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H-Ns, Its Family Members And Their Regulation Of Virulence Genes In Shigella Species, Michael A. Picker, Helen J. Wing

Life Sciences Faculty Research

The histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) has played a key role in shaping the evolution of Shigella spp., and provides the backdrop to the regulatory cascade that controls virulence by silencing many genes found on the large virulence plasmid. H-NS and its paralogue StpA are present in all four Shigella spp., but a second H-NS paralogue, Sfh, is found in the Shigella flexneri type strain 2457T, which is routinely used in studies of Shigella pathogenesis. While StpA and Sfh have been proposed to serve as “molecular backups” for H-NS, the apparent redundancy of these proteins is questioned by in vitro …

Arkansas Animal Science Department Report 2016, Paul Beck, Jason Apple, Shane Gadberry, Beth Kegley, Charles Rosenkrans Jr.

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

No abstract provided.

On-Farm Maize Storage Systems And Rodent Postharvest Losses In Six Maize Growing Agro-Ecological Zones Of Kenya, Kukom Edoh Ognakossan, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Christopher M. Mutungi, Daniel N. Sila, Soul Kifouly G. Midingoyi, Willis O. Owino

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Rodents are one of the major postharvest pests that affect food security by impacting on both food availability and safety. However, knowledge of the impact of rodents in on-farm maize storage systems in Kenya is limited. A survey was conducted in 2014 to assess magnitudes of postharvest losses in on-farm maize storage systems in Kenya, and the contribution of rodents to the losses. A total of 630 farmers spread across six maize growing agro-ecological zones (AEZs) were interviewed. Insects, rodents and moulds were the main storage problems reported by farmers. Storage losses were highest in the moist transitional and moist …

Exploring Factors That Shape Small-Scale Farmers’ Opinions On The Adoption Of Eco-Friendly Nets For Vegetable Production, F. Vidogbéna, A. Adégbidi, R. Tossou, F. Assogba-Komlan, T. Martin, M. Ngouajio, S. Simon, L. Parrot, S. T. Garnett, K. K. Zander

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

If agro-ecological systems are to realize their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural systems, innovation diffusion needs to be enhanced. We conducted surveys among 214 small-scale vegetable farmers in Benin, a food-deficit country in West Africa, on how they perceived the different attributes of eco-friendly nets (EFNs). The nets act as physical barriers against insects in vegetable production and so reduce pesticide use. Understanding farmer perceptions about new technologies helps reveal farmers’ propensity to adopt them. Intensity of attitude was measured on a Likert scale, and an ordered probit model was used to determine which characteristics of nets were …

Minding Ps And Qs: The Political And Policy Questions Framing Health Care Spending, William M. Sage

Faculty Scholarship

Tracing the evolution of political conversations about health care spending and their relationship to the formation of policy is a valuable exercise. Health care spending is about science and ethics, markets and government, freedom and community. By the late 1980s the unique upward trajectory of post-Medicare U.S. health care spending had been established, recessions and tax cuts were eroding federal and state budgets, and efforts to harness market forces to serve policy goals were accelerating. From the initial writings on “managed competition,” through the failed Clinton health reform effort in the early 1990s, to the passage of the Affordable Care …

Exploiting The Principal Parametric Resonance Of An Rlc" Circuit For Vibratory Energy Harvesting", Nicholas B. Caldwell

All Theses

The use of ambient energy sources to independently power small electronic devices, a process commonly known as energy harvesting, has recently become a focus of research due to advances in low-power electronic applications. A particular class of energy harvesting devices, known as vibratory energy harvesters (VEHs), utilizes low-level vibrations present in numerous natural and man-made environments to generate electrical energy for electronic devices.

This work investigates the use of a new technique to harvest energy from ambient vibrations by parametrically exciting a resonance condition of the electric current in a nonlinear oscillating circuit. To accomplish this parametric resonance phenomenon, we …

Legislative Exactions And Progressive Property, Timothy M. Mulvaney

Faculty Scholarship

Exactions — a term used to describe certain conditions that are attached to land-use permits issued at the government’s discretion — ostensibly oblige property owners to internalize the costs of the expected infrastructural, environmental, and social harms resulting from development. This Article explores how proponents of progressive conceptions of property might respond to the open question of whether legislative exactions should be subject to the same level of judicial scrutiny to which administrative exactions are subject in constitutional takings cases. It identifies several first-order reasons to support the idea of immunizing legislative exactions from heightened takings scrutiny. However, it suggests …

Inefficient Efficiency: Crying Over Spilled Water, Vanessa Casado-Pérez

Faculty Scholarship

As the drought in Western states worsens, the agricultural sector is being criticized for failing to adopt technical responses, such as shifting to less water-demanding crops and state-of-the-art irrigation systems, in a timely manner. However, these responses can have the reverse effect: they can increase water consumption. Technological responses alone are insufficient to reduce water consumption if unaccompanied by changes in how the law defines and allocates water rights. This paper proposes a redefinition of water rights to ensure that changes in crops or irrigation techniques are socially efficient.

In the West, which uses the doctrine of prior appropriation to …

Enhancing And Expanding Intersectional Research For Climate Change Adaptation In Agrarian Settings, Mary Thompson-Hall, Edward Carr, Unai Pascual

Sustainability and Social Justice

Most current approaches focused on vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation to climate change frame gender and its influence in a manner out-of-step with contemporary academic and international development research. The tendency to rely on analyses of the sex-disaggregated gender categories of ‘men’ and ‘women’ as sole or principal divisions explaining the abilities of different people within a group to adapt to climate change, illustrates this problem. This framing of gender persists in spite of established bodies of knowledge that show how roles and responsibilities that influence a person´s ability to deal with climate-induced and other stressors emerge at the intersection of …

The Decay Of Disease Association With Declining Linkage Disequilibrium: A Fine Mapping Theorem, Mehdi Maadooliat, Naveen K. Bansal, Jibal Upadhya, Manzur R. Farazi, Xiang Li, Max M. He, Scott J. Hebbring, Zhan Ye, Steven J. Schrodi

Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

Several important and fundamental aspects of disease genetics models have yet to be described. One such property is the relationship of disease association statistics at a marker site closely linked to a disease causing site. A complete description of this two-locus system is of particular importance to experimental efforts to fine map association signals for complex diseases. Here, we present a simple relationship between disease association statistics and the decline of linkage disequilibrium from a causal site. Specifically, the ratio of Chi-square disease association statistics at a marker site and causal site is equivalent to the standard measure of pairwise …

Impact Of Myh6 Variants In Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Aoy Tomita-Mitchell, Karl D. Stamm, Donna K. Mahnke, Min-Su Kim, Pip M. Hidestrand, Huan-Ling Liang, Mary Goetsch, Pippa Simpson, Andrew N. Pelech, James S. Tweddell, D. Woodrow Benson, John Lough, Michael E. Mitchell

Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a clinically and anatomically severe form of congenital heart disease (CHD). Although prior studies suggest that HLHS has a complex genetic inheritance, its etiology remains largely unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize a risk gene in HLHS and its effect on HLHS etiology and outcome. We performed next-generation sequencing on a multigenerational family with a high prevalence of CHD/HLHS, identifying a rare variant in the α-myosin heavy chain (MYH6) gene. A case-control study of 190 unrelated HLHS subjects was then performed and compared with the 1000 Genomes Project. Damaging …

A Note On The Howson Property In Inverse Semigroups, Peter R. Jones

Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

An algebra has the Howson property if the intersection of any two finitely generated subalgebras is again finitely generated. A simple necessary and sufficient condition is given for the Howson property to hold on an inverse semigroup with finitely many idempotents. In addition, it is shown that any monogenic inverse semigroup has the Howson property.

Laboratory Evaluation Of The Influence Of Aggregate Los Angeles (La) Abrasion On Performance Of Open Graded Friction Course (Ogfc) Mixtures, Thomas Stephen Repik

All Theses

Understanding how the aggregate structure changes during mixing andcompacting are critical for the performance of open graded asphalt designs. Open gradedfriction course (OGFC) consists of approximately 94% aggregate and if breakdownoccurs, the desired properties of the finished product will vary. The purpose of this studywas to investigate the influence of the Los Angeles (LA) abrasion value of the aggregateon the performance of open graded friction course mixtures. Aggregate from nine different sources in South Carolina, with LA abrasion valuesranging from low-20s to mid-50s, were used to create a 12.5mm nominal maximumaggregate size (NMAS) open graded design. Specimens, both with and …

Enhanced Mutual Performance Monitoring To Improve Backup Behaviors And Team Performance, Tiffany Nicole Cooper

All Theses

Organizations today are becoming increasingly dependent on teams, as often tasks that need to be completed are too complex for an individual alone. There are a multitude of factors that contribute to how effective a team is; however, an important process that needs to be studied more thoroughly is mutual monitoring and consequential backup behaviors. In the past backup behaviors have been studied solely through a task workload manipulation with methods of mutual monitoring rarely being addressed. The present study explores various types of team monitoring through the use of two experimental conditions: monitoring the task performance levels and a …

An Analysis Of Bluetooth Low Energy In The Context Of Intermittently Powered Devices, Steven Lain Hearndon

All Theses

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has become a prominent low-power wireless solution for portable, battery-powered devices, potentially allowing them to run for several years, even off of a simple coin cell. But batteries must still be replaced. The emergence of batteryless devices is gaining momentum due to their ability to run for decades with no maintenance. The design of BLE relies on exact timing, which usually means a constant power source. The question, then, is how well will BLE function when used in batteryless sensors that run on harvested energy and therefore lose power frequently. In this paper, I evaluate the …

The Coronary Circulation In An In Vitro Multi-Scale Model Of The Stage 1 Norwood Procedure, Lauren Elizabeth Carter

All Theses

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart disease where the left ventricle and ascending aorta are underdeveloped. The first of three palliative surgeries for this malformation is the Norwood procedure. In this surgery, an opening is made between the left and right atrium so that all blood can flow into the right ventricle (RV). A reconstructed aorta is anastomosed (connected) to the RV so that the RV can pump oxygenated blood to the body (the systemic circulation). To divert part of the systemic blood flow to the pulmonary circulation, the modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt (mBTS) is connected from the …

Human Factors Considerations In Designing Home-Based Video Telemedicine Systems For The Geriatric Population, Shraddhaa Narasimha

All Theses

Telemedicine is the process of providing healthcare services when large distances separate the patient and the doctor, with the use of communication technology. Telemedicine serves as a substitute to in-person hospital visits and in large, reduces the need to travel and wait in line to visit the doctor. It is predicted to help the geriatric population in managing their healthcare requirements. In order for telemedicine to effectively help the older population, it is essential to understand their needs and issues in telemedicine systems. A study with 40 participants was conducted to understand the usability issues of telemedicine systems with the …

Investigating Employee Engagement Through A Self-Determination Theory Framework, Crystal S. Wiedemann

All Theses

Over the last decade, the concept of employee engagement has attractedsubstantial attention in both research settings and organizational applications (Christian,Garza, & Slaughter, 2011). Research has shown employee engagement to be related toseveral positive organizational outcomes, including employee production, employeeretention, customer satisfaction and company profit (Harter, Schmidt, & Hayes, 2002;Hewitt Associates LLC, 2005). While there has been a recent surge of academic interestin employee engagement, there remains much to be learned about its antecedents. Thisstudy investigates employee engagement within the more established motivationalframework of Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2000) asproposed by Meyer and Gagne (2008) to …

Development Of A Tissue-Mimicking Brain Phantom For Neurosurgical Pre-Operative Planning And Training, Miriam Navarro Lozoya

All Theses

Direct physical intervention in the treatment of patients in the area of neurosurgery represents a high risk which can be minimized with the employment of 3D physical models. These models provide a thorough physical display in 3D with detailed information related to the morphology of internal structures and their spatial location with surrounding structures. The aim of this study was to develop a brain substitute material based on gelatin that simulates the mechanical properties of brain tissue. Tissue mimicking materials were developed by matching the mechanical properties of porcine brain tissue under compressive loading at strain rates typical of surgical …

Uptake Of Actinides And Nuclear Fission Products In Graminaceous And Nongraminaceous Plants, Stephanie Lynn Ely

All Theses

Radionuclides exist within the environment naturally and also from release during nuclear power and weapons production. The ability of plants to uptake radionuclides may prove beneficial for exploitation in the field of phytoremediation and as a biomonitor within the field of nuclear forensics. The fact that plants have the ability to take up radionuclides as an unintended metabolic process is well known, however, the mechanisms through which uptake occur present large gaps within the current research. Therefore, gaining further knowledge regarding overall plant radionuclide uptake and specific mechanisms may prove as an invaluable tool to enhance phytoremediation and nuclear forensic …

Mapping Natural Gestural Inputs To Traditional Touchscreen Interface Designs, Katherina Jurewicz

All Theses

Gestures are a natural means of every day human-human communication, andwith the introduction of gestural input technology, there is an opportunity to investigatethe application of gestures as a means of communicating with computers and otherdevices. The primary benefit of gestural input technology is that it facilitates a touchlessinteraction, so the ideal market demand for this technology is an environment wheretouch needs to be minimized. The perfect example of an environment that discouragestouch are sterile environments, such as operating rooms. Healthcare-associated infectionsare a great burden to the healthcare system, and gestural input technology can decreasethe number of surfaces, computers, and other …

Where The Rain Goes, Haley Floyd

All Theses

In this work, I am expressing a deep compulsion to return home. It elicits a sense of nostalgia to return to what once was. The home described in the series is rooted in the landscape and specifically in the creek where I spent much of my time as a child. The work is a type of self-portraiture through my family and the landscape that speaks to my personal identity. As a child, I thought of the creek as being a natural paradise where I could go to escape people. In my mind, nature was isolated and separate from humans. In …

Estimation Of Annual Average Daily Traffic (Aadt) And Missing Hourly Volume Using Artificial Intelligence, Sababa Islam

All Theses

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is one of the most important traffic parameters used in transportation engineering analysis. Moreover, each state Department of Transportation (DOT) must report the AADT data to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) annually as part of the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) requirements. For this reason, state DOTs continually collect AADT data via permanent count stations and short-term counts. In South Carolina, only interstates and primary routes are equipped with permanent count stations. For the majority of the secondary routes, AADT data are estimated based on short-term counts or are simply guesstimated based on their functional classifications. …

Comparing Multiple Methods Of Eye Tracking For Packaging, David Bradford Cottrell

All Theses

The technology to understand consumer behavior through eye tracking is becoming more affordable and accessible. When eye tracking is applied within a retail environment, packaging can be evaluated based on the amount of attention obtained. For companies developing products or designing packages, the results of eye tracking could help estimate the likelihood a package will be selected over competitors, what design attributes attract the most attention or how shelf placement impacts sales. Using a physical retail environment with tangible stimuli allows participants to be fully immersed and follow normal shopping behaviors. However, many eye tracking studies are conducted in a …

Let's Be Fair Here: The Influence Of Leadership On Interpersonal Justice Climate In A Healthcare Context, Nastassia Savage

All Theses

Although performance is a major interest in most organizations, it has more salient implications in the healthcare industry, in which changes in performance can have a significant effect on patient care. As such, it is important to determine what factors may result in performance increments or decrements. This study focused on how interpersonal justice climate may have an effect and how leaders influence its level. Specifically, it assessed how leaders impact the interpersonal justice climate of their unit by accounting for their political skill and the similarities in leader-member exchange relationships within clinical healthcare units. Additionally, the effect of interpersonal …

Neighborhood Environment And Self-Rated Health In Mainland China, Japan And South Korea, Jing Liu

All Theses

Neighborhood environments are considered crucial factors in affecting self-ratedhealth. Previous empirical research has documented a positive association between self ratings of neighborhood environments and health status. Although this relationship has been studied extensively in western countries, the relationship between neighborhoodratings and health status in East Asian countries has received far less attention by researchers. Using data from the East Asian Social Survey 2010, this thesis examines the relationship between self-rated health and the three main types of neighborhood environment (built, physical, and social) in Mainland China, Japan, and South Korea. This study also compares the neighborhood effects on self-rated health …

The Cellular And Molecular Characterization Of Essential Hypertension Using Innovative Pathology Models, Joshua T. Rodriguez

All Theses

Essential hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, is a primary risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases. There has been a drastic rise in the amount of people who have essential hypertension; trends predict that 1.56 billion people worldwide will be living with essential hypertension by 2025. Anti-hypertensive drugs lower elevated blood pressure levels, but do not eliminate the disease itself or reverse the structural damage to arteries. This study aims to elucidate hypertension-induced endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction using a blood vessel tissue engineering approach as a pathology model. In order to characterize EC dysfunction, the FlexCell® system was used …

Tannic Acid Crosslinked Collagen Type I For Prevention Of Local Her2-Positive Breast Cancer Recurrence, Lauren Gayle Jordan

All Theses

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, affecting about 12 percent of women nationally (Ma and Jemal, 2013). The American Cancer Society estimates that 246,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2016 (American Cancer Society, 2016 b). Breast cancer accounts for almost 30% of new cancer diagnoses and is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths among women in developed countries. In addition, breast cancer is becoming a worldwide problem with incidence and mortality rates increasing steadily over the past 20 years in developing countries …

Shorebird Utilization Of Horseshoe Crab (Limulus Polyphemus) Eggs At Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, Fumika Takahashi

All Theses

Eggs of American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) provide migratory shorebirds with an abundant food source at stopover sites, allowing the birds to rapidly gain weight for their migration to arctic breeding sites. Shorebird use of horseshoe crab eggs has been well documented along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. at northeastern stopover sites such as the Delaware Bay. However the relationship between migratory shorebirds and horseshoe crab eggs has not been well studied in South Carolina, where horseshoe crabs are harvested for the biomedical industry. The objective of our study is to determine if there is a correlation …

Field Method For Gross Alpha- And Beta- Emitting Radionuclide Detection In Environmental Aqueous Solutions, Longchau D. Hoang

All Theses

A new field method was developed for the gross detection of alpha and beta radionuclides in water. The new field, method consists of a 0.5 L water sample concentrated with an Actinide Resin (Eichrom Technologies, Inc.), followed by MnO2 co-precipitation, and detection on an Thermo Eberline E600 detection system utilizing a phoswich (ZnS:Ag) plastic scintillator mounted on a modified SPA-1A Probe (Thermo Eberline, LLC.) The field method was evaluated against a modified EPA method consisting of the iSolo® Alpha/Beta Counting System which utilized a passivated implanted planar silicon (PIPS) detector. The minimum detectable concentration (MDC) for the field method is …