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2020

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Documenting West And Central African Dung Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) Community Structures And Their Vulnerability To Climate Change, Christie A. Sukhdeo Aug 2020

Documenting West And Central African Dung Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) Community Structures And Their Vulnerability To Climate Change, Christie A. Sukhdeo

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The Guineo-Congolian (GC) region of West and Central Africa contains high levels of species richness (SR) and endemism. Within the GC region, the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL) is an important biodiversity hotspot in part due to montane habitats that constitute important ‘sky islands’ refugia during warm periods of the Pleistocene glacial cycles. However, little is known about the diversity of many taxa in the GC region, especially for insects. The main goals of this dissertation are to: 1) document dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) species diversity across the GC region and assess the potential impacts of future climate change on species …

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Experimental Investigation Into The Boundary Layer Of A Robotic Anguilliform Propulsor, Jonathan R. Eastridge Aug 2020

Experimental Investigation Into The Boundary Layer Of A Robotic Anguilliform Propulsor, Jonathan R. Eastridge

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Boundary layer information local to three longitudinal positions has been characterized for a 130 cm long biomimetic self-propulsor known as NEELBOT-1.1 that swims with undulatory anguilliform-like motions, via analysis of stereo particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements for key moments in the undulation cycle and for numerous combinations of swimming conditions and motion parameters, ideal and non-ideal. No obvious turbulent flow structures or indications of boundary layer separation were observed at nonzero advance speeds, and skin friction coefficients were subsequently estimated for magnitude relative to the dynamic pressure associated with operation at the design swimming speed of Uo = 0.25 …

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Viability Of Uio-66 Impregnated With Silver For Carbon Capture, Tin Le Aug 2020

Viability Of Uio-66 Impregnated With Silver For Carbon Capture, Tin Le

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon dioxide levels have been steadily increasing over the past decades; as of 2019 (411 ppm), CO2 levels are at their highest in over 40 years (330 ppm in 1977); consequently, regulations in certain areas require the reduction of CO2 emissions to combat this trend. For effective carbon capture, we require a sorbent that has high adsorption capacity, stability, and recyclability; in addition, an efficient and economical way to release the captured gas is needed as well. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess a high surface area for adsorption, but releasing the stored gases requires additional energy input that limits the overall …

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Absence Of Cross-Modality Analogical Transfer In Perceptual Categorization, C Edmunds, A Inkster, P Jones, F Milton, A Wills Aug 2020

Absence Of Cross-Modality Analogical Transfer In Perceptual Categorization, C Edmunds, A Inkster, P Jones, F Milton, A Wills

School of Psychology

No abstract provided.

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Electroactive Anion Receptor With High Affinity For Arsenate, Samuel I. Etkind, Douglas A. Vander Griend, Timothy M. Swager Aug 2020

Electroactive Anion Receptor With High Affinity For Arsenate, Samuel I. Etkind, Douglas A. Vander Griend, Timothy M. Swager

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of a macrocyclic polyamide cage that incorporates redox-active 1,4-dithiin units. UV/vis titration experiments with eight anions in acetonitrile revealed high affinity for H2AsO4− (log β2 = 10.4−+0.40.4) and HCO3− (log β2 = 8.3−+0.30.4) over other common anionic guests, such as Cl− (log K1:1 = 3.20−+0.030.02), HSO4− (log K1:1 = 3.57−+0.020.03), and H2PO4− (log K1:1 = 4.24−+0.050.04), by the selective formation of HG2 complexes. The recognition of arsenate over phosphate is rare among both proteins and synthetic receptors, and though the origin of selectivity is not known, exploiting the difference in the binding stoichiometry …

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Visual Analysis Method For Comparison And Association Of Pesticide Residue Detection Data In Foods, Yuchao Feng, Chen Yi, Liu Ying, Hongqian Chen Aug 2020

Visual Analysis Method For Comparison And Association Of Pesticide Residue Detection Data In Foods, Yuchao Feng, Chen Yi, Liu Ying, Hongqian Chen

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: On the basis of existing researches, after having studied on the national pesticide residue data, a visual analysis method and interactions were proposed to visualize the data from different aspects, which was called Visual Analysis method of Comparisons and Associations(VACA). This method abandoned the visualization method of visualizing association relationships by connecting lines, and used interactions to visualize the associations relationships between two types of hierarchical data, which could avoid the visual clutters. This method also could compare the attributes of two trees with the same structure, such as the pesticide detection in the products of different …

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Structure And Function Of A Flavin-Dependent S-Monooxygenase From Garlic (Allium Sativum), Hannah Valentino, Ashley C. Campbell, Jonathan P. Schuermann, Nazneen Sultana, Han G. Nam, Sophie Leblanc, John J. Tanner, Pablo Sobrado Aug 2020

Structure And Function Of A Flavin-Dependent S-Monooxygenase From Garlic (Allium Sativum), Hannah Valentino, Ashley C. Campbell, Jonathan P. Schuermann, Nazneen Sultana, Han G. Nam, Sophie Leblanc, John J. Tanner, Pablo Sobrado

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Allicin is a component of the characteristic smell and flavor of garlic (Allium sativum). A flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) produced by A. sativum (AsFMO) was previously proposed to oxidize S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) to alliin, an allicin precursor. Here, we present a kinetic and structural characterization of AsFMO that suggests a possible contradiction to this proposal. Results of steady-state kinetic analyses revealed that AsFMO exhibited negligible activity with SAC; however, the enzyme was highly active with L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and allyl mercaptan. We found that allyl mercaptan with NADPH was the preferred substrate-cofactor combination. Rapid-reaction kinetic analyses showed that NADPH binds tightly (KD of …

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Synthesis Of Bacterial Surface Glycans For Conjugate Vaccines, Teron D. Haynie Aug 2020

Synthesis Of Bacterial Surface Glycans For Conjugate Vaccines, Teron D. Haynie

Theses and Dissertations

Bacteria are coated with repeating units of oligosaccharides that exhibit remarkable diversity. Often, glycan units of three or even two sugars are sufficient to identify a species of bacteria. Such specificity makes bacterial surface glycans attractive vaccine targets. However, efforts to create effective vaccines against carbohydrates have been hampered by poor vaccine design as well as the human immune tendency to respond to glycan antigens with non-specific, T-cell independent mechanisms. As a result, carbohydrate vaccines have historically produced only adequate memory responses in healthy individuals and poor responses in the elderly or immunocompromised. To circumvent these issues, a novel conjugate …

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Functional Characterization Of Petiolule-Like Pulvinus (Plp) Gene In Abscission Zone Development In Medicago Truncatula And Its Application To Genetic Improvement Of Alfalfa, Juan Du, Shaoyun Lu, Maofeng Chai, Chuanen Zhou, Liang Sun, Yuhong Tang, Jaydeep Kolape, Zhaozhu Wen, Marjan Behzadirad, Tianxiu Zhong, Juan Sun, Yunwei Zhang, Zeng-Yu Wang Aug 2020

Functional Characterization Of Petiolule-Like Pulvinus (Plp) Gene In Abscission Zone Development In Medicago Truncatula And Its Application To Genetic Improvement Of Alfalfa, Juan Du, Shaoyun Lu, Maofeng Chai, Chuanen Zhou, Liang Sun, Yuhong Tang, Jaydeep Kolape, Zhaozhu Wen, Marjan Behzadirad, Tianxiu Zhong, Juan Sun, Yunwei Zhang, Zeng-Yu Wang

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops throughout the world. Maximizing leaf retention during the haymaking process is critical for achieving superior hay quality and maintaining biomass yield. Leaf abscission process affects leaf retention. Previous studies have largely focused on the molecular mechanisms of floral organ, pedicel and seed abscission but scarcely touched on leaf and petiole abscission. This study focuses on leaf and petiole abscission in the model legume Medicago truncatula and its closely related commercial species alfalfa. By analysing the petiolule-like pulvinus (plp) mutant in M. truncatula at phenotypic level (breakstrength and shaking …

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Functional Characterization Of Petiolule-Like Pulvinus (Plp) Gene In Abscission Zone Development In Medicago Truncatula And Its Application To Genetic Improvement Of Alfalfa, Juan Du, Shaoyun Lu, Maofeng Chai, Chuanen Zhou, Liang Sun, Yuhong Tang, Jin Nakashima, Jaydeep Kolape, Zhaozhu Wen, Marjan Behzadirad, Tianxiu Zhong, Juan Sun, Yunwei Zhang, Zeng-Yu Wang Aug 2020

Functional Characterization Of Petiolule-Like Pulvinus (Plp) Gene In Abscission Zone Development In Medicago Truncatula And Its Application To Genetic Improvement Of Alfalfa, Juan Du, Shaoyun Lu, Maofeng Chai, Chuanen Zhou, Liang Sun, Yuhong Tang, Jin Nakashima, Jaydeep Kolape, Zhaozhu Wen, Marjan Behzadirad, Tianxiu Zhong, Juan Sun, Yunwei Zhang, Zeng-Yu Wang

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops throughout the world. Maximizing leaf retention during the haymaking process is critical for achieving superior hay quality and maintaining biomass yield. Leaf abscission process affects leaf retention. Previous studies have largely focused on the molecular mechanisms of floral organ, pedicel and seed abscission but scarcely touched on leaf and petiole abscission. This study focuses on leaf and petiole abscission in the model legume Medicago truncatula and its closely related commercial species alfalfa. By analysing the petiolule-like pulvinus (plp) mutant in M. truncatula at phenotypic level …

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Fighting Obesity Through Communication: A Longitudinal Study Examining The Association Between Communication, Relationships, Stress, And Weight-Loss, Ambyre Lp Ponivas Aug 2020

Fighting Obesity Through Communication: A Longitudinal Study Examining The Association Between Communication, Relationships, Stress, And Weight-Loss, Ambyre Lp Ponivas

Doctoral Dissertations

Obesity is one of the greatest health challenges in the world today. As such, there is a large focus on weight-loss in order to improve health outcomes for those who are overweight or obese. One area that has an impact on obesity and weight-loss is communication. Communication behaviors are directly tied to health outcomes. Positive, constructive communication can help to improve health directly by improving physiological outcomes, including stress, which is in itself a factor co-morbid with obesity. Communication also helps to build and strengthen relationships, which in turn often lead to better health outcomes. Conversely, negative and destructive communication …

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Comparing Development Definitions Of Internally Displaced Communities And The Government: A Study Of The Chenchu People In The Nallamala Forest Of Southern India, Malavika Jinka Ramamurthy Aug 2020

Comparing Development Definitions Of Internally Displaced Communities And The Government: A Study Of The Chenchu People In The Nallamala Forest Of Southern India, Malavika Jinka Ramamurthy

Theses and Dissertations

The Indian government’s twin objectives of protecting the tiger population in the Nallamala forest in Andhra Pradesh and providing “development” to the indigenous Chenchu people have resulted in an on-going process of Chenchu displacement from the forest. The research is an anthropological intervention to comparatively analyze the development definitions of the Chenchu people (N=15), subgrouped location-wise as Deep Forest Chenchu, Intermediate Forest Chenchu, and Displaced Chenchu, and the Government and NGO representatives (N=13), including Integrated Tribal Development Agency representatives, NGO workers, and conservation authorities. Both groups defined development as access to basic amenities, education and jobs, health, freedom, livestock, and …

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A Qualitative Study Of The Foster Parent Experience: “I Try To Weather The Storm”, Ariel D. Marrero Aug 2020

A Qualitative Study Of The Foster Parent Experience: “I Try To Weather The Storm”, Ariel D. Marrero

Dissertations, 2020-current

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of foster parents to understand how they make meaning of their child’s behavior and their training needs. A survey posted to online foster parent support communities gathered information about foster parents’ level of parental reflective functioning, perceptions of training experiences, and reflections on their parenting experience. Responses from 13 participants were collected and analyzed. Quantitative data gathered was used to characterize the sample of participants. Using thematic analysis, nine themes were rendered. Participants identified positive and negative aspects of their parenting experience, reported strong feelings of love, highlighted the impact of trauma on …

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Dendritic Cell Derived Exosomes Loaded With Immunoregulatory Cargo Reprogram Local Immune Responses And Inhibit Degenerative Bone Disease In Vivo, Mahmoud Elashiry, Mohamed M Elashiry, Ranya Elsayed, Mythily Rajendran, Carol Auersvald, Rana Zeitoun, Mohammad H Rashid, Roxan Ara, Mohamed M Meghil, Yutao Liu, Ali S Arbab, Roger M Arce, Mark Hamrick, Mohammed Elsalanty, Marshall Brendan, Rafal Pacholczyk, Christopher W Cutler Aug 2020

Dendritic Cell Derived Exosomes Loaded With Immunoregulatory Cargo Reprogram Local Immune Responses And Inhibit Degenerative Bone Disease In Vivo, Mahmoud Elashiry, Mohamed M Elashiry, Ranya Elsayed, Mythily Rajendran, Carol Auersvald, Rana Zeitoun, Mohammad H Rashid, Roxan Ara, Mohamed M Meghil, Yutao Liu, Ali S Arbab, Roger M Arce, Mark Hamrick, Mohammed Elsalanty, Marshall Brendan, Rafal Pacholczyk, Christopher W Cutler

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Chronic bone degenerative diseases represent a major threat to the health and well-being of the population, particularly those with advanced age. This study isolated exosomes (EXO), natural nano-particles, from dendritic cells, the "directors" of the immune response, to examine the immunobiology of DC EXO in mice, and their ability to reprogram immune cells responsible for experimental alveolar bone loss

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Mg2+-Dependent Methyl Transfer By A Knotted Protein: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation And Quantum Mechanics Study, Agata P Perlinska, Marcin Kalek, Thomas Christian, Ya-Ming Hou, Joanna I Sulkowska Aug 2020

Mg2+-Dependent Methyl Transfer By A Knotted Protein: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation And Quantum Mechanics Study, Agata P Perlinska, Marcin Kalek, Thomas Christian, Ya-Ming Hou, Joanna I Sulkowska

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Mg2+ is required for the catalytic activity of TrmD, a bacteria-specific methyltransferase that is made up of a protein topological knot-fold, to synthesize methylated m1G37-tRNA to support life. However, neither the location of Mg2+ in the structure of TrmD nor its role in the catalytic mechanism is known. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identify a plausible Mg2+ binding pocket within the active site of the enzyme, wherein the ion is coordinated by two aspartates and a glutamate. In this position, Mg2+ additionally interacts with the carboxylate of a methyl donor cofactor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). The computational results are validated by …

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Alport Syndrome Classification And Management., Bradley A. Warady, Rajiv Agarwal, Sripal Bangalore, Arlene Chapman, Adeera Levin, Peter Stenvinkel, Robert D. Toto, Glenn M. Chertow Aug 2020

Alport Syndrome Classification And Management., Bradley A. Warady, Rajiv Agarwal, Sripal Bangalore, Arlene Chapman, Adeera Levin, Peter Stenvinkel, Robert D. Toto, Glenn M. Chertow

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Alport syndrome affects up to 60,000 people in the United States. The proposed reclassification of thin basement membrane nephropathy and some cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis as Alport syndrome could substantially increase the affected population. The reclassification scheme categorizes Alport syndrome as 3 distinct diseases of type IV collagen α3/4/5 based on a genetic evaluation: X-linked, autosomal, and digenic. This approach has the advantage of identifying patients at risk for progressive loss of kidney function. Furthermore, the shared molecular cause of Alport syndrome and thin basement membrane nephropathy arises from mutations in the COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 genes, …

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Isolation, Enumeration And Antibiotic Profiling Of Vibrio Vulnificus And V. Parahaemolyticus From Coastal Virginia, Stanley E. Peyton Jr. Aug 2020

Isolation, Enumeration And Antibiotic Profiling Of Vibrio Vulnificus And V. Parahaemolyticus From Coastal Virginia, Stanley E. Peyton Jr.

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Vibrio vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus are gram-negative, halophilic bacteria that reside in estuarine waters and are associated with infections in humans. These bacteria can cause gastroenteritis through their presence in raw fish and shellfish consumed by humans. V. vulnificus can also produce wound infections leading to severe septicemia, and in some cases, death if not treated promptly. With increasing incidence of infections due to these two organisms, research efforts have focused on potential reservoirs and environmental conditions that can increase human exposure to, and infection, with these species of bacteria. This study was conducted in order to examine the role …

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Discussion Of Integrating Biological-Chemical Hazard Simulation And Artificial Society Computational Experimental Platform, Sihang Qiu, Xiaogang Qiu, Bin Chen Aug 2020

Discussion Of Integrating Biological-Chemical Hazard Simulation And Artificial Society Computational Experimental Platform, Sihang Qiu, Xiaogang Qiu, Bin Chen

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Biological-chemical hazard once brought great loss to human beings, which encouraged people to develop a number of biological-chemical simulation models and corresponding simulation tools. However, influences of hazards to society were rarely considered in the past. By integrating biological-chemical simulation and artificial society computational experimental platform, it was feasible to assess hazard and analyze its social effects meanwhile, which efficiently assisted manager to estimate hazard risk and make decisions. Two methodologies of integration and a corresponding example were given.

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When Two Health Emergencies Collide: Planning For The Crisis Health Needs Of Opioid Abusers And The Psychological Consequences Of Covid-19, Amanda Rehn Aug 2020

When Two Health Emergencies Collide: Planning For The Crisis Health Needs Of Opioid Abusers And The Psychological Consequences Of Covid-19, Amanda Rehn

Master's Projects and Capstones

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new barriers for people suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. From its expected major impact on mental health, social distance measures imposed worldwide are themselves risk factors for increased mental health problems, including opioid abuse. Since drug treatment for opioid use disorders is highly regulated by health authorities, people with opioid use disorders could experience difficulty accessing treatment, which should be considered an essential treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The accelerated transition away from in person appointments and group therapy because of social distancing calls for health systems and community collaborations and adjustments …

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The Journey To Antiracism: White Identity Development For White Faculty Members At Predominantly White Higher Education Institutions, Morgan Harthorne Aug 2020

The Journey To Antiracism: White Identity Development For White Faculty Members At Predominantly White Higher Education Institutions, Morgan Harthorne

Master's Projects and Capstones

Students of color experience feelings of isolation, exhaustion, and tokenization in predominantly white higher education spaces (Smith, Yosso, Solorzano, 2006). Specifically, students of color feel ostracized and tokenized in the classroom. This experience contributes to an overall culture of Whiteness within higher education and leads to the lack of engagement and belonging of students of color. It also supports the systems of racism and White supremacy within the academy. This field project analyzes the experiences of students of color and provides a series of seven workshops for White faculty to begin their journey toward antiracism in the classroom. This field …

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Electrostatic Denaturation Of Dna-Cisplatin Adducts, Eddie Madrigal Aug 2020

Electrostatic Denaturation Of Dna-Cisplatin Adducts, Eddie Madrigal

Master's Theses

In this thesis, electrochemical approaches are used to determine the properties of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by electrostatic denaturation. The electrochemical routine involves an application of a destabilization potential, an equilibration potential, and a square wave voltammogram (SWV) to monitor the extent of melting. Our method uses a monolayer consisting of thiol modified DNA and mercaptohexanol on a gold electrode. These electrodes are then incubated in a complementary sequence tagged with methylene blue. By using our electrostatic denaturation technique, different parameters are explored, such as surface densities, surface coverages, and ionic strengths. As proof of concept, these techniques were applied toward …

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Assessing Seasonal Changes In Body Condition For Spotted (Phoca Largha), Ringed (Pusa Hispida), And Bearded (Erignathus Barbatus) Seals, Michelle Hartwick Aug 2020

Assessing Seasonal Changes In Body Condition For Spotted (Phoca Largha), Ringed (Pusa Hispida), And Bearded (Erignathus Barbatus) Seals, Michelle Hartwick

Master's Theses

Anthropogenic global warming is causing unprecedented changes to occur within Arctic ecosystems. As sea ice continues to decline in both thickness and extent, ice-adapted species will be particularly affected. Specifically, Arctic seals are reliant on sea ice during critical life-history stages and many of their preferred prey depend on reliable patterns in annual sea ice cover. Thus, ongoing changes will likely affect the ability of Arctic seals to carry out key life-history tasks and maintain positive energy balance. One way to assess energy reserves is through examination of body condition. For seals, this is often done by measuring overall blubber …

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Tonic Tcr Signaling Inversely Regulates The Basal Metabolism Of Cd4+ T Cells, Ashley A Viehmann Milam, Juliet M Bartleson, Michael D Buck, Chih-Hao Chang, Alexey Sergushichev, David L Donermeyer, Wing Y Lam, Erika L Pearce, Maxim N Artyomov, Paul M Allen Aug 2020

Tonic Tcr Signaling Inversely Regulates The Basal Metabolism Of Cd4+ T Cells, Ashley A Viehmann Milam, Juliet M Bartleson, Michael D Buck, Chih-Hao Chang, Alexey Sergushichev, David L Donermeyer, Wing Y Lam, Erika L Pearce, Maxim N Artyomov, Paul M Allen

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The contribution of self-peptide-MHC signaling in CD4

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Harnessing Real-World Data To Inform Decision-Making: Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology And Health Solutions (Ms Paths)., Ellen M Mowry, Robert A Bermel, James R Williams, Tammie L S Benzinger, Carl De Moor, Elizabeth Fisher, Carrie M Hersh, Megan H Hyland, Izlem Izbudak, Stephen E Jones, Bernd C Kieseier, Hagen H Kitzler, Lauren Krupp, Yvonne W Lui, Xavier Montalban, Robert T Naismith, Jacqueline A Nicholas, Fabio Pellegrini, Alex Rovira, Maximilian Schulze, Björn Tackenberg, Mar Tintore, Madalina E Tivarus, Tjalf Ziemssen, Richard A Rudick Aug 2020

Harnessing Real-World Data To Inform Decision-Making: Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology And Health Solutions (Ms Paths)., Ellen M Mowry, Robert A Bermel, James R Williams, Tammie L S Benzinger, Carl De Moor, Elizabeth Fisher, Carrie M Hersh, Megan H Hyland, Izlem Izbudak, Stephen E Jones, Bernd C Kieseier, Hagen H Kitzler, Lauren Krupp, Yvonne W Lui, Xavier Montalban, Robert T Naismith, Jacqueline A Nicholas, Fabio Pellegrini, Alex Rovira, Maximilian Schulze, Björn Tackenberg, Mar Tintore, Madalina E Tivarus, Tjalf Ziemssen, Richard A Rudick

Neuroscience Articles

Background: Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) is the first example of a learning health system in multiple sclerosis (MS). This paper describes the initial implementation of MS PATHS and initial patient characteristics. Methods: MS PATHS is an ongoing initiative conducted in 10 healthcare institutions in three countries, each contributing standardized information acquired during routine care. Institutional participation required the following: active MS patient census of ≥500, at least one Siemens 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and willingness to standardize patient assessments, share standardized data for research, and offer universal enrolment to capture a representative sample. …

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The Impact Of Brown Stink Bug (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) Natural And Simulated Damage On Field Corn Growth And Yield, William Christopher Hardman Aug 2020

The Impact Of Brown Stink Bug (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) Natural And Simulated Damage On Field Corn Growth And Yield, William Christopher Hardman

Theses and Dissertations

Field corn, Zea mays L., is a commonly grown crop in Mississippi. Brown stink bug, Euschistus servus Say, is an insect that can infest field corn. Growers and consultants have expressed concerns of the difficulty in detecting infestations and estimating yield loss potential once damage is found in a field. The results of these experiments showed a relationship between damage severity, plant height, and yield loss. As damage severity increased, plant height and yield were significantly reduced. On a per area basis, yields were reduced when ≥ 10% plants were damaged. Mean plant heights were reduced when ≥ 20% plants …

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The Mediating Effect Of Gratitude And Social Support: Exploring The Relation Between Religiosity And Psychological Well-Being In A National Sample, Ethan Lantz Aug 2020

The Mediating Effect Of Gratitude And Social Support: Exploring The Relation Between Religiosity And Psychological Well-Being In A National Sample, Ethan Lantz

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has found that religiosity is associated with psychological well-being (i.e., depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and life satisfaction), and this study sought to improve our understanding of this relation by examining two mediators: gratitude and social support. Additionally, this study sought to examine the effect of having been a custodial grandparent on social support and psychological well-being. These issues were examined using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and two subsets of participants from national samples (i.e., participants from the MIDUS II and MIDUS Refresher who completed outcome questionnaires with the Biomarker follow-up). Consistent with previous research, religiosity was associated with …

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The Molecular And Cellular Dynamics Of Holstein Bull Spermatozoa Associated With Cryotolerance, Alicia Gilmore Aug 2020

The Molecular And Cellular Dynamics Of Holstein Bull Spermatozoa Associated With Cryotolerance, Alicia Gilmore

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to uncover molecular and cellular dynamics in spermatozoa from Holstein bulls with Good (11 bulls) and Poor (5 bulls) cryotolerance. Post-thaw sperm kinetics, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation were assessed. Data was analyzed using principal component analysis. The spermatozoa from Good bulls had a higher number of cells with intact membranes (P = 0.029), nonragmented DNA (P = 0.018), post-thaw viability (P < 0.001) in comparison to those of the Poor bulls. The Good bulls also had a faster average path velocity (VAP; P = 0.017), straight-line velocity (VSL; P = 0.036), a greater distance average path (DAP; P = 0.006) and distance straight line (DSL; P = 0.011). No differences were found in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), number of live cells or other kinetic parameters between spermatozoa from Good and Poor groups, showing that no one characteristic can be used to determine cryotolerance.

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The Mother-Infant Dyad: Reconstructing Maternal Nutritional Status At Put Dragulina Cemetery, Julianne Marie Paige Aug 2020

The Mother-Infant Dyad: Reconstructing Maternal Nutritional Status At Put Dragulina Cemetery, Julianne Marie Paige

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates maternal nutritional status through the analysis of young infants (N=27) that are likely pre-weaned from two Roman occupational periods at Put Dragulina. Because young infants are solely dependent on the nutritional status of their mother while in utero and postpartum through the consumption of breast milk, the presence of skeletal pathologies positively associated to nutritional deficiencies on the remains of young infants can be analyzed to reconstruct the nutritional status of the infant’s mother. This study finds that 89% (N=24) of young infants, regardless of occupational period, presented with skeletal pathologies consistent with nutritional deficiencies. These results …

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The Prevalence And Mode Of Persistence Of Salmonella On Commercial Poultry Processing Equipment After Sanitization Procedures, Tomilola Olofunke Obe Aug 2020

The Prevalence And Mode Of Persistence Of Salmonella On Commercial Poultry Processing Equipment After Sanitization Procedures, Tomilola Olofunke Obe

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence and mode of persistence of Salmonella on commercial poultry processing equipment was examined in this study. The equipment surfaces of six commercial processing plants were sampled over three-time periods designated as A (after processing), B (after cleaning), and C (after sanitization) and each plant was visited three times. Salmonella prevalence was greater (p<0.0001) at time A than times B and C, while there were no differences (p=0.386) between times B and C. A total of twentyive Salmonella isolates from five distinct serovars were recovered from the processing plants. Further examination of the recovered isolates showed that tolerance to sanitizing agents (chlorine and quaternary ammonium compounds, QAC) and/or biofilm formation was the possible mode of persistence. In addition, all the isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics in different classes of drugs and more than two genes that are responsible for ⅰ). biofilm formation, ⅱ). resistance to QAC, ⅲ). oxidative stress response, and ⅳ). resistance to antibiotics were detected. Three selected isolates were further characterized based on virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance using whole genome sequencing (WGS) to possibly predict phenotypic characteristics. The WGS data correlates with phenotypic characteristics that were previously observed in the isolates including the ability to produce biofilms and resistance to antibiotics including β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and cephalosporins. WGS predicted the isolates carried resistance genes for antibiotic drug classes that were not observed phenotypically. These include macrolides and fluoroquinolone, which is a concern due to its use in treating foodborne infection. Furthermore, the genome of the three selected isolates were predicted to have over sixty virulence genes that allow Salmonella to invade, attach, and colonize the host cells. The results from this study suggest that the antimicrobials used for sanitization may be insufficient to inactivate Salmonella because of the ability to produce biofilms on processing surfaces. Most importantly, the results suggest the ability of the isolates to cause infection in humans meaning if contamination were to occur, the right antibiotic treatment could be a challenge. Further research is imperative to determine the effective antimicrobial for Salmonella biofilms.

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Pyritic Lignite As A Source Of Iron For Soybean As Influenced By Variety And Soil Ph., Andrea Paola Elvir Flores Aug 2020

Pyritic Lignite As A Source Of Iron For Soybean As Influenced By Variety And Soil Ph., Andrea Paola Elvir Flores

Theses and Dissertations

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a frequent problem in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production on calcareous soils. Greenhouse and soil incubation experiments were established to evaluate pyritic lignite efficacy to supply Fe as compared to Fe-EDDHA and Fe-EDTA sources across contrasting IDC tolerance varieties grown on a slightly acid and a calcareous soil. Soybean IDC incidence was influenced by the soil properties and variety tolerance. All iron sources increased plant dry matter accumulation on the Leeper soil, whereas on the Marietta soil only lignite at 0.672 kg ha-1 produced an increase. Lignite at 0.336 kg ha-1 successfully improved Fe …

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