Neuroscience and Neurobiology Commons^™

An Erp Study Of Attentional Blink And Inhibition Of Return, Caesar Ekya

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Attention can be allocated over time and space and it has long been speculated whether these are a part of the same or different attentional mechanisms. Attentional Blink (AB) and Inhibition of Return (IOR) are cognitive phenomena that are used in experimental settings to study temporal attention (AB) and spatial attention (IOR) respectively. Though known for being representative of different types of attention, they nevertheless display similar characteristics, making them intriguing choices to study the interplay between temporal and spatial attention. For this study we chose a dual-stream rsvp paradigm that would elicit both AB and IOR within the same …

Evidence For Interactive Effects Of Inhibitory And Prospective Intolerance Of Uncertainty And Stimulus-Level Uncertainty On Threat Safety Discrimination Learning, Kyoko Yazaki

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Fear is a fundamental component of human learning, critical for survival, and extensively studied through Pavlovian conditioning paradigms (LeDoux & Pine, 2016). This thesis examines the interplay between stimulus-level uncertainty and individual differences in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) on threat-safety discrimination learning. Using a within-subject design, participants were conditioned to certain (100% reinforcement), uncertain (50% reinforcement), and safety (0% reinforcement) cues through the pairing of colored visual stimuli with aversive electrical shocks. Discrimination learning was assessed using both implicit (SCR) and explicit (self-reported US expectancy estimates and unpleasantness ratings) measures.

The present study (n = 102) replicated previous findings showing …

Evaluating The Generalisability Of Region-Naïve Machine Learning Algorithms For The Identification Of Epilepsy In Low-Resource Settings, Ioana Duta, Symon M. Kariuki, Anthony Ngugi, Angelina Kakooza Mwesige, Honorati Masanja, Daniel M. Mwanga, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Ryan Wagner, J Helen Cross, Josemir W. Sander W. Sander

Population Health, East Africa

Objectives: Approximately 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where limited resources and stigma hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment. Clinical machine learning models have demonstrated substantial promise in supporting the diagnostic process in LMICs by aiding in preliminary screening and detection of possible epilepsy cases without relying on specialised or trained personnel. How well these models generalise to naïve regions is, however, underexplored. Here, we use a novel approach to assess the suitability and applicability of such clinical tools to aid screening and diagnosis of active convulsive epilepsy in settings beyond their original training contexts. …

Pull Or Play? The Interpretation Of A Novel, Ai-Powered On-Field Decision Support Tool., Lynne Becker, Dafne Badilla, Osho Yonzon, Xiaoyu Wu, Roland Rocafort, Erik Viogan Phd, Devansh Manocha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

The document titled "Pull or Play? The interpretation of a novel, AI-powered on-field decision support tool" explores the development and application of the Injury Impact Severity Score (IISS)™ for assessing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), particularly in sports settings. It addresses the limitations of current assessment tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and proposes a more objective approach using patient-reported data and machine learning algorithms.

Key points include:

• Background: TBIs are a significant health concern with under-reported cases and a lack of effective research. Current assessment tools like the GCS have limitations in accuracy and speed, especially in dynamic …

Fos Expression In The Periaqueductal Gray, But Not The Ventromedial Hypothalamus, Is Correlated With Psychosocial Stress-Induced Cocaine-Seeking Behavior In Rats, Nicole M Hinds, Ireneusz D Wojtas, Desta M Pulley, Stephany J Mcdonald, Colton D Spencer, Milena Sudarikov, Nicole E Hubbard, Colin M Kulick-Soper, Samantha De Guzman, Sara Hayden, Jessica J Debski, Bianca Patel, Douglas P Fox, Daniel F Manvich

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Psychosocial stressors are known to promote cocaine craving and relapse in humans but are infrequently employed in preclinical relapse models. Consequently, the underlying neural circuitry by which these stressors drive cocaine seeking has not been thoroughly explored. Using Fos expression analyses, we sought to examine whether the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) or periaqueductal gray (PAG), two critical components of the brain's hypothalamic defense system, are activated during psychosocial stress-induced cocaine seeking. Adult male and female rats self-administered cocaine (0.5 mg/kg/inf IV, fixed-ratio 1 schedule, 2 h/session) over 20 sessions. On sessions 11, 14, 17, and 20, a tactile cue was present …

Effects Of Aging On Diurnal Transcriptome Change In The Mouse Corpus Callosum, Hidehiro Ishikawa, Tomonori Hoshino, Gen Hamanaka, Emiri T. Mandeville, Shuzhen Guo, Shintaro Kimura, Norito Fukuda, Wenlu Li, Akihiro Shindo, Sava Sakadzic, Mary E. Harrington, Eng H. Lo, Ken Arai

Neuroscience: Faculty Publications

The corpus callosum, a major white matter region central to cognitive function, is vulnerable to aging. Using zeitgeber time (ZT) aligned with environmental light/dark cycles, we investigated temporal gene expression patterns in the corpus callosum of young (5-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) mice using RNA-seq. Comparative analysis revealed more differentially expressed genes across ZT pairs in young mice than aged mice. In addition, complement pathway genes, including C4b, C3, C1qa, C1qb, and C1qc, were consistently upregulated in aged mice regardless of ZT. Furthermore, genes such as Etnppl, Tinagl1, Hspa12b, Ppp1r3c, Thbd, Pla2g3, and Tsc22d3 exhibited ZT-dependent rhythmicity in young mice, but …

The Effects Of Anchor Scheme On Performance Fatigability, Neuromuscular Responses, And Perceived Factors That Contributed To Task Termination During Fatiguing Tasks, Dolores G. Ortega, Robert W. Smith, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Tyler J. Neltner, Trevor D. Roberts, Justin S. Pioske, Richard J. Schmidt, Terry J. Housh

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) versus torque on the composite, inter-, and intra-individual patterns of responses for torque and neuromuscular parameters, as well as the perceived factors that contributed to task termination. Methods: Ten men (mean ± SD: age = 20.9 ± 2.2 yrs.; height = 180.0 ± 5.1 cm; body mass = 81.3 ± 10.0 kg) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) before and after sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to RPE = 6 (RPE6_FT) and …

Advancing Prosthetic Technology: 3d-Printed Robotic Arm With Micro Linear Actuators, Vu Tran, Nathan Reed, Mahdi Yazdanpour

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing demand for affordable and accessible prosthetic solutions has driven innovation in the field of robotics. In this project, we present the design and development of a 3D-printed robotic prosthetic arm aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals with upper limb amputations. Our prosthetic arm utilizes five micro linear actuators to achieve precise and naturalistic movement. The design of the prosthetic arm prioritizes affordability and accessibility, with a focus on leveraging 3D printing technology to reduce manufacturing costs and enable customization. The use of micro linear actuators offers advantages in terms of compactness, lightweight construction, and efficient power …

Neural Correlates Of Infant Attention During Initial Exposure To Own- And Other-Race Faces, Ashley N. Barrows, Lauren Slivka, Kenna Clayton, Kelly Roth, Greg Reynolds

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Past research has shown that infants raised in a racially homogenous environment demonstrate an advantage for processing own-race faces at the individual level in comparison to other-race faces (Lewkowicz, 2014; Mauer & Werker, 2014; Quinn, Lee, & Pascalis, 2018). This advantage for processing own-race faces develops across infancy and has been referred to as the own-race bias (e.g., Anzures, Quinn, Pascalis, Slater, Tanaka, & Lee, 2013). The processes that lead to development of the own-race bias are complex and not fully understood. Recent work suggests that by 10 months of age, differences in own- and other-race face processing may be …

Resistance Training Versus Cardiovascular Training: Which Is Better For Fat Loss?: A Brief Narrative Review., Jason M. Curtis, Jose Antonio, Cassandra Evans

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has risen from 30.5% to 41.9% from 2000-2017. Those who are considered severely obese increased from 4.7% to 9.2% over that same period. There are numerous fitness-center approaches to induce weight-loss or reduction of body fat. These interventions are often categorized into two general categories: Resistance training (using weighted resistance in anaerobic strength training) and cardiovascular training (aerobic training). While both fitness groups have been shown to be effective, there is a debate about which method is most effective for eliciting changes in body composition, primarily fat loss.

Methods: Google Scholar and Pubmed were scoured for …

Health Coaching Intervention Retained Anu-Adri Scores Over A 2-Year Period In Apoe E4 Carriers Among Older Adults At Risk For Alzheimer’S Disease, Michelle Gray, Anthony Campitelli, Ray G. Urbina, Megan Jones

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: The Apolipoprotein epsilon 4 allele (APOE ε4) gene is known as the most prevalent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, many lifestyle risk factors that are modifiable influence the development of AD. Reducing the prevalence of risk factors can prevent or delay up to 33% of AD cases. Health coaching is known to improve health over time in older adults by using a motivational interviewing technique resulting in positive behavior modification. The purpose of this study was to determine if a 2-year health coaching intervention improves AD risk score among older adults at risk for AD aged …

The Role Of Neurofilament Light (Nfl) And Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (Gfap) In Ms And Aqp4-Nmosd: Advancing Clinical Applications., Sara Samadzadeh, Roy D. Sleator

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

Fluid biomarkers such as Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Neurofilament Light (NfL) play important roles in the diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of therapeutic responses in conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Aquaporin-4 Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (AQP4-NMOSD). These biomarkers offer key insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these diseases, enabling effective follow-up and personalized treatment approaches, which are essential for improving patient outcomes. Herein, we synthesize the structural attributes, functional roles, and clinical significance of GFAP and NfL in the context of MS and AQP4-NMOSD. We explore the critical implications of these biomarkers in disease manifestation and …

Effects Of Sex, Mating Status, And Genetic Background On Circadian Behavior In Drosophila, Oghenerukevwe Akpoghiran, Alexandra K. Strich, Kyunghee Koh

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Circadian rhythms play a crucial role in regulating behavior, physiology, and health. Sexual dimorphism, a widespread phenomenon across species, influences circadian behaviors. Additionally, post-mating physiological changes in females are known to modulate various behaviors, yet their effects on circadian rhythms remain underexplored. Here, using Drosophila melanogaster, a powerful model for studying circadian mechanisms, we systematically assessed the impact of sex and mating status on circadian behavior. We measured circadian period length and rhythm strength in virgin and mated males and females, including females mated to males lacking Sex Peptide (SP), a key mediator of post-mating changes. Across four wild-type and …

A Health Intervention Improves Cognition In Older Adults At Risk For Alzheimer’S Disease, Michelle Gray, Ray G. Urbina, Megan Jones, Anthony Campitelli, Joshua L. Gills, Sally Paulson, Jordan M. Glenn

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Abstract Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the 7th leading cause of death and 6th most burdensome disease among US older adults. With pharmacological treatments for AD being predominantly ill-effective, alternative, non-pharmacological prevention and treatment strategies warrant exploration. Personal health coaching provides individualized strategies designed to improve physical, social, and emotional health leading to positive behavior changes that may improve cognitive ability. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the effects of a health intervention on cognitive outcomes. Method: Adults (n = 184), 60+ years, completed a 24-month health intervention. All participants had their APOE4 status determined at baseline. …

An Agent-Based Model Of Microglia And Neuron Interaction: Implications In Neurodegenerative Disease, Cheyenne Ty, Amanda Case, Emmanuel Mezzulo, Abigail Penland, Kamila Larripa

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Whether immune cells protect or harm the brain is an open question depending on context, and their role is implicated in multiple diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other neurological disorders. Microglia, a specific type of immune cell in the central nervous system, play a key role in homeostasis, and genes associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease correspond with deficiencies in their behavior. We created an agent-based model that incorporates inflammatory signaling, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis of damaged neurons and allows the exploration of crucial pathways in the maintenance of brain health. We specifically investigated pathways related to …

Suprameatal Tubercle Classification; Its Implementation On Clinical Cases, Humberto Reyna Mendez, Jose Alfredo Espinosa Mora, Laura Ubaldo Reyes, Alberto Angeles Castellanos, Ignacio Mora Magaña, Mauro Alberto Segura Lozano, Rachel Blue, John Yk Lee, Diego Mendez Rosito

Archives of Neurosurgery

Abstract:

Background: The suprameatal tubercle (SMT) is a variable prominence of the petrosal surface of the temporal bone that lies above the internal acoustic meatus. An enlarged SMT may present an obstacle during surgeries of the posterior fossa, including microvascular decompression or by itself cause trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods: Based on our prior study of 200 temporal bones, its data collection and establishing a classification of the SMT this extension study exemplifies its clinical application.

Results: According to the classification of the SMT four selected cases are clinically and anatomically correlated to exemplify the utility of this classification.

Conclusion: The SMT …

Investigating The Impact Of Roundup® Exposure On Hearing In Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), Joshua W. Adams, Daniel E. Holt

CSU Tower Day

Tower Day 2025 Undergraduate Poster 3rd place Winner

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) such as Roundup® are used extensively worldwide, yet their potential to disrupt fish sensory physiology has remained relatively unexplored. Previous studies have established that glyphosate exposure can induce various neurotoxic effects in fish and other vertebrates—ranging from oxidative stress to altered neurotransmitter systems and anxiogenic-like responses. Despite these documented impacts, no published research has directly assessed whether glyphosate compromises auditory function in fish.

Here, we address this knowledge gap by examining the hearing sensitivity of farm- raised Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) following a 96-hour exposure to Roundup® (3 mg/L …

Stress, Resilience, And Suicidal Ideation In Autistic Young Adults, Cole Murphy, Jared Nielsen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Autistic young adults face a higher risk of suicide than their neurotypical peers due to the stress associated with potential difficulties with social interactions. It is known that stress may increase suicidal ideation, and that resilience may decrease it, but this study investigates the specific relationship between stress, resilience, and suicidal ideation in autistic young adults.

Exercise: Why It's More Than Competition And Calorie-Burning, Aari Somadder

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

You Are Eating The Wrong Rainbow: Neurotoxic Effects Of Certain Food Dyes, Sean Ronaldson

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Neurophysiological Indices Of Lexical Tone Processing In Children With Different Language Background, Andres Felipe Diaz

Theses and Dissertations

The development of lexical tone processing in children is shaped by both language experience and acoustic salience. While mismatch responses (MMRs) and late negativity (LN) components of event-related potentials (ERPs) have revealed early sensitivity to lexical tone in monolingual children, the timeline for achieving adult-like neural responses—particularly for acoustically distinct versus subtle tone contrasts— remains unclear. Moreover, little is known about how bilingual language experience, especially with tonal versus non-tonal home languages, modulates this neural processing. This study employed a passive multi-oddball paradigm using Mandarin Tone 3 (low dipping) as the standard, and Tone 1 (high level) and Tone 2 …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone: Evaluating Environmental Risks And Conflicts In Golf Course Landscapes, Meredith Boos

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

1) This review investigates the relationship between pesticide use on golf courses and in agriculture to determine whether the adverse health effects documented in agricultural settings also apply to golf course environments. While the negative health effects from agricultural pesticide use are well established, golf courses use pesticides with greater frequency and intensity, suggesting a potentially higher exposure risk for both workers and players.

2) This study proposes methods to quantify pesticide bioaccumulation on golf courses and adjacent lands. We hypothesize that areas surrounding golf courses will exhibit a spatial gradient of pesticide accumulation, increasing with proximity to treated sites …

Methamphetamine And Ros Effects On Dopamine And Atp Release, Tyler Love, Jordan T. Yorgason, Taylor Rose, Hillary Wadsworth, Lydia Hawley, Lauren Ford, Sara Linderman, Nathan Sheets

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

The Nucleus Accumbens is a reward center of the brain that receives dopamine projections from the Ventral Tegmental Area

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a psychostimulant drug that decreases dopamine clearance and increases Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Meth is known to increase dopamine release in-vivo through ROS

Glucose Oxidase increases ROS

Gcsf Involvement In Ethanol Dopamine Adaptations, Zachary Valentine, Chase Seiter, Rachel Campbell, Camryn Holt, Jordan T. Yorgason

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Objective: Investigate the role of Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) in ethanol-induced dopamine adaptations using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

Hypothesis: Prolonged alcohol exposure will weaken GCSF release, resulting in diminished effects on dopamine terminals.

Dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a crucial role in learning stimuli associated with reward

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is a known neuromodulator for for DA release

Ethanol has been demonstrated to increase the firing rate of dopamine neurons in the (VTA)

The effects of ethanol on GCSF neuromodulation remains unknown

The Sellar Barrier’S: An Important New Concept In Pituitary Surgery., Juan F. Villalonga, Alvaro Campero

Archives of Neurosurgery

The sellar barrier's concept was created by our team in Tucumán in 2019. There are currently 3 well-defined subtypes: strong, weak and mixed. Published case series studies indicate that there is a strong correlation between radiological, intraoperative findings and risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Patients with weak sellar barrier have more risk of intraoperative CSF leak. The strong sellar barrier is a protective factor for intraoperative CSF leak. The sellar barrier's concept is useful for clinical-surgical practice and for the physician-patient relationship.

Endoscopic–Assisted Surgery For Cerebello Pontine Angle Pathology: Technical Note And Surgical Results In A Series Of Patients, Jaime Jesus Martinez Anda, Pablo David Guerrero Suarez, Diego Pineda Martínez, Rafael Avendaño Pradel, Ernesto Javier Jurado Delgado, Ricardo Santiago Villlagrana Sánchez, Juan Carlos Cisneros Lesser, Carolina De La Llata Segura, Rogelio Revuelta Gutiérrez

Archives of Neurosurgery

Objectives: Endoscopic–assisted surgery combined with the operating microscope has been described for several surgical techniques and pathologies of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The use of an endoscope allows for a panoramic view of the CPA cistern and a high degree of maneuverability in narrow cisternal spaces that enable the surgeon to deal with most CPA lesions safely. We performed an observational study to describe the surgical anatomy and technique for endoscopic-assisted CPA surgery, describing our experience in a case series of patients with CPA pathology. Methods: Anatomical and surgical technique description of endoscopic-assisted surgery for CPA pathology, based on observations …

"Dental Health For Mental Wealth": A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Underexplored Impact Of Oral Health And Behaviors On Neurobiology And Psychological Well-Being, Brooke C. Beck

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This thesis explores the link between oral health and psychological state, specifically, the effect of oral health on psychological state and how appropriate oral health impacts this relationship. A review of the literature was conducted and studies interpreted within the scope of oral health’s impact on psychological health and detailing some of the pathways proposed for such a link. The literature search was limited to the English language from well-known databases mainly from 2015 to 2025. A few outliers are present to include foundational information.

The effects of oral disease and oral self-care behaviors were dissected through a biochemical perspective, …

Leveraging Crispr Technology To Model Beta-Propeller Protein Associated Neurodegeneration And Explore Mechanisms Of Neurological Dysfunction, Brandon Lee Meyerink

Dissertations and Theses

Neurons are highly compartmentalized, specialized cells that are foundational to brain function. Moreover, the neurons we have early in life are the same cells that we carry through our entire life. For these cells to stay healthy and functional over this long period, a process called autophagy is used to clear unwanted, toxic, or unneeded materials from the cell. Alterations in autophagy caused by genetic mutations can lead to the death of neurons and neurodegenerative disease. Here, we use CRISPR technology to genetically modify mouse models to generate a model of autophagy associated neurological disease and study the molecular function …

Ashwagandha And Sexual Health In Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Exploring Extent Of Adaptogenic Properties, Rhea Chatterjee

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) affects 40% of women and potentially decreases their quality of life. Currently, the primary treatment for HSDD is Flibanserin, which is a serotonergic agonist and an antidepressant. However, the limited efficacy of Flibanserin encourages the exploration of the utilization of traditional drugs such as Withania somnifera, otherwise known as Ashwagandha, as an alternative treatment for HSDD. Minimal studies examine ayurvedic medications or the symptoms of illnesses that traditional Western medicines are unable to treat. This comprehensive literature review investigated the efficacy of Ashwagandha in improving sexual function in women with HSDD. The paper evaluated …

Distracted But Still Listening: How Cognitive And Perceptual Load Affect Multisensory Integration, Eddie Lee

Honors Theses

There is an ongoing debate about whether multisensory integration (MSI) occurs automatically and before attention is allocated or if multisensory integration occurs after attention is allocated and is subject to top-down attentional control. A recent study investigated this by manipulating the availability of attentional resources in a dual-task paradigm, finding that when the demands of the secondary task increased, susceptibility to the Sound-Induced-Flash-Illusion, a non-speech audiovisual illusion, also increased (Michail & Keil, 2018). This was taken as evidence for the role of post-attentive, top-down control during MSI. In the present study, we extend this logic to explore the role of …