bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The OPUS Effect: An Investigation of how Magnum OPUS may Influence Athletic Performance
Authors: Conley Nicholas , Campisi Jessica , Dolder Christian 
Published: September 2020

The goal of this study was to investigate the Magnum OPUS supplement in terms of its ability to enhance athletic performance and possess a tolerable safety profile. Two groups (placebo and experimental) performed a series of exercises (pushups, dips, squats, lunges) with each repetition being recorded and compared to the baseline. Upon completion of four sessions by all twenty participants, the results were scored and significant differences were noted (t(18)= -5.41, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-24.25, -10.68]). In addition, participants recorded all adverse effects experienced with the use of the supplement. It was concluded that the participants taking OPUS had a significant increase in athletic performance when compared against the placebo group. OPUS was shown to be a reasonably safe supplement that may help athletes with their training and other athletic activities.
Effects of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent on Survival, Growth, and Vitellogenin Concentrations of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Griffin Lisa A. , Harrahy Elisabeth A. 
Published: September 2020

Concern over pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in surface waters has increased as scientists have detected these contaminants in streams and rivers nationwide. One source of PPCPs is wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where some PPCPs are being deliveredand then discharged to receiving waters in effluent. Estrogens, the primary female sex hormones, have been found in natural and synthetic forms in effluent and in receiving waters. Field and laboratory studies were carried out to determine if a local WWTP’s effluent affects survival, egg production, and vitellogenin (an egg precursor protein) concentrations in fathead minnows. Results from a 24-day field study showed no significant difference in survival or egg production between fish caged at sites located upstream and downstream of the WWTP effluent pipe. Vitellogenin was detected in some male fish at both sites. A comparison of male fish that produced vitellogenin showed higher concentrations in those located downstream. Because there may be other sources of estrogens or estrogen mimics to the stream, acute and chronic whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests were conducted with larval fathead minnows, and a reproduction assay was conducted with adult fathead minnows in the laboratory. Results of the WET tests showed no significant difference in survival among fish exposed to different dilutions of whole effluent. The laboratory reproduction assay showed no significant differences in survival or egg production between fish in 100% effluent and control treatments. Vitellogenin was detected in all male fish analyzed, including controls. This indicates there may be other sources of estrogenic compounds in the laboratory as well. While biomarkers such as vitellogenin may be more sensitive than other endpoints, it is important to have a good understanding of their selectivity. Combining field and laboratory studies can provide a better understanding of the potential effects of WWTP effluent on aquatic organisms.
Classification of Wild Isolate Nematode Strains Using Classical Systematics and Molecular Sequencing
Authors: Seacor Taylor , Striluk Miranda , Howell Carina 
Published: September 2020

Nematode worms account for the vast majority of the animals in the biosphere. They are critically important to public health and agriculture, reside in virtually all ecosystems, and are extremely diverse. To investigate nematode morphological diversity, three soil nematode species isolated in the wild where characterized (strains EM435, AF8130 and AF7340). These isolates were examined using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We used both classical systematics of the phenotypic data obtained from microscopy and phylogenetic evidence of ribosomal RNA sequencing data to classify these isolates. Data obtained confirmed strain EM435 to be a member of order Rhabditida, genus Oscheius, evidence was consistent with strain AF8130 belonging to the species Pristionchus pacificus, and the previously unclassified strain AF7340 was found to be a member of order Rhabditida, genus Oscheius.
Yeast require an Intact Tryptophan Biosynthesis Pathway and Exogenous Tryptophan for Resistance to Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Authors: McClellan Amie Jo , Ammons Laura M. , Bingham Logan R. , Callery Sarah , Corley Elizabeth , Crowe Katherine A. , Lipton Jennifer K. , Mendez Carlos A. , Morrison Tessalyn , Rallis Claudia 
Published: September 2020

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, or SDS, is an anionic detergent with widespread use in industrial and household cleaning products, scientific laboratories, and personal care products such as toothpaste and shampoo. The potential toxicity of SDS has been well-characterized in whole organism studies and its potential effects on the environment continue to be studied. Herein, we undertake a chemical-genetic screen to explore whether low concentrations of SDS have any discernible effects at the cellular level. Our screen of the homozygous diploid yeast deletion collection identified numerous gene deletions that confer sensitivity to SDS. Subsequent bioinformatic and biological analyses reveal that yeast unable to synthesize tryptophan are especially sensitive to the presence of SDS. Interestingly, even wild-type yeast with an intact tryptophan biosynthetic pathway exhibit growth defects in the presence of SDS on media lacking tryptophan. Altogether, we have shown that low levels of SDS, primarily through effects on tryptophan availability, impact the basic cell biology of a eukaryotic cell.
Who Really Voted for President Obama in 2008 and 2012?
Authors: Hlavaty Helena N. , Hussein Mohamed A. , Kiley-Bergen Peter , Yang Liuxufei , Sommers Paul M. 
Published: September 2020

The authors use simple bilinear regression on statewide exit poll data to gauge the popularity of President Barack Obama in election years 2008 and 2012 among voters in four age groups (18 to 29 year-olds; 30 to 44 year-olds; 45 to 64 year-olds; and voters 65 and older) and three income groups (under $50,000; $50,000 to $100,000; and voters earning more than $100,000). While there was little change in his popularity among voters in all age groups, Obama’s popularity with the poorest group of voters (those earning less than $50,000) took a noticeable hit in 2012.
Have Gun Control Laws Changed Since Newtown?
Authors: Smith AnnaClare C. , Van Kula Anna M. , Howard Greer M. , Sommers Paul M. 
Published: September 2020

Using data issued by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the authors examine the strength of statewide firearm laws across the United States one year before and after the 2012 school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Regressions fitted to the cross-section of all states in 2011 and 2013 show how Brady Scores differ across census divisions after allowing for statewide differences in firearm death rates and political party control of the state legislature. In the aftermath of Newtown, gun laws have either not changed or in census divisions where they have significantly changed, they have become less restrictive.
miRNA Mediated Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation in Response to Abiotic Stress in Plants
Authors: Horgan Katelyn Joy , Henderson Jeffrey Odell 
Published: September 2020

Due to their sessile nature, plants are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Their livelihood depends on their innate ability to respond to stress and cope with whatever challenges they may face. Phenotypic responses have been characterized to correlate to abiotic stresses, but the molecular mechanisms which underlie these responses are still under investigation. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play a key role in post-transcriptional regulation in response to abiotic stress. These small, 21 nt miRNAs, target specific mRNA transcripts and affect their translation which may cause downstream effects leading to abiotic stress response. In the following review, research using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system to investigate post-transcriptional regulation in response to abiotic stressors, such as phosphate depletion and oxidative stress, is discussed. Furthermore, research in more economically important crops, such as corn and rice, is overviewed. Investigation into miRNA function in response to stress could provide a new platform to engineer more resilient crops which may prove crucial as climate change and food insecurity continue to plague our agricultural systems.
Improving Company Production: The Role of Organizational Incentives in Enhancing Employee Discretionary Effort
Authors: Black Max 
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between organizational incentives and employee discretionary effort. To examine this relationship data collected from 753 individual employees from 2003-2004 composing the Professional Worker Career Experience Survey, (PWCES) United States, was analyzed through a linear regression test. Results indicate a significant positive relationship between organizational incentives and employee discretionary effort. When organizational incentives increase, so does employee discretionary effort. The results of this study suggest that as businesses increase employee incentives, employee proactivity and satisfaction will increase. An increase in employee satisfaction results in increased employee productivity and company profitability. Possible limitations and future research on the measurement and study of discretionary effort are reviewed.
A Statistical Analysis of Weight Gain During the Freshman Year of College
Authors: Perrin Elaine , Sellers Travis , Maxwell Lorena Hernandez , Morgan Malachi , Davis Sherod-Malik , Cook Cynthia , Jackson Monica C. , Sellers Kimberly 
Published: September 2020

This study examined freshman weight gain and its contributing factors, with the objective being to determine what environmental and societal changes in the college freshman experience associate with weight gain. We designed a 27-question survey which asked participants about their lifestyles during their freshman year in college. Responses were obtained through social media from 95 student participants across 37 United States colleges and universities. The resulting data distribution of weight gained among surveyed freshmen was right-skewed with a median weight gain of zero and an interquartile range of 6.5 lbs. In particular, 52% of the survey respondents reported no weight gain. Accordingly, we modeled the data via a zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis to investigate what student characteristics prior to and during his/her freshman year are associated with weight gain and likewise determine an estimated probability of no weight gain in the freshman year. Our study and statistical model found significant associations between freshman weight gain and the choice of major, average amount of nightly sleep, one’s relationship with his/her parents, and gender.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alters Vascular Reactivity Independent of Elevations in ATP
Authors: Hake Benjamin Matthew , Waggener Cole , Eovaldi Benjamin , Zanetti Claude , Sylvester Francis 
Published: September 2020

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is a pharmacologic therapy used treat a variety of medical conditions. The underlying mechanisms of HBOs effect on vascular reactivity are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to record the acute effects of HBO on vascular reactivity and determine the potential role of ATP in mediating these effects. Porcine mesenteric arteries were dissected and mounted in isolated organ baths to record changes in tension in response to potassium chloride (KCl, 15-60 mM), phenylephrine (PHE, 10-7-10-4 M), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10-7-10-4 M) following a 2-hour exposure to HBO (1.75 ATA). HBO augmented responses to KCl and PHE compared to control arteries exposed to room air or nitrogen at 1.75 ATA as well as to room air at 1 atm. When compared to the 1 ATA room air control, KCl-induced constriction was significantly increased for the HBO exposure. Treatment with HBO also augmented vascular responses to PHE and SNP relative to nitrogen, but not ambient air. We hypothesized that HBO increased ATP production in vascular smooth muscle leading to enhanced vascular reactivity. Consequently, ATP levels were measured in mesenteric arteries but no significant differences in ATP levels were observed regardless of hyperbaric treatment. Direct measurements of ATPs’ effects on porcine vasculature with and without hyperbaric treatment resulted in no significant findings. These results suggest that HBO alters vascular reactivity independent of elevations in ATP.
Krokodil—Morphine’s Deadly Derivative
Authors: Duron Alyssa 
Published: September 2020

Graphically publicized in the media, the use of Krokodil, a heroin-like morphine derivative, has grown in Eastern Europe the last decade. The popularity of the injectable drug has grown in part due to its inexpensive and simple manufacturing process through the use of codeine tablets. Krokodil has a similar mechanism of action to morphine, although it is said to be as much as 10 times more potent and is notorious for plaguing its victims with rotting, scale-like skin lesions. The drug was originally synthesized in hopes of creating a safer, less addictive alternative to morphine, however its impure manufacturing process, toxicity and addiction profile led to abuse and infection among its users. The use of Krokodil is seen most commonly in the Ukraine and Russia, particularly in Siberia, however use has been recorded in Moscow and 27 other Russian cities, Kiev and 24 other Ukrainian cities, Kazakhstan, and other Kazakh regions bordering Russia. Use has not yet been confirmed in the United States despite several reports due to the difficulty in isolating and discerning various metabolites in test samples. Various attempts have been made in Eastern Europe in recent years to halt its production by restricting access to codeine, however without concrete legislation and increased public awareness, it is unclear if the growing Krokodil epidemic will be contained.
Weight Status and Dietary and Physical Activity Behavior Differences Between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Children in the U.S.
Authors: Ellcessor Beth Louisa 
Published: September 2020

Background: Hispanic children have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States. Acculturation of Hispanics living in the U.S. affects dietary intake and physical activity, thus impacting weight status and health problems related to obesity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in overweight/obesity and dietary and physical activity behaviors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic children living in the United States. Methods: Using the 2001-2002 Health Behaviors of School-Aged Children Questionnaire, 6th-10th grade student surveys (n=14,817) were analyzed to compare BMI, consumption of fruits, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages, and levels of physical activity between Hispanic and non-Hispanic subjects. Independent t-test, Oneway ANOVA and Pearson’s Chi-Square provided statistical analysis for the descriptive and research variables. Results: Comparing Hispanic and non-Hispanic students, there was no difference in gender or age, but urbanicity, birth country, home language, and education of mother and father had significant differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students (p<0.01). The Hispanic sample had higher rates of overweight and obesity (p<0.001), consumed lower amounts of fruits (p<0.001) and vegetables (p<0.001), consumed higher amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages (p=0.001), and reported being less physically active (p<0.001) compared to non-Hispanic students. Conclusion: As evidenced by the 2001-2002 HBSC survey, Hispanic children are consuming less fruits and vegetables and more sugar-sweetened beverages, and have lower rates of physical activity compared to non-Hispanic children. This may be contributing to the higher rates of overweight and obesity found in this population. These results could be used in the development of childhood obesity interventions involving Hispanic children.
Did Crime Rates Rise After Colorado Legalized Marijuana?
Authors: Pohl Abigail D. , Klockenkemper Samuel W. , Carpinello Lucas G. , Sommers Paul M. 
Published: September 2020

Using monthly crime reports from Denver’s Police Department between January 2010 and December 2014, the authors endeavor to show if there was a break in the trend line of seven different crimes (homicide, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) following Colorado’s legalization of marijuana in late 2012. After adjusting for seasonal components (some crimes tend to be higher in summer months), the trend lines reveal no break for crimes against persons. But, three of the four trend lines for crimes against property do reveal a significant decrease after legalization.
Seven Calamities: Insight into the Kara-e Depicted Catastrophes of Japan
Authors: Fatu Sorina Nicole 
Published: September 2020

The Seven Calamities (1773, Cleveland Museum of Art) is an emakimono, or Japanese handscroll, created by Nijo Yana during the Edo Period of Japan depicting seven catastrophes that occurred in Japan throughout time. Buddhist Monk Nichiren used the seven calamities found in ancient sutras to explain the disasters agonizing Japan in his time and to stress the importance of following the Buddhist lifestyle. In order to keep the seven calamities at bay, the kings and rulers of Japan were required to recite and teach ancient sutras including the Prajna-Paramita sutra. As the legend tells it, Tathagata — honorific title of a Buddha — had committed this sutra to the kings and rulers because they had requisite power needed to establish the Law of the sutra, unlike the monks and nuns. Had the sutra not been extensively taught to the populace, the seven calamities would befall upon the land and punish the impudent humans that strayed away from Saddharma — Sanskrit for the Correct Law. In essence, it was up to the kings that Tathagata appointed to ensure order and balance to the lands by reciting the Prajna-Paramita. Each of the calamities were painted on paper with black ink, known as sumi-ink, contain ma, which means negative space, and use minimal color. This paper will dissect the history of the seven disasters of Japan and the reasoning behind their occurrence, analyze the use of Japanese sumi-ink combined with the kara-e Chinese style of art, and will contemplate the artist’s choice of substituting several of the seven original calamities with his or her own rendition and depiction of sequenced actions.
Assessment of the Research on Problem Solving and Insight
Authors: Volkamer Amanda , Sexton-Radek,PhD Kathy 
Published: September 2020

This literature review explores the extent of research on problem solving and insight, as well as the roles of conscious and unconscious processes. This paper looks at the research on the structure of how insight develops and in general the problem solving process. Next, the type of problems are examined as to which type of problem solving task work best using either conscious or unconscious processes. Then, this paper covers research on probabilistic reasoning as this may be an unconscious process and the role of memory and sleep may have in problem solving and insight. To conclude, there are areas that still need further research but there is strong evidence of an integral role of unconsciousness processes in problem solving.
Biodiesel Byproduct and Biofuel Synthesizing Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Graves James F. 
Published: September 2020

In the manufacture of biodiesel, glycerol is a byproduct. Acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation by anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum ia also a source of biofuel. Growth of C. acetobutylicum in the presence of waste biodiesel glycerol byproduct was examined in this investigation. In cultures containing added glucose or a mixture of glucose and byproduct the optical density (OD) was increased and a positive fermentation reaction was exhibited while results in cultures containing byproduct or pure glycerol were similar to those in the base medium. The pH of cultures containing glucose markedly decreased. The concentration of glucose dropped to an undetectable level. All cultures were determined to contain alcohol. The potential applications for biodiesel glycerol byproduct need to e explored.
For Students on Financial Aid: Does the School's Endowment Matter?
Authors: Cowap Alden I. , Freyre Sarah E. , Indrelie Sean K. , O'Brien Edward D. , Sommers Paul M. 
Published: September 2020

Many of the nation’s top fifty liberal arts colleges claim that the needs of their students on financial aid are fully met. For these elite schools, the authors regress net cost to students on the school’s endowment per capita. The regression results show that only the richest schools can really claim to meet a student’s full demonstrated need. Surprisingly, among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, the school’s endowment (per capita) matters.
What makes humans human? a review of important genetic differences between chimpanzees and humans
Authors: Cormier Danielle Taylor , Berry Autumn Brooke , Rhodes Matthew , Copeland Jeffrey 
Published: September 2020

What makes humans human? Genomic comparisons of humans and chimpanzees provide a new tool for addressing this interesting question. Genetic comparisons show remarkable similarity between chimpanzees and humans; indeed, the human and chimp genome are 96% similar, with only a 1% difference in nucleotide substitutions and a 3% difference in chromosomal insertions and deletions. But even modest differences in genomes can have profound biological effects. In this review, we tackle this formidable topic by summarizing the effects of transposon mobility, uniquely human genes and small nucleotide changes in conferring important phenotypic changes from chimpanzee to human.
Phenotypic effects of probiotics on Xenopus laevis development
Authors: Van Oosbree Annika M , Kiesow Alyssa M 
Published: September 2020

Probiotics supplementation, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, has become increasingly popular as a means to naturally treat minor ailments and attain overall better health. This research sought to determine whether probiotics L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria as well as a combination (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) had an impact on the development of Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) embryos. We used several control and experimental groups per probiotic species. For experimental groups, each probiotic species (or combination) was isolated and dissolved in dechlorinated distilled water to create a 0.0025% and 0.025% solution. Embryos were measured/observed to determine presence of abnormalities; collect intraocular, gut, and head measurements; and examine behavior. After organogenesis, we euthanized embryos to examine the presence of specific species of bacteria using EnteroPluri tubes. All groups showed similar mortality, morphology, and activity (P > 0.05), except for those treated with Bifidobacteria (P ? 0.05), and in all instances, activity and stage of development were positively correlated (r = 0.38 to 0.69). Gut bacterial composition was similar between Bifidobacteria and control groups, but gut compositions were different among L. acidophilus and combination (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) groups. All data combine to indicate that Bifidobacteria should be limited or avoided as it contributes to smaller overall embryo size and higher activity levels, while L. acidophilus consumed at a 0.0025% concentration (recommended dosage) is the best option as a probiotic supplement as it provides the benefits associated with this probiotic without adversely impacting the embryo. We suggest additional research to examine the positive influence of L. acidophilus, as these data suggest its usefulness as a probiotic.