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GENE MODIFICATION OF HUMAN RHINOVIRUS TO TARGET NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
No full textmiR-34c-3p is a microRNA sequence that post-transcriptionally regulates gene expression and facilitates diverse physiological processes. This RNA sequence targets the eIF4E gene that promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. eIF4E is known to be overexpressed in a variety of tumors and is associated with disease progression in non-small cell lung cancer patients. miR-34c-3p normally acts as a tumor suppressor, however it has been found to be down regulated in non-small cell lung cancer cells. By overexpression of miR-34c-3p, it will lead to reduced eIF4E expression which results in a decline in cancer cell numbers (Liu et al., 2015). This study reports preliminary data that suggest inhibiting the overexpression of eIF4E results in reduction of lung cancer cell numbers. Thus, miR-34c-3p has the potential to be a therapeutic mechanism to target non-small cell lung cancer. The primary objective would be how to deliver this mechanism to the lung cancer cells. Oncolytic viruses are used in many cancer treatments because viruses can be used as a vehicle to attack specific mechanisms in cancerous tissues and activate an immune response to the desired location. The rhinovirus that causes the majority of common colds has not been studied as a potential oncolytic virus for targeting lung cancer cells. In this study, I propose to use the rhinovirus as a vehicle, carrying the miR-34c-3p mechanism to the lung cancer cells. With the use of molecular biology techniques, inverted microscopes and fluorescence microscopy; this study could lead to future treatment strategies targeting lung cancer
Operation First Five (OF5): Potter County Parent Survey
No full text"This conference presentation will highlight how community partners from Operation First Five (OF5) coalition, a nonprofit organization focusing on the needs of young children, have come together to identify strategies to help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers develop the foundational skills that will help them be successful when they enter school. The OF5 organization is a diverse grassroots group of individuals and organizations with similar interests in early childhood initiatives that have united to support parents of young children by connecting them to services and/or resources that may help young children in our community have a more successful start in life. The mission of this community-wide organization is to help children succeed through a comprehensive and collaborative early childhood system that supports families and unites like-minded service providers (Zero to Five website, 2021). The coalition partners have a common vision that all children in the area grow up healthy, experience nurturing relationships, live and grow in stimulating early learning environments, and enter school ready to succeed (OF5- Amarillo Facebook page, 2021). In this presentation, the presenters will share their research study that is currently collecting survey data from the local area regarding parents' general knowledge of child development and parenting perspectives related to raising young children ages birth to 5 years old. Data collected will be used to determine a baseline of parents' knowledge before wide-spread intervention initiatives are implemented throughout the targeted community. These interventions will include research-based strategies for helping parents understand the vital role they play in their child's development from birth to age five. Although many unique strategies are planned, a prominent intervention component will focus on "The Basics", a community-wide effort to raise awareness of five basic parenting or caregiver principles (the basics.org, 2021). These principles help parents and other caregivers support young children's social, emotional, and cognitive development (the basics.org, 2021). A key objective of this conference presentation will be to share with the audience more about The Basic principles which include: 1) Maximize love, manage stress, 2) Count, group, and compare, 3) Talk, sing, and point, 4) Explore through movement and play, and 5) Read and discuss stories. This presentation will spark participant discussion surrounding the importance of developing parents' and child caregivers' understanding of ways they can easily help develop the foundational skills that children need before entering school. Through discussions with the researchers, participants will increase their own knowledge and gain insight into how intentional early childhood interventions may be an answer to the common question of "Is my child ready to be successful when they start school"
Remote Sensing of the Surface Area of West Texas Playa Lakes from the Sentinel-2A/B Satellites
No full textThe numerous playa lakes found across the Southern High Plains, USA are valued for both their ecological importance and as potential sources of aquifer recharge. The surface water area of these small ephemeral lakes varies significantly due to the highly variable rainfall patterns observed. While a few aircraft and satellite studies have previously studied the larger playa lakes in the region, no known study has utilized the high-resolution capabilities of the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2A/B twin satellites to study thousands of smaller playa lakes. In this study, we analyze variations in playa lake area across Western Texas, USA using data from the Sentinel-2A/B satellites. Playa lake surfaces are identified using the Semi-Automatic Classification Plugin for QGIS. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing Sentinel-2A/B satellite data to both operationally monitor the state of playa lakes across the region for ecological and hydrological applications, as well as potentially identify which playa lakes contribute the most to groundwater recharge
MAINTAINING THE PERSONAL, PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS OF RURAL SUPERINTENDENTS
No full textPurpose: Several studies directly related to wellness in leadership were reviewed, but few dealt with superintendent well-being and even fewer addressed rural superintendent wellness. The purpose of this study was (a) to identify common occupational demands and challenges experienced by rural superintendents in Texas, which have emerged as stressors; (b) to investigate personal health and wellness; and (c) to identify tools, skills, and coping mechanisms that correlate with job satisfaction, and demographic and biographic variables. Research Design: Using an exploratory-descriptive research design with quantitative analysis, this study included both traditional statistical reasoning methods and Grice’s (2014) Oriented Observation Modeling (OOM). Data from 113 rural Texas superintendents were examined using the traditional calculation of effect size, p-values, and Cramer’s V, and the OOM analyses for data comparison. Findings: Most participating rural superintendents reported being in good to excellent health, with few who reported having a major medical illness based on job stress. Additionally, all participants reported some level of stress while serving as a superintendent. Moreover, all participants reported talking to colleagues or other superintendents to some degree or another as a coping mechanism. A large portion of rural Texas superintendents identified as being quite and extremely satisfied with their jobs. Implications: This study could assist practitioners, professional organizations, and universities in rethinking preparation programs. Moreover, universities could deliver programs that prepare aspiring superintendents for rural settings and instills ways to promote increased job satisfaction
Turning the Corner: From Student Writer to Writing Teacher
Get PDFMixed Methods, including qualitative and quantitative survey of student participants with the approval of our IRB proposal.One of the critical questions in education today is: How can educator preparation programs better prepare teacher candidates to become more effective writers who strive to improve their own craft of writing and who will ultimately become effective writing teachers for ensuing generations of young writers? The purpose of this proposal is to examine the efficacy of a new Teaching Writing course in preparing teacher candidates to become confident writers and writing teachers through explicit instruction, writing practice, and portfolio development. Our research study action plan investigated how the writing course helps teacher candidates become more effective writers and more skilled writing teachers. The plan creates continued engagement for those committed to developing teacher candidates' self-efficacy as confident writers and effective writing teachers
Spotlighting Emotional Intelligence in Children's Media: Emotional Portrayals in Disney Channel Television Series
Get PDFA content analysis was conducted to answer the research questions for the study. 10 shows were selected from the leading and most watched Disney Channel television series in the United States for the 2018 season. A total of 48 episodes were coded for analysis.Emotions matter and for children, emotions can affect interpersonal relationships, influence decision making resulting in both positive and negative consequences, and impact academic performance and cognitive development (Brackett & Simmons 2015; Lopes & Salovey, 2004). Children learn about emotions from a variety of sources including media, where children are exposed to a variety of emotional experiences. Media can provide learning and socialization opportunities for children to develop skills of perceiving, understanding, and managing emotions associated with emotional intelligence. Although important work has been done exploring the role of emotions in mass media (Grossberg et al., 2006; Konijn & ten Holt, 2011; Lull, 1995; Nabi, 2009; Nabi & Wirth, 2008, Nabi et al., 2011; Wirth & Schramm, 2005), the potential for entertainment media to help children acquire emotional intelligence skills is under explored. The purpose of this study is to seek a better understanding of emotional portrayals in children's entertainment media and the potential role media can play in developing emotional intelligence skills
Mama Drama: A Textual Analysis of Single Mothers as Female Protagonists in Dramedies
Get PDFThis study will employ a textual analysis of representations of female protagonists in two dramedies that feature at least one female as the main character in the television shows. For the purpose of the current study, the female protagonist is defined using the MasterClass Staff’s idea of the four character traits needed when developing a strong female character. They advise the female protagonist should be a decision maker and have her own opinions and own identity, is ambitious and goal-oriented, relatable, able to manage mistakes, and resilient (MasterClass, 2021). Data for analysis will be completed in two steps that align with other studies using a similar process (Brooks, Bichard, Craig, Densely, 2017). First, two researchers will separately view the same 12 episodes. These 12 episodes will be the first episode of each new season (seven episodes from Gilmore Girls and five episodes from Jane The Virgin) as the sample data. Upon independent viewing, the researchers will take detailed notes regarding all major themes discovered. The researchers will consider meanings, actions, interactions and communication amongst characters. The researchers will then meet to discuss themes that emerged through their analysis of the sample data. The researchers will then be assigned to view seven additional, separate and randomly selected episodes from each show in order to analyze a larger amount of the sample total. In sum, approximately 15% (n=40) of the total population of shows (n=254) will have been analyzed at the conclusion of this study. The researchers will continuously discuss themes that emerged until saturation is reached.Representations of women in media is rife in academic literature ranging from how women are portrayed in sports (i.e., Bowes & Kitching, 2018) as criminals (i.e., Coleman, 2016) and as scientists (i.e.,Chimba & Kitzinger) among other studies that place their emphasis on how women are featured in mostly male-dominated fields. Yet, regarding entertainment media and how women are represented as part of any given storyline in the role of female protagonist is lacking in the academic research literature. A quick Google search of the phrase "female protagonists in media" generates list upon list of the top female characters from decades worth of television shows and movies. Some lists are based on scientific evidence, while other lists are based on anecdotal evidence. Through a textual analysis, this study aims to examine two popular television shows, Gilmore Girls and Jane The Virgin, that prominently feature at least one central female character that is portrayed as the protagonist. Additionally, because some television shows are often considered "edutainment" this study aims to understand how popular dramedies teach viewers about motherhood, culture, female relationships, sex, socioeconomic status, and religion which all intertwine to form the female protagonist role. Both television series feature storylines about how two central female characters are navigating life as a single mother. Both shows tackle issues related to work, friendships, dating/sex, and mother-daughter relationships, among other relatable topics. Two obvious differences between the shows relate to culture and class. Whereas the primary female protagonist in Gilmore Girls is white and has access to great financial resources, Jane The Virgin's primary female protagonist is Latina and from a lower socioeconomic status. Gilmore Girls aired 154 episodes over seven seasons from 2000-2007 and returned nine years later in 2016 for a four episode update on the lives of the characters. Jane The Virgin aired 100 episodes over five seasons from 2014-2019. Both shows were part of The CW network (although Gilmore Girls began on The WB). Previous research has been conducted concerning both shows. For example, Petersen (2018) interviewed more than 25 fans of Gilmore Girls to understand how their lives and the show intertwine to form new perceptions of relationships and life changes. Estlick (2021) examined Gilmore Girls from a feminist approach to uncover the manifestation of intersectionality. Regarding research about Jane The Virgin, Rose (2019) argues that the show was "heavily influenced" (p. 1096) by 19th century novels in that "both genres share similar style elements, such as melodrama, but more importantly, they both educate women who were previously ignored or undervalued during their respective eras" (p. 1097). Using framing theory to explore how the primary female protagonists are portrayed in these two dramedies, the following research questions are posed: RQ1: What frames emerge in the overall representation of female protagonists in dramedies? RQ2: What similarities and differences are apparent in the representation of female protagonists in dramedies related to mother/daughter relationships, female friendships, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, and culture
Parent Perspectives of the Dyslexia Diagnosis Process
Get PDFTopic: This research investigation reports parental perspectives of the experiences families undergo as a result of their children’s difficulties in learning how to read. The findings from this national research project are shared in hopes of helping families and educational professionals who support children with dyslexia and related disorders. | Data Collection Methodology: Recruitment for the mixed methodology study was completed electronically through a Qualtrics survey link which was shared with prospective participants through varied electronic platforms. Participants gave their informed consent on the first page of the survey and then screener questions were used to identify only parents of children ages 4-22 with difficulties in learning to read. If a participant met the specific inclusion criteria for the study, they were then prompted to respond to the survey questions. Data was collected from across the United States from a total of 659 parents of children with suspected or diagnosed dyslexia. The research team qualitatively analyzed participants’ responses regarding their experiences throughout the diagnosis process and verified the responses through quantitative data analysis of participants’ satisfaction with and stress related to the dyslexia diagnosis process. | Expected Findings: We will report parents' perspectives of their experiences surrounding dyslexia assessment and diagnosis, from initial concern to evaluation results. We will also share conclusions regarding how seeking assessment and undergoing the diagnostic process has impacted the child and their family. Findings reveal that several significant lifestyle changes may occur throughout the process - from initial parent uncertainty during evaluation and identification procedures to increased parental concern surrounding instructional needs for children diagnosed with dyslexia. Some of these lifestyle changes included significant travel time to and from tutoring or private schools, familial relocation in order for the child to receive appropriate treatment for dyslexia, change in schools, adjustments to parental expectations, and notable financial impact. Additional findings highlight the positive impact of advocacy for students with dyslexia. This support can occur before, during, or after the diagnosis process and can be implemented by parents, teachers, school counselors, diagnosticians, or psychologists.A child who experiences difficulty learning how to read goes through many struggles and exhibits a myriad of symptoms and emotions. This response affects not only the individual child, but greatly impacts the entire family. Watching as your child struggles to learn how to read and not being able to help them can be a devastating feeling. Receiving the news that your child has dyslexia may trigger feelings of frustration, fear, sadness, or helplessness. Additionally, ongoing needs for advocacy, support, effective interventions, and appropriate accommodations for a child with dyslexia can cause continued family stress. A multidisciplinary team of researchers with a shared interest in this issue, representing the fields of school psychology, literacy education, educational diagnostics, special education, and counseling came together to investigate parents’ experiences and perspectives regarding their child’s diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia. The findings from this research study provide insights into the lived experiences of the children and their families with dyslexia; including those who suspect a reading problem, those who are currently going through the assessment process, or those who have already received a diagnosis of dyslexia. From preliminary data analyses, we will present some significant findings gleaned from data collected from this under-researched population. Far-reaching outcomes from this research study include providing valuable information to the fields of education, special education, and dyslexia intervention
The Long-Term Effects of Fire Seasonality on a Rolling Plains Small Vertebrate and Vegetation Community
Get PDFFire is a natural process in grasslands, which makes prescribed burning an extremely important management tool that is widely used to replicate that natural process that is often missing from modern grasslands. However, most research addressing the impacts of prescribed fire have focused on short-term responses and studies examining the seasonality of fire are largely lacking. Prescribed burn studies on nongame wildlife are also generally lacking. Therefore filling in this data gap with longer-term studies will help us better-manage these species that are potentially in trouble and being ignored. In 2004, a project was initiated to evaluate the impacts of summer and winter burning on vegetation and small vertebrates in a sand sage prairie ecosystem within the southeastern Texas Panhandle. Although the initial project was designed to look at the short-term effects, I initiated a project to continue data collection to begin evaluating the longer-term effects on vegetation and small vertebrates. A randomized complete block design with 5 blocks and 3 treatments was established at the Matador Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Cottle County, Texas. Each plot within a block was randomly assigned 1 of 3 treatments: winter burned, summer burned or unburned. Herpetofauna and small mammals were sampled using drift fence arrays with pitfall traps during the spring and summer of all years of sampling. Herbaceous vegetation cover and frequency was
measured twice annually using quadrats and woody vegetation was measured during late summer using the line-intercept method. I regressed sample year against community metrics to evaluate longer-term responses to burning. In the early season, summer-burning increased species richness, evenness, and diversity of vertebrates over time, but individual species responses were variable. In contrast, treatment did not generally alter community metrics for vegetation. However, comparison of early season indices of similarity suggested that burning shifted the species composition of the herbaceous plant community over time, whereas during the late season, the small vertebrate community shifted in the unburned treatment, but not in either burn treatment. Thus, burning is shifting the plant community regardless of weather patterns, but it may be ameliorating the effects of long-term drought on the small vertebrate community. These trends were weak and interpretation has been made difficult because of the long-term severe drought that has persisted in the region for the duration of this project. However, my results generally suggest summer burning seems to have a greater positive benefit on small vertebrate communities in this system than winter-burning, and both burning treatments appear to improve conditions relative to lack of burning. Longer-term research on the effects of growing and dormant season burning on small vertebrate and vegetation communities, especially during wet and drought years, is needed to evaluate the effects of seasonal prescribed burns in the Rolling Plains of Texas
Detecting Bubbles in the USD-JPY Exchange Rate by Sequential Monte Carlo Methods
Get PDFThis paper uses recently developed Bayesian techniques in the analysis of stochastic bubbles in the
USD-JPY exchange rate. After the fundamental value of the price series is removed, the exchange
rate is subject to two regimes. The first regime follows a mean-reverting process around a longterm moving average. The second regime is an autoregressive process with an explosive root. The
SMC2 particle filter jointly estimates the hidden state and model parameters in real time. This
method can readily deal with changes in market behavior and provides a measure of parameter
uncertainty. Significant evidence of bubbles in the USD-JPY exchange rate were found. Furthermore,
two trading strategies are devised and tested. Both strategies produce higher Sharpe ratios than a
directional-trading benchmark