Digital Commons Network^™

A New Mouse Mutant With A Discrete Mutation In Pcdhgc5 Reveals That The Protocadherin Γc5 Isoform Is Not Essential For Dendrite Arborization In The Cerebral Cortex., Camille M Hanes, David M Steffen, George Murray, Robert W. Burgess, Joshua A Weiner, Andrew M Garrett

Faculty Research 2026

There are ~ 60 clustered protocadherin (cPcdh) isoforms expressed from three gene clusters (Pcdha, Pcdhb, Pcdhg) arrayed in tandem across nearly 1 Mb in mammals. cPcdhs are homophilic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) critical for a host of neural developmental functions consistent with a role in cell-cell recognition. Indeed, isoforms make recognition modules in combination to generate recognition diversity far exceeding the ~ 60 individual CAMs. However, there is also growing evidence for specialized functions for specific isoforms, particularly the C-type isoforms found at the 3' ends of the Pcdha cluster (αC1 and αC2) and at the 3' end of the …

Density Dependence During Evolutionary Rescue Increases Extinction Risk But Does Not Prevent Adaptation, Laure Olazcuaga, Brett A. Melbourne, Scott W. Nordstrom, Ruth A. Hufbauer

Publications, Reports and Presentations

Evolutionary rescue allows populations to adapt and persist despite severe environmental change. While well studied under density-independent conditions, the role of density dependence, including competition, remains unclear. Theoretical models offer conflicting predictions, with density dependence either increasing extinction risk or enhancing adaptation. We empirically tested how density dependence influences evolutionary rescue by exposing experimental populations to a stressful environment for six generations under density-dependent or independent conditions, with populations where either evolution was possible or was prevented by replacing individuals each generation. Density dependence suppressed population size and increased extinction risk, whereas density independence enabled rapid growth, especially in genetically …

Ai-Driven Risk Forecasting For Strengthening The United States Food Supply Chain Resilience: Case Study: A National Ai-Enabled Food Supply Chain Risk Forecasting Framework And A Data Analytics Approach To Predicting Disruptions, Sarah Onyeche Usoro, Itua Austin Omogiate, Rahab Zhewe Felix, David Azikutenyi Galadima

Student Publications

The United States food supply chain is one of the most complex and interconnected systems in the world, spanning agricultural production, processing, transportation, storage, and retail distribution. While this complexity enables efficiency and scale, it also increases vulnerability to disruptions caused by climate change, labor shortages, geopolitical shocks, transportation failures, cyber threats, and public health crises. Conventional risk management methods, often reactive and siloed, have proven inadequate in predicting and mitigating systemic shocks that have become frequent occurrences in today’s world. This article examines how artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics can transform risk forecasting in U.S. food supply chains …

Baatany Goat Project Year Seven And A Half Update:  Helping Keep Roan Mountain’S Natural Balds Bald Naturally

Faculty Open Access Works

11 February 2015 PowerPoint presentation for Mountain View Garden Club, Washington County, TN, updated and revised for written format.

Soil Nutrient Sufficiency Versus Plant Nutrient Status In Compost-Amended Soils: Plant Tissue Analysis As A Diagnostic Tool, Chandralekha Joga Miss

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated whether Mehlich III soil nutrient sufficiency ratings reliably predict plant nutrient status and chlorophyll response across contrasting compost application histories. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with Chijimisai (Brassica rapa) planted in three treatment soils that had no compost (T1), moderate compost history (T2), and long-term hog manure compost application (T3). Plant performance was assessed through weekly shoot length and chlorophyll content (SPAD) measurements, leaf number at maturity, and leaf tissue nutrient analysis conducted at harvest. Soil test results indicated adequate to high nutrient levels across all three treatments. Leaf tissue analysis, however, revealed substantial …

Out In The Arena: Examining The Lgbtq+ Experience In Ihsa, Katharine C. Didier

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated factors influencing Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) LGBTQ+ riders’ perceptions of inclusion, safety, and belonging, with the hypothesis that teams with diversity and inclusion policies would be perceived as more accepting. An online survey was developed to gather information from self-identified LGBTQ+ IHSA students. Questions covered demographics, team environment, and perceived inclusivity within their equestrian programs. Question types included multiple choice, Likert-type, short answer, and open-ended. IHSA coaches were asked to share the survey link with team members. Students were able to respond anonymously. The survey was open for 8 weeks. Reminders were sent out at 3 …

The Relationship Between Program Staffing And State-Level Student Outcomes In Georgia School-Based Agricultural Education Programs, Taylor Ogle

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of agriculture teachers employed in Georgia high school agricultural education programs and selected indicators of program success. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between the number of agriculture teachers and first-place state-level competitive success in Career Development Events (CDEs), Leadership Development Events (LDEs), proficiency awards, Georgia State FFA Degrees earned, and student participation in state-level FFA leadership positions. A quantitative, correlational research design was utilized for this study. Data was collected from Georgia FFA records. Agricultural education programs within the state of Georgia served as the unit …

Mapping Coastal Vegetation To Evaluate Salt Marsh Decline From 2016 To 2025 In South Carolina, Usa, Zak Henry Bartholomew

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Accelerating sea-level rise and storm surge events pose a substantial threat to salt marsh ecosystems, which provide critical ecosystem services. Classification and mapping of coastal vegetation through remote sensing can identify marsh dieback events and provide spatial context for patterns of marsh vulnerability. We used a multi-sensor approach that incorporated LiDAR data, multispectral imagery, and field-derived cover estimates to classify Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) dominated marsh types on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRDPI), a sea island in South Carolina, USA. In summer 2025, surveys were conducted within marsh classes to collect training and validation data. We used random …

Do Magnesium Ions Have Similar Effects As Calcium Ions On Resting Membrane Potential?, Anthony Hana, Youngwoo Kim, Joy Bidros, Katie Neglia, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

Maintaining a membrane electrical potential of biological cells is a dynamic process, as some cells have a continually changing potential, like pacemaker cells, while other cells may function with large or small changes in the membrane potential. Additionally, some cells may change their electrical potential when stimulated or inhibited by electrical signals, chemical compounds, or both—either simultaneously or episodically. The persistent leak of K⁺ through two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2P) and of Na⁺ through Na⁺ leak channels (NALCNs) and the action of pumps and exchangers are primarily responsible for maintaining a resting potential. Ca²⁺ ions are known …

Can Love Bloom On A Battlefield: An Analysis Of Queer Militaristic Fanfiction, Brandon Bost

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

It is noted that readers and fans hold unique and valid interpretations of texts, interpretations that become expressed in fan works like fan art, memes, or the subject of this study, fanfiction. This study performs textual analysis on queer fanfiction in Metal Gear Solid and Code Geass fandoms. It examines the unique relationship militarism holds with intimacy, and how intimacy intersects with violence and control in unique ways in these fan texts. Within these fanfics, militarism can serve as a barrier to intimacy, forcing relationships to adapt to militaristic structures within these fan interpretations.

Unlocking The Power Of Cxcr2 Inhibition To Overcome Gemcitabine Resistance In Pancreatic Cancer, Caitlin Molczyk, Reegan Sturgeon, Sugandha Saxena, Esther Johnson, Rakesh Bhatia, Namita Bhyravbhatla, Sushil Kumar, Surinder K. Batra, Rakesh K. Singh

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality, characterized by intrinsic resistance to conventional therapies and limited effective treatment options. In this study, we investigated the role of the CXCR2 axis in PDAC therapy resistance. CXCR2, a chemokine receptor, is actively involved in inflammation, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis. Our working hypothesis is that CXCR2 contributes to PDAC chemotherapy resistance. To test this, we generated gemcitabine-resistant (GemR) lines using T3M4 and CD18/HPAF (CD18) cell lines. Baseline expression of CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL8 ligands was higher in GemR cells compared to parental cells. Upon gemcitabine treatment, parental cells …

Italian Commedia Dell’Arte And Modern American Performance: Comedy As A Cultural Window, Sofia Craig

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Commedia dell’Arte, a form of improvisational comedy for the stage developed in the Renaissance, is at least half a millennium old, and leaves minimal records of its content. However, its stock characters still seem to appear in modern media, including television, movies, and current theatre. Commedia characters' noticeable persistence in the modern day suggests that our culture continues to enforce social dynamics which have elements in common with sixteenth-century Italy. This thesis compares Commedia stock characters with their counterparts in modern media, to learn what cultural analysis can be made from their similarities and differences. Most retain traits that keep …

Meiji And Myth: The Emperor, Totemic Principles, And Unity, Ella Jean H. Fernandez

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the complex relationship between religion and state during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Specifically, how central governmental and religious figures craft a sense of unity and national identity. The primary research question of this study is: How did the Meiji Emperor’s development as a totem unite the people and grant credibility to the Meiji era (1868-1912)? A totem in this context is a functioning symbol that is both representative and sacred. This study was conducted through the analysis of primary source documents, Imperial shrine activity, and historical context sources. Through analysis of these …

Annual Report Of The Town Officers Northwood, Nh For The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2025 And Of The School District For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025, Northwood Town Representatives

Northwood, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Town Of Sunapee Annual Report For The Year Ending December 31, 2025, Sunapee Town Representatives

Sunapee, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Annual Report Town Of Center Harbor, New Hampshire For Year Ending December 31, 2025, Center Harbor Town Representatives

Center Harbor, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Florida Springs: From Geography To Politics And Restoration, Linh Uong

The Southeastern Librarian

Christopher F. Meindl

Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2024

ISBN: 9780813079158

245 pp. $38.00 (Hbk)

Town And School Annual Report Newmarket, New Hampshire Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025, Newmarket Town Representatives

Newmarket, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Evolution Of A Novel Neuronal Sex-Specifically Spliced Gene In Mosquitoes, Yael Norohasimbola Tsitohay

Student Theses and Dissertations

Female mosquitoes from many species require a blood meal from an animal host as a protein source for egg development and successful reproduction. The majority of mosquito species are generalists in their host preference, feeding on a range of animals including mammals, birds, and amphibians. However, a small fraction of mosquito species have evolved a preference for human hosts. These species are mainly found in the genera Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles, and they have created a global health crisis due to their ability to transmit deadly human pathogens including dengue virus, Zika virus, West Nile Virus, and …

Reproductive Success Is Secured By A Rapidly-Evolving Short Peptide In Female Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes, Priyanka Lakhiani

Student Theses and Dissertations

The mosquito lineage spans hundreds of millions of years of evolution, and this period has honed the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, into a precise and expert predator. While nectar and plant-derived carbohydrates are sufficient sources of nutrition to maintain energy and metabolism, female mosquitoes must acquire multiple ingredients to successfully reproduce and produce offspring. Healthy, motile sperm from a conspecific male and a complete blood meal from a human host are required for females to develop viable eggs, and thus ensure species survival. What are the internal mechanisms that coordinate the acquisition of these key elements with the maturation, …

Ancient Immune Systems: Sensing And Signaling In Bacterial-Phage Conflict, Cameron Grace Roberts

Student Theses and Dissertations

Viruses are among the most significant selective pressures shaping the evolution of life on Earth. In the microbial world, bacteriophages (phage) are bacterial viruses and drive a continuous evolutionary arms race that has led to an extraordinary diversity of bacterial defense mechanisms [1]. These systems are thought to have provided the evolutionary foundation for numerous eukaryotic immune strategies [2]. Experimental studies have validated many of these anti-phage defense systems and revealed the mechanisms by which they disrupt phage infection [3]. Nonetheless, major gaps persist in our understanding of how bacterial immune systems recognize bacteriophage infection to trigger immunity. This dissertation …

The Influence Of Dna Methylation On Both H2a.Z Nucleosome Dynamics And The Zinc Finger And Homeoboxes Transcription Factor Family, Rochelle M. Shih

Student Theses and Dissertations

DNA methylation represents a widespread and heritable modification that exerts substantial influence on chromatin organization and function in many eukaryotic genomes. The presence of DNA methylation has been strongly linked to transcriptional regulation, in both activating as well as repressive ways, though exactly how a small chemical mark can enact such drastic and seemingly opposing effects on gene expression remains an open question. In my thesis work, I describe the influence DNA methylation has on two classes of chromatin proteins, the histone variant H2A.Z and the Zinc Finger and Homeoboxes (ZHX) family of transcription factors. DNA methylation and H2A.Z preferentially …

The Reinnervation Of Sensory Hair Cells Following Lesion Of The Lateral Line Cranial Nerve, Rohan S. Roy

Student Theses and Dissertations

Loss of hearing is a prevalent sensory pathology in the United States and worldwide. A significant proportion of deafness is attributed to sensorineural hearing loss, which often involves damage and retraction of the nerve fibers that relay auditory information between the mechanosensitive hair cells of the inner ear and the brain. The restoration of physiologic hearing would require the regeneration of nerve fibers back into the sensory epithelium of the cochlea, followed by the reinnervation of appropriate hair cell targets. Nerve regeneration studies in humans and other mammalian models are lacking due to the limited accessibility of the inner ear. …

Structural And Functional Studies Of The Sars-Cov-2 Niran Domain, Gabriel I. Small

Student Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic was a dramatically disruptive event, wreaking devastation across the globe and radically impacting nearly every facet of human life. For the first time, a significant amount of global money and attention was directed at coronavirus (CoV) research, propelling the field to the forefront of biomedical research. This allowed for the rapid development of a suite of vaccines and antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2 that aided in ameliorating the effects of the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 was the third CoV zoonosis of the 21st century and is now endemic. Global understanding of the threats posed by CoVs circulating among animals in the …

Dining In The Dark Atp Sensing In The Female Aedes Aegypti Mosquito, Katherine Adriana Rosas Villegas

Student Theses and Dissertations

Blood feeding is fundamental for female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which require this protein-rich meal for egg development. After being attracted to a human host by sensory cues such as body odor, body heat, and carbon dioxide exhaled in human breath, the mosquito lands and probes under the skin to feed on blood. Probing uses the stylet, a sharp appendage ensheathed in the mosquito labium that punctures the skin and is highly specialized for blood ingestion. Previous work from the lab with GCaMP calcium imaging of stylet neurons showed that approximately 50% of stylet neurons respond to blood, and that these …

The Shape Of The Wind: How Our Homes Create Us, And We Create Them, Ava Norris

Dance Department Honors Papers

No abstract provided.

One, And Other, One Another, Another (Again): A Historical And Embodied, Kinetic And Theoretical Investigation Of Otherization, Emily Brankman

Dance Department Honors Papers

This thesis investigates otherization and its use as a tool for power through theoretical, historical, and movement based investigations. Over the course of this academic year, I worked with a group of Connecticut College dancers in weekly rehearsals to build choreography and to hold discussions. This took place alongside external, independent research into thinkers and artists from Jean-Jacques Rousseau to Martha Graham, theories by historians such as Edward Said, and both historical and current events. These elements were not approached sequentially, but simultaneously, with the intention that each element influence and inform the others. I reference this variety of topics …

Building Public Health Data Dashboards: Tutorial Playbook, Elwin Wu, Raymond Balise, Benjamin Katz, Daniel R. Harris, Matthew Bullard, Naleef Fareed, Marc Larochelle, Jennifer Villani

Institute for Biomedical Informatics Faculty Publications

Public health data dashboards have substantial potential to improve transparency, understanding, and decision-making at multiple levels, from individuals to public health practitioners and policymakers. However, creating effective dashboards presents many challenges. In this case-based tutorial on public health dashboard development, we share lessons learned from our experience developing data dashboards for the HEALing Communities Study (HCS), a National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded, community-engaged intervention to deploy evidence-based practices to reduce opioid overdose deaths in 67 communities across 4 states. We present key decision points dashboard teams must address, along with the major considerations and trade-offs that shaped our approach. First, …

Multi-User Collaboration In Augmented Reality For Beyond-Visual-Line-Of-Sight Bridge Inspection, Joel Murithi Runji, Genda Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Bridge inspection traditionally relies on scaffolds, snooper trucks, and aerial robots for hard-to-reach areas beyond the visual line of sight of inspectors. This study automates the collaborative inspection workflow for multiple users when inspecting hard-to-reach bridge sections by interfacing low-cost multimodal sensors mounted on a magnetically wheeled climbing robot with augmented reality devices in a cyber-physical system. Non-destructive and visual sensors provide near real-time information of automated steel thickness measurements and visual observations of corrosive regions, respectively. The visual sensors also support robot teleoperation. The cyber-physical system is evaluated for its user-friendliness and performance. The system performance is quantified by …

Rosenwald Rural School Libraries, Suzanne Marie Stauffer

Faculty Publications

The Rosenwald Rural School Libraries Program was created as an adjunct to the Rosenwald Rural Schools Program, which funded the construction of 4,977 rural Black school buildings in fifteen Southern states, 395 of them in Louisiana. However, it soon became apparent that providing textbooks was not enough to promote literacy and develop self-directed reading among students. The officers and agents of the Fund realized fairly early in the Rural Schools Program that there was a want of reading materials in the South in general. Beginning in 1927, the Rosenwald Fund began providing collections of graded fiction and non-fiction books to …