Physiology Commons^™

Biological And Physiological Condition Of Juvenile California Halibut (Paralichthys Californicus) Exposed To A Contamination Gradient In Mission Bay, Ca, Kevin Stolzenbach

Theses

Contaminated sediments in marine environments have been shown to be good indicators of ecological risk and a means to assess anthropogenic impacts on marine habitats and the animals that inhabit them (Long et al. 1995, Rattner 2009). Estuarine sediments are especially complex media with regard to physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that trap, store, modify and sometimes release contaminants to the biota (Long et al. 1995). Especially vulnerable are animals that are in constant contact with the sediments, such as flatfishes that partially bury themselves for camouflage (Costa et al. 2011). Impacts can be assessed in a number of ways, …

Regulation Of Dkk1, An Inhibitor Of The Wnt Signaling Pathway, By Dax-1 In Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells, Victor D. Gavallos

Undergraduate Honors Theses

DAX-1 is known to play a key role in the maintenance of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC), such that elimination of DAX-1 (through methods such as RNAi) leads to the differentiation of ESC (Khalfallah et al. 2009). Earlier research by the Tzagarakis-Foster lab identified target genes of DAX-1 in mESC through PCR array methodology (Torres 2013). The Dickkopf 1 gene (Dkk1) was identified as a potential target of DAX-1 by these studies and has since been confirmed to be a DAX-1 target in mESC. However, to date very little is understood of the mechanism of DAX-1 repression of …

Effect Of Hydrogen Peroxide On The Biosynthesis Of Heme And Proteins: Potential Implications For The Partitioning Of Glu-TrnaGlu Between These Pathways, Carolina Farah, Gloria Levicán, Michael Ibba, Omar Orellana

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Glutamyl-tRNA (Glu-tRNA^Glu) is the common substrate for both protein translation and heme biosynthesis via the C5 pathway. Under normal conditions, an adequate supply of this aminoacyl-tRNA is available to both pathways. However, under certain circumstances, Glu-tRNA^Glu can become scarce, resulting in competition between the two pathways for this aminoacyl-tRNA. In Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, glutamyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (GluRS1) is the main enzyme that synthesizes Glu-tRNA^Glu. Previous studies have shown that GluRS1 is inactivated in vitro by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This raises the question as to whether H₂O₂ negatively affects …

Prostate Field Cancerization -- Thinking Outside The Tumor, Dor Shoshan, Marco Bisoffi

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Prostate field cancerization (or field effect) is characterized by the presence of molecular alterations in histologically normal tissues adjacent to adenocarcinomas. Accordingly, our research indicates deregulated expression of several proteins that define this type of molecular pathology. The scope of the present study was to determine the expression of the key transcription factor and potential marker of field cancerization early growth response 1 (EGR-1) in human prostate tissues derived from prostatectomies and biopsy cores.

EGR-1 was detected by immunofluorescence using a polyclonal anti-human EGR-1 and Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated secondary antibodies. EGR-1 expression was quantitated by determining the pixel count per …

Over-Expression Of Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase In The Median Preoptic Nucleus Attenuates Chronic Angiotensin Ii-Induced Hypertension In The Rat., John P. Collister, Mitch Bellrichard, Donna Drebes, David Nahey, Jun Tian, Matthew C. Zimmerman

Journal Articles: Cellular & Integrative Physiology

The brain senses circulating levels of angiotensin II (AngII) via circumventricular organs, such as the subfornical organ (SFO), and is thought to adjust sympathetic nervous system output accordingly via this neuro-hormonal communication. However, the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in these communications remain to be fully understood. Previous lesion studies of either the SFO, or the downstream median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) have shown a diminution of the hypertensive effects of chronic AngII, without providing a clear explanation as to the intracellular signaling pathway(s) involved. Additional studies have reported that over-expressing copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), an intracellular superoxide (O2·-) scavenging enzyme, in …

Utilizing Weightlifting For Cycling Performance, Nicholas J. Fiolo, Christopher B. Taber, Caleb D. Bazyler, Cody T. Haun, Robert Duncan, Aaron M. Thomas, Michael W. Ramsey, Michael H. Stone

ETSU Faculty Works

Abstract available in the 9th Annual Coaches and Sport Science College.

A Movement Tool Kit For The Divergent And Convergent Cps Guidelines: Instruction Cards And Activity Floor Mats, Adela Vangelisti

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

A Movement Tool Kit for the Divergent and Convergent CPS Guidelines:

Instruction Cards and Activity Floor Mats

Movement is as natural to humans as breathing is, and, yet, passivity starts early in schools. We are taught to sit still and in silence for long periods of time. By the time we reach adulthood and enter the workforce, we have almost forgotten our sense of embodiment. This lack of movement is counter-productive, not only to learning but to the development of creativity as well. For this project, I designed a tool to recapture the joy and playfulness of movement. Furthermore, the …

The Role Of Ceramides In Mediating Endotoxin-Induced Mitochondrial Disruption, Melissa Ellen Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Ceramides are sphingolipids that serve as important second messengers in an increasing number of stress-induced pathways. Ceramide has long been known to affect the mitochondria, altering both morphology and physiology. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a prevalent circulating inflammatory agent in obesity, potentially mediating some of the pathologies associated with weight gain. Given previous findings of TLR4-mediated ceramide accrual and ceramide-mediated mitochondrial disruption, we questioned whether ceramide is necessary for LPS-induced mitochondrial disruption. We found that LPS treatment increased gene transcript levels of ceramide synthesis enzymes and mitochondrial fission proteins and increased ceramide content in cultured myotubes and in mouse tissue. Mitochondrial …

Using The Minimax Accelerometer To Quantify The Demands Of Preseason Training In Ncaa Volleyball: A Descriptive Case-Study Study, Christopher J. Sole, Nobuhisa Yoshida, Bradley A. Alban, Caleb D. Bazyler, Satoshi Mizuguchi

ETSU Faculty Works

Abstract available in the 9th Annual Coaches and Sport Science College.

Exploring The Glucocorticoid Actions Of 1Α-Hydroxycorticosterone (1Α-Oh-B) In The Elasmobranch Fishes, Faith Nichole Lambert

Master's Theses

The corticosteroid 1α-hydroxycorticosterone (1α-OH-B) is unique to the elasmobranch fishes. It is thought that 1α-OH-B acts as both the primary glucocorticoid (GC) and mineralocorticoid (MC) in these fishes, a dual role analogous to that of cortisol in the teleost fishes. The MC characteristics of 1α-OH-B are well supported, but data supporting its GC functions are lacking. In this study, the putative GC actions of 1α-OH-B were examined. The first experiment characterized the physiological stress response of the Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina) to air exposure, with particular regards to the roles of corticosteroids and metabolic fuels. Results demonstrate that …

Insulin Resistance And Muscle Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Serine Hyperphosphorylation, Charles A. Stuart, Mary E. A. Howell, Brian M. Cartwright, Melanie P. Mccurry, Michelle L. Lee, Michael W. Ramsey, Michael H. Stone

ETSU Faculty Works

Insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome subjects is profound in spite of muscle insulin receptor and insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT4) expression being nearly normal. Insulin receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) at Tyr896 is a necessary step in insulin stimulation of translocation of GLUT4 to the cell surface. Serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 by some kinases diminishes insulin action in mice. We evaluated the phosphorylation status of muscle IRS-1 in 33 subjects with the metabolic syndrome and seventeen lean controls. Each underwent euglycemic insulin clamps and a thigh muscle biopsy before and after 8 weeks of either strength or …

An Exploratory Study On The Use Of Concentric Velocities In The Back Squat As A Monitoring Tool, Kevin M. Carroll, Josh D. Christovich, Caleb D. Bazyler, Nicholas J. Fiolo, George K. Beckham, Kimitake Sato

ETSU Faculty Works

Abstract available in the 9th Annual Coaches and Sport Science College .

Analysis Of Changes In Strength, Explosiveness, And Agility Performance Over An Ncaa Division I Tennis Career: A Case Study, Caleb D. Bazyler, Jacob R. Goodin, George Beckham, H. Santana, M. Swartz, Ashley A. Kavanaugh

ETSU Faculty Works

Abstract available in the 9th Annual Coaches and Sport Science College .

Boundary Contour Based Surface Representation., Yong Su

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We receive most information about our surrounding space and objects through the eyes. To reconstruct the 3D space and objects in the visual system from the 2D retinal images, surface representation must be a critical intermediate stage in the visual processing stream. It is hypothesized in the dissertation that the visual system represents textured surface by a border-to-interior strategy: boundary contours would be encoded first and then border-ownership assignments would be resolved. This process would solve the related problems such as figure-ground segregation, surface depth relationship, occlusion, transparency, etc. As a result, the boundary contours of the surfaces would be …

Post-Transcriptional Regulation Of The Type Iia Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter By Parathyroid Hormone., Rebecca Dale Murray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The type IIa sodium-phosphate cotransporter (Npt2a) is expressed in the apical membrane of the renal proximal tubule and is responsible for the reabsorption of the majority of the filtered load of phosphate. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is secreted by the parathyroid gland in response to a decrease in serum calcium or an increase in serum phosphorus, and acutely induces phosphaturia through the rapid stimulation of endocytosis of Npt2a and its subsequent lysosomal degradation. Chronic PTH stimulation leads to sustained phosphaturia, but the mechanisms for the chronic regulation of Npt2a by PTH remain unclear. We hypothesize that PTH decreases Npt2a mRNA levels …

Effects Of Step Training On The Kidneys Following Spinal Cord Injury In Rats., Pradeepa Poudyal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia after chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to over-distention, high bladder pressures and vesico-ureteric reflux into the kidney, resulting in repeated infections and pyelonephritis. Given the importance/limited knowledge of SCI effects on the upper urinary tract, this study assessed expression of two proteins in the kidneys of contused (T9) male rats relative to controls that are indicative of tissue stress/damage (TGFβ, CD11b). The impact of two therapeutic rehabilitation strategies, 60 minutes of step training and general exercise, was then assessed on these protein levels relative to non-trained SCI controls, plus the effectiveness of a shorter training duration (30 …

The Effect Of A Controlled Frequency Breath Holding Training Program On Running Economy Among Elite College Swimmers., Patrick Sims 1988-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Running economy (RE) is the amount of oxygen consumed while running at a submaximal intensity. Along with aerobic capacity (VO2max), RE is an important predictor of running performance. Little research has investigated changes in RE with restricted breathing training [i.e. controlled breath-holding (CFB)] during exercise. RE may improve ~6% amongst a novice swimming cohort through CFB training, but this has not been established in elite swimmers. The purpose was to further establish that CFB training (16 sessions of 12 x 50-m with ~15 seconds rest between each 50-m, using only ~2 breaths per 50-m) can improve RE in 25 elite …

Regulation Of Functional Expression Of Mechanosensitive Trpv4 Channel In The Distal Nephron By Dietary Potassium And Sodium Intake, Nabila Boukelmoune

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The Ca²⁺-permeable TRPV4 channel is predominantly expressed in the distal nephron (DN) and its activity is essential for [Ca²⁺]_i elevations in response to increased tubular flow. Here, I probed the physiological mechanisms controlling TRPV4 function and expression in the DN. I found that renal TRPV4 expression and mRNA levels were significantly increased by high K⁺ diet (5%) and decreased by dietary K⁺ restriction (0.003%). In contrast, variations in Na⁺ regimen had no apparent effect on TRPV4 expression and mRNA levels. Regulation of TRPV4 protein expression by K⁺ diet was independent of …

Hif-1Α In The Heart: Provision Of Ischemic Cardioprotection And Remodeling Of Nucleotide Metabolism, Joe Wu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In our studies we found that stabilized expression of HIF-1α in heart led to better recovery of function and less tissue death after 30 minutes of global ischemia, via mechanisms that preserve the mitochondrial polarization. Our group previously showed that HIF-1α conferred ischemic tolerance by allowing cardiomyocytes to use fumarate as an alternative terminal electron acceptor to sustain anaerobic mitochondrial polarization. The source of fumarate was identified as the purine nucleotide cycle (PNC). Here we discovered that HIF-1α upregulates AMP deaminase 2 (AMPD2), the entry point to the PNC. The combination of glycolysis and the PNC may protect the heart's …

Functional Characterization Of The Arginine Vasotocin 4 Receptor (Vt4r) In Sensory Circumventricular Organs Of The Chicken Gallus Gallus, Nguiessan Alphonse Aman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Past studies have shown that the avian vasotocin 4 receptor (VT4R), homologous to the mammalian arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (V1aR/AVPR1A) is involved in immobilization stress. It was not known, however, whether the receptor is also associated with osmotic stress, and if so, what brain regions may be involved. Four treatment groups of chicks were used for the study. One group was subjected to 1h immobilization stress and two groups were administered intraperitoneal injection of 3 M NaCl or 0.15 M NaCl. One additional group served as controls. After 1 h, blood samples were taken for the determination of plasma levels …