Digital Commons Network^™

Blens: Biomedical Literature Extraction And Scoring System, Tyler J. Simone

Honors Theses and Capstones

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the gold standard for evidence synthesis in healthcare, yet their manual execution remains labor-intensive, time-consuming, and vulnerable to human bias. With the exponential growth of biomedical literature, traditional literature screening and analysis has become increasingly unstable and noncomprehensive. This thesis presents the development and validation of an automate literature gathering and review system that integrates multiple scientific databases through a unified desktop application. The platform combines APIs from PubMed (NCBI Entrez), ClinicalTrials.gov, bioRxiv and medRxiv to enable simultaneous, standardized searching across peerreviewed and preprint sources. Built in Python with a PySide6 graphical interface, this standalone …

Retention Time Of Microplastics In The Purple Sea Urchin (Arbacia Punctulata), Alexandra Shore

Honors Theses and Capstones

Marine ecosystems around the world are facing the problem of plastic pollution. Large pieces of plastic eventually degrade into smaller microplastics that are suspended in the water column and sink to the seabed. Sea urchins are exposed to microplastics as they graze on the sea floor and can accidentally consume these pollutants. Sea urchins are ecologically important animals because they physically alter their ecosystem via grazing and are integral part of marine food webs. To better understand how sea urchins interact with microplastics, purple sea urchins were exposed to microfibers and microspheres in a laboratory setting, and the retention time …

After The Impact: Balance Function In Women With Repeated Concussions, Caroline M. Stack

Honors Theses and Capstones

Balance deficits following repeated mild traumatic brain injuries are well documented, yet research examining the delayed outcomes specifically in college-aged women remains limited. The present study investigated whether women with a history of two or more mTBIs exhibit lasting balance impairments compared to women with zero or one prior mTBI, tested at least six months after their most recent injury. Thirty-four English-speaking women (ages 18-30) recruited from the University of New Hampshire were assigned to a repetitive mTBI group or a control group. Balance was assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System and a MetaMotion inertial measurement sensor positioned on …

Hey, Siri: How Companionate Ai Usage Affects Social Satisfaction And Personal Intelligence, Ryan E. Moran, Marley Ireland

Honors Theses and Capstones

Artificial intelligence is a field that is growing and changing faster than humanity can keep up. While part of the population is benefiting from its unmatched diagnostic power, increased productivity in school and in work, and even its surgical and therapeutic contributions, others are filing lawsuits based on claims that an AI chatbot was a key factor in the mental health crisis of someone they loved. Research has found that reliance on these AI-generated conversational agents can lead to social withdrawal, unrealistic relationship expectations, addictive tendencies, and, in the worst cases, increased or encouraged suicidal ideations, especially in vulnerable populations. …

How Historical Experiences Shaped The Italian Constitution: A Comparative Perspective With The United States, Kaitlin M. Rocca

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Improving Low Fresh Gas Flow Adherence To Lower Co2e Emissions, Luke Charles Ricci

Honors Theses and Capstones

Volatile anesthetic gases contribute significantly to healthcare-related greenhouse gas emissions. These greenhouse gas emissions can be increased due to higher fresh gas flows. At Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), open and semi-open systems with fresh gas flow (FGF) rates above two liters per minute result in anesthetic gas waste. Literature suggests multifaceted quality improvement interventions are effective in improving low fresh gas flow adherence in anesthesia provider practices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential reduction in anesthetic gas waste and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center through improved adherence to low fresh gas flow …

Exploring The Association Between Internal Body Temperature And Metabolic Status In Early Lactation Jersey Cattle, Alexandra Ferreri, Claira Seely

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Volatile Organic Compounds Produced By Temperature-Adapted Microbes On Duckweed Growth, Phaedra Yael Stemp

Honors Theses and Capstones

As host-associated microbes adapt to their abiotic environment, these adaptations can affect their host species as well. Previous research showed that varying temperatures and volatile organic compound (VOC) production can affect microbial benefits to hosts. This experiment analyzed how 27 microbes pre-adapted to different temperature conditions affected growth of their host, common duckweed plants, comparing effects of direct contact with microbes, effects of microbe VOCs alone, or both. Each microbe was pre-adapted to one of three temperature regimes: “Northern” at 28 °C, “Southern” at 33 °C, and “Extreme” at 36 °C. We then grew duckweeds in I-plates with each microbe …

Fgf Signaling Is Necessary For Newt Lens Regeneration, Leo Alexander Napoleon

Honors Theses and Capstones

The Iberian ribbed newt Pleurodeles waltl can regenerate the lens by transdifferentiating iris pigmented epithelial (IPE) cells into lens epithelial cells (LECs), but the mechanism by which this occurs remains largely uncharacterized. We aim to mechanistically show an early and critical role for FGF signaling by using small molecules to inhibit FGF receptors and observe the histological and intracellular effects. Two inhibitors were found to completely stall lens regeneration. Cell cycle analysis revealed decreased DNA synthesis and uniformly low but unchanged entry to mitosis under signaling inhibition by staining for EdU incorporation and phospho-histone H3 (pH3), respectively. Western blot revealed …

Preserved Artificial Grammar Learning In Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Systematic Review, Sarah I. Cranna

Honors Theses and Capstones

Abstract

            Implicit statistical learning is a crucial cognitive function that is highly involved in the learning and processing of language. Since both language and implicit statistical learning are supported by the basal ganglia through cortico-striatal networks, disruptions to this network could result in their impairment. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can therefore be used to model disruptions to this system as it is primarily characterized by dysfunction in the basal ganglia. Thus, this review aims to examine the current literature studying the performance of individuals with PD on artificial grammar tasks in order to investigate the impact of impaired basal ganglia function …

Tmem116 Crispr-Mediated Knockout Prevents Proper Lens Regeneration In Iberian-Ribbed Newts, Damien T. Mann

Honors Theses and Capstones

Eye diseases like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma are widespread and detrimental conditions affecting many people across the globe. While there are reliable and successful treatments for those with cataracts that can reverse vision impediments, others like glaucoma and AMD have limited treatment options. Additionally, eye damage resulting from these conditions is commonly irreversible, establishing a need for new treatment options. The Iberian-ribbed newt, Pleurodeles waltl, is a salamander species primarily studied for their amazing regenerative capabilities. Particularly, these newts are capable of de novo lens regeneration after a complete resection, providing a unique opportunity to study regeneration …

Investigating Microbe-Mediated Temperature Tolerance In Lemna Minor, Matthew Thomas Farbaniec

Honors Theses and Capstones

Temperature limits plant growth and survival more than many other environmental variables, and increases in the frequency of extreme hot or cold weather events pose significant challenges for plant growth and crop yields. Previous studies have shown that bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms associated with plants ( i.e., the plant microbiome) can influence host response to temperature stress. These same microbes have their own temperature tolerances. We investigated whether microbial temperature tolerance correlates with plant resilience using an aquatic plant model, Lemna minor, and isolates derived from its microbiome. Microbial isolates were assessed at −10°C, 4°C, and 32°C for …

Stress And Reward Interactions In Substance Use Disorder: An Evolutionary Mismatch Framework, Nicholas L. Castrucci

Honors Theses and Capstones

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health concern characterized by compulsive substance use despite adverse consequences. While contemporary models emphasize biological, psychological, and environmental contributors, stress- and reward-related systems are often examined in isolation. This review integrates these systems within an evolutionary mismatch framework to examine how chronic stress exposure and repeated substance use increase vulnerability to addiction. Stress and reward systems are evolutionarily conserved but may become chronically dysregulated under modern conditions characterized by persistent psychosocial stressors and highly potent rewarding stimuli. This is associated with converging neuroadaptations across stress and reward circuitry, resulting in altered affective …

Examining The Effectiveness Of Housing First Models On Transitional-Aged Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Systematized Review, Cadyn Golisano

Honors Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine the outcomes of Housing First (HF) programs or models for transitional-age youth (TAY) experiencing homelessness. Specifically, this review aims to synthesize existing evidence on how Housing First influences housing stability and over-all wellbeing for young adults ages 18-25. By evaluating the effectiveness of these programs within this specific population, the review seeks to identify key benefits, limitations, and gaps in the current literature to inform future practice, policy, and research. The following research question was utilized to guide this paper: How do Housing First principals and interventions impact housing stability …

Reading Between The Lines: Representations Of Dyslexia In Young Adult Literature, Carli B. Gauvin

Honors Theses and Capstones

While dyslexia affects upwards of 20% of the population, this learning disability is not commonly brought up in young adult literature. This lack of representation negatively impacts those with dyslexia, who often fail to find themselves in the books they read, and readers in general, who are given fewer opportunities to gain insight into the learning disability. Young adult books that do discuss dyslexia can be at risk of portraying the learning disability in an unfavorable light, which can make dyslexic readers feel undervalued in society and can introduce misconceptions about dyslexia to all readers. It is crucial to analyze …

Phonetics And Orthography In French: A Proposal For A New Course, Kyara A. Crespo Gutierrez

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Embracing Anomalous Perceptions: Sensory Anomalies, Social Stigma, And Self-Acceptance, Ty R. Hetrick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Anomalous Perceptual Experiences (APEs), which include auditory and visual hallucinations, occur in the general population to varying degrees, but are often stigmatized in media and healthcare settings. However, there is an increasing focus on those who report APEs to be positive and meaningful. This study explored the lived experiences of individuals who report APEs that are interpreted meaningfully. Using a concurrent mixed methods approach, interviews and questionnaires were conducted with 3 adults who identify their APEs as meaningful. Participants described their experiences as sources of guidance, connection, and personal transformation that positively influenced their relationships, spirituality, and daily occupations. They …

Driving Monitoring Of People With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementia Using Global Positioning System Technology, Julia A. Ferris

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Paradox Of Matriliny: Cultural Authority And The Political Marginalization Of Women In Meghalaya, Kasturi Bharadwaj

Journal of International Women's Studies

The global discourse on gender equality gained momentum after the 1975 United Nations World Conference on Women. It continued through a series of international initiatives and culminated in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which emphasized women’s rights and their participation in political, social, and economic life. Despite these normative commitments at the international level, women’s political participation and representation within administrative and decision-making structures continue to be uneven, limited, and structurally constrained across many societies. In this context, the study investigates the political participation and representation of women in Meghalaya, a tribal state in Northeast India characterized by …

07.02.01. Limpkin, Aramus Guarauna, D. C. Bryan, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

07.02. <em>Aramidae</em> - Limpkin

The Limpkin is an iconic Florida wading bird known for its specialized foraging on the native Florida apple snail.

Submicron Diamond-Assisted Irrigation Enhances Apical Biofilm Removal Under Sonic And Ultrasonic Activation: An Ex Vivo Study, Yung-Szu Hsu, Nai-Chia Teng, Sin-Yu Chen, Huan-Cheng Chang, Haw-Ming Huang, Sung-Chih Hsieh

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose:

Residual apical biofilm often persists despite sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation with sonic or ultrasonic activation. Submicron diamond particles (SMD) have shown promise as a particle-assisted adjunct for root canal cleaning, but their effects on mature intracanal biofilm remain unclear. This study evaluated whether 500-nm SMD particles (10 mg/mL) improve the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of saline or NaOCl irrigation against mature Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms.

Materials and methods:

One hundred single-rooted human premolars infected with E. faecalis for 21 days were randomly allocated to ten irrigation protocols (n = 10). Antibacterial efficacy was assessed by …

Exosomes Derived From Bone Substitute-Induced Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Angiogenesis, Chongyu Shen, Zheng Guan, Rui Chu, Zhengyin Li, Jiangting Lu, Liangkun Xie

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: In certain clinical bone grafting scenarios, bone substitutes frequently interface with the adjacent soft tissues. This study aimed to investigate whether deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and coralline hydroxyapatite (CHA) induce paracrine responses in human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs), thereby altering the pro-angiogenic capacity of their derived exosomes, and to profile specific cargo alterations.

Materials and methods: Exosomes were isolated from GMSCs co-cultured with DBBM (DBBM-G-EXO) or CHA (CHA-G-EXO), while native GMSCs-derived exosomes (G-EXO) were collected as controls. The angiogenic effects of these exosomes on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were evaluated via cell proliferation, scratch wound …

Silencing The Mir-132/Sirt1 Axis Suppresses Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation And Myofibroblast Differentiation In Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Ming-Yung Chou, Min Yee Ng, Yi-Wen Liao, Chuan-Hang Yu, Cheng-Chia Yu, Sin-Jia Tseng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic oral potentially malignant disorder characterized by progressive extracellular matrix deposition, myofibroblast activation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling. However, the upstream microRNA-mediated mechanisms linking fibrogenesis and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation remain unclear. This study investigated the role of the miR-132/sirtuin 1  (SIRT1) axis in OSF-associated fibrotic and inflammatory responses.

Materials and methods

miR-132 expression was examined in OSF tissues, normal tissues, primary buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs), and fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts (fBMFs) using RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR. Patient-derived fBMFs were transfected with a miR-132 inhibitor …

A Scientometric Study On Research Trends And Characteristics Of Kimura Disease, Zhongjing Lv, Yiming Luo, Wei Liu, Jian Yuan

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Kimura disease (KD) is an idiopathic condition that presents as a chronic, benign inflammatory disorder, typically affecting the head and neck region. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics and research trends of KD.

Materials and methods: All the papers on KD were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database. The years of publication were divided into before 2012 and after 2012 in the analysis of research trends.

Results: There were 925 papers on KD, with total citations of 10,821 and the h index of 47. Eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, nephrotic syndrome, angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, …

Anemia, Hematinic Deficiencies, And Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody Positivity In Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients With Or Without Hyperhomocysteinemia, Yi-Ping Wang, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Yi-Pang Lee, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Our previous study found that 42 of 430 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients have hyperhomocysteinemia. This study assessed whether these 42 RAS patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (hyperhomocysteinemia/RAS patients) had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than 388 RAS patients without hyperhomocysteinemia (non-hyperhomocysteinemia/RAS patients) or 430 healthy control subjects.

Materials and methods: The blood hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 42 hyperhomocysteinemia/RAS patients, 388 non-hyperhomocysteinemia/RAS patients, and 430 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results: We found that 42 hyperhomocysteinemia/RAS patients had significantly …

Very Early Interceptive Management Of Class Iii Malocclusion In Primary Dentition Using A Prefabricated Functional Education Appliance: Preliminary Clinical Observations, Thi Ngoc Anh Do, Thi Huong Le, I-Ta Lee, Tong-Hsien Chow, Pao-Chang Chiang, Thi Thuy Tien Vo

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Class III malocclusion with anterior crossbite in primary dentition may progress and complicate future orthodontic treatment. This short communication presents preliminary clinical observations of very early interception using a prefabricated functional education appliance.

Materials and methods: Three children aged 4 to 6 years with dental, functional, or mild skeletal class III malocclusion were treated using a prefabricated removable functional education appliance worn at night, with regular follow-up.

Results: In the dental class III case, anterior crossbite was corrected within 9 months and remained stable at the 2-year follow-up. In the functional class III case, anterior crossbite and mandibular shift …

Artificial Intelligence In Dentistry: A Cross-Domain Bibliometric Analysis Of Technologies, Functional Applications, And Dental Specialties, Yinghui Yang, Cheng-Chia Yu, Min Yee Ng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Artificial intelligence is increasingly applied in dentistry across diagnosis, prediction, treatment planning, education, and patient communication. This study aimed to provide a structured cross-domain overview of dental AI research by integrating AI technologies, functional applications, and dental specialties within one bibliometric framework.

Materials and methods: AI-related dental publications from 2016 to 2026 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Original and review articles were screened and classified by AI technology, functional application, and dental specialty. Bibliometric mapping, collaboration analysis, keyword co-occurrence, and heatmap-based cross-domain visualization were performed.

Results: A total of 920 publications were included. Publication …

Oral Health Knowledge Across Cultural Boundaries: A Physiology And Hygiene Textbook From The Tamsui Middle School During The Japanese Colonial Period, Hung-Lun Pan, Feng-Chou Cheng, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.

A Scientometric Study On Research Trends And Characteristics Of Lymph Node Metastasis In Oral Cancer, Linjian Huang, Xiaocui Tong, Wei Liu, Xinyu Zhang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) is the most critical prognostic factor in oral cancer (OC) patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics and research trends of LNM in OC.

Materials and methods: All the papers on LNM in OC were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database. The years of publication were divided into before 2016 and after 2016 in the analysis of research trends.

Results: There were 946 papers on LNM in OC, with total citations of 21,154 and the h index of 70. The trend of clinical aspect including lymph …

Application Of Medical Imaging Examinations For Temporomandibular Disorders Under Taiwan's National Health Insurance System, Feng-Chou Cheng, Mu-Hsiung Chen, Yu-Ling Wu, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

No abstract provided.