Digital Commons Network^™

Research Progress In Biological Activities , Mechanisms Of Action , And Applications Of Antimicrobial Peptides, Yuxin Jiao, Ruolan Shan, Xufeng Wang, Maolong Chen, Li Wen, Yunhui Cheng, Hao Wu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

The widespread abuse of traditional antibiotics has led to the emergence and development of antimicrobial peptides due to the resultant bacterial resistance.Antimicrobial peptides demonstrate high efficacy in combating infectious pathogens and possess unique antimicrobial mechanisms and biocompatibility,effectively reducing the bacterial resistance rate.The high structural adaptability endows antimicrobial peptides with multiple biological activities,enabling targeted action against diverse types of pathogens and abnormal cells.Accordingly,antimicrobial peptides exhibit a promising development prospect.Enhanced stability contributes to prolonging the in vivo half-life and improving the bioavailability of antimicrobial peptides,which holds crucial importance for improving the clinical translation value of antimicrobial peptides.The author summarizes the research progress …

Mechanisms Of The Quality Changes Of Polygonati Rhizoma Processed By Steaming-Drying Cycles, Zicong Yu, Liuping Fan

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to investigate the effects of steaming-drying cycles on the quality changes of Polygonati rhizoma and optimize the processing technology to enhance its application value.[Method ] Slices of Polygonati rhizoma processed by 0~5 steaming-drying cycles were prepared.The drying rate and drying kinetics during the drying stage after each cycle were analyzed,and a drying model was fitted.Changes in color difference,appearance,hardness,and mass fractions of polysaccharides,reducing sugars,polyphenols,flavonoids,saponins,and calcium oxalate raphides were measured.[Result ] The number of steaming-drying cycles significantly affected the quality of Polygonati rhizoma.The drying rate decreased as the drying time increased,conforming to the Modified Page model,while the …

Construction , Structural Characterization , And Antioxidant Activity Evaluation Of Yam Polysaccharide-Selenium Nanoparticle Complexes, Yidong Xiao, Lanmei Ou, Mengmeng Zhao

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study explored the structural characteristics and in vitro antioxidant activity of yam polysaccharide-selenium nanoparticle (YP-SeNPs ) complexes.[Method ] Yam polysaccharide (YP) were obtained through hot water extraction and then purified by purification,diethylaminoethyl cellulose 52 (DEAE-52) column chromatography,and dialysis.With YP as a template,YP-SeNPs were prepared with different Se/YP mass ratios (1∶3,1∶1,and 4∶3) in an oxidation-reduction system comprising ascorbic acid (VC) and sodium selenite (Na 2SeO 3）.The complexes were characterized via multiple techniques,including visual observation of solution color,ultraviolet-visible absorption (UV-vis ) spectroscopy,particle size measurement,transmission electron microscopy (TEM ),scanning electron microscopy (SEM ),atomic force microscopy (AFM ),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR …

Research Progress In The Application Of Tea Polyphenols In Meat Processing And Preservation, Yanting Gao, Huanhuan Li, Teng Xu, Ke Zhao, Mingwei Su, Liwen Wu, Honggang Tang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

Tea polyphenols are the general term for polyphenols in tea,mainly including catechins,flavonoids,and anthocyanins,which have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.The author reviewed the structural characteristics and the antioxidant and antibacterial mechanisms of tea polyphenols.Additionally,the application of tea polyphenols in the processing and preservation of meat products is summarized,providing a theoretical basis for their use in meat products.Studies have shown that tea polyphenols can achieve anti-oxidation by scavenging free radicals,chelating metal ions,and inhibiting oxidase activity.Moreover,tea polyphenols can inhibit cell growth and proliferation by inhibiting the activities of enzymes involved in cell metabolism and damaging the cell membrane system.As natural antioxidants,tea polyphenols can significantly …

Construction , Structural Characterization , And Antioxidant Activity Evaluation Of Yam Polysaccharide-Selenium Nanoparticle Complexes, Yidong Xiao, Lanmei Ou, Mengmeng Zhao

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study explored the structural characteristics and in vitro antioxidant activity of yam polysaccharide-selenium nanoparticle (YP-SeNPs ) complexes.[Method ] Yam polysaccharide (YP) were obtained through hot water extraction and then purified by purification,diethylaminoethyl cellulose 52 (DEAE-52) column chromatography,and dialysis.With YP as a template,YP-SeNPs were prepared with different Se/YP mass ratios (1∶3,1∶1,and 4∶3) in an oxidation-reduction system comprising ascorbic acid (VC) and sodium selenite (Na 2SeO 3）.The complexes were characterized via multiple techniques,including visual observation of solution color,ultraviolet-visible absorption (UV-vis ) spectroscopy,particle size measurement,transmission electron microscopy (TEM ),scanning electron microscopy (SEM ),atomic force microscopy (AFM ),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR …

Preparation And Anti-Exercise Fatigue Effect Evaluation Of Γ-Aminobutyric Acid-Enriched Milk Fermented With Lactic Acid Bacteria, Dong Liu, Yuning Yang, Fangfei Dou, Yuxing Li, Minghai Ju

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to prepare γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA )-enriched milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria and evaluate its anti-exercise fatigue effect.[Method ] High GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria were selected and used to ferment milk with a commercial starter culture.A mouse model of exercise fatigue was established by four weeks of exhaustive swimming training.After four weeks,the exhaustive swimming time,serum biochemical indicators,antioxidant indicators,and energy storage substance levels were measured and analyzed.[Result ] Lactobacillus plantarum (L.plantarum ) LP- 5 was selected as the strain for fermentation,and its GABA yield reached (1.340±0.003) g/L.The fermented milk showed the titratable acidity of (46.29±2.01) ºT,the …

Virtual Dignitary Torts, Zahra Takhshid

Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship

The emergence of the metaverse and spatial computing, which has enabled immersive digital interactions, raise complex legal questions. This work examines the feasibility of addressing dignitary torts-such as battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress-committed via avatars. The particular challenge for tort law is the nonphysical nature of selfrepresentations in these virtual spaces. Drawing from the historical evolutions of several dignitary torts, such as the law of battery and emotional harm, this article argues that the key in allowing for the recognition of such harms is appreciating the expansion of the protection of physical body within these torts, to the …

Indigenous Cultural Healing In The Pacific Northwest: The Columbia River Tribes And The Potential Return Of The Falls, Cj Senn

University Honors Theses

This thesis examines the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of Celilo Falls (Wyam), a once-sacred Indigenous site on the Columbia River, and the profound impacts of its submergence by The Dalles Dam in 1957. It looks into the history of the area as well as the potential for a return of the falls in the future. Drawing from a mixed-methods approach that includes a systematic literature review and qualitative interviews with Indigenous scholars, elders, and community members, the study explores how the loss of Celilo Falls disrupted Indigenous governance, economies, and spiritual practices. It further investigates how Celilo continues to …

Research Progress In Application Of Ultra-High Pressure Sterilization In The Processing Of Prepared Dishes, Haisheng Dong, Peng Zang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

As a non-thermal sterilization technology,ultra-high pressure sterilization can protect the thermosensitive nutrients and maintain the texture of food,demonstrating unique technical advantages in the processing of prepared dishes.By a review of domestic and foreign literature and performance of relevant equipment,this paper introduced the principle,equipment,and parameters of ultra-high pressure sterilization.Considering the parameters of ultra-high pressure sterilization and the effects of food ingredients on the pressure tolerance of different microbial species,the factors affecting the effect of ultra-high pressure sterilization were analyzed.In addition,the effects of ultra-high pressure sterilization on the physical and chemical properties,sensory quality,enzyme activity,microorganisms count and bioactive substances of prepared dishes were …

Research Progress In The Application Of Tea Polyphenols In Meat Processing And Preservation, Yanting Gao, Huanhuan Li, Teng Xu, Ke Zhao, Mingwei Su, Liwen Wu, Honggang Tang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

Tea polyphenols are the general term for polyphenols in tea,mainly including catechins,flavonoids,and anthocyanins,which have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.The author reviewed the structural characteristics and the antioxidant and antibacterial mechanisms of tea polyphenols.Additionally,the application of tea polyphenols in the processing and preservation of meat products is summarized,providing a theoretical basis for their use in meat products.Studies have shown that tea polyphenols can achieve anti-oxidation by scavenging free radicals,chelating metal ions,and inhibiting oxidase activity.Moreover,tea polyphenols can inhibit cell growth and proliferation by inhibiting the activities of enzymes involved in cell metabolism and damaging the cell membrane system.As natural antioxidants,tea polyphenols can significantly …

Photosensitizer-Loaded Glycogen For Photodynamic Therapy Of Tumor, Keke Ma, Jiurui Fang, Huijie Zhang, Jinghua Chen

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] The aim of this study is to synthesize aminated glycogen (NG) for loading of the photosensitizer TTVBA and construct a nano drug delivery system (NGT NPs ) for photodynamic therapy (PDT ) of tumors.[Method ] Positively charged NG was synthesized through modification of glycogen with diethylenetriamine (DETA ).Then,TTVBA was encapsulated by NG via electrostatic interaction to prepare NGT NPs.The prepared NGT NPs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy,dynamic light scattering (DLS ),and transmission electron microscopy (TEM ).The hemolysis assay was performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of NGT NPs.The reactive oxygen species (ROS ) generation capability of cells treated with …

Prokaryotic Expression , Purification , And Polyclonal Antibody Preparation Of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Channelrhodopsin 1, Jiurong Wang, Bin Xue, Zhenchuan Fan

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to prepare a highly specific antibody against channelrhodopsin- 1 (ChR 1) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C.reinhardtii ) and investigate its regulatory mechanisms in cellular phototaxis and negative phototaxis.[Method ] The recombinant expression vector pET- 28a(+)-chr1 was constructed and transformed into Escherichia coli (E.coli ) BL21 (DE3) competent cells.The expression of the fusion protein 6×His∷ChR 1 was induced with IPTG,and the obtained protein was purified by nickel-affinity chromatography.The purified protein was used to immunize New Zealand white rabbits for the production of ChR 1 antiserum.ChR 1-specific IgG antibodies were enriched from the antiserum through protein A purification.The …

Engineering Escherichia Coli Tolerance To Improve Succinic Acid Production, Jingyu Pan, Yongsheng Tang, Jia Liu, Cong Gao, Xiaomin Li, Wei Song, Wanqing Wei, Guipeng Hu, Jing Wu, Liming Liu, Xiulai Chen

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to enhance the high osmotic pressure tolerance of Escherichia coli (E.coli ) for the efficient production of succinic acid.[Method ] Adaptive evolution,transcriptomic analysis,reverse metabolic engineering,and fermentation optimization were employed for improving E.coli tolerance to high osmotic pressure.[Result ] By analyzing the key factors influencing succinic acid production by fermentation,osmotic pressure was identified as the critical factor reducing succinic acid production efficiency.A mutant strain,E.coli FN-6,with tolerance to high osmotic pressure was obtained through adaptive evolution.The key gene cusC responsible for osmotic pressure tolerance was identified by transcriptomic analysis.After optimization of the expression level of cusC,the engineered …

Establishment Of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy For Detection Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7, Panxue Wang, Cen Li, Xiang Li, Ying Liu, Guoliang Li

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to improve the detection specificity and sensitivity for Escherichia coli (E.coli ) O157:H7.[Method ] A high ly specific and sensitive method for the detection of E.coli O157:H7 was established based on magnetic separation and signal amplification strategies combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS ).Aptamers were used as recognition elements and combined with magnetic beads and polystyrene (PS) microspheres to construct a separation probe (MB@Apt ) and a signal amplification Raman tag (4-MBN@PS@Apt ),respectively.[Result ] In the presence of E.coli O157:H7,MB@Apt and 4-MBN@PS@Apt formed a “sandwich ” structured composite (MB@Apt/ E.coli O157:H7/4-MBN@PS@Apt ),which could be rapidly …

Rapid Determination Of Vitamin B 1 In Infant Formula Milk Powder By Fluorescent Microsphere Immunochromatographic Assay, Qianqian Lu, Ting Yang, Yongwei Feng, Jialin Hu, Hua Kuang, Chuanlai Xu, Lingling Guo

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] A fluorescent immunochromatographic assay was established based on vitamin B 1 monoclonal antibody to measure the vitamin B 1 in infant formula milk powder.[Method ] The performance of vitamin B 1 monoclonal antibody was evaluated.On this basis,a highly sensitive fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip was developed.[Result ] The vitamin B 1 monoclonal antibody showed high sensitivity,affinity,and specificity.The fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip showed a visual limit of detection (vLOD ) of 10 μg/kg,a cut-off value of 200 μg/kg,and a calculated limit of detection (cLOD ) of 2.056 μg/kg.In addition,the recovery rate of this method was 97.3%~115.4%.The test results of the …

Preparation And Anti-Exercise Fatigue Effect Evaluation Of Γ-Aminobutyric Acid-Enriched Milk Fermented With Lactic Acid Bacteria, Dong Liu, Yuning Yang, Fangfei Dou, Yuxing Li, Minghai Ju

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to prepare γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA )-enriched milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria and evaluate its anti-exercise fatigue effect.[Method ] High GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria were selected and used to ferment milk with a commercial starter culture.A mouse model of exercise fatigue was established by four weeks of exhaustive swimming training.After four weeks,the exhaustive swimming time,serum biochemical indicators,antioxidant indicators,and energy storage substance levels were measured and analyzed.[Result ] Lactobacillus plantarum (L.plantarum ) LP- 5 was selected as the strain for fermentation,and its GABA yield reached (1.340±0.003) g/L.The fermented milk showed the titratable acidity of (46.29±2.01) ºT,the …

Research Progress In Application Of Ultra-High Pressure Sterilization In The Processing Of Prepared Dishes, Haisheng Dong, Peng Zang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

As a non-thermal sterilization technology,ultra-high pressure sterilization can protect the thermosensitive nutrients and maintain the texture of food,demonstrating unique technical advantages in the processing of prepared dishes.By a review of domestic and foreign literature and performance of relevant equipment,this paper introduced the principle,equipment,and parameters of ultra-high pressure sterilization.Considering the parameters of ultra-high pressure sterilization and the effects of food ingredients on the pressure tolerance of different microbial species,the factors affecting the effect of ultra-high pressure sterilization were analyzed.In addition,the effects of ultra-high pressure sterilization on the physical and chemical properties,sensory quality,enzyme activity,microorganisms count and bioactive substances of prepared dishes were …

Research Progress In Biological Activities , Mechanisms Of Action , And Applications Of Antimicrobial Peptides, Yuxin Jiao, Ruolan Shan, Xufeng Wang, Maolong Chen, Li Wen, Yunhui Cheng, Hao Wu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

The widespread abuse of traditional antibiotics has led to the emergence and development of antimicrobial peptides due to the resultant bacterial resistance.Antimicrobial peptides demonstrate high efficacy in combating infectious pathogens and possess unique antimicrobial mechanisms and biocompatibility,effectively reducing the bacterial resistance rate.The high structural adaptability endows antimicrobial peptides with multiple biological activities,enabling targeted action against diverse types of pathogens and abnormal cells.Accordingly,antimicrobial peptides exhibit a promising development prospect.Enhanced stability contributes to prolonging the in vivo half-life and improving the bioavailability of antimicrobial peptides,which holds crucial importance for improving the clinical translation value of antimicrobial peptides.The author summarizes the research progress …

Mechanisms Of The Quality Changes Of Polygonati Rhizoma Processed By Steaming-Drying Cycles, Zicong Yu, Liuping Fan

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to investigate the effects of steaming-drying cycles on the quality changes of Polygonati rhizoma and optimize the processing technology to enhance its application value.[Method ] Slices of Polygonati rhizoma processed by 0~5 steaming-drying cycles were prepared.The drying rate and drying kinetics during the drying stage after each cycle were analyzed,and a drying model was fitted.Changes in color difference,appearance,hardness,and mass fractions of polysaccharides,reducing sugars,polyphenols,flavonoids,saponins,and calcium oxalate raphides were measured.[Result ] The number of steaming-drying cycles significantly affected the quality of Polygonati rhizoma.The drying rate decreased as the drying time increased,conforming to the Modified Page model,while the …

Photosensitizer-Loaded Glycogen For Photodynamic Therapy Of Tumor, Keke Ma, Jiurui Fang, Huijie Zhang, Jinghua Chen

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] The aim of this study is to synthesize aminated glycogen (NG) for loading of the photosensitizer TTVBA and construct a nano drug delivery system (NGT NPs ) for photodynamic therapy (PDT ) of tumors.[Method ] Positively charged NG was synthesized through modification of glycogen with diethylenetriamine (DETA ).Then,TTVBA was encapsulated by NG via electrostatic interaction to prepare NGT NPs.The prepared NGT NPs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy,dynamic light scattering (DLS ),and transmission electron microscopy (TEM ).The hemolysis assay was performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of NGT NPs.The reactive oxygen species (ROS ) generation capability of cells treated with …

Prokaryotic Expression , Purification , And Polyclonal Antibody Preparation Of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Channelrhodopsin 1, Jiurong Wang, Bin Xue, Zhenchuan Fan

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to prepare a highly specific antibody against channelrhodopsin- 1 (ChR 1) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C.reinhardtii ) and investigate its regulatory mechanisms in cellular phototaxis and negative phototaxis.[Method ] The recombinant expression vector pET- 28a(+)-chr1 was constructed and transformed into Escherichia coli (E.coli ) BL21 (DE3) competent cells.The expression of the fusion protein 6×His∷ChR 1 was induced with IPTG,and the obtained protein was purified by nickel-affinity chromatography.The purified protein was used to immunize New Zealand white rabbits for the production of ChR 1 antiserum.ChR 1-specific IgG antibodies were enriched from the antiserum through protein A purification.The …

Engineering Escherichia Coli Tolerance To Improve Succinic Acid Production, Jingyu Pan, Yongsheng Tang, Jia Liu, Cong Gao, Xiaomin Li, Wei Song, Wanqing Wei, Guipeng Hu, Jing Wu, Liming Liu, Xiulai Chen

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to enhance the high osmotic pressure tolerance of Escherichia coli (E.coli ) for the efficient production of succinic acid.[Method ] Adaptive evolution,transcriptomic analysis,reverse metabolic engineering,and fermentation optimization were employed for improving E.coli tolerance to high osmotic pressure.[Result ] By analyzing the key factors influencing succinic acid production by fermentation,osmotic pressure was identified as the critical factor reducing succinic acid production efficiency.A mutant strain,E.coli FN-6,with tolerance to high osmotic pressure was obtained through adaptive evolution.The key gene cusC responsible for osmotic pressure tolerance was identified by transcriptomic analysis.After optimization of the expression level of cusC,the engineered …

Establishment Of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy For Detection Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7, Panxue Wang, Cen Li, Xiang Li, Ying Liu, Guoliang Li

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to improve the detection specificity and sensitivity for Escherichia coli (E.coli ) O157:H7.[Method ] A high ly specific and sensitive method for the detection of E.coli O157:H7 was established based on magnetic separation and signal amplification strategies combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS ).Aptamers were used as recognition elements and combined with magnetic beads and polystyrene (PS) microspheres to construct a separation probe (MB@Apt ) and a signal amplification Raman tag (4-MBN@PS@Apt ),respectively.[Result ] In the presence of E.coli O157:H7,MB@Apt and 4-MBN@PS@Apt formed a “sandwich ” structured composite (MB@Apt/ E.coli O157:H7/4-MBN@PS@Apt ),which could be rapidly …

Rapid Determination Of Vitamin B 1 In Infant Formula Milk Powder By Fluorescent Microsphere Immunochromatographic Assay, Qianqian Lu, Ting Yang, Yongwei Feng, Jialin Hu, Hua Kuang, Chuanlai Xu, Lingling Guo

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] A fluorescent immunochromatographic assay was established based on vitamin B 1 monoclonal antibody to measure the vitamin B 1 in infant formula milk powder.[Method ] The performance of vitamin B 1 monoclonal antibody was evaluated.On this basis,a highly sensitive fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip was developed.[Result ] The vitamin B 1 monoclonal antibody showed high sensitivity,affinity,and specificity.The fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip showed a visual limit of detection (vLOD ) of 10 μg/kg,a cut-off value of 200 μg/kg,and a calculated limit of detection (cLOD ) of 2.056 μg/kg.In addition,the recovery rate of this method was 97.3%~115.4%.The test results of the …

Linking The Spatial, Temporal, And Compositional Variability Of Microplastics In The Nearshore Region Of Lake Ontario, Sophie Routenberg

Theses

Microplastic (MP) pollution is one of the most significant environmental issues of the modern era, driven by the persistence of plastic and its rapid accumulation in aquatic environments. MPs (5 mm -1 µm) are now pervasive across global ecosystems, including the Laurentian Great Lakes, which receives an estimated 11,000 tons of plastic debris annually. Despite their prevalence, critical gaps remain in understanding MP input sources, polymer composition, morphological diversity, and spatial and temporal distribution. This study addresses those gaps by quantifying and characterizing the spatial, temporal, and compositional variability of MPs in the nearshore region of Lake Ontario’s Rochester Embayment …

Exploring The Effects Of Anthropogenic Habitat Change On Euplerid Carnivore Occupancy In A Humid Evergreen Forest, South-East Madagascar, C. Cardinal, Timothy M. Eppley, M. Andriamorasata, G. Donati

Anthropology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Mammalian carnivores are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures, including habitat modifications, disturbance, and the introduction of non‐native species. Forests throughout Madagascar are under persistent pressure from extraction of timber and non‐timber products, and conversion of forest habitat to agriculture. Yet research into the impact of anthropogenic pressures on endemic carnivores is only recent, and relatively little is known about their populations in the extreme south of the island. We sought to explore how disturbance affects the occurrence of small carnivores in lowland humid forests and their varying degrees of adaptability to human‐modified landscapes. To answer this, we conducted exploratory camera trap …

Lawrence University One Hundred Seventy-Sixth Commencement, Sunday, June 15, 2025, Lawrence University

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Advancing Novel Contrast Agents For Applications In Fluorescence-Guided Neurosurgery Using Fluorescence Cryotomography, Augustino Vittorio Scorzo

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) is an emerging surgical technique that aims to help surgeons identify tissue types to assist in surgical decision making - ideally providing “cut-by-color” guidance. A primary application for this approach is the identification of tumor tissue to achieve more accurate and complete tumor removal while simultaneously minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissue. The cornerstone of tumor visualization for FGS is the administration of fluorescent contrast agents, or in some cases metabolic precursors, designed to accumulate specifically in tumor tissue, and a wide range of agents that use different targeting mechanisms are currently under investigation. Although these …

Magicicada And Mathematics: What The Parochiality Of Our Explanations Means For The Indispensability Argument, Jadyn Malone

Philosophy Senior Theses

This thesis examines whether the indispensability argument justifies belief in the existence of mathematical entities. I adopt ontological naturalism, arguing that we should believe in entities that feature in our best scientific theories, which are determined through inference to the best explanation. The indispensability argument contends that because mathematical entities are explanatorily indispensable to our best scientific theories – as demonstrated by examples like the prime number explanation of cicada life cycles – we should believe they exist just as we believe in electrons and stars.

However, I identify a challenge: our scientific explanations are inherently parochial, shaped by human …

The Structure Of The Drp1 Lattice On Membrane, Kristy Rochon, Anelise N. Hutson, Jason A. Mears

Faculty Scholarship

Mitochondrial health relies on the membrane fission mediated by dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Previous structural studies of Drp1 on remodeled membranes were hampered by heterogeneity, leaving a critical gap in the understanding of the mitochondrial fission mechanisms. Here we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of full-length human Drp1 decorated on membrane tubules. Using the reconstruction of average subtracted tubular regions (RASTR) technique, we report that Drp1 forms a locally ordered lattice along the tubule without global helical symmetry. The filaments in the lattice are similar to dynamin rungs with conserved stalk interactions. Adjacent filaments are connected by GTPase domain interactions …