Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Co-Planning Conversations As A Professional Development Activity For Mentors And Mentees At The Beginning Of A Yearlong Teacher Residency, Channing Parfait

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In order to prepare pre-service teachers for their roles in the classroom, it is important to examine the rigor and purpose of the mentoring experience. This study explored the aspects of co-planning conversations that helped experienced and novice teachers expand their expertise and develop a mutually beneficial mentoring relationship at the beginning of a yearlong teacher residency model. While research on co-planning during the student teaching/residency experience exists, this research illuminated the importance of mentoring conversations early on in the teacher residency experience. Using a single case study design, observations, one-on-one interviews, and artifacts from four mentor-mentee dyads, data were …

Our Stories Light The Way: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Experiences Of Black Women Stem Graduates From Predominantly White Institutions, Raeshan Davis

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Grounded in a conceptual framework informed by Social Cognitive Career Theory, Intersectionality, and Community Cultural Wealth, this study explored the experiences of 17 Black women who graduated from STEM undergraduate programs at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Utilizing a qualitative study approach provided rich, detailed insights into the internal and external contributors at play in the lives of the Black women who successfully navigated their STEM undergraduate programs at PWIs. Through the exploration of their individual and collective experiences, this study illuminated four major themes: (1) asserting one’s sense of belonging in the pursuit of a STEM career, (2) the value …

The Grizzly, April 14, 2022, Layla Halterman, Amelia Kunko, Jenna Smith, Marie Sykes, Brooke Hurley, Ava Compagnoni, John Murray, Kathy Logan

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

$3 Million Donation Creates Andrews Family Fellows • Bidding Alvert Hernandez Farewell! • Extra! Extra! Watch All About It • Opinions: Don't Judge a House by Its Exterior - Main Street Edition; Ursinus Greenspace - Misused or Ignored? • Warming Up to the Season • The Long Match

Convection Enhanced Delivery Of The Oncolytic Adenovirus Delta24-Rgd In Patients With Recurrent Gbm: A Phase I Clinical Trial Including Correlative Studies, Erik H P Van Putten, Anne Kleijn, Victor W Van Beusechem, David Noske, Cor H J Lamers, Anna L De Goede, Sander Idema, Daphna Hoefnagel, Jenneke J Kloezeman, Juan Fueyo, Frederick F Lang, Charlotte E Teunissen, René M Vernhout, Cathy Bakker, Winald Gerritsen, David T Curiel, Arnold Vulto, Martine L M Lamfers, Clemens M F Dirven

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Testing safety of Delta24-RGD (DNX-2401), an oncolytic adenovirus, locally delivered by convection enhanced delivery (CED) in tumor and surrounding brain of patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Patients and methods: Dose-escalation phase I study with 3+3 cohorts, dosing 107 to 1 × 1011 viral particles (vp) in 20 patients. Besides clinical parameters, adverse events, and radiologic findings, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), brain interstitial fluid, and excreta were sampled over time and analyzed for presence of immune response, viral replication, distribution, and shedding.

Results: Of 20 enrolled patients, 19 received the oncolytic adenovirus Delta24-RGD, which was found to be safe and feasible. …

A Preliminary Comparative Study Of Molecular Visualization Software For Education, Ruoming Shen

Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Student Capstone Conference

Chemistry and biology are sciences vital for understanding metabolic processes, developing disease treatments, and improving environmental conditions. With extensive knowledge of biochemistry, we can take advantage of a material’s unique chemical composition and properties in various applications. Visualization software is essential for analyzing complex chemical and biological structures and predicting their interactions with each other. This paper presents a preliminary study of three open source molecular visualization software tools - Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD), Jmol, and Mol*, and evaluates their strengths and deficiencies. This paper utilizes the March Molecule of the Month, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), from the Protein …

Guided Hybrid Modified Simulated Annealing Algorithm For Solving Constrained Global Optimization Problems, Ali Wagdy Mohamed, Salem Mahdi, Khalid Abdulaziz Alnowibet, Mahmoud El-Alem

Faculty Journal Articles

In this paper, a hybrid gradient simulated annealing algorithm is guided to solve the constrained optimization problem. In trying to solve constrained optimization problems using deterministic, stochastic optimization methods or hybridization between them, penalty function methods are the most popular approach due to their simplicity and ease of implementation. There are many approaches to handling the existence of the constraints in the constrained problem. The simulated-annealing algorithm (SA) is one of the most successful meta-heuristic strategies. On the other hand, the gradient method is the most inexpensive method among the deterministic methods. In previous literature, the hybrid gradient simulated annealing …

Exploring The Relationship Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Creativity, Anna Shea Hall, Anna Shea Hall

Honors College Theses

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an important topic to study because of its prevalence, impact, and a multitude of unknown interactions of the disorder with creativity. Creativity is a cognitive process defined by lessened cognitive control and lower inhibitions in the prefrontal cortex (Chrysikou, 2018), which are characteristics of ADHD (APA, 2017; Brunkhorst-Kanaan et al., 2021; Kirov & Brand, 2014; Laugesen et al., 2017; Moen et al., 2014; Staikova et al., 2013) This study explored how ADHD is connected with three sub-variables of creativity: divergent thinking, uniqueness of generated ideas, and flow of ideas. Connections were explored via a survey of …

Biophilic Design In Higher Education: Exploring Nature-Based Design Inclusion In Classrooms, Danielle Burton

Honors College Theses

This study investigated how biophilic design (nature-based design) optimizes one's well-being within a classroom learning environment. It is necessary to understand how a student’s performance in higher education depends on the environment. Research supports that when students have access to daylight, feel a sense of belonging and well-being in their classrooms they are able to perform at higher levels. Using a semi-experimental method, a classroom was assessed. Classes using this classroom were surveyed at the beginning of class and at the end of the same class time. The concurrent mixed method sequential design included both quantitative and qualitative data and …

Cytospin-A Regulates Colorectal Cancer Cell Division And Migration By Modulating Stability Of Microtubules And Actin Filaments, Fan Fan, Jason Roszik, Ling Xia, Susmita Ghosh, Rui Wang, Xiangcang Ye, David Hawke, Lee M Ellis, Rajat Bhattacharya

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Simple Summary

In this study, we report the effects of depleting cytospin-A (CYTSA), also known as the sperm antigen with calponin homology and coiled-coil domain (SPECC1L) protein, on the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Mutations in this protein have been previously linked to different developmental disorders. In our studies, depletion of CYTSA in various CRC cells led to significant decreases in proliferation, increases in cell death, and increased formation of multinucleated cells. Knocking down CYTSA also led to severe inhibition of CRC cell migration and invasion. These effects could be related to a significant decrease in the …

Trachelipus Rathkii (Brandt, 1833) In Alberta, The First Report Of A Terrestrial Isopod From The Prairie Provinces, Canada (Isopoda: Oniscidea), Weichun Li

Western North American Naturalist

Terrestrial isopods have received scant attention in Canada, especially in the Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Prior to this study, terrestrial isopods have yet to be reported from the Prairie Provinces. In this work, Trachelipus rathkii (Brandt, 1833) is reported from Alberta for the first time. The descriptions and illustrations of the species are provided in detail.


Los isópodos terrestres han recibido poca atención en Canadá, especialmente en las provincias de las praderas de Alberta, Saskatchewan y Manitoba. Antes de este estudio, no existían reportes acerca de la presencia de isópodos terrestres en las provincias de las praderas. …

Limiting Potentially Inappropriate Medications In Long-Term Care, Clare M. Ironside

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Aim: This project aimed to assess the effectiveness of the STOPP/START tool in identifying and reducing potentially inappropriate medications among multi-morbid, older, long-term care residents in a metropolitan area of a Southwestern state.

Design: In this quality improvement project, seven prescribers working within four long-term care facilities were trained to assess for potentially inappropriate medications using the STOPP/START tool. The medication lists for long-term care residents (n =45) over age 65 were collected at baseline and again at three months post-intervention and assessed for overall medication use, psychotropics, and proton pump inhibitors. The project also assessed prescribers’ comfort and …

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Alters The Expression Of Mir-150-5p And Its Vascular Targets In Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells And Disrupts The Structure And Integrity Of The Developing Brain Vasculature, Gabriela Perales

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) causing developmental disabilities and neurocognitive deficits. The effects of PAE on neuronal-specific alterations during brain development have been studied extensively but the contribution of the brain vascular system is limited. Recent studies have determined that there are alterations to the cortical microvasculature during PAE, posing new questions about the role of the vasculature and the development of PAE-mediated neurocognitive deficits. Even less studied are the molecular mechanisms that contribute to changes in the vasculature during PAE. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are master post-transcriptional regulators capable of regulating many mRNA …

Whose Body Is Deserving: Discourse, Power, And Ideologies Concerning Non-Normative Bodies On Instagram, Misty Thomas

English Language and Literature ETDs

This dissertation uses FCDA to investigate the construction and control of the boundaries of normativity as they relate to the body. Data in the form of comments was collected from three different Instagram accounts run by individuals with non-normative bodies. From the data, I argue that not only are non-normative bodies controlled through the coded language of health, but through racialized dehumanization. Even alleged demonstrations of support are problematized through what is being supported. The Instagram comments left on the accounts of non-normative bodies demonstrates that these bodies are suppressed as a way to maintain normative ideologies.

Approaches In Molecular Engineering To Optimize The Desired Properties Of Photoactive Molecules, Douglas Joseph Breen

Chemistry and Chemical Biology ETDs

Within this dissertation, photochemical systems that bear significance to next-generation photonic materials and devices are explored. Notable advances in the design, synthesis, and characterization of three distinct groups of photoactive molecules are achieved through molecular design and spectroscopic analysis. First, novel ruthenium sulfoxide complexes bearing substituted phosphine ligands are found to provide extraordinary control over photoisomerization quantum yields. A comparison of these complexes reveals ground-state characteristics that are instrumental in this reactivity, while a novel spectroscopic technique provides rare structural evidence for an O-bonded metastable isomer. Ruthenium complexes bearing chelating carbene-sulfoxide ligands rapidly thermally revert from the O-bonded metastable isomer …

April 14, 2022, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Two Fingerprinting Sets For Humulus Lupulus Based On Kasp And Microsatellite Markers, Mandie Driskill, Katie Pardee, Kim E. Hummer, Jason D. Zurni, Keenan L. Amundsen, Annette Wiles, Claudia Wiedowi, Josef Patza, John A. Henningi, Nahla V. Bassili

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Verification of clonal identity of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cultivars within breeding programs and germplasm collections is vital to conserving genetic resources. Accurate and economic DNA-based tools are needed in dioecious hop to confirm identity and parentage, neither of which can be reliably determined from morphological observations. In this study, we developed two fingerprinting sets for hop: a 9-SSR fingerprinting set containing high-core repeats that can be run in a single PCR reaction and a kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) assay of 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The SSR set contains a sex-linked primer pair, HI-AGA7, that was used …

Control Of Orthodontic Tooth Movement By Nitric Oxide Releasing Nanoparticles In Sprague-Dawley Rats, Derrick Crawford, Tommy C. Lau, Megan C. Frost, Nan E. Hatch

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Orthodontic treatment commonly requires the need to prevent movement of some teeth while maximizing movement of other teeth. This study aimed to investigate the influence of locally injected nitric oxide (NO) releasing nanoparticles on orthodontic tooth movement in rats. Materials and Methods: Experimental tooth movement was achieved with nickel-titanium alloy springs ligated between the maxillary first molar and ipsilateral incisor. 2.2 mg/kg of silica nanoparticles containing S-nitrosothiol groups were injected into the mucosa just mesial to 1st molar teeth immediately prior to orthodontic appliance activation. NO release from nanoparticles was measured in vitro by chemiluminescence. Tooth movement was measured using …

Kenyon Collegian - April 14, 2022

The Kenyon Collegian

No abstract provided.

Embryonic Hypoxia Alters Exploratory Movement In Adult Geckos, Nikki Boon, Kyleigh Adorno, Kayley Ozimac, Emma Kinerson

Undergraduate Research Competition

Environmental changes, such as temporary hypoxia, during the embryonic stage can impair brain development in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). We therefore tested whether this early brain damage produces behavioral deficits that persist into adulthood. The organization and kinematic properties of non-visual exploration between normal (n = 14) and hypoxia (n = 3) geckos were compared. Geckos were individually placed on a circular table (diam=91cm) and allowed to explore darkness for 60min while being recorded. The gecko's coordinates were calculated at 5frames/second. Movement properties within each trial were evaluated across five 10min epochs. Total distance, peak speed, movement scaling (correlation between …

Identification And Characterization Of Small Regulatory Rna In Streptococcus, Klea Hoxha, William C. Oakes Iii, Nicole M. Ward, L. Brooke Busby

Undergraduate Research Competition

Background: The human gut is a rich habitat for a diverse population of bacteria. These bacteria play a vital role in a multitude of functions. They affect immune responses, metabolism, and even neurological activities. Some inhabitants of the gut biome include the lactic acid bacteria: Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. These bacteria are essential members of the flora and are non-pathogenic, however, some of their relatives like Streptococcus pyogenes cause severe diseases such as flesh-eating disease. The metabolic functions of these bacteria are mediated by small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), which are noncoding RNA sequences that fold into complex …

Discovery And Investigation Of Novel Bacteriophage Duncansleg, Kaitlynn Burbage, Edenborough Hibionada Jr., Kirsten Presnell

Undergraduate Research Competition

The Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Sciences (SEA-PHAGES) program was formed to conduct research on bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria. Using the bacterial host Mycobacterium smegmatis, DuncansLeg was isolated from a soil sample found on August 27th, 2021, at Coastal Carolina University's Campus. The enriched isolate obtained from an environmental distillate was purified via picking a well-isolated plaque and amplified by making webbed plates in preparation for DNA extraction. This isolate's DNA was characterized and analyzed through restriction digests. Once we obtained enough lysate we were able to send in the samples to be sequenced and further …

Cloning And Overexpression Of Phayonce Genes 12 And 77 In M. Smegmatis, Amber Wilson

Undergraduate Research Competition

Bacteriophage or phage are a diverse class of viruses that infect and reproduce in bacterial cells. Their diverse genomes represent an immense source of novel protein functions and a deeper understanding of phage genes will contribute to emerging treatments for antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. The goal of the research described here is to isolate and study individual genes from the bacteriophage Phayonce. Gene specific primers were used to PCR amplify Phayonce genes 12 and 77 (Phayonce 12 and Phayonce 77). The PCR products were then ligated into a plasmid vector by isothermal assembly. Following confirmation of the cloned gene by …

Cloning And Overexpression Of Phayonce Genes To Assess Cytotoxicity In Mycobacterium Smegmatis, Abbey Montoya, Olivia Sundman

Undergraduate Research Competition

Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, posses the potential to be utilized for therapeutic purposes. Despite being the most abundant biological entity, the biological function of many phage genes has not been established. Our lab is analyzing each gene of the phage Phayonce, which infects Mycobacterium smegmatis. First, individual genes are inserted into an inducible expression vector. Then, these plasmids were used to transform M. smegmatis and determine if individual genes have toxic effects on host cells. Because functions of gene number 35 and 52 of Phayonce cannot be inferred by sequence comparison, they were selected for analysis. These genes were …

Detecting Potential Neurotoxic Pseudo-Nitzchia Species In The Grand Strand, Chesney Price, Sean Ferrano

Undergraduate Research Competition

Pseudo-nitzschia is a globally distributed diatom genus which contains 26 neurotoxin (domoic-acid) producing species. In shallow coastal waters these diatoms are associated with both the development of harmful algal blooms and the bioaccumulation of toxins in shellfish that can impact human health. Environmental DNA (eDNA) samples drawn from the public shellfish harvesting area at Huntington Beach State Park (SC) during the summer of 2021 were PCR- screened for Pseudo-nitzschia species using genus specific primers. The sequences of the recovered amplicons are used to molecularly characterize the species of Pseudo-nitzschia present and their potential to produce domoic acid.

Bioinformatic Investigation Into Mycobacterium Phage Duncansleg, Connor Hadwin, Michael Moore

Undergraduate Research Competition

Bacteriophage research is increasingly important to perform as antibacterial resistance becomes more common. The novel phage DuncansLeg was isolated and sequenced by students in the HHMI SEA-PHAGES Phage Discovery course in the fall of 2021 at Coastal Carolina University's campus. The DNA sequence of DuncansLeg (75,593 base pairs) was subjected to bioinformatic auto-annotation, which placed the phage into subcluster L3. The scope of this investigation goes beyond lab work and discovery, instead focusing on applying multiple bioinformatic approaches to refine the genomic auto-annotation and assign potential gene functions where possible. To this end, the bioinformatic programs used to identify coding …

Phenotypic Changes Occurring In Escherichia Coli Cells Previously Exposed To Simulated Microgravity, Mitchell K. Villafania, Collin R. Topolski, Hugo Castillo Phd

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

As humans explore space, bacteria will not only be present but will also be adapting to the extreme environment of space. During space missions astronauts have been shown to be immunocompromised which makes it imperative to understand the effects of space stressors (i.e., increased background radiation and microgravity(μg)) on bacteria. Current research has demonstrated an increase in virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance. This research aims to identify multiple phenotypical changes that occur in E. coli cells exposed to simulated μg after 24 hours, 4 days, and 22 days. Specifically, this work observes changes in antibiotic resistance, osmotic tolerance, acidic …

Effects Of Simulated Atmospheres On The Growth And Persistence Of Microbial Space Isolates, Kaitlyn Nielsen, Takara O'Brien

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With space exploration efforts on the rise, there is a call for research regarding the practical biological aspects of long duration space flight and the impact on the human microbiome. Bacterial colonies called biofilms experience increased virulence and viability under the conditions of microgravity. This study aims to determine whether the microorganisms Rhodotorula and Candida parapsilosis isolated from the International Space Station (ISS), are facultative anaerobes or obligate anaerobes. Previous research has shown that these biofilms not only pose an increased threat to the health of the astronauts, but prove to be resistant to multiple antibiotic stressors. This research serves …

Effects Of Microgravity On Mutualistic Bacteria, Olivia Siu, Mitch Villafania, Lauryn Taylor, Alyssa Mcmandon, Alba Chavez, Hugo Castillo

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Changes in environmental conditions represent a challenge for all terrestrial organisms, including the organisms involved in mutualistic associations (when both organisms obtain a benefit from each other). Changes in environment might include fluctuations in gravity and microgravity which represents a new frontier for space biology research. In this study we utilized Vibrio fischeri, a beneficial symbiotic bacterium of squids and monocentrid fishes. First, Vibrio fischeri was grown under gravity and microgravity conditions using two microgravity analogs: A Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS) and a 2D clinostat design. After 48 hours of growth, we examined crucial phenotypic changes that might …

Measurement Of The Salivary Hormones Cortisol And Melatonin In Embry-Riddle Students, Brianna Magdaleno

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

College students tend to have more stress and less sleep than many people. Cortisol and melatonin are stress hormones responding to a physical or emotional stressor. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate these essential hormones in saliva samples from students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University coursing the majors of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The selected course within this major is EGR 120 with the CATIA computer program. Saliva samples were obtained before and after taking the class using tubes and saliva test kits, in which students were asked to spit into the tube, and samples were analyzed …

Aeroponic System Optimization For Future Sustainability, Taylor J. Johnson

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

In response to the growing global population and subsequent need to more efficiently use fresh water resources, the objective of this study is to advance the knowledge in the field of aeroponic systems by determining the optimal droplet size for absorption of the nutrient solution to the roots of a vegetable, such as lettuce. Further, this study intends to determine how effectively the optimal conditions for one variety of vegetable can be applied to grow other vegetables. The plan for the study is to build four aeroponic chambers to simultaneously test varying droplet sizes for optimal root absorption under the …