Digital Commons Network^™

“Where Did Your Christ Come From”? Exploring The Significance And Prevalence Of The White Jesus Phenomenon Among Black Baptist Women And Men, Stephanie Marshelle House-Niamke

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Berger's theory of religion and world construction fails to consider the critical issue of power and who is allowed to construct their own reality and thus, does not adequately capture the experience of Black Christians and the Black religious experience. I use White Jesus as a case study to analyze this process. Though the White Jesus phenomenon has been more readily explored in theological and historical fields, very little sociological research discusses this phenomenon. I argue that a Europeanized Jesus has had harmful sociocultural effects on Black Christians and Black people, in the form of cultural trauma. Yet, the White …

Influences Of Disrupted Circadian Rhythms On Stroke Outcome, Jennifer A. Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The circadian system is composed of a subset of temporal oscillators that function through a transcriptional and post-translational molecular and functional negative feedback loop cycling approximately every 24 hours. The central clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus is responsible for entrainment using light as the key timekeeper (zeitgeber); it is responsible for synchronizing and optimizing physiological behavior and function to the environment. Exogenous information, such as day length and light-dark cycles, provide critical temporal cues for adjusting to environmental conditions. Proper alignment to natural light dark cycles and circadian rhythms is optimal for vital health, fitness, and survival in organisms. …

Structure-Dependent Characterizations Of Multistationarity In Mass-Action Reaction Networks, Galyna Voitiuk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This project explores a topic in Chemical Reaction Network Theory. We analyze networks with one dimensional stoichiometric subspace using mass-action kinetics. For these types of networks, we study how the capacity for multiple positive equilibria and multiple positive nondegenerate equilibria can be determined using Euclidian embedded graphs. Our work adds to the catalog of the class of reaction networks with one-dimensional stoichiometric subspace answering in the affirmative a conjecture posed by Joshi and Shiu: Conjecture 0.1 (Question 6.1 [26]). A reaction network with one-dimensional stoichiometric subspace and more than one source complex has the capacity for multistationarity if and only …

“Here Is The Place, My Lord”: The Scenic Design Process For King Lear, Abigail E. Wagner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Undertaking the role of Scenic Designer of West Virginia University School of Theatre & Dance’s 2021 filmed production of King Lear by William Shakespeare was a formidable challenge. A detailed description of the entire scenic design process includes script analysis, research, design meetings, scenic art techniques, and the filming process. It illustrates the journey of what began as a series of renderings and models, transforming into the finalized version of the scenic design.

Mechanistic Insight Into Chronic Stress-Induced Cerebrovascular Dysfunction, Emily Nicole Burrage

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Despite decades of research psychological stress remains a prevalent problem in society, often diminishing quality of life and increasing the risk of developing dementia. The brain plays a central role in the response to stress and as it is unable to store energy substrates, the brain relies heavily on dynamically regulated blood flow. Therefore, it is important that there is a tight coupling between neural activity and cerebral blood flow to meet metabolic demands and maintain critical brain function. It has been established that chronic psychological stress has detrimental effects on cerebrovascular function, potentially through increased superoxide anion production through …

Examining Development And Function Of Pretectal Visual Neural Circuits In Gs Homeobox 1 Mutant Zebrafish, Alexandra Rose Schmidt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Brain development requires a coordinated genetic code to regulate initial cell identity determination, migration, and connectivity, to establish function of neural circuits. Independent neural circuits underlie our ability to produce both complex and innate behavioral responses to sensory stimuli that are often conserved across vertebrate organisms. Sensory processing disruptions are associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Therefore, gene mutations altering neurodevelopment can lead to changes influencing structure and function of individual neural circuits, causing behavioral deviations in sensory responsiveness. Crucial gene networks that define functional properties of sensory domains are often explored using non-mammalian vertebrate models, such as the zebrafish. …

Aging, A Pathological Factor In Neurological Injury, Aruvi Vijikumar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One of the main reasons for CNS drugs to fail in clinical development is not considering age as a risk factor while studying chronic age-related neurological/neurodegenerative diseases in preclinical studies. We first set out to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of age on various aspects (anatomical, immunological, and biochemical) in rodents that play a key role in determining the onset, progression, and evolution of disease severity. With advancing age, the vascular structure and function are compromised which is hypothesized to accelerate cognitive decline. The initial step toward developing novel therapeutics is to characterize the age-related vascular modifications. Utilizing …

Review Of Innovative Rehabilitation Techniques For Reinforced Concrete Buildings, Demetrius Karoubas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Building rehabilitation encompasses the act of repairing damaged structural elements, as well as the upgrading of older buildings to bring them up to modern standards. In recent years, due to the extreme economic and environmental cost of new construction, building rehabilitation is gaining ground as the most viable solution to the problem posed by damaged or substandard buildings. With the constant development of new materials with favorable properties and the improvement of our understanding of earthquakes, new rehabilitation techniques are being developed, improving on the efficiency and effectiveness of older ones. Reinforced Concrete (RC) buildings are a type of building …

A Narrative Inquiry Into The Influence Of School Shooting Survival On College Transition And Experience, Jayne M. Piskorik

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is an extensive body of school-related shooting research exploring causes, how to recognize a threat, and what preparedness measures are effective (Lee et al., 2020; Muchert, 2007). However, there is insufficient research on how the broader context of school-related shootings in American society has influenced college-aged students. The purpose of this study was to tell the story of how students have been influenced by their experience surviving the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting during their transition to and performance in higher education. Narrative inquiry provided a deeper understanding through narrative retelling of the perceptions, decisions, and experiences …

Validity Evidence For The Male Depression Risk Scale-22 (Mdrs-22) In Younger And Older Adult Males, Montgomery T. Owsiany

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Men are two times less likely to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder than women. However, suicide rates are nearly four times higher in men than women, increasing to six times when comparing older men to older women. Given that affective disorders are present in most individuals who die by suicide, investigators have begun researching the possibility that depression presents differently in individuals who adhere to traditional masculine norms, leading to the conceptualization of masculine depression. Presently, one assessment for masculine depression shows strong reliability and validity evidence: the Male Depression Risk Scale-22 (MDRS-22). Despite burgeoning validity evidence for the …

It’S A Bleed: Pediatric Hemophilia And Length Of Stay, Rural Vs Urban Hospitals, Daniel G. Liedl

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that requires specialty care and treatment. Pediatric patients with hemophilia have unique medical issues that may lead to permanent disability or death if not properly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Due to lack of resources and proper training of staff, rural hospitals are not equipped to properly treat pediatric hemophilia patients. Utilizing the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids´ Inpatient Database (KID) of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. I have found, across all hospital types, pediatric hemophilia patients have longer lengths of stay, 2.7 days for rural hospitals, 4.6 …

An Investigation Into The Mechanism Of Proteasome Dysfunction In Neurodegenerative Disease And The Biological Impact Of Proteasome Hyperactivation In C. Elegans, Raymond T. Anderson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Aging is an inevitable process that occurs as humans grow older. It is characterized by the chronological accumulation of cellular damage over time leading to functional decline as an organism grows older. Several processes are thought to contribute to the aging phenomenon, but one of the most prolific of these is the disruption of protein homeostasis (proteostasis). The collapse of proteostasis can lead to accelerated aging and the development of age-related diseases including devastating neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) like Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. Virtually all NDs are characterized by the buildup of proteins in and around neurons resulting in neuronal death …

Characterizing The Effects Of Solvent And Analyte Properties On Ionization Efficiency By Novel Field-Free And Field-Enabled Ionization Techniques, Kinkini Udara Jayasundara

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years the mass spectrometry (MS) area of field and/or direct analysis has grown dramatically. As a result, field-portable and miniaturized mass spectrometers, introduced only a few years ago, are proliferating. A highly desired feature for field-portable MS, or in-field analysis, is the ability to use ionization techniques requiring very little sample preparation as well as an ability to generate the ions under ambient conditions. Recently, a new ambient ionization technique termed vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (VSSI) has been introduced which overcomes the field-portable limitations of other spray-based methods including the requirements for auxiliary components (e.g., nebulizing gas and …

Ero1Α Promotes Tumorigenesis In Egfr Driven Nsclc, Brennan D. Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a pulmonary malignancy most commonly associated with smoking, or exposure to asbestos or Radon. Approximately, 1.6 Million deaths occur each year due to lung cancer. Lung Cancer is categorized by two main types, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and NSCLC. NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and is subdivided into three sub-categories: Adenocarcinoma, the most common and leading cause of death in the United States; Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Large Cell Carcinoma. Though NSCLC treatment regimens have shown increasing clinical benefit over the last two decades with targeted therapies. …

Reproductive Rates, Kitten Survival, And Den Site Selection Of Bobcats (Lynx Rufus) In The Black Hills, South Dakota, Erin E. Morrison

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is an important furbearer in South Dakota. However, management of bobcats can be difficult because of their elusive nature and lack of demographic information. In particular, managers lack information on abundance, survival, and reproductive rates necessary to ensure sustainable harvests and stable populations through time. Additionally, cause-specific mortality can provide insight into the factors influencing bobcat kitten survival rates, as well as reveal actions managers could take to improve survival. Bobcat resource selection can vary depending on spatial scale and it is important to understand how denning may result in different selection patterns at …

Prevalence Of Cortical Bone Fenestration And Sinus Membrane Thickening In Association With Endodontic Infection. A Review Of Cbct Scans., David Desta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Prevalence of Cortical Bone Fenestration and Sinus Membrane Thickening in Association with Endodontic Infection. A review of CBCT scans.

Introduction

Although a systemic disease due to the spread of endodontic infection is very rare or non-existing, the dissemination of endodontic infection into intimately associated anatomical structures such as alveolar bone and maxillary sinus are known (1-4). In this study we examined and reported the prevalence of maxillary sinus involvement and cortical bone fenestration during an endodontic infection. The study also evaluated and presented association between factors such as (type of teeth, systemic diseases, patient’s age, and gender) and radiographic presentation …

Implementation Of Stress Management And Resiliency Training To Address Nursing Burnout In A Neuroscience Critical Care Unit, Jessica May Marie Hughes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the United States, over one-third of nurses experience symptoms of burnout (Reith, 2018). If left unchecked, poor stress management and resiliency skills can contribute to nursing burnout, leading to costly employee turnover. Stress management and resiliency training (SMART) provides the tools necessary to develop resiliency, improve stress management and decrease burnout (Resilient Option, 2020). Nursing staff under the age of 36, who work in a Neurosciences Critical Care Unit (NCCU) demonstrate lower resiliency scores and a higher risk of burnout. This project aimed to evaluate: (a) the effects of a SMART program on the wellbeing of nursing staff in …

A Quality Improvement Initiative Regarding Ondansetron In The Prevention Of Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension, Kassidy Dell Nutter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Spinal anesthesia is an excellent choice as the primary anesthetic for lower abdominal, perineal, and lower extremity procedures. Spinal anesthesia boasts several distinct advantages over general anesthesia. However, it is important to note that spinal anesthesia does not come without risk. The most common adverse reaction of spinal anesthesia is hypotension. Anesthesia providers use several methods to combat the hypotension that is so commonly associated with spinal anesthesia. One emerging trend to prevent spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAIH) is the administration of ondansetron, a serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine3 antagonist. Evidence has shown that the administration of ondansetron just prior to spinal anesthesia administration …

Actin Cytoskeletal Regulation And Matrix Metalloproteinase Targeting In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Hnscc) Progression, Jessica Lea Allen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a cancer originating from the epithelial lining of the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx. HNSCC is associated with extensive locoregional invasion and tissue destruction. Invasive processes underlying HNSCC contribute to poor prognosis and decreased quality of life. Amplification of chromosome 11q13 is the most common DNA aberration in human papilloma virus negative (HPV^-) HNSCC. This region includes various genes known to drive tumor progression. CORO1B (coronin 1B) flanks the core 11q13 region and is amplified in 7-14% of HNSCC. Coronin 1B is essential for mesenchymal cell motility by promoting turnover …

Equipping Advanced Practice Providers: Interprofessional Pediatric Airway Management Course, Kenton M. Schrock

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Developmental differences between pediatrics and adults requires intervention adjustments for airway management. Segregated intraprofessional training and limited provider exposure could result in poor collaboration and low-quality management. Patient outcomes depend on the proficient collaborative application of skill and knowledge. Purpose: The interprofessional pediatric airway management course paired unique airway considerations with interprofessional training strategies to equip providers to deliver safe airway management. Intervention: The course was delivered as a 3-hour training session. Participants completed team simulations and skill/concept stations. Pre- and post-intervention competency and confidence scores were measured and analyzed. Methods: Baseline confidence and competency scores in managing a …

Implementation Of An Amiodarone Infusion Nurse Practice Guideline To Reduce The Incidence Of Phlebitis: A Quality Improvement Project, Kristen N. Cottrill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Patients have an increased risk of developing phlebitis when amiodarone is delivered through a peripheral intravenous catheter. In a 32-bed cardiac surgery step-down unit, patients experienced phlebitis at a rate of 28.57% despite following manufacturer recommendations. Individual interventions targeted at amiodarone-related phlebitis have presented mixed results, however, when an amiodarone infusion practice guideline was established, the rate and severity of phlebitis consistently decreased across studies. Purpose: This project aimed to implement an evidence-based amiodarone infusion guideline to reduce phlebitis development or severity in cardiac-surgery step-down patients without a central venous catheter who received a peripheral intravenous infusion of amiodarone. …

A Quality Improvement Initiative For Intraoperative Low Dose Ketamine Utilization In Thoracotomy, Jason Wampler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The challenge of postoperative pain control following a thoracotomy is well noted among anesthesia providers. The intraoperative utilization of low-dose ketamine in several patient populations, including those undergoing a thoracotomy, has been deemed a viable intervention in the multi-modal analgesia plan at not only reducing postoperative pain scores for patients, but also reducing opioid consumption. This quality improvement project sought to increase provider awareness of this intervention among anesthesia providers in a community hospital with a goal to influence a practice change. This was completed using a pre-post design centered around an educational in-service, with an additional 60-day follow-up survey …

Evaluating The Feasibility Of A Collaborative Care Clinical Pathway For The Treatment Of Adolescent Depression And Anxiety In Rural Pediatric Primary Care, Kayla R. Watson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Evaluating the Feasibility of a Collaborative Care Clinical Pathway for the Treatment of Adolescent Depression and Anxiety in Rural Pediatric Primary Care

Kayla Watson

Background: Due to a national shortage of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (CAP), Primary Care Providers (PCP) are often required to manage patients with mental health disorders despite a lack of focused training and lower self-efficacy or confidence in the management of these disorders. Referral to CAPs for management following the diagnosis of adolescent depression and anxiety is a common practice. The integration of mental health services within the primary care setting can overcome many of these …

Size Effect And Anisotropy On The Strength Of Shale Under Compressive Stress Conditions, Yun Zhao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The underground coal mines in the Appalachian region report the highest rate of roof falls in the United States. The immediate roof of these mines is mostly composed of shale. The in-situ strength of shale is necessary for designing roof support to prevent roof falls. Estimating the in-situ strength of shale requires the knowledge of both size effect and anisotropy. This research used literature review, theoretical analysis, numerical modeling, and laboratory experiment to systematically investigate the size effect and anisotropy of shale strength under compressive strength conditions.

Literature review involved a comprehensive summary of previous research on the size effect …

Covid-19 Impact On Disparity In Childhood Immunization In Low- And Middle-Income Countries Through The Lens Of Historical Pandemics, Harriet Itiakorit, Abhilash Sathyamoorthi, Brigid E O'Brien, Diane Nguyen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The COVID-19 pandemic, since 2020, has affected health care services and access globally. Although the entire impact of COVID-19 pandemic on existing global public health is yet to be fully seen, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global childhood immunization programs is of particular importance.

RECENT FINDINGS: Disruptions to service delivery due to lockdowns, challenges in vaccination programs, vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and political and social economic inequalities all posed a threat to existing childhood immunization programs. These potential threats were especially critical in LMIC where childhood immunization programs tend to experience suboptimal implementation.

SUMMARY: This review …

Disparities In Accessing Sexual And Reproductive Health Services And Rights Among Adolescents And Young People During Covid-19 Pandemic: Culture, Economic, And Gender Perspectives, Rogers N Ssebunya, Mafusi Boopa, Diane Nguyen, Lee Ligon

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the world grapples with the health systems' challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the needs of the already vulnerable adolescents and young people is vital. This narrative synthesis is aimed to highlight the current gender, cultural, and socioeconomic dynamics fueling inequalities to accessing sexual, reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services among adolescents and young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic has in most countries exacerbated already existing inequalities due to economic, gender, cultural, and legal aspects. Strategies implemented by most governments to mitigate the spread of the virus have also …

Elephant In The Room, Patrick Barry

Articles

Over the past several decades, the student population at law schools across the country has become more and more racially diverse. In 1987, for example, only about 1 in every 10 law students identified as a person of color; by 2019, that percentage shot up to almost 1 out of 3.

Yet take a look at virtually any collection of recommended manuals on writing. You are unlikely to find even one that is authored by a person of color. The composition of law schools may be dramatically changing, but the materials that students are given to help them figure out …

Investigative Advocacy: The Mechanics Of Muckraking, Patrick Barry

Articles

This essay argues that drafting a complaint is a form of investigative advocacy and that the best of them uphold the tradition of muckraking journalism.

Cardiac Immune Cell Infiltration Associates With Abnormal Lipid Metabolism, Vincenza Cifarelli, Ondrej Kuda, Kui Yang, Xinping Liu, Richard W Gross, Terri A Pietka, Gyu Seong Heo, Deborah Sultan, Hannah Luehmann, Josie Lesser, Morgan Ross, Ira J Goldberg, Robert J Gropler, Yongjian Liu, Nada A Abumrad

2020-Current year OA Pubs

CD36 mediates the uptake of long-chain fatty acids (FAs), a major energy substrate for the myocardium. Under excessive FA supply, CD36 can cause cardiac lipid accumulation and inflammation while its deletion reduces heart FA uptake and lipid content and increases glucose utilization. As a result, CD36 was proposed as a therapeutic target for obesity-associated heart disease. However, more recent reports have shown that CD36 deficiency suppresses myocardial flexibility in fuel preference between glucose and FAs, impairing tissue energy balance, while CD36 absence in tissue macrophages reduces efferocytosis and myocardial repair after injury. In line with the latter homeostatic functions, we …

Binary Acoustic Metasurfaces For Dynamic Focusing Of Transcranial Ultrasound, Zhongtao Hu, Yaoheng Yang, Lu Xu, Yao Hao, Hong Chen

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a promising technique for non-invasive and spatially targeted neuromodulation and treatment of brain diseases. Acoustic lenses were designed to correct the skull-induced beam aberration, but these designs could only generate static focused ultrasound beams inside the brain. Here, we designed and 3D printed binary acoustic metasurfaces (BAMs) for skull aberration correction and dynamic ultrasound beam focusing. BAMs were designed by binarizing the phase distribution at the surface of the metasurfaces. The phase distribution was calculated based on time reversal to correct the skull-induced phase aberration. The binarization enabled the ultrasound beam to be dynamically steered …