Digital Commons Network^™

Promises Kept And Lives Touched: Local Educators Ignite Hope Through Learning And Literacy, May 9, 2024, Tisa Mason Ed.D.

Heart of a Tiger Columns

No abstract provided.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Welcoming Pollinators, Kaitlin Cambell, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle

All Current Publications

This fact sheet is part of a series about creating sustainable school and home gardens. It focuses on welcoming pollinators to the garden by providing a safe and effective habitat, and lists recommended plantings and resources.

Vista: May 9, 2024, University Of San Diego

USD Vista (1965-)

No abstract provided.

Against The Skin (In Bondage), Hayley Labrum Morrison

Northwestern Law Journal des Refusés

No abstract provided.

Learning How To Overcome Challenges In Endodontic Treatment: Large And Curved Canals, Rachel Healy

Excellence Day

This project highlights the challenges that can be seen during endodontic treatment. Large canals are common amongst certain canals, such as the palatal canal of maxillary molars. However, large canals are even more predominately seen in pediatric patients. Obturation of these large canals often requires large gutta percha cones and/or warm vertical condensation. Furthermore, another common challenge that provider's must overcome are curved canals. Treatment for curved canals requires different techniques in order achieve a glide path to allow for successful cleaning and shaping as well as obturation. In this project, a case will be highlighted from the pre-doctoral clinic …

The Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans: A Convenient Model For Studying Immunology And Microbiology, William Zhao, Shrey Shah, Scott Davis, David M. Ojcius, Hung-Chi Yang

Excellence Day

Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode that survives naturally in a variety of environments throughout the world. This nematode has been used for decades as a model system for development, cancer and aging, since it shares with humans key genes and signaling pathways that are involved in disease. In addition, this nematode is easy to maintain in the laboratory and is genetically tractable. Major discoveries relevant for human cancer, innate immunity and longevity have been made with C. elegans, but this nematode has not been used yet for studying genes or microbiota relevant for oral health. Several laboratories in the world …

Harvesting Nature's Cellular Messengers: Extraction And Isolation Of Plant Nanovesicles For Biomedical Applications, Yuchen Xie, Prasama Neelakantan, Benjamin Zeitlin

Excellence Day

Plant cells produce nanometer-sized vesicles for cellular communication, bioactive molecule transport, and modulation of the plant immune response. Extracellular nanovesicles contain proteins, RNA, and other molecules. It has been demonstrated that plant nanovesicles exert bioactive effects on human cells. Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and tissue regenerative properties are significant to dentistry. Other groups have used mechanically disruptive methods to isolate plant nanovesicles. We aim to develop an isolation method for these nanoparticles from various fruits which preserves their structure and function towards their use in cell culture studies aimed at understanding the health benefits of plant nanovesicles in dental treatment and as …

Give Kids A Smile Volunteer Event, Sarah Takahashi, Taylor O'Reilly

Excellence Day

Summary of Project: The Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) program is a national event through the American Dental Association. Its goal is to provide underserved children with free, quality oral health care and preventative education. At UOP, the GKAS event was sponsored by the Pediatric Department, with whom we worked closely to orchestrate the finer details of the event. With over 100 volunteers, we were able to provide free dental screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatment, and oral health education to ninety-four children. The event was strategically laid out to require children and their parents to complete the interactive educational portion before …

Assessment Of Bacterial Diversity In South Georgia Water Sources Using Bacterial Isolation And Maldi Tof-Based Identification, Teighlor Livingston, Andrew Metry, Sammy Elmor, Steven Li, Hunter Medley, Alleluia Nishimwe, Nishi Patel, Gary Sellers, Daniel Torres, Girija Regmi, Allen Kalantari, Hemant K. Naikare, Nikita Mirajkar

Research Day

Background

Water bodies support diverse life but are vulnerable to microbial contamination, endangering human, animal, and plant health, especially in rural areas with limited clean water access. Regular water sample surveillance is vital to protect public health and prevent adverse effects. In addition to monitoring current filtration processes, this study surveys rural South Georgia's water sources to establish a baseline microbial profile for future comparative analysis.

Methods

Biweekly water sampling occurred from November 2023 to January 2024 in rural South Georgia, covering diverse sites such as lakes, ponds, filtered water fountains, and a city water treatment facility. Samples were collected …

Impact Of The Full Moon On Psychiatric Admissions And Consultations In The Emergency Department: A Retrospective Analysis, Jeanine Garcia, Philipa A. Wang, Richard Tricardo, Rizwana Ashraf

Research Day

Introduction:

This retrospective study explores how the full moon and various lunar phases correlate to the frequency of emergency department (ED) psychiatric consultations and admissions. The idea that lunar cycles may influence human behavior has long been a subject of fascination and folklore. However, empirical evidence in the context of psychiatric presentations in the ED remains limited. There are some contradictory research studies on how the full moon impacts human health and behavior. Various studies suggest a connection between lunar phases and neurological, reproductive, endocrine, immunological, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases, while other studies show no correlation between lunar phases and …

Manga In Bookstores, Claire L. Curry

Student Research Symposium

In recent years, manga has seen a surge in popularity. This research seeks to provide insights into the role of manga in U.S. bookstores and its implications for reader discovery. Through observations at bookstores in the Portland area, including Books with Pictures, Kinokuniya, Powell’s, and Barnes and Noble, it was examined how manga is presented to readers. Factors considered include manga’s physical placement in the store and surrounding sections as well as shelving methods and categorizations like genre labels, particularly for manhwa, manhua, and light novels. Display tables, end caps, and shelf talkers also demonstrate an unique way for bookstores …

Locating Vitamin D Receptors (Vdrs) In Annual Killifish, Austrofundulus Limnaeus, Rosalia N. Tanori, Amie L. Romney, Jason E. Podrabsky

Student Research Symposium

Austrofundulus limnaeus, a species of annual killifish found in unpredictable temporary habitats in South America, has a profound ability to survive long periods without water and oxygen. This tolerance is associated with the ability to enter metabolic dormancy associated with diapause. Entrance into diapause and tolerance of environmental stress is governed by an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is among these factors and plays a crucial role in determining if an embryo will enter diapause or actively develop. My work aims to identify the genomic locations of VDR proteins in the A. limnaeus genome …

Dragon Pseudoscorpions Shed Light On Ancient Climate History In The Pacific Northwest, Joshua W. Hootman

Student Research Symposium

Pseudoscorpions are an ancient and diverse group of understudied arachnids, and there is much to be learned about their relationships to each other. Pseudoscorpions are one of many leaf-litter dwelling and low dispersing invertebrates that inhabit the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Previous phylogeographic studies of Pacific Northwest taxa have shed light on some of the climatic and geologic events that have shaped the area's flora and fauna. One purpose of this study is to determine if there is similar genetic structuring within the pseudoscorpion populations present in the study area, or if there is even more structure likely influenced …

Delivering Live Q&A In Videos Via Synthetic Content Generation Using Generative Artificial Intelligence, Daniel V. Klein, Paul Mccartney

Defensive Publications Series

Pre-recorded videos provide a non-interactive viewing experience that is suboptimal for learning or engagement. This disclosure describes techniques that leverage large language models (LLMs) and generative video models to enable viewers of an informational/educational video to pause the video and ask questions to the presenter (the person in the video). The question is analyzed, and an answer is generated using an LLM. The LLM may be fine-tuned to the persona of the presenter of the video such that the generated answer matches their style. The answer is delivered with the face and the voice of the presenter in the original …

Research And Creative Achievement Conference 2024 Program, Mcquade Library

RCAC 2024 Posters

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of A Ubiquitous Filter Feeder On Coastal Microbial Communities., Melissa Steinman, Moritz S. Schmid, Robert K. Cowen, Su Sponaugle, Kelly R. Sutherland, Anne W. Thompson

Student Research Symposium

Doliolids have a unique ability to impact the marine microbial community through bloom events and high filtration rates. Their predation on large eukaryotic microorganisms is established and evidence of predation on smaller prokaryotic microorganisms is beginning to emerge. We studied the retention of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbial taxa by wild-caught doliolids in the northern California Current system. We use qPCR to quantify the impact of doliolids on three important and globally abundant taxa: Synechococcus, SAR11 and diatoms. Doliolids were collected during bloom events identified at three different shelf locations with variable upwelling intensities. We discovered that in addition …

Considering The Historical And Systemic Context, To What Extent Are Cuban Women’S Healthcare And Reproductive Rights Affected By The Privacy And Social Influence Of Cuba Today?, Autumn Cowell

Student Research Symposium

This paper will examine how historical and systemic values continue to frame social influences thus impacting Cuban women’s healthcare and reproductive rights. If the impact of history and systems still affects social influences then Women’s Healthcare and Reproductive Rights may be compromised. This investigation will highlight the potential benefits and risks of historical and systemic values that have affected challenges or changes within Cuban culture. And how these social influences are found within the areas of prevention, intervention, and treatment. This paper hopes to outline how the Cuban government and society are sustaining the protection of Cuban women’s access to …

Gilgamesh (Fossils In The Stream), Eliana Lazzaro

Exile

No abstract provided.

Wigs For Kids, Robert Garber

Exile

No abstract provided.

Exile Vol. Lxix, Moriah Aberle, William Barnes, Antonia Baylor, Annika J. Bruce, Abby Conturo, Rita Costa, S.A. Culyer, Lauren Ehlers, Cordero L.M. Estremera, Mia Fischel, Robert Garber, Brin Glass, Anna Gooch, Eliza Hughes, Rebecca Hurtado, Malina Infante, Anna Northington Jones, Maggie Jones, Georgia Reese Knox, Eliana Lazzaro, Maarten Lempia, Caroline Lopez

Exile

No abstract provided.

Revitalizing Turtle Creek Park, Michael Hardyway, Ethan Harm, Abbey Jacoby, Casey Stephenson

Final Reports in ENST 411: Environmental Community Projects

We current ENST 411 students, Abbey Jacoby, Michael Hardyway, Ethan Harm, and Casey Stephenson have chosen to work with Jim Knight, East Buffalo Township, the Merrill Linn Land and Waterways Conservancy, and many others in an attempt to revitalize Turtle Creek Park for a plethora of reasons. Three of us are majoring in biology, and two are majoring in environmental science, which makes much of the information and techniques relevant in Turtle Creek applicable to our courses of study. This project included heavy hands on work which allowed us students to leave a memorable and impactful influence on the Lewisburg …

Spartan Daily, May 8, 2024, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2024

Volume 162, Issue 42

Transitions Of Pa Safe-House Garden Bed, Christian Tait, Molly Garrahy, Lauren Mcdougal, Amanda Pennett

Final Reports in ENST 411: Environmental Community Projects

The non-profit organization, Transitions of PA allows those in crisis, particularly domestic abuse victims, to find support and resources through providing temporary residence at one of Transitions’ three safehouses. We have built a raised garden bed as a therapeutic resource for the Lewisburg safehouse guests, with principles of sustainable gardening in mind. The act of gardening becomes a form of therapy as the connection to the natural elements and intentionality behind sustainable gardening methods have significant mental health benefits. Beyond acting as a therapeutic activity, community gardening has been proven to support social connections and act as a pathway to …

Spring 2024 Enst 411 Sos Final Report, Ben Fink, Juliette Gaggini, Charlie Moderelli, Kate Gottwald

Final Reports in ENST 411: Environmental Community Projects

Save Our Susquehanna (SOS), is a campaign against Encina, a manufacturing company based in Texas that plans to build a “chemical recycling” plant in Point Township, Pennsylvania. As stated on the SOS website, SOS is a “group of local citizens who are concerned about the health and environmental impacts of a plastics processing facility being proposed for Point Township in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.” SOS is made up of local residents who live near the proposed site in Northumberland, Danville, Sunbury, Lewisburg, and Selinsgrove. Additionally, SOS is partnered with people from state and national groups who are similarly concerned about the …

Controls On Soft Tissue And Cellular Preservation In Late Eocene And Oligocene Vertebrate Fossils From The White River And Arikaree Groups Of Nebraska, South Dakota, And Wyoming, John E. Gallucci, Grace Woolslayer, Kelsey Barker, Brian Kibelstis, Allison R Tumarkin-Deratzian, Paul V. Ullmann, David E. Grandstaff, Dennis O. Terry

School of Earth & Environment Departmental Research

Previous studies on microtaphonomy have identified multiple types of organic microstructures in fossil vertebrates from a variety of time periods and past environmental settings. This study investigates potential taphonomic, paleoenvironmental, and paleoclimatic controls on soft tissue and cellular preservation in fossil bone. To this end, fifteen vertebrate fossils were studied: eight fossils collected from the Oligocene Sharps Formation of the Arikaree Group in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, and seven fossils from formations in the underlying White River Group, including the Oligocene Brule Formation of Badlands National Park, and the Eocene Chadron Formation of Flagstaff Rim, Wyoming; Toadstool Geologic Park, …

Connection To Places: Exploring Impacts Of Development And Individual Characteristics, Seamus Mcgrath

Psychology Honors Papers

Research revolving around Sense of Place or connections to Place is a uniquely chaotic area of study. It is understood that these connections to places have many concrete outcomes like environmental stewardship or relative comfort in a location. However, little is known about what individual characteristics predict strong connections to places. In this study, Object Attachment (via the OASM), sentimentality (Kama Muta Frequency Scale), Belongingness (via SOBI), Animistic Thinking and Development (IDEA) are posited to have connections to sense of place, measured using the Five Dimensions of Place Attachment. The analysis primarily consisted of regression models, which supported previous research …

Columbia Chronicle (05/08/2024), Columbia College Chicago

Columbia Chronicle

Student newspaper from May 8, 2024 entitled The Columbia Chronicle. This issue is 24 pages. Cover story: "The Mental Health Issue: Finding Solutions in a Crisis". Editor-in-Chief: Olivia Cohen.

The Relationship Of Uncertainty In Illness And Ptsd Symptoms In Adult Patients With Chronic Lyme Disease, Caitlin Doody

ETD Collection

To assess the prevalence of and relationship between uncertainty in illness and PTSD in the population of adults with chronic Lyme disease (CLD). Design: Quantitative, cross sectional Setting: Online, social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Participants: A total of 231 participants who identified as having CLD. Most of the participants were college-educated, Caucasian females from the United States with ages ranging 18-75. Methods: Anonymous surveys were distributed through Lyme disease groups on social media. Results: Key findings were the significant prevalence of uncertainty in illness and PTSD in CLD patients sampled and a positive linear relationship between these two factors …

A Rat-Based Preclinical Platform Facilitating Transcatheter Hepatic Arterial Infusion In Immunodeficient Rats With Liver Xenografts Of Patient-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Masanori Ozaki, Ken Kageyama, Kenjiro Kimura, Shinpei Eguchi, Akira Yamamoto, Ryota Tanaka, Takehito Nota, Hiroki Yonezawa, Hideyuki Nishiofuku, Yuki Sakai, Naoki Tani, Atsushi Jogo, Mizue Terai, Takami Sato, Takeaki Ishizawa, Yukio Miki

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Liver metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are highly fatal. A rat-based patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model is available for transcatheter therapy. This study aimed to create an immunodeficient rat model with liver xenografts of patient-derived primary PDAC and evaluate efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin in this model. Three patient-derived PDACs were transplanted into the livers of 21 rats each (totally, 63 rats), randomly assigned into hepatic arterial infusion, systemic venous infusion, and control groups (n = 7 each) four weeks post-implantation. Computed tomography evaluated tumor volumes before and four weeks after treatment. Post-euthanasia, resected tumor specimens …

An Anthropogenic Mass Extinction: Speculation About The Future Of Humanity And Other Species, Grace M. Nelson

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis will address the possibility of a sixth mass extinction at the hands of humanity and the adaptations ecosystems may undertake in recovery. Today, the world is witnessing incredibly fast changes in climate conditions that are causing severe biodiversity loss. Haiti is a region that encompasses the impacts of both environmental degradation and humanity’s social influences on the environment. Haiti will be examined throughout this thesis to provide an understanding of how climate change impacts people and the natural world today. Non-anthropogenic rapid climate change is the root of most past mass extinctions. However, after these events, ecosystems have …