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Evolutionary Analysis Of The Genomic Region Of Foxp3 In Vertebrates, Ethan G. Guffey

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Human FOXP3 gene plays a role in immunosuppression, which includes the suppression of the maternal immune system to allow the growth of a semi-foreign fetus inside her uterus. This has lead scientists to hypothesize that FOXP3 gene played a crucial role in the development of viviparous species. FOXP3 is highly conserved across Eutherian mammals, but the degree of conservation in other viviparous species has not been investigated. This study found that FOXP3 orthologs are much less highly conserved in aplacental species and may be more closely related to other members of the FOXP gene family than to the FOXP3 …

Cla-Rich Soy Oil Shortening, Chocolate Paste, And Chocolate Bar Production And Characterization, Elizabeth Sarah Mayfield

Food Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Conjugated linoleic acid-rich soy oil (CLARSO) has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including anti-obesity and anti-carcinogenic properties. This oil was previously used to produce CLA-rich margarine that provided the recommended daily value of CLA and showed physical characteristics similar to commercially available margarine. The objectives of this study were to produce CLA-rich shortenings and analyze their physical properties relative to commercially available shortenings and soy oil control shortenings and to produce CLA-rich chocolate bars and pastes by replacing a portion of the fat with CLARSO and compare the physical properties of these pastes/bars to controls made with either …

The Effect Of Breakfast Protein Source On Postprandial Hunger And Glucose Response In Normal Weight And Overweight Young Women, Marie Christina Crowder

General Human Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Skipping breakfast is associated with weight gain and obesity, as well as cardio-metabolic risk factors, such as poor glucose control. Currently, there is debate as to what the ideal macronutrient composition of breakfast should be for optimal health. Studies have shown that subjects who eat a breakfast high in protein (PRO) stay fuller throughout the day compared to subjects who consumed a carbohydrate (CHO)-based breakfast. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if PRO quality (animal vs plant PRO) at breakfast influences postprandial satiety and glucose response in subjects consuming a higher PRO breakfast. Normal weight (NW; n=14) …

Phenotypic And Functional Genomics Analyses Of Salmonella For Food Safety Applications, Turki Dawoud

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Non-typhoidal Salmonella species have been major foodborne zoonotic pathogens causing serious problems in public health and food industry for several decades. Numerous Salmonella species have frequently been associated with different food commodities mainly poultry meat, eggs, and their products. This dissertation begins with a literature reviews discussing many aspects of Salmonella generally; and subsequently focused on two serotypes, Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium as they are at the top of all other serovars responsible for most illness cases and outbreaks. In addition, some Salmonella strains have exhibited their ability to tolerate and survive many food processing treatments. We can divide …

Inducing And Characterizing M2c Macrophages At A Non-Degradable Implant In Vivo, Geoffrey David Keeler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The implantation of biomaterials in the body leads to a reaction known as the foreign body response (FBR) which leads to the eventual encapsulation of the biomaterial. This encapsulation proves to be detrimental to certain biomaterials, such as implanted glucose sensors, which rely on interacting with the extracellular space for proper function. Altering the FBR has become of interest in an effort to increase the longevity and integration of biomaterials. One strategy for altering the FBR is by targeting the macrophage, shown to play an important role in the FBR. In this work, the microdialysis sampling technique was used to …

Increased Microdialysis Recovery Of Large Molecular Weight Analytes Via Ultrafiltration, Michael C. Elkins

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

Microdialysis is a sampling method based on the passive diffusion of solutes across a semi-permeable hollow-fiber membrane that is driven by a concentration gradient. The membrane has a defined molecular weight cutoff, which causes larger molecular solutes such as proteins with molecular weights of approximately 8-80 kDa to have low recoveries. The purpose of this research is to utilize ultrafiltration across the membrane through push-pull and vacuum ultrafiltration methods as a means to increase recovery of large molecular weight analyte. These experiments were carried out using Methyl Orange (MO), Fluorescein Isothiocyanate 4 kDa (FITC-4), and Fluorescein Isothiocyanate 40 kDa (FITC-40). …

Additional Sex Combs-Like 2 (Asxl2): A Psychological Stress-Related Gene In A Chicken Stress Model, Emily Sandra Jacobson

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic stress is a problem not only in terms of its psychological effects but also due to the harmful physiological changes induced in the individual. Although chronic stress is recognized as detrimental and rampant throughout society, the stress system itself remains poorly understood in terms of comprehending which genes are involved in regulating and carrying out stress-induced signals. In a previous study, 57 candidate genes in the stress pathway had been identified based on the presence of stress-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and differential expression from microarray data. The objective of this study was to investigate Additional Sex Combs-Like 2 …

Devlopment Toward Fluorescence Imaging Of Microdialysis Sampling Diffusion Profiles, Nicholas Edward Baioni

Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses

Microdialysis is a diffusion-based method used to collect analytes from specific locations in the body. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes located throughout the body that play a role in the breakdown of extracellular matrix. Microdialysis sampling in conjunction with appropriate analysis methods can be used to observe the reactions of MMPs in real time. This project is aimed at determining the activity of porcine pancreatic enzyme, a known substitute for MMP-12, using nanodrop spectroscopy. This is a necessary pre-requisite toward using microdialysis in an in vivo imaging setup. These experiments were performed using Succinyl(Ala)_3-p-nitroanilide (suc(Ala)3-p-NA), 4-nitroaniline, and porcine pancreatic …

The Quirky Princess And The Ice-Olated Queen: An Analysis Of Disney's Frozen, Juniper Patel

Communication Undergraduate Honors Theses

Disney’s Frozen shows cultural advancement well beyond traditional Disney princess films. Other recent Disney films (Tangled, Brave, The Princess and the Frog) portray lead female characters more progressively than previous Disney movies. Issues such as sibling dynamics, cohesiveness within a kingdom, and the isolation of a major character are explored. Frozen develops these explorations and brings new twists to the typical character tropes for a princess. These progressive developments are especially evinced in the portrayal of dynamics between the sister princesses, Elsa and Anna. Significantly, Elsa is portrayed as a misunderstood character who is villainized for powerful abilities that she …

Poultry Production Messaging: A Content Analysis Of Three National Newspapers From 1994 To 2014, Stuart Estes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Consumers are increasingly concerned with the use of antibiotics and hormones in poultry production, and the news media is the primary way consumers gain knowledge about this subject. This study assessed articles about antibiotic and hormone use in poultry production from the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal from 1994 to 2014. This study employed a content analysis methodology to assess selected articles (n = 139) for key messaging about antibiotic and hormone use in poultry production, article tone, article framing, and article journalistic quality. Data gathered from key messages were assessed for emergent themes that …

The Artist: An Unexpected Journey, Jason Matthew Shipman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an effort to better understand the process of an actor. It contains documentation of my thesis performance along with materials such as a statement of artistry, my current headshot, an up to date resume, and a link to my professional website.

Animal Science E-Newsletter, May 2015, University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Department Of Animal Sciences

Animal Science e-Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Differential Development Of Sickle Polish Due To Moisture Content Of Herbaceous Plant Material, Justin Jared Dubois

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This experiment uses four experimental sickles containing flint and novaculite blades to harvest wet, growing grass and mature, dry rye in an effort to determine the differences in the development of sickle polish and other use wear traces caused by moisture content and other plant characteristics. During harvesting, samples of harvested material averaging about two handfuls were collected. These samples were massed, dried, and massed again to determine moisture content of the plants. The sickles were each used for approximately 13 hours. Each blade was then cast using high resolution dental epoxy for microscopic inspection. An edge survey was conducted …

Local Modulation And Measurement Of Macrophage-Derived Bioactive Proteins From Implanted Biomaterials In Rat, Geetika Bajpai

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fibrosis around the implanted medical devices is a severe problem that can plague long-term device reliability. Activation of macrophage phenotype (macrophage polarization) has emerged as a new and possible means for reducing fibrosis in the fields of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Macrophages are phagocytic cells that respond to microenvironmental cues that direct their phenotype. Macrophage activation has been widely studied in mouse and human in the context of tumor biology, yet little information is available regarding how macrophage activation could be used in a biomaterials context. Further, rats rather than mice are the common subjects in biomaterials experiments. A significant …

Haskell, Emilie Tallent

English Undergraduate Honors Theses

A small collection of short stories.

“The Language Of Another World” Lord Byron’S Therapeutic Journey, Jake C. Spangler

English Undergraduate Honors Theses

A chronicle of Lord Byron's literary work from his 18th year until his death in 1824. This project examines the origin of the Byronic Hero in a therapeutic light.

The Crystal Necklace, Haley Hawkins

English Undergraduate Honors Theses

Alexis and Stacy are sisters who share a strong bond. They support each other during difficult times, but when Stacy is struck with an illness, Alexis begins to distance herself. The reality of Stacy's situation takes its toll on Alexis as she struggles to stand by Stacy.

On The Psalms As A Primary Source For The Old English Exodus, Ricky L. Nolen

English Undergraduate Honors Theses

An argument for the biblical Psalms as a primary source for the Old English poem "Exodus".

Cultivating Dreams: Examining Community Involvement And Satisfaction In Fayetteville Farms, Donna J. Freeman

Landscape Architecture Undergraduate Honors Theses

Agriculture has a great, often untapped potential to be integrated in to the urban landscape as part of a green infrastructure and food production network. Urban agriculture is often piecemeal and opportunistic, rarely part of a city-wide master plan or with a comprehensive site plan. Because of this, farms are less likely to be considered as public space like parks and plazas or be studied as part of the human environment. This study utilizes data triangulation from site analysis, policy analysis and surveys to attempt to determine how urban farms might be improved in specific categories such as visibility and …

Evaluation Of Tulane Virus As A Surrogate For The Study Of Human Norovirus, Sabastine Eugene Arthur

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Among all known causes of acute gastroenteritis, human noroviruses (HuNoV) are the primary cause (68%) of outbreaks and are associated with 78% of illnesses, 46% of hospitalizations, and 86% of deaths. The main obstacle to studying the pathogenesis of HuNoV is the lack of cell culture system and small animal model. Murine norovirus (MNV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) have been utilized as model surrogate viruses to study HuNoV. In this research, a more recent surrogate virus, Tulane virus (TV), was evaluated for physicochemical stability and environmental persistence. The primary goal was to determine the suitability of TV as a surrogate …

Electrostatic Atomization Of Antimicrobial Treatments On Ground Beef Processing, Instrumental Color, Sensory Color, Taste And Aroma Characteristics, Jorge Abraham Marcos

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The general objectives of this research were to evaluate the interaction effects of sixteen different antimicrobial treatments throughout seven days of display on physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of ground beef patties, when compared to an un-treated control. Antimicrobial treatments included: fumaric acid, malic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, sodium propionate, propionic acid solution, potassium lactate/diacetate blend, sodium benzoate, hexanoic acid, pyruvic acid, levulinic acid, lactic acid/ citric acid blend, sodium diacetate, lemon juice and acetic acid. Prior to grinding, beef trimmings (80/20) were electrostatically sprayed with antimicrobial treatment solutions. Ground beef was processed into meat patties and sampled for …

Understanding The Evolution Of Aggregative Multicellularity: A Molecular Phylogenetic Study Of The Cellular Slime Mold Genera Sorodiplophrys And Pocheina, Alexander Tice

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cellular slime molds are amoeboid protists that have a unicellular trophic phase and multicellular dispersal stage formed through the aggregation of individuals in their life cycles. These organisms were once thought to form a monophyletic group in the Mycetozoa. After careful morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular studies, cellular slime molds are now thought to be distantly related organisms that have all converged on the cellular slime mold habit. The following thesis consists of two molecular phylogenetic studies on two named genera of cellular slime mold for which little or no molecular data were publically available. In the first study, gene sequence …

Stratigraphic Analysis With Respect To Aggregate Potential In The Duffield Quarry In Gum Log, Arkansas, Brock Evan Langford

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The crushed stone mining industry is valued at nearly one billion dollars in Arkansas alone. Physical properties of the rock dictate whether or not an area may be suited for the establishment of an aggregate quarry. The Gum Log quarry located 10 miles northeast of Russellville, Arkansas is geographically well situated near areas in need of aggregate material, as well as physically competent rock. The rock mined in Gum Log is located in the Upper Atoka Formation, a Middle Pennsylvanian aged member of the Arkoma Basin. There are five different lithologic facies identifiable in the quarry (Facies 1-5 respectively): A …

Effect Of Sensory Cues On Hand Hygiene Habits Among A Diverse Workforce In Food Service, Robert Pellegrino

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Poor hand hygiene is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the foodservice industry. A series of complex motivational interventions must be employed to permanently change the behavior of workers, to increase their compliance and sustain appropriate levels of proper hand hygiene. Unlike the healthcare industry, which uses large, costly multi-modal behavior modification strategies, the foodservice industry must deploy rapid, cost-efficient strategies that are focus on accommodating these goals with the constraints of high employee turnover rates and diverse demographics. This research was twofold, 1) examining differences in emotions and hand hygiene behavior among participants of two cultures when handling …

Comparative Geomatic Analysis Of Historic Development, Trends, And Functions Of Green Space In Kuwait City From 1982-2014, Yousif Abdullah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research assessed green space morphology in Kuwait City, explaining its evolution from 1982 to 2014, through the use of geo-informatics, including remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and cartography. This research examined archival and contemporary satellite images that show the distribution, size, amount, and type of green spaces in Kuwait City, within the framework of its surrounding urban, exurban, and suburban expansion, and landuse change. Through this integrated analysis, it was found that green space growth passed through three main stages: Early Stage, Growth Stage, and Stable Stage.

This study also examined the effective use of public parks and …

Controls On Dissolution Rate Variation At A Pair Of Underflow-Overflow Springs At The Savoy Experimental Watershed, Kiefer Allen Vaughn

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Physical dissolution experiments and numerical modeling have been used in the past to study limestone dissolution rates. Numerical models have typically used constant dissolution rates, whereas rates in nature vary in time. Limestone tablets allow natural estimation of rates over month time scales, but these rates cannot necessarily be extrapolated to geologic timescales and also do not aid our understanding of short term variability. This study characterizes natural variability in these rates and examines potential causes of that variability from first principles. This may enable more accurate projections of dissolution rates within models. This study combines measurement of physical and …

Effects Of Crystalline Amino Acid Supplementation Of Reduced Crude Protein (Rcp) Diet On Net Energy Basis On Growing-Finishing Swine, Daniel Cook

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Barrows and gilts (n=210) were used to test the effects of crystalline amino acid (AA) supplementation of reduced crude protein (RCP) diets formulated on a net energy basis on quality characteristics of the LM from growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were blocked by weight, and pens (3 barrows and 3 gilts/pen) within each block were assigned randomly to either corn-soybean meal diets (C) or 1 of 3 RCP diets and added crystalline AA levels for the dietary treatments during each feeding phase. During the last 3-wk feeding phase, 10 ppm of ractopamine were included in all diets. At slaughter and after a …

"V Is For Violin" - An Original Playscript, Brittany Taylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As and MFA playwrighting candidate, I was given the opportunity to witness a fully realized production of my work. For this academic opportunity I chose the "V is for Violin." I will discuss the genesis of the idea, the evolution of the play, research conducted, and what I learned in the production process of the show.

Policing And The Likelihood Of Terrorism: A Community Structural Approach To An Uncertain Relationship, Andy Bellamy Brooks

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Prior research on terrorism has argued that local law enforcement play an important role in counterterrorism though the mechanisms by which the police should prevent terrorism are empirically unsettled and atheoretical in nature. Even less understood is how policing might differentially impact terrorism across specific ideological movements (e.g., far-right, environmental, Islamic extremism). Drawing from prominent sociological and criminological theories (i.e., Environmental perspectives, Social Disorganization, Conflict/Marxist) the current study addresses several key gaps in prior literature by utilizing data from the American Terrorism Study (ATS) paired with data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report and U.S. Census Bureau. Results suggest that …

Political Harvests: Transnational Farmers' Movements In North Dakota And Saskatchewan, 1905-1950, Jason Mccollom

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research uses as a case study farmers' movements in North Dakota and Saskatchewan, two identical locales in terms of wheat monoculture, demographics, and agrarian ideology, and traces the differing Social, economic, and political outcomes between 1905 and 1950. The research, however, moves beyond this and also investigates the transnational integration, connections, and engagements among agrarian groups across the broader North American northern plains and across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, to Europe, the Soviet Union, and Australia. Methodologically, this study applies Social movement theory, pioneered by sociologists Doug McAdam, Sidney Tarrow, and Charles Tilley, which seeks to replace a …