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Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
The Blackfeet Nation’S Bison Conservation Herd Management Plan, Brandon Kittson
The Blackfeet Nation’S Bison Conservation Herd Management Plan, Brandon Kittson
Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers
This document is meant to act as a guide to understanding Bison reintroduction on the Blackfeet reservation and serve as a resource for bison management. This report and plan will: 1) review bison ecology and the history of reintroduction efforts on the reservation; 2) identify potential issues and barriers to successful reintroduction; 3) present a summary of current land policies and patterns of land use on the reservation; and 4) provide recommendations for dealing with those potential issues. Recommendations will be based on analyses of previous knowledge of bison and bison behavior.
Tim/Tam Receptors: A Potential Biomarker For Predicting Sensitivity To Zika Virus-Induced Oncolysis In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers, Shankari Somasekar
Tim/Tam Receptors: A Potential Biomarker For Predicting Sensitivity To Zika Virus-Induced Oncolysis In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers, Shankari Somasekar
Honors Undergraduate Theses
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) constitute 80-85% of lung cancers and are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The most common cause is prolonged smoking. Current treatment options for NSCLC include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Although these medications are effective in the short term, patients often face issues of drug resistance and debilitating side effects with prolonged use. Currently, the use of Zika virus (ZIKV) is being researched as a possible alternative treatment for cancer, which minimizes side effects and the risk of drug resistance. TIM/TAM proteins are identified as the putative ZIKV receptors on …
Optimization Of An Immune Assay To Detect Binding Of Nod2 To Staphylococcus Aureus, Precious Mckenzie
Optimization Of An Immune Assay To Detect Binding Of Nod2 To Staphylococcus Aureus, Precious Mckenzie
All Student Theses and Dissertations
Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive, commensal bacterium, is the cause of a multitude of opportunistic diseases and infections. While S. aureus has evolved ways to escape innate immune responses in the host, the mechanisms are not fully understood. One area of active research involves mechanisms by which S. aureus avoids detection by Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), such as Nuclear Oligomerization Domain 2 (NOD2), present on the surface of and inside innate immune cells. This study aimed to design and optimize an assay that can be utilized to investigate S. aureus components that contribute to the activation of NOD2 receptors. The …
Elucidating Mechanisms Of Enhanced Dsrna-Nanophytoglycogen Innate Immune Responses In Healthy Human Cells, Nicholas Jadaa
Elucidating Mechanisms Of Enhanced Dsrna-Nanophytoglycogen Innate Immune Responses In Healthy Human Cells, Nicholas Jadaa
Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)
Immunostimulatory nucleic acids, such as long double-stranded RNA (ds)RNA, can stimulate innate immune responses in a non-sequence specific manner. These molecules are recognized by pattern-recognition receptors in the cytoplasm, endosome, and on the cell surface. Activation leads to the production of mediators of innate immune pathways, including type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokines. Although these receptors are present in all cells, their role in non-immune cells is often overlooked due to their lower level of responsiveness. Nanocarriers can enhance these nucleic acid-mediated responses, allowing for exploration of innate immune pathways in non-immune cells. Nanoparticles as carriers of nucleic acids can …
Ribosome Hibernation Factor Induces Antibiotic Persisters Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis In Neutrophil-Rich Lung Lesions, Jamie Corro
Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis, is a prescient global health threat and the leading cause of death by an infectious agent. Treatment of Mtb infection involves administering 2-4 antibiotics for a minimum of 6 months. This extended drug regimen is required to target a subpopulation of persistent bacilli. As their name implies, these bacteria can “persist” by acquiring nonhereditary and transient antibiotic tolerance. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, it’s often attributed to slowing cellular growth and metabolic processes. During zinc deprivation, bacteria can remodel their ribosomes by replacing their zinc-binding paralogues containing the CXXC motif (C+) …
Advanced Detection Of Sars-Cov-2 And Omicron Variants Via Mxene-Graphene Hybrid Biosensors Utilizing Nucleic Acid Probes, Jiaoli Li, Yuwei Zhang, Congjie Wei, Yanxiao Li, Zhekun Peng, Hsin Yin Chuang, Logan Pearce, Adrianus Boon, Yue-Wern Huang, Dong Hyun Kim, Risheng Wang, Chenglin Wu
Advanced Detection Of Sars-Cov-2 And Omicron Variants Via Mxene-Graphene Hybrid Biosensors Utilizing Nucleic Acid Probes, Jiaoli Li, Yuwei Zhang, Congjie Wei, Yanxiao Li, Zhekun Peng, Hsin Yin Chuang, Logan Pearce, Adrianus Boon, Yue-Wern Huang, Dong Hyun Kim, Risheng Wang, Chenglin Wu
Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works
Low-cost biosensors that can rapidly and widely detect viruses are critical for faster diagnosis and treatment decision-making, especially for infections. The commonly used field-effect transistor is sensitive to the biomarker's detection but struggles with precise detection, particularly of nontargets such as ions and proteins. To overcome this limitation, we developed a field-effect transistor biosensor design based on MXene-graphene materials to increase the accuracy and sensitivity of virus detection. Based on the hybridization process between two complementary DNA strands, single-stranded nucleic acids were immobilized on the sensing surface via 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde to capture the nucleic acids of the target virus. …
What Is Aphthous Stomatitis? What Are The Possible Causes And Treatments?, Shirah Balakhane
What Is Aphthous Stomatitis? What Are The Possible Causes And Treatments?, Shirah Balakhane
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The historical understanding of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS), also known as canker sores, has evolved. This paper aims to collect data that determines the underlying factors that can cause RAS and highlights treatments or preventive measures one should take. RAS is a common mucosal disease of the mouth that affects healthy people and presents atypically in immunocompromised people. Geographical, age, and gender-related factors can all affect the prevalence. RAS still has no known cause; however, several systemic, local, immunologic, genetic, dietary, allergy, and microbiological factors—including immunosuppressive medications and stress—have been suggested as potential culprits. Using topical and systemic medicines, the …
The Effects Of Electronic Cigarettes On The Oral Cavity, Batsheva Saposh
The Effects Of Electronic Cigarettes On The Oral Cavity, Batsheva Saposh
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Electronic cigarettes, which became available for purchase in the United States in 2007, were initially touted as a harmless aid for smoking cessation. However, recent research into the impact of electronic cigarettes on the human body has shown potential deleterious effects. This paper aims to examine the effects electronic cigarette usage has on the oral cavity. The methods to compile research involved reading through many peer-reviewed articles to analyze the most current information on the topic. The findings indicate several potentially adverse effects on the oral cavity including oral cancer, periodontitis, dental caries, xerostomia, facial fractures, failed dental implants, and …
Ibrutinib-Associated Cutaneous Mucormycosis Due To An Apophysomyces Species: Report Of A Case And Review Of The Literature, Trung Minh Nguyen, Eva Amenta, Lynne Chapman, Sarvari Yellapragada, Bhuvaneswari Krishnan, Jonathan Lim, Richard J Hamill
Ibrutinib-Associated Cutaneous Mucormycosis Due To An Apophysomyces Species: Report Of A Case And Review Of The Literature, Trung Minh Nguyen, Eva Amenta, Lynne Chapman, Sarvari Yellapragada, Bhuvaneswari Krishnan, Jonathan Lim, Richard J Hamill
Faculty, Staff and Students Publications
The use of ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been associated with invasive fungal infections (IFIs). We describe a case of Apophysomyces infection associated with long-term use of ibrutinib for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia as well as perform a literature review of Mucormycosis infections in patients on ibrutinib. Our review found that the onset of IFI can occur within months to years of starting tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These reports provide a more complete picture of the risk of IFI while patients are on ibrutinib. Our case also demonstrates the utility of molecular techniques in the diagnosis of …
Discerning The Roles Of Novel Glycosyltransferases In The Pathogenic Yeast Cryptococcus Neoformans, Liza Loza
Discerning The Roles Of Novel Glycosyltransferases In The Pathogenic Yeast Cryptococcus Neoformans, Liza Loza
Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations
Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for over 112,000 deaths each year. This yeast is ubiquitous in the environment, where it is particularly associated with soil, trees, and bird excreta. When a susceptible host inhales infectious particles, Cn can proliferate in the lungs before disseminating to the brain to cause an often-fatal meningoencephalitis. Cryptococcosis primarily afflicts those living with uncontrolled HIV/AIDS, accounting for ~15% of AIDS-related mortality. The antifungals available to treat this devastating disease are few in number, toxic to patients, and largely inaccessible in resource-limited settings. The major virulence factor of Cn is its complex …
The Potential Of Stem Cell Therapy In Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: A Review, Sorina Amarculesei, Ava O'Meara Cushen, Cathy Brougham
The Potential Of Stem Cell Therapy In Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: A Review, Sorina Amarculesei, Ava O'Meara Cushen, Cathy Brougham
SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. There are currently 2.8 million people living with Multiple Sclerosis worldwide, including 9000 people in Ireland, with a prevalence of 193 per 100,000 people. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include sensory loss, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, spasticity, depression, optic neuritis, gait ataxia, diplopia, and loss of bladder control. Currently, there is no standardised treatment or cure for Multiple Sclerosis with many strategies focusing on symptoms. Stem cells have emerged as promising approaches for Multiple Sclerosis therapeutics. Clinical trials primarily focus on mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies for Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, …
Targeting Eif4a Triggers An Interferon Response To Synergize With Chemotherapy And Suppress Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Na Zhao, Elena B Kabotyanski, Alexander B Saltzman, Anna Malovannaya, Xueying Yuan, Lucas C Reineke, Nadia Lieu, Yang Gao, Diego A Pedroza, Sebastian J Calderon, Alex J Smith, Clark Hamor, Kazem Safari, Sara Savage, Bing Zhang, Jianling Zhou, Luisa M Solis, Susan G Hilsenbeck, Cheng Fan, Charles M Perou, Jeffrey M Rosen
Targeting Eif4a Triggers An Interferon Response To Synergize With Chemotherapy And Suppress Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Na Zhao, Elena B Kabotyanski, Alexander B Saltzman, Anna Malovannaya, Xueying Yuan, Lucas C Reineke, Nadia Lieu, Yang Gao, Diego A Pedroza, Sebastian J Calderon, Alex J Smith, Clark Hamor, Kazem Safari, Sara Savage, Bing Zhang, Jianling Zhou, Luisa M Solis, Susan G Hilsenbeck, Cheng Fan, Charles M Perou, Jeffrey M Rosen
Faculty, Staff and Students Publications
Protein synthesis is frequently dysregulated in cancer and selective inhibition of mRNA translation represents an attractive cancer therapy. Here, we show that therapeutically targeting the RNA helicase eIF4A with zotatifin, the first-in-class eIF4A inhibitor, exerts pleiotropic effects on both tumor cells and the tumor immune microenvironment in a diverse cohort of syngeneic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) mouse models. Zotatifin not only suppresses tumor cell proliferation but also directly repolarizes macrophages toward an M1-like phenotype and inhibits neutrophil infiltration, which sensitizes tumors to immune checkpoint blockade. Mechanistic studies revealed that zotatifin reprograms the tumor translational landscape, inhibits the translation of Sox4 …
Understanding And Combating The Spread Of Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms, Bejan Mahmud
Understanding And Combating The Spread Of Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms, Bejan Mahmud
Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations
The introduction of antibiotics in the 20th century stands as one of our greatest scientific achievements, profoundly transforming human health and global well-being. Over the past century, antibiotics have ensured that infectious diseases are no longer the most common causes of death worldwide. In further enabling a vast array of invasive medical procedures (e.g., surgeries, organ transplants), antibiotics have effectively added decades to the average human lifespan. In agriculture, antibiotics have been heavily relied upon to meet the nutritional demands of the growing human population. Thus, ever since the introduction of penicillin, antibiotics have been the “miracle drugs” they were …
Development Of Computational And Experimental Approaches For Rna Virus Serology, Brittany Kaye Smith
Development Of Computational And Experimental Approaches For Rna Virus Serology, Brittany Kaye Smith
Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations
Neutralization assays like the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) are the most specific ways to measure neutralizing antibodies, which provide a good estimate of protection for RNA viruses. However, these assays are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and low-throughput. Alternative methods that are faster and convenient are necessary to quantify antibody responses in large-scale studies. In this dissertation, I develop a mix of computational and experimental methods to quantify antibody responses to dengue viruses (DENV) and SARS-CoV-2. DENV is the most significant mosquito-borne viral infection in humans. Four serotypes of DENV exist. Traditionally, infection with one serotype …
+Protective Roles For Interferon-Gamma In Astrocytes During Chronic Autoimmunity, Brandon C. Smith
+Protective Roles For Interferon-Gamma In Astrocytes During Chronic Autoimmunity, Brandon C. Smith
ETD Archive
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Infiltrating inflammatory immune cells perpetuate demyelination and axonal damage in the CNS and significantly contribute to pathology and clinical deficits. Interferon (IFN)γ is classically described as deleterious in acute CNS autoimmunity, we and others have shown astrocytic IFNγ signaling also has a neuroprotective role. We found IFNγ signaling on astrocytes upregulates subunits of the immunoproteasome (iP) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), both of which serve protective roles during autoimmunity. Astrocyte-specific knockouts of Ifngr1 resulted in increased clinical severity in the MS murine model, experimental …
Impacts Of Environmental Stressors On Native South Dakota Amphibian Physiology And Survival, Danielle Jean Galvin
Impacts Of Environmental Stressors On Native South Dakota Amphibian Physiology And Survival, Danielle Jean Galvin
Dissertations and Theses
Amphibian populations around the world are declining, with some of the most likely drivers behind these declines including emerging infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. To address major gaps in the current literature, I sought to evaluate the effect of two major environmental stressors on various aspects of amphibian physiology: emerging infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. Emerging infectious diseases of amphibians include fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens which have expanded in host range, either geographically or in competent host species. Environmental contaminants include chemicals which may be naturally occurring in the environment, or which may be introduced to the environment, often …
Exploring The Molecular Landscape Of Hepatitis C Virus: Insights Into Viral Replication And Host Interactions, Deniece Brown
Exploring The Molecular Landscape Of Hepatitis C Virus: Insights Into Viral Replication And Host Interactions, Deniece Brown
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remains a pressing global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Gaining a thorough understanding of the virus's life cycle is pivotal for devising effective treatment strategies. This thesis takes a deep dive into the various stages of HCV's lifecycle, encompassing viral entry, replication, assembly, and release. By unraveling the intricacies of these processes, researchers can pinpoint potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Human-Bat Interactions In A Disease Emergence Hotspot: Implications For Human Health And Bat Conservation, Reilly Tempest Jackson
Human-Bat Interactions In A Disease Emergence Hotspot: Implications For Human Health And Bat Conservation, Reilly Tempest Jackson
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Bats are an ecologically important taxon that can host zoonotic pathogens. Globally, many bat species are synanthropic and live closely with humans, often roosting in man-made structures. The spatial overlap between humans and bats creates opportunities for human-bat contact, which can lead to human exposure to bat-borne pathogens and conflicts that cause bat mortality. Despite this risk, little is known about the drivers and characteristics of these human-bat interactions in buildings and work is needed to understand this aspect of the wildlife-urban interface. In Chapter I, I present a literature review that identifies the geographic and taxonomic trends in reported …
Phylogenomics Reveals The History Of Host Use In Mosquitoes, John Soghigan, Charles Sither, Silvia Andrade Justi, Gen Morinaga, Brian K. Cassel, Christopher J. Vitek, Todd P. Livdahl, Siyang Xia, Andrea Gloria-Soria, Jeffrey R. Powell, Thomas Zavortink, Christopher M. Hardy, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Lawrence E. Reeves, Richard C. Wilkerson, Robert R. Dunn, David K. Yeates, Maria Anice Sallum, Brian D. Byrd, Michelle D. Trautwein, Yvonne-Marie Linton, Michael H. Reiskind, Brian M. Wiegmann
Phylogenomics Reveals The History Of Host Use In Mosquitoes, John Soghigan, Charles Sither, Silvia Andrade Justi, Gen Morinaga, Brian K. Cassel, Christopher J. Vitek, Todd P. Livdahl, Siyang Xia, Andrea Gloria-Soria, Jeffrey R. Powell, Thomas Zavortink, Christopher M. Hardy, Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena, Lawrence E. Reeves, Richard C. Wilkerson, Robert R. Dunn, David K. Yeates, Maria Anice Sallum, Brian D. Byrd, Michelle D. Trautwein, Yvonne-Marie Linton, Michael H. Reiskind, Brian M. Wiegmann
Biology
Mosquitoes have profoundly affected human history and continue to threaten human health through the transmission of a diverse array of pathogens. The phylogeny of mosquitoes has remained poorly characterized due to difficulty in taxonomic sampling and limited availability of genomic data beyond the most important vector species. Here, we used phylogenomic analysis of 709 single copy ortholog groups from 256 mosquito species to produce a strongly supported phylogeny that resolves the position of the major disease vector species and the major mosquito lineages. Our analyses support an origin of mosquitoes in the early Triassic (217 MYA [highest posterior density region: …
(R2059) Modeling The Spread Of Coronavirus With Self-Protection And Quarantine Effect, Dileep Sharma, Agraj Tripathi, Ram Naresh Tripathi
(R2059) Modeling The Spread Of Coronavirus With Self-Protection And Quarantine Effect, Dileep Sharma, Agraj Tripathi, Ram Naresh Tripathi
Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)
A nonlinear mathematical model to study the effect of transmission dynamics of COVID-19 virus in a population with variable size structure is proposed and analyzed. The model divides the total human population into five subclasses: susceptibles, self-protected susceptibles, infectives, quarantined infectives, and recovered population including a class representing cumulative density of coronavirus in the environmental reservoir. The model exhibits two equilibria, namely, the diseasefree and the endemic equilibrium. Model analysis reveals the global dynamics of the spread of COVID-19 is completely determined by the basic reproduction number. If basic reproduction number is greater than one, the endemic equilibrium is locally …
Effect Of Macrophage Expressed Α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (Α7nachr) On Migration Of Macrophages During Inflammation, Kasey Keever
Effect Of Macrophage Expressed Α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (Α7nachr) On Migration Of Macrophages During Inflammation, Kasey Keever
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by overwhelming inflammation, resulting in organ system damage, leading to a high mortality rate. Care in the clinical setting is supportive, and there are no approved sepsis-specific treatments. In septic mice, activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway decreases cytokine secretion by leukocytes and improves survival. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a reflex of the parasympathetic nervous system, converging on the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7nAChR) at the surface of macrophages. Signaling through the receptor blocks NF-kB activation, thus cytokine secretion. Receptor activation has other effects on macrophages, including modulating their migration to …
Assessing Risks For Bovine And Zoonotic Tuberculosis Through Spatial Analysis And A Questionnaire Survey In Fiji – A Pilot Study, Jenny-Ann L. M. L. Toribio, Keresi Lomata, Sam Fullman, Aaron Jenkins, Elva Borja, Shumaila Arif, Jarrad Mckercher, David Blake, Anabel Garcia, Richard J. Whittington, Frank Underwood, Ben J. Marais
Assessing Risks For Bovine And Zoonotic Tuberculosis Through Spatial Analysis And A Questionnaire Survey In Fiji – A Pilot Study, Jenny-Ann L. M. L. Toribio, Keresi Lomata, Sam Fullman, Aaron Jenkins, Elva Borja, Shumaila Arif, Jarrad Mckercher, David Blake, Anabel Garcia, Richard J. Whittington, Frank Underwood, Ben J. Marais
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
Mycobacterium bovis causes tuberculosis in cattle and when transmitted to humans typically causes extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has a global distribution and is controlled in most countries to protect animal and public health. Recent studies revealed that bTB is established on dairy farms in Fiji where EPTB cases have been reported in people. The aims of this pilot investigation were to look for putative zoonotic TB (EPTB) cases in people and to evaluate practices that might contribute to the persistence and transmission of M. bovis between cattle and to humans. Existing data sets were shared between the Fiji …
Antibiotic Resistance At Sequence, Population, And Global Scales, Kevin Blake
Antibiotic Resistance At Sequence, Population, And Global Scales, Kevin Blake
Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations
Antibiotic resistance (AR) can be studied at multiple scales. The smallest is at the level of the DNA or amino acid sequence of AR genes, characterizing how AR genes are encoded, regulated, and expressed. Next is the level of protein structure, deciphering the 3D shape of AR proteins and how that shape affects function. The next higher scale is that of biochemistry, studying the kinetics of these proteins’ mechanism of action and interactions with drug molecules. The level of populations studies individual species of bacteria that are resistant to specific antibiotics. The next higher scale, of microbiomes, examines many species …
Development And Implementation Of Natural Killer Cell Simultaneous Adcc And Direct Killing Assay, Maia M.C. Bennett-Boehm, Anna Mahr, Alexander Regan, Sean T. Hartwell, Isabelle Weber, Arriana Blackmon, Cami Bisson, Angela Ngoc Truong, Bella Circo, Jaden Nienhueser, Donald Rogers, Nathan Booher, Nithya Rajagopalan, Jacob W.S. Martens, Paul Denton
Development And Implementation Of Natural Killer Cell Simultaneous Adcc And Direct Killing Assay, Maia M.C. Bennett-Boehm, Anna Mahr, Alexander Regan, Sean T. Hartwell, Isabelle Weber, Arriana Blackmon, Cami Bisson, Angela Ngoc Truong, Bella Circo, Jaden Nienhueser, Donald Rogers, Nathan Booher, Nithya Rajagopalan, Jacob W.S. Martens, Paul Denton
Biology Faculty Publications
Assays to quantify natural killer (NK) cell killing efficacy have traditionally focused on assessing either direct killing or antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) independently. Due to the probability that immunotherapeutic interventions affect NK cell-mediated direct killing and NK cell-mediated ADCC differently, we developed an assay with the capacity to measure NK cell-mediated direct killing and ADCC simultaneously with cells from the same human donor. Specifically, this design allows for a single NK cell population to be split into several experimental conditions (e.g., direct killing, ADCC), thus controlling for potential confounders associated with human-to-human variation when assessing immunotherapy impacts. Our Natural …
Individual And Population Age Impact Social Behavior And Network Structure In A Long-Lived Insect, P. A. Cook, R. A. Costello, Vincent A. Formica, E. D. Brodie Iii
Individual And Population Age Impact Social Behavior And Network Structure In A Long-Lived Insect, P. A. Cook, R. A. Costello, Vincent A. Formica, E. D. Brodie Iii
Biology Faculty Works
Social behaviors vary among individuals, and social networks vary among groups. Understanding the causes of such variation is important for predicting or altering ecological processes such as infectious disease outbreaks. Here, we ask whether age contributes to variation in social behavior at multiple levels of organization: within individuals over time, among individuals of different ages, among local social environments, and among populations. We used experimental manipulations of captive populations and a longitudinal dataset to test whether social behavior is associated with age across these levels in a long-lived insect, the forked fungus beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus). In cross-sectional analyses, …
Florida's Summer Institute In Biostatistics And Data Science Program Experience, David Giordano
Florida's Summer Institute In Biostatistics And Data Science Program Experience, David Giordano
Trick to the Treat of Internships and Research
The Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science, sponsored by the NHLBI and NIAID, offers a comprehensive six to seven-week training program. This program provides classroom instruction, career mentoring, and hands-on data analysis using clinical study data related to infectious, immune-mediated, and chronic diseases. It's designed to address the increasing demand for biostatisticians and data scientists, targeting undergraduates and early graduate students to consider graduate programs in these fields. The curriculum includes intensive biostatistical training, introducing students to statistical methods' principles and applications in biomedical and clinical research.
Evaluating The Utility Of S100a8/A9 As A Non-Invasive Biomarker, Leah Mellett
Evaluating The Utility Of S100a8/A9 As A Non-Invasive Biomarker, Leah Mellett
Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations
Biomarkers, a portmanteau of “biological markers”, are clinically relevant observations that can accurately and reproducibly indicate or predict patient outcomes. These objective measurements have vast clinical utility as they can aid clinicians with diagnoses, provide information about patient prognoses, and monitor changes in patient health statuses. While the discovery of several biomarkers are attributed to differential expression or concentration of genes or proteins within blood samples, biomarkers can be alternatively found in other bodily fluids or tissues depending on the associated condition. Recently, advances in urine proteomics have allowed for the identification of urine biomarkers that may eliminate the drawbacks …
On The Origin Of Aids: Card8’S Role In Pathogenesis And Cure, Kolin Clark
On The Origin Of Aids: Card8’S Role In Pathogenesis And Cure, Kolin Clark
Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations
HIV infection remains a major global health burden with 1.7 million new acquisitions and 770,000 deaths in 2018 alone. While these numbers are declining due to antiretroviral therapy, only a handful of individuals have achieved complete remission from HIV. With the advent of antiretroviral therapy, HIV has turned a death sentence into a chronic, manageable condition. However, current antiretroviral therapies have only been studied on their ability to block infection and have not been able to clear the viral reservoir. Additionally, HIV cure strategies often rely upon sensing of highly variable epitopes such as the HIV envelope and have not …
An Investigation Of Mitigation Measures On The Spread Of Covid-19 In A College Classroom Using Agent-Based Modeling, Saharsh Talwar, Anne E. Yust
An Investigation Of Mitigation Measures On The Spread Of Covid-19 In A College Classroom Using Agent-Based Modeling, Saharsh Talwar, Anne E. Yust
Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics
In this manuscript, we describe the process of using agent-based modeling in NetLogo to create a simulation of COVID-19 spread in a traditional college classroom. The model allows for an evaluation of different preventative measures implemented by the University of Pittsburgh, including the cohort classroom attendance model, mask and vaccine mandates, contact tracing, and classroom sanitation. Through the use of the model's interactive interface, the impact of adjusting specific measures by the institution could be visualized, providing a valuable tool for combating diseases that spread through droplet transmission.
Application Of Computational Tools To Identify Variations Associated With Peromyscus Dominant Spot, Zhenhua Shang
Application Of Computational Tools To Identify Variations Associated With Peromyscus Dominant Spot, Zhenhua Shang
Theses and Dissertations
Peromyscus are the most prevalent mammalian species in North America, and they're employed extensively in both laboratory and field studies. P. maniculatus and P. polionotus, the deer mouse and the old-field mouse, are closely related and can produce viable and fertile hybrid offspring. However, a comprehensive database of polymorphisms, particularly in those kept as living stocks and supplied to university researchers, is lacking. In chapter 2, we performed comparative genomic study on P. maniculatus and P. polionotus and used the polymorphic data to identify the range of genetic complexity that underlies physiological and behavioral differences between two species. We also …