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Identification And Characterization Of Novel Immune Modulating Genes In Parkinson's Disease, Kathleen Chaundy Paul Murphy

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. The poorly understood prodromal period, decades-long progression, and disease-phenotype heterogeneity continue to impede the development of preventive and curative therapies. A growing appreciation of immune system changes during the progression of PD suggests that evaluating peripheral immune cells may help identify signatures relevant to disease etiology. We aimed to expand our understanding of the peripheral immune compartment in PD via two lines of investigation: (1) by employing single-cell RNA sequencing to profile the transcriptomes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a cohort of …

Effects Of Intensive Exercise On The Blood Chemistry Of Fighting Bulls In Southern Thailand, Siriwat Wasiksiri, Pratthana Yongsakulchai, Wichaya Thongtako, Paradorn Muangnil, Teepakorn Adulkasem

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Bullfighting is a cultural activity in southern Thailand. Bulls walk and undergo intensive exercise before competition. In the arena, winners are determined by their opponents' surrender, so bulls do not die after fighting. However, there are very few studies on organ injuries in living bulls during these activities. This study compared the effects of walking and intensive exercise on complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry. Blood parameters of 14 Thai fighting bulls aged over 6 years, regularly trained for walking and intensive exercise, were measured and analyzed using a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Eosinophils decreased significantly after …

The Posture Of Recovery; A Quantitative Analysis Of Post-Exercise Heart Rate Restorateion In College Athletes, Matthew Scott Ferriter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Heart rate recovery (HRR) has been frequently used as a noninvasive indicator of autonomic reactivity following high-intensity exercise. However, limited research has explored the effects of post-exercise body posture (PEBP) on HRR following acute bouts of high-intensity exercise in collegiate athletes. The purpose of this quantitative repeated-measures experimental study was to investigate if recovery posture (supine [SUP]; tripod [TRI]; standing upright [SU]) affected HRR during the first five minutes following a standardized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session. Thirty-seven collegiate athletes completed three total testing sessions. Participants completed all three recovery posture conditions in a randomized order. Heart rate (HR) was …

Cells And Networks In Flux: Rethinking Ontogenesis And Pathogenesis, Mark L. Tykocinski

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Organ and tissue functions emerge from the coordinated activity of cell networks. Therapeutics that act on pathogenic cell networks, modulating their cellular interplay, follow naturally. Over several decades, our laboratory has developed a series of approaches for rewiring cell networks, culminating in a class of cell surface-directed signal converter proteins (SCPs) that do so by modulating juxtacrine and autocrine signaling in and among their nodal cells. A first such SCP has now produced encouraging clinical data for cancer immunotherapy. Yet, these early network-directed fusion proteins rest on a deliberately simplified picture: discrete end-cell types plugged into graphically tractable networks. That …

Evaluation Of Tactile Cueing Embedded In An Aviation Headset On Pilot Altitude Control, Nicholas D. Wilson, Jessica Van Bree, Matthew Cleveland, Sunny Charakuru, Thomas Petros, Richard Ferraro, Kouhyar Tavakolian

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This study evaluated the effectiveness of tactile cueing integrated into a pilot’s headset on pilot altitude control during simulated instrument conditions. Pilots typically rely on visual and auditory inputs to maintain situational awareness, but in high-workload or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), these channels can become overloaded. One underutilized alternative for alerting is a tactile cueing apparatus. Using an X-Plane simulation of a Piper Archer equipped with a G-1000 avionics suite, 39 FAA-certified pilots flew two precision approaches. The experimental group (n = 20) received haptic cues via ear seal-embedded tactors when deviating from assigned altitude or glideslope. The control group …

Relationships Between Lower Body Anthropometrics And Vertical Force-Velocity Profiles In Collegiate American Football Players, Nicholus Adam Despot

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study examined the relationships between lower-body anthropometric characteristics and vertical force-velocity profiles in collegiate American football players. Although the use of force-velocity profiling has increased significantly in recent years, there has been limited research on the association between structural features and key mechanical outputs. A sample of 16 NAIA football players was used to examine how skeletal breadths, girths, and derived ratios relate to key force-velocity metrics. Anthropometric variables were collected using ISAK standards, while force-velocity profiles were obtained through a series of loaded squat jumps on a force platform. Mean propulsive force, velocity and power were used to …

Pathways For Coordinating High-Quality Exploitation Of Marine Resources And High-Level Protection Of Marine Ecosystems, Jianping Yin, Peimin Duan, Si Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The ocean serves as a vital strategic space and a reservoir of resources essential for human survival and development, offering robust support for socioeconomic progress. Simultaneously, as a critical component of the Earth’s ecological environment, the ocean plays a pivotal role in regulating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. In recent years, China has continuously intensified the exploitation and utilization of marine resources, with the growth of the marine economy injecting blue momentum into the nation’s development. Nevertheless, the long-term, high-intensity exploitation of offshore resources, coupled with the ongoing advancement into deep-sea resource development, has led to frequent …

Policy System Of Us Bioeconomy Based On “3ms” Framework, Jingyan Zhou, Nianping Tian, Xuehui Jin, Cuijuan Yin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The United States is a dominant power in the global bioeconomy. An in-depth analysis of its policy system characteristics holds significant reference value for China to further formulate China’s bioeconomy strategy and drive the development of China’s bioeconomy. This study employs the “3Ms” policy analysis framework to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the US bioeconomy policy from three dimensions: macro strategy, meso architecture, and micro structure. The research reveals that the US bioeconomy policy demonstrates the following characteristics in the macro strategy: being systematic, comprehensive, and scientifically decision-making; in the meso architecture: forming government-congressional cooperation and multi-party collaboration; and in …

Developing Field And Spaceflight Microscopy, Nikki Johnston

Dissertations and Theses

Designing for spaceflight favors the reduction of unnecessary features and cost-cutting, whether thisbe computation, hardware, or procedure. Resources are spent toward fortification and mission success over convenience. Such design goals paired with the relatively smaller budgets of academia lead us to do as much as we can in-house and use open-source as much as we can without compromising mission success. We also believe that thoroughly testing technology in extreme environments on earth is necessary for the success of a flight instrument. We focus on microscopy for life detection. I have spent my time here learning methods of hand-building microscopes to …

Food Insecurity Among Freshman Male Collegiate Athletes At A Historically Black University In Maryland, Petita Cue Rentz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Food insecurity is an emerging public health issue impacting collegiate student-athletes enrolled at Historically Black Universities (HBUs). Recent research revealed that 63% of football players have reported some form of food insecurity which disproportionately impacts Black athletes at higher rates. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences and dietary behaviors of freshman male collegiate student-athletes who lacked access to food despite receiving athletic scholarships in a publicly funded HBU in Maryland. The research questions for this qualitative study focused on exploring the lived experiencing of Black male athletes who were experiencing food insecurity at an …

Analysis Of Early Menopause And Endometriosis Genetics Merit In Use Of Polygenic Risk Assessments For Prediction, Emily Solomon

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Endometriosis and Early Menopause are reproductive conditions that are under research in women's health. Both conditions impact a woman’s quality of life through severity of symptoms and associated risk factors and are influenced by genetic, hormonal and environmental elements. Both conditions have extensive and growing genetic knowledge that is being used to calculate either an increased or decreased risk of condition development. The array of genetic data shows promises in predicting risk for both conditions, as well as certain symptoms, to contribute to a personalized predictive tool to guide management of care. Endometriosis benefits from a potential polygenic risk assessment …

The Influence Of Circadian Rhythm Disruption And Apoe4 On The Prognosis And Progression Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Kayla Bradby

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss and is the most common form of dementia. Genetic factors such as apolipoprotein E have been significantly associated with AD development and progression, most specifically the APOE4 isoform. Emerging evidence has shown that when the body’s circadian rhythm, the 24-hour dark/light cycle, is disrupted, the potential to develop a neurodegenerative disease such as AD increases. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the relationship between AD, circadian rhythm, and the APOE isoforms. This review puts a particular emphasis on the APOE4 isoform, as it has been shown to …

The Invisible Crop: Harnessing Root System Architecture In Heirloom Collards For Climate-Resilient Urban Agriculture, Vincent Antonio Brazelton

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Growing food in urban spaces often means working within variable, resource-limited environments, creating a need for crops that can withstand heterogeneous growing conditions. Heirloom collards (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) are known for their aboveground diversity and cultural importance, but much less is known about the variation that exists belowground. This dissertation examines root system architecture (RSA) diversity across 19 historically underutilized heirloom collard accessions using a multi-scale phenotyping approach that includes controlled gel-based imaging of seedlings and 2D imaging of mature field-grown root systems. Across both seedling and mature stages, heirloom collards showed substantial variation in RSA. These differences revealed …

Mindful Parenting And Toddlers' Food Responsiveness: The Role Of Controlling Feeding Practices, Qingyu Jiang, Holly Wilhite, Natalie A. Williams, Dipti A. Dev, Caron A. C. Clark, Pearl Avari, Sarah B. Ladd

Journal of Extension

Controlling feeding practices may negatively impact children's eating behaviors. Mindful parenting may offer a promising way to reduce the use of these practices. This study examined the mediating role of pressuring children to eat and using food as a reward in the association between mindful parenting and toddlers' food responsiveness. Results indicated that higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with lower pressuring to eat, which was related to lower food responsiveness in toddlers. The results may inform Extension professionals providing mindfulness strategies for mothers of young children to improve feeding practices, ultimately reducing children's unhealthful eating behaviors.

Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs, And Calcium Intake Among Malaysian Chinese Adults In Perak: A Cross-Sectional Study, Thean Hui Ru, Nurul Aimi Ab Kadir, Fatin Izzaty Mohd Shahrin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The Malaysian Chinese population records the highest national prevalence of osteoporotic hip fractures. This study investigated the relationships between osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and calcium intake among Malaysian Chinese adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 Malaysian Chinese adults in Kampar, Perak, using the adapted Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT), Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS), and a 30-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).

Results: Participants demonstrated low osteoporosis knowledge (6.84 ± 2.92), with low perceived susceptibility (14.87 ± 5.00), moderate perceived seriousness (17.81 ± 5.20), and barriers to calcium intake (15.61 ± 4.15), and …

Hemodynamic Characterization Of Cardiac Dysfunction After Traumatic Brain Injury Using A Controlled Cortical Impact Model In Male Rats, Preston So, Amit Iyengar, Noah Weingarten, Mrinal Patel, Jessica Dominic, Andrew Belec, Joyce Ho, Samuel Shin, Pavan Atluri

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction that worsens clinical outcomes, yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly under stood. Clinical studies are limited by heterogeneity, highlighting the need for con trolled experimental models. Controlled cortical impact (CCI) provides precise control of injury severity, and invasive pressure- volume (PV) loop analysis allows detailed hemodynamic assessment. Adult male Wistar rats underwent sham op eration or mild or severe CCI- induced TBI. PV- loop assessment and transtho racic echocardiography were performed at 8 or 24 h after TBI or sham. Serum epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) were quantified by ELISA. At …

Host-Pathogen Dynamics Underpinning Staphylococcus Aureus Growth During Intracellular Osteoclast Infection, Luke D. O'Connor

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Bone infection is most commonly caused by the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It has myriad ways in which it can circumvent or subvert killing by the host or antibiotics. Intracellular infection is one such niche that is protective from immune and antibiotic attack. In 2019, Krauss and colleagues discovered that infected osteoclasts (OCs) allow S. aureus to replicate intracellularly. There they found that the ability of S. aureus to grow inside the cell was tied to OC differentiation. The magnitude of overnight bacterial expansion positively correlated with OC maturity and duration cultured with the osteoclastogenic factor RANK ligand (RANKL). Bacterial …

For Weight Loss: Why Do Glp-1 Agonists Work, And How Can We Make Them Work Better?, Charlise Giang, Jieyi Meng, Mahmoud Ali Mohammad, Zhenqi Liu, Xinle Wu, Yi Zhu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have revolutionized the management of not only type 2 diabetes but also obesity. However, even with rapid therapeutic advances in GLP-1RAs, questions regarding the fundamental principles of GLP-1-mediated weight loss and the enhanced efficacy of next-generation therapies remain. In this comprehensive review article, we first examine the milestones of GLP-1, from its initial discovery and biological characterization to its successful translation into clinical therapy. Furthermore, this review highlights the latest clinical trial data, specifically HbA1c reduction, weight-loss efficacy, and safety profiles, while exploring current pipelines of major pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, we delineate the mechanistic …

Rickettsia Africae Discovered In A Short-Term Urban Traveller To South Africa: A Case Report, Zunairah Sikder

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Rickettsia Africae is a pathogen that causes African tick-bite fever (ATBF). Transmission typically occurs from ticks within the Central and South African regions. Previous studies suggested that ATBF is not uncommon amongst travelers to rural sub-Saharan Africa, especially during the rainy months of November through April. However, this case report highlights a woman who contracted ATBF in novel conditions. The 70-year-old woman reported travelling strictly to and from the local church and hotel for her four-day stay in July. After returning to America, the patient experienced extreme irritation on her arm, as well as complaints of headaches. She presented to …

A Message From The Managing Editor, Carissa Bayack

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

A message from the 2025-2026 Managing Editor of the Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal, Carissa Bayack.

Enhancing Tea Productivity Through Integrated Fertilization And Pruning Management: A Review, Intan Ratna Dewi Anjarsari, Murgayanti, Muhamad Kadapi, Syariful Mubarok, Uum Umiyati, Salsabilah, Alifatul Azmi, Afifah Putri Ramadhan, Trifani Hana Husniah, Rosita, Azkal Azkiya

Jurnal Kultivasi

Tea productivity is strongly influenced by agronomic management practices, particularly fertilization and pruning, which play critical roles in regulating plant growth, physiological performance, and shoot regeneration. This review aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on how integrated fertilization and pruning management can sustainably enhance tea productivity. A narrative review approach was employed by collecting and analyzing peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 from reputable databases, including Google Scholar and major international journals. The review highlights that balanced fertilization strategies, combining inorganic, organic, and biofertilizers, significantly improve nutrient availability, photosynthetic efficiency, and shoot yield. Pruning, when properly timed and executed, …

Performance Of Dual-Form Terminalia Catappa Organic Fertilizers On Sweet Corn Yield And Economic Viability In Tropical Highlands, Stefina Liana Sari, Eso Solihin, Rahmat Budiarto

Jurnal Kultivasi

Recycling underutilized plant biomass into organic fertilizers underpins low-input cropping strategies, but liquid and solid formulations derived from a common feedstock have seldom been evaluated side by side under field conditions. This study aimed to (i) characterize the physicochemical properties and safety profile of a liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and a crumb-type organic fertilizer (COF) co-produced from Terminalia catappa leaf compost, (ii) compare their effects on sweet corn growth and yield, (iii) determine relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE), and (iv) evaluate economic feasibility of the most promising organic–inorganic combinations. We produced LOF and COF through aerobic composting of Terminalia catappa leaves …

Metabolic Dynamics Of Secondary Metabolites In Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica): From Biosynthesis To Post-Harvest Transformations, Kamilrashid Hadi Dwitama, Yudithia Maxiselly, Cucu Suherman, Santi Rosniawaty

Jurnal Kultivasi

Coffee (Coffea arabica) is a globally significant beverage whose sensory profile and physiological effects derive from a complex matrix of secondary metabolites. This review presents a comprehensive "lifecycle" perspective of three pivotal classes: the alkaloid caffeine, phenolic chlorogenic acids (CGA), and the diterpenoids cafestol and kahweol. Here, 'lifecycle' defines a metabolite's continuous biochemical trajectory, tracking its genetic origin and ecological function in the plant through structural modifications during fermentation, drying, storage, and roasting. These classes are highlighted because they serve as the primary drivers of bitterness, acidity, and health bioactivities with fundamentally distinct transformational pathways. Following a systematic methodology, this …

The Effectiveness Of Bacillus-Coated Npk Fertilizer On Broccoli Growth, Nutrient Status, Rhizosphere Bacillus Population, Yield, And Flower Quality, Betty Natalie Fitriatin, Rara Rahmatika Risanti, Reginawanti Hindersah, Fasa Aditya Hanindipto, Gita Bina Nugraha

Jurnal Kultivasi

Efforts to increase the availability of macronutrients in soil have relied on inorganic fertilization, particularly NPK fertilizers. However, global challenges in the fertilizer raw material supply chain, including price fluctuations and availability, are driving the need for more efficient and sustainable fertilizer alternatives. The field experiment was conducted in Baruajak, Lembang District, West Java, Indonesia, to evaluate the effectiveness of Bacillus-coated NPK fertilizer on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) growth, nutrient status, rhizosphere Bacillus population, yield, and flower quality. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with 15 fertilizer treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of two coated NPK …

The Effect Of Silica-Enriched Rice Husk Biochar And Npk Fertilizer On Soil Total Nitrogen, Nitrogen Uptake, And Yield Of Lowland Rice, Emma Trinurani Sofyan, Oviyanti Mulyani, Ania Citraresmini, Meddy Rachmadi, Kharmelia Sandra Livia

Jurnal Kultivasi

Rice production in Indonesia increasingly relies on agricultural intensification, which can accelerate soil degradation and reduce fertilizer-use efficiency. Therefore, sustainable soil management is needed to maintain soil fertility. Silica-enriched rice husk biochar (biochar-silica) is a promising soil amendment because it improves soil properties and nutrient retention. This study evaluated the effects of biochar-silica and NPK fertilization on soil total nitrogen, nitrogen uptake, and yield of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted from September 2025 to January 2026 using a two-factor randomized block design with nine treatment combinations and three replications. The treatment consisted of three levels of …

Effects Of Ab Mix Hydroponic Solution And Ameliorant Mixtures On Cayenne Pepper Growth And Yield In An Inceptisols, Tien Turmuktini, Betty Natalie Fitriatin, Tualar Simarmata, Firda Widayanti, Nuryanti, Lia Amalia, Elly Roosma Ria, Linlin Parlinah

Jurnal Kultivasi

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frustescens L.) cultivation faces several problems, including acidic pH and inadequate nutrient management. These problems can be addressed by using a mixture of various ameliorants and AB mix nutrient solutions. This study aimed to determine the effect of ameliorant mixture dosage and AB mix solution concentration on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of cayenne pepper. The experiment used a randomized block design, consisting of two factors: nutrient solution concentration and ameliorant dosage. The factor of nutrient solution concentration consisted of four levels, i.e., 700, 1000, 1300, and 1600 ppm, while the factor of ameliorant dosage also …

Land-Use Transitions And Carbon Emissions Of Aquaculture Expansion In The Brazilian Amazon, Felipe S. Pacheco, Sebastian A. Heilpern, Rafael M. Almeida, Suresh A. Sethi, Marcela Miranda, Nicholas Ray, Laura Greenstreet, Joshua Fan, Brendan H. Rappazzo, Marcelo Gomes Da Silva

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Accounting for land-use change underlying food sector expansion is critical for conserving ecosystem integrity. This challenge is particularly acute in the Amazon, where the conversion of forests for food production is pronounced and has broad implications for global biodiversity and the cycling of water and carbon. Here, we analyze land-use transitions associated with aquaculture development in the Brazilian Amazon. We found that a 450-fold increase in aquaculture pond area from 1985 to 2022 occurred primarily on pasturelands (87%) but also included wetland conversion (4%) and deforestation (5%). Notably, continued growth can be sustained within already altered landscapes: In Rondônia, the …

Synthesis, Utilization And Biological Evaluation Of Β-Hairpin Peptides As Inhibitors Of Immune Checkpoints, Sarah Naylon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Peptide therapeutics have emerged as promising alternatives to monoclonal antibodies because of their smaller size, improved tissue penetration, and synthetic versatility. Yet their broader application is often limited by poor structural stability, rapid clearance, and reduced target residence times. This dissertation describes the design, synthesis, structural characterization, and biological evaluation of β-hairpin peptides as inhibitors of immune checkpoints and as peptide vaccine scaffolds while developing strategies to overcome these limitations. At first a series of antibody-derived β-hairpin peptides (mimics of complementary determining region heavy-chain 3: CDR-H3s) as covalent inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint were investigated. Electrophilic warheads were incorporated …

Palmnet: Confidence-Calibrated Edge-Cloud Ai For Field Diagnosis Of Date Palm Diseases, Muntadher Kareem, Raed Majeed

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a cornerstone crop for Iraq and the wider MENA region, yet reliable in-field diagnosis of leaf disorders remains slow, labour-intensive, and constrained by a limited pool of agronomists. This paper presents PalmNet, a full-stack diagnostic system that classifies nine leaf conditions through a calibrated edge-cloud framework. The system is developed and evaluated on a public dataset of 3,089 field images spanning the nine classes, using a 70/15/15 stratified split. A ShuffleNetV2 student network, distilled from a ConvNeXt-Tiny teacher, is deployed on two complementary edge endpoints: a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W field station …

Numerical Parametric Assessment Of Lap-Spliced Reinforced Concrete Beams With Steel, Gfrp, And Hybrid Reinforcement, Salah Mohsen, Mohamed H. Makhlouf, Marwa I. Badawi, Gamal Ismail

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study presents a numerical parametric investigation into the flexural performance of reinforced concrete beams incorporating different reinforcement types and lap splice configurations, based on finite element modeling using ABAQUS and benchmarked against ACI 440 design provisions. Sixteen beam models were developed and analyzed under four-point bending to evaluate the influence of reinforcement type (steel, GFRP, and hybrid), splice length, and number of spliced bars on the global structural response. The results indicate that splice detailing plays a governing role in controlling failure mode and ductility. Beams without lap splices exhibited enhanced ductile behavior, whereas shorter splice lengths and higher …