6834 research outputs found
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Describing the pathophysiology of peripheral artery disease myopathy using RNA-sequencing and multi-omic integration.
No full textPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that causes ischemic myopathy in the affected skeletal muscle. Therapeutic options for PAD patients are limited, and there are currently no treatment options available to treat PAD-induced myopathy directly. One reason for the lack of treatment options is due to the mixed evidence on which biological and physiological drive the development and progression of myopathy. Therefore, gaining a deeper understanding of the development of myopathy and its progression from early-stage PAD to late-stage PAD is critical for advancing the understanding of the disease and improving patient care. To study this, gastrocnemius samples were collected from 21 non-PAD patients (CON), 45 early-stage intermittent claudication (IC) patients, and 30 late-stage critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients for whole transcriptomics, proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and spatial transcriptomics. This multi-omic analysis showed differing patterns of transcript and protein expression in IC and CLI. Spatial transcriptomics showed that the transcript expression changes in IC patients are localized to vessels whereas in CLI patients, transcript expression changes in myofibers were observed. Additionally, we compared morphologically damaged vs healthy myofibers within CLI muscle and showed significant transcript expression changes in morphologically damaged myofibers. To increase evidence for genes fundamental to the development of PAD, we used convergent functional genomics to integrate human study transcriptomic data and mouse model transcriptomics data. Through this analysis, we identified nine genes in the set of differentially expressed genes of the mouse data and at least three human study gene sets. In addition, we showed that all nine genes correlated with mitochondrial function in the mouse model of PAD. Lastly, we aimed to use the sparse discriminant analysis model MINT sPLS-DA to determine changes between stages. We integrated data from 3 human transcriptomics studies and identified further evidence for altered mitochondrial energy metabolism gene expression distinguishing CLI from IC and CON. Also, we were the first to implicate the overexpression of RUNX1 as distinguishing CLI and the upregulation of C1Q complement genes as distinguishing IC
The cultivation of peace : the Georgic mode in Seamus Heaney's poetry.
No full textThis dissertation argues that Seamus Heaney stands as a twentieth-century inheritor of the English tradition, reclaiming the georgic as a vital poetic mode that endures beyond its supposed decline at the end of the eighteenth century. Georgic poetry derives its name from Virgil’s Georgics, a four-book didactic poem giving instructions on agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture, animal husbandry, and beekeeping. English translation and adaptation of Virgil’s Georgics began in the sixteenth century and reached its height of popularity in the eighteenth century, with John Dryden declaring the Georgics to be “the best poem by the best poet” in the dedication of his 1697 translation of the Georgics. According to a familiar narrative, georgic poetry vanishes toward the end of the eighteenth century with the rise of industrialization.
Seamus Heaney’s sustained attention to agricultural and manual labor bears deep affinity with the georgic mode. Chapter Two defines the georgic mode by its four key features derived from Virgil’s Georgics, followed by a survey of English translations and adaptations of the Georgics from the sixteenth century to the twentieth century. Chapter Three argues that Heaney’s early-career poetry celebrates agricultural labor as a site where the quotidian converges with the transcendent while acknowledging the harsh reality of Irish rural labor. Chapter Four examines Heaney’s mid-career poetic response to the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, showing how Heaney juxtaposes violence with images of agricultural labor to witness historical reality while offering an alternative vision of restoration. Chapter Five turns to Heaney’s late work, arguing that Heaney adapts Hesiod’s georgic model in Works and Days to conceptualize the meaning of labor within nature’s cycle of life, death, and renewal, and that his translation practice, in turn, enacts the Orphic labor of retrieving life and meaning from death and loss. Throughout the dissertation, I emphasize that Heaney’s depiction of labor is grounded in embodied intuition as a source of ethical agency. In recovering the georgic mode in Heaney’s poetry, this dissertation demonstrates the georgic mode’s enduring significance and vitality in the twentieth century and beyond
Characterization of R2M3X5 intermetallics and the structure determination of Fe3GaTe2.
No full textIntermetallic compounds are solid-state materials that include at least two metals,
a crystal structure that is different from its constituents, and a definite chemical formula.
The complex structures and varying physical properties separate intermetallics from
metallic alloys allowing for the study of interesting bonding and structure-property
relationships. This work investigates the R2 M3 X5 family of compounds, with attention
placed on Co3 Ga2 Ge5 and Sm 2 Ru3Sn5 for their relationship to the Ru3Sn7 binary structure
type. Herein, I present the synthesis, structure determination, and physical properties
measurement of Co3 Ga2 Ge5 , highlighting the need for multiple structural characterization
methods to distinguish Ga and Ge from each other due to their similar X-ray and neutron
scattering factors. By using 71 Ga nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and an analysis
of the X-ray absorption fine structure, the degree of Ga/Ge site mixing is revealed,
enhancing the understanding of Co 3 Ga2 Ge5 as a doped analogue of the Ru3 Sn7 binary
structure type. I characterize Sm2 Ru 3 Sn5 and report the magnetism and transport properties.
An antiferromagnetic transition is observed at T N = 3.8 K, marking the first example of a
Ru3 Sn7 -related compound that contains a lanthanide and further highlighting a structure
that has potential to introduce magnetic moments to a topologically relevant band structure.
Resistivity measurements indicate metallic behavior, and analysis of the magnetic entropy
from the heat capacity revealed a doublet ground state due to crystal electric field splitting.
Our experimental and computational results highlight localized Sm3+ moments and suggest
a possible interplay between Ruddelman-Kitel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) and Kondo
interactions, positioning Sm 2 Ru 3 Sn5 as a promising material for studying topology and
complex physical phenomena. The crystal structure of Fe3-xGaTe2 is investigated via X-
ray crystallography in the context of its physical properties as a candidate for spintronic
devices. From conflicting reports from different research groups, ambiguity remains
around which space group is the best to classify Fe3 GaTe2 . Lorentz transmission electron
microscopy (L-TEM) indicates the presence of hybrid skyrmions. If these skyrmions are
stabilized by the Dzaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, Fe3-xGaTe2 should adopt a non-
centrosymmetric environment. Our findings reflect a centrosymmetric crystal structure
(P63 /mmc) for the bulk material; however, other groups report non-centrosymmetric space
groups: P63mc, P31c, and P3m1. This work underscores the importance of effective
structural characterization for its insights into the differences between bulk and local
structure and the implications for the physical properties of a given material
A study of the process-structure-property-performance relationships for metal fused filament fabrication additive manufacturing.
No full textMetal fused filament fabrication (MFFF) is the process of fabricating components in a layer-by-layer method using a metal-polymer composite material. This up-and-coming technology permits the user to fabricate custom, end-use parts at the point of need. The process-structure-property-performance (PSPP) relationships for FFF, the parent process of MFFF, are fully established, but FFF only utilizes polymer materials. The PSPP relations for MFFF are not fully established, limiting the functional applications of produced components. It is widely known that print settings greatly affect the material properties of printed parts. This study seeks to understand the relationship between infill density, print porosity, and fatigue properties in MFFF. Samples were manufactured using 17-4PH stainless steel filament with either 100%, 105%, or 110% infill in order to study the relationship between infill density and mechanical performance in 17-4PH MFFF components. Images were taken using computed tomography (CT) and a scanning electron microscope. CT testing revealed samples with as little as 0.593% porosity. Tensile and fatigue testing were also performed. Fatigue samples were tested at 350 MPa, 450 MPa, or 550 MPa and an S-N curve was created for each of the tested infill percentages. While fatigue results did not meet those of wrought 17-4PH, they exceeded expected values and offer promise for improvement. The purpose of this study was to understand process structure property performance relationships in MFFF, specifically the relationship between infill density, print porosity, and fatigue properties. The MFFF technology, once properly researched and developed, will offer new manufacturing capabilities. The findings of this study propel the MFFF technology closer to critical applications
Reading together : how shared literacy experiences foster socio-emotional and cognitive development in early childhood.
No full textThe positive impact of a child’s exposure to appropriate language and literacy through a parent/caregiver’s implementation of daily literacy practices is undeniable. Literature is a tool that can help children understand their emotions, develop empathy, and promote healthy attachments to their parents/caregivers, surrounding adults, and peers. Children’s literature, with its rich narratives, themes, and characters, offers parents and caregivers a unique opportunity to cultivate emotional connections and help their child navigate the complex challenges of life. In my research, I completed a comprehensive literature review encompassing peer-reviewed journal articles, educational reports, and academic books that focus on childhood development, human relationships, parent-child interactions, and educational psychology. This literature review will discuss environmental factors that influence literacy development, including children’s access to reading materials and the positive attitude toward literacy that parents and caregivers should have. Furthermore, we will explore the involvement of parents/caregivers in shared reading as a key factor in strengthening the relationship between a caregiver and a child. Language acquisition and cognitive development are reviewed to understand what mechanisms impact the early reading experience. Additionally, attainable strategies that parents and caregivers can implement to cultivate a child’s interest and love for literature are explored throughout this thesis. To achieve this, best practices for shared reading and creating engaging storytelling environments that encourage children's participation are analyzed. This paper concludes that positive, book-centered daily literacy routines with appropriate language and literacy provided and modeled by parents/caregivers can promote socio-emotional and cognitive development in the child and foster a stronger parent/caregiver and child bond
From student to scholar : supporting evidence synthesis projects in the curriculum.
No full textWhat do you do when an academic program requires its students to complete a systematic review or other evidence synthesis project? Do you dive in, meeting with any student needing support, seeking additional training and support for the evidence synthesis team, and working with faculty to design assignments and scaffold student learning? Or do you retreat, protecting your time from these overwhelming requests? Learn from four librarians about their considerations for responding to student needs and how they balance the needs of these programs with competing priorities and capacity limitations
Mergers, acquisitions, and economic cycles : a case study of the restaurant franchise sector.
No full textThis thesis examines the relationship between broader economic cycles and consolidation trends within the restaurant franchise industry, arguing that macroeconomic conditions play a direct and significant role in shaping merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in this sector. It begins by defining business consolidation and evaluating its impact on small businesses and franchise operators, as well as exploring the benefits that consolidation offers to franchisees seeking exit strategies. Building on this foundation, the study identifies six key economic factors that drive M&A activity and analyzes real-world transaction data from 2020 to 2022 alongside comparative trends in public market indices and valuation metrics such as the EV/EBITDA ratio. Through this analysis, the research reveals a consistent and repeatable pattern of decline, recovery, and renewed consolidation during periods of financial crisis. The findings demonstrate that the restaurant franchise industry and the broader market exhibit parallel behaviors during economic downturns, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which led to increased consolidation once conditions stabilized. These conclusions offer valuable insight into how investors, franchise operators, and financial advisors can anticipate future M&A trends by monitoring key economic indicators, providing a practical and data-supported framework for strategic decision-making within the restaurant franchise sector
El azar, la elección y el destino en "Ficciones" por Jorge Luis Borges.
No full textJorge Luis Borges (1899 - 1986) fue un autor argentino que escribió muchos poemas, historias y ensayos. Borges fue un autor muy importante del siglo XX, conocido sobre todo por su colección de cuentos Ficciones, publicada en 1944. Los textos de Borges, y Ficciones en particular, han tenido un impacto importante en el desarrollo de no solo la literatura latinoamericana sino también la filosofía y el pensamiento moderno. Esta tesina explora los temas de la elección, el azar y el destino en la cosmovisión de Borges a través de un análisis de seis cuentos de Ficciones. En suma, esta tesis reconoce que el azar tiene un papel poderoso en Ficciones. Sin embargo, se demuestra que, en la cosmovisión de Borges, la elección vale más que el azar al determinar el destino personal. Además, aunque no podemos controlar los resultados del azar, podemos decidir cómo reaccionamos ante él, incluso frente a sus consecuencias más indeseables o adversas
The hand of God in all things : separating the material from the ideological for religious Western pioneer women.
No full textDuring the mid-to-late nineteenth century, many American women traveled West to seek opportunities on the Frontier, including Mormon women and non-Mormon women who were typically Protestant. Though traveling and living in new places, these women took their religious ideas with them as they made lives for themselves in the unformed Western territories. Because they lived in similar places, both groups of women had some parallel experiences; however, different religious beliefs led to divergence in daily occurrences and attitudes. Through personal narratives such as diaries and memoirs, letters, and religious texts, this thesis uncovers the cause of similarities and differences between the lives of Mormon and non-Mormon women living in the early American West. It focuses on three themes work, relationships, and authority to compare and contrast religion’s role in pioneer women’s everyday lives. Through careful examination of secondary and primary sources, it argues that while the unformed Western climate and culture impacted life for the women who lived there, religion was, to a varying degree, a large part of life on the Frontier
Navigating the ethical implications of human gene editing technology : a comparative, multi-perspective approach.
No full textGene editing technology has revolutionized the ability to precisely modify genomes, specifically using CRISPR-Cas9. This thesis focuses on the ethical implications of human gene editing, particularly the significant ethical questions that must be raised when applying this technology to humans. Altering the genes of humans not only has immediate consequences, but also leads to long-term, generational consequences. Analyzing the contrasting perspectives of three scholars: John Harris, Michael Sandel, and Celia Deane-Drummond, this thesis investigates how each perspective brings both positive and negative viewpoints to this complex topic. John Harris advocates for a secular, utilitarian approach that focuses on maximizing the benefits while minimizing harmful implications. Secondly, Michael Sandel argues that when gene editing technology is used for enhancement, it can foster a sense of excessive desire for control and lead to a drive for mastery. This can lead to overlooking the giftedness of life and erode the values of human effort and achievement. Lastly, Celia Deane-Drummond provides a theological perspective, implementing virtue ethics, allowing people to approach gene editing technology armed with the Christian tradition. This thesis seeks to integrate these three perspectives to provide a nuanced understanding of how to navigate this complex ethical landscape