Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Foster Care: How Foster Parent Intervention Affects The Child Welfare System, Olivia Mcgrath

Children's Legal Rights Journal

"Every child is entitled to a caregiver who can support the family's efforts toward a successful reunification." The National Training and Development Curriculum for Foster and Adoptive Parents provided by the Children's Bureau clearly states the rights of a child in foster care. A child removed from their biological family's home deserves the efforts of the child welfare system, their biological parents, and their foster parents to work toward returning the child to their home. "Foster to adopt" is a misleading term that contradicts the role of a foster parent. Federal and state legislation defines the primary goal of foster …

Investigating The Role Of Anesthesia In Radiation Therapy, William Walter Daley

ENGS 88 Honors Thesis (AB Students)

Purpose:

Cancer claims 7.6 million lives worldwide annually, affecting millions more. Conventional (CONV) radiation therapy (RT) is a key weapon in the oncological arsenal. A novel mode of radiation delivery, utilizing ultra-high dose rates (UHDR), is associated with enhancing the RT therapeutic ratio by selectively sparing normal tissue without sparing tumor tissue. However, there are many roadblocks to the clinical implementation of UHDR RT —namely the lack of standardization of experimental conditions and the inconsistency of published and unpublished results. This thesis investigates variables that affect preclinical biological outcomes to radiation.

Materials/Methods:

Eight groups of 10 C57BL/6 mice were stratified …

Investigating Scube3 Nuclear Localization In Presence Of Doxorubicin Treatment In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells, Lillian Ergle

Merge

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) is a glycosylated secreted protein. Prior to its secretion, SCUBE3 localizes in the cytoplasm. We observed that SCUBE3 protein trans-localized to the nucleus following Doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. DOX is one of the strongest chemotherapeutic agents and the first-line drug used in breast cancer treatment. SCUBE3 structural analysis showed that it lacks a DNA binding domain. Based on this observation and other preliminary data, we hypothesized that nuclear SCUBE3 protein promotes the survival of cells against Doxorubicin treatment. To investigate this hypothesis, we made a wild-type construct and three constructs with mutated nuclear localization sequences …

Smokejumper Magazine, January 2024, National Smokejumper Association

Smokejumper and Static Line Magazines

This issue of the National Smokejumper Association (NSA) Smokejumper Magazine, contains the following articles: Message from the President; NSA/Smokejumper History Update -- Forgotten by His Country; First, Put Out the Fire: Blowtorch Forestry; The Effects of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on Management of National Forest Lands; The Jump List; Sounding Off from the editor; Who Is To Blame, and What Happened?; One Eye Fire -- Fifty Fire Seasons Ago -- Training Interrupted Rookie Class Jumps First Fire After Five Training Jumps; Speak Softly and Plant Big Trees: American Foreign Policy for the 21st Century; Introducing You to the …

Hydrogen Production From Microbial Electrolysis Cells Powered With Microbial Fuel Cells, Dina Aboelela

Biochemical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Medium Decision Tree Model, Support Vector Machine Rational Quadratic Gaussian Process Regression To Estimate The Total Organic Carbon Of Shale Gas Reservoirs, Attia Attia, Sayed Gomaa, Mohamed Mongy Eng., Ramadan Emara Prof., Ashraf Fahmy Prof.

Petroleum Engineering and Gas

As a result of an energy crisis due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, the eyes of great countries such as America and others began to turn strongly towards exploiting unconventional resources to increase the oil and gas production. The first step in exploiting unconventional sources is to estimate the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). TOC measurements are expensive as well as time consuming, as samples of cuttings or core samples must be present to do the required lab tests. This issue encouraged the researchers to develop mathematical correlation to estimate the TOC. The paper aims at evaluating three of machine learning models …

The Impact Of Affirmative Action Implemented In Brazilian Universities: Increased Racial Self-Identification Among Brazilians, Natalie Isayan

International Program Papers

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma Injections To Combat Chronic Tendinopathies, Rachel Kisse

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Tendinopathy is a clinical syndrome marked by persistent localized pain and tendon thickening, stemming from repetitive overuse-induced trauma. This musculoskeletal condition poses diagnostic and management challenges due to its chronic nature. Management entails a multifaceted approach, encompassing activity modification, pain control, and rehabilitative exercise. The pathophysiological shift from inflammation to degeneration highlights the need for changes in comprehensive management strategies in which platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained growing interest with limited literature support for its use in clinical practice. This literature review was performed to inform clinicians about the properties, safety, and efficacy of PRP injections as an …

Probiotic Therapy For The Treatment And Prevention Of Bacterial Vaginosis, Chelsea Scheil

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common presenting complaint in healthcare, and patients often experience recurrences at a frustrating rate. The mainstay of current treatment is antibiotic therapy, either via oral or vaginal route. When recurrences occur, stronger antibiotics are often employed. This current method of treatment does not address an underlying component that impacts infection recurrence and rate of recurrence- the patient’s baseline vaginal microbiome and the healthy bacteria that support it. To determine the efficacy and safety of probiotic therapy for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, a literature review was completed using databases PubMed and Embase. The results of …

2023 Kentucky River Watershed Watch Annual Report, Steven J. Evans, Malissa Mcalister, Andrea N. Drayer

Kentucky River Watershed Watch

No abstract provided.

Simulation Of Soil Temperature Under Maize: An Inter-Comparison Among 33 Maize Models, B. A. Kimball, K. R. Thorp, K. J. Boote, C. Stockle, Andrew E. Suyker Et Al.

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Programs And Courses Catalog 2024-2025, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Programs and Courses Catalogs

Contents:

Academic Calendar ... 5
General Information ... 7
The University and Its Programs ... 7
Academic Structure ... 9
Admission Requirements ... 16
Enrollment and Registration Procedures ... 21
Fees and Financial Aid ... 22
Student Life ... 28
University Facilities and Educational Services ... 33
The Fine and Performing Arts at UNI ... 39
Academic Regulations ... 44
Undergraduate Information and Degree Requirements ... 61
Graduate Information, Admission, Academic Regulations, and Degree Requirements ... 91
List of Programs by Department ... 120
Department of Accounting ... 127
Department of Applied Engineering & Technical Management ... 129
Department of …

Bacterial Single-Cell Rna Sequencing Captures Biofilm Transcriptional Heterogeneity And Differential Responses To Immune Pressure, Lee E. Korshoj, Tammy Kielian

Journal Articles: Pathology and Microbiology

Biofilm formation is an important mechanism of survival and persistence for many bacterial pathogens. These multicellular communities contain subpopulations of cells that display metabolic and transcriptional diversity along with recalcitrance to antibiotics and host immune defenses. Here, we present an optimized bacterial single-cell RNA sequencing method, BaSSSh-seq, to study Staphylococcus aureus diversity during biofilm growth and transcriptional adaptations following immune cell exposure. BaSSSh-seq captures extensive transcriptional heterogeneity during biofilm compared to planktonic growth. We quantify and visualize transcriptional regulatory networks across heterogeneous biofilm subpopulations and identify gene sets that are associated with a trajectory from planktonic to biofilm growth. BaSSSh-seq …

Documentation Of Hadrosaurid Humeri From The Liscomb Bonebed, North Slope, Alaska Prior To Histological Sectioning, Makenna Galvin

Student Research Poster Presentations 2024

Proper documentation of research specimens is a crucial component that must be completed prior to histological sectioning. Since specimens are unique and irreplaceable, documentation provides information that may later be unobtainable after sectioning, due to the inherent nature of the technique having to permanently alter the specimen. The hadrosaurid dinosaur, the Edmontosaurus, has an abundant fossil record, which can be partly attributed to being gregarious, and therefore preserves multiple monodominant bonebeds and several dozen associated skeletons across North America. This makes Edmontosaurus an ideal taxon to use for life history studies. However, previous Edmontosaurus bonebeds have only preserved specimens of …

The Effects Of Bisphenol S On Glial Cells Of The Peripheral Nervous System, Madeline Solomon, Rachael Sennett, Angela Asirvatham

Student Research Poster Presentations 2024

Schwann cells are glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that maintain nerve function and myelination. Peripheral nerve myelination is dependent on intact Schwann cell proliferation. Schwann cell proliferation can be adversely affected by environmental pollutants such as Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in plastic water bottles, receipt paper, containers, and many everyday products. Studies on BPA exposure showed that it stimulated cellular proliferation in neural stem cells. A commonly used manufactured derivative of BPA, Bisphenol S (BPS), has posed similar concerns. Previous research has found that BPS promotes the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells …

The Effects Of Bpf On Rt4 Schwannoma Cancer Cells, Rachael Sennett, Madeline Solomon, Angela Asirvatham

Student Research Poster Presentations 2024

Bisphenol A is a harmful compound common in plastics that causes negative health and environmental effects. Due to these effects, new guidelines have been made to limit exposure to BPA. However, modified versions of these compounds, including Bisphenol-F, are being used as a replacement. Exposure to BPF, which is comparable in structure to BPA, has similar effects as BPA on many organ systems with some being unknown. As there is not much known about BPF, especially in the peripheral nervous system, the aim of this research is to analyze proliferation rates in BPF-treated Schwann cells. It was hypothesized that with …

The Kids Are Alright: Risky Play As A Learning Device, Carlyn A. Shanley

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent work has shown that risk-taking in both early childhood and adolescence has the capacity to positively affect the healthy physical, emotional, and social development of young people. Despite American society’s aversion to risk taking and emphasis on safety, research demonstrates many benefits of engaging in positive and prosocial risk-taking, such as increased self-efficacy, increased autonomy, and enhanced risk-management skills. Literature on adolescent brain development and its relationship to sensation seeking is reviewed to determine biological motivations for risky behavior. The evidence of increased sensation seeking in adolescence demonstrates a developmental purpose for risk-taking and demands additional research to determine …

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2023-2024, Tennessee. Bureau Of Investigation

Annual Reports

This document is the annual report for the TBI during the fiscal year.

University Of Southern Maine Commencement Program 2024, University Of Southern Maine

Commencement Programs

University of Southern Maine Commencement Program 2024

Nutritional Convergence In Plants Growing On Gypsum Soils In Two Distinct Climatic Regions, Clare T. Muller, Andreu Cera, Sara Palacio, Michael J. Moore, Pablo Tejero, Juan F. Mota, Rebecca E. Drenovsky

2024 Faculty Bibliography

Background and Aims

Soil endemics have long fascinated botanists owing to the insights they can provide about plant ecology and evolution. Often, these species have unique foliar nutrient composition patterns that reflect potential physiological adaptations to these harsh soil types. However, understanding global nutritional patterns to unique soil types can be complicated by the influence of recent and ancient evolutionary events. Our goal was to understand whether plant specialization to unique soils is a stronger determinant of nutrient composition of plants than climate or evolutionary constraints. Methods

We worked on gypsum soils. We analysed whole-plant nutrient composition (leaves, stems, coarse …

Description Of Six New Cyanobacterial Species From Soil Biocrusts On San Nicolas Island, California, In Three Genera Previously Restricted To Brazil, Brian Jusko, Jeffrey R. Johansen

2024 Faculty Bibliography

As the taxonomic knowledge of cyanobacteria from terrestrial environments increases, it remains important to analyze biodiversity in areas that have been understudied to fully understand global and endemic diversity. This study was completed as part of a larger algal biodiversity study of the soil biocrusts of San Nicholas Island, California, USA. Among the taxa isolated were several new species in three genera (Atlanticothrix, Pycnacronema, and Konicacronema) which were described from, and previously restricted to, Brazil. New taxa are described herein using a polyphasic approach to cyanobacterial taxonomy that considers morphological, molecular, ecological, and biogeographical factors. Morphological data corroborated by molecular …

Executive Functioning And Sluggish Cognitive Tempo As Potential Mediators In The Relationship Between Adhd And Emotional Intelligence, Emma Bradley

Undergraduate Research (Journal)

Introduction. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by executive functioning (EF) deficits and is associated with sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and reduced emotional intelligence (EI). The present study evaluated the mediating role of EF and SCT in the ADHD-EI relationship. Methods. Forty-nine college-aged participants completed self-report measures of ADHD symptoms, SCT, EF, and EI. Participants were remunerated $10 for their participation. Results. Regression analyses demonstrated that ADHD symptoms predicted EI, EF, and SCT (p’s < 0.001). Contrary to hypothesis, neither EF nor SCT significantly mediated the relationship between ADHD and EI. Conclusion. Future research ought to aim to better understand the mechanisms accounting for the impairments associated with ADHD and EI, with a focus on emotion regulation. A better understanding of this complex relationship can lead to more effective intervention strategies for those with ADHD.

Post Developmental Mathematics: Experiences In College Algebra For Stem Students, Maria Cruciani

Undergraduate Research (Journal)

Students majoring in a STEM discipline whose sequence of collegiate mathematics begins at the developmental level follow a unique progression towards degree completion. With an elongated sequence of mathematics courses, these students have already had exposure to collegiate mathematics when enrolling in a college algebra course. A structured multiple case study provided a context for understanding students’ perceptions about how their developmental mathematics experiences may have influenced their experiences in college algebra. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews with three students who are majoring in a STEM field of study. The selected students had similar quantitative literacy expectations for their …

The Impact Of Isolation From Other Members Of The Greater Bamboo Lemur (Prolemur Simus) Species On The Behavior Of A Lone Greater Bamboo Lemur In Ranomafana National Park, Marissa N. Mccandless, Alex Casamassima, Sophie Thomas

Undergraduate Research (Journal)

Across Madagascar, many lemur species are declining in number due to deforestation perpetuated by slash and burn agriculture. Ranomafana National Park hosts 12 unique lemur species, one of which has a local population of just a single individual- the Greater Bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus). Being extremely social beings, we theorize that isolation from members of one’s species will change behavioral patterns. To test this hypothesis, we used focal animal sampling to record the behavior of the Greater Bamboo lemur for about 40 hours over a five day period. We compared our results to behavioral data collected of lemurs in a …

Precommentary: Animal Personality Needs Animal Sentience, Ralph Adolphs, Yue Xu

Animal Sentience

We are grateful to Owens, Bryja & Bekoff (2024) for their important discussion of individual differences in animals, emphasizing the role of personality in conservation, wildlife research, and wellbeing. But their emphasis also raises new challenges: How should we conceive of personality in nonhuman species? what modern tools could be leveraged to best measure it? and, perhaps most important of all: how can we ensure that the conscious experience of animals — their capacity for wellbeing and for suffering — is not forgotten along the way? We touch on each of these challenges in this invited Precommentary in the hope …

Complexities Of Consistent Individual Behavioral Differences In Effective Wildlife Management, Nathalie R. Sommer

Animal Sentience

The study of animal personality, or consistent individual behavioral differences, has faced numerous challenges since its inception, including terminological disputes, labor-intensive methodologies, and notable retractions. This commentary explores the mechanisms behind personality traits, questioning the link between personality and sentience, and highlights the bias towards megafauna in wildlife management. It underscores the ecological and ethical significance of considering arthropod personalities and the complexities of integrating personality into wildlife reintroductions. Caution is advised in generalizing personality effects, and the limitations of current measurement techniques are discussed, suggesting that personality traits should be one of many factors in comprehensive management strategies.

Individuality Matters But Its Cause Has Consequences, Daniel T. Blumstein

Animal Sentience

I discuss the relationship between individuality and heritability and note that the mechanism driving individual differences matters for conservation and management outcomes.

A Comparative Study Of Biocrusts On Gypsum And Non-Gypsum Soils In The Northern Chihuahuan And Eastern Mojave Deserts, Usa: Biocrust Mosses Respond To Soil, Environmental, And Climatic Conditions, Katelyn Gobbie

Masters Theses

Biological soil crust communities (biocrusts) growing on gypsum soils have been well- documented for their prolific appearance and rich diversity of lichens and bryophytes. However, studies characterizing gypsum biocrusts have primarily occurred outside of the U.S., most of which lack comparisons to other soil types. We conducted intensive field surveys to evaluate the cover and frequency of biocrust functional groups and moss species on gypsum and non-gypsum soils in the U.S. regions with the most extensive gypsum outcrops, the northern Chihuahuan and eastern Mojave Deserts. We employed canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to relate the observed differences in biocrust abundance and …

Atmospheric And Earth Science 498 Professsional Development, Tess Olten, Robert Griffin

Open Educational Resources (OER)

Whether you're already in the workforce, or you're still in school and haven't yet applied for your first position -- the job application process can be both exciting and demoralizing. Sometimes, finding a new job feels like a full-time job itself -- especially when the competition is steep and the field of candidates is crowded.

How can you help yourself stand out from other applicants and land the job of your dreams? In this course, you'll work through each step of the application process, as well as consider graduate school as an alternative or additional choice. First, you'll explore tips …

Role Of Myocardin Effector Genes On The Progression Of Cytoskeletal Remodeling And Phenotype Switching Of Hpmcs, Kasumi Sato

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural fibrosis (PF) is characterized by thickening of the pleura around the lungs due to mesothelial cells transitioning into myofibroblasts. Our research delved into the role of Myocardin (MYOCD) in this transition, revealing Twinfilin 1 (TWF1) and Leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) as significant genes influenced by MYOCD. In our investigation, we explored how TWF1 and LMOD1 impact cytoskeletal changes in human pleural mesothelial cells (HPMCs) induced by Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Knocking down TWF1 resulted in reduced expression of Calponin 1 and alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA), while LMOD1 knock-down suppressed α-SMA expression. Inhibition of TWF1 hindered stress fiber formation but …