Digital Commons Network^™

Mission Success: Mastering Muscle Function Through Humanoid Analysis, Amber M. Chelette

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Knowledge of muscle function and human movement are essential skills of all kinesiology students. In the humanoid activity, teams are challenged to determine whether a muscle is essential to the successful development of a humanoid being sent to Mars. This activity provides a significant learning experience regarding muscle anatomy, function, and movement analysis. The humanoid activity is intended for use in a face-to-face upper-level kinesiology anatomy or movement analysis course and best implemented with class sizes of 20-30 students. The total time commitment is approximately 45 minutes.

City Of Grants Pass V. Johnson: The Limits Of The Eighth Amendment’S Cruel And Unusual Punishments Clause, Erik W. Stanley

Liberty University Law Review

The case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson arose against the backdrop of a rising homeless population not seen before and the struggles cities faced with addressing this rise in homelessness and the proliferation of homeless encampments in urban areas. The case presented the question whether the City of Grants Pass ordinances that prohibited the homeless from sleeping or camping outside constituted cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Both the District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that it did. The United States Supreme Court reversed, finding that the …

Infrastructure, Equity And Climate Change: The Promise Of The Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act (Iija), Dante R. Gurule

Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal

No abstract provided.

Fixing The Last Frontier: How Law And Policy Governing Commercial Fishing Have Failed Alaska’S Environment And Economy, Andrew Ilemsky

Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal

No abstract provided.

Read The Sign: The Equal Protection Clause Does Not Require Gender-Affirming Bathroom Access In Schools, Stephen J. Nast

Liberty University Law Review

For thousands of years, bathrooms have been separated by sex—male and female. In fact, for most of human history, there has been a universal understanding that only male and female sexes existed. It was not until the twentieth century that the notion that there could be more than two sexes was popularized and the term “transgender” was introduced to society. By the mid-2010s, the idea that bathrooms should be separated by male and female began to receive opposition. As explored throughout this Comment, children identifying as transgender have filed lawsuits against school boards that did not permit children to use …

Theological Reflection On Digital Culture And Social Media, Matthias Scharer, Mary Hess, Sheila Nayar, José Galvan

Communication Research Trends

No abstract provided.

Full Issue: Volume 6, Issue 1, Editorial Board

Swarthmore Undergraduate History Journal

The first issue in the sixth volume of the Swarthmore Undergraduate History Journal.

When Dystopia Becomes Political Criticism: Why Margaret Atwood Wrote The Handmaid's Tale, Celeste Deale

Swarthmore Undergraduate History Journal

When Margaret Atwood published The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985, she didn’t think it’d still be relevant nearly forty years later. Yet, her use of historical imagination helped her create a novel that permeates time and space. This essay explores the production and reception of The Handmaid’s Tale, asking how the novel was both a product of the political and cultural context of its production in the 1980s and a critique of Atwood’s own contemporary moment. Atwood drew on biblical themes, Puritan history, and the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu to construct Gilead's social and political order and comment on American …

Class Iii Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase/Vacuolar Protein Sorting 34 In Cardiovascular Health And Disease, Yuanjun Shen, Jason Gleghorn

Pharmacy Faculty Scholarship

Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3Ks) play a critical role in maintaining cardiovascular health and the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Specifically, vacuolar Protein Sorting 34 (VPS34) or PIK3C3, the only member of Class III PI3K, plays an important role in CVD progression. The main function of VPS34 is inducing the production of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, which, together with other essential structural and regulatory proteins in forming VPS34 complexes, further regulates the mammalian target of rapamycin activation, autophagy, and endocytosis. VPS34 is found to have crucial functions in the cardiovascular system, including dictating the proliferation and survival of vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes …

The Importance Of Metaphysical Christian Screenplays, Francisca Dominguez Fuentes

Masters Theses

"HEAVEN AND EARTH, I AM" is a metaphysical screenplay that profoundly explores the universal theme of love. It parallels the Days of Noah and the Book of Revelation, warning humanity about the serious consequences of living without God daily. The screenplay emphasizes the urgency of this warning regarding the spiritual dangers arising from an alliance between the secular government and the church. It also examines the Three Angels' Message as described in Revelation, along with the prophetic teachings of the Bible presented by Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. The work serves as a reminder that the first judgment occurred through water, …

January 16, 2025, Caa

Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Learned Helplessness On Academic Baseline Levels In Adult Education Students Enrolling In A High School Equivalency Program, Kippie Barnwell Hartcraft

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between learned helplessness and academic baseline levels among adult students who dropped out of high school and have returned to a high school equivalency program to prepare to take the GED examination. The study controlled for the variables of the age of the student at the time of GED program enrollment, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. It is not known if, and to what degree, learned helplessness impacts academic baseline levels in reading, mathematics, and language in adult students. Learned helplessness, a maladaptive condition as demonstrated by low …

Exploring Science Education Teaching Practices Within The Homeschool Community Of West Michigan, Amanda Syers

Student Theses and Dissertations

Parental perception of the importance of science education and parental perceptions and use of active learning and inquiry-based practices in the context of homeschool science education represent a clear gap in the existing literature. This quantitative survey research study was designed to discover, analyze, and quantify parents' perceptions of the importance of science education and the science education practices used in homeschools across West Michigan through a constructivist framework lens. Using a novel survey instrument specifically designed for this study, a pilot test and subsequent anonymous survey were administered using snowball sampling methodology to collect data to answer three research …

Examining Teacher’S Experience Of Using Developmentally Appropriate Practices For Improving Mississippi Academic Assessment Program Reading Scores, Kimberly L. Chambers

Student Theses and Dissertations

Examining Teacher’s Experience of Using Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Improving Mississippi Academic Assessment Program This study explored the impact of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) on reading test scores as measured by the Mississippi Academics Assessment Program (MAAP) for students in grades 3-5. The research problem is centered on the potential disconnect between traditional teaching methods and the developmental needs of students, which negatively influenced their reading achievement. The study was particularly relevant to educators, policymakers, and students in elementary education who are directly impacted by the effectiveness of instructional practices. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine …

Halogeton And Greasewood Poisoning In Cattle And Sheep In Utah, E. Jane Kelly, Stephen T. Lee, Ammon Brown, Daniel Cook

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) is a fast-growing annual plant while greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) is a perennial shrub of the Western States. Oxalates are the toxic principle in halogeton and greasewood. Most losses occur when hungry animals are allowed to graze in heavy stands of halogeton and greasewood. Halogeton and greasewood are always dangerous and become more toxic as the growing season progresses. Here we report on two clinical cases of halogeton and greasewood poisoning in cattle and sheep. Histologically, oxalate crystals were observed in the kidneys of the cow and sheep consistent with oxalate poisoning. Oxalate was …

Refurbishing Used Gps Transmitters Improves Performance For Subsequent Deployments On Greater Sage-Grouse, Melissa S. Chelak, Michel T. Kohl, Justin R. Small, Kurt T. Smith, Aaron C. Pratt, Jeffrey L. Beck, Codi R. Backen, M. Brandon Flack, Hailey P. Wayment, Jason A. Wood, Ryan Howell, Trevon D. Strange, Lucian R. Mcdonald, Kezia R. Manlove, Shandra N. Frey, Randy T. Larsen, Brian A. Maxfield, David K. Dahlgren, Terry A. Messmer, David C. Stoner

Wildland Resources Student Research

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) radio transmitters are increasingly used across taxa to monitor animal populations. However, GPS transmitters can be susceptible to malfunctions that may result in location errors or data loss causing potential inferential bias that can have important implications for monitored species. Research using GPS transmitters on greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) has increased, but few sage-grouse studies have evaluated GPS performance. Because sage-grouse management has been subject to intense legal and political scrutiny with consequential economic implications, reliable data acquisition is central to informed decision-making for the species. We evaluated differences in the performance of …

Hiv Associated Epigenetic Trends And Chronic Diseases: Insights Into The Hidden Burden Of Chronic Infection, Courtney G. Wallace, Zachary Capriotti, Zachary Klase

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major health challenge despite dramatic advances in treatment and prevention. People living with HIV (PLWH) continue to experience high rates of non-AIDS comorbidities, including cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, oncologic, and neurocognitive disorders. These conditions persist under viral suppression, underscoring the lasting biological impact of infection. Epigenetic dysregulation has emerged as a key driver of these outcomes. HIV integration, viral proteins, chronic inflammation, and ART exposure have all been reported to alter DNA methylation, histone modifications, transcription factor networks, and noncoding RNA regulation. These changes extend beyond infected cells, reprogramming uninfected immune and tissue compartments. Long-lived …

Transcription Factor Runx1 Regulates Coagulation Factor Xiii-A (F13a1): Decreased Platelet-Megakaryocyte F13a1 Expression And Clot Contraction In Runx1 Haplodeficiency, Fabiola Del Carpio-Cano, Natthapol Songdej, Liying Guan, Guangfen Mao, Lawrence E. Goldfinger, Jeremy G.T. Wurtzel, Kiwon Lee, Michele P. Lambert, Mortimer Poncz, A. Koneti Rao

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

BACKGROUND: Germline RUNX1 haplodeficiency (RHD) is associated with thrombocy- topenia, platelet dysfunction, and predisposition to myeloid malignancies. Platelet expression profiling of an RHD patient showed decreased F13A1, encoding for the A subunit of factor (F)XIII, a transglutaminase that cross-links fibrin and induces clot stabilization. FXIII-A is synthesized by hematopoietic cells, megakaryocytes, and monocytes.

OBJECTIVES: o understand RUNX1 regulation of F13A1 expression in platelets/mega- karyocytes and the mechanisms and consequences of decreased F13A1 in RHD.

METHODS: We performed studies in platelets, human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells, and human CD34+ cell-derived megakaryocytes including on clot contraction in cells following small inhibitor RNA knockdown …

Exploring The Pathogen Profiles Of Ancient Feces, Drew Capone, David Holcomb, Amanda Lai, Karl Reinhard, Joe Brown

Karl Reinhard Publications

Analysis of ancient desiccated feces – termed paleofeces or coprolites – can unlock insights into the lives of ancient people. We collected desiccated feces from caves in the Rio Zape Valley in Mexico (725-920 CE). First, we extracted DNA with methods previously optimized for paleofeces. Then, we applied highly sensitive modern molecular tools (i.e., PCR pre-amplification followed by multi-parallel qPCR) to assess the presence of 30 enteric pathogens. We detected ≥1 pathogen associated gene in each of the ten samples and a mean of 3.9 pathogens per sample. The targets detected included Blastocystis spp. (n=7), atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (n=7), …

Post-Transcriptional And Post-Translational Regulation Of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis In Sweetpotato By Ib-Mir2111 And Ibkfb: Implications For Health Promotion, Ruimin Tang, Cailiang Zhao, Jingjian Dong, Xiayu Liu, Lu Chang, Jianghui Li, Haitao Dong, Yuntao Lv, Zhuang Luo, Meiling Wu, Shan Shen, Qianwen Shan, Yuan Li, Qijun Chen, Runzhi Li, Liheng He, Qinghe Cao, Guiliang Tang, Xiaoyun Jia

Michigan Tech Publications

Introduction: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a genetically intricate hexaploid crop. The purple-fleshed variety, enriched with anthocyanin pigments, is an outstanding source for creating high-value functional products. Previous research on anthocyanin biosynthesis has primarily focused on the above-ground plant parts at the transcriptional level. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation in underground tuberous roots of sweet potato remain largely unexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms of Ib-miR2111 and its target gene IbKFB in anthocyanin synthesis in sweet potato. Methods: Genetic manipulation techniques were used to validate the function of Ib-miR2111 and …

Calcium Phosphate Formation And Deposition In Ischemic Neurons, Shu Q. Liu, John B. Troy, Jeremy Goldman, Roger J. Guillory

Michigan Tech Publications

Ischemic stroke causes acute brain calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition, a process involving primarily the injured neurons. Whereas the adverse impact of CaP deposition on the brain structure and function has been recognized, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This investigation demonstrated that the neuron-expressed, plasma membrane-associated Ca2+-binding proteins annexin (Anx) A2, AnxA5, AnxA6, and AnxA7 contributed to neuronal CaP deposition in the mouse model of ischemic stroke. These Anxs were released from the degraded plasma membrane of the ischemic neurons and were able to form Anx/CaP complexes, a nanostructure capable of binding to the β actin filaments via Anx–actin interaction …

Empirically Validating A Computational Model Of Automatic Behavior Shaping, Vincent Berardi, Tian Lan, Ariane Guirguis, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Mobile sensing technology allows automated behavior shaping routines to be incorporated into health behavior interventions and other settings. In previous work, a computational model was built to investigate how to best arrange automatic behavior shaping procedures, but the degree to which this model reflects actual human behavior is not known.

Purpose

To translate a previously developed computational model of automatic behavior shaping into an experimental setting.

Methods

Participants (n = 54) operated a computer mouse and attempted to locate a hidden, randomly-placed target circle on a blank computer screen and clicks within some threshold distance of the target …

Current Status Of Hemodialysis In Iraq, Ismael Ismael, Anas Khalaf, Dalia Ali, Ali Al Saedi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The progressive and permanent damage associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) makes it a major global health concern. Hemodialysis (HD) is a vital renal replacement therapy; however, its prevalence and adequacy remain understudied in Iraq. Aim: This study aims to assess the current situation of HD in Iraq, focusing on the prevalence and causes of CKD. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included all Iraqi cities and examined patients receiving HD from January 1 to December 31, 2023. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire at governorate centers across Iraq. Results: A total of 10,721 HD patients from various …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Marital Satisfaction And Marital Resilience In Christian Couples, Melvinlyn Lovell Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of the coronavirus, better known as COVID-19, on marital satisfaction and resilience in Christian marriages. Marital satisfaction and resilience are critical components of a successful marriage. Numerous studies have focused on marital satisfaction and resiliency (Carr & Kellas, 2018). However, little research focuses specifically on Christian married couples’ marital satisfaction and resilience during extraordinary conditions such as the recent pandemic, COVID-19. Even without a pandemic, marriages encounter internal and external stressors that can strengthen or destroy marriage. The primary goal of this quasi-experimental study using the interactionism theory was to (a) examine the impact of …

Parenting Strategies For Adult Abuse Victims, Sarah Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological proposal is to describe adults with past childhood trauma’s parenting experiences in Missouri. Growing up in an abusive household, I saw how not to parent my children once I was older. Not everyone thinks this way. Children who grow up in an abusive household do not always develop resiliency. Due to these effects, the following proposal will look at how these adults are impacted when it comes to their parenting styles. Parenting is difficult, to begin with, let alone working through your issues. Generational abuse is a common occurrence. The main research question that will …

Exploring Joint Manifestations In Rasopathies: A Prospective Survey, Lavinia Dobrea

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

RASopathies, a group of genetic diseases, affects approximately 1 in 1000 people worldwide. Despite advances documented in medical journals, there is limited understanding about the impact of various joint problems on activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) among those afflicted. This study was conducted, utilizing a qualitative phenomenological methodology, to better understand the lived experiences of people with RASopathies impacted by joint problems. Participants were selected from RASopathy communities by employing purposeful sampling to ensure population representation. Data was obtained through online surveys and virtual interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes, and data …

Tropical Fruit-Derived Lactiplantibacillus As Potential Probiotic And Antifungal Agents Against Fusarium Oxysporum, R. Vasundaradevi, M. Sarvajith, S. Divyashree, N. Deepa, M. Y. Sreenivasa, Premila Achar

Faculty Articles

Fifty-five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from seven selected tropical fruits, with Solanum nigrum exhibiting the highest LAB prevalence and Couroupita guianenis and Musa fruits showing the lowest counts. Two strains isolated from Ficus racemosa demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum. 16S rDNA sequencing identified these strains as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVCF3 and Lpb. argentoratensis MYSVCF5. The isolates displayed adaptability to a broad range of environmental conditions, including temperatures of 10–45 °C, pH 2–6, and salt up to 7%. The strains tolerated simulated gastrointestinal conditions of acid (pH-2), phenol (0.6%), and bile (0.3%) suggesting potential probiotic attributes. Lpb. …

Improving The Clinical Diagnostic Criteria For Genetically Confirmed Adult-Onset Huntington Disease: Considering Nonmotor Presentations, Ciaran M. Considine, Clare M. Eddy, Samuel A. Frank, Sandra K. Kostyk, Mayke Oosterloo, Annie Killoran, Erin Furr Stimming, Matthias Dose, Travis Cruickshank, Thomas D. Bird, Louise Vetter, Astri Arnesen, James Valvano, Herwig W. Lange, Daniel O. Claassen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BackgroundHuntington disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder. Given the focus on motor manifestations, nonmotor symptoms are frequently underappreciated in clinical evaluations, despite frequently contributing to primary functional impairment.Recent FindingsA diagnosis of motor-onset as the definition of manifest symptoms misrepresents the complex nature of HD presentation. Despite recent attempt to integrate nonmotor diagnostic criteria, practical guidelines are necessary to inform clinical diagnosis. We propose an HD diagnostic framework and staging system that prioritizes genetic testing, integrates motor and nonmotor symptom considerations in the determination of clinical disease onset and severity, and acknowledges the secondary role of clinically indicated diagnostic assessments, …

Vip Embassadors Gain Insight, Give Back To Fhsu Community, January 16, 2025, Tisa Mason Ed.D.

Heart of a Tiger Columns

No abstract provided.

A Yeast-Based Oral Therapeutic Delivers Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors To Reduce Intestinal Tumor Burden, Olivia N Rebeck, Miranda J Wallace, Jerome Prusa, Jie Ning, Esse M Evbuomwan, Sunaina Rengarajan, Lemoyne Habimana-Griffin, Suryang Kwak, David Zahrah, Jason Tung, James Liao, Bejan Mahmud, Skye R S Fishbein, Erick S Ramirez Tovar, Rehan Mehta, Bin Wang, Mark G Gorelik, Gautam Dantas, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Engineered probiotics are an emerging platform for in situ delivery of therapeutics to the gut. Herein, we developed an orally administered, yeast-based therapeutic delivery system to deliver next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) proteins directly to gastrointestinal tumors. We engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (Sb), a probiotic yeast with high genetic tractability and innate anticancer activity, to secrete "miniature" antibody variants that target programmed death ligand 1 (Sb_haPD-1). When tested in an ICI-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse model, Sb_haPD-1 significantly reduced intestinal tumor burden and resulted in significant shifts to the immune cell profile and microbiome composition. This oral therapeutic platform …