Digital Commons Network^™

The Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury And Alzheimer's Disease: Mouse Models And Potential Mechanisms, Hien Tran

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Alzheimer's disease: AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized pathologically by progressive neuronal loss, extracellular plaques containing the amyloid-β: Aβ) peptides, and neurofibrillary tangles: NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Aβ is thought to act upstream of tau, affecting its phosphorylation and therefore aggregation state. One of the major risk factors for AD is traumatic brain injury: TBI). Acute intra-axonal Aβ and diffuse extracellular plaques occur in approximately 30% of human subjects following severe TBI. Intra-axonal accumulations of total and phospho-tau and less frequently NFTs have also been found in these patients. Due to the lack of an appropriate small animal …

Molecular Genetic Analysis Of Non-Catalytic Pol Iv And V Subunits, Ek Han Tan

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Among eukaryotes, plants have the distinction of encoding multisubunit RNA polymerases used exclusively for RNA directed DNA Methylation: RdDM) in addition to Pol I, II, and III. In Arabidopsis thaliana, Pol IV is required for the biogenesis of 24nt siRNAs whereas Pol V transcription is needed for cytosine methylation of the DNA sequences corresponding to these siRNAs. The ancestry of Pol IV and V can be traced back to Pol II, and Pol II, IV and V still utilize multiple non-catalytic subunits encoded by the same genes. Genetic analysis of non-catalytic subunits that are highly similar reveals that these subunits …

Dietary Shifts, Niche Relationships And Interspecific Competition In Sympatric Grey Langur (Semnopithecus Entellus) And Purple-Faced Langur (Trachypithecus Vetulus) In Sri Lanka, Rajnish Vandercone

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Understanding how niche differences evolve in ecologically similar species and how these differences are maintained ecologically is a fundamental question in ecology. Interspecific competition has been shown to influence the behavior and ecology of organisms in a wide range of ecological communities. However, the broader role of interspecific competition in primate communities is unclear as relatively few studies have explored this question. This is especially true for folivorous primate communities, such as those of colobine monkeys, in which the influence of interspecific competition on aspects of the ecology of these monkeys is yet to be determined. In this dissertation, I …

The Role Of Schwann Cell Mitochondrial Metabolism In Schwann Cell Biology And Axonal Survival, Andreu Viader

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a common cause of peripheral neuropathies. While the role of neuronal and axonal mitochondria in peripheral nerve disease is well appreciated, whether Schwann cell: SC) mitochondrial deficits contribute to peripheral neuropathies is unclear. Greater insight into the biology and pathology of SC mitochondrial metabolism could be relevant to the treatment of peripheral neuropathies, particularly because SCs critically support axonal stability and function as well as promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The present thesis investigates the contribution of SC mitochondrial deficits to disease progression in peripheral neuropathies as well as the gene regulatory network that drives the …

Suprachiasmatic Nuclei Development: A Characterization Of Transcription Factors And The Influence Of Retinal Innervation And Vip Signaling, Cassandra Vandunk

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The suprachiasmatic nuclei: SCN) are highly specialized neural structures with an essential behavioral function; creating the rhythm of the mammalian central clock and entraining that internal clock to the external world. The nuclei each consist of approximately 10,000 neurons, each capable of creating near 24 h rhythms, organized into a highly structured network. While the molecular clockwork underlying the rhythm within neurons and network properties have been well studied, how the nuclei are initially specified and how the network develops is poorly understood. Herein, we seek to elucidate the genes and mechanisms involved in the specification and development of SCN …

Studies Of Fluorescent Imaging For Mrna Detection In Living Cells, Zhenghui Wang

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

This dissertation focuses on the study of imaging mRNA in living cells. To achieve this research objective, three approaches have been utilized:: 1) Imaging of a transgenic mRNA tagged by multiple repeats of malachite green: MG) binding aptamer.: 2) Imaging of inducible nitric oxide synthase: iNOS) mRNA by strand-displacement activated Peptide Nucleic Acid: PNA) probes.: 3) Imaging of iNOS mRNA by binary fluorescently labeled PNA probes. The first approach was based on the work of our former lab member Dr. Huafeng Fang, who had constructed a multiple MG binding aptamer tagged transgene: Flag-mβ2AR-GFP-MGVI), which could also express a green fluorescence …

Targeting And Activity Of The Aaa+ Atpase Torsina Within The Endoplasmic Reticulum, Abigail Vander Heyden

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

AAA+ ATPase enzymes couple ATP hydrolysis to the exertion of conformational change on a substrate. TorsinA is one of the few AAA+ ATPases that resides within the lumen of the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum: ER). A glutamic acid deletion in the catalytic domain of torsinA causes DYT1 dystonia, but torsinA's function and the basis for disease remain unclear. I show that torsinA is dynamically targeted from the bulk ER to nuclear envelope: NE) upon coexpression with a cofactor protein, LULL1, and that torsinA's movement into the NE is concomitant with displacement of select linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton: LINC) complex …

Role Of The Arf Tumor Suppressor In Osteoclasts, Crystal Winkeler

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The ARF tumor suppressor is upregulated upon oncogenic stress. ARF can suppress cell proliferation in both p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms. We have focused on ARF's ability to suppress protein synthesis in a p53-independent manner. Given that protein synthesis and the cell cycle are coordinately controlled, this arm of ARF tumor suppression also contributes to the restraint of cell proliferation. Our lab has recently shown that basal ARF suppresses protein synthesis in mitotic cells. The focus of my dissertation has been to determine whether basal ARF regulates cell growth in a post-mitotic setting. We used the osteoclast: OC) as a model …

Quantitative Analysis Demonstrates Most Transcription Factors Require Only Simple Models Of Specificity, Yue Zhao

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Organisms must control their gene expression to properly respond to developmental, stress or other environmental cues. A key part of this process is transcriptional regulation, which is largely accomplished by a complex network of transcription factor proteins: TFs) interact with their specific binding sites in the genome. Understanding how TFs select correct binding sites out of the vast number of potential binding sites in the genome is a key challenge in molecular biology. Recently, unprecedented amount of quantitative binding data have become available as results of developments in high-throughput experimental techniques. However, interpretation of high-throughput binding data has proved to …

Pornography Addiction: A Cognitive Approach In Combating The Lies Christian Males Believe, Farid Awad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pornography addiction has grown in epidemic numbers. Its bondage is evident within and outside the church walls. While sex and sexually explicit images saturate our daily lives, God continues to call His people to be holy as He is holy. Freedom from pornography addiction can be achieved only through intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and by accepting the atoning work of His cross for all believers. This thesis will redefine pornography through the lens of the Scripture and primarily focus on cognitive lies regarding oneself and others, which are crippling and ensnaring men into the trap of pornography. This study …

Insecure Attachment, Self-Discrepancy, Suicidal Tendency In A Sample Of Korean And Korean-American: A Path Model Of Suicide, Joongkeun Joseph Yoo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Suicide, an intended self-destructive behavior, has various etiological risk factors related to social, biochemical, psychological, and even political components. Due to the need of psychological investigations for the multidisciplinary assessment of suicide, the current study was designed to investigate the relationship between attachment and suicide tendency with the mediator, self-discrepancy. A path analysis was utilized in this study to evaluate for the relationship among variables in the model. For the study, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Short Form (ECR-S), the Integrated Self-Discrepancy Index (ISDI), and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory (PANSI) were employed as assessment instruments. The sample …

Identifying At Risk Mobile Students For Academic Failure, Katie Adrianne Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Student mobility can be described as movement from one school to another for any reason beyond grade promotion. Student mobility affects many areas of student learning. The causes of student mobility include disadvantages within the family unit, student behavior issues, and complicated school district initiatives. Research shows that student mobility issues affect all demographical areas; however, low-socioeconomic, urban areas have the highest percentage rate of movement. Student mobility negatively impacts student achievement in the areas of academics, social adjustment, and psychological well being. Although there is no overall solution to the mobility crisis, there are many strategies that can be …

Disabilities Through The Capability Approach Lens: Implications For Public Policies Handicap Au Travers De L’Approche Par Les Capabilités: Quelles Implications Pour Les Politiques Publiques ?, Jean-Francois Trani, Parul Bakhshi, Nicol Bellanca, Mario Biggeri, Francesca Marchetta

Brown School Faculty Publications

This paper explores the contribution of the capability approach of Amartya Sen and other authors to policy making in the specific case of disability policy. After reviewing existing models, their translation into action and their limitations in this regard, the paper introduces a new policy framework based on the capability approach. In particular, we introduce a new measure of functionings and capabilities. We investigate ways of measuring the gap between functionings, what people are able to do and be, and capabilities – the valuable practical opportunities people have and choose from. The possibility of the elaboration of such a disability …

Icts Research Collaboration Survey Results, Center For Public Health Systems Science, Douglas Luke

Center for Public Health Systems Science

This report provides the results from the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) Research Collaboration Survey. The ICTS Research Collaboration Survey was developed to better understand the collaborative research partnerships of ICTS members. The survey included demographic, collaboration network, and general attitude and satisfaction questions.

Family Law Scholarship Goes To Court: Functional Parenthood And The Case Of Debra H. V. Janice R., Suzanne B. Goldberg, Harriet Antczak, Mark Musico

Faculty Scholarship

Family law literature, while diverse in its exploration of contemporary families, also offers important threads of consensus. These strong points of coherence, when brought together with relevant case law, can be a useful means of advancing the academic conversation as well as engaging directly with courts to shape the law's development.

In a field as complex as family law, myriad academic viewpoints on any given issue often make it difficult to imagine scholarly discussion having utility for courts. As we aim to show here, however, amicus briefs can be important vehicles for synthesizing the literature, highlighting basic points of consensus …

Microbiology, Steelman Library, B Mcconchie Dr.

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

Developmental Biology (Embryology), Steelman Library, Todd D. Schraw Dr.

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

Equestrian Perniosis, Donald J. Adler Do, Marie S. Lewars Do

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Quantitative Oxygen Imaging With A Display Screen And A Color Camera, Sanghan Park

Masters Theses

"Optical oxygen sensing uses luminophores such as metal complex dyes that respond to oxygen when illuminated by their specific excitation wavelengths. Traditional optical instruments are mostly spectrometric instruments based on the measurements of emission, absorption or reflection. There is, however, a great need to develop simple, economical, photometric detection components toward quantitative and two-dimensional imaging instruments.

In this work, familiar optoelectronic devices were utilized to demonstrate a simple determination method of gaseous oxygen both quantitatively and qualitatively. A liquid crystal display (LCD) screen and a color charge-coupled device (CCD) camera were employed as a light source for fluorescence excitation and …

Continuous Monitoring Of Bioactive Glass Conversion Using Optical Biosensors, Prajakta Bhagwat

Masters Theses

"The engineered regeneration of bone is a significant challenge being undertaken to treat conditions such as traumatic casualties, bone cancer, osteoporosis, etc. Advances in hard tissue regrowth may potentially lead to significantly improved lives for millions of people. Bioactive glasses as potential materials in the fabrication of scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration have been studied recently. Bone regrowth requires maintenance of optimal levels of oxygen, glucose, phosphate, calcium, and pH. Current work at Missouri S & T's Center for Bone and Tissue Repair and Restoration focuses on developing optical biosensors to monitor: conversion of bioactive glass to hydroxyapatite, ease of …

Selective Laser Sintering Of 13-93 Bioactive Glass, Krishna C. R. Kolan

Masters Theses

"Bioactive glasses are promising materials for bone scaffolds due to their ability to assist in tissue regeneration. When implanted in vivo, bioactive glasses can convert to hydroxyapatite, the main mineral constituent of human bone and form a strong bond with the surrounding tissues, thus providing an advantage over polymer scaffold materials. Bone scaffold fabrication using additive manufacturing techniques like selective laser sintering (SLS) provide control over pore interconnectivity during the fabrication of scaffold, which helps in mimicking human trabecular bone. 13-93 glass, a third-generation bioactive material designed to accelerate the body's natural ability to heal itself, was used in …

Ethnic Identity, Eating Disorder Symptoms, And Perfectionism In A Multi-Ethnic Sample Of Women At High-Risk For Eating Disorders, Juliette Mcclendon-Iacovino

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Abstract: Objective: Previous data suggests that ethnic identity: i.e., belonging, affirmation, and commitment to an ethnic group; EI) is associated with eating disorder: ED) symptoms in ethnic minority women. The current study examined whether level of EI affects the association between perfectionism and ED symptoms in a multi-ethnic sample. Methods: 375 women ages 18-25 at high-risk for ED onset: 55.1% Caucasian, 18.7% Asian/Asian-American, 9.6% black/African-American, 9.9% Latina) were recruited as part of a randomized-controlled trial of an Internet-based ED prevention program, and completed questionnaires prior to randomization. EI was measured by the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure; perfectionism by the Eating …

A Graph-Based Algorithm To Determine Protein Structure From Cryo-Em Data, Stephen Schuh

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Cryo-electron microscopy: cryo-EM) provides 3D density maps of proteins, but these maps do not have sufficiently high resolution to directly yield atomic-scale models. Previous work has shown that features known as secondary structures can be located in these density maps. A second source of information about proteins is sequence analysis, which predicts locations of secondary structures along the protein sequence but does not provide any information about the 3D shape of the protein. This thesis presents a graph-based algorithm to find the correspondence between the secondary structures in the density map and sequence. This provides an ordering of secondary structures …

Mechanisms Of Observed Neuroprotection Of Dopaminergic Neurons In Wallerian Degeneration Slow (Wlds) Mice, Jo Ann Antenor-Dorsey

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

An emerging hypothesis in Parkinson's disease: PD) is that dopaminergic: DA) neurons degenerate through a "dying back" axonopathy wherein degeneration begins in the distal axon and progresses over time towards the cell body. Impaired axonal transport also appears to play an early, pivotal role in PD. Thus processes that delay axonal transport dysfunction and/or axonal degeneration might slow PD progression. Previously, we and others have found that the WldS mouse mutant: "Wallerian degeneration-slow"), which exhibits delayed axonal degeneration after peripheral axonopathy, also protects DA terminal fields from the PD-mimetics 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine: MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine: 6-OHDA) in vivo. To understand the mechanisms …

Mhc Class I-Dependent Acquisition And Maintenance Of Natural Killer Cell Function, Julie Chase

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Natural killer: NK) cells are hematopoietically derived immune cells of the lymphoid lineage. Their effector functions, including cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity, are controlled by the integration of signals received from both activating and inhibitory receptors. In a phenomenon known as "missing-self" recognition, NK cells eliminate self-tissues with aberrantly low or absent MHC class I surface expression, as is common in settings of viral infection and transformation, when these cells fail to engage the critical NK cell inhibitory receptors. Interestingly, NK cells that develop in an MHC class I-deficient environment are defective in natural killing and hyporesponsive to stimulation through their …

Mass Spectrometry For Determination Of Conformation And Dynamics Of Proteins And Structure And Biosynthesis Of Bacterial Peptidoglycan, Jiawei Chen

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Mass spectrometry: MS) has emerged as an important tool for analyzing and characterizing large biomolecules. In this dissertation, two aspects of the development and application of MS-based approaches are presented; they include: 1) protein conformation and folding dynamics: in Chapters 2 to 5) and bacterial peptidoglycan: PG) structure and biosynthesis: Chapters 6 to 8). Chapter 1 serves as the introduction for both aspects. Part I of the dissertation focuses on the development of analytical methods combining fast photochemical oxidation of proteins: FPOP) and mass spectrometry analysis. In chapter 2 to 4, we discuss protein folding with sub-millisecond time resolution by …

A Hybrid Theory Of Global Justice, Jill Delston

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Although we have obligations to address global problems at a political level, we disagree on the source, justification, and content of these norms. For example, what kinds of obligations exist across national borders and why? What international actions are right and wrong? Who is required to perform these actions? When it is it permissible to use coercion at the global level? In my dissertation, I develop an original theory of global justice that can answer these questions and I show how my theory applies to current problems. I start by articulating why we need a theory of international justice and …

The Economic Organization Of Early Camelid Pastoralism In The Andean Highlands Of Bolivia, José Capriles Flores

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

A fundamental goal of anthropological research is to understand the reasons for and consequences of the development of specialized agricultural systems. The domestication of South American camelids: llamas and alpacas) was associated with the development of specialized pastoralist societies that are still poorly understood. In the central altiplano of Bolivia, during the Formative Period: 1800 BC − AD 400) a cultural complex known as Wankarani developed. Although Wankarani is often cited as an example of early herding society, to date, there has not been an archaeologically-oriented study, focused on understanding the characteristics of its basic economic organization. The goal of …

Myosin Vi Regulates Actin Structure Specialization Through Conserved Cargo-Binding Domain Sites, Mamiko Isaji, Marta Lenartowska, Tatsuhiko Noguchi, Deborah J. Frank, Kathryn G. Miller

Biology Faculty Research

Actin structures are often stable, remaining unchanged in organization for the lifetime of a differentiated cell. Little is known about stable actin structure formation, organization, or maintenance. During Drosophila spermatid individualization, long-lived actin cones mediate cellular remodeling. Myosin VI is necessary for building the dense meshwork at the cones' fronts. We test several ideas for myosin VI's mechanism of action using domain deletions or site-specific mutations of myosin VI. The head (motor) and globular tail (cargo-binding) domains were both needed for localization at the cone front and dense meshwork formation. Several conserved partner-binding sites in the globular tail previously identified …

Will The Use Of Less Fecund Cultivars Reduce The Invasiveness Of Perennial Plants?, Tiffany M. Knight, Kayri Havens, Pati Vitt

Biology Faculty Research

Many invasive species were originally introduced for horticultural purposes, and several continue to be profitable for the green (nursery, horticulture, and landscape) industry. Recently, some plant suppliers have marketed less fecund cultivars of several invasive species, including glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), burning bush (Euonymus alatus), and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), as “safe” alternatives to invasive relatives. We use published matrix population models to simulate the effect of reducing fecundity on the population growth rates of invasive species. We show that large changes in fecundity result in relatively small changes to the population growth rates of long-lived species, which suggests that …