Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating The Electrostatics Of Mucins As Key Contributors To Mucus Stasis In Cystic Fibrosis, Elex Skylar Rose

All ETDs from UAB

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes a channel responsible for the transport of chloride and bicarbonate ions across the apical cell surface. In the respiratory tract, defective CFTR results in viscous and adherent mucus that becomes static within the airway, which leads to chronic infections, progressive lung damage, and early mortality. Historically, CF mucus stasis has been attributed to significant airway dehydration; however, growing evidence has demonstrated that aberrant electrostatic properties of mucins also contribute to mucus stasis in CF. Mucins are large, polymeric glycoproteins …

Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes (May 6, 2024), Dmacc

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

This file contains the minutes from the Des Moines Area Community College Board meeting held on May 6, 2024.

Piece Of Mine, Tiffany Belmonte

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis introduces an innovative mental health retreat grounded in the principles of therapeutic and adaptive design. The current state of mental healthcare architecture lacks a focus on human-centered design, primarily due to their enclosed spaces, overcrowded dormitories, and conforming layouts. Adaptive design in architecture advocates for a more user-centric approach by implementing a system that empowers individuals to customize architectural components, such as walls, roofs, doors, windows, and furnishings. This approach aims to foster individuality, flexibility, freedom, control, and comfort. Therapeutic design in architecture emphasizes the influence of spatial, lighting, thermal, and acoustic design on the human brain, mind, …

Ras G-Domains Allosterically Contribute To The Recognition Of Lipid Headgroups And Acyl Chains, Neha Arora, Huanwen Mu, Hong Liang, Wenting Zhao, Yong Zhou

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mutant RAS are major contributors to cancer and signal primarily from nanoclusters on the plasma membrane (PM). Their C-terminal membrane anchors are main features of membrane association. However, the same RAS isoform bound to different guanine nucleotides spatially segregate. Different RAS nanoclusters all enrich a phospholipid, phosphatidylserine (PS). These findings suggest more complex membrane interactions. Our electron microscopy-spatial analysis shows that wild-types, G12V mutants, and membrane anchors of isoforms HRAS, KRAS4A, and KRAS4B prefer distinct PS species. Mechanistically, reorientation of KRAS4B G-domain exposes distinct residues, such as Arg 135 in orientation state 1 (OS1) and Arg 73/Arg 102 in OS2, …

Perceptions And Experiences Of Black Young Adults Regarding Depressive Symptoms And Strategies Used To Cope With Adverse Experiences During Adolescence, Sherral Harding

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adversity has been a topic of study among scholars who have highlighted the relationship between stress and depressive symptoms increasing over time because of childhood experiences and exposure to traumatic situations. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of Black young adults age 18–35 regarding depressive symptoms and strategies used to cope with adverse experiences throughout their teenage years growing up in a low-income community and later in life. The perspectives were examined through a retrospective lens of the young adults’ adolescent years. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory was used as the framework to …

Contraception And Menstrual Management In Transmasculine And Gender-Diverse Individuals, Adrian Chiem, Maria Cristina Marcos, Beth I. Schwartz

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Purpose of Review This review outlines the current evidence on the contraceptive and menstrual management methods that are used for transmasculine or gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, as well as the gaps in the literature for this population.

Recent Findings Contraception and menstrual management continue to be an understudied area in the care of TGD individuals, with much of existing research extrapolated from cisgender populations. Emerging studies have looked at contraceptive and menstrual management choices and outcomes in adolescents and highlight the 52 mg LNG-IUD as an option that is efficacious for both indications, as well as high-dose progestin-only pills for menstrual …

Metaplastic Regeneration In The Mouse Stomach Requires A Reactive Oxygen Species Pathway, Zhi-Feng Miao, Jing-Xu Sun, Xuan-Zhang Huang, Shi Bai, Min-Jiao Pang, Jia-Yi Li, Han-Yu Chen, Qi-Yue Tong, Shi-Yu Ye, Xin-Yu Wang, Xiao-Hai Hu, Jing-Ying Li, Jin-Wei Zou, Wen Xu, Jun-Hao Yang, Xi Lu, Jason C Mills, Zhen-Ning Wang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In pyloric metaplasia, mature gastric chief cells reprogram via an evolutionarily conserved process termed paligenosis to re-enter the cell cycle and become spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) cells. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) following injury to the murine stomach to analyze mechanisms governing paligenosis at high resolution. Injury causes induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) with coordinated changes in mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism, requiring the transcriptional mitochondrial regulator Ppargc1a (Pgc1α) and ROS regulator Nf2el2 (Nrf2). Loss of the ROS and mitochondrial control in Ppargc1a-/- mice causes the death of paligenotic cells through ferroptosis. Blocking the cystine transporter SLC7A11(xCT), which …

Introduction To 2d And 3d Nanomembrane Devices: Fabrication And Characterization, Noah Zheng

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study

The goal of this independent study was to gain familiarity with research methods and fundamental concepts in 2D/3D materials research. To that end, two projects were completed – 1) the design, fabrication, and characterization of an in-vivo flexible piezoelectric antenna, and 2) the fabrication and characterization of a GaN-based, interdigitated (IDT), surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensor. The function of the in-vivo antenna was successfully demonstrated while implanted in a mouse brain. The SAW strain sensor’s basic functionality was also demonstrated, but performance was modest. Alongside in-lab work, the operating principles behind the devices and the state of 2D/3D nanomaterials …

The Pedagogy Of Play In Teaching Of Reading: Low Tech And High Tech Interactive Reading Methods, Elizabeth Klein

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Play is essential to the healthy growth and development of children. As children play, they explore new roles, try out new ideas, and bond with each other. Play increases language, cognitive, and social skills. How can the power of play be harnessed and shaped for educational purposes? How can teachers infuse play into the classroom to improve reading and related language skills?

Teaching reading requires a combination of teaching skills but also requires ways to motivate students to read. Whatever the reading level or ability, most students will enjoy reading and read more often when they connect to the text …

Southern Adventist University Commencement Program Spring 2024, Southern Adventist University

Commencement Programs

Program for Southern Adventist University Spring 2024 graduation. The commencement service took place on May 5, 2024 at 9 am and 1 pm in Iles Physical Education Center.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald: Ways Of The Future, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period April 8 - May 5, 2024.

• Anderson, Alexandria. Letter from the Editor – Science, Technology & Business
• Anderson, Alexandria. Women in STEM Make Advances
• Novoselia, Mariia. Turnover on Fountain Square: Local Businesses Share Concerns & Success Stories
• SOKY Rentals Offers New Apartments
• Walk2Campus: Where Home Meets Community
• Bush, Camden. Can a Baseball Team Reduce Their Goals to a Math Problem?
• Hawkins, Kaylee. Student Business Owners Share Experiences – Gatara Townsend, Andrew Garrett, Brittiny Sadler
• Ivory, Larkin. Bikewalk BG, WKU CHHS Offer Chances for Healthy Lifestyle – Health & Human Services

A Multi-State Look Into Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologists’ Confidence Identifying And Diagnosing Autism, Adelaide Parr

Honors Capstones

Although autism can be reliably diagnosed by 18 months of age, long wait times and limited access to qualified providers prevent families from obtaining diagnostic services. Trained speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are qualified to diagnose autism, ideally as part of a multidisciplinary team. SLPs working on early intervention (EI) teams are well-situated to help close this diagnostic wait time gap. The purpose of this survey study was to explore EI SLPs’ experiences serving autistic children on their caseloads, confidence in identifying and diagnosing autism, and potential barriers/facilitators to increasing diagnostic confidence and decreasing wait times. 287 EI SLPs from 23 states …

The Missing Piece: How Should The Deaf Community Be Represented In Children’S Literature?, Sarah M. Williams

Honors Theses

Considering the impact of inaccurate representation on the Deaf community, the present study is focused on determining exactly what message about the Deaf community needs to be represented in children’s media. Using a standardized survey, it was expected that the most common responses would correlate with messages presented in past research. These common responses include, but are not limited to, a need for authentic representation of Deaf characters who do not rely on medical interventions to function in society (Emmett, 2022). Additionally, an increase in accurate representation of the Deaf community in early childhood classes, through children’s books and classroom …

Preschool Survival Guide: Gardening, Beth Ann Weaver

Honors Theses

Nature-based learning can be defined as utilizing nature in learning experiences to meet developmental domains. The benefits of nature-based learning and play in early childhood are significant. Children who engage in nature have active imaginations, learn new concepts and vocabulary, have respect for their environments, learn and understand biodiversity, have better problem-solving skills and so much more. Despite these benefits, the low prevalence of nature and science-based activities in early childhood classrooms continues to exist due to the lack of knowledge and confidence in these specific subjects. This thesis analyzes developmentally appropriate practices needed to effectively implement science and nature …

Exploring Puppet Making And Identity Formation With Adolescents, Melissa Walsh

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The formation of identity is a critical developmental process during adolescence, characterized by self-exploration and the establishment of a stable sense of self. This capstone thesis presents a novel intervention, the Puppet Protocol, designed to facilitate identity exploration and positive self-expression among adolescent clients through the creation and manipulation of puppets. The intervention's theoretical foundation draws from embodiment theory, which posits that physical actions and sensory experiences influence cognitive and emotional processes (Gibbs, 2005; Glenberg, 2010; Koch et al., 2012). By engaging adolescents in the embodied experience of puppet-making and puppetry, the Puppet Protocol aims to provide a creative and …

The Hero’S Journey Through Therapy: A Literature Review, Rylee Blake

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The Hero’s Journey (Campbell, 1949) is a common narrative structure throughout ancient mythology and modern storytelling which describes the transformation of a hero through a journey of trials and represents the experience of psychological healing throughout various cultures. Because of the ancient and common nature of this structure and the psychological importance of personal narrative and storying even from an early age (Boyd, 2018; Klees, 2016), this thesis hypothesizes that a client’s experience throughout psychotherapy will follow the stages of the Hero’s Journey and that invoking this structure within the therapy room, particularly for drama therapists, will empower clients toward …

Method Acting As A Therapeutic Intervention For Trauma Recovery, Remi Moses

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

While considered controversial by some, Method acting as popularized by Lee Strasberg is a technique that elicits powerful and authentic results on stage and screen. The foundational Method acting techniques, the Relaxation Exercise (RE) and the Sense Memory Exercise (SME), share similarities to bottom-up therapeutic processes like Somatic Experiencing and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. By implementing a trauma-informed drama therapy framework with these two exercises, the RE and SME were restructured as a therapeutic intervention for people in trauma recovery. The author implemented a study of three consecutive group therapy sessions for people healing from trauma where clients participated …

History Matters Exploring Intergenerational Trauma And Human Connection - A Community Engagement Project, Latoya Robinson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Drama Therapy and trauma centered psychoeducation have been utilized as an intervention for groups in urban schools. The following research expands upon this foundation by exploring intergenerational trauma (IGT). The following research aimed to answer this question, will learning about intergenerational trauma observationally improve adolescents' relationships to others? For eight weeks, I engaged a group of male and female minority adolescents in an urban high school in Connecticut to explore IGT as an element of human existence. Drama Therapy tools such as utilization of the playspace, elements of DvT, the integrative five phase model theater games and poetic …

Neuroinflammation Levels Measured By Microglial Cell Activation, Emma G. Whitlock, Linda S. Yasui

Honors Capstones

Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the brain that can be caused by different stressors such as diseases and/or external factors such as traumatic brain injuries. It is important to note duration and intensity of neuroinflammation levels when determining the impacts of these stressors to the brain environment. During neuroinflammation, a type of immune cell that becomes activated in the brain is called microglial cells. Microglial cells play a role in progression of the pathophysiological effects from the brain stressor. Studying changes in microglial cell shape provides evidence of the degree of neuroinflammation in the brain. Researchers can quantify neuroinflammation …

Presence Of Atheromatous Plaques And Theirs Effects On The Blood Flow, Belhocine Mostefa Bm, Amrani Hichem Ah, Fedaoui Kamel Dr, Mazouz Hammoudi Mh

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

The paper utilizes a finite element method to study both the blood flow and atheromatous plaques. Specifically, the COMSOL finite element package is employed to achieve a fluid model. COMSOL is a powerful finite element tool commonly used in various research and industrial domains to study multiphysics problems. The focus of the investigation is on the geometric aspects of the atheromatous plaques. The study considers different forms and arrangements of stenosis, taking into account the irregularities formed by various shapes of the plaques and the resulting flow patterns. The key findings of the research suggest that the pressure and velocity …

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Pathophysiology And The Effects Of The Microbiome, Anjali Jacob

Senior Honors Theses

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic neonatal lung disease that occurs in over 50% of premature infants. BPD is characterized by damage to the alveoli and bronchioles and improper vasculature formation. It is primarily caused by overexposure to oxygen through mechanical ventilation, but there are other risk factors that make infants more susceptible to BPD. Microbial composition impacts risk for developing BPD, and research is ongoing about the effects of the microbiome on BPD pathogenesis; this information is also valuable for preventative treatment. This paper reviews the normal function of the lungs, pathogenesis of BPD and how it affects normal …

Cut, Beth Lane

Theses

Abstract “cut” is a documentary film which explores themes of systemic sexism in the film industry. It was produced between September 2023-April 2024 including pre-production to post-production. This paper describes and analyzes the filmmaking process for Beth Lane, Director. In this paper I will also attempt to put to words the intangibles of that process, including the social dynamics of filmmaking, and larger cultural happenings at the time of production.

Visualizing Poems, Qiran Cui

Theses

With its profound expressions of emotion and insights, Chinese poetry has long been revered as a cultural heritage. However, its intricacies often challenge non-Chinese speakers seeking to appreciate its depth. This thesis proposes an exploratory approach to interpreting Chinese poetry, using geometric shapes and motions to discover potential emotional and thematic interpretations. The geometric shapes and their associated motions—circles for continuity, squares for stability, triangles for conflict, and rounded rectangles for historical depth—reflect their psychological and cultural significance in conveying specific emotions within the poems. From Chinese poetry's subjects, structure, content, and emotional resonance, the exploration delves into how visual …

Amelioration Of Age-Related Cognitive Decline And Anxiety In Mice By Centella Asiatica Extract Varies By Sex, Dose And Mode Of Administration, Nora E. Gray, Wyatt Hack, Mikah S. Brandes, Jonathan A. Zweig, Liping Yang, Luke Marney, Jaewoo Choi, Armando Alcazar Magana, Natasha Cerruti, Janis Mcferrin, Seiji Koike, Thuan Nguyen, Multiple Additional Authors

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: A water extract (CAW) of the Ayurvedic plant Centella asiatica administered in drinking water has been shown to improve cognitive deficits in mouse models of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Here the effects of CAW administered in drinking water or the diet on cognition, measures of anxiety and depression-like behavior in healthy aged mice are compared.Methods: Three- and eighteen-month-old male and female C57BL6 mice were administered rodent AIN-93M diet containing CAW (0, 0.2, 0.5 or 1% w/w) to provide 0, 200 mg/kg/d, 500 mg/kg/d or 1,000 mg/kg/d CAW for a total of 5 weeks. An additional group of eighteen-month-old mice …

We Are Talking About The Case Against Trump All Wrong, Rebecca Roiphe

Other Publications

No abstract provided.

Pre-Analytical Challenges From Adsorptive Losses Associated With Thiamine Analysis, Katie A. Edwards, Eileen A. Randall, Patricia C. Wolfe, Clifford E. Kraft, Esther R. Angert

Pharmacy Faculty Scholarship

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is an essential vitamin serving in its diphosphate form as a cofactor for enzymes in the citric acid cycle and pentose-phosphate pathways. Its concentration reported in the pM and nM range in environmental and clinical analyses prompted our consideration of the components used in pre-analytical processing, including the selection of filters, filter apparatuses, and sample vials. The seemingly innocuous use of glass fiber filters, glass filter flasks, and glass vials, ubiquitous in laboratory analysis of clinical and environmental samples, led to marked thiamine losses. 19.3 nM thiamine was recovered from a 100 nM standard following storage in …

Successful Application Of Craniosacral Therapy In A Case Of Acute Ptosis Following A Covid-19 Infection., Efterpi Rompoti

Journal of Transformative Touch

This case study offers a unique insight on the effectiveness of CranioSacral therapy (CST) in a 49 year old woman experiencing an acute stage of a viral infection (Covid-19) causing a partial left Oculomotor nerve palsy. A CST glial/Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) specific protocol was utilised over 2 consecutive days. The patient recovered fully after 5 days. The results of this particular case can open up the possibility of utilising CST more widely in treating cranial nerve palsies following a viral infection to support the healing process and the functional restoration.

Gis Analysis Application Of Flood Risk Map In Beijing, China, Yuxuan Liu

Honors Capstones

From the end of July to the beginning of August 2023, Beijing, China, affected by Typhoon "Dusuri" experienced the most precipitation in the Beijing area in 140 years of instrument measurement records. This event led to the evacuation of more than 1.8 million people across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the tragic loss of 62 lives. After experiencing such fierce heavy rainfall and flood disasters, how to predict and prepare for such catastrophic events and avoid losses in the future has become a crucial problem. Geographic information systems (GIS) can integrate different layers of geospatial information and provide us with powerful …

The Family History Of Alexis Bergonzoni, Alexis Bergonzoni

Your Family in History: HIST 550/700

No abstract provided.

Mammalian Roadkill Trends In Central Georgia, Lucy Beck

Biology Theses

Wildlife-vehicle collisions are a global concern for both wildlife conservation and driver safety, and knowledge of spatiotemporal trends are required in order to effectively mitigate these consequences. This study documents species composition and spatiotemporal trends in terrestrial mammalian roadkill using ten-years of data recorded along a 12.8 mile stretch of State Route 212 in Baldwin and Putnam Counties, Georgia. From January 1 2012 to December 31 2021, 2,263 roadkilled vertebrates were observed on the survey route, and terrestrial mammals accounted for 84% of the observations. Two methods of hotspot identification indicated a non-random spatial distribution of roadkill associated with physical …