Life Sciences Commons^™

Resolution Of Physics And Deep Learning-Based Protein Engineering Filters: A Case Study With A Lipase For Industrial Substrate Hydrolysis, Spencer Gardiner, Peter Dollinger, Filip Kovacic, Jörge Pietruszka, Daniel Ess, Karl-Erich Jaeger, Gunnar F. Schröder, Dennis Della Corte

Faculty Publications

Computational enzyme design remains a powerful yet imperfect tool for optimizing biocatalysts, especially when targeting non-natural substrates. Using design tools we investigated Pseudomonas aeruginosa LipA, a lipase with a flexible lid domain crucial for substrate binding and turnover, aiming to enhance its hydrolysis of the industrially relevant substrate Roche ester. We generated an initial set of single-point mutations based on structural proximity to the active site and evaluated their effects using a computational pipeline integrating molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and ensemble-based energy scoring. While we identified several active variants, attempts to rank them by activity …

Guiding With Love: Building Self-Regulation Through Structure And Warmth, Kylie Collette

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

The Value Of Play In Improving Children’S Experiences With Healthcare, Kylie Howes

Family Perspectives

Hospitalization can be a distressing experience for children, often resulting in heightened anxiety and pain due to unfamiliar environments, procedures, and personnel. This literature review examines the effectiveness of Child Life Play Interventions—specifically Developmentally Supportive Play, Psychological Preparation Play, and Distraction Play—in reducing pediatric patients’ healthcare- related anxiety and pain. Developmentally supportive play provides children with familiar, age-appropriate activities that help maintain normalcy and routine, thereby reducing stress during extended hospital stays. Psychological preparation play uses role-playing and hands-on demonstrations to enhance children’s understanding of medical procedures, alleviating anxiety and decreasing perceived pain. Distraction play shifts children’s attention away from …

When Evidence Is Shocking: The Value Of Struggling With Uncomfortable Ideas, Cortney Evans-Stout, Christin L. Porter

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Marital Conflict And Male Depression: The Role Of Emotional Withdrawal And Hostility, Nicolas Enzo Mouhsen

Family Perspectives

This literature review investigates the relationship between marital conflict and male depression, focusing on emotional withdrawal and spousal hostility as key contributing factors. Male depression, often underreported due to differences in symptom expression such as anger and irritability, is explored in the context of marital dynamics. Emotional withdrawal, characterized by avoidance behaviors during conflict, is particularly prevalent among men and linked to rigid gender role perceptions. This behavior correlates with increased depressive symptoms and reduced well-being. Additionally, spousal hostility, including verbal aggression and criticism, exacerbates male depression through both the perception of aggression from a partner and self-awareness of hostile …

Divorced After Age 50: What Gray Divorced Women Can Do To Move Forward, Sheri Duvall

Family Perspectives

No abstract provided.

The Benefits Of Combining Center-Based And Home-Based Care For Preschool Children, Savannah Christensen

Family Perspectives

Abstract: Research shows that the quality of care children receive in early childhood—whether from a parent, relative, or formal child care provider—significantly influences their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development. This article analyzes several peer-reviewed sources to examine how different caregiving environments impact development and how these effects are moderated by the quality of care and the home environment. It also addresses how socioeconomic status can shape the quality of care children receive and the long-term outcomes associated with each caregiving type. While parents are typically seen as the ideal caregivers, children in nonparental care, such as with relatives or in …

Data For Recreation Effects On Soil Carbon, Biocrust, Soil Stability, And Invasives In Indian Creek, Bears Ears National Monument, Elisabeth M. Currit, Tara B. Bishop, April Hulet, Nathan Allen Currit, Teresa Gomez, Nathan T. Thompson, Shannon Lambson, Heidi Jean Wilding Mann, Evan Miller, Erin Jones, Alexandra Olson, Katherine A. Anselmi, Meredith Murdock, Ella Reid, Kirsten Steele, Indy Lawrence, Neil Hansen

ScholarsArchive Data

This data is about how different types of recreation impact different soil and vegetation properties related to soil carbon in Indian Creek, Bears Ears National Monument. The data was collected from May 2023 to October 2023. It contains plant functional group cover, biocrust cover and type, soil stability, and compaction data for each individual site. There are 5-7 of each site type: camping, foot trails, and motorized offroading trails, and undisturbed sites, with a total of 30 sites. It also contains the code used to analyze the raw data and the figures created.

Remote Running Gait Analysis Using Smartphone Video And Monocular Pose Estimation: A Feasibility Study, Luke Vankeersbilck

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Running is a common form of exercise that comes with many health benefits; however, many people stop exercising because of the high injury risk. Running injury is connected with biomechanical risk factors. Yet, these risk factors often show inconsistent and conflicting results across studies, largely due to small sample sizes limiting statistical power. Low subject numbers may be partly due to the time requirements of traditional motion capture. Monocular pose estimation offers a promising alternative by using machine learning to track body landmarks from a single camera. This study evaluated the feasibility of remotely collecting running biomechanics data using …

Circadian Influences On Glycemic Control In 24-Hr Fasts Initiated At Different Mealtimes, Elizabeth Z. Gipson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated whether the timing of a 24-hour fast influences indicators of glycemic control throughout the duration of the fast or upon refeeding. Twenty-four adults who have overweight or obesity (13 female, 11 male) completed this randomized crossover study involving three 24-hour fasts initiated at either 8:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 6:00 pm followed by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) which lasted 2 hours. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) were employed to track interstitial glucose throughout each fast and OGTT. Plasma samples for insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were collected at the …

Recreation Effects On Soil Carbon, Biocrust Presence, Soil Stability, And Invasive Species In Indian Creek, Bears Ears National Monument, Elisabeth M. Currit

Theses and Dissertations

Desert ecosystems perform essential ecosystem services, including playing a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Because of this, it is important to understand how recreational activities, common in desert environments, impacts dryland ecosystems' ability to perform ecosystem services. The growing popularity of outdoor recreation in Western US poses a threat to desert ecosystems, and unregulated activities can harm soil health, particularly the presence and functioning of biological soil crusts (biocrusts). This study uses the Indian Creek Special Recreation Management area in Bears Ears National Monument, Utah, USA, as a case study for recreation impacted desert ecosystems. It examines the …

Exploring Soil-Derived Antimicrobials For Inhibiting Dairy-Associated Pathogens And Spoilage Bacteria, Michael Joseph Moran

Theses and Dissertations

Spore-forming bacteria are among the most problematic contaminants in fluid milk. They can survive pasteurization, grow at refrigeration temperatures, and secrete heat-stable enzymes, making them a major cause of spoilage in both pasteurized and reconstituted milk products. Current nonthermal strategies for reducing spore counts, including microfiltration and bactofugation, are often costly and inconsistent. The increasing consumer demand for natural additives in food products has sparked interest in the use of bacterially-derived antimicrobial compounds, particularly those from generally recognized as safe (GRAS) organisms, as an alternative method of dairy preservation. This study explores the antimicrobial potential of ten soil-derived Bacillus and …

Opposing Roles For Iron Transport Systems In Gallium Tolerance In Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia Coli, Nagama Parveen

Theses and Dissertations

Iron is required for bacterial growth because it serves as a co-factor for enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, cellular respiration, and other processes. Disrupting bacterial iron homeostasis is an effective strategy to prevent the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and gallium (Ga³⁺) has emerged as a promising candidate due to its ability to displace iron (Fe³⁺) and prevent essential iron-dependent pathways. However, Escherichia coli are naturally less sensitive to gallium than many other bacteria, and the mechanisms that control gallium tolerance are not completely understood. To address this, we performed a genome-wide transposon sequencing (TnSeq) screen to identify genes important for …

Characterizing Host And Viral Factors Relevant To Turkey Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus-Induced Immunosuppression, Abraham Quaye

Theses and Dissertations

Turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus (THEV) is an adenovirus (AdV) that causes hemorrhagic enteritis (HE) in turkeys, a debilitating disease affecting predominantly 6-12-week-old turkey poults characterized by immunosuppression (IMS) and intestinal lesions leading to bloody diarrhea. Although a naturally-occurring avirulent THEV strain has been adopted as live vaccine and has proven effective at preventing HE in turkeys, it still retains its immunosuppressive ability. Thus, vaccinated birds are rendered more susceptible to opportunistic infections and death than unvaccinated cohorts, leading to substantial economic losses. This dissertation focuses on elucidating both host and viral factors mediating THEV-induced IMS in turkeys. As THEV gene …

Characterizing Gastric Cancer Tumor Immune Microenvironment Through Extracellular Vesicles, Claire Elizabeth Bruno

Theses and Dissertations

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) critically influences cancer progression and determining therapeutic response. As immunotherapies continue to improve and reshape cancer treatments, there is a need for tools that can more efficiently and accurately assess and monitor the TIME. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially small EVs (sEVs), are lipid-bound nanoparticles that carry proteins, DNA, and RNA reflective of their cell of origin, offering a novel, non-invasive biomarker of the TIME. This makes them a promising candidate for immune profiling and treatment monitoring in cancer. This thesis investigates the potential of EVs as biomarkers for TIME composition and immune activity. An analysis …

Fabrication, Calibration, And Deployment Of A Home-Made Radiometer, Callum Flowerday, Ryan Thalman, Jaron Hansen

ScholarsArchive Data

Subfolders and Contents:

Chamber Characterization: Contains emission spectrum measured from inside the chamber with converted spectra to power and photon flux.

LED Calibration: (Each calibration file contains folders of data from each LED used in calibration)

• Cone
• Cone 2
• Dome 2
• Flat Top
• Quartz Rod
• Uniform Dome

Outside:

• Cone 2 front porch
• Cone 2 roof
• Flat top

Conflation Between Knowledge And Acceptance May Contribute To The Knowledge Gap Between Judeo-Christian And Non-Religious People, Jamie Jensen

ScholarsArchive Data

These data are from a nationwide study and a classroom intervention looking at participants' understanding of evolution (i.e., knowledge), and their acceptance of evolution.

Detection Of Neuron Derived Cfdna In Blood Plasma: A New Diagnostic Approach For Neurodegenerative Conditions, Chad Alan Pollard

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are characterized by the progressive loss of distinct neuronal subtypes, yet current diagnostic tools are either invasive, limited in resolution, or poorly suited for early detection and longitudinal monitoring. This dissertation began with a proof-of- concept study using bisulfite-PCR at a neuron-enriched locus to detect cortical neuron-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in AD plasma samples, establishing the potential of cfDNA as a marker of neuronal injury. Building on these preliminary findings, a novel framework was developed utilizing Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to profile genome-wide native DNA …

Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Effects On The Mesolimbic Dopamine Circuitry And Adaptations With Chronic Ethanol Exposure, Rachel Ji-Hyae Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system contributes to reward and reinforcement learning for ethanol (EtOH). The nucleus accumbens (NAc) receives DA input from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) encoding rewarding information. Acute EtOH increases NAc DA levels, and this DA response is attenuated with chronic EtOH exposure. Furthermore, chronic EtOH results in reduced DA release, increased DA clearance and presynaptic D2-type auto-receptor sensitization. Further research into EtOH-induced neural adaptations that modulate NAc DA release is explored herein, including changes in cholinergic interneurons (CIN), which are known regulators of DA transmission. One potential class of regulators are immune related cytokines, that can …

Mammals Of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge And Surrounding Harney County, Oregon, John E. Cornely, Leslie N. Carraway

Monographs of the Western North American Naturalist

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located in southeastern Oregon, is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) of the United States. Currently, NWRS includes more than 568 NWRs, 38 Wetland Management Districts, and 5 Marine National Monuments. Malheur NWR, like a majority of the refuges in the NWRS, was established for the conservation of migratory birds. Many of these NWRs also provide significant habitat for mammals. Malheur NWR, one of the oldest (established 1908) and largest refuges in the system, is one of those with significant habitat for mammals. In addition to the refuge, we have included Harney County, …

Digital Infrastructure For The Regenerative Movement: A Case Study Of The Mycelium Learning Network, Abigail Karparis

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

The regenerative movement is gaining momentum worldwide, driven by communities working to restore ecological and social systems through place-based, culturally rooted action. Yet many of the groups leading this work, especially in the Global South or in hyper-local contexts, remain digitally invisible due to structural barriers, including limited access to appropriate technology, funding constraints, and misalignment between available tools and local values. Conventional digital infrastructures often exclude or marginalize these efforts, leaving regenerative practitioners disconnected from each other and from potential sources of support.

This article explores these challenges and presents a case study response: the co-creation of accessible, relational …

Predicting Single-Leg Eccentric Hamstrings Strength In Aging Athletes Using Diagnostic Ultrasound- And Survey-Derived Parameters, Lee J. Hinkle

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Eccentric hamstring strength declines with age and contributes to mobility limitations. Although Nordbord testing quantifies eccentric strength, few studies have examined it in older adults, and none have predicted strength performance on this test using ultrasound or survey- based measures. Methods: We recruited 122 senior athletes (60 female) at the 2024 Huntsman World Senior Games. Ultrasound-derived cross-sectional area (CSA), echogenicity, and subcutaneous fat thickness, along with demographic and activity data, were used to predict single-leg peak force using Bayesian regression. Models were sex-stratified, and predictors were selected using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO IC). Results: In males, CSA, age, leg side, …

The Exaggerated Blood Pressure Response To Activities Of Daily Living And Exercise Is Dependent Upon The Fitness Of People With Hypertension, Joseph D. Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Determine if the previously reported exaggerated systolic blood pressure response to daily activity and moderate exercise amongst hypertensive adults could be accounted for by differences in fitness. Methods: 30 normotensives adults (15 low fitness control (LFC) and 15 high fitness control (HFC)) and 15 unmedicated adults with ambulatory hypertension (HTN) participated in this study. Participants completed 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Lactate Threshold (LT) and estimated ����̇O2max were determined for each participant. A week later, blood pressure was measured while participants completed 5-minute bouts of treadmill exercise at fixed absolute intensities (2.5 mph 0% and 12% grade) and …

Computational Advances For Single-Cell Proteomics, Hannah Boekweg

Theses and Dissertations

The overarching goal of biologists is to characterize biological systems. When the workings of a system are understood, they can be fixed, broken, preserved, mimicked, and even replicated. The field of proteomics seeks to characterize systems through the lens of proteins. Proteins are referred to as the 'workhorse' of the cell to illustrate that they perform most functional tasks within the cell. These tasks are highly varied, including enzymatic activity, structural support, transport, storage, cell signaling, gene regulation, immune response, and more. Proteomics has been instrumental in new biological discoveries by characterizing the functional state of cells. A new area …

Exploring The Relationship Between Country Socioeconomic Characteristics And Electronic Waste, Keliiakekaipuka Aria Mccomber

Theses and Dissertations

Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing and most hazardous waste streams globally. Despite efforts to improve global e-waste management, 77.7 percent of e-waste remains improperly disposed of, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where environmental and health risks are greatest (Baldé et al., 2024). This study evaluates whether national socioeconomic, cultural, and governmental characteristics can predict three key e-waste outcomes: generation per capita, formal collection rates, and resulting burden per capita. Using data from 2015-2022 for 127 countries, we applied mixed effects models incorporating variables such as GDP, Human Development Index, institutional integrity, financial openness, and …

Acute Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction During Low-Load Exercise And Recovery On Blood Flow And Performance, Shay B. Richards

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Use of blood flow restriction (BFR) during strength training with light loads has been used to induce similar muscular benefits as traditional strength training with heavy loads. Safe and effective recommendations for the use of BFR relies on an understanding of how different methods of BFR alter blood flow during rest and exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare blood flow during exercise and recovery between continuous BFR (CONT), intermittent BFR (INT), and no BFR (NBFR) as a control. Methods: 16 participants (8 male, 8 female) participated in this study on three different days, separated by at …

Stepping Into Motherhood: Pregnancy-Induced Changes To Foot Structure And Biomechanics, Lauren R. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women have an elevated risk of developing lower limb musculoskeletal disorders, likely due to the rapid increase in body mass and joint laxity. While a few studies have evaluated changes in static foot posture due to pregnancy, it is unclear if body mass or joint laxity is the primary driver. Additionally, how pregnancy affects the mechanics of the foot during dynamic movements is still not understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the foot's response to pregnancy. First, we examined foot tissue characteristics across pregnancy, specifically plantar fascia (PF) stiffness, length, and thickness. Additionally, we …

Refinement And Application Of The Absorption Cross-Section Of Molecular Bromine With Relevance To Atmospheric Chemistry, Callum Flowerday, Ryan Thalman, Jaron C. Hansen, Eric T. Sevy, Jason J. Sorensen, Matthew C. Asplund

ScholarsArchive Data

Defined Br2 XS - is the defined absorption cross-section using the UVvis spectrophotometer.

BBCEAS - This is raw absorption data measured using the BBCEAS (see article for details).

UVvis raw - This is the raw absorption data measured using the UVvis spectrophotometer.

The Effect Of Family Communication On Adolescent Sexual Behaviors And Attitudes, Jonathan Young

Family Perspectives

Unhealthy sexual behaviors among adolescents, such as engaging with multiple partners or neglecting contraceptive use, can lead to significant physical, psychological, and relational consequences. This literature review explores the influence of family communication on adolescent sexual behaviors and attitudes, emphasizing the role of parent-adolescent discussions in promoting healthier sexual practices and reshaping sexual values. Research indicates that open, reciprocal family communication is associated with reduced sexual risk-taking, fewer sexual partners, delayed sexual debut, and increased contraceptive use. Moreover, conversations centered on positive sexual norms, such as love and respect, facilitate adolescents’ adoption of healthier sexual values. Effective family communication also …

The Effects Of Morphine, Thc, And Lsd On Synaptic Plasticity Of The Ventral Tegmental Area, Michael Von Gunten

Theses and Dissertations

The brain is an intricate network of neurons that communicate via synapses. Synaptic plasticity, which is the ability to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections, plays a key role in learning, memory, and reward learning. Disruptions to synaptic plasticity play a central role in addiction, particularly in brain circuits involved in reward and motivation. The mesolimbic reward system, which includes the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its dopaminergic projections, is a primary target of drugs of abuse, including opioids and cannabinoids. However, the physiological consequences of combined exposure to opioids and cannabinoids and the potential for psychedelics to reverse drug-induced neuroadaptations …