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Extended-Synaptotagmin-1 And -2 Control T Cell Signaling And Function, Nathalia Benavides, Claudio G. Giraudo

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

Upon T-cell activation, the levels of the secondary messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) at the plasma membrane need to be controlled to ensure appropriate T-cell receptor signaling and T-cell functions. Extended-Synaptotagmins (E-Syts) are a family of inter-organelle lipid transport proteins that bridge the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane. In this study, we identify a novel regulatory mechanism of DAG-mediated signaling for T-cell effector functions based on E-Syt proteins. We demonstrate that E-Syts downmodulate T-cell receptor signaling, T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokine production by reducing plasma membrane levels of DAG. Mechanistically, E-Syt2 predominantly modulates DAG levels at the plasma membrane in resting-state …

Power And Knowledge In Policy Evaluation: From Managing Budgets To Analyzing Scenarios, Frank Pasquale

Law and Contemporary Problems

No abstract provided.

Needle Biopsy Accelerates Pro-Metastatic Changes And Systemic Dissemination In Breast Cancer: Implications For Mortality By Surgery Delay, Hiroyasu Kameyama, Priya Dondapati, Reese Simmons, Macall Leslie, John Langenheim, Yunguang Sun, Misung Yi, Aubrey Rottschaefer, Rashmi Pathak, Shreya Nuguri, Kar-Ming Fung, Shirng-Wern Tsaih, Inna Chervoneva, Hallgeir Rui, Takemi Tanaka

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

ncreased breast cancer (BC) mortality risk posed by delayed surgical resection of tumor after diagnosis is a growing concern, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Our cohort analyses of early-stage BC patients reveal the emergence of a significantly rising mortality risk when the biopsy-to-surgery interval was extended beyond 53 days. Additionally, histology of post-biopsy tumors shows prolonged retention of a metastasis-permissive wound stroma dominated by M2-like macrophages capable of promoting cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis. We show that needle biopsy promotes systemic dissemination of cancer cells through a mechanism of sustained activation of the COX-2/PGE₂/EP2 feedforward loop, …

Sustainable Solution For Plastic Waste Management And Education Campaigns To Mitigate Plastic Consumption And Foster Behavior Change, Mayowa Akande

Masters Theses

The issue of plastic waste has become a significant environmental concern in contemporary times. Given the escalating rates of plastic production and consumption worldwide, an urgent need is to implement effective strategies to manage plastic waste. This article aims to investigate sustainable strategies for managing plastic waste through an analysis of existing research and exemplary approaches in the domain. This research assesses diverse methodologies, such as recycling, waste minimization, biodegradable substitutes, and policy interventions, and appraises their efficacy, obstacles, and prospects for enduring sustainability. The results of this research emphasize the significance of inclusive and cohesive approaches that engage various …

Visualizing The Risks: The Significance Of Graphic Design In Educating Women About The Risks Of Prescription Opioids & Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions, Natascha Foret Truong

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the critical issue of educating women about the increased risks of prescription opioid use and misuse relating to a co-occurring mental health illness. The research-based graphic design solutions proposed in the thesis aim to create awareness and provide knowledge to women on this matter. It is imperative to address this issue as it has severe consequences for women, their families, and society. This thesis utilizes research and best practices from scholarly articles, case studies, visual analysis, personas, and mind mapping to present graphic design solutions based on evidence. These solutions aim to educate women about the gender-specific …

Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys For Biomedical Implants: Properties, Challenges, And Surface Modifications With A Focus On Orthopedic Fixation Repair, Kevin Koshy Thomas, Mah Noor Zafar, William G. Pitt, Ghaleb A. Husseini

Faculty Publications

Biomedical devices made from high-modulus and hardness materials play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for people with bone-related ailments. While these materials have been successfully used in orthopedic applications, concerns including stress-shielding have necessitated the exploration of alternative solutions. An ideal biomedical implant requires a delicate balance of mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, tissue biocompatibility, and other properties such as tribological performance and osseointegration. This review explores the suitability of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys as a promising material for biomedical implants. It delves into the essential properties of biomedical implants, emphasizing the importance of matching mechanical characteristics …

With Or Without The Table, We Gather: Reinforcing Innate Resiliencies In The African American Family, Jessica L. Stevens-Eddy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study aims to determine whether food-sharing (gathering to eat) can be considered a suitable medium to facilitate increased cohesion within African American families. This study focuses on informal food-sharing as an extension of formal meal-sharing. Previous research links consistent formal meal-sharing to positive and secure identity development, better familial attachment, and improved family cohesion. These practices leave a lasting, detrimental impact on the African American family model. Additional barriers to some African American family meal-sharing practices include working extended and atypical work hours, food insecurity, and poor familial communication. There is a lack of research concerning the impact …

Mindfulness For The Reduction Of Anxiety, Stress, And Depression In The Preservice Teacher Community, Shelley R. Crampton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Teachers and students alike suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression. Mindfulness-based strategies have been indicated to help teachers and students deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. Teachers often report not wishing to add more learning strategies to their packed schedules and workload. Education in mindfulness is not easily accessible due to the time constraints of this overworked population. The criteria for participation in the study required the college students in preservice education classes to be over 18 years old, enrolled in the teacher education program, and not have participated in any mindfulness in the last six months. The study is …

The Impact Of Moral Injury On Character Identity For Divorced Catholics: A Character Domain Perspective, Mary Susan Mcauliff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Catholics who are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church on the indissolubility of marriage and who experience a civil divorce are at high risk for moral injury. This study was anchored on a character domain theoretical framework, and it investigated the impact of moral injury on character identity (measured by self-discrepancy) through the mediation of the perception of suffering. Religiosity was explored as a moderator for the relationships of moral injury to perception of suffering, perception of suffering to character identity, and moral injury to character identity. Participants (N = 251) were recruited from social media groups, various …

A Phenomenological Study Of African-American Clergys’ Experiences With Mental Health, Rosalind R. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological qualitative study was to describe African-American clergy’s lived experiences with mental health and mental health’s influence on the construction of their teachings, sermons, and church practice. The goal was to use interpretation to bring to light to an underlying coherence of actions of a group of people. This study reduced individual African-American clergy beliefs regarding mental health to a universal understanding. There were four philosophical assumptions in this study: 1) a search for wisdom to understand the phenomenon of African-American clergy’s lived experiences with mental health influence their teachings, sermons, and church practice, 2) …

Beyond Acculturation And Resilience: International Students Navigating Shame And Self-Concept, Shauna Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study highlights the unique experiences of international students while they pursue higher education, manage adjustment issues, and navigate internal struggles. To explore whether English proficiency and family expectations correlate with self-concept and acculturation resilience, this study focused on the acculturation process, incorporating aspects of shame and self-concept that contribute to a student’s motivation and resilience. International students commonly face academic and personal challenges while adjusting to an environment that requires fluency in English. Additionally, many experience the pressure of high expectations from their families in their countries of origin. This study used a sociocultural approach to explore how international …

How Does Nurse-To-Patient Ratio Impact Patient Outcomes In Adults, 18 Years And Older, That Are Admitted To Hospitals Around The World: An Integrative Review, Bre' Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The field of nursing, known as the heart of health care, impacts individuals throughout every season of life: from the first cry to the last breath. It matters not how advanced the world might become; the calming presence of a nurse is irreplaceable. Considering the value of nurses, adequate work settings and staffing ratios is essential for care provision. Current practice is lacking, focusing heavily on patient satisfaction while staff contentment is not always addressed. Ratios are being increased, changing the way nurses provide care. The industry calls nurses into action to provide care that is efficient, effective, and safe. …

Exploring The Need For Additional Title Ix Education And Training, Maria K. Lamiotte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study explores the differences between students, faculty, and staff about the need for additional Title IX education and training at a community college in Southeastern Connecticut from the four-level construct of the Social-Ecological Model of sexual misconduct prevention. This paper analyzed the existing literature on sexual misconduct education and training across higher education institutions, specifically related to community colleges nationwide. The literature was limited, related to community colleges. The data analysis explored the differences between students, faculty, and staff’s gender, sexual orientation, and college status about the need for additional Title IX education and training using archival data …

Apologetic Knowledge: The Modern Church Planter, Matthew Dilley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project addresses a critical need within the ministry field, focusing on pastors affiliated with the church planting networks Excel Leadership Network and Transformation Ministries. The context is shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on church planting, with a shift to online services and emerging challenges in ministry. The problem is the significant lack of knowledge of apologetics among church planters, hindering their ability to effectively articulate and defend the Christian faith in today's postmodern world, particularly when engaging with non-believers. This DMIN action research project aims to create a concise video curriculum that equips pastors with fundamental apologetics knowledge. …

Intimate Partner Violence And Spirituality: A Healing Process, Sheila Diane Lundquist

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to understand how intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors, from the Atlanta area, use spirituality to heal from the abuse. The theory guiding this study is Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy of Needs as it shows how spirituality helped these women meet the needs on the hierarchy after having many of the needs ripped from them by the perpetrator(s). Intimate partner violence is a fundamental problem in the United States, especially during these times of COVID-19 and the stay-at home orders. Intimate partner violence takes a toll on the family unit, the community, and the …

The Impact Of Shame On Medication-Assisted Therapy Treatment Outcomes For Individuals With A Severe Opiate Use Disorder, Cameron Davis Mcclure

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Shame has a significant impact on various psychopathologies including depression (Pinto et al., 2012), anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (Bryan et al., 2013). The gap in this research is the quantitative impact of shame on the relapse cycle in individuals with a severe opioid use disorder. This research study will demonstrate the impact of shame on the expression of addictive behavior in patients that have a diagnosed opiate use disorder and are currently actively enrolled in a medication-assisted therapy treatment program. This research study will illustrate how the presence of increased therapeutic alliance strength can result in the reduction of …

The Necessity Of Spiritual Preparation In Short-Term Missions As It Correlates To Ministry Effectiveness, Brent Edward Allen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a lack of resources available providing spiritual preparation training specifically for teams preparing for a STM with M4 Institute. The purpose of this action research project is two-fold. First, to develop a spiritual preparation resource for STM work in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Second, to determine if providing spiritual preparation training for a team preparing for said STM work will improve the ministry effectiveness of the trip. An eight-week, five-phase intervention guide was created to implement with the focus group. This consisted of two in-person, on-site team trainings, three pre-trip Zoom team meetings, mid-trip communications with participants …

An Integrated Approach To Developing Pastoral Efficacy For Addiction Crisis Ministry, Matthias Ponce-De-Leon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current addiction epidemic has heightened human suffering in many ways globally. This action research project built and implemented a training system to prepare pastors for encounters with individuals and families in substance addiction crises. The primary focus of the training system was to integrate existing approaches to pastoral equipping while advancing the theological framing of addiction models. In doing so, pastors developed understanding and confidence for facing the logistical, personal, and theological challenges in ministry to addicts and their families. Twelve pastors participated in the designed intervention, a 3-hour training workshop, and their shifts in perspectives and strategies for …

Perceived Problems And Advantages Associated With Teaching Band In Rural Northern New York, Joseph Charles Ianaconi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Teaching instrumental music in rural northern New York presents unique advantages and problems for music educators. While most research highlights obstacles to teaching in a rural area, this study identifies the unique positive aspects of working in this environment. Educators often overlook the opportunities and benefits within small, rural schools. Directors and students can define and find success in multiple ways within these rural band programs. This qualitative study examines the opinions, feelings, and experiences of those who teach band in rural northern New York. The research focuses on the perceived advantages of directing an instrumental ensemble in a rural …

A Phenomenological Approach Of Foster Parent Factors That Predict Placement Disruption Of Children In Foster Care, Latoya Ebony Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover foster parent factors contributing to foster care disruptions. Disruptions of foster care children are detrimental to the safety and well-being of the children. There are implications of foster care disruptions producing short- and long-term negative outcomes for children and families. Research indicates the emotional trauma effects of placement instability negatively impact the child’s relationships, ability to form attachments, educational outcomes, and mental and developmental stability. Foster parent factors have been identified that predict the likelihood of the parents disrupting the child’s placement and strategies for increasing placement stability in various studies. …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Bslt Test Of Pyrazoline And Pyrazole Compounds From Chalcone Using Microwave Irradiation, Siska Elisahbet Sinaga, Matius Paundanan, Yum Eryanti

Chimica et Natura Acta

Pyrazole is an organic compound, classified as an alkaloid, featuring a heterocyclic five-membered ring structure composed of three carbon atoms and two adjacent nitrogen atoms, forming an endocyclic double bond. Pyrazole has various biological activities, such as antibacterial, anticanc er, antiinflammatory, antidepressantion, and antioxidant. Pyrazole 2-(5-(4-chlorophenil)-1-phenil-1H-pyrazole-3il)phenol (TFP-2OH-4Cl) was synthesized via oxidative aromatization reaction of pyrazoline 2-(5-(4-chlorophenil)-1-phenil-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-3-il)phenol (PF-2OH-4Cl) with glacial acetic acid. Chalcone, pyrazoline, and pyrazole were synthesized using the microwave at 180 W at 85oC. The purity of the compounds was monitored on TLC plates, melting point, and HPLC analysis. The structure of synthesized compounds was confirmed by UV, FTIR, …

Tempe Kedelai Hitam (Glycine Soja) Dan Kacang Buncis Putih (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Sebagai Pangan Fungsional Antioksidan, Sri Yadial Chalid, Anna Muawanah, Nani Radiastuti, Sofia Ade Putri, Fitriah Hartiningsih, Tarso Rudiana

Chimica et Natura Acta

Kedelai hitam dan biji kacang buncis mengandung senyawa flavonoid dan fenolik yang berpotensi dikembangkan sebagai pangan fungsional antioksidan. Campuran kedelai hitam dan biji kacang buncis putih 1:1 difermentasi dengan ragi tempe 0,2% (b/b) dan angkak divariasikan sebesar 1; 1,5; 2% (b/b) dengan waktu fermentasi 0, 12, dan 24 jam. Jumlah angkak dan waktu fermentasi optimum ditentukan berdasarkan karakteristik tempe dari uji organoleptik meliputi warna, bau, dan tekstur tempe oleh 25 orang panelis. Tempe diekstrak menggunakan aseton 80% (v/v) dan diukur aktivitas antioksidan dengan metode 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) serta total fenolik dan total flavonoid. Hasil uji organoleptik menunjukkan bahwa fermentasi selama 24 …

Perbandingan Kadar Magnesium Pada Air Minum Dalam Kemasan (Amdk) Menggunakan Metode Spektrofotometri Dan Kompleksometri, Edy Agustian Yazid, Abdul Wafi, Roihatul Zahroh, Nurul Azizah

Chimica et Natura Acta

Magnesium (Mg) merupakan salah satu mineral penting dalam tubuh yang memiliki fungsi memelihara kesehatan jantung, tulang, mengatur kadar gula darah hingga membantu mengatasi stres. Kebutuhan magnesium diantaranya dapat dipenuhi melalui Air Minum Dalam Kemasan (AMDK). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perbedaaan kadar magnesium pada AMDK menggunakan metode spektrofotometri dan kompleksometri. Melalui perbandingan kedua metode tersebut dapat diketahui aplikasi metode yang lebih praktis dan efisien. Penentuan magnesium secara spektrofotometri dilakukan dengan mengukur terbentuknya senyawa kompleks Mg-EBT menggunakan spektrofotometer visibel pada panjang gelombang maksimum 530 nm. Hasil penelitian kadar magnesium pada AMDK metode spektrofotometri didapatkan kadar antara 1,5-19,45 mg/L, sedangkan dengan …

The Impact Of Blood Cupping (Al-Hijama) On Serum Creatinine And Uric Acid Levels In Patients From Hadhramout, Yemen, Saleh Bin Sumaidea, Hassan Pyar Ali Hassan, Adnan Ali Bakaduem, Abdulrahman Omar Almashjari, Abdullah Shamlan Bashumail, Mohammed Saeed Blhamed

Chimica et Natura Acta

Cupping is a wonderful healing tool that has been employed for hundreds of years by numerous traditional folklore practitioners. Cupping treats many diseases including eliminating blood pollutants like uric acid and creatinine. The aim of this study to evaluate the impact of cupping on blood pressure, uric acid concentration, and creatinine levels. Sixty (60) random patient between the ages of (20 -70) years were selected, the blood samples were collected before cupping and after cupping for the evaluation. The result showed that the levels of creatinine and uric acid decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after cupping for both creatinine and uric acid. Moreover, the study showed that blood pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after cupping. The result concluded that cupping has positive impact on health by modulating creatinine, uric acid blood levels and decreasing blood pressure.

A Quantum Physics-Based Force Field For Biomolecular Simulation, Roseane Dos Reis Silva

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the development of a physics-based force field meticulously tailored to guide molecular dynamics simulations of biomolecules. At its core, the Hydrogen-like Intermolecular Polarizable Potential (HIPPO) force field emerges as an apex of achievement, devised to refine the precision of short-range intermolecular interactions. HIPPO's inception marks a profound stride towards heightened realism in molecular simulations, anchored in Quantum Physics theory and fortified by state-of-the-art Quantum Chemistry calculations. This force field's efficacy is attested by its systematic application in constructing models featuring diverse organic molecules, from water to benzene, and those with motifs resembling proteins and nucleic acids. HIPPO …

Biomarkers Of Affective Dysregulation Associated With In Utero Exposure To Etoh, Nune Darbinian, Nana Merabova, Gabriel Tatevosian, Mary Morrison, Armine Darbinyan, Huaqing Zhao, Laura Goetzl, Michael Edgar Selzer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION: Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) exhibit behavioral and affective dysregulation, including hyperactivity and depression. The mechanisms are not known, but they could conceivably be due to postnatal social or environmental factors. However, we postulate that, more likely, the affective dysregulation is associated with the effects of EtOH exposure on the development of fetal serotonergic (5-HT) and/or dopaminergic (DA) pathways, i.e., pathways that in postnatal life are believed to regulate mood. Many women who use alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) during pregnancy suffer from depression and take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which might influence these monoaminergic pathways in the …

Drivers Of Chronic Pathology Following Ischemic Stroke: A Descriptive Review, Grant W Goodman, Trang H Do, Chunfeng Tan, Rodney M Ritzel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and long-term disability in the world. Considered largely a disease of aging, its global economic and healthcare burden is expected to rise as more people survive into advanced age. With recent advances in acute stroke management, including the expansion of time windows for treatment with intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, we are likely to see an increase in survival rates. It is therefore critically important to understand the complete pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, both in the acute and subacute stages and during the chronic phase in the months and years following an …

Interlaboratory Comparison Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Phage Susceptibility Testing, Krupa Parmar, Lauren Komarow, Damon W Ellison, Andrey A Filippov, Mikeljon P Nikolich, Joseph R Fackler, Martin Lee, Anjna Nair, Priyesh Agrawal, Pranita D Tamma, Maria Souli, Scott R Evans, Kerryl E Greenwood-Quaintance, Scott A Cunningham, Robin Patel, Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Standardized approaches to phage susceptibility testing (PST) are essential to inform selection of phages for study in patients with bacterial infections. There is no reference standard for assessing bacterial susceptibility to phage. We compared agreement between PST performed at three centers: two centers using a liquid assay standardized between the sites with the third, a plaque assay. Four Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages: PaWRA01ø11 (EPa11), PaWRA01ø39 (EPa39), PaWRA02ø83 (EPa83), PaWRA02ø87 (EPa87), and a cocktail of all four phages were tested against 145 P. aeruginosa isolates. Comparisons were made within measurements at the two sites performing the liquid assay and between these …

Neuromuscular Basis Of Drosophila Larval Rolling Escape Behavior, Patricia C Cooney, Yuhan Huang, Wenze Li, Dulanjana M Perera, Richard Hormigo, Tanya Tabachnik, Isuru S Godage, Elizabeth M C Hillman, Wesley B Grueber, Aref A Zarin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

To escape from dangerous stimuli, animals execute escape behaviors that are fundamentally different from normal locomotion. The rolling escape behavior of Drosophila larvae consists of C-shaped bending and rolling. However, the muscle contraction patterns that lead to rolling are poorly understood. We find that following the initial body bending, muscles contract in a circumferential wave around the larva as they enter the bend, maintaining unidirectional rolling that resembles a cylinder rolling on a surface. We study the structure of motor circuits for rolling, inhibit different motor neurons to determine which muscles are essential for rolling, and propose circuit and biomechanical …

Mgmt Function Determines The Differential Response Of Atr Inhibitors With Dna-Damaging Agents In Glioma Stem Cells For Gbm Therapy, Vincent W S Leong, Sabbir Khan, Pratibha Sharma, Shaofang Wu, Riya R Thomas, Xiaolong Li, Sanjay K Singh, Frederick F Lang, Alfred W K Yung, Dimpy Koul

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: The most prevalent cancer treatments cause cell death through DNA damage. However, DNA damage response (DDR) repair pathways, initiated by tumor cells, can withstand the effects of anticancer drugs, providing justification for combining DDR inhibitors with DNA-damaging anticancer treatments.

METHODS: Cell viability assays were performed with CellTiter-Glo assay. DNA damage was evaluated using Western blotting analysis. RNA-seq and single-cell level expression were used to identify the DDR signatures. In vivo, studies were conducted in mice to determine the effect of ATris on TMZ sensitization.

RESULTS: We found a subpopulation of glioma sphere-forming cells (GSCs) with substantial synergism with temozolomide …