13251 research outputs found
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Epigenetic Mechanism of EBP1 in NLRP-Dependent Development
No full textErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) helps regulate gene expression through various epigenetic modifications and is crucial for embryotic development. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are more commonly known for their roles in the immune system, however, recent research has implicated NLRP2 and 7 as critical factors in embryonic development. EPB1, NLRP2, and NLRP7 dysfunction is a known cause of recurrent miscarriages and other developmental diseases, including infertility. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are also known to affect the levels of DNA methylation, despite that they are located exclusively in the cytoplasm. However, EBP1 can be located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and is known to decrease DNA methylation levels due to its interactions with a DNA methyltransferase. It is hypothesized that EBP1 is the mediator between the NLRPs and epigenetic regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation. To determine if NLRP-mediated control of DNA methylation required EBP1, we first generated a complete knock-out of EBP1 via CRISPR/Cas9 in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293T) cells. We transfected the knockout cells with NLRP2 and NLRP7 and then measured genomic DNA methylation levels. There was an 0.09% increase in DNA methylation levels in the absence of EBP1 with and without NLRP2 and 7. This study found that NLRP-dependent development relies on EBP1 to regulate DNA methylation. We anticipate this new knowledge to lead the way to more targeted treatments for infertility and other developmental diseases
Achieving Integrated Deterrence Through Conventional and Nuclear Integration
No full textThis paper studies the evolving landscape of global security in the 21st century and the imperative of the United States to bolster its deterrence efforts and strategic posture to counter dynamic adversarial ambitions and capabilities. The principal solution for this challenge is to achieve integrated deterrence, as outlined in the 2022 National Defense Strategy, through strengthened interoperability among U.S. and allied conventional and nuclear forces. This solution was developed through an assessment of the events, policies, and ethical underpinnings of military operations throughout the 1900s. The study of these seminal factors illuminated the need to advocate for the adaptation of conventional use and nuclear deterrence strategies of the 1900s to better fit the current, multipolar era of Great Power Competition. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the value of a unified security posture that integrates operational plans, tailored deterrence calculus, and all available assets seamlessly to maximize a deterrent effect. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of continuity in modernizing the nuclear triad and enhancing operational preparedness through Conventional Nuclear Integration (CNI) investments and training exercises. The concept of CNI is a critical strategy to manage escalation and enhance adaptability in responding to these multifaceted threats, thereby strengthening the credibility of U.S. deterrence efforts and providing leadership with flexibility across the spectrum of conflict should deterrence falter or fail. This paper recommends incremental steps and collaborative efforts in the near term across the Joint Force and with Allies and partners to fully realize these objectives, positioning the U.S. to maintain strategic stability in the complex geopolitical environment
Sixth Grade Music Ensemble Exploratories: Promoting Accessibility in Music Education
No full textSchool music ensemble participation has many benefits for students, including social well-being and improving academic performance; however, a variety of barriers, such as fear or lack of interest prevent many students from participating. To improve recruitment in music ensemble classes, Pittsburg Community Middle School created an exploratory class schedule that commenced with the 2022-2023 school year during which almost all sixth-grade students enrolled in three-week rotations of band, choir, and orchestra with the option to choose one option for the rest of the school year. This action research examined this new curriculum and the self-motivations of students who enrolled in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. This study surveyed students, parents, and music teachers involved in Music Explorations. Students who took the course fall semester 2022 or fall semester 2023 completed surveys on their self-identified reasons for enrolling or declining a music ensemble course past the trial period as well as outside factors that examined their motivations, such as peer influences, family influences, social influences, and self-influence. The parents and all music teachers who taught this curriculum were also asked to describe their experiences in individual interviews. The data collected was analyzed by calculating the mean average responses and looking for common opinions among the subgroups of the participants. I concluded that overall, students, parents, and teachers find this curriculum to be helpful in recruitment of new music students who otherwise may not have enrolled in a music ensemble. I discussed the implications of this program on recruitment and retention and speculate about how this information could help future and current music educators examine how sampling music ensembles could be beneficial for reaching and recruiting more music students
Quantum Dots\u27 Toxicity: A Multi-Level Investigation on the Impact of Quantum Dots on the Actin Cytoskeleton
No full textQuantum dots (QDs) are fluorescence nanomaterials with unique optical and physical properties. As such, they are highly sought after for their potential use in several biomedical and industrial applications. Despite their vast potential, recent studies have suggested that quantum dots are toxic to cells. Yet, the mechanism of quantum dots’ toxicity remains unclear. As such, my thesis aims to comprehensively examine the mechanism of quantum dots’ toxicity, emphasizing how quantum dots disrupt the actin cytoskeleton. In this study, I used RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry to investigate the influence of CdSe/ZnS QDs on the transcriptomic proteomic level of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. I found that through modulation of the mRNA level of several ribosomal component genes, quantum dots interfere with the translation of many proteins, including proteins that are associated with the actin cytoskeleton, such as LST8, MDM20, SLM1, SLM2, SIT4, SPA2, and TPM2. Furthermore, upon exploring the possibility of the direct interaction between quantum dots and the actin protein as a post-translation modification mechanism, I found that quantum dots can spontaneously bind to the monomeric form of the actin protein. This interaction results in the sequestration of the monomeric actin protein supply through complex formation and the alteration of the secondary structure of monomeric actin. Through this study, I presented a multi-level investigation of the toxicity of quantum dots and proposed a few mechanisms in which quantum dots can disrupt the actin cytoskeleton
Word Reimagined: Analyzing Fanfiction\u27s Transformative Force and Relationship With the Young Adult Literary Landscape
No full textIn exploring the reciprocal relationship between fanfiction and Young Adult (YA) literature, this thesis investigates how these two forms of storytelling, influenced by authors such as Marissa Meyer and Rainbow Rowell, have profoundly impacted the literary landscape. Marissa Meyer\u27s The Lunar Chronicles series and Rainbow Rowell\u27s novels Fangirl and Carry On serve as prime examples of this dynamic interaction. Drawing from the rich traditions of oral storytelling and folklore, fanfiction and YA literature have undergone significant development and popularity, particularly in the twenty-first century, thanks to technological advancements and the rise of online communities. This thesis contends that despite their distinct backgrounds, fanfiction and YA literature share common ground in their exploration of current issues, narrative risks, and creative freedom. Furthermore, they continually influence and inspire each other, shaping contemporary literature in profound ways. Through an analysis of Meyer\u27s and Rowell\u27s works, this study aims to illuminate the intricate relationship between fanfiction and YA literature, highlighting their transformative impact on the literary landscape
I Just Don\u27t Want to Hear It: A Look Into the Relationship Between the Dark Triad and Negative Criticism
No full textThree dark personality traits have been identified and grouped together to form what is known as the Dark Triad of personality. Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy are all connected by a lack of emotional empathy, and the presence of interpersonal hostility. When presented with negative stimuli, it is far from surprising to see an adverse reaction appear in participants scoring high in these traits. Little research has been conducted regarding the relationship between physiological response and dark triad personality traits. Even fewer so in the case of responses to criticism. This study aimed to examine the relationship between these dark personality traits and criticism response via physiological sampling. Participants were recruited from a midwestern university and were rewarded with class credit for participation in the study. It was found through linear regression analysis that all three parts of the dark triad did not see a significant change in cortisol concentration following negative criticism. This could be explained by the study design, as the criticisms were not tailored to the participant’s demographic responses but were instead read from a pre-scripted set of criticisms. Additionally, these individuals often demonstrate a blunted response in the face of criticism and are likely used to being criticized
Towards Dynamic Context Detection From Voice Commands and Conversations With Smart Assistants in Smart Homes
No full textVoice-enabled interactions have become increasingly popular with the rise of voice assistants. Identifying contexts or meanings from voice commands and conversations with smart assistants can contribute to the autonomous control of smart home devices and appliances. To improve automation, there is a growing need for efficient context detection that eliminates the need to memorize voice commands. To address this need, I followed a two-step approach in my research. In the first step, I developed a unique context recognition model using a transformer, an attention mechanism, and a fully connected neural network. I trained this model on a conversational dataset of daily interactions with a smart assistant, which demonstrated higher accuracy than some baseline models. In the second step, I developed a dynamic context detection framework that groups new conversational data to automatically identify new contexts and merge these newly identified contexts with the initial context recognition model, which helps the model learn new contexts and adapt to a changing environment. After carefully analyzing the collected data, I conclude that this two-step approach enables dynamic context detection in smart homes while interacting with smart assistants to automate various day-to-day actions
Tiny Houses (Revisited): Geography of Tiny House Villages for the Homeless in the United States
No full textThe increasing adoption of tiny house villages as a solution to homelessness in the United States (US) underscores the need for comprehensive tracking and documentation of their locations, physical attributes, and social characteristics. This is vital to assess their effectiveness, providing advocates and policymakers with the information needed to optimize outcomes, and ensure these initiatives truly benefit the homeless population. While initial efforts were made in 2019 to establish a database for these villages (Evans, 2020), this study represents an improvement by presenting an updated database that reflects the growing popularity of tiny house villages for the homeless. Building upon the 2019 database, the study introduces new categories, such as the funding sources (private, public, or both), and the permissibility of pets in these villages. The study also employed a density-based clustering tool using ArcGIS to analyze the spatial distribution of tiny house villages across the US. The study’s findings reveal critical implications for planning, policy, and community well-being. Notably, the proliferation of operational tiny house villages underscores their growing acceptance as a viable solution to homelessness. These villages increasingly prioritize not only housing but also comprehensive support services, including mental health and basic medical care. A pronounced clustering was found along the West Coast, especially in states like Washington, California, and Oregon, indicating a regional preference for the tiny house village model, likely tied to progressive policies and high housing costs. In terms of political leanings, Blue (Democratic) states were found to have a higher prevalence of tiny house villages for the homeless. Tailored policy interventions, considering local economic and environmental factors as well as community engagement, are advocated to promote sustainable and inclusive housing solutions
The Time is Now, The Time is Always: Moving Civics from the Classroom to the Campus
No full textThe time could not be more urgent, and university faculty and leaders must act and reclaim their responsibility for civic preparation. In the face of enrolment decline, an emphasis on student credit hours, and a history of siloed tunnel vision, action seems impossible in a climate that resists the core mission of higher education. In this article, authors—faculty from two teacher preparation departments—share their journey that started as state-mandated program revision to a campus-wide civic agenda. They argue for the integration of civics teaching in disciplinary courses and share classroom teaching ideas that cultivate civic identity and virtues. Feeling empowered, they widened the scope of their work to include a campus-wide learning community and civic survey audits to target professional learning opportunities. Through collected data and lessons learned, they demonstrate the moves needed to reclaim higher education’s core democratic purpose