Digital Commons Network^™

Functional Characterization Of Zbtb20 And The Role Of Zbtb20-Dependent Transcription Regulation In Autism Spectrum Disorders And Intellectual Disability, Richa Koul

All Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are the two most frequently reported, often co-morbid, neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children all over the world. Previously, a genetic association of the ZBTB20 gene, located at chromosome 3q13.2, with ASD and ID was identified. The gene is highly expressed in developing brain and encodes two isoforms of 668- (short isoform) and 741- (long isoform) amino acid proteins that belong to the BTB (broad complex, tramtrack, bric-a-brac) – zinc finger family of transcription factors. The human ZBTB20 protein was functionally characterized using various molecular and cellular approaches, to elucidate its contribution to …

Isolated And Ephemeral Wetlands Of Southern Appalachia: Biotic Communities And Environmental Drivers Across Multiple Temporal And Spatial Scales, Joanna Hawley

All Dissertations

Throughout the world, wetlands are known to support a wide variety of taxa as well as high levels of biodiversity and species richness. Although the ecological significance of wetlands is well documented in the scientific literature, efforts to map and assess wetlands on regional or national scales (e.g., National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)) often overlook wetlands which are either very small (< 1 ha) or have ephemeral hydroperiods. While the vast majority of wetland research in the southeastern United States has focused on wetlands distributed across the coastal plain ecoregion, very little information exists on small and/or ephemeral wetlands in areas of southern Appalachia, although there are several notable exceptions. Despite the paucity of small wetland data in this region, the southeastern US is known as a hotspot for both aquatic biodiversity and species endemism. My goal with this project was to examine the biotic communities inhabiting small, ephemeral and geographically-isolated wetlands to identify the major environmental drivers that contribute to observed community patterns and species' distributions. I studied a set of small, mostly-ephemeral, mostly-isolated wetlands (N = 41) in the upper Piedmont and lower Blue Ridge ecoregions of South Carolina from January-June of 2010 and 2011 and focused my efforts on describing the structure, biotic communities and surrounding habitat characteristics of my study wetlands. I observed high levels of species richness and biodiversity in this previously-undocumented wetland system, despite the small size and ephemeral nature of study wetlands. My results indicated that the amphibian and benthic invertebrate communities of small, ephemeral wetlands responded to different environmental drivers (e.g., wetland depth, area, hydroperiod, canopy cover, surrounding land use types) occurring across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Additionally, the amphibian community was significantly influenced by a number of environmental variables occurring at both the within-pond scale and larger spatial scales (250 m, 500 m and 1 km surrounding land cover variables). By contrast, the benthic invertebrate community was significantly influenced primarily by variables occurring at the within-pond scale. This wetland system also served as both breeding and overwintering habitat for a variety of species such as wood frogs (Lithobates sylvatica), spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum), bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana), cricket frogs (Acris crepitans). This study highlights the ecological importance of small, ephemeral aquatic habitats in a region where little research exists regarding such systems; these often-unnoticed ecosystems are likely the result of a combination of historical anthropogenic and natural environmental process. These legacy wetlands (i.e., wetlands that are the unintended result of some human-induced environmental change in either the recent or long-term past) are found ubiquitously across the landscape and are often missed by coarse-filter mapping approaches (e.g., National Wetlands Inventory). I observed many study wetlands to be extremely small in size (< 0.05 ha) and that many wetlands were habitats of circumstance and opportunity rather than of permanence and predictability. The ephemerality of the majority of study wetlands demonstrates the biological significance of small, temporary habitats for many species requiring these habitats for breeding activity. Despite the small size and ephemeral nature of my study wetlands, I found that these wetlands represented a large proportion of amphibian biodiversity in the regional species pool and thus, are an important conservation feature at the local, landscape and regional scales. My study demonstrates that small, semi-isolated, mostly-ephemeral wetlands in southern Appalachia support high levels of biodiversity and are an important asset deserving of further study and conservation recognition.

Reading Graphically: Examining The Effects Of Graphic Novels On The Reading Comprehension Of High School Students, Michael Cook

All Dissertations

There have been few empirical studies investigating the uses of graphic novels in education, fewer still in English Language Arts (ELA). As a result, there remain misconceptions about possible uses and potential benefits of graphic texts in ELA classrooms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of graphic novels on the reading comprehension of high school students in English classrooms. The study specifically examined the potential benefits and effects of a graphic adaptation of the Edgar Allan Poe short story, 'The Cask of Amontillado.' This study explored the effects of the graphic adaptation in two ways: one, …

A Memento Of Complexity: The Rhetorics Of Memory, Ambience, And Emergence, Glen Southergill

All Dissertations

Drawing from complexity theory, this dissertation develops a schema of rhetorical memory that exhibits extended characteristics. Scholars traditionally conceptualize memory, the fourth canon in classical rhetoric, as place (loci) or image (phantasm). However, memory rhetoric resists the traditional loci-phantasm framework and instead emerges from enmeshments of interiority, collectivity, and technology. Emergence considers the dynamics of fundamental parts that generate complex systems and offers a methodological lens to theorizing memory. The resulting construct informs everyday life, which includes interfacing with pervasive computing or sensing familiarity. Further, congruently with a neurological turn that contradicts simplification, this dissertation resituates rhetorical memory as generative …

Range Collapse, Genetic Differentiation, And Climate Change: An Ecological History Of The Diana Fritillary, Speyeria Diana And Projections For Its Future, Carrie Wells

All Dissertations

The geographic ranges of most plant and animal species are tied closely to climatic factors, including temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. For this reason, recent changes in the global climate due to human activities are predicted to have profound effects on natural populations, communities and ecosystems over a relatively short period of time. Combined effects from global warming and other anthropogenic activities such as land-use changes, pollution, and habitat loss/fragmentation, are altering species' distributions faster than they can be documented. Recent climate change has also been shown to alter species' breeding behaviors and alter the synchrony and timing of species' …

A Computational Model Of Memetic Evolution: Optimizing Collective Intelligence, Noah Welsh

All Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to create an adaptive agent based simulation modeling the processes of creative collaboration. This model aided in the development of a new evolutionary based framework through which education scholars, academics, and professionals in all disciplines and industries can work to optimize their collective ability to find creative solutions to complex problems. The basic premise follows that the process of idea exchange, parallels the role sexual reproduction in biological evolution and is essential to society's collective ability to solve complex problems. The study outlined a set of assumptions used to develop a new theory of …

Cardiovascular Tissue Engineered Constructs For Patients With Diabetes, James Chow

All Dissertations

Clinical translation of cardiovascular tissue engineering (CVTE) is rapidly shifting from concept to application, granting a myriad of opportunities for the treatment of cardiovascular disorder (CVD). There remains, however, a critical hurdle to overcome: the application of tissue engineering to a comprised patient - more specifically, a patient with diabetes mellitus (DM). The alarming prevalence of DM is of great concern due to its duel threat as both a risk factor for CVD and a predictor of biomedical device failure. Elevated levels of inflammation and impaired wound healing are hallmarks of DM contributing to cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, and valve disease. The …

Range Limits, Range Shifts, And Lower Thermal Tolerance In The Tropical Barnacle Megabalanus Coccopoma, Samuel Crickenberger

All Dissertations

Climate change and species introductions are leading to shifts in marine species' geographic distributions. However, few studies have examined range limits and range shifts in tropical marine species. The barnacle Megabalanus coccopoma is native to shorelines from Baja California to Peru and has been introduced to a number of locations worldwide including the Atlantic US SE coast, where its current introduced range extends from Ft. Pierce, FL to Cape Hatteras, NC with seasonal populations as far north as Kitty Hawk, NC. In order to understand the potential poleward range limit of M. coccopoma in the US SE under modern day …

The Context Of Successful Navigation Of Gendered Norms In Outdoor Adventure Recreation: The Case Of Professional Female Adventure Athletes, Katherine Evans

All Dissertations

Females have long found it difficult to find entrance to and acceptance in the outdoors because of socially engrained gender expectations, a lack of female role models, and fear. Despite the hurdles, research indicates that females who participate in outdoor recreation are more empowered, and have higher levels of self-esteem, self-trust, self-worth, assertiveness, self-sufficiency, independence, confidence, and body image (McDermott, 2004; Pohl, Borrie, & Patterson, 2000). Therefore, it is important that females are not only encouraged to participate in outdoor recreation, but empowered to do so. Current research on females' leisure in the outdoors largely focuses on women who are …

Pretreatment Development Of Lignocellulosic Feedstocks For The Production Of Bioproducts, Arpan Jain

All Dissertations

Three different lignocellulosic feedstocks – switchgrass, sweet sorghum bagasse and pine wood chips, were analyzed for the production of bioproducts (sugars and enzymes). High sugar content of these feedstocks could be utilized either in the production of enzymes, biofuel and paper/pulp. Utilization of lignocellulosic feedstock in any production processes require preprocessing to remove phenolic compounds (lignin). Lignin acts as a barrier and protects the structure of polysaccharides from oxidation. Removal of lignin (delignification) leads to maximum utilization of lignocellulosic polysaccharides, mainly glucan and xylan in bioproducts production. The effect of pretreatment on ground switchgrass were evaluated through enzyme production and …

Evaluation And Development Of Nisin-Containing Packaging For Ready-To-Eat Meats, Utilizing Methods Feasible For Future Commercialization, Angela Morgan

All Dissertations

Antimicrobial food packaging may extend shelf life, reduce spoilage, maintain food quality and eliminate foodborne pathogens in ready-to-eat (RTE) deli meat. Nisin is a polypeptide with natural antimicrobial activity against gram-positive microorganisms. This food additive is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in the United States. In order to combat Listeria monocytogenes, continued good manufacturing practices, continued proper handling by food workers, and additional secondary safety measures such as antimicrobial packaging are necessary. However, current research for antimicrobial packaging is in preliminary stages and is primarily based on theoretical lab scale testing. Antimicrobial coatings containing nisin were developed and studied. Diffusion …

Can Very Rapid Adaptation Arise Without Ancestral Variation? Insight From The Molecular Evolution Of Herbicide Resistance In Genus Amaranthus, Kristin Elizabeth Beard

All Dissertations

In this dissertation I investigate the source and spread of adaptive resistance to the herbicide glyphosate by the weedy species Amaranthus palmeri. This is an ideal system for furthering scientific understanding of the dynamics of evolution because the adaptation is in response to a well understood selection pressure and is happening on an extremely short time scale. The plant genus Amaranthus contains several agriculturally important weeds, but is not closely related to any current model systems—the closest model system is Beta vulgaris(sugar beet). In the first part of this work I seek to determine the relationship between extant species of …

Freesources: A Treasure Chest Of Free-To-Use Online Tools And Goodies, Diana Finkle

Presentations

One of the most amazing things about the Internet is its wealth of free, high-quality resources. Come learn about some free, online sources for video and infographic creation, productivity tools, and image and audio sources and software. This whirlwind tour will cover more than twenty resources, so you should be able to find at least one new tool for your professional (or personal) toolkit!

The Tiger Vol. 108 Issue 11 2014-04-18, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers

No abstract provided.

The Tiger Vol. 108 Issue 10 2014-04-11, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers

No abstract provided.

The Tiger Vol. 108 Issue 9 2014-04-04, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Water For Electricity In The Upper Savannah Basin: Impacts On Freshwater Mussels, Alan Johnson, Snehal Mhatre

Graduate Research and Discovery Symposium (GRADS)

The water resources of the Upper Savannah River Basin are subjected to extensive water withdrawals for production of electricity for the region. The use of Savannah River Basin water resources for electricity production and the associated impact on reservoir levels, streamflows, and thermal regimes is in conflict with the requirements of in-stream biota particularly freshwater mussels. The Savannah River Basin contains atleast 26 unionid species, most of which are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern at the state level. Populations of these species have experienced significant declines and extirpations in the recent decades. Of these unionid species, brook …

Water For Electricity In The Upper Savannah Basin: Impacts On Freshwater Mussels, Alan Johnson, Snehal Mhatre

Clemson's Biological Science's Annual Student Symposium

Freshwater mussels are among the most imperiled animals worldwide. These unionids tend to be most abundant in flowing streams and rivers. The distribution of unionids is often patchy, clumped, or otherwise irregular. Native freshwater bivalves particularly belonging to the family Unionidae are widely distributed in North America with 297 recognized taxa (William et al 1993). Of these 297 known taxa only 70 are considered to be stable. The greatest species diversity occurs in the southeastern US (Neves 1987) which has more freshwater mussel species than any other region of the world . All of South Carolina’s freshwater mussel species belong …

World Intellectual Property Day Display, Maggie Mason Smith

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Poetry Anthology Display, Maggie Mason Smith

Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Tiger Vol. 108 Issue 7 2014-03-07, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers

No abstract provided.

A Genomewide Overexpression Screen Identifies Genes Involved In The Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway In The Human Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba Histolytica, Amrita B. Koushik, Brenda H. Welter, Michelle L. Rock, Lesly A. Temesvari

Publications

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery and liver abscess. E. histolytica relies on motility, phagocytosis, host cell adhesion, and proteolysis of extracellular matrix for virulence. In eukaryotic cells, these processes are mediated in part by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Thus, PI3K may be critical for virulence. We utilized a functional genomics approach to identify genes whose products may operate in the PI3K pathway in E. histolytica. We treated a population of trophozoites that were overexpressing genes from a cDNA library with a near-lethal dose of the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. This screen was based on the rationale …

Clemson Literary Festival Display, Maggie Mason Smith

Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Tiger Vol. 108 Issue 6 2014-02-28, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers

No abstract provided.

The Tiger Vol. 108 Issue 4 2014-02-07, Clemson University

Tiger Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Life Cycle Assessment Of Grocery Bags In Common Use In The United States, Robert M. Kimmel, Sc.D.

Environmental Studies

In recent years, municipalities throughout the United States have considered, and some have instituted, regulations and restrictions on retail grocery and carrier bags in order to promote sustainability and reduce perceived litter problems. At the time of writing of this report, about six percent of the U.S. population was covered by legislation or regulation affecting the selection and use of grocery bags. Such legislation is designed to encourage use of selected carrier bag types and discourage use of other types. Much controversy exists, however, as to whether the various alternatives encouraged by the regulations are environmentally superior solutions.

In light …

Impact Of Mobile Devices On Clinical Laboratory Data, C. Chaudhary, J. Albertson, C. Andrews, A. Anglin, L. Bulloch, T. Dennison, J. Elder, C. Holliday, C. Lyron, E. Smith, R. Smith, V. Gallicchio

Focus on Creative Inquiry

Recent advancements in mobile wireless devices (smart phones and tablets) have given these products the potential to drastically alter the practice of healthcare. The project described determined how these devices would assist in improving diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic outcomes in the delivery of healthcare. Also, it seeks to determine if the healthcare community feels these devices will make healthcare more cost effective and affordable. To cover multiple aspects of healthcare, several groups have been targeted: clinical laboratory; emergency, dental, rehabilitation, and surgical medicine; hospital administration; diagnostic imaging technology; public health; and veterinary medicine. This presentation will focus on our current …

Light-Responsive Facade Prototype, B. Smentek, A. Javed, D. Lee

Focus on Creative Inquiry

Research into improving building energy performance has the potential to create new and innovative architectural products. Through developing "green" architectural technologies aimed at increasing energy efficiency architects and engineers must overcome the financial architectural and engineering challenges of their implementation. A prototype facade design was designed to respond to sunlight intensity as part of a study on similar facade schemes.

The Influence Of Rearing Environment On Life History And Morphological Traits Of Sailfin Molly Fish (P. Latipinna), G. Davidson, C. Crawford, M. Voytko, K. Hogan, M. Ptacek

Focus on Creative Inquiry

Life history traits such as time to and size at maturity are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. One such environmental factor may be the social environment in which a juvenile is reared. This study examined the life history traits of sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna) that were reared in varying social environments: in isolation, in groups with an adult male present, and in groups without an adult male present. Since females prefer larger males, we anticipated that males reared in the presence of an adult male should delay maturation and therefore mature at larger sizes in order to better …

Selection Of Wintering Habitats By Bats In The South Carolina Piedmont, J. Kahanamoku, S. Loeb

Focus on Creative Inquiry

Bats are nocturnal and elusive, and can travel large distances in search of food. For these reasons and more, little is known about their natural history and behavior, even though they are found all over the globe. Many studies have been done to discover their roosting sites and overall ecological niche, but these studies have been conducted in the summer when the bats are most active. Little is known about where they go and their activity in the winter except for large colonies that dwell in caves, mines, tunnels and other structures. This study focused on learning what habitat types …