Digital Commons Network^™

Ditching Magic For Memory: The New Mushroom In Town, Dani Buch

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Regulation Of Rorα Stability Through Prmt5-Dependent Symmetric Dimethylation, Gaofeng Xiong, Brynne Obringer, Austen Jones, Elise Horton, Ren Xu

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα), a candidate tumor suppressor, is prevalently downregulated or lost in malignant breast cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of how RORα expression is regulated in breast epithelial cells remain incompletely understood. Protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), a type II methyltransferase catalyzing the symmetric methylation of the amino acid arginine in target proteins, was reported to regulate protein stability. To study whether and how PRMT5 regulates RORα, we examined the direct interaction between RORα and PRMT5 by immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays. The results showed that PRMT5 directly bound to RORα, and PRMT5 mainly symmetrically …

A Cautionary Tale About Properly Vetting Datasets Used In Supervised Learning Predicting Metabolic Pathway Involvement, Erik D. Huckvale, Hunter N. B. Moseley

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The mapping of metabolite-specific data to pathways within cellular metabolism is a major data analysis step needed for biochemical interpretation. A variety of machine learning approaches, particularly deep learning approaches, have been used to predict these metabolite-to-pathway mappings, utilizing a training dataset of known metabolite-to-pathway mappings. A few such training datasets have been derived from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). However, several prior published machine learning approaches utilized an erroneous KEGG-derived training dataset that used SMILES molecular representations strings (KEGG-SMILES dataset) and contained a sizable proportion (~26%) duplicate entries. The presence of so many duplicates taint the …

The Role Of Mettl21a In Kras-Driven Cancers, Xiaojie Yang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Abstract

More than 100 lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) were predicted to be present in the human proteome, and many were implicated in cancer etiology. However, the catalytic activity and substrate specificity for many of these enzymes remain unknown. Our work aimed to explore the role of Methyltransferase like 21A (METTL21A), amember of the little-studied seven β- strand family of candidate lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), and its role in regulating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) tumorigenesis. Through the meta-analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets, I found that METTL21A is significantly downregulated in PDAC and LUAC versus normal tissue, and …

Oxidative Phosphorylation In Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Regulator Of The Tumor Immune Landscape, Renato A. Guerrieri

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Previously, we demonstrated via RNA-sequencing analysis of murine intracranial melanoma tumors that pharmacologic inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) results in increased expression of genes consistent with activated anti-tumor immune responses. The central hypothesis of this dissertation is that OXPHOS plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and immune regulation of melanoma brain metastases (MBMs).

The functional significance of OXPHOS was assessed through genetic inhibition, involving knockout (KO) of key regulatory genes such as Ppargc1a (PGC1a) and Ndfus4 (NDUFS4), a component of mitochondrial complex I. PGC1a KO in an RCAS-TVA mouse model of autochthonous lung and brain tumors developing from primary …

Targeting Coenzyme A Biosynthesis For Antifungal Development., Jessica Regan

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

An estimated 1.5 million people die each year from invasive fungal infections (IFIs) involving dissemination to the deeper organs via the bloodstream, with estimated healthcare costs of over $7 billion in the U.S. alone. Collectively, several Candida species account for more than 75% of disseminated fungal infections in the U.S., with attributable mortality rates ranging 35-75%. Unfortunately, the prospect of curing these infections is limited by the modest efficacy of the available antifungal drugs: the azoles, echinocandins, and amphotericin B. Approximately one-third of patients with disseminated Candida infections are non-responsive to treatment with the azoles, and favorable response rates are …

Optimizing Adult Learner Success: Applying Random Forest Classifier In Higher Education Predictive Analytics, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

This study examines the application of the Random Forest Classifier (RF) model in predicting academic success among adult learners in higher education. It focuses on evaluating the model's effectiveness using key statistical measures like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score across a comprehensive dataset from 2013–14 to 2021–22, which includes variables such as age, ethnicity, gender, Pell Grant eligibility, and academic performance metrics. The research highlights the RF model's capability to handle large datasets with varying data types and demonstrates its superiority over traditional regression models in predictive accuracy. Through an iterative process, the study refines the RF model to …

Top-Down Vs Bottom-Up Effects On Predator-Prey Interactions In Aquatic Communities, Catherine Mary Mcclure

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Ecology is studied at multiple scales to better understand how small changes at the individual level scale up to affect our ecosystems and global systems. These ecological scales include individuals (single organism), populations (group of organisms of the same species), communities (populations of different species interacting with each other), and ecosystems (species interacting with other species and their local environment). The research in this document is focused on the individual, population, and community scale. In particular, this research addresses questions regarding how changes in environmental conditions (i.e., predation and resources) affect species interactions which ultimately affects the composition of ecological …

“We Take Crises And We Make Them Work”: Platicas And Testimonios Of Undocumented Latina/O/X College Students To Engage In Critical Race Feminista Praxis, Fernando Villalpando

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Undocumented Latinx college students have experienced and continue to experience challenges to earn their American dream (Pentón, Herrera & Obregón, 2018). Their aspirations and resiliency are facing one of the biggest challenges yet with the rhetoric and actions of the Trump Administration. These actions may have major implications on their journey through higher education and society. In California alone there are approximately 38,000 undocumented college students who could be in jeopardy of their future, and the implications of the current presidency’s actions could have enormous impacts on their lives (Gonzáles, 2009). By wanting to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals …

Social Workers’ Preparedness For Practice With Patients Experiencing Psychotic Disorders, Paula Crespin

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The present study explored the preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders who present with non-affective psychosis. The present study sought to examine the perceived barriers to mental health service utilization for individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders as well as the perceived preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals with non-affective psychosis. Social workers are crucial frontline workers in the treatment and support of individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorder. This qualitative study was comprised of twelve semi-structured interviews to gauge the preparedness of social workers (N=12). Results from the thematic analysis demonstrated …

Archaeological Perspectives On Human-Horse Dynamics: Reexamination And Analysis Of The Ca-Sbr-2110 Collection, Gabrielle Nicole Carpentier

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In this thesis, I analyzed the CA-SBr-2110 collection which contains a human and a horse skeleton. The collection was excavated in 1965 from Yermo, California and is currently housed at San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands, California. This research explores human-horse relationships in an archaeological context. The human skeleton was not analyzed in this research due to unknown cultural affiliation and sensitivity towards potential indigeneity. My research examines the horse remains within this collection and utilizes radiocarbon dating on three samples. Dating two samples from the horse provided approximate dates of 1829–1900 cal AD and 1798–1942 cal AD while dating …

Composing From The Margins: The Breaking Of Writing Barriers, Empowering Voices & Broadening The Work Of Feminist Composition Studies, Jasmin Salgado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The concept of identity politics within Composition Studies acknowledge how a writer’s social identity (race, gender, sexuality, disabilities, etc.) influences their writing style and shapes their language. Understanding the relationship between social identity and writing practices means recognizing the diverse perspectives writers bring to the writing classroom. In alignment with this perspective, feminist composition studies emphasize the importance of centering marginalized voices and creating inclusive learning environments where students can safely express their identities through writing. However, research reveals that diverse perspectives haven’t always been welcomed in academic spaces. Feminist compositionists unveil how discourse around writing conventions and language norms …

Exploring The Experiences Of Minority Former Foster Youths During And Post Care: A Qualitative Study, Caithlyn Snow

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The intersectionality perspective states that the challenges of minority foster youths are amplified by their status as racial and ethnic minorities, making them more vulnerable to adverse experiences during and after the foster care system. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of minority FFYs as they are in-care, transitioning out of care, and as they strive for self-sufficiency post-care. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design with a phenomenology approach. Primary data collection utilized non-probability sampling. Participants had to be 18 years or older and a former foster youth (FFY). Participants were recruited from …

How Did The Covid-19 Pandemic Impact Extended Foster Care Social Workers While Providing Social Services, Omar Ramirez, Victoria Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study used ten interviews with Extended Foster Care (EFC) workers about their experiences with EFC youth from a county agency before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic using a qualitative research design. The purpose of the research was to learn from EFC social workers how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their ability to provide services to the EFC youth, negatively or positively, and how supported they felt in delivering these services. Data was collected by interviewing the ten participants via Zoom. Data was analyzed by categorizing the responses with different colors based on the responses. Significant findings were identified regarding agency …

Examining A Relationship Between Sexual Satisfaction And Child Maltreatment, Amanda Titone

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Child maltreatment is prevalent despite extensive research informing interventions. While many risk factors have been identified, exploring additional determinants may improve existing methods or reveal better alternatives. This study’s basis was family systems theory, and it utilized the post-positivist paradigm to explore the topics of relationship fulfillment, sexual satisfaction, and parenting. Qualitative interviews with five heterosexual, cisgender parents born between 1971 and 1991 (average age 39-40) revealed four main themes: participants' childhood/parental relationships, history of abusive relationships, current sex life, and role balancing between relationships and parenting. Although limited by a small sample size and a specialized population (social work …

Gender Dysphoria In Adolescence And The Models Of Care: A Systematic Literature Review, Arnold Briseno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This systematic literature review examines and compares the efficacy of gender-affirming care and mixed-method approaches in treating adolescents with gender dysphoria. Through a detailed analysis of existing empirical studies, the research aims to identify optimal strategies that support the mental health and well-being of adolescents who are exhibiting criteria of gender dysphoria. The findings suggest a nuanced landscape where gender-affirming and mixed-method care models offer valuable benefits, highlighting the importance of individualized and flexible treatment approaches. This work contributes to the ongoing discourse on adolescent mental health care, advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the needs of this population, …

The Effects Of Parenting Styles On Communication Among Asian American Young Adults, Abigail Camarce

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between parenting styles and communication difficulties. Previous studies explored different types of parenting styles and their impact on both mental health and child behavior outcomes. However, the relationship between these styles and communication challenges has largely remained underexplored. This study aimed to fill this void by examining data collected from Asian American (AA) young adults aged 18 to 30, shedding light on how various parenting approaches influence communication difficulties in their families. Method: Quantitative data for this study was gathered through Qualtrics from participants meeting the criteria of AA aged 18 to 30, who …

Students Of Higher Education Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program And Its Impact On Mental Health, Cristina Palacios Mosqueda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The focus of this research study was the impact of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on the mental health, specifically anxiety and depression, of students pursuing higher education. The study analyzed if food security from receiving SNAP benefits relieved mental illnesses for students pursuing higher education. This study utilized a post-positivist paradigm. The data was obtained through qualitative methods, including 14 audio interviews and verbal observations of current undergraduate and graduate students from Southern California. At the time that the research interviews were conducted, the students participated in the student and discussed their experiences of dealing with mental health symptoms …

Leveraging Blockchain Technology To Revamp The Vehicle Electrification Journey: Perspectives Of Accountability And Economic Circularity, Eva Escobar Brown

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transition accelerated by global emission regulations for a phase out of internal combustion engines (ICEs) and a transition toward the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). While regulatory measures and incentivized adoption for EVs presents opportunities for reducing emissions and promoting sustainability, it also poses complex challenges. The EV industry faces potential production challenges, particularly in the sourcing, manufacturing, and lifecycle management of critical minerals and raw materials for electric vehicle batteries (EVBs). With a heavy reliance on a steady and diversified supply of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, …

Hispanic Cookbook For Individuals With Diabetes, Jewel Santamaria

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Can a cookbook positively influence the quality of life for Hispanics with diabetes? The purpose of this study was to develop a cookbook that is diabetic-friendly and culturally appropriate using common traditional Hispanic ingredients and methods.

Methods: Recipes for traditional Hispanic dishes were modified to meet nutritional needs for people with diabetes. The modified recipes were very similar to traditional Mexican cuisine, except healthier ingredients and techniques were substituted from the original recipes. Nutritional analysis was conducted using Cronometer software, with inclusions of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fat in the cookbook. Additionally, a carbohydrate exchange for each recipe …

(De)Composition: Earthen Storytelling For Collective Liberation, Priya Subberwal

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This interdisciplinary portfolio is an investigation into ecological communication through pedagogical design, online collaborative learning spaces, digital and print media, and creative writing. Braiding lenses of queer ecology, decolonial studies, anarchism, and collaborative and creative practice, this work hopes to explore the field of environmental communication through avenues that are reciprocal, community-driven, and oriented towards environmental justice and collective, intersectional liberation. Through the three distinct components of 1) the creation and facilitation of an online learning community, the Spiritual Ecology Study Club at Advaya, 2) the editing and production of two issues of Camas Magazine, an environmental literary magazine based …

Psychological Mediation Of Minority Stress And Health: Exploration Of Risk Factors In Lgbq College Students, Kyndal Grammer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Decades of research have documented pervasive physical and mental health disparities among individuals holding a marginalized identity, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBQ). Heterosexism in the forms of harassment, rejection, and discrimination likely increases minority stress, which is theorized to contribute to documented health disparities. One group that may be particularly vulnerable to effects of heterosexist discrimination, harassment, and rejection is LGBQ college students, especially those who identify as first-generation and were raised in rural environments. The current study aimed to evaluate relationships between LGBQ discrimination, depression, and physical health outcomes at the bivariate level, …

Heavy Is The Arm That Wears The Cgm: An Investigation Of A Social Support Group Of Emerging Adults At A Type 1 Diabetes Camp, Mackenzie Dawes

All Theses

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic illness that can be profoundly isolating. T1D often fosters a sense of 'otherness' that is difficult for those without T1D to understand, due to the persistent necessity to monitor blood sugar levels, administer insulin injections, and navigate the ever-present risk of severe health complications if the T1D is mismanaged. For many young adults with T1D, the sense of isolation is magnified amidst the numerous life transitions characteristic of emerging adulthood. Establishing a community of peers with T1D can help mitigate the negative mental and physical consequences. Through semi-structured interviews, this study examines these …

Broadening The Application Range Of Cell-Free Protein Expression Systems, Matthew Becker

All Theses

Centralized protein manufacturing platforms make the delivery of needed therapies to places with limited infrastructure almost impossible. Cell-free protein expression systems, systems that utilize protein production machinery extracted from cells, offer these communities a viable protein expression platform that is robust and easily deliverable to the place of need. Much work in cell-free system engineering looks to increase the hardiness of cell-free system (CFS) components, like the extract and reaction buffer, needed to carry transcription and translation of gene therapeutic targets forward. Freeze- and air-drying of extract, reaction buffer, or both with certain additives, like sugar molecules, has been proposed …

An Evaluation Of Potential Biocontrol Agents For Anoplophora Glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) In South Carolina, U.S.A., Marina Lupu

All Theses

The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, hereafter ALB) was named one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species by the Global Invasive Species Database, as it threatens several species of hardwood trees in North America. In May of 2020, the southernmost infestation of ALB in North America was discovered near Hollywood, South Carolina, U.S.A. Current eradication efforts focus on tree removal; however, in ecosystems with rugged or flooded terrain, or otherwise inaccessible and vulnerable natural areas, tree removal is a costly and potentially environmentally damaging endeavor that may not be feasible as a management tactic. In these …

Historically Char-Ming, Deryn Candelaria

All Theses

Within the field of Historic Preservation, wood is an essential building material to understand and develop effective treatments to preserve given its wide spread use in history in particular the United States and North America. One of wood's fatal properties is its combustibility. Fire is a constant threat to all historic structures, and materials which requires considered interventions. Over time, advancements in building technology, methods and materials have emerged to combat wood’s propensity for combustion. Intumescent paint, a fire protective coating, which can be used as passive fire protection, has been adopted in the Historic Preservation field in decades since …

Biotinylated Protein Capture And Tween-20 Assisted Exosome Isolations Via Capillary Chanelled Polymer Fiber, Md Khalid Bin Islam

All Theses

In the past two decades, Marcus and colleagues have led the advancement of capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fiber stationary phases for biomacromolecule separations, including proteins and nanovesicles. These stationary phases offer notable advantages, including low cost ($5/column), straightforward column fabrication, and the capacity for on-column surface modification, enabling high chemical selectivity. This study examines a C-CP fiber modification strategy for capturing target proteins and develops a Tween-20-assisted C-CP-based hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) method for the isolation and quantification of exosomes from human urine.

The quest for higher-throughput and cost-effective protein isolation techniques remains a key focus in a variety of end …

Laboratory Evaluation Of Remediation Alternatives For Groundwater At The Lane Street Superfund Site, Alyssa Costello

All Theses

At the Lane Street Groundwater Contamination Superfund site in Elkhart, Indiana, which includes industrial, commercial, and residential properties, a plume of contaminated groundwater was identified that requires remediation. The plume is chiefly composed of trichloroethylene (TCE) and has impacted residents’ drinking water. A microcosm study was performed to evaluate the potential of various treatment methods to remediate the Lane Street Superfund Site groundwater. The objectives of this microcosm study are to evaluate the potential for biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and abiotic degradation for implementation at this Site and to evaluate toxicity factors that have precluded natural degradation of the site contaminants. The …

Unveiling Packaging Truths: Consumer Perception Vs. Environmental Reality In The Meal And Snack Bar Industry, Rachel Hall

All Theses

The meal and snack bar sector is growing in popularity with consumers demanding convenient nourishment options. Currently, brands are developing sustainable packaging alternatives in the flexible industry to package goods like meal and snack bars. These innovations include compostable and recyclable wrappers which have not yet been seen in this space until recent years. The objective of this research is to investigate the misalignments between environmental impact realities and consumer perceptions of packaging seen in the meal and snack bar industry. This work began with a retail audit. Material analysis was then performed on these structures using Fourier Transform Infrared …

Service Use Among Maltreated Children With Behavior Problems And Emotional Disturbance Before And During Covid-19, Darja Beinenson

All Theses

This study utilizes two datasets obtained from the National Child Abuse and Neglect

Data System, a federally-sponsored initiative to monitor annual rates and characteristics of child maltreatment in the United States. Using a set of multinomial and negative binomial regressions, the paper seeks to examine service use among maltreated children with and without behavioral problems and emotional disturbance. The study also explores whether the service utilization gap widened among children with those conditions in 2021, during the pandemic, compared to 2018, pre-pandemic. Results demonstrated significant differences in the utilization of services among children with behavioral problems and emotional disturbance compared …