Digital Commons Network^™

Physiological And Biochemical Responses To Salt And Cadmium Stress And It’S Amelioration By Exogenous Application Of Polyamines In Hybrid Poplar (Populus Nigra X Maximowiczii, Clone Nm6), Sanchari Kundu

Master's Theses and Capstones

The importance of nitrogen metabolism in plants in response to abiotic stress is widely known. Plant growth is severely hampered by abiotic stress, and appropriate nitrogen supply helps in plant growth and improves stress tolerance. At the same time, the regulation of nitrogen metabolism depends on the stress intensity. Abiotic stress can occur due to natural calamities, improper use of hazardous chemicals from industries, and careless environmental dumping of these chemicals. Hence, soils contaminated with hazardous chemicals are a significant threat to the development and yield of plants. Plants are affected by various abiotic stresses, i.e., salt, drought, and heavy …

Mesoscale Experimental Protocol For Oil Movement Under Sea Ice, Jessica Manning

Master's Theses and Capstones

Decreasing sea ice extent in the Arctic provides more opportunities for human activities (e.g., shipping, development) and increases the likelihood of Arctic oil spills. Sea ice adds complexity into oil spill models because it has significant impacts on oil fate and behavior. Understanding these complexities will improve Arctic oil spill responses and mitigate impacts. As part of a recent project on Arctic response conducted by the Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC), sea ice and oil spill modelers concluded that further research is needed to model the behavior of oil under ice. The underside of sea ice is affected by waves, …

Improving The Sustainability Of The Channeled Whelk (Busycotypus Canaliculatus) Fishery: An Investigation Into Alternative Baits, Feeding Behavior, And Circadian Rhythms, Mary Munley

Master's Theses and Capstones

The channeled whelk (Busycotypus canaliculatus) is a large predatory marine gastropod that supports an important commercial fishery along the eastern coast of the United States. Channeled whelk fisheries are state regulated, with each state enforcing slightly different regulations. In Massachusetts, the fishery is regulated by the Massachusetts’s Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF). Massachusetts’ channeled whelk landings peaked in 2012 at 3.6 million lbs., valued at $6.2 million. Since 2012, landings have decreased, 766,975 lbs. were landed in 2021 worth $3.1 million. Catch per unit effort (CPUE; lbs per trap haul) has also steadily decreased, indicating the resource is likely …

Effects Of Tag Type And Environment On Migratory Success Of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus Nerka) Smolts Through A Counting Fence, Tyler Parent

Master's Theses and Capstones

Understanding behavior and quantifying survival is vital to the conservation of anadromous fishes. Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) are one of the most economically and culturally important fish in the world, but some populations are declining, particularly in the Fraser River watershed in British Columbia, Canada. Within the Fraser River basin, Chilko Lake is one of the most prolific Sockeye Salmon populations, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has operated a counting fence at the mouth of the river for several decades to enumerate outmigrating smolts. Previous studies identified the clear water landscapes immediately downstream of the fence as high-risk, with …

Public Trust Guiding Principles And Action Plan, California Coastal Commission

State & Federal Reports and Publications

The goal of this document is to describe how the public trust doctrine relates to the Coastal Commission’s and local governments’ work on sea level rise planning under the Coastal Act. Section 1 presents a series of principles that guide the Commission’s and local governments’ work on this subject, and Section 2 sets forth next steps and research priorities for the Commission.

Elucidating Mechanisms Involved In Host Microbial-Tumor Interactions, Vidhi Chandra

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Cancer is a rising cause of mortality worldwide. Microbiota is the collection of micro-organisms that live inside our bodies and can impact the host health and disease by interacting with the immune and metabolic systems. The relationship between the microbiota and cancer is complex. Gut and intratumoral microbiota can affect cancer development and progression by influencing patient outcomes and therapy responsiveness in several cancer types. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer surrounded by a highly immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) which limits efficacy of most available therapies. The tumoral niche provides a privileged microenvironment for microbial colonization that can …

Extending The Lifetime Of Optically Stimulated Dosimeters For Use In Output Checks At Iroc- Houston, Hayden Scott

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Purpose: Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeters (OSLDs) are a prominent form of in-vivo dosimeter used both in clinics as well as for the audits of radiological
equipment at the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC)-Houston. These
dosimeters have a recommended dose limit of 10 Gy due to a change in signal response with dose. To assist with the OSLD operation at IROC-Houston, evaluating the signal response of these dosimeters with IROC’s methodologies offers the potential to extend the dose limit past 10 Gy, improve the efficiency of handling OSLDs, and reduce the cost and time spent on commissioning OSLDs.
Methods: The …

Lymphatic Dysfunction And Associated Systemic Inflammation In Lymphedema, Assessed By Nirf-Li Imaging And Plasma Cytokine/Chemokine Analysis, Anna Vang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) manifests as swelling of the upper extremities and trunk as a result of lymphatic fluid buildup due to radiation therapy (RT), surgical lymph node removal, or chemotherapy. As there is currently no cure, BCRL treatment aims to improve quality of life (QOL). First-line treatment involves specialized massage therapy and the use of compression garments. Second-line treatments include reparative lymphatic microsurgeries such as lymphovenous bypass (LVB) and/or vascularized lymph node transplant (VLNT). There is a need for better understanding of the etiology of BCRL and lymphatic microsurgery outcomes. Blood specimens and near-infrared fluorescent lymphatic imaging (NIRF- LI)data …

Unique Transcriptional Profiles Underlie Osteosarcomagenesis Driven By Different P53 Mutants, Dhruv Chachad

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Missense mutations in the DNA binding domain of the Trp53 gene are characterized as structural (p53R172H) or contact (p53R245W) mutations based on their effect on the conformation of the protein. These mutations show gain-of-function activities such as increased metastatic incidence as compared to p53 loss, often mediated by their interaction with a repertoire of transcription factors. These interactions are largely context specific. In order to understand the mechanisms by which these mutations drive osteosarcoma progression, we created a mouse model, wherein either the p53 structural mutant p53R172H, or the contact mutant, p53R245W, are expressed specifically in …

Pregnant Black/African Americans' Experiences In Prenatal Genetic Counseling, Latonya Alexander

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Pregnant Black/African American patients have faced systematic racism in the U.S. healthcare system embodied in the high maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Patients have the desire to feel heard and connected with their healthcare providers. Prenatal genetic counselors are not only trained to provide education to individuals, couples, and families who may be seeking genetic counseling, but also to use psychosocial skills with patients. Previous studies with majority of White participants have described how psychosocial skills build patient trust. Therefore, this study aimed to determine what factors made pregnant Black/African American patients feel heard and trustful with their prenatal genetic …

A Research Review Of Antidepressants For The Treatment Of Major Depressive Disorder, Connor Grady

Senior Honors Theses

The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in the U.S. has been significantly on the rise between 2015 and 2020, with adolescents and young adults (ages 18-34) contributing the most to this increase (Goodwin et al., 2022). The trend represents a disturbing downturn in the mental health of U.S. adults and warrants close attention and consideration. As the case number of MDD has continuously risen in the recent past, medical practitioners have been searching for more effective solutions. The techniques for combating the symptoms and curing the disease have varied, but one option consistently respected throughout the literature has been …

Anti-Vaccination: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy And Its Consequences For Modern Public Health Policy, Joshua Bird

Senior Honors Theses

Modern vaccination is arguably the most significant medical achievement in human history. Through widespread vaccination, populations are no longer susceptible to diseases that plagued humanity for most of its existence (measles, rubella, smallpox). While vaccinations have largely shown themselves as safe and efficacious under most circumstances, small but considerable portions of the worldwide population reject vaccination for various social, religious, and political reasons. Research indicates that vaccine hesitancy spans all socioeconomic boundaries, affecting patients and their physicians. To explore the underlying themes of vaccine hesitancy and their relationship to loss aversion and omission bias, a study of various factors underlying …

Malfunction, Chi Nguyen

A Midwestern Review: A Magazine of the Arts and Issues at DePauw University

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Vein Grafting Versus Arteriovenous Loop In Microvascular Head And Neck Reconstruction: Multicenter Series Of 36 Patients, Kaitlynne Y. Pak, Spencer R. Anderson, Tyler L. Langenfeld, Kenneth Tan, Allison Slijepcevic, Sunishka Wimalawansa, Yadranko Ducic, Mark K. Wax, Sameep P. Kadakia

Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Publications

Background: The utilization of an arteriovenous loop is an underreported technique that affords the creation of reliable vascular options. Understanding the efficacy and impacting variables of microvascular reconstruction with an arteriovenous loop can be critical to its use.

Methods: Multi-institutional study of 36 patients who underwent vein grafting or AV loop with free tissue transfer.

Results: 58.3% of patients received prior radiation and 38.9% prior flap reconstruction. Flap success for vein grafting was 76% and AV loop was 100% (p = 0.16). Success for the radiated cohort was 90.5% and non-radiated 80% (p = 0.63). Flap success for the radiated, …

The Inescapable Detriments Of Neonicotinoids: An Exploration Of The Harmful Pesticide's Effects On Humans And Insects, Fay Levin

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Antibodies: The Immune System's Post-Apocalyptic Preppers, Katiasofia Gonzales

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Dionaea Muscipula, Venus Flytrap: A Case Study In Adapting To Environmental Imperfection, Kat O'Melia

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Issue 36

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Water Woes: How Our Careless Relationship With Water Is Draining The Supply, Sydney Rosensaft

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Honors Research

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Importance Of Access Deregulation Of Hiv Prevention Services In Tennessee, Rene Garrett

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Grasping At Oblivion, Tanisha Shende

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Ai Is Catching Up To Your Doctor: Ai’S Role In Diagnosing, At Treating, And Discriminating, Caleb Rader

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

2023-May-01-Building Resilient Communities, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

East Tennessee State University will host a two-day conference this week aimed at building a more resilient community and creating a recovery ecosystem to help veterans struggling with substance use disorder.

The event, Sparking Resilience: How the Northeast Tennessee Region Can Forge a Recovery Ecosystem for Veterans, takes place from May 25-26 and is hosted by the Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Continuing Education for Health Professionals. Continuing education credit is being offered.

“This is just the first step in a long journey to start building a more resilient recovery ecosystem for our communities that have been devastated …

2023-May-01-Need Inspiration? Read About These Rotc Grads., University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – Cadets in the Army ROTC Program at East Tennessee State University will be commissioned as second lieutenants later this week.

The 1 p.m. ceremony is in the D.P. Culp Student Center Auditorium, located on the first floor, on the university’s main campus on Friday, May 5. Speaking at the event is Col. Jerry E. Baird Jr., an officer with many commendations. He holds degrees from North Carolina State University, Mars Hill University and the U.S. Air Force War College. A recognized leader with service at the Pentagon, Baird has led more than 500 soldiers into combat. …

2023-May-01-Scholars Mostly Ignored Them. Until Now., University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – From infertility and insulin resistance to depression and anxiety, those afflicted with polycystic ovary syndrome endure many unpleasant symptoms.

Scholarly literature has been mostly silent on the personal experiences of those who suffer from  this condition, known as PCOS.

“In writing this book, I felt an immense privilege to have been entrusted with the stories of the 50 individuals living with PCOS that I interviewed,” said Williams.

East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Stacey Williams aims to change that in “The Psychology of PCOS: Building the Science and Breaking the Silence,” a new book published earlier this year …

2023-May-01-Pepper On Patrol- Sit, Stay, 'Heal', University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

“At ETSU, we support the student as a whole,” said Dr. Alison Davis, interim director of the ETSU Counseling Center.

Among the many resources ETSU offers to support wellness is Sgt. Pepper, the university's emotional support dog. Pepper brings smiles to the faces of the people she meets on campus.

Students, faculty and staff also have access to a host of mental health and wellness resources, ranging from counseling services to financial aid. For more information, visit etsu.edu/counseling.

2023-May-01-Theres Just Something About Being In Nature, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

The beauty of ETSU’s campus shines year-round, and as mid-spring inches toward summer, it grows ever more colorful! Students, employees, and members of the community can enjoy splashes of ETSU blue and gold, as well as red, white, purple, and pink as they stroll across campus.

Thanks to the hard-working Grounds and Landscape Department for planting, weeding, and watering the flower beds, planters, and hanging baskets that will grow even more lovely throughout the summer months!

Close-up of flower in a bed of begonias.

Petunias and other flowers in planter with blooming rhododendron in the background in front of Warf-Pickel …

Pre-Health Professional And Graduate Students In Patient Care Support Roles: A Measure Of Burnout And Compassion Fatigue Rates In A Covid-19 World, Jacey Lynn Cornett

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Burnout and compassion fatigue rates are on the rise for nearly all healthcare professions and specialties, leading to serious harm for both patient and provider. Perpetuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry has been left in disarray as the world returns to “normal”. Currently, Butler University is educating and training undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of healthcare settings that are soon subjected to high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of burnout and compassion fatigue rates in pre-health professional and health professional students in the context of completing preparatory clinical …

Effects Of Facemasks And Virtual Lecture Environments On Speech Recall, Hannah Ann Schafer

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools often required that students and faculty wear face masks in the classroom or attend virtual class. The current study focused on the impact of face visibility in the classroom and virtual lectures on students’ recall for spoken information. Traditionally aged college students participated in live and virtual lecture environments with both masked and unmasked speaker stimuli. The researchers hypothesized that scores on a recall post-test for unmasked, individual lectures would be higher than post-test scores for the masked individual lecture or group lecture conditions. However, results revealed no differences between conditions. These findings are …