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2013

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Long-Term Care: An Analysis Of Quality By Rurality In Illinois Nursing Homes, Kimberly M. Brombosz Jan 2013

Long-Term Care: An Analysis Of Quality By Rurality In Illinois Nursing Homes, Kimberly M. Brombosz

Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of care rating for long-term care facilities in rural versus urban Illinois locations. Using quality of care data available on medicare.gov, 774 Illinois long-term care facilities were compared to determine if a difference in quality of care existed based on rurality. Each facility was classified as either urban focused, large rural city/town (micropolitan) focused, small rural town focused, or isolated small rural town focused using the Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes provided by the Rural Health Research Center. Frequencies, ANOVA, and Scheffe tests were used to analyze the data. …


Characterization Of The Unique Flagellar Hook Structure Of The Spirochetes Borrelia Burgdorferi And Treponema Denticola, Kelly Ann Heintzelman Miller Jan 2013

Characterization Of The Unique Flagellar Hook Structure Of The Spirochetes Borrelia Burgdorferi And Treponema Denticola, Kelly Ann Heintzelman Miller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The long-term goal of this project is to better understand Borrelia burgdorferi and Treponema denticola motility as it relates to pathogenesis. The structure of the spirochete periplasmic flagella is unique when compared to externally located flagella. One unusual characteristic is the flagellar hook, which serves as a universal joint coupling rotation of the membrane bound motor complex to the flagellar filament. The hook is composed of approximately 120 FlgE monomers, and in bacteria with externally located flagella, these structures readily disassociate into monomers (~50 kDa) when treated with heat and detergent. However, in spirochetes the FlgE monomers form a large …


Systematic Analysis Of Carbon Nanotubes Toxicity In Cellular Systems, Gabrielle Rogers-Nieman Jan 2013

Systematic Analysis Of Carbon Nanotubes Toxicity In Cellular Systems, Gabrielle Rogers-Nieman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As the applied use for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) increases across engineering and biomedical sectors, a clear understanding of the deleterious effects surrounding CNT-induced toxicity, namely genotoxicity, is required. Currently, the exact genotoxic mechanisms that surround CNT-induced mitotic disruption that result in aneuploidy are not completely understood. Thus, there is a need for clear mechanical models to be formulated. Herein a comprehensive overview of the nanotube toxicity is provided insisting on the aspects related to CNTs genotoxicity.;In Chapter 1, I am providing a review of the current research in the CNT-s induced toxicity. I start by defining these members of the …


From Cellular Transport To Synthetic Biomimetic Transport Using Carbon Nanotube - Actin Hybrid Assemblies, Zahra Ronaghi Jan 2013

From Cellular Transport To Synthetic Biomimetic Transport Using Carbon Nanotube - Actin Hybrid Assemblies, Zahra Ronaghi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One of the many interesting materials that have emerged in the field of nanotechnology in the last quarter century is Carbon Nanotube (CNT). CNTs have been explored in a broad range of fields from electronic devices and biosensors, to bioimaging and tissue engineering. However, as stand-alone materials CNTs have limited capabilities in the field of biology and medicine unless they are combined with biological agents. Due to the similarity in diameters, CNTs can be combined with biomolecules such as enzymes, antibodies, antigens, DNA, etc. These "hybrid" assemblies will combine the properties of the CNTs with the recognition characteristics and functions …


Effectiveness Of Multi-View Face Images And Anthropometric Data In Real-Time Networked Biometrics, Sriram Sankar Jan 2013

Effectiveness Of Multi-View Face Images And Anthropometric Data In Real-Time Networked Biometrics, Sriram Sankar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Over the years, biometric systems have evolved into a reliable mechanism for establishing identity of individuals in the context of applications such as access control, personnel screening and criminal identification. However, recent terror attacks, security threats and intrusion attempts have necessitated a transition to modern biometric systems that can identify humans under unconstrained environments, in real-time. Specifically, the following are three critical transitions that are needed and which form the focus of this thesis: (1) In contrast to operation in an offline mode using previously acquired photographs and videos obtained under controlled environments, it is required that identification be performed …


Effect Of Electron Beam Radiation On Microbial Inactivation, Radio-Resistance And Nutritional Quality Of Food, Adiam Tsegai Tesfai Jan 2013

Effect Of Electron Beam Radiation On Microbial Inactivation, Radio-Resistance And Nutritional Quality Of Food, Adiam Tsegai Tesfai

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A non-thermal food processing method, Electron beam radiation efficiently inactivates foodborne pathogens. However, foodborne pathogens may develop resistance in response to sublethal stresses. Thus it is important to study the response of food microorganisms to e-beam and understand the mechanism underlying their survival abilities. The overall objective of this study was to examine the inactivation of foodborne microorganisms by electron beam radiation at sublethal levels, understand the radio-resistance development to this processing method and also to determine the effects of e-beam on chemical changes of nutrients in infant formula.;Four independent studies are included in this dissertation, in the first study, …


Investigations In Molecular Recognition Element Selection And Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Properties, Ryan Martin Williams Jan 2013

Investigations In Molecular Recognition Element Selection And Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Properties, Ryan Martin Williams

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The in vitro selection of Molecular Recognition Elements (MREs) is a powerful tool for identifying molecules useful in numerous applications. This is achieved using the iterative Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX) process. This technique utilizes a large library of 10 9-1015 different molecules which is enriched for those that bind to a target of interest. It also can be designed to enrich for molecules which do not bind to other, closely-related negative targets. We have developed a novel variation of this process called Decoy-SELEX. This enriches molecules that bind to the target of interest, but focuses on …


In Denial: The Role Of Law In Preparing For Death, Barbara A. Noah Jan 2013

In Denial: The Role Of Law In Preparing For Death, Barbara A. Noah

Faculty Scholarship

Only approximately 20% of Americans have engaged in any form of advance care planning and, even among older Americans, the process frequently is delayed until an acute illness provides sufficient pressure to act. End of life law, though flawed, offers some opportunity to express individual values and preferences via advance directives of various kinds in order to prepare for death before it is imminent. Yet many people avoid making these preparations because the thought of death is uncomfortable to confront. This Article considers the utility of existing law in preventing and resolving end of life disputes and avoiding over-utilization of …


[Including But Not Limited To] Violence Against Women, Giovanna Shay Jan 2013

[Including But Not Limited To] Violence Against Women, Giovanna Shay

Faculty Scholarship

This Article highlights three developments in criminal justice in 2012 that marked the move toward more gender-inclusive anti-violence movements: the FBI’s adoption of a gender-neutral definition of rape; the debate regarding the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA); and the promulgation of new Department of Justice (DOJ) regulations under the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA). These recent developments reveal a growing movement towards more gender-inclusive conceptions of rape and intimate partner violence. The change to a more gender-inclusive approach will have many implications for criminal justice policy and institutions. One critical project is to ensure that …


"On The Basis Of Sex": Using Title Ix To Protect Transgender Students From Discrimination In Education, Erin E. Buzuvis Jan 2013

"On The Basis Of Sex": Using Title Ix To Protect Transgender Students From Discrimination In Education, Erin E. Buzuvis

Faculty Scholarship

Transgender students are vulnerable to discrimination, exclusion, and harassment, and it is not clear to what extent this discrimination is prohibited by law. Title IX, the federal law prohibiting discrimination "on the basis of sex" in federally-funded schools, does not expressly prohibit discrimination against transgender students. Yet it is possible to interpret the prohibition on sex discrimination in a number of different ways that would make the law available to transgender plaintiffs in some, many, or all cases of discrimination otherwise covered by the statute. Since Title IX has only been invoked in a handful of transgender rights cases, litigants …


Introduction To Altmetrics For Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Librarians, Linda M. Galloway, Janet Pease, Anne E. Rauh Jan 2013

Introduction To Altmetrics For Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Librarians, Linda M. Galloway, Janet Pease, Anne E. Rauh

Librarian Publications

Quantifying scholarly output via citation metrics is the time-honored method to gauge academic success. Altmetrics, or alternative citation metrics, provide researchers and scholars with new ways to track influence across evolving modes of scholarly communication. This article will give librarians an overview of new trends in measuring scholarly influence, introduce them to altmetrics tools, and encourage them to engage with researchers in discussion of these new metrics.


Four Questions About Fracking, Thomas W. Merrill Jan 2013

Four Questions About Fracking, Thomas W. Merrill

Faculty Scholarship

It is difficult to think of a more timely or important topic than horizontal hydraulic fracturing and its impact on the environment. It is especially useful to have an exchange of views on this subject now, before the statutes, regulations, and court decisions start to roll in. Law professors – I cannot speak for anyone else – have a strong proclivity for backward-looking analysis, dissecting what should have been done after the basic direction of the law is set and the courts have spoken. It is much more useful to weigh the pros and cons of different approaches at an …


The Phenotypic Expression Of Usp14 Deficiency Is Dependent Upon Genetic Background, Andrea Gail Marshall Jan 2013

The Phenotypic Expression Of Usp14 Deficiency Is Dependent Upon Genetic Background, Andrea Gail Marshall

All ETDs from UAB

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays a critical role in regulating a diversity of cellular processes that are essential to neuronal function, such as synaptic transmission, axon guidance, and neurite outgrowth. Dysfunctions of the UPS are linked with many neurodegenerative disorders, including motor neuron diseases like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although it is not known how UPS dysfunction contributes to disease pathology. The proteasome, an approximate 2.5 megadalton protein complex comprised of a 20S core particle and 19S regulatory particle, is the site of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in the cell. Recent studies have linked ubiquitin specific …


In Vitro Prevascularization Of 3d Tissue Constructs, Lauren Marshall Jan 2013

In Vitro Prevascularization Of 3d Tissue Constructs, Lauren Marshall

All ETDs from UAB

There is a need for more effective therapies to combat breast cancer. One reason for the inefficiency of therapeutics is that testing technologies currently employed in drug discovery and development are not reliable when transitioning drugs into human clinical trials. To supplement the currently used in vitro cell culture studies and in vivo animal studies, an in vitro three-dimensional breast tumor system has been suggested with integration of human cells, hydrogel biomaterials, 3D architecture, and endothelialized microchannels. Therefore, the objective of the thesis project, as an initial step in fabrication of the supplemental system for drug testing, is to fabricate …


Cd5 Regulation Of T Helper Cell Differentiation And Cytokine Signaling, Donald J. Mcguire Jan 2013

Cd5 Regulation Of T Helper Cell Differentiation And Cytokine Signaling, Donald J. Mcguire

All ETDs from UAB

CD5 is expressed on T and B1a cells and is an important regulator of cell survival and activation. Engagement of CD5 promotes cell survival through the activation of the serine threonine kinase CK2. Mice with genetic abrogation of CD5 binding to CK2 (CD5∆CK2bd) exhibited reduced severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis that was associated with increased activation induced cell death. In addition to inhibiting cell death, CD5 activation of CK2 significantly enhances Th17 differentiation. Loss of CD5-CK2 signaling reduces the generation of Th17 cells despite an unexpected increase in pSTAT3 levels. The mechanisms of CD5's enhancement of Th17 differentiation have not …


Intrinsic And Extrinsic Factors Required For Cd4 T Memory Cell Formation And Function, Sarah B. Mollo Jan 2013

Intrinsic And Extrinsic Factors Required For Cd4 T Memory Cell Formation And Function, Sarah B. Mollo

All ETDs from UAB

CD4 T cells are central to the organization of the immune response through the secretion of cytokines that recruit and activate other immune cells. Following infection and pathogen control, the majority of the effector CD4 T cells undergo apoptosis, leaving a subset that persists and gives rise to the memory T cell pool. Upon encountering the same pathogen, memory CD4 T cells respond rapidly, providing enhanced protection from re-infection. What determines which effector CD4 T cells will survive is unclear; however, there are a number of factors both intrinsic to the cell as well as external signals from the environment …


Frequency Of Exercise Training's Effect On Psychological Outcomes In Older Women, William Neumeier Jan 2013

Frequency Of Exercise Training's Effect On Psychological Outcomes In Older Women, William Neumeier

All ETDs from UAB

Objectives: Exercise training by older adults has demonstrated many health benefits, including improved cognition and psychological well-being. The optimal frequency of combined aerobic exercise training (AET) and resistance exercise training (RET) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether exercise improves body image, esteem, depression, and mood, among older women, and whether improvements differ by frequency of exercise. Methods: Post-menopausal women (N = 64) over the age of 60 (64.79 ± 3.74) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Group 1 completed two exercise sessions (1 AET, 1 RET) per week, Group 2 completed four sessions …


Detecting Deceptive Chat-Based Communication Using Typing Behavior And Message Cues, Douglas C. Derrick, Thomas O. Meservy, Jeffrey L. Jenkins, Judee K. Burgoon, Jay F. Nunamaker Jr. Jan 2013

Detecting Deceptive Chat-Based Communication Using Typing Behavior And Message Cues, Douglas C. Derrick, Thomas O. Meservy, Jeffrey L. Jenkins, Judee K. Burgoon, Jay F. Nunamaker Jr.

Faculty Publications

Computer-mediated deception is prevalent and may have serious consequences for individuals, organizations, and society. This article investigates several metrics as predictors of deception in synchronous chatbased environments, where participants must often spontaneously formulate deceptive responses. Based on cognitive load theory, we hypothesize that deception influences response time, word count, lexical diversity, and the number of times a chat message is edited. Using a custom chatbot to conduct interviews in an experiment, we collected 1,572 deceitful and 1,590 truthful chat-based responses. The results of the experiment confirm that deception is positively correlated with response time and the number of edits and …


3d Seismic Interpretation And Well Log Analysis Of The Marcellus Shale Of Appalachian Basin At Taylor County, West Virginia, Lierong Zhu Jan 2013

3d Seismic Interpretation And Well Log Analysis Of The Marcellus Shale Of Appalachian Basin At Taylor County, West Virginia, Lierong Zhu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The organic-rich Marcellus Shale unit of Middle Devonian section in Appalachian basin currently is one of the most successful unconventional shale-gas reservoirs in the world because of the modern technology development including; advanced seismic imaging, hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. This study extracts the geologic structure and discontinuity systems from seismic data in Taylor County, West Virginia to better understand the regional and local geologic setting with special emphasis on the orientation of structural features (e.g., folds, faults and joints) that can guide horizontal well drilling and fracture stimulation design.;A southwest-northeast synclinal fold was mapped in the northern part of …


Water Chemistry And Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ecology In Response To Acid Mine Drainage, Brian Carlson Jan 2013

Water Chemistry And Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ecology In Response To Acid Mine Drainage, Brian Carlson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Benthic macroinvertebrates, especially aquatic insects, are documented indicators of environmental quality, and often respond predictably to changes within a freshwater system. Within West Virginia, acid mine drainage (AMD) forms as a result of oxidizing sulfide rich minerals which occur alongside coal. The resulting effluent is acidic and laden with heavy metals. As a result, valued services and ecological functions provided by freshwater resources are lost. Treatment of AMD is expensive and therefore studies documenting their effect on aquatic resources are valuable. Benthic macroinvertebrate and stream water samples are often used as the deciding factors for the condition of a stream …


Survival, Injury, And Antibiotic Resistance Patterns Of Cronobacter Sakazakii And Escherichia Coli Resulting From Exposure To Low-Temperature Ground Water, Alisha L. Dailey Jan 2013

Survival, Injury, And Antibiotic Resistance Patterns Of Cronobacter Sakazakii And Escherichia Coli Resulting From Exposure To Low-Temperature Ground Water, Alisha L. Dailey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Bacteria are constantly being exposed to changing conditions in the environment. Exposure to adverse conditions such as pH, temperature, and desiccation may cause stress to the bacteria, potentially resulting in loss of viability and growth. Cronobacter sakazakii and Escherichia coli were exposed to cold temperature (4°C) and room temperature (24°C) nutrient-limiting groundwater. As a function of time (0 to 15 days), samples were removed from the stress and analyzed. Response of stressed cells was evaluated by three approaches: (i) traditional viable cell counts (nonselective and selective media), (ii) substrate utilization patterns (BIOLOG GN microplates), and (iii) antibiotic resistance patterns (modified …


Identification Of Conserved Protein Kinase Ck2 And 14-3-3 Target Sites In Neurogenic Transcriptional Regulators, Lucas Matthew Jozwick Jan 2013

Identification Of Conserved Protein Kinase Ck2 And 14-3-3 Target Sites In Neurogenic Transcriptional Regulators, Lucas Matthew Jozwick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the decades following the identification of CK2 as the first 'phosphotransferase', a great deal has been learned regarding its biological importance. In one developmental context, CK2 regulates cell fate decisions during Drosophila neurogenesis by activating the E(spl)M8 repressor, a terminal effector of the Notch pathway. The finding that CK2 is intimately involved in retinal cell determination propelled a search for additional neurogenic factors regulated by CK2. Here, using bioinformatics and biochemical assays, the transcription factors E(spl)Mgamma, Extramacrochaetae, and Sine Oculis were identified and characterized as targets of CK2. Significantly, each of these factors is expressed at distinct time points …


Swedish Legislation Targeting Trafficking For Sexual Exploitation And The Possibilities For Implementation In Estonia, Jennifer E. Lyall Jan 2013

Swedish Legislation Targeting Trafficking For Sexual Exploitation And The Possibilities For Implementation In Estonia, Jennifer E. Lyall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Human trafficking is a human rights problem affecting all regions of the world. Various approaches have been utilized in attempts to eliminate the trade in human beings. In 1999, Sweden instituted a law to ban the purchase of sexual services, viewing prostitution as inherently violent and a contributing factor of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. This thesis determines that banning the purchase of sex is a legitimate and effective measure in combatting human trafficking for sexual exploitation. This thesis then discusses the Estonian sex industry and the possibilities for implementation of a similar sex purchase ban. Obstacles include Estonia's historical …


Characterization Of Fate And Biological Degradation Processes Attenuating Imx-101 Munition Constituents In The Environment, Thomas Richard Jan 2013

Characterization Of Fate And Biological Degradation Processes Attenuating Imx-101 Munition Constituents In The Environment, Thomas Richard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As trinitrotoluene (TNT) is replaced with insensitive munition formulations (i.e., IMX-101) that are safer to handle in military mortars, the potential release of IMX-101 munition constituents to the environment is likely to increase. IMX-101 is a composition of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-trizole-5-one (NTO), and 1-nitroguanidine (NQ). Currently there is little data on transport and fate of DNAN and NTO in the environment. Reported herein is an evaluation of various attenuation processes that explosives are commonly subject to in the environment, specifically: 1) rainfall driven dissolution of munition fragments, 2) adsorption of dissolved munitions onto soils, 3) biological degradation of munitions, and …


The Association Of Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Biomarkers And Markers Of Inflammation, Diabetes Mellitus And Cardiovascular Disease, Omayma Alshaarawy Jan 2013

The Association Of Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Biomarkers And Markers Of Inflammation, Diabetes Mellitus And Cardiovascular Disease, Omayma Alshaarawy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are potent atmospheric pollutants, released into air during incomplete combustion of fuel, industrial or domestic coal, wood, cigarette smoke and other organic materials. In addition to being carcinogenic, several animal studies have reported positive associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and inflammation, oxidative stress and the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Occupational studies have reported positive associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, there is evidence that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may cause disruption of the endocrine system. It is still not clear if lower background exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, independent of the adverse …


Novel Techniques For Automated Dental Identification, Nourdin Al-Sherif Jan 2013

Novel Techniques For Automated Dental Identification, Nourdin Al-Sherif

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Automated dental identification is one of the best candidates for postmortem identification. With the large number of victims encountered in mass disasters, automating the process of postmortem identification is receiving an increased attention. This dissertation introduces new approaches for different stages of Automated Dental Identification system: These stages include segmentations, classification, labeling, and matching:;We modified the seam carving technique to adapt the problem of segmenting dental image records into individual teeth. We propose a two-stage teeth segmentation approach for segmenting the dental images. In the first stage, the teeth images are preprocessed by a two-step thresholding technique, which starts with …


Skeletal Muscle Regeneration And The Role Of Sirtuin 1, Brian T. Bennett Jan 2013

Skeletal Muscle Regeneration And The Role Of Sirtuin 1, Brian T. Bennett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The main objective of this master's thesis project was to elucidate the role of the deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) in skeletal muscle regeneration. We developed two specific aims to accomplish this task, which involved separate studies in order to study the effects of Sirt1 in multiple models of regeneration. The results from these studies may potentially lead to the development of novel therapies to treat various clinical conditions which require muscle regeneration.;Specific aim 1 utilized resveratrol, a Sirt1 activator, as a supplement to improve muscle regeneration following a period of disuse in aged animals. Aged Fisher 344 x Brown Norway …


The Role Of Focal Adhesion Kinase In Nonmuscle Cell Contraction, Kimberly M. Arnold Jan 2013

The Role Of Focal Adhesion Kinase In Nonmuscle Cell Contraction, Kimberly M. Arnold

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Focal adhesions are specialized cell contact sites of distinct molecular composition and structure that bridge the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and provide for efficient bidirectional transmission of biochemical and mechanical signals between the intra- and extracellular compartment. Many proteins within the focal adhesion have been discovered to be an integral component of the adhesion structure and function; however, a key molecule in the organization and physiological activity of focal adhesions is focal adhesion kinase (FAK). FAK is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that is essential for cell processes including cell migration, growth, and survival. Due to its connection between …


Towards Direct Fabrication Of Functional Patterns On Large-Area Substrates For Flexible Devices, Sean D. Cronin Jan 2013

Towards Direct Fabrication Of Functional Patterns On Large-Area Substrates For Flexible Devices, Sean D. Cronin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nowadays there is a growing interest to develop flexible devices that can be used in applications spanning from displays to energy harvesting. This is due to the potential of such devices to be integrated onto various-shaped surfaces and also to be roll-to-roll processed. However, there are still a few challenges to be tackled before their full commercialization. In particular, the direct fabrication of micro/nano-scale functional features on a large-area flexible substrate remains a critical challenge. This is because it requires both low temperature processing and precise control of the feature size.;During this study an investigation of different fabrication methods, such …


The Inhibition Of Splicing Of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Mrna During Starvation By Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K, Travis Cyphert Jan 2013

The Inhibition Of Splicing Of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Mrna During Starvation By Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K, Travis Cyphert

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Splicing of nascent RNA transcripts is an essential step in gene expression and a target of nutrient regulation. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a lipogenic gene whose expression is regulated exclusively at this posttranscriptional stage. Expression of G6PD mRNA increases 15- to 17-fold during refeeding and is inhibited 80-90% by starvation and the addition of polyunsaturated fat to the diet. The large changes in the accumulation of G6PD mRNA are due to changes the rate of pre-mRNA splicing and not changes in its transcription. In this regard, dietary carbohydrate enhances intron removal, which increases the accumulation of G6PD mRNA. Starvation alters …