Digital Commons Network^™

Progestogens As Modulators Of Motor Behaviors And Microtubule Dynamics In Embryonic And Larval Stage Zebrafish, Mandarin Mathouchanh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Progestogens are steroid hormones based on progesterone (P4) that play many critical roles in early developmental stage and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). In addition to their functions in reproduction, they play important roles in the central nervous system (CNS). P4 and its metabolites are known to modulate the excitability of neurons and promote neural inhibition. This dissertation aims to elucidate the physiological and developmental effects of progestogens on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Through the use of motility assays, we report significant findings in this dissertation that suggests both the membrane progesterone receptor (mPR) and GABAA receptor facilitate the rapid deep …

Inclusive Science Education: High School Biology Educator’S Voice, Experiences, Attitudes, And Challenges Instructing Students With Extensive Support Needs, Jessica Nichole Minton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Students with extensive support needs are moving into inclusive general education science classrooms in higher concentrations. Teachers’ commitment to their students and their attitudes towards their students can influence student success in the classroom and educator experiences or challenges can influence attitudes (Bhatnagar & Das, 2014; Carter & Hughes, 2006; Gonzalez, Henneman, & Schluter, 2019). In this CDT narrative inquiry study, I examined high school biology teachers’ narratives to address the following research questions: (1) What do the narratives of high school inclusive biology teachers reveal about their attitudes regarding the inclusion of students with extensive support needs in the …

Exploring Factors That Contribute To Students' Persistence In Undergraduate Biology Programs, Kendra Wright

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Several factors influence persistence in STEM programs. However, without a deep understanding of students' experiences, identifying the specific factors that contribute to their success or departure can be challenging. By investigating students enrolled in the undergraduate biology program at the University of Memphis, I have gained valuable insights into the several factors that impact academic success. This mixed method study first explores how students' metacognition develops and how students' engagement in metacognition can contribute to student s final grades and later explores how Black student's experiences in biology can contribute to persistence, and the impact of a formative assessment assignment …

Associations Between Family History Of Alcohol Misuse, Drinking Risk, And Alcohol Demand Among Emerging Adults, Destinee M. Cruthird

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Purpose: Individuals with a positive family history of alcohol misuse (FH+) are at an increased lifetime risk for alcohol use disorder compared to those without such a history (FH-). Risk associated with family history may manifest during emerging adulthood, given that alcohol consumption often increases during this period. However, the behavioral mechanisms underlying these risks remain less clear. This study aimed to examine FH status differences in alcohol consumption, alcohol-related consequences, and behavioral economic mechanisms (i.e., alcohol demand) in a sample of emerging adults who reported recent heavy drinking. Method: Emerging adults (N = 569; 29% FH+, 71% FH-; Mage …

Book Of Abstracts: 2025 Honors College Research Symposium, Honors College, North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University

2025 Honors College Research Symposium

This booklet contains the collection of research abstracts presented at the 2025 Honors College Research Symposium, held on April 17, 2025, at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The symposium highlights original undergraduate research across disciplines including science, engineering, humanities, health, education, business, and agriculture. The publication documents the scholarly contributions of Honors students through both oral and poster presentations.

Apoe Genotype Distribution In A Mexican Population: A Comparative Study And Its Implications For Alzheimer’S And Cardiovascular Disease, Carlos Perezcano, Andrea Sánchez, Josué Nava, Christian Rosete

Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cardiovascular risk (CVD). This study analyzes the distribution of APOE alleles in 143 patients from a Mexican population based in Mexico City. The ε3 allele was the most prevalent (82.9%) followed by ε4 (12.5%) and ε2 (4.5%). Notably, the APOE 3/4 genotype, associated with increased risk for AD and CVD, was observed in 21% of the cohort, while the APOE 4/4 genotype, representing the highest genetic risk for both conditions, was rare (2.1%). The APOE 2/2 genotype, linked to type III …

Gc Minutes Apr 17, 2025, Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Total Oxidative State, Total Antioxidative State , Serum Paraoxonase Activity, And Thiol Levels Before And After 6 Months Of Treatment In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Who Have Been Recently Started On New Therapy Agents, Emel Başar, Hasan Bayindir, Hati̇ce Ferhan Kömürcü, Ebru Bi̇lge Di̇ri̇k, Ömer Anlar, Özcan Erel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objective of this study was to establish the oxidative stress determiners as a total oxidative state (TOS), total antioxidative state (TAS), paraoxonase (PON) activity, oxidative stress index (OSI), and thiol/disulfide levels before and after 6 months of immunomodulator therapy in patients who were diagnosed according to the revised McDonald Criteria.

Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients were included in our study who were diagnosed according to the revised McDonald Criteria, approved to participate in the study, and had been treated in the neurology inpatient clinic or presented in the neurology outpatient clinic of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Atatürk Training …

Can Mac-2 Binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer Serve As A Biomarker For Predicting Pulmonary Arterial Pressure And Pulmonary Hypertension In Systemic Sclerosis?, Ridvan Mercan, Di̇lara Bulut Gökten, Sonat Pinar Kara, Nesli̇han Meli̇k Üzüm, Savaş Güzel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to explore the role of Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) serum levels as a biomarker that could contribute to understanding organ involvement and the overall disease process in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study examined 108 patients with SSc. Seventy-two people were included in the control group. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, laboratory and radiological findings, pulmonary function tests and echocardiography results, and presence of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) based on echocardiographic evaluation were recorded. Venous blood samples of 5 mL were collected from individuals. Human M2BPGi levels in the samples …

Comparative Vasorelaxant Effects Of Atorvastatin And Rosuvastatin In Rat Aorta:Investigating The Role Of Perivascular Adipose Tissue, Deni̇z Kaleli̇ Durman, Meryem Aras, Gülsüm Ruveyda Aktaş, Bi̇rsel Sönmez Uydeş Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Statins are known to display pleiotropic effects on the vascular system, beyond their lipid-lowering properties. Studieson isolated vascular preparations have demonstrated their acute relaxant effects on vascular tone. Considering the increased evidence inregard to the contribution of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) in the regulation of vascular homeostasis, we aimed to investigate thepossible modulatory role of PVAT in the vascular effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in isolated rat aorta.

Materials and methods: Thoracic aortas isolated from young male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: rings with intact PVAT(+) and rings without PVAT (-), and then mounted in an isolated …

The Effects Of Liraglutide On Expressions Of Insulin Secretion And Beta Cell Survive Associated Gpcr Genes In Pancreatic Beta Cells, Meli̇kenur Türkol, Türker Bi̇lgen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Liraglutide as a long-acting glucagon-like peptide drug has anti-hyperglycemic and antiobesity effects. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well- known drug target molecules that conduct critical signaling pathways related with diseases. Research has confirmed the role of many GPCRs genes in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell functions and insulin secretion. Liraglutide dependent expressional changes in GPCR genes may let us determine new drug targets.

Materials and methods: Therefore, we investigated the changes in expression of GPR75, GPR56, GLP1R, M3R, and CB1R genes, which are the GPCR family members, in response to liraglutide treatment in the NIT-1 mouse pancreatic beta …

Uas Academic Catalog 2025/2026, N/A N/A

UAS Academic Catalogs (2011-present)

No abstract provided.

Student Perceptions On Career Decision Making Skills In Relation To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emily G. Oliver

Honors College Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic had major ramifications on all areas of the professional world as well. As mandatory quarantines and shutdowns were implemented, the negative effects were widespread and everyone was impacted. People from all different career fields faced unforeseen circumstances that caused anxiety about their income and workplace stability. With all of these changes in the world, students who were in high school and first years of college still had to make a decision about their future and what they wanted to do for an occupation one day. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on …

Sex Differences In Adult Frailty At The Late-Terminal Classic (C. 750-1000 Ce) Maya Site Of Lower Dover, Rose Rioux

Honors Thesis

While it has been suggested that the compounded effects of population growth and climatic pressures over the Classic period (c. 300-1000 CE) led to a health crisis among the Maya, there is no current knowledge of whether there were significant sex differences in risks of mortality and frailty associated with metabolic stressors. This research assesses sex differences in frailty and mortality of adults (n=52) from the medium-sized Maya polity of Lower Dover in the upper Belize River Valley from the Late Preclassic (c. 300 BCE-150 CE) to Terminal Classic (c. 750-1000 CE). Osteological methods of estimating age and sex were …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session Thursday April 17, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda

Approval of the Minutes (February 6, 2025)

Recognition of President Ed Montgomery

Remarks by the Chair of the Board

Remarks by the President

Updates by the Faculty Senate President

Updates by the Western Student Association President

Updates by the Graduate Student Association President

International Congress on Medieval Studies and Experiential Learning

Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• Naming the New Valley Residence Hall “Golden Oaks” at “The Valleys”

Consent Item

• Personnel Report
• Curriculum Proposals
• Sale of BTR Parcel (Unit 30)
• Liquor Licenses – Multiple Events (July 10, 2025, August 7, 2025, November 7, 2025)
• Annuity …

Improving Erosion Resistance And Revegetation Of Wildfire-Altered Soils Using Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation, Ahsan Ali

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Climate change is causing wildfires to occur more frequently and with higher intensity. Leading to wide range of impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment. Wildfires affect soils by burning their organic matter, resulting in an immediate deplete of nutrients and a significant reduction in nitrogen level. Wildfires also alter soils’ physical properties and make them less resistant to erosion which results in debris flows when wildfire are followed by a rainfall event. The reduced activity of microorganisms that aid in nutrient absorption makes the soil less effective in supporting plant life. Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) was found to …

Lehr Named 2026 Kemp Award Winner, Julia Perez

Press Releases 2020-2029

No abstract provided.

Acoustic Filter For Biopharmacy, Nicholas Rivet

Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

The design and development of a novel flow induced acoustically tuned “filterless” filter is proposed. The proposed research is on developing two or more prototypes that function as a cell retention device for perfusion cell cultures used in continuous manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. This research will provide a non-invasive, cost-effective, flexible, and robust cell retention device for sustainable manufacturing of biologics.

Designing An Optimal Thermal Preference Arena For Southern Cricket Frog (Acris Gryllus) Juveniles, Eleanor E. Briggs, David M. Phillips Jr.

Honors Theses

Climate change has been altering ecosystems across the world at a substantial rate, disrupting the delicate ecophysiological relationships between ecosystems and the organisms that live in them. Ectotherms, such as amphibians, rely on external temperatures to behaviorally thermoregulate, making it especially imperative to study their thermal biology. Thermal preference, which assesses the environmental temperature an organism would seek out in the absence of external stimuli, provides valuable information about an amphibian’s thermal biology and can be used to predict the effects of climate change on a species or population. A commonly used method to measure thermal preference is an arena …

Dietary Patterns And Their Effects On C-Reactive Protein Regarding Female Reproductive Disorders, Mckenzie Moe

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Chronic inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health disorders. CRP is one of the most common biomarkers of inflammation. Dietary components, lifestyle factors, and women’s reproductive health disorders are major components that influence the levels of CRP within the body. Other influential factors include injury, infection, and illness. The purpose of this review is to explore the findings of literature available on nutrition interventions for CRP levels in consideration of women's reproductive disorders.

Methods: This narrative review examines the works of 15 articles, including 10 cross-sectional and five longitudinal designs. …

Glycation Metabolites Predict Incident Age-Related Comorbidities And Mortality In Older People With Hiv, Xi Qiao, Liangliang Zhang, Ming Wang

Faculty Scholarship

Glycation is a class of modifications arising from non-enzymatic reactions of reducing sugars with proteins, lipids, and/or DNA, generating advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs are linked to many age-related comorbidities. In response to HIV-1 infection, activated T-cells and macrophages shift their predominate metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Increased glycolytic flux enhances AGE formation, which may increase age-related comorbidities. In this prospective, multicenter cohort study of antiretroviral therapy treated people with HIV, we explored predictive associations by baseline plasma AGE concentrations and their corresponding detoxification metabolites, with incident comorbidities and mortality. AGEs included dicarbonyl sugars: 3-deoxyglucosone, glyoxal, and methylglyoxal. Methylglyoxal-derived …

Novel Therapeutics For Myeloid Malignancies, Tim Kong

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Myeloid malignancies are a group of heterogenous and clonal disorders that include myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These blood cancers are driven by characteristic oncogenes and propagated by pro-inflammatory niches; MPNs demonstrate hyperactive JAK-STAT signaling and upregulate cytokines including TNF, IL-6, and IL-8. Current therapeutics such as ruxolitinib targeting JAK2 providing symptomatic benefit to MPN patients but are not curative and do not prevent disease transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). As such, greater understanding of the underlying disease biology is still required with means of uncover cancer dependencies. Here, we utilize a series of multi-omic approaches …

2025 April 17 - From My Notepads Newsletter, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, Brian Noland

From My Notepads: A Newsletter from President Brian Noland

No abstract provided.

Surgical Smoke Evacuation Quality Improvement Project, Angela Howell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Surgical smoke is a byproduct produced during surgical procedures when high-energy producing devices are used to vaporize tissue. This smoke poses health risk to anyone present in the operating room.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to educate and minimize the exposure of both staff and patients to the hazardous toxic fumes and vapors produced by energy-generating electrocautery devices.

Methods: The intervention based on the Kim Ball Smoke Evacuation Compliance Model was implemented in a large military hospital with 20 operating rooms and three labor and delivery suites. Implementation included formal education strategies, equipment …

Field Calibration Of A Time Domain Reflectometry Sensor For Water Content Measurement In Soils With Low Content Of Coarse Fragments, Rehnuma Maisha, Dean Steele, Aaron L. M. Daigh, Derek M. Heeren, Trenton E. Franz

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Comparison of soil water sensors for irrigation scheduling requires an accurate reference measurement. An Acclima TDR-310H soil water content sensor was calibrated and validated for sand, loamy sand, clay loam, sandy clay loam, and sandy loam soils. In 2021, sensor readings and soil samples were collected in the same sensor volume at depths of 15 and 46 cm at three irrigated field sites with five stations each. Gravimetric water content, bulk density, and volumetric water content (θv) were determined in the lab. The root mean square error was 0.032 cm³ cm⁻³, which was within acceptable limits. The …

Assessing The Predictability Of Sexual Homicide Subtypes In Serial Homicide Offenders Using Childhood Abuse And The Macdonald Triad, Kevin Dionne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prior research established a positive correlation between childhood abuse and sexually motivated murders, and childhood abuse is considered a risk factor for serial murder, especially for sexually motivated serial murder. The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess whether a predictive relationship exists between childhood abuse types (physical, sexual, and psychological) and MacDonald triad behaviors (enuresis, fire setting, and animal cruelty) in predicting sexual homicide subtypes (sexualized, grievance, and rape murder) in a sample of male serial sexual homicide offenders. The subtypes were derived from the Higgs, Carter, Tully, and Browne systematic review. The theoretical lenses applied in the …

Senescent Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Mediate Immunosuppression And Promote Breast Cancer Progression, Jiayu Ye

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and aging is the largest risk factor for breast cancer development. The process of aging is typically accompanied by a progressive accumulation of senescent cells, which are characterized by a series of markers such as p16INKA4 (p16) positivity and a distinctive profile of secretory factors including mitogens, cytokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that are collectively recognized as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Numerous data so far have shown that senescent stromal cells play critical roles in modulating tumor microenvironment and progression. For example, senescent fibroblasts induced in vitro could …

April 17, 2025, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

The Roles Of Cup1, Ssu1, And Mitochondrial Dna In Copper Tolerance In Wild Yeasts, Madeleine Panek

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Understanding the genetic basis of complex traits remains a central challenge in biology. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, copper resistance is a multifactorial trait shaped by both genetic and environmental influences, yet its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The genes CUP1 and SSU1 are known to influence copper resistance, though how these genes interact with each other and with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in wild yeast populations is unknown. I hypothesized that the genes CUP1 and SSU1 and variation in mtDNAs contribute to copper resistance in wild yeasts independently and through genetic interactions. To test this, I measured copper resistance …

Treatments For Opioid Use Disorder: Perspectives Of Patients In Long-Term Recovery, Robert Florian

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The contemporary landscape of substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder, presents a complex and pressing public health concern, marked by escalating rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although extensive research has been conducted on the efficacy of interventions for opioid use disorder, a notable research gap exists concerning the perspectives of individuals in long-term recovery (defined as exceeding 2 years). Specifically, how these individuals view pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches remains largely unexplored in the existing literature. Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, this study investigates patients’ perceptions of medication-assisted treatment and abstinence-based therapies. Purposive sampling was utilized, and participants …