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Investigating The Role Of Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 3 In Ocular Surface Ion Transport And Fluid Secretion, Ethan Lindgren

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Biological Sciences Master's Theses

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease that drives tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, directly damaging the ocular surface epithelium. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) responsible for Ca²⁺ and cAMP mobilization via PLC and adenylyl cyclase activation, respectively. LPAR signaling is involved in cell proliferation and wound healing in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) as well as in neuropathic pain. This study aims to investigate expression and functional roles of LPAR3 in ocular surface. Ocular surface potential difference (OSPD) and tear fluid volume measurements were performed in mice with topically applied LPAR modulators. …

The National Labor Relations Act Patch Notes: Recent Changes To The Federal Employment Law Landscape, Its Impact On Esport Players, And What These Changes Indicate About The Future, Emet Mah

The Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship & the Law

This Note explores this possibility of esports players unionizing, and exercising their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Part II provides background on the esport industry as a business and its evolution over time. Part III outlines some of the major issues affecting the esport industry, particularly focusing on the lack of player representation. Part IV examines the industry’s current use of player associations and will explore their shortcomings, prompting the need for formal unionization. Part V will cover the benefits of unionization and how esport players might come under the coverage of the NLRA.

Cybersquatting: Does Re-Registering Trademarks Fall Under The Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act?, Taylor Heath

The Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship & the Law

This paper will explain the arguments whether the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) prevents cybersquatting from re-registering a domain name, or if the ACPA only prevents cybersquatters from being the first to register a domain name, and concludes that due to the clear intent of the Act and the definition of register, the Act should be interpreted to cover all registrations. Part II provides relevant background including the pre-ACPA laws. Part III provides a detailed explanation of the ACPA, including Congress’s intent, the Court’s breakdown, and the existing law. Part IV provides the relevant case history prior to the circuit …

Washington Report: Aicpa Testifies On Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Proposals, Kenneth F. Thomas, William R. Stromsem

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

High Incidence Of Tick-Borne Disease In Midcoastal Maine And Possible Contributing Factors, Susan P. Elias, Robert P. Smith

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Since the 2010s, researchers and public health officials have noted that Maine’s midcoastal counties have higher incidences of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis than elsewhere in the state.

Methods: We examined available data to quantify geospatial clustering, (i.e., “hotspots”) of tick-borne disease incidence and hospitalizations for tick-borne illness. Passive tick surveillance entails collecting ticks found on people and pets, whereas active tick surveillance entails collecting ticks directly from the environment. Using both types of surveillance data, we searched for hotspots of higher blacklegged-tick abundance and pathogen prevalence in ticks. We qualitatively reviewed factors possibly related to tick exposure, such …

Current Status, Public Health Implications, And Potential Future Establishment Of Amblyomma Americanum, The Lone Star Tick, In Maine, Charles Lubelczyk, Molly Meagher, Curtis Bartiromo

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Amblyomma americanum is a medically important tick species established in the southeastern United States, with populations gradually spreading northward into New England. This study aimed to evaluate the current presence, distribution, and density of A. americanum in Maine.

Methods: Surveillance efforts focused on Ixodes scapularis have been conducted by the Vector-Borne Disease Laboratory of MaineHealth Institute for Research since 1989. This surveillance uses tick flagging, examination of hunter-harvested game and trapped wild hosts for feeding ticks, and a statewide passive surveillance program. Effort focused on A. americanum surveillance began in 2019 using flagging, carbon dioxide-baited trapping, and serosurveillance (Heartland …

Passive Tick Surveillance At The University Of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab: A 6 Year Retrospective, Thomas F. Rounsville, Griffin M. Dill, Ann M. Bryant, Alyssa G. Marini, Alaina C. Woods, John S. Nugent, Olivia N. Choi, James F. Dill

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Maine has experienced a rise in tick-borne diseases over the past several decades, reflecting broader trends in the northeastern United States. Ixodes scapularis is now found statewide and is the primary vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan virus. Other emerging tick species pose additional threats.

Methods: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab conducts a public tick-testing program. Ticks submitted by the public between 2019 and 2024 were microscopically identified and tested with multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction panels for known and emerging pathogens, including B. …

Dedication To Peter Rand, Md, Robert P. Smith

Journal of Maine Medical Center

No abstract provided.

Ulceroglandular Tularemia In A Pediatric Patient In Maine After A Trip To Martha’S Vineyard, Calvin Schaffer, Kevin Burke, Amanda Goddard

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Vector-borne lymphadenitis in children is uncommon. A detailed exposure and travel history can facilitate diagnosis.

Clinical Findings: The pediatric inpatient service admitted a 6-year-old patient after multiple acute care visits for right posterior auricular tenderness, erythema, and swelling.

Clinical Course: Upon admission, the patient received intravenous ceftriaxone and clindamycin for progressive suppurative lymphadenitis. After a review of the patient’s history, which included the removal of an engorged tick and recent travel to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, the treatment was transitioned to intravenous gentamicin for ulceroglandular tularemia.

Conclusions: Francisella tularensis can be transmitted via tick and deer-fly bites and should be …

Alpha-Gal Syndrome In New England – A Case Report, Neil Korsen

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an increasingly common allergy to mammalian meats and other mammalian products that is caused by a tick bite from the Lone Star tick. Climate change is likely contributing to expansion of the tick’s range into parts of southern New England.

Clinical Findings: The patient was 68 years old at the time of his sensitization. He developed gastrointestinal symptoms, including cramps and diarrhea, approximately 4 to 5 hours after eating a hamburger that he cooked on his home grill. After a second episode a few weeks later, he remembered reading about an allergy to beef and …

Lyme Disease: A Call For A One Health Approach, Kathleen F. Gensheimer

Journal of Maine Medical Center

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Application Time On The Efficacy Of Trichoderma Spp. To Biologically Control Sunflower Charcoal Rot, Ahmed M. Samy, Amer F. Mahmoud, Osama A. Abdalla

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is considered as one of the most important oilseed crops in Egypt and worldwide. It is being infected with many pathogens, among these pathogens Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, the causal agent of charcoal rot is the most prevalent one, and responsible for severe economic losses on sunflower production. Fourteen isolates of M. phaseolina were collected from naturally infected sunflower plants. Pathogenicity tests revealed that tested isolates varied significantly in their pathogenic capabilities. But all of the tested isolates were pathogenic and incited the symptoms of pre- and post-emergence damping-off as well as symptoms of charcoal rot. …

Chemical Characterization And Comparative Analysis Of Alkyd Resins From Gossypium Hirsutum Seed Oil Using Maleic And Phthalic Anhydrides, Sulyman O. Ibrahim, Stephen Kenneth, Fatimah R. Abdulkadir, Abdulmumeen A. Hamid, Olamilekan J. Ibukun, Marili F. Zubair, Olubunmi Atolani

Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science

Oilseeds are a significant source of raw materials for industry. Because of the overuse of edible fixed oil of plant origin in cosmetics, paints, and other manufacturing industries, the price of edible oils has increased, creating a considerable imbalance between the domestic and industrial markets. Local production of industrial intermediates such as alkyd resins is necessary to lessen import dependency. Alcoholysis methods were used to prepare alkyd resin from under-utilized seed oil of Gossypium hirsutum using maleic and phthalic anhydride. The prepared alkyd resins were characterized, and their physiochemical and chemical stability were compared to industrial grade commercial alkyd resin. …

Caspase-11 Drives Macrophage Hyperinflammation In Models Of Polg-Related Mitochondrial Disease., Jordyn J Vanportfliet, Yuanjiu Lei, Muthumeena Ramanathan, Camila Guerra Martinez, Jessica Wong, Tim J Stodola, Brian Hoffmann, Kathryn Pflug, Raquel Sitcheran, Stephen C. Kneeland, Stephen A Murray, Peter J Mcguire, Carolyn L Cannon, A Phillip West

Faculty Research 2025

Mitochondrial diseases (MtD) represent a significant public health challenge due to their heterogenous clinical presentation, often severe and progressive symptoms, and lack of effective therapies. Environmental exposures, such bacterial and viral infection, can further compromise mitochondrial function and exacerbate the progression of MtD. However, the underlying immune alterations that enhance immunopathology in MtD remain unclear. Here we employ in vitro and in vivo approaches to clarify the molecular and cellular basis for innate immune hyperactivity in models of polymerase gamma (Polg)-related MtD. We reveal that type I interferon (IFN-I)-mediated upregulation of caspase-11 and guanylate-binding proteins (GBP) increase macrophage sensing of …

Building Resilience: The Role Of Social Rank And Alliances, Jarad Reiss

Masters Theses (Archived)

Resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, is a cornerstone of psychological well-being and a key to human thriving and mental fortitude. This study examines resilience as an adaptive psychological mechanism and situates it within an evolutionary framework to provide a clearer understanding of resilience across diverse populations, personalities, and cultures. Specifically, this study investigates whether perceived social rank predicts resilience and explores how social support and alliances mediate this relationship in a population of human service professionals. Participants (N = 256) completed an online survey that included measurements of resilience, social rank perceptions, personality, and coalition-related variables. Results suggest …

Network Analysis Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus: Characterization Of Hub Genes And Their Functional Implications, Md Imran Hasan, Davida Smyth, Jeong Yang, Ashley Teufel

Masters Theses (Archived)

Antimicrobial resistance is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with S. aureus infections. In this study, we analyzed genes, molecular mechanisms, and pathways driving drug resistance in S. aureus using network analysis. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and systems biology approaches, we identified 229 AMR-associated genes and constructed a protein-protein interaction network among these genes. Through network topology and functional enrichment analyses, we not only confirmed their association with resistance, but also highlighted the central roles of these genes in resistance pathways, such as efflux, target replacement, and target protection, which are directly linked to multiple drug …

Honey Bee & Reward Loss: A Deep Dive Into The Alarm Pheromone, Citlalli Guadarrama

Masters Theses (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Schoenoplectus Californicus In An Artificial System For E. Coli Removal, Kimia Ahmadiyehyazdi

Masters Theses (Archived)

Green technologies and nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands have be come more popular due to their environmentally friendly approach to remediation, low cost of construction, and maintenance. Also, they have shown efficiency in removing a wide range of contaminants. However, choosing a suitable aquatic plant for this system is one of the questions that should be answered wisely. Schoenoplectus californicus– Giant Bulrush is an aquatic plant that was tested in this controlled constructed wetland, and the final concentration of the targeted microbial contamination, which is E. coli, was reduced remarkably. Also, for this study, soil was removed from the …

Investigating Potential Sugar-Related Uncertainties In A Proxy For Ancient Co2, Liam Cooper

Student Theses and Dissertations

The ε_p proxy for ancient pCO₂ can potentially estimate ancient pCO₂ as from the evolution of rubisco-based photosynthesis, using the difference in stable carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C) between fixed and inorganic carbon, assuming this difference is proportional to pCO₂. This study aims to address uncertainty with the use of photosynthetic microbes in proxies for ancient pCO₂. While previous studies address uncertainties related to the δ¹³C of initial fixed photosynthate (e.g., growth rate), we aim to address the effects of downstream carbon allocation. Specifically, if a significant fraction of fixed …

Removal Of Diisopropylamine From Water Using Ultraviolet- And Thermal-Activated Persulfate Degradation, Eric Soliz

Masters Theses (Archived)

UV light-activated persulfate degradation of diisopropylamine (DIPA) was explored as a means for improving water quality in product water derived from oil and natural gas produced water. A set of temperature swing solvent extraction (TSSE) tests was conducted to investigate the effect of varying ratios of DIPA to feed ratios on water recovery and conductivity and also to reinforce available data suggesting that TSSE may remove saline ions from synthetic produced water enough to improve water quality sufficient enough at sufficient quantities enough for reuse. TSSE may result in residual DIPA remaining in the product water. A three-part test to …

Reproductive Natural History Of The American Grass Mantid, Thesprotia Graminis, Bridget N. Battaglia, Charles Watson

Masters Theses (Archived)

The American grass mantis, Thesprotia graminis, is an understudied mantis native to Texas, including the campus of Texas A&M-SA. Mantids are influential members of ecosystems as a major predator of small insects. Therefore, measuring elements of their natural history, such as maternal investment, timing of oviposition, and fecundity, will add to our understanding of this specie’s ecology in grassland communities. In controlled lab conditions, we measured the mass of every instar, mantids of both sexes, and the masses of oothecas (egg cases) pre- and post-hatch. Interestingly, we found that this species lays multiple, smaller oothecas throughout the reproductive season. …

Thermal Physiology Of The Giant Day Gecko, Phelsuma Grandis, Infinity Alvarez

Masters Theses (Archived)

Ectotherms rely on their environment to regulate and maintain their body temperature. For this reason, environmental fluctuations strongly impact their biology. Lizards are ectotherms that are suitable models to investigate thermal physiology. However, the bulk of this research has been studied using new world Anolis lizards. In this study, the giant day gecko, (P.grandis), native to Madagascar but invasive in Florida, was selected as a model for comparison. In our physiotype of P.grandis we included measurements such as metabolic rates, sprint speed at relevant temperatures, thermal preference, critical thermal minimum, and voluntary thermal maximum. Our findings showed that …

Histone Methyltransferase Ash1l Primes Metastases And Metabolic Reprogramming Of Macrophages In The Bone Niche, Chenling Meng, Kevin Lin, Wei Shi, Hongqi Teng, Xinhai Wan, Anna Debruine, Yin Wang, Xin Liang, Javier Leo, Feiyu Chen, Qianlin Gu, Jie Zhang, Vivien Van, Kiersten L Maldonado, Boyi Gan, Li Ma, Yue Lu, Di Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Bone metastasis is a major cause of cancer death; however, the epigenetic determinants driving this process remain elusive. Here, we report that histone methyltransferase ASH1L is genetically amplified and is required for bone metastasis in men with prostate cancer. ASH1L rewires histone methylations and cooperates with HIF-1α to induce pro-metastatic transcriptome in invading cancer cells, resulting in monocyte differentiation into lipid-associated macrophage (LA-TAM) and enhancing their pro-tumoral phenotype in the metastatic bone niche. We identified IGF-2 as a direct target of ASH1L/HIF-1α and mediates LA-TAMs' differentiation and phenotypic changes by reprogramming oxidative phosphorylation. Pharmacologic inhibition of the ASH1L-HIF-1α-macrophages axis elicits …

Discrimination Of Sprat Species (Clupeonella Spp.) In The Caspian Sea And The Sea Of Marmara Using Otolith Shape Analysis, Mohammad Reza Shariati, Mohammad Sadegh Alavi-Yeganeh, Mehdi Ghanbarifardi, Gülşah Saç, Müfi̇t Özuluğ, Erdoğan Çi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study evaluates the discriminating power of sagittal otolith shape among three species of the genus Clupeonella endemic to the Caspian Sea (Clupeonella grimmi, Clupeonella caspia, and Clupeonella engrauliformis) and one species from the Sea of Marmara (Clupeonella Cultriventris). Identification of these species is challenging due to their morphological similarities, and the taxonomic validity of C. caspia and C. cultriventris remains ambiguous because of their resemblance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were utilized to examine the morphological characteristics of otoliths. Stereomicroscope images were used to calculate six shape indices: rectangularity, roundness, ellipticity, circularity, aspect ratio, and form factor. The outline …

Multimodal Spatial Proteomic Profiling In Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Christopher P Ly, Ivo Veletic, Christopher D Pacheco, Enes Dasdemir, Fatima Z Jelloul, Sammy Ferri-Borgogno, Akshay V Basi, Javier A Gomez, Jessica L Root, Patrick K Reville, Sonali Jindal, Sreyashi Basu, Padmanee Sharma, Andres E Quesada, Carlos Bueso-Ramos, Taghi Manshouri, Branko Cuglievan, Miriam Garcia, Jared K Burks, Hussein A Abbas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) resides in an immune-rich microenvironment, yet, immune-based therapies have faltered in eliciting durable responses. Bridging this paradox requires a comprehensive understanding of leukemic interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment. We optimized a high-throughput tissue-microarray-based pipeline for high-plex spatial immunofluorescence and mass cytometry imaging on a single slide, capturing immune, tumor, and structural components. Using unbiased clustering on the spatial K function, we unveiled the presence of tertiary lymphoid-like aggregates in bone marrow, which we validated using spatial transcriptomics and an independent proteomics approach. We then found validated TLS signatures predictive of outcomes in AML using an …

Molecular Phylogeny And Population Structure Of Eurygaster Integriceps (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) In The Southeastern Anatolia Region Of Türkiye, Mehmet Sali̇h Özgökçe, Merve Doğaç, Hi̇lmi̇ Kara

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The aim of this study was to determine the identity and distribution of the sunn pest Eurygaster spp. and to quantify the population density in wheat fields across Southeastern Anatolia, Türkiye. A total of 309 samples were collected from 76 fields in 54 districts across all provinces within the study region, where wheat production is intensive. A combination of morphological and molecular techniques was employed to identify the collected specimens. Morphological identification was based on male genitalia, and PCR amplification of the COI mitochondrial gene region was used for DNA barcoding. Both morphological and molecular analyses confirmed that all collected …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Zoology

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Pyriproxyfen 0.5% (Juvenile Hormone Analog) Against Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae: A Multiscale Study From Laboratory To Field, Neetu Kachhwaha, Vinod Kumari, Rajbala Verma, Nirmala Sharma, Asif Khan, Mohit Singh, Sanyam Nimoria, Priyadarshini Sharma

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Vector control strategies increasingly focus on nonconventional chemicals with high insecticidal efficacy, persistence, and low toxicity to nontarget organisms. The present multiphase study, conducted in laboratory, semifield, and field conditions in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, evaluated the efficacy of pyriproxyfen (0.5%) (juvenile hormone analog) in controlling mosquito emergence. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated significant susceptibility of Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae, with the first and second instars exhibiting 100% mortality at 1 ppm and third and fourth instars showing emergence inhibition (IE) of 86.11% and 65.28%, respectively. Probit analysis determined lower LC₅₀, LC₉₀, and LC₉₉.₉ values for the first instar larvae …

Protein Composition Of The Foam Nest Of Rhacophorus Reinwardtii (Schlegel, 1840) (Anura: Rhacophoridae), With Notes On Breeding Sites Characteristics And Biomedical Applications, Muhammad Asyraf Rijalullah, Nia Kurniawan, Nia Kurnianingsih

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Rhacophorus reinwardtii is endemic to Java Island and is currently experiencing a population decline. Therefore, the sustainability of its offspring is important to prevent species extinction. Foam nest as a biosurfactant structure plays a crucial role as egg protection through major protein components function. However, studies on the functional proteins of rhacophoridae foam nests are limited. Thus, this study aims to uncover the protein-specific components and functions of the R. reinwardtii foam nest. Additionally, the characteristics of breeding sites, including abiotic factors, were also assessed. Total protein concentration of the R. reinwardtii foam nest was determined to be 747.7 μg/mL …

Distribution Pattern And Abundance Dynamics Of Asian Openbill (Anastomus Oscitans) In Rice Field Throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Badrulhadza Amzah, Rosli Ramli, Noorhidayah Mamat

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) plays a crucial role in rice field ecosystems by preying on invasive apple snails (Pomacea spp.), potentially reducing the reliance on chemical molluscicides. This study investigated the distribution and abundance dynamics of the stork across major rice granaries in Peninsular Malaysia. Surveys were conducted at 111 sampling points within 30 localities across 11 states during five consecutive rice seasons (2022–2024), with bird counts obtained through binoculars and digital photography. Results indicate that storks are highly concentrated on the northern and central west coasts, where rice fields provide abundant foraging opportunities. In the northern regions (Perlis, …