Digital Commons Network^™

Testing The Role Of Body Vigilance As A Precipitating Factor In The Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Medically Unexplained Illness, Aron Matthew Katz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Chronic illness affects nearly one in two Americans affected (CDC, 2009), often leading to psychological distress (Bohlmeijer, Prenger, Taal, & Cuijpers, 2010), including a rate of depression approximately 50% higher than the rate in peers without medical illness (Patten, 2001). Likewise, quality of life for those with chronic illnesses is lower than quality of life among healthy peers, measured by greater persistence of psychological distress, higher functional impairment, and medical services utilization (Aiarzaguena, Grandes, Salazar, Gaminde, & Sánchez, 2008; Feder et al., 2001). Despite continued medical advances, a significant portion of illness, pain and discomfort remains medically unexplained (Nettleton, Watt, …

A Multi-Scale Approach To Study Predator-Prey Interactions And Habitat Use Of Pinfish, Lagodon Rhomboids, Dinorah Helena Chacin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Biological processes like species interactions and patterns such as abundance and distribution observed in nature can vary depending on the scale at which the subject of interest is evaluated. Knowing that there is no single natural scale at which systems should be studied, in this thesis, I conducted a series of basic and applied ecological approaches in order to examine the phenomena that can occur at different scales of space, time, and ecological organization.

Species abundances can vary over large spatial and temporal scales. By studying the habitat use of an abundant species, which uses a wide range of habitats, …

Megadalton-Node Assembly By Binding Of Skb1 To The Membrane Anchor Slf1, Lin L. Deng, Ruth Kabeche, Ning Wang, Jian-Qiu Wu, James B. Moseley

Dartmouth Scholarship

The plasma membrane contains both dynamic and static microdomains. Given the growing appreciation of cortical microdomains in cell biology, it is important to determine the organizational principles that underlie assembly of compartmentalized structures at the plasma membrane. The fission yeast plasma membrane is highly compartmentalized by distinct sets of cortical nodes, which control signaling for cell cycle progression and cytokinesis. The mitotic inhibitor Skb1 localizes to a set of cortical nodes that provide spatial control over signaling for entry into mitosis. However, it has been unclear whether these nodes contain other proteins and how they might be organized and tethered …

Corporate Governance Sex Regimes: Peripheral Thoughts From Across The Atlantic, Horatia Muir Watt

Pace International Law Review

The very recent and highly mediatized “Declaration of the 343 Salauds”, where 343 (male) signatures in support of prostitution in a form designed to echo the highly significant declaration of as many women in 1971 in favor of the legalization of abortion, sheds particularly interesting light upon debate about sex regimes in connection with French law. France has recently introduced compulsory quotas for women in corporate boards after imposing la parité for public appointments. A comparative perspective, confronting this recent legislative development from across the Atlantic with policy views on affirmative action and philosophical conceptions of diversity in the United …

A Difficult Conversation: Corporate Directors On Race And Gender, Kimberly D. Krawiec, John M. Conley, Lissa L. Broome

Pace International Law Review

This symposium essay summarizes our ongoing ethnographic research on corporate board diversity. This research is based on fifty-seven interviews with corporate directors and a limited number of other persons of interest (including institutional investors, executive search professionals, and proxy advisors) regarding their views on race and gender diversity in the boardroom.

Using a method rooted in anthropology and discourse analysis, we have worked from a general topic outline and conducted open-ended interviews in which respondents are encouraged to raise and develop issues of interest to them. The interviews range from forty-five minutes to two hours in length and each interview …

Small Molecule Activation At Nickel And Platinum Centers Containing Bulky Tin And Tempo Radical Ligands, Anjaneyulu Koppaka

Open Access Dissertations

Metal complexes have long been recognized as fundamental in activating simple small molecules, which provide low-barrier reaction pathways through binding. One way to make highly reactive metal complexes is by reacting metal precursors with sterically demanding ligands that can create electronic unsaturation on the metal center, where activation can occur. A series of sterically crowded metal complexes have been synthesized by reactions of Pt(COD)2 with bulky tin ligands of the type HSnR3 [ R = But, Ph and C6H2Me3(mesitylene)]. These new complexes were studied for activation of small molecules like H2, CO, C2H2, C2H4, and catalytic H2- D2 exchange reactions …

A Comparison Of Multiple Frequency Versus Single Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Techniques For The Assessment Of Body Composition, Amy Lindenmoyer

Open Access Theses

Purpose. The bioelectric impedance analyzer (BIA) is a device commonly used to assess body composition; however, there are questions concerning the reliability of single- and multiple-frequency machines across multiple testing days and their relative accuracies. The purpose of the present study was to compare a single- versus multiple-frequency BIA results across two testing sessions and to compare results for each session to plethysmography as represented by the Bod Pod. Our hypotheses were that results for both BIA units would be consistent between testing days and no significant differences would be seen among the three testing methods. Methods. Twenty young adults …

The Anoikis Effector Bit1 Displays Tumor Suppressive Function In Lung Cancer Cells., Xin Yao, Scott Jennings, Shubha Kale Ireland, Tri Pham

Faculty and Staff Publications

The mitochondrial Bit1 (Bcl-2 inhibitor of transcription 1) protein is a part of an apoptotic pathway that is uniquely regulated by integrin-mediated attachment. As an anoikis effector, Bit1 is released into the cytoplasm following loss of cell attachment and induces a caspase-independent form of apoptosis. Considering that anoikis resistance is a critical determinant of transformation, we hypothesized that cancer cells may circumvent the Bit1 apoptotic pathway to attain anchorageindependence and tumorigenic potential. Here, we provide the first evidence of the tumor suppressive effect of Bit1 through a mechanism involving anoikis induction in human lung adenocarcinoma derived A549 cells. Restitution of …

Human Esc-Derived Mscs Outperform Bone Marrow Mscs In The Treatment Of An Eae Model Of Multiple Sclerosis, Xiaofang Wang, Kumiko Ijichi, Debayon Paul, Adam S. Lazorchak, Joel S. Pachter, Stephen J. Crocker, Ren-He Xu

UCHC Articles - Research

Current therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) are largely palliative, not curative. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harbor regenerative and immunosuppressive functions, indicating a potential therapy for MS, yet the variability and low potency of MSCs from adult sources hinder their therapeutic potential. MSCs derived from human embryonic stem cells (hES-MSCs) may be better suited for clinical treatment of MS because of their unlimited and stable supply. Here, we show that hES-MSCs significantly reduce clinical symptoms and prevent neuronal demyelination in a mouse experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) model of MS, and that the EAE disease-modifying effect of hES-MSCs is significantly greater than …

Modifying Essentialist Beliefs Toward Mental Illness: An Alternative Focus For Anti-Stigma Interventions, Frederick T. Chin

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Science and Technology Morehead State University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Fredrick T. Chin on July 8, 2014.

Electrospinning Process For Making A Textile Suitable For Use As A Medical Article, Matthew D. Phaneuf, Philip J. Brown, Martin J. Bide

Clemson Patents

The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using a unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a non-biodegradable durable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. These biologically-active agents are chemical compounds which retain their recognized biological activity both before and after becoming non-permanently bound to the formed textile material; and will become subsequently released in-situ as discrete freely mobile agents from the fabric upon uptake of water from the ambient environment.

Polygala Smallii: Rescuing A Federally Endangered Species, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

Relationship Between Gene Duplicability And Diversifiability In The Topology Of Biochemical Networks, Zhanyong Guo, Wen Jiang, Nuno Lages, Wade Borcherds, Degeng Wang

Molecular Biosciences Faculty Publications

Background: Selective gene duplicability, the extensive expansion of a small number of gene families, is universal. Quantitatively, the number of genes (P_(K)) with K duplicates in a genome decreases precipitously as K increases, and often follows a power law (P_(k)∝k^-α). Functional diversification, either neo- or sub-functionalization, is a major evolution route for duplicate genes.

Results: Using three lines of genomic datasets, we studied the relationship between gene duplicability and diversifiability in the topology of biochemical networks. First, we explored scenario where two pathways in the biochemical networks antagonize each other. Synthetic knockout of respective …

High-Throughput Targeted Repeat Element Bisulfite Sequencing (Ht-Trebs): Genome-Wide Dna Methylation Analysis Of Iap Ltr Retrotransposon, Muhammad B. Ekram, Joomyeong Kim

Faculty Publications

In vertebrates, DNA methylation-mediated repression of retrotransposons is essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity. In the current study, we developed a technique termed HT-TREBS (High-Throughput Targeted Repeat Element Bisulfite Sequencing). This technique is designed to measure the DNA methylation levels of individual loci of any repeat families with next-generation sequencing approaches. To test the feasibility of HT-TREBS, we analyzed the DNA methylation levels of the IAP LTR family using a set of 12 different genomic DNA isolated from the brain, liver and kidney of 4 one-weekold littermates of the mouse strain C57BL/6N. This technique has successfully generated the CpG …

A Good Compromise: Rapid And Robust Species Proxies For Inventorying Biodiversity Hotspots Using The Terebridae (Gastropoda: Conoidea), Maria Vittoria Modica, Nicolas Puillandre, Magalie Castelin, Yu Zhang, Mandë Holford

Publications and Research

Devising a reproducible approach for species delimitation of hyperdiverse groups is an ongoing challenge in evolutionary biology. Speciation processes combine modes of passive and adaptive trait divergence requiring an integrative taxonomy approach to accurately generate robust species hypotheses. However, in light of the rapid decline of diversity on Earth, complete integrative approaches may not be practical in certain species-rich environments. As an alternative, we applied a two-step strategy combining ABGD (Automated Barcode Gap Discovery) and Klee diagrams, to balance speed and accuracy in producing primary species hypotheses (PSHs). Specifically, an ABGD/Klee approach was used for species delimitation in the Terebridae, …

Methods And Materials For Stimulating Proliferation Of Stem Cells (Div), Sudipta Seal, Kiminobu Sugaya

UCF Patents

Disclosed herein are methods and materials for influencing proliferation of stem cells. Specifically exemplified herein are compositions comprising cerium oxide nanoparticles which can be used to stimulate proliferation of stem cells under common culture conditions, or which can be utilized to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Northern Winter Climate Change: Assessment Of Uncertainty In Cmip5 Projections Related To Stratosphere-Troposhere Coupling, E. Manzini, A. Yu. Karpechko, J. Anstey, M. P. Baldwin, R. X. Black, C. Cagnazzo, N. Calvo, A. Charlton-Perez, B. Christiansen, Paolo Davini, E. Gerber, M. Giorgettta, L. Gray, S. C. Hardiman, Y. Y. Lee, D. R. Marsh, Brent A. Mcdaniel, A. Purich, A. A. Scaife, D. Shindell, S. W. Son, S. Watanabe, G. Zappa

Faculty Articles

Future changes in the stratospheric circulation could have an important impact on northern winter tropospheric climate change, given that sea level pressure (SLP) responds not only to tropospheric circulation variations but also to vertically coherent variations in troposphere-stratosphere circulation. Here we assess northern winter stratospheric change and its potential to influence surface climate change in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-Phase 5 (CMIP5) multimodel ensemble. In the stratosphere at high latitudes, an easterly change in zonally averaged zonal wind is found for the majority of the CMIP5 models, under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario. Comparable results are also found in …

Secondary Dormancy And Summer Conditions Influence Outcomes In The Pyrenophora Semeniperda - Bromus Tectorum Pathosystem, Katie Karen Hawkins

Theses and Dissertations

Variable mortality of Pyrenophora semeniperda–infected Bromus tectorum seeds has been referred to as a “race for survival.” Dormant seeds are highly susceptible to P. semeniperda infection. While much is known about primary dormancy little is known about secondary dormancy in B. tectorum seeds. Dormancy status is not the only variable determining outcomes within the Bromus - Pyrenophora pathosystem. Varying temperature and intermittent hydration may strongly influence germination outcomes of B. tectorum in the presence of P. semeniperda. While it has long been assumed that B. tectorum seeds are infected by P. semeniperda in the fall it was recently suggested that …

Effects Of Nutritional Level Of Concentrate‐Based Diets On Meat Quality And Expression Levels Of Genes Related To Meat Quality In Hainan Black Goats, Dingfa Wang, Luli Zhou, Hanlin Zhou, Guanyu Hou, Liguang Shi, Mao Li, Xianzhou Huang, Song Guan

Faculty Publications

The present study investigated the effects of the nutritional levels of diets on meat quality and related gene expression in Hainan black goat. Twenty-four goats were divided into six dietary treatments and were fed a concentrate-based diet with two levels of crude protein (CP) (15% or 17%) and three levels of digestive energy (DE) (11.72, 12.55 or 13.39 MJ/kg DM) for 90 days. Goats fed the concentrate-based diet with 17% CP had significantly (P < 0.05) higher average daily gains (ADG) and better feed conversion rates (FCR). The pH 24h value tended to decrease (P < 0.05) with increasing DE levels. The tenderness of Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) and Semimembranosus muscle (SM) reduced with increasing CP levels (P < 0.05). With increasing DE levels, tenderness was increased (P < 0.05). The heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) mRNA expression levels in LD and SM increased with increasing DE levels (P < 0.05), but decreased with increasing CP levels (P < 0.05). The calpastatin (CAST) and μ-calpain mRNA expressions levels in LD and SM were affected significantly (P < 0.05) by CP and DE levels in the diet. Therefore, the nutritional levels of diets affect meat quality and expression levels of genes associated with meat quality in Hainan black goats.

Insight Into Stage-Specific Effects Of Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling On Dental Pulp Cells, Karen Sagomonyants

Doctoral Dissertations

Odontoblast differentiation and reparative dentinogenesis are dependent on multiple signaling molecules, including members of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family. Previous studies have demonstrated both positive and negative effects of FGFs on odontoblast differentiation in dental pulp. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these opposite effects are unclear. Therefore, the overall goal of the studies outlined in this dissertation was to gain insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the effects of FGF signaling on mineralization and dentinogenesis of pulp cells. To approach this goal, we used dental pulp cultures derived from the coronal portion of unerupted molars …

Federal Appellate Court Rules Utah’S Ban On Marriage By Same-Sex Couples Unconstitutional, Joanna L. Grossman

Hofstra Law Faculty Scholarship

While all eyes have been on the end of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term, as it issued important rulings on, among other things, Obamacare’s contraceptive mandate, other courts have been busy as well. At the end of June, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit held that Utah’s ban on marriages by same-sex couples violates the federal Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process.

Electronic Structure, Dielectric Response, And Surface Charge Distribution Of Rgd (1fuv) Peptide, Amy M. Wen, Roger H. French, Nicole F. Steinmetz

Faculty Scholarship

Long and short range molecular interactions govern molecular recognition and self-assembly of biological macromolecules. Microscopic parameters in the theories of these molecular interactions are either phenomenological or need to be calculated within a microscopic theory. We report a unified methodology for the ab initio quantum mechanical (QM) calculation that yields all the microscopic parameters, namely the partial charges as well as the frequency-dependent dielectric response function, that can then be taken as input for macroscopic theories of electrostatic, polar and van der Waals-London dispersion intermolecular forces. We apply this methodology to obtain the electronic structure of the cyclic tripeptide RGD-4C …

Promiscuous And Adaptable Enzymes Fill “Holes” In The Tetrahydrofolate Pathway In Chlamydia Species, Nancy E. Adams, Jennifer J. Thiaville, James Proestos, Ana L. Juárez-Vázquez, Andrea J. Mccoy, Francisco Barona-Gómez, Dirk Iwata-Reuyl, Valérie De Crécy-Lagard, Anthony T. Maurelli

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Folates are tripartite molecules comprising pterin, para-aminobenzoate (PABA), and glutamate moieties, which are essential cofactors involved in DNA and amino acid synthesis. The obligately intracellular Chlamydia species have lost several biosynthetic pathways for essential nutrients which they can obtain from their host but have retained the capacity to synthesize folate. In most bacteria, synthesis of the pterin moiety of folate requires the FolEQBK enzymes, while synthesis of the PABA moiety is carried out by the PabABC enzymes. Bioinformatic analyses reveal that while members of Chlamydia are missing the genes for FolE (GTP cyclohydrolase) and FolQ, which catalyze the initial …

Bi-Directional Signaling Between Melanoma And The Microenvironment Generates A Protective Niche That Mediates Therapeutic Escape, Inna Fedorenko

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Very few cancer patients are cured through drug therapy alone, with the majority exhibiting acquired resistance. To date, most studies of therapeutic escape have focused upon tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of drug resistance with little attention paid to the role of normal host cells in preventing complete tumor eradication. In the present study we implicate co-operative bi-directional signaling between melanoma cells and fibroblasts in the generation of a pro-survival niche that mediates drug resistance. Mass-spectrometry based phosphoproteomics was used to show that BRAF inhibition and chemotherapy drugs enhanced the survival of both melanoma cells and fibroblasts through the induction of fibronectin (FN)/integrin …

Effects Of Intraguild Cues Of Ground-Dwelling And Foliage-Dwelling Spiders On Lady Beetle Oviposition And Aphid Suppression, Rebecca Wente

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Diaphragmatic Breathing And Its Effects On Motion Sickness, Sarah Stromberg

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Parental Problem Drinking: Its Effect On Child Emotional Security, Stephanie Miskell

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Particulate Organic Carbon Trapping Efficiency In The Stream Bed For Cobbles And Gravels: A Laboratory Test, Davis Huston

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Alternative Methods For Long Term Storage Of Skeletal Muscle Tissue, Byron Hempel

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Structure And Function Of A Phosphatase Mutated In Lafora Disease, Kathryn Brewer

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.