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Evaluating The Impact Of Temperature And Artificial Light At Night On The Growth, Swimming Performance, And Corticosterone Levels Of Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates Sphenocephalus) Tadpoles, Skylar Alexander
Honors Theses
Anthropogenic activities caused by urbanization have considerably altered our world’s ecosystems which has led to a global amphibian population decline. Encroaching and unyielding urbanization by humans has contributed to a rise in artificial light at night due to light pollution as well as increased temperature due to climate change. Both rising temperatures and artificial light at night (ALAN) have been shown to individually have negative effects on amphibian physiology such as increased stress and decreased behavior. However, due to the drastic nature of human imposition, amphibians typically encounter these anthropogenic stressors in combination. Therefore, it is important to understand how …
Sleep Duration Is Associated With Caudate Volume And Executive Function, Nicole Jones
Sleep Duration Is Associated With Caudate Volume And Executive Function, Nicole Jones
Honors Theses
The ineligible role of the caudate nucleus in sleep has been implicated throughout multiple scientific studies. Previous literature has shown that greater caudate volume is associated with longer habitual sleep duration in older adults- ranging from 55 years of age and up. However, the association between sleep duration and caudate volume remains unknown in the younger population. In this study, we examined the caudate volume in youth to older adults (10 to 85 years old) with a greater sample size (N=464) to increase statistical power. The volumetric size of the caudate nucleus showed significantly positive association with habitual sleep duration, …
Structural Integrity And Stability Of Dna In Ionic Liquid And Near-Infrared Indolizine Squaraine Dye, Ember Yeji Suh
Structural Integrity And Stability Of Dna In Ionic Liquid And Near-Infrared Indolizine Squaraine Dye, Ember Yeji Suh
Honors Theses
Luminol, the most common presumptive test for blood at a crime scene, has multiple issues, such as false positive results with chemical agents, no luminescence due to “active oxygen” cleaning agents on bloodstains, and inability to penetrate textile materials. A combination of indolizine squaraine dye and ionic liquid (IL), or Dye Enhanced Textile Emission for Crime Tracking (DETECT), have shown potential to address these issues. The purpose of this study was to assess the binding mechanism of CG (1:1) and SO3SQ dye to HSA and how the mechanism can explain the W214 fluorescence quenching effect and to determine …
Photocatalyzed Hydrogen Evolution Using Nickel-Bound Metallothionein Protein, Windfield Swetman
Photocatalyzed Hydrogen Evolution Using Nickel-Bound Metallothionein Protein, Windfield Swetman
Honors Theses
The continued burning of fossil fuels is not only a cause of increasing deterioration of the environment but also a financially unsustainable source of energy. Advances in energy production must be investigated to avoid the long-term effects of this current main source of energy. One of the avenues being explored is the use of metalloenzymes to catalyze hydrogen evolution via water splitting that occurs during the reductive half of artificial photosynthesis. Metalloenzyme catalysts with a single Ni(Cys)4 active site have been previously studied, and this study explores the possibility of increasing hydrogen production by using metalloenzyme catalysts with multiple …
The Effects Of Aloe Vera On The Human Gut Microbiome, Samantha Leon
The Effects Of Aloe Vera On The Human Gut Microbiome, Samantha Leon
Honors Theses
The human gut microbiome is a diverse community of bacteria influenced by multiple factors including host age, geographical location, and diet. This study observed the effects of aloe vera juice on the human gut microbiome. Fecal samples were taken every two weeks over a period of one year; the subject consumed aloe vera juice in alternating cycles of consumption “on” and abstaining “off” with each cycle lasting for eight weeks. The bacterial community in each sample was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Sequences were identified and their relative abundances were used to look for patterns distinguishing “on” and “off” …
A Camera Trap Study Of Scavenger Species On The University Of Mississippi Campus, Lise Larsen
A Camera Trap Study Of Scavenger Species On The University Of Mississippi Campus, Lise Larsen
Honors Theses
This is a camera trap study to understand what kind of mammalian scavenger community we have on the University of Mississippi campus and where they are most prominent. Three motion-triggered cameras were used to survey ten buildings on campus over ten weeks. A low number of individuals were caught on camera during this study. There were limitations on this study such as a low number of cameras and a short span of time. More research needs to be done to understand the scavenger community on this campus.
Compatibility Between Native Mississippi Ectomycorrhizal Fungi And Native And Exotic Pine Hosts: Testing For Specificity And The Potential For Rapid Evolution, Hailey A. Long
Honors Theses
Pines are highly invasive trees that are commonly used in pine plantations throughout the Southern Hemisphere. However, the survival and subsequent invasion of pines in exotic environments are dependent on the obligate symbiosis between ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and pines. ECM fungi vary in host specificity and compatibility from pine-specialist species in the genus Suillus to broad generalists, such as species within the genera Pisolithus and Scleroderma. In Experiment 1, we sought to understand how the geographic origin of ECM fungi native to the southeastern United States and two pine species (native southeastern United States Pinus taeda and exotic Pinus …
Development Of Recombinant Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccines Expressing Sars-Cov-2 Antigens, Cody Wilson
Development Of Recombinant Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccines Expressing Sars-Cov-2 Antigens, Cody Wilson
Honors Theses
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to cause infections and deaths around the globe. Since its emergence, scientists have worked diligently to discover and produce vaccines to battle the virus. While they successfully created and distributed vaccines, the vaccines are not without flaw. These vaccines do not grant long term immunity, require multiple booster shots, and have not prevented the emergence of viral variants. In this study, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD), which is a key part of the spike protein (S), and nucleocapsid (N) genetic sequences were inserted into the live varicella …
Comparing Calculated And Perceived Energy Needs In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Lyndsey T. Reed
Comparing Calculated And Perceived Energy Needs In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Lyndsey T. Reed
Honors Theses
The purpose of this study was to evaluate NCAA student-athletes' level of knowledge related to their energy needs. The participants were 75—42 male and 33 female—NCAA Division I student-athletes enrolled at the University of Mississippi (UM) from a variety of sports. In-person data collection took place at UM Athletics facilities by sports registered dietitians during team talks. The names of the athletes were used to find their pre-existing calculated energy, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and total energy expenditure (TEE) using the Nelson equation and the appropriate activity factor. Questionnaire and RMR/TEE data were analyzed and compared to assess knowledge related …
The Effect Of Cannabinoids And Terpenes On The Activation Of Hmc3 Microglial Cells, Mohamed Marzouk
The Effect Of Cannabinoids And Terpenes On The Activation Of Hmc3 Microglial Cells, Mohamed Marzouk
Honors Theses
Life expectancies of people living with HIV have significantly lengthened due to the availability of antiretroviral therapies. Despite their ability to increase survival, these treatments do not “cure” HIV, nor do the stop the onset of neurological symptoms associated with infection, termed neuroHIV. NeuroHIV describes a myriad of neurological impairments including mood disorders (depression and anxiety), cognitive impairment, neuropathic pain, and motor disinhibition that reduce quality of life for people living with HIV. Mechanistically, the neurological impairments may involve actions of neurotoxic proteins directly produced by the virus. One of these proteins that has been well-characterized is the HIV trans …
All The Rage: Assessing The Age/Rage Signaling Pathway’S Effects On Healthspan And The Physiological Processes Of Aging, Brandon Ashmore
All The Rage: Assessing The Age/Rage Signaling Pathway’S Effects On Healthspan And The Physiological Processes Of Aging, Brandon Ashmore
Honors Theses
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are protein, lipid, or nucleotide molecules that have been combined with sugars through nonenzymatic, irreversible glycation and oxidation reactions. Their accumulation in the body has been associated with the natural aging process and a wide range of pathologies, including chronic inflammation, sustained oxidative stress, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Their interaction with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been linked to several proinflammatory signaling pathways associated with neurotoxicity and vascular lesions. While some research has been done on the possible health benefits of RAGE inhibition to extend lifespan, our study hopes …
The Effects Of Acute Exercise On Memory: Considerations Of The Testing Effect, Philip Christian
The Effects Of Acute Exercise On Memory: Considerations Of The Testing Effect, Philip Christian
Honors Theses
This study had three main objectives. The first objective was to determine whether or not there was evidence of a testing effect being present when a short-term memory assessment is included along with a long-term memory assessment. The second objective was to determine whether acute exercise can improve long-term memory recall over a control condition. The third objective was to determine if the potential effects of acute exercise on long-term memory are confounded by the inclusion of a short-term memory assessment. Participants were 54 undergraduate students at the University of Mississippi, with an age range of 18-22 years old. Participants …
De Novo Design Of Artificial Cu Peptide For Substrate Oxidation And An Electrochemical Approach To Determine Reorganization Energy, Morgan Murphy
De Novo Design Of Artificial Cu Peptide For Substrate Oxidation And An Electrochemical Approach To Determine Reorganization Energy, Morgan Murphy
Honors Theses
Copper enzymes are found in nature. Their mechanisms and properties are unknown, as spectroscopy is limited. By creating artificially designed copper peptides through de novo design, the behavior, characteristics, and spectroscopy of copper enzymes can be studied to enhance understanding of the mechanisms involved with enzyme catalysis. Design, synthesis, purification, and characterization are completed to create a quality peptide mutant that can be studied to learn about natural enzymes. This plays an important role in pharmaceutical research, renewable energy sourcing, and studies of biological processes in the body. In this study, 3SCC de novo peptide is mutated at different positions, …
Effects Of Group Ii Metal Binding On The Stability Of Dna I-Motif Structures, Charlotte Powers
Effects Of Group Ii Metal Binding On The Stability Of Dna I-Motif Structures, Charlotte Powers
Honors Theses
B-form DNA can adopt alternative structures while in superhelical duress. Alternative DNA structures are favored when there is an asymmetric distribution on complementary DNA strands. Cytosine rich strands may utilize cytosine-cytosine base pairing to form a four-stranded structure known as the i-motif (iM). The stability of iMs is affected by several factors such as DNA sequence, temperature, pH, ionic strength of the solution, and crowded conditions. While the effects of temperature, pH, and crowding conditions on iM stability have been well documented, the effects of ion presence in a solution has been less studied. Hence, those studies are the basis …
Neuronal Effects Of Cocaine In An Animal Model Of Social Stress: Analysis Of Neuronal Recordings, Eboni Eddins
Neuronal Effects Of Cocaine In An Animal Model Of Social Stress: Analysis Of Neuronal Recordings, Eboni Eddins
Honors Theses
Studies that use Intermittent (episodic) Social Defeat (ISD) in rats demonstrate that ISD increases cocaine-self administration several weeks after the end of the adverse experience and suggest that a history of social stress makes individuals more vulnerable to substance abuse in the long term. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a key role in regulating drug-seeking behavior. The present study investigates whether ISD enhances the response of mPFC neurons to cocaine. Male Long Evans rats (3-4 months) were implanted with electrode arrays in the mPFC (prelimbic area) and divided into two groups (Control, n= 4; Stress, n= 4). They were …
Is Vdac1 A Novel Bcl2 Family Member That Binds Bax?, Claire Pearson
Is Vdac1 A Novel Bcl2 Family Member That Binds Bax?, Claire Pearson
Honors Theses
Apoptosis is a type of regulated cell death important for normal embryonic development and maintenance of adult tissues by removing excess or dysfunctional cells to ensure proper functioning of organs. The Bcl-2 family of proteins determines whether apoptosis remains suppressed or becomes activated through the balance of interactions among pro-survival and pro-death members. A defining feature of the Bcl-2 family is a BH3 domain that drives interactions between the family members. Isoform 1 of the voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC1) has an important role in metabolism, but was recently found to have high homology with known BH3 domains. This study …
Does Vdac2 Have A Bh3 Domain?, Lillian Ferkany
Does Vdac2 Have A Bh3 Domain?, Lillian Ferkany
Honors Theses
Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) by Bax oligomerization triggers apoptosis. BCl-2 family proteins, classified as BH3 only proteins, pro-survival proteins, or pro-apoptotic proteins, control apoptosis partly through their agonist or antagonistic effects on Bax, which are mediated by their conserved BH3 domains. All BH3 domains form an alpha helix containing 5-7 conserved hydrophobic residues, designated H0-H5, and one conserved aspartic acid that drive interaction with Bax and other ‘multi-domain’ BCl-2 members. BH3 agonists induce Bax oligomerization, while BH3 antagonists sequester Bax to prevent MOMP. We discovered that voltage dependent anion channels (VDACs) in the MOM contain a putative BH3-like domain …
Study Budgets In Human Anatomy And Physiology Students: Assessments Of Time On Tasks As Affected By Student Motivation And Assessment Weighting, Mattie C. Derivaux
Study Budgets In Human Anatomy And Physiology Students: Assessments Of Time On Tasks As Affected By Student Motivation And Assessment Weighting, Mattie C. Derivaux
Honors Theses
The extent to which a student is motivated, along with the root of that motivation, can significantly influence the nature of a student’s experience in a course, especially in a rigorous science course such as Human Anatomy and Physiology (HAP). Students’ perceptions of specific course elements, coupled with how they perceive their purposes, can alter their motivation to succeed, which in turn can affect their performance. This study sought to analyze student motivation in an undergraduate HAP course at the University of Mississippi by focusing on students’ attitudes towards the weight distribution of course assessments, effort exertions, and time allotted …
Effects Of Cannabichromene On Pain And Neuroinflammation In Hiv-1 Tat Transgenic Mice, Sydney Wheeler
Effects Of Cannabichromene On Pain And Neuroinflammation In Hiv-1 Tat Transgenic Mice, Sydney Wheeler
Honors Theses
HIV-1 TransActivator of Transcription (Tat) is a vital regulatory protein involved in HIV replication and implicated in development of HIV-associated pain and neurocognitive deficits. Tat is thought to contribute to these pathologies through proinflammatory pathways. Developing mechanisms to curb Tat-mediated inflammation is a key step in improving the quality of life of those living with HIV. Both recreational and medicinal cannabis use is prevalent among many people living with HIV; given this prevalence and the perceived anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis use, it is important to investigate how chemical constituents of cannabis may impact HIV. In the present study, the effects …
Early Life Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Of F0 Zebrafish Causes Hyperactivity In F1 Offspring, Jenna Cripe
Early Life Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Of F0 Zebrafish Causes Hyperactivity In F1 Offspring, Jenna Cripe
Honors Theses
As cannabis increases in its accessibility, potency, and acceptance across the United States, investigation into the multigenerational effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure during key stages of development is critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there would be behavioral impacts in the F1 offspring following a dose-response of THC exposure (0.08, 0.4, or 1 µM) during development in the F0 generation. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were utilized in this study. Behaviors (locomotive activity and anxiety-like behavior) in the F1 generation were evaluated at 120 hours post-fertilization (hpf) with the larval photometer response (LPR) assay, and at 3, 11, …