and recruit proteins to specific regions in the plasma membrane. Presently, little attention has been given to the use of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) and Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) fluorescent biosensors in order to determine the spatiotemporal organisation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 within and around or during assembly and disassembly of …

Sex Effect On The Correlation Of Immunoglobulin G Glycosylation With Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity, Altan Ercan

Turkish Journal of Biology

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects females more than males with a presence of autoantibodies. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) produced by adaptive arm has 2 functional domains, Fc and Fab. The Fc domain binds Fc gamma receptors and C1q proteins of the innate arm. Therefore, the IgG Fc domain serves as a bridge between the innate and adaptive arms and is regulated by an evolutionarily conserved N-glycosylation with variable structures. These glycans are classified as agalactosylated G0, monogalactosylated G1, and digalactosylated G2, which are further modified by core-fucosylation (F) and bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (B) moieties such as G0F …

The Methanolic Extract Of Garcinia Atroviridis (Mega) Reduces Body Weight And Food Intake, And Improves Lipid Profiles By Altering The Lipid Metabolism: A Rat Model, Wai Feng Lim, Suriati Mohd Nasir, Lay Kek Teh, Richard Johari James, Mohd Hafidz Mohd Izhar, Mohd Zaki Salleh

Turkish Journal of Biology

Garcinia species are widely used for their slimming effects via increased fat burning and suppression of satiety. However, scientific evidence for the biological effects of Garcinia atroviridis (GA) is lacking. We investigated the phytochemical composition, safety profiles, and antioxidant and antiobesity effects of methanolic extracts of Garcinia atroviridis (MeGa) in obese female rats. Repeated dose toxicity studies were conducted according to the OECD guidelines. Upon sacrifice, haematological, biochemical, lipid profile, and serum-based metabolomics analyses were performed to evaluate metabolic expression changes and their related pathways. MeGa contains several phytochemical groups and GA fruit acids. MeGa was found to be nontoxic …

Expression Of Soluble, Active, Fluorescently Tagged Hephaestin In Cos And Cho Cell Lines, Eli̇f Si̇bel Aslan, Kenneth N. White, Basharut A. Syed, Kaila S. Srai, Robert W. Evans

Turkish Journal of Biology

Hephaestin (Hp) is a trans-membrane protein, which plays a critical role in intestinal iron absorption. Hp was originally identified as the gene responsible for the phenotype of sex-linked anaemia in the sla mouse. The mutation in the sla protein causes accumulation of dietary iron in duodenal cells, causing severe microcytic hypochromic anaemia. Although mucosal uptake of dietary iron is normal, export from the duodenum is inhibited. Hp is homologous to ceruloplasmin (Cp), a member of the family of multi copper ferroxidases (MCFs) and possesses ferroxidase activity that facilitates iron release from the duodenum and load onto the serum iron transport …

Genome-Wide Identification Of Chiari Malformation Type I Associated Candidate Genes And Chromosomal Variations, Ti̇muçi̇n Avşar, Şeyma Çaliş, Baran Yilmaz, Gülden Demi̇rci̇ Otluoğlu, Can Holyavki̇n, Türker Kiliç

Turkish Journal of Biology

Chiari malformation type I (CMI) is a brain malformation that is characterized by herniation of the cerebellum into the spinal canal. Chiari malformation type I is highly heterogeneous; therefore, an accurate explanation of the pathogenesis of the disease is often not possible. Although some studies showed the role of genetics in CMI, the involvement of genetic variations in CMI pathogenesis has not been thoroughly elucidated. Therefore, in the current study we aim to reveal CMI-associated genomic variations in familial cases. Four CMI patients and 7 unaffected healthy members of two distinct families were analyzed. A microarray analysis of the affected …

Coral Reef Case Study: Comparing Current International And Domestic Coral Reef Laws And Diving Into The Legal Inplications Of Countries Failing To Adequately Protect And Conserve These Ecosystems As Climate Change Worsens, Avery Douglas

South Carolina Journal of International Law and Business

No abstract provided.

Exploring Phenotypic Diversity And Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping For Root Architecture, Freezing Tolerance, Chilling Fulfillment, And Photoperiod Traits In Grapevine Populations, Dilmini Alahakoon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Grapevine (Vitis species) is one of the most valuable fruit crops widely cultivated throughout the United States of America (USA). Grape and wine industries in the northern USA have been expanding rapidly with the demand for quality wine grapes that can be grown in Northern cold climate regions. As most popular cultivars are freezing sensitive, the development of new cultivars for the region continues through breeding. In this study, we evaluated grapevine root system architecture, freezing tolerance, and bud break in different genetic backgrounds in natural or controlled environments. The dissertation research objectives were to explore trait phenotypic variation and …

Diagnosing Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Saliva Rna Compared To Cognitive And Balance Testing, Steven D. Hicks, Cayce Onks, Raymond Y. Kim, Kevin J. Zhen, Jayson Loeffert, Andrea C. Loeffert, Robert P. Olympia, Gregory Fedochak, Samantha Devita, Aakanksha Rangnekar, John Leddy, Mohammad N. Haider, Zofia Gagnon, Callan D. Mcloughlin, Matthew Badia, Jason Randall, Miguel Madeira, Aaron M. Yengo-Kahn, Justin Wenzel, Matthew Heller, Hallie Zwibel, Aaron Roberts, Samantha Johnson, Chuck Monteith, Michael N. Dretsch, Thomas R. Campbell, Rebekah Mannix, Christopher Neville, Frank Middleton

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Early, accurate diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can improve clinical outcomes for patients, but mTBI remains difficult to diagnose because of reliance on subjective symptom reports. An objective biomarker could increase diagnostic accuracy and improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of salivary noncoding RNA (ncRNA) to serve as a diagnostic adjunct to current clinical tools. We hypothesized that saliva ncRNA levels would demonstrate comparable accuracy for identifying mTBI as measures of symptom burden, neurocognition, and balance.

METHODS: This case‐control study involved 538 individuals. Participants included 251 individuals with mTBI, enrolled …

Saliva Microrna Biomarkers Of Cumulative Concussion, Steven D. Hicks, Robert P. Olympia, Cayce Onks, Raymond Y. Kim, Kevin J. Zhen, Gregory Fedorchak, Samantha Devita, Aakanksha Rangnekar, Matthew Heller, Hallie Zwibel, Chuck Monteith, Zofia Gagnon, Callan D. Mcloughlin, Jason Randall, Miguel Madeira, Thomas R. Campbell, Elise Fengler, Michael N. Dretsch, Christopher Neville, Frank A. Middleton

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Recurrent concussions increase risk for persistent post-concussion symptoms, and may lead to chronic neurocognitive deficits. Little is known about the molecular pathways that contribute to persistent concussion symptoms. We hypothesized that salivary measurement of microribonucleic acids (miRNAs), a class of epitranscriptional molecules implicated in concussion pathophysiology, would provide insights about the molecular cascade resulting from recurrent concussions. This hypothesis was tested in a case-control study involving 13 former professional football athletes with a history of recurrent concussion, and 18 age/sex-matched peers. Molecules of interest were further validated in a cross-sectional study of 310 younger individuals with a history of no …

Coke And The Digital Age, Tao Deng, Daradirek Ekachai, Jean M. Grow

College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Passacaglia And Its Related Forms: Before, During, And After 18th Century Baroque And Program Notes, Austin Han

Theses and Dissertations--Music

The purpose of this project is to inform readers of the importance musicology has in informing one’s own learning experience as a performer and listener. As an expression of this exercise, I’ve focused on the history of the passacaglia in Europe from its origins in Spain to its culmination in the music of Paul Hindemith (1895-1963). Through the process of learning about different renditions of passacaglia through musical analysis and comparisons with contemporary art movements and their legacies, I hope the results of what are shown displays an urgent appreciation for applying a more nuanced and openminded approach to the …

Masthead, Marine Ornithology

Marine Ornithology

No abstract provided.

Back Cover, Marine Ornithology

Marine Ornithology

No abstract provided.

Automated Fractional Snow Cover Monitoring From Near-Surface Remote Sensing In Grassland, Anai Caparo Bellido

Theses and Dissertations

Snow cover is an important variable in both climatological and hydrological studies because of its relationship to environmental energy and mass flux. However, variability in snow cover can confound satellite-based efforts to monitor vegetation phenology.

This research explores the utility of the PhenoCam network cameras to estimate Fractional Snow Cover (FSC) in grassland. The goal is to operationalize FSC estimates from PhenoCams to inform and improve satellite-based determination of phenological metrics.

The study site is the Oakville Prairie Biological Field Station, located near Grand Forks, North Dakota. I developed a mostly semi-automated process to estimate FSC from PhenoCam images through …

The Relationship Between At-Home Reading Literacy Activities And Reading Literacy Scores Of Beginning Kindergarteners, Shera Chantel Caviness

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 33% of U.S. prekindergartners have trouble recognizing the English alphabet and their associated sounds. To compete and succeed globally today, children start early with English alphabet recognition and phonics instruction to develop fluent reading skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental recollection of at-home reading literacy activities of prekindergartners and beginning kindergarteners’ reading literacy scores. Vygotsky’s theory of social interaction and Piaget’s theory of child development provided the theoretical basis for this study. The key research question focused on the relationship between parental recollection of at-home reading literacy activities of prekindergarteners and beginning …

Minority Women Leaders' Experiences Of Shattering The Glass Ceiling In Public Administration, Trina N. George

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Little research explores the experiences of women who have successfully attained careers in the highest echelons of federal service. Using Gregory-Mina's conceptualization of the great man theory as the foundation, the purpose of this general qualitative study was to understand the experiences and achievements of 7 women who advanced in the federal leadership hierarchy. This study used secondary data that is part of the Public Administration Genome Project holdings and these data were analyzed using inductive coding followed by a thematic analysis procedure. Data analysis revealed common experiences including that all of the women experienced a lack of mentors and …

Strategies For Small Businesses Negotiating Contracts With Hospitals, Patricia Gale Mccoy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Failure to successfully negotiate contracts can have negative impacts on business survivability. Contract negotiations are ways medical suppliers and hospitals establish mutually beneficial relationships to increase profitability and longevity while innovating to improve patient care. Grounded in the resource dependency theory and the grand theory of negotiation, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies used by Texas physician preference item (PPI) suppliers to successfully negotiate contracts with hospitals to improve profits and sustain their small business beyond 5 years. The participants comprised 11 small business leaders in Texas who successfully negotiated contracts with hospitals to …

Quality Of Life For Patients Who Have Undergone Hip Replacement Surgery With And Without An Enhanced Recovery Program, Patrick Servat

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The World Health Organization considers hip replacement one of the main public health concerns of this 21st century. An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach has proved to be an effective and efficient approach to treat patients in need of a hip replacement. The quality of life (QOL) of patients who have undergone a hip replacement surgery with an ERAS approach has not been documented due to its recent development as a possibility for hip surgery. The objective of this study was to compare QOL, length of stay (LOS), and surgery risks of patients undergoing hip replacement surgery with or …

Difficulties Social Workers Face When Working With Youth Exposed To Technology Without Parental Supervision, Dorothy Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There has been a significant increase in behavioral issues in the home and school environments of youth ages 13-17 years in the state of Georgia who have constant access to technology through internet-connected devices over the past years. Due to constant evolution and advancements of technology, mental health professionals are now noticing that when youth are overly consumed with technology, it tends to correlate with problematic behaviors. The social work practice problem and purpose is understanding the difficulties social workers face when working with youth exposed to technology without parental supervision. This study is important within the context of clinical …

Child Welfare Workers' Perceptions Of The Effective Black Parenting Program, Kharmynn M. Bullock

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The child welfare system (CWS) serves around half a million families each year in America. Of those, in Texas, hundreds of thousands of African American families represent the greatest percentages of families in the CWS when compared with their respective numbers in the general population. In 2013, African American children made up about 13.9% of the overall population of children in the United States; however, these children represented close to 26% (or 101,938) African American children in the system with CWS. Child Protective Services (CPS) has various programs and services, including parent education referrals to social services agencies that carry …

The Experience Of Being An Older Online Graduate Student, Shirley A. Losiewicz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of older adult online students (over age 30) has continued to grow over the past 10 years, but their perceptions of how the online experience affects their family and friendship relationships were unknown. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of 6 graduate students over the age of 30 years enrolled in an online program, using the lens of Bowen’s family systems theory and Elder’s life course theory. The research questions focused on the experiences of being an older online graduate student, including motivation, factors that helped or hindered adjustment, perceived stress, social …

Age Differences In Effect Of Collaboration Of Care Activities On Student Behaviors, Ronda Lynn Stevens

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Over 18 million children in the US have mental health problems and 70% receive the care in the education sector. The Collaboration of Care (CoC) approach is widely used to address these needs. However, the body of knowledge to date does not focus on relationships between the use of a CoC in a school environment nor examines school-based outcomes. This study examined a specific CoC, called the Collaboration of Services for Youth (COSY), to see if there was a positive association between participation in COSY and changes in attendance, behavior, and academic performance among 52 public-school students, ages 5-16, and …

Sentience In All Organisms With Centralized Nervous Systems, Lori Marino

Animal Sentience

Mikhalevich & Powell (2020) argue for considering the welfare of invertebrates, especially insects, by asking whether invertebrates have the cognitive and neural characteristics necessary for sentience. This approach assumes that human neural and cognitive complexity is the basis of sentience. But insight might also be gained by turning this approach on its head and examining the notion that sentience may be a fundamental biological property, appearing very early in the evolution of life in all organisms with centralized nervous systems.

Emails From The Poet Update, Stephanie Whang, David Elithorpe, Sarah Garcia, Chris Payne, Kevin Sprague

COVID-19 @ Whittier (full list of items)

In response to the developing concerns from students and faculty, Whittier College began sending out The Poet Update via email as a main source for campus news and information regarding Covid-19. These emails would provide a general update on the college’s approaches to online learning before going into specific changes or answering questions. Sent between March 13th to April 28th, the following emails reveal the plan of action for students and faculty for moving forward, as well as some of the changing conditions regarding student grades, waivers, fees, and matters specifically dealing with the success of students and faculty. Students …

The Lived Experience Of Monogamy Among Gay Men In Monogamous Relationships, Kellie L. Barton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research on male gay relationships spans more than 50 years, and the focus of most of this research has been on understanding the development processes, consequences, and risk factors of nonmonogamous relationships. Few researchers have explored the nature and meaning of monogamy in the male gay community. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to explore the lived experience of monogamy to give voice to other expressions of gay male relationships and potentially add to the literature surrounding clinical implications of treatment. The framework for developing the research emerged from the construct of the monogamy gap, derived from theories of …

Role Of Social Workers In Psychiatric Patient-Centered Care With U.S. Veterans, Alesia Michelle Noce-Owen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social workers play an important role in the implementation of patient-centered care (PCC) within an interdisciplinary treatment team in an inpatient psychiatric unit. The PCC approach can become overwhelming and stressful for interdisciplinary team members because the definition of PCC varies across disciplines. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore social workers’ perceptions of their role within an interdisciplinary team, including barriers to social work inclusion and PCC. Ecological systems theory provided the framework for the study. Interview data were collected from 2 focus groups containing a total of 10 purposively selected social workers. A grounded …

No Room For Speciesism In Welfare Considerations, Jennifer Vonk

Animal Sentience

Speciesism should play no role in determining welfare outcomes. Cognition may vary within species as well as between species, but broad classifications such as invertebrates are functionally meaningless in this context. Cognition should relate to welfare only to the extent that it relates to the capacity to suffer or to experience pleasure.

Ectogenesis: Is There A Constitutional Right To Substrate-Independent Wombs?, Brit Janeway Benjamin

University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class

No abstract provided.

Black Lives Matter: A Conversation On Health And Criminal Justice Disparities, Franciska Coleman, Aval-Naree S. Green

University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class

No abstract provided.

The Ever-Changing World Of The Paiute, Joseph Lent

Eastern Sierra History Journal

In this important article, Joseph Lent offers a counter-narrative to settler-colonial conceptions of what we now call the Eastern Sierra that derives its power from the oral histories of the Paiute nation.