Digital Commons Network^™

Dynein Light Chains 1 And 2 Are Auxiliary Proteins Of Ph-Sensitive Kir4.1 Channels, Sun-Joo Lee, Jian Gao, Ellen Thompson, Jonathan Mount, Colin G Nichols

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Inward rectifier Kir4.1 potassium channels are abundantly expressed in cells that are important for electrolyte homeostasis. Dysregulation of Kir4.1 underlies various neurological disorders. Here, through biochemical and structural studies of full-length Kir4.1, we show that dynein light chain 1 and 2 proteins, also as known as LC8, copurify with Kir4.1 at stoichiometric levels. Direct interaction between Kir4.1 and LC8 is supported by in vitro binding assays and reiterated with native Kir4.1 proteins from mouse brain. Notably, we identify a LC8 binding motif in the unstructured N terminus of Kir4.1. Among Kir subtypes, the motif is unique to Kir4.1 and is …

Similarities And Differences In The Gene Expression Signatures Of Physiological Age Versus Future Lifespan, Matthew C Mosley, Holly E Kinser, Olivier M F Martin, Nicholas Stroustrup, Tim Schedl, Kerry Kornfeld, Zachary Pincus

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Across all taxa of life, individuals within a species exhibit variable lifespans. Differences in genotype or environment are not sufficient to explain this variance, as even isogenic Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes reared under uniform conditions show significant variability in lifespan. To investigate this phenomenon, we used lifespan-predictive biomarkers to isolate, at mid-adulthood, prospectively long- and short-lived individuals from an otherwise identical population. We selected two biomarkers which correlated positively with lifespan, lin-4p::GFP and mir-243p::GFP, and two which correlated negatively, mir-240/786p::GFP and autofluorescence. The gene-expression signature of long versus short future lifespan was strikingly similar across all four biomarkers tested. Since these …

In Vivo Manipulation Of Human Gut Bacteroides Fitness By Abiotic Oligosaccharides, Darryl A Wesener, Zachary W Beller, Megan F Hill, Han Yuan, David B Belanger, Cheryl Frankfater, Nicolas Terrapon, Bernard Henrissat, Dmitry A Rodionov, Semen A Leyn, Andrei Osterman, Johan E T Van Hylckama Vlieg, Jeffrey I Gordon

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Synthetic glycans (SGs) containing glycosidic linkages and structures not identified in nature offer a means for deliberately altering microbial community properties. Here pools of SG oligosaccharides were generated via polymerization of monosaccharides and screened for their ability to increase saccharolytic Bacteroides in ex vivo cultures of human fecal samples. A lead SG preparation was orally administered to gnotobiotic mice harboring a consortium of 56 cultured, phylogenetically diverse human gut bacteria and fed a Western diet. The abundances of 3 of 15 Bacteroides strains increased, most prominently B. intestinalis. Underlying mechanisms were characterized by analyzing in vivo expression of the carbohydrate …

Transcriptome Meta-Analysis Uncovers Cell-Specific Regulatory Relationships In Embryonic, Juvenile, Adult, And Aged Mouse Lens Epithelium And Fibers, Matthieu Duot, Sarah Y Coomson, Sanjaya K Shrestha, M V Murali Krishna Nagulla, Yann Audic, Ruteja A Barve, Hongzhan Huang, Carole Gautier-Courteille, Luc Paillard, Salil A Lachke

2020-Current year OA Pubs

PURPOSE: The lens transcriptome has been examined using microarrays and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). These omics data are the basis of the bioinformatics web-resource iSyTE that has identified new genes involved in lens development and cataract. The lens predominantly contains epithelial and fiber cells, and yet, presently, iSyTE is based on whole lens data. To gain cell-specific regulatory insights, we meta-analyzed isolated epithelium and fiber transcriptomes from embryonic/postnatal, adult and aged lenses.

METHODS: Mouse lens epithelium and fiber transcriptome public datasets at embryonic (E) and postnatal (P) stages E12.5, E14.5, E16.5, E18.5, P0.5, P0, P5, P13, and age one month, three months, …

Sexually Dimorphic Cardiovascular Impacts Of Prenatal Exposure To A Real-Life Environmental Chemical Mixture In Adult Offspring, Noor Muhammad Khan, Victoria Scott, Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei, Vasantha Padmanabhan, Arpita Vyas, Neil P Evans, Michelle Bellingham

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death that is sexually dimorphic. This study used an ovine model to investigate whether maternal exposure to an environmental chemical (EC) mixture (biosolids) prior to and throughout pregnancy, affected offspring cardiovascular (CV) structure and function in adulthood. CV function of male and female offspring from ewes grazed on either conventionally fertilised (control, C) or biosolids-treated pasture (B) was assessed. Males exhibited higher blood pressure compared to females with no significant effect of EC exposure. Heart rate variability in females suggested reduced autonomic regulation in the B group. EC-exposed males, but not females, …

Acute Trem2 Inhibition Depletes Mafb-High Microglia And Hinders Remyelination, Jinchao Hou, Roberta Magliozzi, Yun Chen, Junjie Wu, John Wulf Ii, Gregory Strout, Xiangming Fang, Marco Colonna

2020-Current year OA Pubs

We investigated the role of Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) in myelin regeneration in the brain. TREM2 is a receptor that activates microglia, which are crucial for clearing myelin debris and promoting remyelination. Previous studies in a mouse model of demyelination induced by the copper-chelating agent Cuprizone (CPZ) have shown that stimulation of TREM2 with a monoclonal antibody reduces demyelination, while deleting the

Enhancing Human Nk Cell Antitumor Function By Knocking Out Smad4 To Counteract Tgfβ And Activin A Suppression, Anna Rea, Bishan Bhattarai, Marco Colonna, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and activin A suppress natural killer (NK) cell function and proliferation, limiting the efficacy of adoptive NK cell therapies. Inspired by the partial resistance to TGFβ of NK cells with SMAD4 haploinsufficiency, we used CRISPR-Cas9 for knockout of SMAD4 in human NK cells. Here we show that SMAD4

Beauty In Mortality: Leonor Fini's Hermetically Influenced Ancient Egyptian Sphinx, Kerista Fiske

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This thesis explores how Surrealist artist Leonor Fini employs a version of the ancient Egyptian Sphinx in her paintings Little Hermit Sphinx (1948) and Petit Sphinx Gardien (1943-44). Specifically, Fini reframes the Sphinx’s role as a contemplative guardian presiding over the liminal threshold between life and death. Fini merges the images inspired by the ancient Egyptian Sphinx’s recumbent pose with the Hellenistic Sphinx’s feminine attributes while invoking Hermetic and psychological concepts of transformation and duality. Through analyzing Fini’s Sphinx motif alongside her Surrealist contemporaries—such as Jane Graverol, Frida Kahlo, Paul Delvaux, and Dorothea Tanning—and comparing to those of previous artistic …

What Is Sports Wagering? A Scoping Review, Ji Wan Wan Son

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Sports wagering has been defined as wagering on the outcome of an athletic competition, specifically a single-game sporting event. In recent years, this definition has proven insufficient to account for the different technological opportunities to engage in sports wagering. The goal of this scoping review was to examine the terms, definitions, and specific gambling activities that comprise sports wagering and to review operationalizations of sports wagering measurement. A systematic search was used to extract (e.g., betting, gambling), definitions, gambling modes (online vs. in-person), encompassed activities, and measurement methods. Seventy-seven articles reveal similarities and discrepancies in the definitions and operations of …

Multi-Omic Analysis Of Biological Aging Biomarkers In Long-Term Calorie Restriction And Endurance Exercise Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study, Giovanni Fiorito, Valeria Tosti, Silvia Polidoro, Beatrice Bertozzi, Nicola Veronese, Edda Cava, Francesco Spelta, Laura Piccio, Dayna S Early, Daniel Raftery, Paolo Vineis, Luigi Fontana

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Calorie restriction (CR) and physical exercise (EX) are well-established interventions known to extend health span and lifespan in animal models. However, their impact on human biological aging remains unclear. With recent advances in omics technologies and biological age (BioAge) metrics, it is now possible to assess the impact of these lifestyle interventions without the need for long-term follow-up. This study compared BioAge biomarkers in 41 middle-aged and older adult long-term CR practitioners, 41 age- and sex-matched endurance athletes (EX), and 35 sedentary controls consuming Western diets (WD), through PhenoAge: a composite score derived from nine blood-biomarkers. Additionally, a subset of …

The Development Of Year One Students’ Reading Ability In A Curriculum Using Monster Phonics Scheme In The Uae, Sara Berrandjia

Theses

This study explores the impact of the Monster Phonics program on the reading development of Year 1 students in Al Ain, UAE. Reading proficiency is a fundamental skill in early education, and phonics instruction plays a crucial role in literacy acquisition. Monster Phonics, a color-coded synthetic phonics program, has been increasingly adopted in classrooms, yet its effectiveness in multilingual settings remains underexplored. This research aims to investigate how students' reading ability develops in the context of a curriculum using the Monster Phonics scheme. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative assessments pre- and post-tests on grapheme-phoneme correspondence, word reading, and …

Hybrid Treatment Method Of Biofiltration Preceded With Advanced Oxidation Process For The Removal Of Emerging Contaminants From The Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent, Anjali Mohan Payathuparambil

Theses

The global demand for potable quality water has been on a continuous rise. Consequently, water reuse is now considered as an alternative to significantly expand supplies of freshwater in communities facing water shortages. Most of the conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are not efficient in the removal of emerging contaminants from the water, which will cause serious issues to the environment, human and animal life. This research investigated the possibilities of treating wastewater for reuse. First, the feasibility of utilizing a biofiltration system without pre-treatment for removing emerging contaminants from the WWTP effluent was investigated. Two types of biofilter media- …

Study Of Falāj Pathways And Their Unknown Extension In Al Ain City Using Geophysical Methods, Saud Mohammed Alsenaani

Theses

Historically, the city of Al Ain has relied on its Falāj systems as historic water resources for freshwater, which is vital for drinking and irrigating its oases and essential for supporting life in the region for centuries, providing the foundation for communities and farming. The remarkable rainfall in 2024 uncovered several hidden ancient Falāj systems and newly enlarged versions of previously recorded ones, highlighting the importance of ongoing research for their preservation. This research project aims to examine the current Falāj systems in Al Ain, particularly Falāj Mezyad, using geophysical methods to identify uncharted extensions and to examine current Falāj …

The Cellular Trafficking And Targeting Of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme-2 (Ace2) And Neutral-Amino-Acid-Transporter (B0at1) Variants: Implications For The Pathogenesis Of Associated Diseases And Therapy, Nesreen Fayyad Alkhofash

Dissertations

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1, encoded by SLC6A19, are membrane proteins with pivotal roles in human physiology. ACE2 is involved in regulating blood pressure and serves as the cellular entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, while B0AT1 facilitates amino acid absorption in the intestine. The interplay between ACE2 and B0AT1, particularly their physical interaction and co-expression in the intestine, underscores their relevance in both normal physiology and disease. Dysregulation of these proteins has been implicated in conditions such as hypertension, and Hartnup disease and they have been usurped by SARS-CoV-2 to cause COVID-19. Despite their …

Exploring Date Pomace As A Functional Ingredient In Bread: Nutritional And Functional Properties, Alaa Almoumen

Dissertations

This study investigated the incorporation of desugared date fruit pomace into wheat bread rolls and evaluated its effects on dough handling, bread quality, staling behavior, sensory acceptability, and nutritional composition. The research was conducted in three experimental phases: (i) development and characterization of a high-fiber dietary ingredient (HFDI) from date pomace, including its physicochemical and functional properties; (ii) bread fortification and quality assessment, where wheat flour was partially replaced with 0–20% HFDI to evaluate its effects on dough rheology, bread texture, color, moisture retention, shelf life, and consumer acceptance; and (iii) nutritional and physiological evaluation of the fortified breads, including …

From Microplastic Impact To Biodegradation Solutions: Investigating Microplastic Pollution, Microbial Responses, And Efficacy Of Synthetic Microbial Consortia In Plastic Degradation, Rener Sahot De Jesus

Dissertations

Plastics, including microplastics, pose significant environmental threats due to their widespread presence and harmful ecological effects. This dissertation present three distinct, yet interconnected studies. First, a study on microplastic contamination in urban recreational parks was conducted in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Results showed that low-density microplastics were present in 87% of soil samples, with spectroscopic analysis identifying synthetic polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, these microplastics were found to negatively affect soil pH and moisture levels, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and management strategies. Second, the effects of ground microplastics on Photobacterium leiognathi strains, a marine luminous …

Higher Dietary Nitrate Intake Is Associated With Lower Likelihood Of First Clinical Diagnosis Of Central Nervous System Demyelination In Australian Women, Hajar Mazahery, Lucinda J. Black, Alison Daly, Maja Banjac, Catherine P. Bondonno, Liezhou Zhong, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Eleanor Dunlop

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Dietary nitrate is a precursor to nitric oxide, for which plausible mechanisms exist for both beneficial and detrimental influences in first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination (FCD), a common precursor to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether dietary nitrate has any role in FCD onset is unclear. We tested associations between nitrate intake from food sources (plant, vegetable, animal, processed meat, and unprocessed meat) and likelihood of FCD. We used data from the Ausimmune Study (264 cases, 474 controls) and logistic regression with full propensity score matching. In females, higher nitrate intake from plant-based foods (odds ratio …

A Survey On Unauthorized Uav Threats To Smart Farming, Peng Chen, Shihao Yan, Helge Janicke, Arash Mahboubi, Hang Thanh Bui, Hamed Aboutorab, Michael Bewong, Rafiqul Islam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in smart farming has revolutionized agricultural practices by enhancing monitoring, automation, and decision-making to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, the widespread use of these technologies has also introduced new security challenges, particularly the risk of interference from unauthorized UAVs. This survey provides an analysis of the threats posed by unauthorized UAVs to smart farms, highlighting potential vulnerabilities such as data interception, communication jamming, and physical damage. This paper first explores recent advancements in IoT and UAV technologies, which are integral to the functioning of smart farms. Then, …

The Relationship Between Visceral Fat Accumulation And Risk Of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: The Roles Of Accelerated Biological Aging, Tianyu Zhu, Yixing Tian, Jinqi Wang, Zhiyuan Wu, Wenhan Xie, Haotian Liu, Xia Li, Lixin Tao, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To investigate the association between visceral fat accumulation and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) and the potential roles of accelerated biological aging in this relationship. Methods: Using data from the UK Biobank, a nationwide cohort study was conducted using the available baseline body roundness index (BRI) measurement. Biological aging was assessed using the Klemera–Doubal method for biological age and the phenotypic age algorithms. The association between the BRI and CMM was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, while the roles of biological aging were examined through interaction and mediation analyses. Results: During a median follow-up of …

Shaping Effective Food Action Groups: Participant Perspectives On Structure And Stakeholder Involvement In Regional And Remote Western Australia, Stephanie L. Godrich, Sarah Goodwin, Jess Doe, Melissa Stoneham, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed: Food systems strongly influence food security outcomes. Food Action Groups (often termed Food Policy Councils/Coalitions/Networks internationally) offer a co-ordinated and collaborative approach to local food system issues. Their organisational structure and stakeholder membership significantly impact their focus and impact. Therefore, it is imperative to understanding community member and food system stakeholders' perspectives on how regional and remote Australian Food Action Groups should be structured to maximise their impact on local food systems, and identify the most appropriate stakeholders to facilitate and drive their action. Methods: A qualitative study using focus groups, was conducted in regional and remote townships …

Art In Public: Potential Public Pedagogy Post-Pandemic, Lyndall Adams, Nicola Kaye, Emma Jayakumar, Clive Barstow, Harrison See

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article speculates how art in public space might evolve in a COVID-19 world. We examine the complexity embedded within the realm of public space using two public art projects as case studies: an artwork produced as part of an artist residency inside the Parliament of Western Australia and a public artwork commission for a highway interchange at Wanneroo, Western Australia. Both projects are used as examples to speculate on how we might navigate the complexity and possibilities for art in public as a consequence of a refiguration of such public spaces resulting from COVID-19 prevention measures. This article postulates …

Region-Specific Hematological And Biochemical Reference Intervals For Southern Thai Fighting Bulls, Dhiravit Chantip, Nantaporn Chooruang, Kitikarn Sakuna, Niramol Thongtem, Wiruntita Bohman

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Accurate health assessments are vital for the performance and welfare of fighting bulls. Existing hematological and biochemical reference intervals (RIs) for cattle may not adequately reflect the unique characteristics of fighting bulls due to breed, age, and geographical differences. This study aimed to develop and apply region-specific RIs for hematological and biochemical parameters in fighting bulls from southern Thailand. A retrospective analysis of laboratory records was conducted on 1,460 healthy fighting bulls enrolled in an annual health check program at the Livestock Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, from January 2016 to December 2023. Blood …

Preparation And Evaluation Of Mesoporous Celecoxib For Improved Antiarthritic Activity In Rodents, Reena I. Fernandaes, Sayani Bhattacharyya

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Celecoxib, a model anti-inflammatory drug, used in the management of arthritis exhibits limited oral bioavailability and slow onset of action due to its poor solubility. Objective: The present study explores a mesoporous drug delivery of celecoxib to investigate the efficacy of its antiarthritic activity in animal models, and develops a low-oral dose therapy. Materials and Methods: The solvent evaporation method was employed for the preparation of mesoporous delivery of celecoxib, using Syloid^®, and Neusilin^®, at a molar ratio of silica/ drug 1:2.5. The formulations were characterized for drug loading, in vitro drug release, and material …

Enhancing Topical Drug Delivery Of Apremilast Through Niosomal Gel Formulation: Ex Vivo Skin Permeation And In Vivo Evaluation For Psoriasis, Megha Shyam Matlapudi, Anka Rao Areti, Yukti Jaiswal, Veeresh Bantal, Raghavender Medishetti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Psoriasis is a dynamic and chronic disease characterized by inflammatory changes and an increased rate of keratinocyte proliferation leading to the formation of erythematous scleroderma plaques with a silvery sheen. The existing therapies come with shortcomings in terms of effectiveness and leave behind a trail of side effects. Hence, there is a need of alternative therapeutic measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Apremilast Niosomal Gel (APR Nio Gel) in treating psoriasis, comparing its effectiveness with conventional gel (APR Gel) and oral suspension (APR Oral) formulations. Materials and Methods: Apremilast niosomes were prepared by thin …

Study Of Laws And Regulations Related To The Management Of Florfenicol Detection Cases In Swine, Shinnawat Saengungsumalee

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Florfenicol, an antibiotic permitted in veterinary medicine, currently lacks an established maximum residue limit (MRL) in meat products in Thailand, effectively mandating undetectable residue levels. In May 2024, Thailand Pesticide Alert Network reported florfenicol residues in swine, raising concerns about consumer safety, rational veterinary drug use, and the potential for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Addressing these issues involves multiple laws, decrees, and regulations across various agencies. Objectives: To analyze laws and regulations managing florfenicol residue detection in swine. Materials and Methods: This documentary research examines relevant laws, regulations, and measures for florfenicol in livestock and compares Thailand’s regulations with those …

Justification Of Permissible Discharges Of Water Users Into Water Bodies, Mariia S. Stroganova, Ivan V. Antonov, Andrey V. Epifanov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this work is developing an algorithm for ecological and technological rationing of the permissible load on water bodies using geoinformation systems. The algorithm takes into account the self-purification of aquatic ecosystems using a three-component model. Initially, the article provides an overview of methods for determining the permissible discharge masses of pollutants for developing new approaches to rationing. The algorithm of ecological and technological rationing of the load on water bodies and geoinformation systems for its implementation is proposed. The main models used to assess the ecological state of an aquatic ecosystem are considered. A three-component model of …

Separation Of Fatty Acids From Horse Fat And Their Analysis, Sherzod Y. Rakhmanov, Madina O. Khamidovа, Dilshod P. Rakhimov, Rashidah Sokur, Nuriddin T. Kenjaev

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A distinctive feature of horse fat from other animal fats is the presence of amino acids and keratin in its composition, which are not found in other oils, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, microelements, vitamins A, E, PP, B. The aim of this work is to separate fatty acids from horse fat and analyze them. The process of separating fatty acids included the stages of saponification with sodium hydroxide, decomposition of the resulting soaps in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. The study of the composition of the separated fatty acids by the chromatograph mass spectrometric method of analysis established …

Guaranteeing The Press, Jacob M. Schriner-Briggs

St. John's Law Review

A vibrant press is vital to meaningful self-government. Indeed, the indispensability of investigative journalism to democracy raises the stakes of the news industry’s ongoing collapse. Many of the country’s most prominent outlets are shedding jobs as local operations shutter entirely. The downstream effects of this market contraction frustrate the informed exercise of popular sovereignty.

Because journalism is a public good in the economic sense, the state must intervene to provision it. To this end, scholars have generally endorsed one of two legal bases for government action. The first argues that the First Amendment can constitutionalize press-favoring market interventions. The second …

19th Annual Research In The Capitol [Program], March 31, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. University Honors Program. Iowa State University. Honors Program. University Of Iowa. Honors Program.

Research in the Capitol Programs

Program of research presentations given at the Capitol by students from the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa.

Faculty Senate Agenda March 31, 2025, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes March 3, 2025
• 3:05 University Business
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:35 Information
• EPC Report - March 6, 2025
• 3:40 Report
• Budget and Faculty Welfare Committee
• Sustainability Council
• Policy 323, 378, 389
• 4:00 Old Business
• 4:05 New Business
• 2025-2026 Calendar and Committee Reports
• President-Elect Nominations
• Adjourn: 4:30 pm