Digital Commons Network^™

Association Of Type 2 Diabetes Subgroups With Cognitive Status Without Modification From Lifestyle Intervention, Michael P. Bancks, James Lovato, Ashok Balasubramanyam, Mace Coday, Karen C. Johnson, Medha Munshi, Candida Rebello, Lynne E. Wagenknecht, Mark A. Espeland

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Context: Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for incident dementia but whether risk and treatment/prevention strategies differ by diabetes subgroup is unknown. Objective: We assessed (1) whether specific type 2 diabetes (T2D) subgroups are associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or probable dementia (PD), and (2) whether T2D subgroups modified the association of the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) multidomain intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) with MCI/PD. Methods: We included 3760 Look AHEAD participants with T2D and overweight or obesity randomly assigned to 10 years of ILI or diabetes support and education. We used k-means clustering techniques with …

Researching Covid To Enhance Recovery (Recover) Adult Study Protocol: Rationale, Objectives, And Design, Leora I. Horwitz, Tanayott Thaweethai, Shari B. Brosnahan, Mine S. Cicek, Megan L. Fitzgerald, Jason D. Goldman, Rachel Hess, S. L. Hodder, Vanessa L. Jacoby, Michael R. Jordan, Jerry A. Krishnan, Adeyinka O. Laiyemo, Torri D. Metz, Lauren Nichols, Rachel E. Patzer, Anisha Sekar, Nora G. Singer, Lauren E. Stiles, Barbara S. Taylor, Shifa Ahmed, Heather A. Algren, Khamal Anglin, Lisa Aponte-Soto, Hassan Ashktorab, Ingrid V. Bassett, Brahmchetna Bedi, Nahid Bhadelia, Christian Bime, Marie Abele C. Bind, Lora J. Black, Andra L. Blomkalns, Hassan Brim, Mario Castro, James Chan

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Importance SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects after the acute phase of infection; termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. The characteristics, prevalence, trajectory and mechanisms of PASC are ill-defined. The objectives of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC in Adults (RECOVER-Adult) are to: (1) characterize PASC prevalence; (2) characterize the symptoms, organ dysfunction, natural history, and distinct phenotypes of PASC; (3) identify demographic, social and clinical risk factors for PASC onset and recovery; and (4) define the biological mechanisms underlying PASC pathogenesis. …

Impact Of Zein And Lignin-Plga Biopolymer Nanoparticles Used As Pesticide Nanocarriers On Soybean Growth And Yield Under Field Conditions, Colin A.R. Bonser, Jaya Borgatta, Jason C. White, Carlos E. Astete, Cristina M. Sabliov, Jeffrey A. Davis

Faculty Publications

Nanoparticles are being utilized in agriculture as fertilizers, pesticides, and agrochemical-carriers. Designed to be biocompatible and degradable, biopolymer nanoparticles were developed as an alternative to metallic nanoparticles, and though safe-by-design, polymeric nanoparticles must be field-tested prior to largescale use. Several field studies were conducted to observe detrimental effects of biopolymer nanoparticles on plant growth and yield using soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., as a model system. Biopolymer nanoparticles made from lignin or zein were applied as seed treatments to soybean seeds or as foliar sprays (zein only) to soybean plants. Studies using biopolymer nanoparticle seed treatments (nano-STs) measured the germination …

Black Soldier Fly Frass Supports Plant Growth And Reduces Nitrogen Leaching During Coleus Production, Jeffrey Beasley, Jeff Kuehny, Thanos Gentimis, Jeb Fields

Faculty Publications

Industrial insect rearing is expected to increase as a feedstock to meet growing global food demand. This will lead to greater production of insect excreta known as frass, a nutrient-dense organic material that has shown promise as a natural fertilizer source with potential environmental benefits. In this study, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) frass (BSFF) was compared with a synthetic fertilizer (SF) during production of containerized ornamentals grown under greenhouse conditions. Fertilizers were incorporated into a bark-based substrate at 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 kg.m–3 nitrogen (N) planted with coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) plugs. Growth index, shoot dry weight, and leaf …

Combining Visual Cues And Pheromone Blends For Monitoring And Management Of The Tarnished Plant Bug Lygus Lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae), Justin George, Gadi V.P. Reddy, Nathan Little, Sarah E.J. Arnold, David R. Hall

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) is considered the most damaging pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the mid-southern United States. Previous studies have reported the role of different ratios of volatile metathoracic gland components such as hexyl butyrate, (E)-2-hexenyl butyrate and (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal in eliciting low-level attraction of L. lineolaris. In this study, we tested different visual cues (colored sticky cards) in combination with olfactory cues (pheromone blends) to optimize the attraction and capture of L. lineolaris in the field. RESULTS: Red-colored sticky cards were more attractive to L. lineolaris adults than white, blue or …

Battling Bots: Experiences And Strategies To Mitigate Fraudulent Responses In Online Surveys, Brittney Goodrich, Marieke Fenton, Jerrod Penn, John Bovay, Travis Mountain

Faculty Publications

Declining survey response rates have driven many researchers to seek out cost-effective methods of increasing participation, such as conducting surveys online, paying incentives, and using social media to engage hard-to-reach populations. Malicious actors can exploit the monetary incentives and anonymity of online surveys, threatening the integrity of survey data. We share two recent experiences conducting online surveys that were inundated with fraudulent responses. Our objective is to increase awareness of this emerging issue and offer guidance for others to mitigate the effects of fraudulent responders in their own research.

Hypothetical Bias Mitigation In Representative And Convenience Samples, Jerrod M. Penn, Daniel R. Petrolia, J. Matthew Fannin

Faculty Publications

This is a case study comparing outcomes for a probability-based representative sample versus a non-probability convenience sample for the valuation of beach condition information among Gulf of Mexico residents. We test the efficacy of several techniques used to adjust for hypothetical bias and sample weighting to reduce hypothetical willingness to pay (WTP). Weighting makes the WTP between the two samples similar, but model equivalence with respect to the significance of explanatory variables is rejected. The results support the use of certainty follow-ups, which consistently reduced WTP, regardless of the sampling approach or weighting.

Next-Generation Sequencing Dataset Of Bacterial Communities Of Microcerotermes Crassus Workers Associated With Ironwood Trees (Casuarina Equisetifolia) In Guam, Garima Setia, Robert Schlub, Claudia Husseneder

Faculty Publications

Ironwood trees (Casuarina equisetifolia) in Guam have been suffering from Ironwood Tree Decline (IWTD) since 2002. Putative plant pathogenic bacteria such as Ralstonia solanacearum and Klebsiella species were identified in the ooze of declining trees and considered to be linked to IWTD. In addition, termites were found to be significantly associated with IWTD. Microcerotermes crassus Snyder (Blattodea: Termitidae) was identified as a termite species that attacks ironwood trees in Guam. Since termites harbor a diverse community of symbiotic and environmental bacteria, we sequenced the microbiome of M. crassus workers attacking ironwood trees in Guam to assess the presence of IWTD-associated …

Subaqueous Topographic Deformation In Abandoned Delta Lobes—A Case Study In The Yellow River Delta, China, Yunfeng Zhang, Yingying Chai, Caiping Hu, Yijun Xu, Yuyan Zhou, Huanliang Chen, Zijun Li, Shenting Gang, Shuwei Zheng

Faculty Publications

Reduction in river discharge and sediment load has left deltaic lobes in the world’s many river deltas starving, but knowledge of how the subaqueous topography of these abandoned subdeltas responds to environmental changes is limited. In this study, we aimed to determine the long-term dynamics of the subaqueous seabed of abandoned delta lobes to advance current knowledge. As a case study, we selected an abandoned subdelta on the Yellow River Delta of the Bohai Sea, China, for which three-decade long (1984–2017) bathymetric data and long-term river discharge and sediment load records are available. We analyzed the seafloor surface change and …

Effects Of Human And Nonhuman Predation Risk On Antipredator Movement Behaviors Of An Upland Game Bird, Patrick H. Wightman, James A. Martin, Michel T. Kohl, Bret A. Collier, Michael J. Chamberlain

Faculty Publications

Predators elicit antipredator behaviors such as proactive and reactive movements in prey, but both are rarely investigated simultaneously. Impacts of human predation risk on antipredator behaviors can be greater than those of nonhuman predators, resulting in increased effects on populations and community structure. We compared the influence of human and nonhuman predation risk on proactive and reactive antipredator movement behaviors of male Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo, hereafter turkey). We used simultaneously collected GPS locations from 31 turkeys and 36 coyotes (Canis latrans) to investigate the antipredator behavior of turkeys to coyotes. To assess antipredator behaviors of turkeys to hunters, …

Students' Consumption Of High And Low Nutrition Foods And Reduced Plate Waste By Schools' Wellness-Related Policies And Garden Program Participation, Andrea S. Richardson, Alvin Nugroho, Tamara Dubowitz, Dana Schultz, Corby K. Martin

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Participation in school-based programs that may support children's nutritious dietary behaviours varies across schools. We examined school participation in wellness-related policies, school-based garden programs and students' dietary behaviours. Methods: Among matching schools who did and did not participate in school-based garden programs, we analysed the lunches of 80 Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) students in 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th grades during Autumn 2019 using digital food photography. We also acquired school wellness policy data. Using cross-sectional linear regression, we estimated the association between school-based garden programming, wellness-related policies and dietary outcomes, adjusting for grade. Results: School's implementation of nutrition …

Molecular Research In Rice, Prasanta K. Subudhi

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Bat Calls Recorded By Two Acoustic Monitors, Jane M. Kunberger, Ashley M. Long

Faculty Publications

Recent advances in low-cost autonomous recording unit (ARU) technology have made large-scale bat monitoring projects more practical, but several key features of ARUs (e.g., microphone quality and triggering thresholds) can influence their ability to detect and record bats. As such, it is important to quantify and report variation in ARU performance as new recording systems become available. We used the automated classification software SonoBat to compare the numbers of call files, echolocation pulses, and species recorded by a commonly used, full-spectrum bat detector-the Song Meter SM4BAT-FS-and a less expensive, open-source ARU that can detect ultrasound-the AudioMoth. We deployed paired ARUs …

Equity And Behavioral Digital Health Interventions: Strategies To Improve Benefit And Reach, Sarah J. Miller, Jamilia R. Sly, Kassandra I. Alcaraz, Kimlin Ashing, Shannon M. Christy, Brian Gonzalez, Qian Lu, Robert L. Newton, Michelle Redmond, Megan Shen, Kamilah Thomas-Purcell, Jean Yi, Tiffany Veinot, Cathy D. Meade

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: Behavioral digital health interventions (e.g., mobile apps, websites, wearables) have been applied widely to improve health outcomes. However, many groups (e.g., people with low income levels, people who are geographically isolated, older adults) may face obstacles to technology access and use. In addition, research has found that biases and stereotypes can be embedded within digital health interventions. As such, behavioral digital health interventions that intend to improve overall population health may unintentionally widen health-related inequities. Purpose: This commentary offers guidance and strategies to mitigate these risks when using technology as a means for delivering a behavioral health intervention. Methods: …

Demystifying Longitudinal Data Analyses Using Structural Equation Models In School Psychology, Garret J. Hall, Kelly N. Clark

Faculty Publications

Structural equation models (SEM) are a method of latent variable analysis that offer a high degree of flexibility in terms of modeling methods for applied research questions. Recent advancements associated with longitudinal SEM have unlocked innovative ways to decompose variance and to estimate mean trends over time (e.g., Allison et al., 2017; Berry & Willoughby, 2017; Hamaker et al., 2015; McArdle & Nesselroade, 2014). However, these longitudinal methods are not necessarily readily accessible to scholars seeking to advance theory and practice in school psychology. Importantly, not all longitudinal data are the same and not all longitudinal SEMs are the same; …

Regional Neuroanatomic Effects On Brain Age Inferred Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging And Ridge Regression, Roy J. Massett, Alexander S. Maher, Phoebe E. Imms, Anar Amgalan, Nikhil N. Chaudhari, Nahian F. Chowdhury, Andrei Irimia, Michael W. Weiner, Paul Aisen, Ronald Petersen, Clifford R. Jack, William Jagust, John Q. Trojanowki, Arthur W. Toga, Laurel Beckett, Robert C. Green, Andrew J. Saykin, John C. Morris, Richard J. Perrin, Leslie M. Shaw, Zaven Khachaturian, Maria Carrillo, William Potter, Lisa Barnes, Marie Bernard, Hector González, Carole Ho, John K. Hsiao, Jonathan Jackson, Eliezer Masliah, Donna Masterman, Ozioma Okonkwo, Laurie Ryan, Nina Silverberg

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

The biological age of the brain differs from its chronological age (CA) and can be used as biomarker of neural/cognitive disease processes and as predictor of mortality. Brain age (BA) is often estimated from magnetic resonance images (MRIs) using machine learning (ML) that rarely indicates how regional brain features contribute to BA. Leveraging an aggregate training sample of 3 418 healthy controls (HCs), we describe a ridge regression model that quantifies each region’s contribution to BA. After model testing on an independent sample of 651 HCs, we compute the coefficient of partial determination R̄2p for each regional brain volume to …

Exploring The Experiences Of Pregnant Women In The U.S. During The First Year Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Courtney E. Williams, Dana Berkowitz, Heather M. Rackin

Faculty Publications

In this paper, we integrate the stress process model with symbolic interactionism to frame our analysis of interviews with 35 women who were pregnant and/or gave birth during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. We detail three stressors, highlight their variation, and discuss how they coped with these stressors. Women reported having to navigate contradictory information about the public health crisis, but Black participants simultaneously endured added strain from a heightened awareness of racialized violence. To cope with an overabundance of precarious and contradictory messages, some women sought out information (i.e., information gatherers), others eschewed information (i.e., information avoiders), …

Food-Evoked Emotion, Product Acceptance, Food Preference, Food Choice And Consumption: Some New Perspectives, Witoon Prinyawiwatkul

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Wedge Domains In Compactly Causal Symmetric Spaces, Karl Hermann Neeb, Gestur Ólafsson

Faculty Publications

Motivated by constructions in Algebraic Quantum Field Theory we introduce wedge domains in compactly causal symmetric spaces M = G/H, which includes in particular anti-de Sitter space in all dimensions and its coverings. Our wedge domains generalize Rindler wedges in Minkowski space. The key geometric structure we use is the modular flow on M defined by an Euler element in the Lie algebra of G. Our main geometric result asserts that three seemingly different characterizations of these domains coincide: the positivity domain of the modular vector field, the domain specified by a KMS-like analytic extension condition for the modular flow, …

Kmt-2021-Blg-2010lb, Kmt-2022-Blg-0371lb, And Kmt-2022-Blg-1013lb: Three Microlensing Planets Detected Via Partially Covered Signals, Cheongho Han, Chung Uk Lee, Weicheng Zang, Youn Kil Jung, Grant W. Christie, Jiyuan Zhang, Michael D. Albrow, Sun Ju Chung, Andrew Gould, Kyu Ha Hwang, Doeon Kim, Yoon Hyun Ryu, In Gu Shin, Yossi Shvartzvald, Hongjing Yang, Jennifer C. Yee, Sang Mok Cha, Dong Jin Kim, Seung Lee Kim, Dong Joo Lee, Yongseok Lee, Byeong Gon Park, Richard W. Pogge, Tim Natusch, Shude Mao, Dan Maoz, Matthew T. Penny, Wei Zhu

Faculty Publications

Aims. We inspect the four microlensing events KMT-2021-BLG-1968, KMT-2021-BLG-2010, KMT-2022-BLG-0371, and KMT-2022-BLG-1013, for which the light curves exhibit partially covered short-Term central anomalies. We conduct detailed analyses of the events with the aim of revealing the nature of the anomalies. Methods. We tested various models that can explain the anomalies of the individual events, including the binary-lens (2L1S) and binary-source (1L2S) interpretations. Under the 2L1S interpretation, we thoroughly inspected the parameter space to determine the existence of degenerate solutions, and if they existed, we tested whether the degeneracy could be resolved. Results. We find that the anomalies in KMT-2021-BLG-2010 and …

Systematic Kmtnet Planetary Anomaly Search. Viii. Complete Sample Of 2019 Subprime Field Planets, Youn Kil Jung, Weicheng Zang, Hanyue Wang, Cheongho Han, Andrew Gould, Andrzej Udalski, Wei Zhu, Michael D. Albrow, Sun Ju Chung, Kyu Ha Hwang, Yoon Hyun Ryu, In Gu Shin, Yossi Shvartzvald, Hongjing Yang, Jennifer C. Yee, Sang Mok Cha, Dong Jin Kim, Seung Lee Kim, Chung Uk Lee, Dong Joo Lee, Yongseok Lee, Byeong Gon Park, Richard W. Pogge, Dan Maoz, Michał K. Szymański, Jan Skowron, Radek Poleski, Igor Soszyński, Paweł Pietrukowicz, Szymon Kozłowski, Krzysztof Ulaczyk, Krzysztof A. Rybicki, Patryk Iwanek

Faculty Publications

We complete the publication of all microlensing planets (and “possible planets”) identified by the uniform approach of the KMT AnomalyFinder system in the 21 KMT subprime fields during the 2019 observing season, namely, KMT-2019-BLG-0298, KMT-2019-BLG-1216, KMT-2019-BLG-2783, OGLE-2019-BLG-0249, and OGLE-2019-BLG-0679 (planets), as well as OGLE-2019-BLG-0344 and KMT-2019-BLG-0304 (possible planets). The five planets have mean log mass ratio measurements of (−2.6, −3.6, −2.5, −2.2, −2.3), median mass estimates of (1.81, 0.094, 1.16, 7.12, 3.34) M Jup, and median distance estimates of (6.7, 2.7, 5.9, 6.4, 5.6) kpc, respectively. The main scientific interest of these planets is that they complete the AnomalyFinder sample …

8(Meso)-Pyridyl-Bodipys: Effects Of 2,6-Substitution With Electron-Withdrawing Nitro, Chloro, And Methoxycarbonyl Groups, Caroline Ndung’U, Petia Bobadova-Parvanova, Daniel J. Lamaster, Dylan Goliber, Frank R. Fronczek, Maria Da Graça H. Vicente

Faculty Publications

The introduction of electron-withdrawing groups on 8(meso)-pyridyl-BODIPYs tends to increase the fluorescence quantum yields of this type of compound due to the decrease in electronic charge density on the BODIPY core. A new series of 8(meso)-pyridyl-BODIPYs bearing a 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl group was synthesized and functionalized with nitro and chlorine groups at the 2,6-positions. The 2,6-methoxycarbonyl-8-pyridyl-BODIPYs analogs were also synthesized by condensation of 2,4-dimethyl-3-methoxycarbonyl-pyrrole with 2-, 3-, or 4-formylpyridine followed by oxidation and boron complexation. The structures and spectroscopic properties of the new series of 8(meso)-pyridyl-BODIPYs were investigated both experimentally and computationally. The BODIPYs bearing 2,6-methoxycarbonyl groups showed enhanced …

Development Of Gluten-Free Bread Using Teosinte (Dioon Mejiae) Flour In Combination With High-Protein Brown Rice Flour And High-Protein White Rice Flour, Franklin Delarca Ruiz, Ricardo S. Aleman, Shirin Kazemzadeh Pournaki, Mallerly Sarmiento Madrid, Andrea Muela, Yeimi Mendoza, Jhunior Marcia Fuentes, Witoon Prinyawiwatkul, Joan M. King

Faculty Publications

Gluten-free bread is an important product that is under development using different sources, such as rice and starchy plants. Teosinte seeds are utilized by ethnic groups in Honduras to produce gluten-free flour to prepare traditional baked goods and beverages. The quality of gluten-free products could vary depending on flour properties, such as amylose content, particle size, and water absorption capacity. A good strategy for developing baked goods is to mix different cereal grain sources to optimize their physicochemical properties. As a result, the current study aimed to develop bread from novel flours including teosinte (TF), high-protein brown rice (BRF), and …

Thermoset Polymer Composites With Gradient Natural And Synthetic Fiber Reinforcement: Self-Healing, Shape-Memory, And Fiber Recyclability, Sakil Mahmud, John Konlan, Jenny Deicaza, Rachel Anna Schmidt, Guoqiang Li

Faculty Publications

Natural fibers have high potential as renewable reinforcement for polymers; however, their lower load-carrying capacity compared to synthetic fibers significantly limits the wide application in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. In laminated composite beams under bending load, the normal stress is the highest on the top and bottom layers but is zero at the mid-plane, with almost a linear normal strain distribution. Although the shear stress is the highest at the mid-plane, it may not be a major concern as most polymers can survive the high shear stress. Using this concept, we have designed a hybrid fiber reinforcement in a gradient manner: …

Wastewater Monitoring Can Anchor Global Disease Surveillance Systems, Aparna Keshaviah, Megan B. Diamond, Megan B. Diamond, Matthew J. Wade, Samuel V. Scarpino, Warish Ahmed, Fabian Amman, Olusola Aruna, Andrei Badilla-Aguilar, Itay Bar-Or, Andreas Bergthaler, Julie E. Bines, Aaron W. Bivins, Alexandria B. Boehm, Jean Martin Brault, Jean Baptiste Burnet, Joanne R. Chapman, Angela Chaudhuri, Ana Maria De Roda Husman, Robert Delatolla, John J. Dennehy, Celeste Donato, Erwin Duizer, Abiodun Egwuenu, Oran Erster, Despo Fatta-Kassinos, Aldo Gaggero, Deirdre F. Gilpin, Brent J. Gilpin, Tyson E. Graber, Christopher A. Green, Amanda Handley, Joanne Hewitt

Faculty Publications

To inform the development of global wastewater monitoring systems, we surveyed programmes in 43 countries. Most programmes monitored predominantly urban populations. In high-income countries (HICs), composite sampling at centralised treatment plants was most common, whereas grab sampling from surface waters, open drains, and pit latrines was more typical in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Almost all programmes analysed samples in-country, with an average processing time of 2·3 days in HICs and 4·5 days in LMICs. Whereas 59% of HICs regularly monitored wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 variants, only 13% of LMICs did so. Most programmes share their wastewater data internally, with partnering …

On The Characteristics Of Fatigue Fracture With Rapid Frequency Change, Mohammad A. Amooie, K. P. Lijesh, Ali Mahmoudi, Elaheh Azizian-Farsani, Michael M. Khonsari

Faculty Publications

The effect of sudden variations in working modes and fatigue behavior of CS 1018 is studied. A general model based on the framework of the fracture fatigue entropy (FFE) concept is developed to capture such changes. Fully reversed bending tests are performed on flat dog bone specimens with a series of variable frequency tests without turning the machine off to simulate fluctuating working conditions. The results are then post-processed and analyzed to assess how fatigue life changes when a component is subjected to sudden changes in multiple frequencies. It is demonstrated that regardless of the frequency changes, FFE remains constant …

Rapid Evaluation Of Fatigue Limit Using Energy Dissipation, Ali Mahmoudi, Michael M. Khonsari

Faculty Publications

Four different experimental approaches for rapid estimation of fatigue limit (endurance limit) based on energy dissipation during cyclic loading are discussed. The presented approaches use energy dissipation and thermography and can reliably evaluate the fatigue limit of material by conducting the fatigue test on a single specimen. Results show that the released energy due to damage accumulation at the stress levels above the fatigue limit changes the trend of energy dissipation and that this trend can be used to predict the fatigue limit. Experimental results on CS 1018 and SS 304 specimens are presented to illustrate the utility of the …

Voting In The Mall - Understanding Political Consumerism In The United States And Europe, Kwadwo Poku-Agyemang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the various traits that predispose individuals or groups to participate in political boycotts by refraining from purchasing goods and services from companies with the goal of promoting their political beliefs and goals. Specifically, this research considers the effects of political ideology, attitudes toward historically-marginalized groups, and identification with grievance groups shape self-reported participation in political consumerism in the United States and Europe. Using data from the 2016 and 2020 American National Election Survey and the eighth, nineth and tenth rounds of the European Social Survey, I find that although political consumerism has been seen as a liberal …

Computer-Aided Drug Design Of Bakuchiol-Inspired Lxrα Modulators Against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Dillon P. Cao

LSU Master's Theses

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for approximately 25% of pediatric malignancies. Although glucocorticoids are commonly used to treat ALL, prolonged use can lead to steroid resistance, rendering the drug regimen ineffective. Therefore, alternative treatment avenues are needed for high- risk pediatric patients that do not respond well to traditional regimens.

Liver X Receptor α (LXRα) is presented as a potential alternative drug target for pediatric patients that exhibit suboptimal response to glucocorticoids. Limitations of the current LXRα modulators such as indiscriminate isoform selectivity between LXRα and LXRβ and consequent adverse effects …

Ecology Of Viruses In Marine And Coastal Oxygen-Depleted Waters, Sophie Jurgensen

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Deoxygenation of marine and coastal waters, both caused and exacerbated by a suite of abiotic and biotic factors, has been documented for more than sixty years. The incidence and severity of low-oxygen areas is predicted to expand globally in the coming decades. Despite their colloquial moniker “dead zones,” low-oxygen areas contain thriving and diverse microorganisms that have significant impacts on global biogeochemical cycles including contributing to positive feedback loops that further expand low-oxygen areas. While the diversity and activity of these microorganisms is beginning to be elucidated, the ecology of their viruses is particularly understudied. In this dissertation, I present …