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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Diurnal Variation In Co2 Efflux By Pine Seedlings And Root-Associated Mycorrhizal Fungi, Richard Easterling
Diurnal Variation In Co2 Efflux By Pine Seedlings And Root-Associated Mycorrhizal Fungi, Richard Easterling
Honors Theses
This project was part of a larger experiment conducted by Amber Horning and Jason Hoeksema in the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi, which was set up to investigate variation (over time, and with different light levels) in resource exchange between pine seedlings and two different species of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber, with mycorrhizal pine seedlings growing in plexiglass "mycocosms." I worked with two EM fungal species (Rhizopogon roseolus and Pisolithus arhizus, hereafter "Rhizopogon" and "Pisolithus"), which were collected locally near Oxford, Mississippi under loblolly pine. I selected a subset of …
Analysis Of Septum Defects In Arabidopsis Organ Boundary Mutants, Katherine T. Anderson
Analysis Of Septum Defects In Arabidopsis Organ Boundary Mutants, Katherine T. Anderson
Honors Theses
Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant species, has been heavily studied to determine the genetic contributions that lead to gynoecium development. The Arabidopsis fruit is created from two carpels that form a gynoecium, which contains the stigma, style, and ovary. The ovary is divided into two sub-compartments by a septum, and the ovules develop within the ovary. The fruit’s purpose is to protect, nurture, and eventually disperse the mature ovules, or seeds, and if the septum does not fuse properly, the plant’s fertility will be impacted. SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) and ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX GENE1 (ATH1) are two genes that are known …
Auditory Radiation And Cognitive Decline: Probabilistic Tractography Study, Adryanna Tucker
Auditory Radiation And Cognitive Decline: Probabilistic Tractography Study, Adryanna Tucker
Honors Theses
The relationship between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease has been studied for many years. Previous studies have shown a negative correlation between the two. In our study, we investigated the relationship between the strength of the auditory radiation connections and the severity of cognitive decline. To do so, we assessed probabilistic tractography using DTI data of the primary auditory pathway. Further, we assessed the level of cognition using the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cog to determine the relationship between the auditory connections assessed in each patient and that patient’s level of cognitive decline. We found that FA and AD were positively …
An Investigation Of Possible Reservoirs Of Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus Of Turkeys In Mississippi, Walker Hyche
An Investigation Of Possible Reservoirs Of Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus Of Turkeys In Mississippi, Walker Hyche
Honors Theses
Emerging infectious diseases are a problem among wildlife and domestic populations. It is critical for these diseases to be studied. Lymphoproliferative disease virus is a retrovirus affecting turkeys and chickens. Prior research originally identified the virus in the United Kingdom and Israel. The first case of LPDV in the United States was found in 2009 in Arkansas. This study tests different reservoirs for the virus. DNA was extracted from samples of different origins and preservation types. Through PCR and gel electrophoresis analysis, different sample types from turkey populations were tested for LPDV. This study provides a method for submitting blood …
Effects Of Mycoplasma Gallisepticum On Experimentally Infected Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis), Meredith A. Fry
Effects Of Mycoplasma Gallisepticum On Experimentally Infected Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis), Meredith A. Fry
Honors Theses
The bacterium Mycoplasma gallisepticum is an avian respiratory pathogen that causes inflammation and swelling of conjunctiva in domestic poultry and wild finches. In the past, severity of conjunctivitis symptoms has been used to quantify infection severity and host resistance. However, many songbirds function as hosts to M. gallisepticum but do not develop this symptom at all. The absence of conjunctivitis, as well as other clinical signs, hinders our understanding of M. gallisepticum infection in the songbird community because some species are responding very differently than others. One such species is the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), a common songbird of the …
Screening For Mental Health Concerns Across Pregnancy : Factors Associated With Depression And Anxiety Symptons In A Large Obgyn Clinic, Addie Keller
Honors Theses
Depression and anxiety are prevalent among pregnant women, however, mental health continues to be a portion of care neglected in the obstetric setting. Depression is of-ten thought of as a disorder that leads to a persistent feeling of sadness. Anxiety is charac-terized by excessive fear and worry. Because of the many changes occurring throughout pregnancy, both physically and emotionally, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to struggle with depression, anxiety, or both. Previous studies have found that there are many factors associated with depression and anxiety throughout pregnancy. This study focuses on the relationship between age, gravida, and social …
Effects Of The Pathogen Mycoplasma Gallisepticum Transmission On Growth And Condition Of Eastern Bluebirds Nestlings (Sialia Sialis), Gurshan Kaur
Honors Theses
A critical aspect to understanding disease dynamics is to understand how transmission occurs between hosts. There are two basic modes of transmission: vertical and horizontal. Vertical transmission is the passage of a pathogen from mother to offspring before or during birth, whereas horizontal transmission occurs between an infected host to a susceptible host. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a common bacterial pathogen of poultry that causes respiratory disease. Infection of MG often results in weight loss, slowed growth rate, and increased mortality. Both vertical and horizontal transmission of MG have been found to occur in poultry. In the mid-90s, MG underwent …
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors And Breast Cancer Metastasis: A Review And Exploration Of Hdac(I)S And Other Chemotherapeutic Agents, William E. Sistrunk
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors And Breast Cancer Metastasis: A Review And Exploration Of Hdac(I)S And Other Chemotherapeutic Agents, William E. Sistrunk
Honors Theses
The traditional perspective of Histone Deacetylase enzymes is focused on their inherent epigenetic modification characteristics. While it is true that the histone modification these enzymes exhibit play a role in cancer and related diseases, Histone Deacetylase has a variety of non-histone targets. The non-histone targets include microtubules and are of specific interest because of the microtubules’ role in cell line differentiation, replication, apoptosis, and cancer metastasis. Using a variety of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi) and other chemotherapeutic compounds, our research group explored the HDACi effect on breast cancer cell lines. Our goal was to indicate the presence of HDACi cell-line …
The Effect Of Simulated Storm Passage On The Behavior Of Whitespotted Bamboo Sharks, Chiloscyllium Plagiosum And Golden Shiners, Notemigonus Chrysoleucas, Jordan A. Healy
The Effect Of Simulated Storm Passage On The Behavior Of Whitespotted Bamboo Sharks, Chiloscyllium Plagiosum And Golden Shiners, Notemigonus Chrysoleucas, Jordan A. Healy
Honors Theses
Environmental changes during a storm can affect animal behavior; for example, tagged sharks leave shallow waters during tropical storms. While changes in shark behavior during storm passage have been documented, there have been no experimental tests to determine which environmental parameters are responsible. In this study, we experimentally manipulated two environmental cues: barometric pressure, and thunder sounds, to determine their effect on whitespotted bamboo sharks, Chiloscyllium plagiosum, and golden shiners, Notemigonus crysoleucas. Elasmobranchs do not have a swim bladder to detect pressure change; therefore, we used golden shiners to compare the reaction of a fish with a swim bladder. The …
O-Glcnacylation Of Hif-1Α Protein In Human Breast Cancer Cells, Joshua D. Dolsen
O-Glcnacylation Of Hif-1Α Protein In Human Breast Cancer Cells, Joshua D. Dolsen
Honors Theses
Cancer is an insidious disease that, if not caught in time, can cause devastating effects on the human body, especially if it metastasizes. It is important to note that each cancer behaves and develops differently based on its location in the body and the cellular characteristics constitute the instance of the disease. However, the development of cancer can universally be characterized by the acquisition of different hallmark abilities that promote disease progression. Proteins known as hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) can influence progression through these hallmarks, but primarily provides cancer cells with the ability to alter its metabolism to survive and further …
Studies On Luminescent Gold And Platinum Nanoclusters For Biological Sensing And Catalysis, Richard Covington
Studies On Luminescent Gold And Platinum Nanoclusters For Biological Sensing And Catalysis, Richard Covington
Honors Theses
Nanoclusters are small nanoparticles that usually range around a micrometer in diameter. Gold Nanoclusters are known for their unique size and surface qualities and do not share metallic properties with nanoparticles or their respective bulk material. Some metal nanoclusters show high fluorescence and can be synthesized with protein mediation. Nanocluster formation depends on a number of variables, including temperature, pH, and type of reducing agent. This experiment was done to begin to understand how these variables may affect synthesis and what exactly they are. Pure Wild Type CSP-1 protein was induced, transformed, and purified in order to mediate gold and …
The Upright Go Wearable Posture Device: An Evaluation Of Postural Health, Improvement Of Posture, And Salivary Cortisol Fluctuations In College Students, Alexandra Lauren Elliott
The Upright Go Wearable Posture Device: An Evaluation Of Postural Health, Improvement Of Posture, And Salivary Cortisol Fluctuations In College Students, Alexandra Lauren Elliott
Honors Theses
Health professionals consider improper posture as a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and additional health issues. The chief aim of my study was to investigate links between poor posture and health, particularly in college students. To collect data regarding postural health, I distributed an exploratory survey to Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BISC 207) students at the University of Mississippi in Spring 2018. Students reported significant concern with quality of personal posture and significant experience with negative side effects of poor posture. Results demonstrated a need for postural education, leading to phase 2 of my experiment, the evaluation …
Neuroprotection With Novel Anti-Oxidant And Cannabinoid-Based Small Molecules, Jacqueline R. Mcgrath
Neuroprotection With Novel Anti-Oxidant And Cannabinoid-Based Small Molecules, Jacqueline R. Mcgrath
Honors Theses
Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by various underlying mechanisms within the nervous system. Excitotoxicity is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, and is produced by over excitation of glutamate receptors on neurons, ultimately leading to cell death. Protein aggregates and oxidative stress have also induced neuronal cell death that lead to many neurodegenerative diseases as well. Many compounds isolated from plants have shown protective ability against these underlying toxicity mechanisms. In this study, we tested several cannabinoid and anthyocanin-based small molecules protective abilities against excitotoxicity. We found several compounds that protected against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. We also tested …
Bacteria In Salt Pans Along The Mississippi Gulf Coast, Lauren A. Lawson
Bacteria In Salt Pans Along The Mississippi Gulf Coast, Lauren A. Lawson
Honors Theses
Salt pans form in shallow depressions in the ground where salt water evaporates leaving a hypersaline environment remaining. These pans become flooded during extremely high tides and as time progresses, this additional salt water is evaporated leaving behind more salt deposits. Marine salt pans can provide habitat for halophilic microorganisms and provide an interesting environment for study as conditions can change with both sediment and water depth. Towards the surface of sediment in salt pans, oxygen is still available, however, deeper sediments have limited oxygen availability and are likely anaerobic. Deeper sediments can also have higher salt concentrations so may …
When Life Gives You Lemons: Comparing Two Diffusion Methods For A Psychological Screening Tool In The Medical Field, Jessica Tran
When Life Gives You Lemons: Comparing Two Diffusion Methods For A Psychological Screening Tool In The Medical Field, Jessica Tran
Honors Theses
E.M. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory is used to explain the process of how an idea or technology gains momentum and spreads through a particular population. The result of the diffusion is called adoption, meaning that over time the group has changed their initial behavior (i.e. using the new technology, purchasing and performing new behavior, etc.). There is considerable evidence for successful use of this theory in various fields. The study investigates the theory using a new psychological screening technology. A solicitation to hear information about the tool was presented to 19 physicians who were separated into two randomized groups, …
Interactions Of Fentanyl With Gp120 In The Central Nervous System, Meagan Buchanan
Interactions Of Fentanyl With Gp120 In The Central Nervous System, Meagan Buchanan
Honors Theses
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has affected more than 75 million individuals worldwide. HIV not only affects the peripheral system through the targeting of T cells, but also causes adverse effects in the central nervous system. Individuals suffering from HIV often experience neuropathic pain and are prescribed opioids to combat the chronic pain. Along with the increase of opioids prescribed to HIV patients, the number of deaths related to the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, has increased drastically. Drug abuse and HIV are interlinked epidemics; individuals who are HIV positive and referred to as “NeuroAIDS.” The HIV envelope protein, gp120, has been …
Yield Stress Analysis With Dv-Iii Rheometer, Leah Margaret Cook
Yield Stress Analysis With Dv-Iii Rheometer, Leah Margaret Cook
Honors Theses
The purpose of this thesis is to understand the behavior of everyday substances (toothpaste, lotions, ect.) and chemicals through the analysis of yield stress. By measuring the flow properties of these products, one can determine the stability, uses, and other properties of a substance. Yield stress is experienced everyday from squeezing a tube of toothpaste, to stirring a batch of cake batter, or canning products in a factory. Yield stress along with viscosity helps us predict the behavior of chemicals, cosmetics, and food that we handle daily. Yield stress, torque, and strain values were measured with a DV-III Rheometer and …
Deducing The Reproductive, Behavioral, And Learning Effects Of Developmental Cannabinoid Exposure In Zebrafish, Marisa L. Kutchma
Deducing The Reproductive, Behavioral, And Learning Effects Of Developmental Cannabinoid Exposure In Zebrafish, Marisa L. Kutchma
Honors Theses
With the spreading legalization of marijuana, it is important to investigate the effects of two of its active ingredients—Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD differ in that THC exerts psychoactive effects, while CBD does not. Thus, CBD is renowned for its analgesic effects in treating a variety of ailments, for example, childhood drug-resistant epilepsy. In addition, there is an increase in reports of prenatal CBD usage. As it is increasingly used, research has fallen far behind the proliferation of CBD and more needs to be done, particularly in the developmental realm. This study utilizes a developmental origins of …
Time Course Effects Of Repetitive Social Defeat Stress On A Prefrontal Cortex-Dependent Cognitive Flexibility Task, Shaffer Hannah
Time Course Effects Of Repetitive Social Defeat Stress On A Prefrontal Cortex-Dependent Cognitive Flexibility Task, Shaffer Hannah
Honors Theses
Stress is known to change the structure and function of the brain in animals and humans as well as their behavior. It has a high correlation with the development of psychiatric disorders as well. We looked to investigate how repetitive intermittent social defeat stress using the resident-intruder paradigm in rats affected a cognitive flexibility task. The task used was a set-shifting protocol known to be associated with the function of the prefrontal cortex. Measurements on the task were taken intermittently between social stress sessions to determine short-term effects and 10 days after the last social stress session to measure long …
Resting State Fmri Study Of The Olfactory Region In Autism, Madlyn Lawrence
Resting State Fmri Study Of The Olfactory Region In Autism, Madlyn Lawrence
Honors Theses
This thesis was conducted to further the investigation of the Olfactory system of a typically developing individual compared to an individual with Autism. The Olfactory system is unique in that it is the only sensory system that is not relayed through the thalamus in the brain. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also known as Autism, is a developmental disorder which impairs a person's social, behavioral, developmental, cognitive and psychological aspects. Autism Spectrum Disorder can present with symptoms such as difficulty communicating, difficulty with social interactions obsessive thoughts and compulsions and repetitive behaviors. Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder present with an inability …
Carbon Dioxide Reduction Using Redox-Active Macrocyclic Catalysts, Dawson Kendall Buettner
Carbon Dioxide Reduction Using Redox-Active Macrocyclic Catalysts, Dawson Kendall Buettner
Honors Theses
The current energy crisis experienced by society today is in desperate need of a solution. Through carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas that is warming our planet as well as create a source of renewable energy. Significant challenges currently inhibit the reduction of CO2 to more desirable products. Current limitations can be addressed through the design and synthesis of more efficient catalysts that are selective, durable, and operate close to the target thermodynamic potential of CO2 reduction. In this work, three redox-active macrocyclic ligands have been synthesized and studied for the development of potential …
To Sleep Or Not To Sleep, That Is The Question: Sleep, Anxiety And Depressive Symptoms In Pregnancy, Alexis B. Miller
To Sleep Or Not To Sleep, That Is The Question: Sleep, Anxiety And Depressive Symptoms In Pregnancy, Alexis B. Miller
Honors Theses
Pregnancy is a time associated with many changes in a woman’s body including hormonal, metabolic, physical, and physiological changes (Miller, 2004; Okun, Kiewra, Luther, Wisniewski, & Wisner, 2011). A related concern is pregnant women and the impact of disturbed sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 36% of the population in Mississippi experience an insufficient amount of sleep (CDC, 2014). Moreover, sleep disturbances in pregnancy are significantly associated with antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms (Volkovich, Tikotzky, & Manber, 2015; Yu et al., 2017). The present study assessed potential relations between sleep disturbances, anxiety, depressive symptoms …
The Developmental And Behavioral Effects Of Early Life Stage Cannabinoid Exposure, Mariegene E. Almand
The Developmental And Behavioral Effects Of Early Life Stage Cannabinoid Exposure, Mariegene E. Almand
Honors Theses
As of 2019, marijuana legalization and decriminalization is sweeping the globe. Patients are increasingly using cannabis-derived compounds including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) for treatment of diseases as diverse as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. Furthermore, mothers are claiming that CBD oil decreases uncomfortable pregnancy side effects. While the adverse effects of chronic cannabinoid use and of cannabinoids on pregnancy have been previously investigated, the exact function of the endocannabinoid system, and its primary receptors, cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, involved in producing these outcomes is still unclear. In this study, two strains of zebrafish embryos, namely fli and cnr2-/- …
Nutritional Content Of Mississippi Child Care Centers Participating In The Child And Adult Care Food Program: 1995 To 2019, Katelyn Marie Inserra
Nutritional Content Of Mississippi Child Care Centers Participating In The Child And Adult Care Food Program: 1995 To 2019, Katelyn Marie Inserra
Honors Theses
Childhood obesity rates are increasing in the United States and the condition is more prevalent in the Southeast than in other areas of the country. Children who are obese or overweight during childhood have a much higher chance of remaining overweight throughout their lives, and the best way to combat child obesity is through influencing young children’s nutrition patterns. Many children spend a significant amount of time in childcare outside of their home, which may be responsible for providing adequate nutrition for at least two meals per day. This study evaluated the menus of Mississippi childcare centers participating in the …
Benchmark Structures And Harmonic Vibrational Frequencies Of Hydrated Halide Ions: X– (H2o)N, X = F, Cl, Br, And I (Where N = 1 – 4), Caroline Anne Rader
Benchmark Structures And Harmonic Vibrational Frequencies Of Hydrated Halide Ions: X– (H2o)N, X = F, Cl, Br, And I (Where N = 1 – 4), Caroline Anne Rader
Honors Theses
This study extends our efforts to generate benchmark structures and harmonic vi- brational frequencies from neutral hydrogen bonded clusters to solvated ions. The analytical gradients and Hessians developed for the N-body:Many-body integrated QM:QM method facilitate the computation of benchmark-quality properties near the CCSD(T) complete basis set limit. In this work, a series of solvated halide ion sys- tems (X−(H2O)n clusters, where X = F, Cl, Br and I and n = 1 to 4) is being characterized with the MP2 and 2-body:Many-body CCSD(T):MP2 (2b:Mb) meth- ods. For n ≥ 2, the latter technique uses the high-level CCSD(T) method to evaluate …
Differential Analysis Of Gene Expression In Arabidopsis Thaliana Organ Boundary Mutants, Jack Mason
Differential Analysis Of Gene Expression In Arabidopsis Thaliana Organ Boundary Mutants, Jack Mason
Honors Theses
Differences in gene expression occur due to cell type differentiation, the stages of an organism’s life cycle, genetic variation, and changes in the environment. The quantification of these changes can be valuable for helping deduce the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of model organisms such as Arabidopsis. A pair of homeobox genes, ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX GENE1 (ATH1) and SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM), encode transcription factors that play key roles in establishing organ boundaries in Arabidopsis flowers. Plants that carry mutations in both of these genes are missing floral organ-stem boundary regions and fail to shed their outer floral organs. Previous studies …
Analysis Of Dunc-13 And Its Role In The Formation Of Ethanol Tolerance In Drosophila Melanogaster, Charles Cook
Analysis Of Dunc-13 And Its Role In The Formation Of Ethanol Tolerance In Drosophila Melanogaster, Charles Cook
Honors Theses
Alcoholism is a costly disease that is responsible for a significant portion of the global disease burden, yet there is much is left to know about how this disease develops. Tolerance plays a critical role in predisposing an individual to alcohol abuse. Recently, the active zone of presynaptic neurons has been implicated as an ethanol effector. In this study, we examined the role that a presynaptic active zone protein, Dunc13, plays in the formation of tolerance to alcohol. Dunc13 is an ortholog of mammalian Unc13-1, and through the use of Drosophila as a model system, we show that genetic reduction …
Contralateral Repeated Bout Effect Of The Elbow Flexors Not Observed In Young Women, Bailey Brown
Contralateral Repeated Bout Effect Of The Elbow Flexors Not Observed In Young Women, Bailey Brown
Honors Theses
The contralateral repeated bout effect (CL-RBE) is known as a protective effect in which an initial bout of eccentric exercise reduces muscle damage in the contralateral limb after a similar bout of eccentric exercise. To our knowledge, previous studies on CL-RBE only recruited males or a mixture of both sexes. PURPOSE: To investigate the presence of the CL-RBE of the elbow flexors in women. METHODS: Twelve healthy women (20.9 ± 2.5 years) performed two bouts of 45 maximal eccentric contractions (ECC) of the elbow flexors using the opposite arm separated by 14 days. The isokinetic muscle strength (60°/sec) was measured …
Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of A Recombinant Simian Varicella Virus Vaccine Expressing Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope And Capsid Proteins, Thomas G. Wichman
Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of A Recombinant Simian Varicella Virus Vaccine Expressing Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope And Capsid Proteins, Thomas G. Wichman
Honors Theses
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects CD4+ T-lymphocytes, which when left untreated, later develops into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Up to 25,000 people die every week from AIDS infection, making HIV and AIDS research a very high priority for virologists. While highly researched by scholars around the world, no person has been able to develop a successful vaccine, as the retroviral nature of the virus and its high mutation rate make vaccine development incredibly difficult. However, recombinant genetic technology will hopefully allow the revolutionization of vaccines which have already proven effective in immunization. The already developed varicella-zoster …
Microbial Communities Associated With Dragonfly Nymphs Raised In Varying Concentrations Of Amoxicillin, Michelle Basha
Microbial Communities Associated With Dragonfly Nymphs Raised In Varying Concentrations Of Amoxicillin, Michelle Basha
Honors Theses
The bacteria on and within an organism make up that organism’s microbiome. Given interest in the use of antibiotics in agriculture and the effect of microbes on human health, more studies are needed on the microbial community composition of different organisms and how it responds to antibiotic use. This study investigated changes in the amount of antibiotic resistant bacteria present in dragonfly nymphs exposed to differing concentrations of amoxicillin. Next generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to identify cultures of these antibiotic resistant bacteria. Increasing the concentration of antibiotics the dragonfly nymphs were exposed to resulted in …