Digital Commons Network^™

An Integrated Framework To Study Ecological Tipping Points In Social-Ecological Systems, F. A. Männer, L.-M. Schwarz, D. A. Menestrey-Schwieger, V. Amputu, M. C. Bilton, K. Brinkmann, G. Dressler, N. Hamunyela, H. Heita, S. Heshmati, S. Liehr, M. Mbidzo, F. Munyebvu-Chambara, W. C. Nesongano, M. Rauchecker, A. Sandhage-Hofmann, K. Tielbörger, K. Zimmer, A. Linstädter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Sudden regime shifts or tipping points pose a major threat to various ecosystems and people's livelihoods worldwide. However, tipping points are still hard to predict and often occur without warning. To avoid dramatic social-ecological consequences, it is crucial to understand tipping point behaviour and to identify early warning indicators. Previous studies have hardly implemented an integrated social-ecological approach, which has led to a fragmented understanding and oversimplification of tipping point phenomena. Against this background, we present a systemic research framework that harmonizes ecological and social perspectives to gain a mechanistic understanding of tipping point behaviour. We utilize a social-ecological systems …

An Integrated Assessment And Management Optimization System For Grazinglands, D. Toledo, J. E. Herrick, S. Goslee, M. Sanderson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Rangelands and pasturelands are often assessed using different methodologies. The Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health and Pasture Condition Scoring methodologies, two techniques used widely across the USA, were developed for rangelands and pasturelands respectively. These two grazingland assessment techniques were determined to be complementary and if integrated could provide an optimized approach to measure grazinglands without regards to specific use (i.e. range or pasture). We present an improved grazingland assessment protocol that merges indicators and attributes from Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health and Pasture Condition Scoring methodologies. This Integrated Grazingland Assessment (IGA) approach allows evaluators to assess site conditions and …

Learning Systems In Schools And At Work, Richard D. Busby

Publications & Research

Key Points in this Post:

1. Learning systems in schools differ from learning systems at work
2. The content is different
3. The context is different
4. The complexity is different, specifically about promotion criteria

Question explored: Is it time to assess the current K-12 education system paradigm in order to adapt to the future of work?

Magnetic Nanoparticles Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor For Rapid Detection Of Salmonella Typhimurium In Romaine Lettuce, Devendra Bhandari, Fur-Chi Chen, Roger C. Bridgman

Human Sciences Faculty Research

Salmonella is one of the major foodborne pathogens responsible for many cases of illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. Although different methods are available to timely detect Salmonella in foods, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has the benefit of real-time detection with a high sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this study was to develop an SPR method in conjunction with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for the rapid detection of Salmonella Typhimurium. The assay utilizes a pair of well-characterized, flagellin-specific monoclonal antibodies; one is immobilized on the sensor surface and the other is coupled to the MNPs. Samples of romaine lettuce contaminated with …

Omega-6 And Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Derived Oxylipins From The Lipoxygenase Pathway In Maternal And Umbilical Cord Plasma At Delivery And Their Relationship With Infant Growth, Maranda Thompson, Arzu Ulu, Ana G. Yuil-Valdes, Maheswari Mukherjee, Melissa K. Thoene, Matthew Van Ormer, Rebecca Slotkowski, Elizabeth Lyden, Ann Anderson-Berry, Corrine K. Hanson, Tara M. Nordgren, Sathish Kumar Natarajan

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for neonatal development and health. One mechanism by which omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids exert their effects is through their metabolism into oxylipins and specialized pro-resolving mediators. However, the influence of oxylipins on fetal growth is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify oxylipins present in maternal and umbilical cord plasma and investigate their relationship with infant growth. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify oxylipin levels in plasma collected at the time of delivery. Spearman’s correlations highlighted significant correlations between metabolite levels and infant growth. They …

2022-January-09-Free Pharmacy Dual Enrollment Class Registration Deadline Jan. 23, Bill Gatton College Of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (January 9, 2022) – East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy is offering a free college class for dual enrollment high school students across the region to learn more about the pharmacy profession and how to get into pharmacy school. The course will be free for all students who have a 3.0 high school GPA or above and are dual enrolled. ETSU undergraduate students may also pay to register for the course. This course will be online and asynchronous, meaning students can participate at any point.

REGISTER BY JAN. 23

“Training future pharmacists to serve in …

Using Metabolic Potential Within The Airway Microbiome As Predictors Of Clinical State In Persons With Cystic Fibrosis, Gabriella Shumyatsky, Aszia Burrell, Hollis Chaney, Iman Sami, Anastassios C Koumbourlis, Robert J Freishtat, Keith A Crandall, Edith T Zemanick, Andrea Hahn

Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences & Biotechnology Faculty Papers

Introduction: Pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) are primarily related to acute or chronic inflammation associated with bacterial lung infections, which may be caused by several bacteria that activate similar bacterial genes and produce similar by-products. The goal of our study was to perform a stratified functional analysis of bacterial genes at three distinct time points in the treatment of a PEx in order to determine the role that specific airway microbiome community members may play within each clinical state (i.e., PEx, end of antibiotic treatment, and follow-up). Our secondary goal was to compare the change between …

The Use Of Microalgal Sourced Biodiesel To Help Underground Mines Transition To Battery Electric Vehicles, Corey A. Laamanen, Kyle Moreau, Sabrina M. Desjardins, Shannon H. Mclean, John A. Scott

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The use of fossil fuel sourced diesel underground has various associated health and environmental hazards, and additional energy demand and costs associated with necessary ventilation. One way to reduce these impacts is by utilizing a biodieselblend, which generates lower levels of harmful emissions from underground equipment and can be produced regionally, reducing the impact of transportation. Furthermore, this would help allow use of existing machinery during transition towards more widespread electrification underground. Therefore, the concept of an integrated supply and use chain within the mining industry is examined based on biodiesel from acidophilic photosynthetic microalgae cultivated using CO 2 in …

Application Of Entropy Method For Estimating Factor Weights In Mining-Method Selection For Development Of Novel Mining-Method Selection System, Elsa Pansilvania Andre Manjate, Mahdi Saadat, Hisatoshi Toriya, Fumiaki Inagaki, Youhei Kawamura

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mining-method selection (MMS) is one of the most critical and complex decisionmaking processes in mine planning. Therefore, it has been a subject of several studies for many years culminating with the development of different systems. However, there is still more to be done to improve and/or create more efficient systems and deal with the complexity caused by many influencing factors. This study introduces the application of the entropy method for feature selection, i.e., select the most critical factors in MMS. The entropy method is applied to assess the relative importance of the factors influencing MMS by estimating their objective weights …

Evolutionary Analyses Of Visual Opsin Genes In Frogs And Toads: Diversity, Duplication, And Positive Selection, Ryan K. Schott, Leah Perez, Matthew Kwiatkowski, Vance Imhoff, Jennifer M. Gumm

Faculty Publications

Among major vertebrate groups, anurans (frogs and toads) are understudied with regard to their visual systems, and little is known about variation among species that differ in ecology. We sampled North American anurans representing diverse evolutionary and life histories that likely possess visual systems adapted to meet different ecological needs. Using standard molecular techniques, visual opsin genes, which encode the protein component of visual pigments, were obtained from anuran retinas. Additionally, we extracted the visual opsins from publicly available genome and transcriptome assemblies, further increasing the phylogenetic and ecological diversity of our dataset to 33 species in total. We found …

Light-Driven Dynamics Between Calcification And Production In Functionally Diverse Coral Reef Calcifiers, Jennifer Mallon, Tyler Cyronak, Emily R. Hall, Anastazia T. Banaszak, Dan A. Exton, Adrian M. Bass

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles

Coral reef metabolism underpins ecosystem function and is defined by the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, calcification, and calcium carbonate dissolution. However, the relationships between these physiological processes at the organismal level and their interactions with light remain unclear. We examined metabolic rates across a range of photosynthesising calcifiers in the Caribbean: the scleractinian corals Acropora cervicornis, Orbicella faveolata, Porites astreoides, and Siderastrea siderea, and crustose coralline algae (CCA) under varying natural light conditions. Net photosynthesis and calcification showed a parabolic response to light across all species, with differences among massive corals, branching corals, and CCA that …

Iron Dysregulation In Covid-19 And Reciprocal Evolution Of Sars-Cov-2: Natura Nihil Frustra Facit, Yash Gupta, Dawid Maciorowski, Brian Medernach, Daniel P. Becker Ph.D., Ravi Durvasula, Claudia R. Libertin, Prakasha Kempaiah

Chemistry: Faculty Publications and Other Works

After more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infection rates with newer variants continue to devastate much of the world. Global healthcare systems are overwhelmed with high positive patient numbers. Silent hypoxia accompanied by rapid deterioration and some cases with septic shock is responsible for COVID-19 mortality in many hospitalized patients. There is an urgent need to further understand the relationships and interplay with human host components during pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies. Currently, acquired immunity through vaccination or prior infection usually provides sufficient protection against the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 except Omicron variant requiring recent booster. New …

Role Of Inflammatory Niche And Adult Cardiomyocyte Coculture On Differentiation, Matrix Synthesis, And Secretome Release By Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Jyotsna Joshi, Chandrasekhar R. Kothapalli

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Myocardial infarction (MI) causes cardiomyocyte death, provokes innate immune response, and initiates tissue remodeling. The intrinsic healing process is insufficient to replace the lost cells, or regenerate and restore the functional features of the native myocardium. Autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation is being explored to offer therapeutic potential after MI. Here, we cultured human BM-MSC spheroids in three-dimensional collagenous gels for 28 days under exposure to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (+ TNFα), and coculture with adult human cardiomyocytes, or with conditioned media (CM) pooled from TNFα-stimulated adult cardiomyocytes. MSC differentiation marker (CD90, GATA4, cTnI, cTnT, Cx43, MHC, α-actin) …

Channelopathy-Causing Mutations In The S45A/S45B And Ha/Hb Helices Of KCa2.3 And KCa3.1 Channels Alter Their Apparent Ca2+ Sensitivity, Razan Orfali, Young-Woo Nam, Hai Minh Nguyen, Mohammad Asikur Rahman, Grace Yang, Meng Cui, Heike Wulff, Miao Zhang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Small- and intermediate-conductance Ca²⁺-activated potassium (K_Ca2.x and K_Ca3.1, also called SK and IK) channels are activated exclusively by a Ca²⁺-calmodulin gating mechanism. Wild-type K_Ca2.3 channels have a Ca²⁺ EC₅₀ value of ∼0.3 μM, while the apparent Ca²⁺ sensitivity of wild-type K_Ca3.1 channels is ∼0.27 μM. Heterozygous genetic mutations of K_Ca2.3 channels have been associated with Zimmermann-Laband syndrome and idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension, while K_Ca3.1 channel mutations were reported in hereditary xerocytosis patients. K_Ca2.3_S436C and K_Ca2.3_V450L channels with …

Analysis Of A Generalized Discrete Periodic Model For The Spread Of Wolbachia In A Mosquito Population, Alexandra Nicole Osgood Fedrigo

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Allometric Relationships Of Ecologically Important Antarctic And Arctic Zooplankton And Fish Species, Fokje L. Schaafsma, Carmen L. David, Doreen Kohlbach, Julia Ehrlich, Giulia Castellani, Benjamin A. Lange, Martina Vortkamp, André Meijboom, Anna Fortuna-Wünsch, Antonia Immerz, Hannelore Cantzler, Apasiri Klasmeier, Nadezhda Zakharova, Katrin Schmidt, Anton P. Van De Putte, Jan Andries Van Franeker, Hauke Flores

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Allometric relationships between body properties of animals are useful for a wide variety of purposes, such as estimation of biomass, growth, population structure, bioenergetic modelling and carbon flux studies. This study summarizes allometric relationships of zooplankton and nekton species that play major roles in polar marine food webs. Measurements were performed on 639 individuals of 15 species sampled during three expeditions in the Southern Ocean (winter and summer) and 2374 individuals of 14 species sampled during three expeditions in the Arctic Ocean (spring and summer). The information provided by this study fills current knowledge gaps on relationships between length and …

Transforming Science Into Practice, Janice Jiggins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The space for action that might move agricultural systems toward sustainability is narrowing. In so far as increasing dis-order in agroecosystems and food systems is caused by human agency, then remedial action must take account of cognition. This article argues that an understanding of cognitive processes is essential, as the foundation for participatory R, D & E that builds platforms of cooperation, binding actors into communities of learning that are trasnforming both science and practice.

Technology Transfer And Education Training And Extension In Grassland Farming, K. G. Rickert

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Stakeholders in grassland farming, including farmers, rural communities, urban consumers, politicians, educators, and service agencies, widely agree that the goal for grassland farming is the triple bottom line: farming systems that are ecologically sustainable, profitable and socially acceptable. This paper considers how extension and training might contribute to that worthy goal by encouraging practitioners to better manage their management environment. The notion of a management environment refers to a holistic consideration of those factors that impact on farmers, farm advisors or educators, that subset of grassland farming ‘practitioners’ within the wider range of stakeholders.

The difficulty faced by these practitioners …

Gis-Based Forage Species Adaptation Mapping, David B. Hannaway, C. Daly, W. Gibson, G. Taylor, J. P. Bolte, I. Sriprisan, T. Griggs

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Selecting forage crops adapted to the climatic and edaphic conditions of specific locations is essential for economic sustainability and environmental protection. Yet, currently, proper selection is difficult due to the absence of advanced selection tools. Significant improvements are being made in the process through Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping. Climate and soil GIS layers are being matched with forage characteristics through rules describing species tolerances. Better matching will reduce economic risks and environmental hazards associated with sub-optimal crop selection and subsequent performance. Once developed, these forage crop selection strategies and tools can be adapted for use with other crops. A …

On Farm Riparian Grazing Demonstration, J. T. Green Jr., M. H. Poore, S. P. Morgan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two farm demonstrations were designed to show effects of periodic grazing of riparian areas. Sites were monitored for vegetative cover, degree of treading or hoof prints and dung deposition within three m of stream edge following grazing by beef cattle. A fenced enclosure was established along a 350 m stream reach on Farm-1, and eleven permanent stations were monitored following six graze periods over 12-months. Farm-2 involved grazing of two 0.13 ha paddocks, each of which contained a 22 m stream reach. On Farm-1 the cover improved following riparian exclusion, and evidence of treading in the 11 stations declined following …

Obituaries

Colby Magazine

No abstract provided.

Class Notes

Colby Magazine

No abstract provided.

Goodworks: In Houston, A Covid-19 Storm, Gabe Souza

Colby Magazine

Marlen Guerrero ’18, a Posse Scholar from Houston, Texas, began helping families long distance from Mayflower Hill after Hurricane Harvey hit her hometown. She continues that work, but recently saw her nonprofit pivot to address needs during the pandemic. She spoke with Colby Multimedia Producer Gabe Souza.

Media

Colby Magazine

No abstract provided.

Rapid Response: Cat-Scan Machine And 3d Printers Vital In Covid-19, Laura Meader

Colby Magazine

Colby’s Assistant Professor of Biology Josh Martin is using his expertise and sophisticated scientific equipment to create face shields, respirator masks, and air filter cartridges for local first responders and hospitals in need of equipment that is crucial to treating patients with COVID-19.

Soblu At 50, Kardelen Koldas

Colby Magazine

I think it’s extraordinary that the organization has not only endured but has thrived. It has changed with the times over these last 50 years.

Full Issue, Colby College

Colby Magazine

Colby Magazine vol. 107, no. 3 (2019-2020): full issue

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - January 7, 2022, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the January 7, 2022 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents include:

• Taylor to present on signal patterning at pathology research seminar
• USA Center for Lung Biology faculty uncover mechanism behind neurocognitive dysfunction after pneumonia
• Calling all alumni couples: Send us your stories
• Meet a Med Student: Zach Aggen
• Last call for bands to register for Doc Rock
• USA researcher receives grant to study racial disparities in cervical cancer prevention
• USA College of Medicine alumna recognized as Tampa Bay Community Hero

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width In Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients., Preethi Ramachandran, Mahesh Gajendran, Abhilash Perisetti Md, Karim Osama Elkholy, Abhishek Chakraborti, Giuseppe Lippi, Hemant Goyal

Other Specialties

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing dramatic morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) has been strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in multiple diseases.

Objective: To assess if elevated RDW is associated with unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19.

Methods: We retrospectively studied clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients for their RDW values. In-hospital mortality was defined as primary outcome, while septic shock, need for mechanical ventilation, and length of stay (LOS) were secondary outcomes.

Results: A total of 294 COVID-19 patients were finally studied. Overall prevalence …

Falling Through The Cracks: Deaf New Americans And Their Unsupported Educational Needs, Michael A. Schwarz, Brent Elder, Monu Chhetri

College of Education Departmental Research

Members of the Deaf New American community reported they arrived in the United States with no formal education, unable to read or write in their native language, and had zero fluency in English. Efforts to educate them have floundered, and the study aims to find out why and how to fix the problem. Interviews of eight Deaf New Americans yielded rich data that demonstrates how education policy in the form of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other laws fail to address their needs, because these laws do not include them in their coverage. The study’s main findings …