Digital Commons Network^™

The Science Of Romantic Love: Distinct Evolutionary, Neural, And Hormonal Characteristics, Lacey S. Gibson

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Romantic love is a psychological state that encompasses extreme euphoria and feelings of passion and intimacy for another individual. It can be characterized using Dr. Helen Fisher’s system of evolutionary, neural, and hormonal profiles that are distinct from those of attraction and attachment, which are two additional love-related processes. A broad review of scientific articles, classic literature, and popular culture is employed to define romantic love, and to explore its distinct evolutionary, neural, and hormonal characteristics. The possibility of romantic love under special circumstances is then explored. The discussion is specifically focused on the prospect of love without physical contact …

The Photophysical Properties Of Cdte/Zns Core/Shell Quantum Dots, Christopher Z. Eddy, Hayley M. Johanesen, James J. Butler, David B. Cordes

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

The distinctive fluorescent properties of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) make them advantageous for use in optoelectronic and biological applications. We report on experiments done to characterize the optical properties and the general photostability of CdTe QDs with varying ZnS shell thicknesses. Steady-state and time-resolved absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements indicate that increasing the ZnS shell thickness results in longer absorption and emission wavelengths, increased quantum yield, and improved photostability.Faculty Sponsor: Dr. James J. Butler and Dr. David Cordes

A Multifaceted Device For Discreetly Acquiring Natural Behaviors Of Children With Autism, James Mcmahon, Walter Goodwin, Jay Thakore, Abdelaziz N'Goan

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Autism is a multifaceted neurological disorder that affects the four fundamental areas of sensory processing, communication mechanisms, social interaction skills, and whole child/self-esteem. The underlying mechanisms and symptoms of the disorder have been shown to largely vary from patient to patient, and therefore, a durable, effective therapy is best achieved through multifaceted, multidisciplinary approaches that allow a direct assessment of each individual’s behavior, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The aim of this project was to simulate, design, manufacture, and assess a device that can help cultivate sensory, social, communication, and motor skills in autistic children while being able to extract data …

Development And Evaluation Of A Borohydride-Palladium System For Selective Reduction Of The C=C Bond Of Α,Β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds, Kerstin L. Amezcua, Tony J. Mull, Amy L. Mayhugh, David B. Cordes

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Selective reduction of the carbon-carbon double bond of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is most commonly and reliably effected using a palladium metal catalyst together with molecular hydrogen from a pressurized tank. Sodium borohydride, like other hydrides, is ordinarily associated with reduction of the more polarized carbonyl of such compounds. However, we have developed an alternative means of employing sodium borohydride in combination with palladium metal to selectively reduce the carbon-carbon double bonds of these compounds. In this survey study, we introduce sodium borohydride as an alternative hydrogen source for such selective, palladium-catalyzed reductions. We also compare the results of this new, …

Temperature Change In New England: 1895-2012, Lindsay Rogers, Stephen Young

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Over the past century, the globe’s temperature has been increasing at a higher rate than in the past. Over the last century increasing temperature is due to higher levels of human-generated greenhouse gases. Global warming has a dominating effect and will cause changes in climates all over the world. Since 1895 air temperature data have been collected from stations across the United States and the data have been aggregated in the U.S. Historical Climatological Network (USHCN) data set with temperatures for the New England states. To determine if there has been a change in temperature in New England between the …

The Geography Of Food Cooperatives In The United States, Seth T. Young

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

For our society to become sustainably viable in the future, the ways in which we obtain our food and the methods used to create that food will be very important. One of the most environmentally friendly methods of food obtainment is membership in a food cooperative. This research delves into the basics of food cooperatives, highlights similar studies of other sustainability indicators, and examines the geographic distribution of food co-ops across the United States.Faculty Sponsor: Dr. George Pomeroy

A Neural Comparison Between Mus Musculus And Monodelphis Domestica, Cristian M. Botello, John L. Vandeberg, Mario Gil

Research Colloquium

Mus Musculus is one of the first and widely used animal models in neuroscience. There are many reasons that Mus Musculus is used for research including, short generation length and large litters, but the most important reason is their mammalian brain. Another animal that is gaining interest as an animal model is the Monodelphis Domestica. The Monodelphis Domestica is a marsupial, pups are born underdeveloped and move onto the underbelly of their mothers until they reach a more mature age. One difference is the Monodelphis ventricle size is much larger in the forebrain area. Another difference is the formation of …

A Preliminary Timeline Of The Midbrain Development In The Monodelphis Domestica Animal Model, Ismael Perez, John L. Vandeberg, Mario Gil

Research Colloquium

Introduction: The Brazilian short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis Domestica) is an understudied animal model compared to the Mus musculus that has been identified as a perfect candidate to study neurodevelopment (Baggott, L. & Moore, H., 1990). What makes the Monodelphis Domestica a perfect specimen for neurodevelopment is that the embryo develops outside the pouch of the mother providing easy noninvasive access to track changes across different developmental stages (Mate et al., 1994).

Objective: The objective of the study is to compare the area and volume in the development of the Monodelphis’s midbrain across three different developmental stages. Our research is beneficial because …

Lifeboat Ethics And Systematic Stability, Peiran Tan

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

A utilitarian, Garrett Hardin in his Lifeboat Ethics argues that an international state should refrain from sharing resources with and providing help for other states to maximize its people’s welfare. The global resources are finite and states ideally should share it equally for maximum collective interest. Yet the absence of supreme coercive authority to enforce fair sharing gives ample incentive for rule violation, as states attempt to maximize self-interest in disregard for the eventual collective ruin, which Hardin refers to as the “Tragedy of Commons.” Since other states act both as sharers and opponents, a state should aggressively eradicate them …

Narrowing The Divide: Posthuman Autopoiesis And Social Propaganda, Alexandra Holmes

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

This paper examines the relationship between social propaganda as presented by Jacques Ellul in his book Propaganda: the Formation of Men’s Attitudes and the concept of autopoiesis (or self-generation) within posthuman ideology. These two concepts intersect in their connection of the individual to the masses. Both posthuman theory and Ellul’s concept of social interaction are based on the bridging of the ontological gap to overcome cognitive isolation, resulting in the engagement in a community outside of oneself. The stripping of individuality becomes necessary, as our self-contained autopoietic beings employ analogical inference in order to connect with the mass, and therefore …

The Discourse Of The Scalpel And The Limbo Of Non-Identity: Doing Justice To Herculine Barbin, Aurora Laybourn-Candlish

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

In this essay I will make a comparative analysis of Butlers reading of Herculin Barbin in Gender Trouble and David Reimer in Undoing Gender. My reading of Undoing Gender will illustrate reflective moments in which Butler herself describes spaces outside of intelligibility. First, my analysis will consist of in reading Butlers earlier work against her more recent writings on gender. Utilizing the same critical lens that Butler incorporated to compare Foucault’s later work against his earlier writing will bring to the fore important tensions in Bulter’s gender theory and her relationship with Foucault. Second, I will describe the discourse of …

Semantics Embodied: Cognitive Linguistics And Searle’S Account Of Linguistic Intentionality, Krivo Flores

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

John Searle has long argued that the philosophy of language is a branch of the philosophy of mind. In his view the capacity of speech acts to represent and relate to reality derives from more biologically basic forms of intentionality, such as perception and action, which initially evolved to relate organisms directly to their environments. Searle’s naturalistic model of language, in order to be complete, requires a theory of how perception and action specifically give rise to linguistic meaning and interpretation. In this paper I argue that recent theoretical developments in cognitive linguistics and the emerging field of embodied cognition …

Juxtaposing Longino’S “Equality Of Intellectual Authority” With Her “Shared Standards”, Gourav Krishna Nandi

International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Helen Longino has proposed four criteria that can objectively criticize the background beliefs and assumptions in the development of scientific theories. She deduces that the criteria - ‘recognized avenues for criticism,’ ‘shared standards,’ ‘community response’ and ‘equality of intellectual authority’ - are mutually dependent. Using the assumption that the acceptance of more than one scientific approach is possible only if an individual is educated in a non-standard background, and is given intellectual authority which, in turn, refutes the idea of standardization in science, I argue that her assertion is contradictory. One of her criterion ‘shared standards’ implicitly nullifies the attempt …

Sex Differences In Stress Reactivity And Responses To Novelty In The Gray Short-Tailed Opossum (Monodelphis Domestica), Esperanza I. Alaniz, Nicole Altamirano, Joseph Rafac, Katelynn Renteria, John L. Vandeberg, Mario Gil

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Investigating how exposures to stress and novel environments influence behavior is important for translational research that aims to improve mental health. Previous studies have focused on reactions to novelty and revealed changes in defense reactions and exploratory behavior. (Pisula et al., 2012).

Objective: The focus of the present study is to investigate sex differences in behavioral responses to novel environments and restraint stress in the gray short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica). Using the Monodelphis is innovative because it is a non-traditional animal model that is ideal for developmental research.

Methods: Using AnyMaze video tracking software, animals’ behaviors (6 males, 6 …

Plasmid Midiprep: A Method To Purify Plasmids For Recombinant Dna Studies, Adithya Anilkumar, Kyle Doxtater, Samantha Lopez, Sudhir Kotnala, Justin Wendel, Manish Tripathi

Research Colloquium

A fundamental aspect of molecular biology involves exploring the properties and functions of specific genes. The rise of recombinant DNA technology has vastly improved and simplified functional studies by allowing scientists to isolate specific genes using restriction enzymes and plasmids providing greater precision. Plasmids take great significance in downstream studies, which is why quantity and quality of the plasmids purified is important. In this study, we isolated and purified recombinant plasmids in microgram quantities to confirm the yield, quantity, and quality using spectral and size fractionation methods. We also assessed the plasmids for application in downstream studies. We found the …

Spartan Daily, October 11, 2023, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2023

Volume 161, Issue 22

We Are ... Marshall, October 11, 2023, Office Of Marshall University Communications

We Are ... Marshall: the Newsletter for Marshall University 1999-2023

No abstract provided.

2023 October 11 - Undergraduate Curriculum Council Minutes, Undergraduate Curriculum Council, East Tennessee State University

Undergraduate Curriculum Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Insights Into The Molecular Roles Of Foxr2 In The Pathology Of Primary Pediatric Brain Tumors, Rajendra Gharbaran

Publications and Research

Forkhead box gene R2 (FOXR2) belongs to the family of FOX genes which codes for highly conserved transcription factors (TFs) with critical roles in biological processes ranging from development to organogenesis to metabolic and immune regulation to cellular homeostasis. A number of FOX genes are associated with cancer development and progression and poor prognosis. A growing body of evidence suggests that FOXR2 is an oncogene. Studies suggested important roles for FOXR2 in cancer cell growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. Recent studies showed that FOXR2 is overexpressed by a subset of newly identified entities of embryonal tumors. This review discusses the …

University Philharmonic Orchestra & University Band

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

Program for October 11, 2023.

The Unspoken Obvious: There Are Queer Children, Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr.

Justice Festival at Morehead State University

A PowerPoint presentation, titled "The Unspoken Obvious: There are Queer Children," given by Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. at the Justice Festival held on the campus of Morehead State University on October 11, 2023.

2023-10-11 Julieta Peralta: Finding Dreams Beyond The Lines, Kevin Ruiz

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

A Proof-Of-Concept Pilot Test Of A Behavioral Intervention To Improve Adherence To Dietary Recommendations For Cancer Prevention, Meghan Butryn, Charlotte Hagerman, Nicole Crane, Marny Ehmann, Evan Forman, Brandy-Joe Milliron, Nicole L. Simone

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Prevention programs that can help adults improve the quality of their diets to reduce cancer risk are needed. This Phase IIa study prospectively tested a mHealth intervention designed to improve adherence to dietary quality guidelines for cancer prevention.

METHODS: All participants (N = 62) received nutrition education and a self-regulation skills curriculum, with a primary target of changing grocery shopping behavior. Using a randomized, factorial design, the study varied whether each of the following 4 components were added to the 20-week intervention: (1) location-triggered app messaging, delivered when individuals arrived at grocery stores, (2) reflections on benefits of change, …

Nrg/Rtog 0837: Randomized, Phase Ii, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Chemoradiation With Or Without Cediranib In Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma, Tracy T. Batchelor, Minhee Won, Arnab Chakravarti, Costas G. Hadjipanayis, Wenyin Shi, Lynn S. Ashby, Volker W. Stieber, H. Ian Robins, Heidi J. Gray, Alfredo Voloschin, John B. Fiveash, Clifford G. Robinson, Ushasree Chamarthy, Young Kwok, Terrence P. Cescon, Anand K. Sharma, Rekha Chaudhary, Mei-Yin Polley, Minesh P. Mehta

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: A randomized, phase II, placebo-controlled, and blinded clinical trial (NCT01062425) was conducted to determine the efficacy of cediranib, an oral pan-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, versus placebo in combination with radiation and temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive (1) cediranib (20 mg) in combination with radiation and temozolomide; (2) placebo in combination with radiation and temozolomide. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) based on blinded, independent radiographic assessment of postcontrast T1-weighted and noncontrast T2-weighted MRI brain scans and was tested using a 1-sided …

The Inherited Kras-Variant As A Biomarker Of Cetuximab Response In Nsclc, Joanne Weidhaas, Chen Hu, Ritsuko Komaki, Gregory Masters, George Blumenschein, Joe Chang, Bo Lu, Adam Dicker, Jeffrey Bogart, Yolanda Garces, Samir Narayan, Clifford Robinson, Vivek Kavadi, Joel S Greenberger, Christopher Koprowski, James Welsh, Elizabeth Gore, Robert Macrae, Rebecca Paulus, Jeffrey Bradley

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: RTOG 0617 was a phase III randomized trial for patients with unresectable stage IIIA/IIIB non-small cell lung cancer comparing standard-dose (60 Gy) versus high-dose (74 Gy) radiotherapy and chemotherapy, plus or minus cetuximab. Although the study was negative, based on prior evidence that patients with the KRAS-variant, an inherited germline mutation, benefit from cetuximab, we evaluated KRAS-variant patients in RTOG 0617.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: From RTOG 0617, 328 of 496 (66%) of patients were included in this analysis. For time-to-event outcomes, stratified log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression models were used. For binary outcomes, Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel tests and multivariable logistic regression …

Editorial For "Automated Breast Density Assessment In Mri Using Deep Learning And Radiomics: Strategies For Reducing Inter-Observer Variability"., Pegah Khosravi

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Chapter I — On Theories Of Modernization, Messay Kebede

Ethiopian Modernization: Opportunities and Derailments

The vast literature pertaining to development and modernity discloses philosophical questions that instigate the controversies dividing the various theories of modernization. Of these philosophical issues, the most crucial and recurrent is the question of the prime factor or mover of modernization. The reason for the philosophical issue of primacy derives from the fact that modernization involves cultural as well as socioeconomic changes. Following the philosophical distinction between the spiritual and the material, the clash between the two basic schools of idealism and materialism frames the philosophical approach around the question of knowing whether the prime cause of modernization is cultural …

Office Of Research, Economic Engagement And Outreach Update, October 11, 2023, Office Of Research, Economic Engagement And Outreach

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Updates In Sjs/Ten: Collaboration, Innovation, And Community., Madeline E. Marks, Ramya Krishna Botta, Riichiro Abe, Thomas M. Beachkofsky, Isabelle Boothman, Bruce C. Carleton, Wen-Hung Chung, Ricardo R. Cibotti, Roni P Dodiuk-Gad, Christian Grimstein, Akito Hasegawa, Jay H. Hoofnagle, Shuen-Iu Hung, Benjamin Kaffenberger, Daniela Kroshinsky, Rannakoe J. Lehloenya, Michelle Martin-Pozo, Robert G. Micheletti, Maja Mockenhaupt, Keisuke Nagao, Suman Pakala, Amy Palubinsky, Helena B. Pasieka, Jonathan Peter, Munir Pirmohamed, Melissa Reyes, Hajirah N. Saeed, Jeffery Shupp, Chonlaphat Sukasem, Jhih Yu Syu, Mayumi Ueta, Li Zhou, Wan-Chun Chang, Patrice Becker, Teresa Bellon, Kemberlee Bonnet, Gianpiero Cavalleri, James Chodosh, Anna K. Dewan, Arturo Dominguez, Xinzhong Dong, Elena Ezhkova, Esther Fuchs, Jennifer Goldman, Sonia Himed, Simon Mallal, Alina Markova, Kerry Mccawley, Allison E. Norton, David Ostrov, Michael Phan, Arthur Sanford, David Schlundt, Daniel Schneider, Neil Shear, Kanade Shinkai, Eric Tkaczyk, Jason A. Trubiano, Simona Volpi, Charles S. Bouchard, Sherrie J. Divito, Elizabeth J. Phillips

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a predominantly drug-induced disease, with a mortality rate of 15-20%, that engages the expertise of multiple disciplines: dermatology, allergy, immunology, clinical pharmacology, burn surgery, ophthalmology, urogynecology, and psychiatry. SJS/TEN has an incidence of 1-5/million persons per year in the United States, with even higher rates globally. One of the challenges of SJS/TEN has been developing the research infrastructure and coordination to answer questions capable of transforming clinical care and leading to improved patient outcomes. SJS/TEN 2021, the third research meeting of its kind, was held as a virtual meeting on August 28-29, 2021. The …

The Inherited Kras-Variant As A Biomarker Of Cetuximab Response In Nsclc, Joanne B Weidhaas, Clifford G Robinson, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: RTOG 0617 was a phase III randomized trial for patients with unresectable stage IIIA/IIIB non-small cell lung cancer comparing standard-dose (60 Gy) versus high-dose (74 Gy) radiotherapy and chemotherapy, plus or minus cetuximab. Although the study was negative, based on prior evidence that patients with the KRAS-variant, an inherited germline mutation, benefit from cetuximab, we evaluated KRAS-variant patients in RTOG 0617.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: From RTOG 0617, 328 of 496 (66%) of patients were included in this analysis. For time-to-event outcomes, stratified log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression models were used. For binary outcomes, Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel tests and multivariable logistic regression …