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Antiinflammatory And Immunosuppressive Activity Of Sialostatin L, A Salivary Cystatin From The Tick Ixodes Scapularis, Michalis Kotsyfakis, Anderson Sá-Nunes, Ivo M. B. Francischetti, Thomas N. Mather, John F. Anderson, José M. Ribeiro

Past Departments Faculty Publications (CELS)

Here we report the ability of the tick Ixodes scapularis, the main vector of Lyme disease in the United States, to actively and specifically affect the host proteolytic activity in the sites of infestation through the release of a cystatin constituent of its saliva. The cystatin presence in the saliva was verified both biochemically and immunologically. We named the protein sialostatin L because of its inhibitory action against cathepsin L. We also show that the proteases it targets, although limited in number, have a prominent role in the proteolytic cascades that take place in the extracellular and intracellular environment. …

Trapping Phyllophaga Spp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) In The United States And Canada Using Sex Attractants, Paul S. Robbins, Steven R. Alm, Et Al

Plant Sciences and Entomology Faculty Publications

The sex pheromone of the scarab beetle, Phyllophaga anxia, is a blend of the methyl esters of two amino acids, L-valine and L-isoleucine. A field trapping study was conducted, deploying different blends of the two compounds at 59 locations in the United States and Canada. More than 57,000 males of 61 Phyllophaga species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) were captured and identified. Three major findings included: (1) widespread use of the two compounds [of the 147 Phyllophaga (sensu stricto) species found in the United States and Canada, males of nearly 40% were captured]; (2) in most species intraspecific male …

Renaissance 2006, University Of Rhode Island

URI Yearbooks

This is a digitized, downloadable version of the University of Rhode Island yearbook.

Seasonal Variation In Mussel Byssal Thread Mechanics, Gretchen M. Moeser, Emily Carrington

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, attaches itself to the substrate by producing a radially arranged complex of collagenous byssal threads. The strength of byssal attachment, or tenacity, has been shown to vary seasonally on Rhode Island shores, increasing twofold in spring in comparison with fall. It was previously assumed that this seasonality was due to increased thread production following periods of increased wave action; however, recent findings do not support this view. As an alternate hypothesis, this study evaluates the contribution of seasonal changes in the material properties of byssal threads to an annual cycle in mussel attachment …

Role Of Gluconeogenesis And The Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle In The Virulence Of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Typhimurium In Balb/C Mice, Merlin Tchawa Yimga, Mary P. Leatham, James H. Allen, David C. Laux, Tyrrell Conway, Paul S. Cohen

Cell and Molecular Biology Faculty Publications

In Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, the Cra protein (catabolite repressor/activator) regulates utilization of gluconeogenic carbon sources by activating transcription of genes in the gluconeogenic pathway, the glyoxylate bypass, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and electron transport and repressing genes encoding glycolytic enzymes. A serovar Typhimurium SR-11 Δcra mutant was recently reported to be avirulent in BALB/c mice via the peroral route, suggesting that gluconeogenesis may be required for virulence. In the present study, specific SR-11 genes in the gluconeogenic pathway were deleted (fbp, glpX, ppsA, and pckA), and the …

2,6‐Hexadecadiynoic Acid And 2,6‐Nonadecadiynoic Acid: Novel Synthesized Acetylenic Fatty Acids As Potent Antifungal Agents, Néstor M. Carballeira, David Sanabria, Clarisa Cruz, Keykavous Parang, Baojie Wan, Scott Franzblau

Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

The hitherto unknown 2,6‐hexadecadiynoic acid, 2,6‐nonadecadiynoic acid, and 2,9‐hexadecadiynoic acid were synthesized in two steps and in 11–18% overall yields starting from either 1,5‐hexadiyne or 1,8‐nonadiyne. Among all the compounds 2,6‐hexadecadiynoic acid displayed the best overall antifungal activity against both the fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans strains ATCC 14053 and ATCC 60193, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC of 11 μM), and against Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 66031 (MIC<5.7 μM). 2,9‐Hexadecadiynoic acid did not display any significant cytotoxicity against the fluconazole‐resistant C. albicans strains, but it showed fungitoxicity against C. neoformans ATCC 66031 with a MIC value of <5.8 μM. Other FA, such as 2‐hexadecynoic acid, 5‐hexadecynoic acid, 9‐hexadecynoic acid, and 6‐nonadecynoic acid were also synthesized and their antifungal activities compared with those of the novel acetylenic FA, 2‐Hexadecynoic acid, a known antifungal FA, exhibited the best antifungal activity (MIC=9.4 μM) against the fluconazole‐resistant C, albicans ATCC 14053 strain, but it showed a MIC value of only 100 μM against C. …

Effects Of Social Competence Promotion On Aggressive Behavior: A Meta-Analytic Review, Diane Whipple

Open Access Master's Theses

This meta-analysis of 13 samples examined outcomes of social competence promotion (SCP) with aggressive children (total N = 1,179). Aggression levels post-treatment were summarized with the standardized mean gain statistic. The results indicate that SCP produced small/moderate (Hedge's g = - 0.28) decreases in children's aggression. Teachers (g = - 0.32), however, perceived higher decreases in children ' s aggression post-treatment than parents (g = - 0.12). Standard multiple regressions revealed that 55% of variance in aggression levels are explained by the percentage of Whites in the sample as well as by the length of treatment (BetaR² = 0.551). …

Functional Properties Of The Isomorphic Biphasic Algal Life Cycle, Carol S. Thornber

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Many species of marine algae have life cycles that involve multiple separate, free-living phases that frequently differ in ploidy levels. These complex life cycles have received increasing scientific attention over the past few decades, due to their usefulness for both ecological and evolutionary studies. I present a synthesis of our current knowledge of the ecological functioning and evolutionary implications of the isomorphic, biphasic life cycles commonly found in many species of marine algae. There are both costs and benefits to life cycles with 2 morphologically similar but separate, free-living phases that differ in ploidy levels (haploids and diploids). Evolutionary theory …

Multiplex Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Pcr For F+-Specific Rna Coliphages: A Method For Use In Microbial Source Tracking, Merek Kirs, David C. Smith

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

It is well documented that microbial contamination of coastal waters poses a significant risk to human health through recreational exposure and consumption of shellfish. Identifying the source of microbial contamination (microbial source tracking) plays a dominant role in enabling effective management and remediation strategies. One method used to determine the source of the contamination is quantification of the ratio of the four subgroups of F⁺-specific RNA coliphages (family Leviviridae) in impacted water samples. Because of typically low concentrations in the environment, enrichment assays are performed prior to detection, even though differential replication rates have been reported. These …

Show Me The Numbers: What Data Currently Exist For Non‐Native Species In The Usa?, Alycia W. Crall, Laura A. Meyerson, Thomas J. Stohlgren, Catherine S. Jarnevich, Gregory J. Newman, Jim Graham

Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications

Non‐native species continue to be introduced to the United States from other countries via trade and transportation, creating a growing need for early detection and rapid response to new invaders. It is therefore increasingly important to synthesize existing data on non‐native species abundance and distributions. However, no comprehensive analysis of existing data has been undertaken for non‐native species, and there have been few efforts to improve collaboration. We therefore conducted a survey to determine what datasets currently exist for non‐native species in the US from county, state, multi‐state region, national, and global scales. We identified 319 datasets and collected metadata …

Toward A Pure Land: An Analysis Of Shared Stories Of Jing Si Abode, Guo-Ming Chen

Communication Studies Faculty Publications

Established in 1966 as the Tzu Chi Merits Society by Master Cheng Yen with the support of only 30 housewives, this non-profit organization has over four million supporters worldwide. For more than 30 years, the Tzu Chi organization continues to concentrate its missions and invite all people to join them to purify their minds, pacify society, and work toward a disaster-free world. This study analyzed the culture of Jing Si Abode, the original place of the Tzu Chi organization, which serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the organization. Through the analysis of members’ shared stories, a picture of …

The New Student Record : The University Of Rhode Island, The Interfraternity/Panhellenic Councils

Freshman Record

No abstract provided.

Review Of Félix Bracquemond Et Les Arts Décoratifs: Du Japonisme À L'Art Nouveau By Jean-Paul Bouillon, Rossella Froissart-Pezone, Pamela J. Warner

Art and Art History Faculty Publications

Translation from French to English by Pamela J. Warner of Rossella Froissart-Pezone's review of:

Jean-Paul Bouillon, Félix Bracquemond et les arts décoratifs: Du japonisme à VArt nouveau, exh. cat. Paris: Éditions de la Réunion des Musées Nationaux, 2005. 228 pp., 160 color pls., bibliog. Paper, EUR 45.

Transculturation Of Visual Signs: A Case Analysis Of The Swastika, Joanne Mundorf, Guo-Ming Chen

Communication Studies Faculty Publications

This study explores how the meaning of visual signs changes through the process of transculturation applied to the key Nazi symbol, the swastika. A historical case study of forty-two Nazi and pre-Nazi stamps is conducted to analyze key factors in the process of creating meaning. The study finds that timing, control, history, and universalism are key factors for the transculturation of the swastika. A preliminary model of transculturation is presented. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.

Structural And Functional Studies Of The Csk And *Src Family Protein Tyrosine Kinases, Marina Ayrapetov

Open Access Dissertations

Signaling networks are vital to the proper functioning and survival of the cell and the organism. Src family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are involved in a variety of signal transduction events. Activation and over-expression of SFKs lead to development of a variety of human carcinomas. Regulatory mechanisms of Src family members in the cell are not fully understood. One of the known negative regulatory mechanisms for Src is phosphorylation of the C-terminal tyrosine residue by of the Csk family kinases. The Csk family has two members: Csk and Csk homologous kinase (Chk). The presence of two homologous PTKs raises important …

Richness Trends Of Mosasaurs (Diapside, Squamata) During The Late Cretaceous, Marcus R. Ross

Open Access Dissertations

Late Cretaceous marine sedimentary deposits from North America, The Netherlands, and Belgium are correlated on the basis of ammonites, calcareous nannofossils, sequence stratigraphy, and absolute age methods. These correlations provide the rationale for the construction of fifteen stratigraphically correlated assemblages (SCAs), informal sub-stage level subdivisions designed to provide a broad framework for compiling and organizing marine vertebrate fossils from far-ranging localities with high levels of biostratigraphic resolution.

A database of 1,805 globally distributed mosasaur specimens, each assigned to one of the fifteen SCAs and consisting of a minimum number of 354 individuals, is quantitatively analyzed to illuminate trends within the …

Uri Undergraduate And Graduate Course Catalog 2006-2007, University Of Rhode Island

URI Course Catalogs Archive

This is a digitized, downloadable version of the University of Rhode Island course catalog.

"Man With Box", David D. Malley

Open Access Dissertations

Dating back to Edgar Allen Poe, short story criticism has pointed to the genre's ultimate and crucial goal of achieving an effect upon the reader. Indeed, a short story's effect upon the reader is integral to an explication of the story's themes. Further, the short story in its purest form visits upon the reader the effect of experiencing a perception of reality which lacks those psychic defense mechanisms that dominate our perceptions in everyday life. One can achieve the effect spoken of above in a number of ways. However, given my chosen themes in this collection of stories, the majority …

The Role Of Osmolyte Transporters And Heat Shock Proteins In Adaptation Of Atlantic Salmon To Selected Stressors, Jacques Zarate

Open Access Dissertations

The effects of hyperosmotic and husbandry related stress on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and the mechanisms employed in response were investigated. To assess the role of taurine and betaine transport proteins in contending with hyperosmotic stress, a cDNA encoding the salmon taurine transporter was cloned. Exposure of various isolated tissues to hyperosmotic stress led to a 2 to 5 fold increase in taurine transporter mRNA. The transfer of juvenile salmon to seawater in October elicited a similar response. Supplementation of culture media with taurine failed to reduce mortality or alleviate a hyperosmotic induced decrease in protein synthesis in isolated tissues. …

The Contributions Of Murine Kc And Mip-2 In Hemorrhage Induced Neutrophil Priming For Acute Lung Injury Following Subsequent Septic Challenge, Joanne Lomas-Neira

Open Access Dissertations

Trauma patients represent a significant risk for the development of ALI following exposure to a secondary infectious challenge. This risk is suggested to be associated with an event that "primes" certain members of the immune cell population such that a subsequent/secondary challenge elicits a dys-functional response. Characteristics of ALI are neutrophil sequestration in the lung, delayed neutrophil apoptosis and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Chemokines are proteins produced by immune and resident tissue cells in response to inflammation and function as regulators of neutrophil trafficking and cytolytic activity. Keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) are mouse homologues of human neutrophil …

Requirement Of Integrin α5β1 And Tyrosine Phosphorylation Of Shc For Prohb-Egf Release By Gpr30, A Seven Transmembrane Receptor For Estrogen, Jeffrey Alan Quinn

Open Access Dissertations

Estrogen acts via a seven transmembrane receptor (7TMR), GPR30, to stimulate an HB-EGF autocrine loop. Here, evidence is provided that integrin α5β1 is a necessary transmembrane signaling intermediary required for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated release of proHB-EGF by GPR30. Estrogen stimulation of human SKBR3 breast cancer cells, which lack ERα and ERβ, resulted in recruitment of integrin α5β1 to focal adhesions, formation of actin stress fibers, and assembly of fibronectin (FN) fibrils. Expression of a GPR30 mutant in SKBR3 cells selectively abrogated FN matrix assembly and EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation by estrogen. Disruption of cytoskeletal integrity or inhibition of integrin α5β1 with …

Modeling Of The Cardiovascular System With Integrated Finite Element And Electrical Analog Methods, Rumei Dong

Open Access Dissertations

In this study, a model of the cardiovascular system was developed by integrating a finite element model of the left ventricle (LV) with an electrical analog model of the circulatory system. The integrated model related the regional LV wall impairment with its overall hemodynamic consequences. The model and simulation system was completely implemented in customized C++ software. Applications of the model for studying cardiovascular dynamics and surgical ventricular restoration were demonstrated. A finite element method was applied to a two-dimensional (2D) long-axis slice of the LV wall. The three-dimensional (3D) LV geometry was interpolated from two LV slices, one representing …

Transmission Loss In Manatee Habitats, Jennifer L. Miksis-Olds, James H. Miller

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

The Florida manatee is regularly exposed to high volumes of vessel traffic and other human-related noise because of its coastal distribution. Quantifying specific aspects of the manatee’s acoustic environment will allow for a better understanding of how these animals respond to both natural and human-induced changes in their environment. Transmission loss measurements were made in 24 sampling sites that were chosen based on the frequency of manatee presence. The Monterey-Miami Parabolic Equation model was used to relate environmental parameters to transmission loss in two extremely shallow water environments: seagrass beds and dredged habitats. Model accuracy was verified by field tests …

Currents, Eddies, And A "Fish Story" In The Southwestern Japan/East Sea, D. Randolph Watts, Mark Wimbush, Karen L. Tracey, William J. Teague, Jae-Hun Park, Douglas A. Mitchell, Jong-Hwan Yoon, Moon-Sik Suk, Kyung-Il Chang

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

As part of the Japan/East Sea (JES) initiative supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, we conducted an observational experiment to understand the physics of the mesoscale circulation in the Ulleung Basin, located in the southwestern corner of the JES. The current passing through the Korea Strait divides upon entering the JES, with portions of the current flowing along the Korean and Japanese coasts. The variability of these currents is especially energetic in our study region. Our objectives were to measure the time-varying currents in the upper and deep levels of the JES. We relate the population density of …

Biological Control Of The Vernal Population Increase Of Calanus Finmarchicus On Georges Bank, Xingwen Li, Dennis J. Mcgillicuddy Jr., Edward G. Durbin, Peter H. Wiebe

Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications

An adjoint data assimilation approach was used to quantify the physical and biological controls on Calanus finmarchicus N₃–C₆ stages on Georges Bank and its nearby environs. The mean seasonal cycle of vertically averaged distributions, from 5 years of the GLOBEC Georges Bank Broad-Scale Surveys between January and June, was assimilated into a physical–biological model based on the climatological circulation. Large seasonal and spatial variability is present in the inferred supply sources, mortality rates, computed molting fluxes, and physical transports. Estimated mortalities fall within the range of observed rates, and exhibit stage structure that is consistent with earlier …

Testing For Explosives: Forensics And Hazards, Suvarna Kishore Marimganti

Open Access Dissertations

Hair has been used extensively for detection of drugs. Hair analysis has also been shown to be quicker and less invasive than other methods used for analysis of environmental pollutants in biological systems. This study examined the ability of hair to pick up explosives [2, 4, 6-trinitro toluene (TNT), hexahydro-1, 3, 3-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), 2, 4-dinitrotoluene (2, 4-DNT), nitroglycerine (NG), triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and diacetone diperoxide (DADP)] via vapor diffusion. The results showed that the sorption of explosive to black hair is significantly higher than brown, blond and bleached hair. The hair did not …

Effects Of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals On Fish Reproduction And Reproductive Indicators, Lesley Judith Mills

Open Access Dissertations

The central hypothesis tested in this dissertation is that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in the aquatic environment disrupt reproductive processes in fish. To gain a broad perspective of existing evidence, a review of the current literature was conducted. From this literature review, the lack of a dependable method or indicator to assess reproductive fitness of fish in situ was identified as an outstanding need. In laboratory experiments, reproductive endpoints (egg production, fertility and viablity) were measured in the marine fish Tautogolabrus adspersus , or cunner, implanted with estrogens. Estrone and ethynylestradiol significantly reduced egg production in treated cunner at the …

Manatee Response To Environmental Noise, Jennifer L. Miksis-Olds

Open Access Dissertations

The most pressing concerns associated with conservation of the endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) include habitat alteration and mortality caused by humans. Whereas considerable research has focused on manatee mortality associated with watercraft collisions, little attention has been paid to the impacts of noise created by watercraft. Potential effects of environmental noise on the habitat selection, distribution, and behavior of manatees are the foci of this dissertation, the primary goal of which was to understand and predict manatee behavior patterns as a function of environmental noise levels in the Sarasota Bay area. Manatee behavior was examined in terms of: …

The Incorporation Of Communicative Language Teaching Into The Elaboration Of Interactive Software For Esl/Efl Learning, Vladia Borges

Open Access Dissertations

This study investigated the extent to which ESL/EFL software programs currently available on the market develop language skills according to the principles of Communicative Teaching and an interactive approach to computer use for language learning. A software evaluation instrument was developed and validated. The validated instrument was used to evaluate fifteen ESL/EFL software programs currently available on the market for the technological, pedagogical and individualization features that would account for the incorporation of Communicative Language Teaching principles and an interactive approach to computer use in language teaching. Results indicated that only three programs incorporated more than seventy-five percent of the …

The Genres Of Tutor Training: Searching For Reflective Practice, Elaine Hays

Open Access Dissertations

As those involved in writing center work acknowledge, tutor training, whether informal or formal, is at the center of effective one-on-one instruction. The tutor training manual has become a popular tool for tutor education, but not always deemed useful. Likewise, the activities called "tutor training," vary with institutional context and, of course, budget and time. Still, from the onset of peer tutor training and collaborative learning, the intellectual development of the tutor was deemed as significant, if not more so, than assuring that the tutors knew what to do, or not do, during a tutoring session. Drawing on a lineage …