Kinodynamic Motion Planning For A System With Squid Dynamics, Logan E. Beaver, Cong Wei, Wei-Kuo Yen

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper introduces a path planning algorithm for a system with squid dynamics in a cluttered environment. We capture the complex interactions of fin, arms, and body patterning by analyzing experimental data collected from observing squid motion. We extract nine motion primitives to build the control sequence for a time-optimal trajectory. This task is formulated as a mixed-integer program, and we generate the minimum-time trajectory using a sample-based approach. Numerical simulations illustrate the efficacy of this strategy and motivate ongoing and future efforts to exploration of squid motion features, improvement of the modeling, and experimental demonstrations of the motion planning …

Where We Are: The Datafication Of Location, Conor Mcgarrigle

Conference Papers

This contribution seeks to examine the centrality of location and the activity of walking as everyday practices essential to extractive digital capitalism. The argument is that location – physical presence - is the glue that binds together data into individualised profiles adding contextual value to the myriad data points captured in the accelerating data colonisation of everyday life. Location in this sense is an everyday attribute (or technology), the capture and datafication of which, has become a byproduct of basic participation in contemporary life. Location and urban movement are well theorised in urban and artistic practice, from Baudelaire's flaneur, the …

Ring Opening Functionalization Of Thiolactone Homopolymers For Ros Scavenging, Aaron Priester, Forrest Kievit, Anthony J. Convertine

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In This Research, We Explored the Synthesis and Application of Thiolactone Acrylamide (TLA) Polymers for Neutralizing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Produced as a Result of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). We Synthesized Well-Defined TLA Polymers using RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer) Polymerization Across a Range of Monomer-To-Chain Transfer Agent ([M]0/[CTA]0) Ratios to Achieve a Range of Molar Masses. Polymerizations Were Carried Out using a Trithiocarbonate CTA (Chain Transfer Agent) with AIBN (Azobisisobutyronitrile) as the Initiator in N'N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) at 60 °C. Kinetic Studies Indicated a Linear Increase in Molar Mass with Conversion, Pseudo-First-Order Kinetics, and Molar Mass Values that Are Consistent …

Ecological Toxicology Impact From Soap Manufacture: Applications Of Carbon Footprint For Organization And Carbon Footprint Of Product, Tanaporn Chanaphirak

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The assessment of greenhouse gases to identify ways to reduce global warming was of enormous importance worldwide. This study assessed the carbon footprint of an organization and the carbon footprint of products within the herbal soap manufacturing industry, following the guidelines of the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). It also evaluated the environmental toxicity of soap production. The study found that the organization’s carbon footprint amounted to 551 tCO2 equivalent, with Scope 3 emissions being the highest at 359 tCO2 equivalent, followed by Category 1 products and services, which accounted for 208 tCO2 equivalent. Scope 1 emissions were 176 …

แหล่งที่อยู่และแบบจำลองการกระจายของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาสกุล Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 ในอุทยานแห่งชาติดอยภูคา จังหวัดน่าน, ธนกฤต สัมพันธ์แพ

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

จิ้งเหลนภูเขาในสกุล Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1829 เป็นจิ้งเหลนที่มีความหลากหลายทางชนิดและมีพฤติกรรมตามธรรมชาติที่มักหลบซ่อนตัว จึงทำให้จิ้งเหลนสกุลนี้หลายชนิดยังขาดข้อมูลแหล่งที่อยู่และข้อมูลทางภูมิศาสตร์ โดยเฉพาะชนิดที่อาศัยอยู่ในพื้นที่ภูเขาสูงในทางภาคเหนือ นอกจากในอุทยานแห่งชาติดอยภูคา จังหวัดน่าน พบจิ้งเหลนภูเขา 3 ชนิด ได้แก่ จิ้งเหลนภูเขาเกล็ดเรียบ จิ้งเหลนภูเขาอินเดีย และจิ้งเหลนภูเขาแกรนดิสัน แต่อย่างไรก็ตามข้อมูลแหล่งที่อยู่และการศึกษาขอบเขตการกระจายของจิ้งเหลนเหล่านี้ยังไม่ชัดเจน ดังนั้นงานวิจัยนี้จึงมีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาแหล่งที่อยู่ของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาในอุทยานแห่งชาติดอยภูคาและประเมินภูมิศาสตร์การกระจายโดยใช้แบบจำลองการกระจายของชนิด (species distribution modeling; SDM) การสำรวจในภาคสนามใช้วิธีสำรวจแบบพบเห็นตัวร่วมกับการกำหนดเส้นสำรวจ ข้อมูลแหล่งที่อยู่และข้อมูลปัจจัยสภาพแวดล้อมนำมาวิเคราะห์ด้วยการทดสอบไคสแควร์และการวิเคราะห์องค์ประกอบหลัก จากนั้นนำข้อมูลพิกัด GPS จากการสำรวจภาคสนาม ข้อมูลตัวอย่างอ้างอิงในพิพิธภัณฑ์ธรรมชาติวิทยา ข้อมูลจาก GBIF และการลาดตระเวนเชิงคุณภาพ มาทำการวิเคราะห์ด้วยแบบจำลองการกระจายของชนิดร่วมกับปัจจัยสภาพอากาศจาก WorldClim ทั้ง 15 ปัจจัย และปัจจัยเชิงพื้นที่ 2 ปัจจัย ได้แก่ ความสูงจากระดับน้ำทะเล และ ความลาดชัน จาก OpenDataSoft ด้วยโปรแกรม MaxEnt ผลการศึกษาแหล่งที่อยู่พบว่า จิ้งเหลนภูเขาเกล็ดเรียบอาศัยอยู่ในป่าเบญจพรรณ จิ้งเหลนภูเขาอินเดียอาศัยอยู่ในป่าสนและป่าดิบเขา และ จิ้งเหลนภูเขาแกรนดิสันอาศัยอยู่ในป่าดิบเขาเท่านั้น ผลการศึกษาแหล่งที่อยู่ย่อยพบว่าก้อนหิน เป็นองค์ประกอบที่พบได้มากที่สุดในพื้นที่อาศัยของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาเกล็ดเรียบ และกองใบไม้เป็นองค์ประกอบที่พบได้มากที่สุดในพื้นที่อาศัยของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาอินเดียและจิ้งเหลนภูเขาแกรนดิสัน การวิเคราะห์องค์ประกอบหลักตัวแปรสิ่งแวดล้อมที่มีอิทธิพลต่อการเลือกใช้แหล่งที่อยู่ย่อยของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาเกล็ดเรียบ จิ้งเหลนภูเขาอินเดีย และ จิ้งเหลนภูเขาแกรนดิสัน คือ อุณหภูมิอากาศ ระดับความสูงจากน้ำทะเลและความชื้นสัมพัทธ์ในอากาศ ตามลำดับ ผลการศึกษาแบบจำลองการกระจายของชนิด พบว่าปัจจัยสำคัญสำหรับการทำนายแหล่งที่อยู่ของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาเกล็ดเรียบและจิ้งเหลนภูเขาอินเดียคือ อุณหภูมิช่วงรายวันเฉลี่ย และ ปัจจัยสำคัญสำหรับการทำนายแหล่งที่อยู่ของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาแกรนดิสันคือปริมาณน้ำฝนตามฤดูกาล และยังพบว่าแนวโน้มการกระจายของจิ้งเหลนภูเขาเกล็ดเรียบอยู่บริเวณพื้นที่ราบเชิงเขา จิ้งเหลนภูเขาอินเดียอยู่บริเวณตามแนวเทือกเขาและ จิ้งเหลนภูเขาแกรนดิสันอยู่บริเวณยอดเขาสูงของอุทยานแห่งชาติดอยภูคาเท่านั้น ผลของการศึกษาที่ได้สามารถนำมาใช้ในการวางแผนการอนุรักษ์และยังแสดงให้เห็นถึงการประยุกต์ใช้แบบจำลองถิ่นอาศัยในการทำนายแผนที่การกระจายทางภูมิศาสตร์ของสัตว์เลื้อยคลาน

Optimization Of Energy From Building Integrated Photovoltaic Of High-Rise Buildings In Thailand, Min Khant

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This project is to find the method to optimize the energy from Building Integrated Photovoltaic System in high rise building. Firstly, the solar irradiance potential of vertical surfaces of high-rise building is analyzed in Bangkok, Thailand. With these irradiance values, the optimal size and placement of BIPV module on east, west and south façades of the building is analyzed in order to minimize the building energy usage from the electricity grid. The BIPV system is optimized using the Genetic Algorithm Optimization method in MATLAB. The output results include the optimal surface area used by BIPV module in east, west and …

Survey On Chinese Tourists' Perception With The Safety Of Consumption Places Environment In Bangkok, Sinan He

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

In recent years, Thailand's tourism industry has grown rapidly and has gradually become an important part of the country's economic composition. However, in the post Covid-19 era, as the global economy has been hit by Covid-19, many threats to security have arisen and tourists are worried about their safety. Bangkok, as the capital of Thailand, a country that relies on tourism, has to consider how to change the environment design to make tourists to Thailand feel safer. This is because some dangerous incidents in Bangkok have made Chinese tourists skeptical about the safety of shopping places. Also, from the previous …

Protein Expression Of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transfected On Green Fluorescent Protein Mrna And Collagen-Coated Titanium Disk, Wasamon Swangvong

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

New strategies for surface modification have been explored to promote osseointegration and osteogenesis, which are crucial factors for the success of titanium dental implants. Coating the titanium surface with mRNA encoding therapeutic growth factors may achieve these objectives. In our pilot study, we employed green fluorescent protein (GFP) mRNA as a model. Our investigation focused on determining whether titanium disks coated with GFP mRNA encapsulated with lipid nanoparticles and collagen Type I (GFP mRNA-Col) could enhance transfection in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), in comparison to titanium disks coated with GFP mRNA alone, without collagen. We tested various …

Exposition Professionnelle Des Femmes Aux Substances Chimiques : Amélioration D’Une Matrice Emploi Exposition Existante Pour Fournir Des Estimations Spécifiques Au Sexe : Rapport Abrégé, Vikki Ho, Chelsea Almadin, France Labrèche, Mark Goldberg, Marie-Élise Parent, Jack Siemiatycki, Jérôme Lavoué

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Il est reconnu que les femmes et les hommes ont des profils professionnels différents qui peuvent donc se traduire par des risques de maladie professionnelle différents. Pourtant, la plupart de nos connaissances actuelles sur les maladies professionnelles découlent d'études menées auprès des hommes. Or, les femmes représentent actuellement 48 % de la population active au Québec. La santé des femmes dans l’environnement de travail demeure un domaine sous-étudié et nous sommes particulièrement freinés par le manque de compréhension de l'impact du genre sur l'exposition en milieu de travail. Il a été démontré que l'attribution des tâches et les conditions de …

Occupational Exposures Of Women To Chemical Substances: Improvement Of An Existing Job Exposure Matrix To Provide Sex-Specific Estimations Of Exposure, Vikki Ho, Chelsea Almadin, France Labrèche, Mark Goldberg, Marie-Élise Parent, Jack Siemiatycki, Jérôme Lavoué

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Il est reconnu que les femmes et les hommes ont des profils professionnels différents qui peuvent donc se traduire par des risques de maladie professionnelle différents. Pourtant, la plupart de nos connaissances actuelles sur les maladies professionnelles découlent d'études menées auprès des hommes. Or, les femmes représentent actuellement 48 % de la population active au Québec. La santé des femmes dans l’environnement de travail demeure un domaine sous-étudié et nous sommes particulièrement freinés par le manque de compréhension de l'impact du genre sur l'exposition en milieu de travail. Il a été démontré que l'attribution des tâches et les conditions de …

Whatever Happened To The Snapdragon Family?, W. John Hayden

Biology Faculty Publications

The short answer is DNA sequencing and phylogenetic systematics.

Examination Of The Differences And Similarities In The Classification Of Multiple Homicide Perpetrators, Lucy M. Papp

Theses and Dissertations

The applied dissertation compares the lifestyle and behavioral characteristics of mass, serial, and spree murderers. Historically, studies have focused on serial murder according to the perpetrator's typology or indicators at the crime scene. The current topics of research lack a comparison of these classifications. While the classification and described typologies are essential for academic and investigative purposes, understanding the impactful lifestyle factors of these perpetrators may also serve as an essential factor in predictive analysis, victimology, and the motive behind their heinous crimes.

The researcher collected data on the classifications for each type of multiple homicide perpetrator: mass, serial, and …

Quantification Of Antiviral Drug Tenofovir (Tfv) By Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (Sers) Using Cumulative Distribution Functions (Cdfs), Marguerite R. Butler, Jana Hrncirova, Meredith Clark, Sucharita Dutta, John B. Cooper

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultrasensitive spectroscopic technique that generates signal-enhanced fingerprint vibrational spectra of small molecules. However, without rigorous control of SERS substrate active sites, geometry, surface area, or surface functionality, SERS is notoriously irreproducible, complicating the consistent quantitative analysis of small molecules. While evaporatively prepared samples yield significant SERS enhancement resulting in lower detection limits, the distribution of these enhancements along the SERS surface is inherently stochastic. Acquiring spatially resolved SERS spectra of these dried surfaces, we have shown that this enhancement is governed by a power law as a function of analyte concentration. Consequently, by definition, …

Exploration Of Potential Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Targets In The Enterovirus Replication Element: Identification Of Six Distinct 5' Cloverleaves, Morgan G. Daniels, Meagan E. Werner, Rockwell T. Li, Steven M. Pascal

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Enterovirus genomic replication initiates at a predicted RNA cloverleaf (5′CL) at the 5′ end of the RNA genome. The 5′CL contains one stem (SA) and three stem-loops (SLB, SLC, SLD). Here, we present an analysis of 5′CL conservation and divergence for 209 human health-related serotypes from the enterovirus genus, including enterovirus and rhinovirus species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates six distinct 5′CL serotypes that only partially correlate with the species definition. Additional findings include that 5′CL sequence conservation is higher between the EV species than between the RV species, the 5′CL of EVA and EVB are nearly identical, and RVC has the …

Reiq-Mediated Alarmone Signalling Regulates Growth, Stress-Induced Biofilm Formation And Spore Accumulation In Clostridioides Difficile, Areej Malik, Adenrele Oludiran, Asia Poudel, Orlando Berumen Alvarez, Charles Woodward, Erin B. Purcell

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The bacterial stringent response (SR) is a conserved transcriptional reprogramming pathway mediated by the nucleotide signalling alarmones, (pp)pGpp. The SR has been implicated in antibiotic survival in Clostridioides difficile, a biofilm- and spore-forming pathogen that causes resilient, highly recurrent C. difficile infections. The role of the SR in other processes and the effectors by which it regulates C. difficile physiology are unknown. C. difficile RelQ is a clostridial alarmone synthetase. Deletion of relQ dysregulates C. difficile growth in unstressed conditions, affects susceptibility to antibiotic and oxidative stressors and drastically reduces biofilm formation. While wild-type C. difficile displays increased biofilm …

Multiple Variables Influence The Finely Calibrated Antioxidant Defenses Of Clostridioides Difficile, Erin B. Purcell

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The obligate anaerobe Clostridioides difficile encodes multiple reductases to detoxify molecular oxygen and reactive oxygen species. Caulat and colleagues have characterized the activity and regulation of four such reductases (L. C. Caulat, A. Lotoux, M. C. Martins, N. Kint, et al., mBio 15:e01591-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01591-24). Each proved critical for clostridial survival in a different range of oxygen concentrations; together, they ameliorate a broad range of oxidative stress levels. Moreover, two previously uncharacterized regulators were found to control reductase gene expression in response to oxidative stress. The genetic repressor Rex and the reductase FdpF are both sensitive to the NAP …

Estimating Daily Growth Of Age-0 Channel Catfish In A Free-Flowing, Commercially Exploited Midwestern River, Kaleb B. Wood

Masters Theses

The larval stage in fishes is an important stage in the life history, as their survival dictates the ability of the population to sustain itself as an adult population. While there is a plethora of information available for juvenile and adult life stages of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), very little is understood about their larval life stage. This study sought to determine overall density, growth rates, and size structure of cohorts of age-0 Channel Catfish during a study year on the Wabash River. In 2018, I sampled age-0 Channel Catfish using a benthic trawl from May to September. …

Influence Of Seeding Strategy On Insect Communities Within Utility Lands, Kylee E. Nissen

Masters Theses

Pollinator populations are in decline globally due to anthropogenic changes, particularly in areas affected by agricultural expansion and urbanization. Utility lands - managed to prevent tall vegetation encroachment - represent an opportunity to establish native grasslands and support pollinator communities. This study investigates how different seeding strategies used by utility companies influence pollinator community composition within a 15-acre electric right-of-way (ROW) outside St. Louis, Illinois. Despite the logical benefits of native seeding to pollinators, utility companies are often hesitant to do this, often favoring seeding to turf. Seeded in late 2021, the site incorporates randomized plots with turfgrass seeding (no …

Using Community Science To Monitor Eastern Box Turtles And Engage Public In Conservation, Sarah Zoppa

Masters Theses

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina; EBT) is a charismatic species with populations in decline due to habitat loss, disease, and other anthropogenic factors. However, due to their cryptic nature, studying an EBT population can be a difficult and intensive process. To investigate EBT populations in Coles County, Illinois, we used a combination of community science and computer-based pattern analysis to develop an approach to tracking individual turtles. Citizen volunteers submitted photos of encountered eastern box turtle carapaces for shell pattern analysis along with GPS coordinates of the encounter. We have received 220 submissions from 47 community volunteers. …

Nocturnal Behavior Of Communally Roosting American Crows (Corvus Brachyrhynchos), Caitlin M. Mrowiec

Masters Theses

During the winter months in Charleston, Illinois, thousands of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) gather together each night to roost. While aspects of this impressive sight have been studied elsewhere, there is very limited information on how crows behave at night. Additionally, the mechanics and origins of communal roosting are not especially well understood, and the behaviors involved are not always consistently described. This study sought to provide a more complete assessment of crow communal roosting after sunset. I collected data between 2018 and 2020 by locating communal roosts and conducting continuous observations for 4 hours after sunset, with additional checks …

Navigating Black Identity: Black Young Adults’ Perception Of Being ‘Black Enough’ In America, Tabitha Omanano

Masters Theses

This thesis highlights young adults’ assumptions that social performance and certain cultural proficiencies validate one’s Blackness. I discuss cultural expressions and differences and social behaviors and why such markers and differences are insufficient to define and authenticate Black identity. I posit that the primary determinant of Blackness is a matter of biology and a shared historical context. I begin by reviewing historical and contemporary perspectives on the racial identity of African Americans and Black Africans across various eras in the United States. This is followed by analyzing the ways in which young people question their Black identities—ethnic, cultural, social, and …

Investigating Morphological And Molecular Identifiers For Culex Restuans And Culex Pipiens From Central Illinois, Savannah L. Ettien

Masters Theses

Some of the most prominent vectors for West Nile Virus are mosquitoes of the genus Culex. As a result, efforts have been made to monitor the spread of Culex species as climate change has allowed them to travel to places that they never inhabited before. Since Cx. restuans is a less prevalent vector, most studies for prevention focus on Cx. pipiens, which is the primary vector for the spread of West Nile Virus in the Midwestern United States, especially in the late summer and early fall seasons. As both species share many morphological characteristics and are present at …

Reprogramming Of Rat And Human Hepatoma Cells With Fibroblast-Specific Transcription Factors Msx1 And Pura, Merve Diler

Masters Theses

Despite all cells within an organism sharing the same genetic information, they develop into different tissues, each with a distinct gene expression profile required for tissue specialization. Understanding gene expression and the processes that regulate the expression, is crucial for understanding cell differentiation and tissue specialization, as these procedures are governed by unique gene expression and regulation patterns.

Whole genome microarray analyses identified several candidate genes that may be coding important transcription factors that play role in fibroblast identity such as Prrx1, Snai2, Shox2, Twist1, c-Fos, Msx1, Pdx1 (Idx1) and Pura (Pur1). The goal of this project is to determine …

Navigating Campus Climate: Microaggressions And Microaffirmations Impacting Trans* College Students On College Campuses, Chas Figueroa

Masters Theses

This study explored the microaggressions and microaffirmations that transgender college students experienced on their campus. The study looked at the impact those experiences had on transgender student perspectives regarding inclusivity on campus. With the population of out college age trans* students growing there is a need to look at the importance of inclusive practices in colligate environments. This narrative approach takes the stories of two trans* college students and interprets their experiences with themes of misgendering, university action, university community, and signs of support. The study indicated that trans* college student’s perspectives on inclusivity was impacted by the microaggressions and …

A Reflective Study Of Textbook-Centered Ela Curricular Resources, Autumn Frykholm Damann

Masters Theses

It is essential for English Language Arts educators to understand the multiple ways in which they can make the classroom an inclusive environment for all students. This study examines the racist ideas deeply ingrained within texts taught in an American literature-centered secondary English Language Arts course and explains one way for teachers and professional learning communities (PLCs) to survey and closely scrutinize one’s text choices for racist and overall biased messaging. Using qualitative content analysis of the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Collections textbook for Grade 11, I analyze the texts from the first two units I taught as a first-year teacher …

Examining Bigheaded Carp Ichthyoplankton Drift In Tributary And Mainstem River Systems Of Two Midwestern Rivers, Adam Landry

Masters Theses

The bigheaded carp invasion in North America continues to negatively impact ecosystems making it essential to understand their reproductive dynamics at various spatial scales. Previous studies have highlighted the suitability of tributaries of large rivers for bigheaded carp reproduction, and the importance of tributaries for ichthyoplankton drift to mainstem rivers. This study investigated patterns in tributary-mainstem ichthyoplankton drift dynamics in two invaded river systems of the Midwestern United States, with distinct hydrology, the Illinois and Wabash Rivers. From May-September 2021, I sampled ichthyoplankton from three tributaries and three mainstem sites in each river basin. I analyzed bigheaded carp egg and …

Edison Elliot And The Midas Files, Brianne Hankes

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Interparental Conflict And Maternal Attachment On College Students’ Social Anxiety And Emotional Regulation, Kendra Ostermeier

Masters Theses

The potential impact that interparental conflict experienced during adolescence can have subsequently on college students was examined. The literature has demonstrated a positive relationship between interparental conflict and emotional dysregulation (Schwarz et al., 2012) and social anxiety (Adare et al., 2021). Maternal attachment was examined as a mediator of this relationship, as El-Sherkiah and Elmore-Staton (2004) identified it as a mediator between martial conflict and negative child outcomes. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between interparental conflict with social anxiety and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, this study examined maternal attachment as a mediator of those relationships. Interparental conflict was correlated positively …

High Prevalence Of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection In Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) And Associated Risk To Humans In Central Illinois, Esther Onuselogu

Masters Theses

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a neglected tropical disease and a growing health threat in the United States. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) often coexist with humans in urban and suburban areas and serve as reservoir hosts for T. cruzi. While T. cruzi is rare in humans and domestic animals in the U.S., it is common in wildlife species, particularly raccoons and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in the raccoon population of Central Illinois and evaluate the risk of transmission to humans. …

The Role Of Liver-Specific Transcription Factor Hnf4 In Reprogramming Of Fibroblasts, Mary Odubote

Masters Theses

The mammalian liver, a vital organ with complex functions, relies on a network of transcription factors to regulate gene expression. Fusion of hepatoma cells with fibroblasts often leads to gene extinction, silencing approximately 400 liver-enriched genes, including critical transcription factors such as HNF4. Previous studies revealed that ectopic expression of HNF4 in fibroblasts failed to prevent the extinction of SERPINA1, a liver-specific gene, upon subsequent fusion with hepatoma cells. Here, we sought to investigate the extent to which ectopic expression of HNF4 can reprogram fibroblast cells and prevent gene extinction in hybrid cells.

Using whole-genome expression analysis, we compared RAT1 …