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When dominance drives: Exploring moderators of intimate partner sexual coercion
No full textStudies have found that dominance is a predictor of intimate partner violence (IPV) (Hamby, 1996). Dominance is described as a pattern of controlling or assertive behaviors where one person seeks to exert authority or control over their intimate partner by using threats, property violence, or intense displays of verbal aggression (Murphy & Hoover, 1999). While the link between dominance and IPV is apparent, less is known about factors that moderate its relationship with sexual coercion. Sexual coercion, defined as the use of manipulative tactics to engage in sexual activity with an unwilling person, remains a challenging form of IPV to recognize and prevent. The current confirmatory study examines trait anger, negative mood regulation (NMR) and anxious attachment as moderators of the dominance-sexual coercion relationship based on their established links to IPV. The study hypothesized that trait anger, NMR, and anxious attachment would moderate the relationship between dominance and sexual coercion in a community sample of mixed-sex physically violent couples (N = 102). Results showed that trait anger significantly moderated the dominance-sexual coercion link (b = .03, SE = .01, p = .03). Men with higher trait anger and dominance showed stronger associations with sexual coercion. However, negative mood regulation (b = .01, SE = .01, p = .12) and anxious attachment (b = -.01, SE = .03, p = .64) did not significantly moderate this relationship. Our results highlight trait anger as a key factor intensifying dominance driven sexual coercion. Men with higher trait anger may utilize dominance behaviors to perpetrate sexual IPV. These findings may inform intervention and prevention strategies aimed at addressing emotional regulation and anger management to reduce sexually coercive behaviors in intimate relationships.Honors CollegePsychology, Department o
The Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers: Feasibility and Acceptability for Formerly Incarcerated Mothers
No full textFirst, I want to thank the participants for their time, willingness, and vulnerability. It was an honor to build relationships with these resilient women and amplify voices that have been systemically silenced. Second, this project would not have been possible without our community advisory board (CAB) and CAB leader, Mia Greer. Mia knows firsthand the experience of being separated from children due to incarceration and has dedicated herself to advocacy and support for these families. She and the CAB contributed to every step of the research: study design, recruitment, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Nadine Scamp and the staff of Santa Maria Hostel also generously welcomed our team and allowed us to recruit most of our sample through their program. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding support of my advisor and chair, Dr. Carla Sharp. When I approached her with this idea, she was immediately supportive and ready to help, despite knowing recruitment would be challenging. Over five years, she has taught me countless lessons in networking and community engagement, hypothesis formulation, research design, analysis, writing, and problem-solving. Thank you also to the rest of my committee (Drs. Lea, Poehlmann-Tynan, Sales, and Venta), who contributed key knowledge and feedback regarding incarceration-related research and qualitative and mixed-methods analysis, including an independent study in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with Dr. Lea. I also thank my fellow Developmental Psychopathology Lab members, especially graduate students Bree Cervantes and Tess Gecha for their help with qualitative interviews and coding and research assistants Shon Davis and Mikayla Gilliam for their help with recruitment and data collection. This project was supported by the NICHD through a Ruth L. Kirschstein Pre-Doctoral Individual National Research Service Award (1F31HD108859) and by the American Psychological Foundation through a Harry and Miriam Levinson Graduate Student Research Scholarship. Finally, thank you to my parents for supporting my aspirations to become a Clinical Psychologist, and to my husband, Hunter, for reading countless grant proposal drafts and for his unwavering support and flexibility that has allowed me to pursue my career goals
Family Separation and Psychological Distress Among Undocumented Mexican Immigrants: A Latent Class Analysis from Proyecto Voces
No full textBackground: Undocumented Mexican immigrant families in the U.S. face mental health consequences stemming from the migration process and the threat of family separation; however, there are no studies examining the underlying profiles of this population on the basis of family separation and their relationship with psychological distress. Methods: Utilizing data from Proyecto Voces, this study: (1) used latent class analysis and multinomial regression to highlight underlying profiles of 248 undocumented Mexican immigrants according to family separation and various demographics; and (2) conducted a series of linear regressions to examine class association with somatization, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Results: Latent class analysis specified Intact Families (65%), Singles without Children (14%), and Single Parents (21%). Intact Families had the highest conditional probabilities of their spouse and children residing in the U.S., while Single Parents had the lowest conditional probabilities of being married and a high conditional probability of their children residing in the U.S. Singles without Children demonstrated a high conditional probability of not being married and the lowest conditional probability of having children. Age, sex, and employment further distinguished class membership. Linear regression analyses revealed that Intact Families were less likely to experience somatization and depression symptoms than Single Parents (and vice versa), whereas Singles without Children did not predict somatization, anxiety, or depression symptoms. Conclusion: The findings portrayed how mental health disparities among undocumented Mexican immigrants vary by particular familial separations and demographics. This study is important in that it provides a typology of family separation and sociodemographics among undocumented Mexican immigrants in the United States
GTP Binding Domain Mutants of EF-Tu and EF-G Alter Translation Fidelity
No full textThe ribosome is the macromolecular machinery responsible for protein synthesis by reading mRNA and generating protein in a process known as translation. The process is assisted in part by the GTPases EF-Tu and EF-G. EF-Tu delivers aminoacyl tRNAs to the A site of the ribosome, assisting with codon recognition and accommodation before exiting the system followed by EF-G which catalyzes the translocation of the tRNAs on the ribosome, each at the cost of GTP. While the translational machinery is meticulously monitored, specific point mutations of these elongation factors have been known to disrupt the translational machinery, leading to errors and further onset of disease. While it is known where these pathogenic mutations tend to occur, it is not well understood how these mutations contribute to these diseases. Mutations in the GTP binding pockets of both EF-Tu and EF-G were introduced and their translational fidelity was evaluated. EF-G T48 mutants revealed a distinct compact conformation that impeded protein synthesis while retaining canonical GTP binding and hydrolysis. EF-Tu D81 mutants similarly had no impact on GTP hydrolysis, but did exhibit alterations to tRNA accommodation on the ribosome determined through a novel force determination technique (SURFS). Evaluation of these mutants has helped elucidate prior unknown or debated understandings of each elongation factor’s mechanism and provide potential targets of study for further understanding of translation-related disorders
Covariate Selection for RNA-Seq Differential Expression Analysis with Hidden Factor Adjustment
No full textIn RNA-seq data analysis, a primary objective is the identification of differentially expressed genes, which are genes that exhibit varying expression levels across different conditions of interest. It is widely known that hidden factors, such as batch effects, can substantially influence the differential expression analysis. Furthermore, apart from the primary factor of interest and unforeseen artifacts, an RNA-seq experiment typically contains multiple measured covariates, some of which may significantly affect gene expression levels, while others may not. Existing methods either address the covariate selection or the unknown artifacts separately. In this study, we investigate two integrated strategies, FSR_sva and SVAall_FSR, for jointly addressing covariate selection and hidden factors through simulations based on a real RNA-seq dataset. Our results show that when no available relevant covariates are strongly associated with the main factor of interest, FSR_sva performs comparably to existing methods. However, when some available relevant covariates are strongly correlated with the primary factor of interest–SVAall_FSR achieves the best performance among the compared methods
The Globalization of Native American Plants: From Food Staples to Gourmet Superfoods
No full textThe globalization of Native American and Mesoamerican crops such as amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), and chia (Salvia hispanica) has led to significant economic and agricultural shifts. While these crops have gained global recognition for their nutritional benefits, Indigenous communities that have cultivated them for centuries often remain marginalized in the global supply chain. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing literature review, market analysis, and genetic diversity research to examine the socio-economic and environmental consequences of their commercialization. Findings indicate that research on these crops is disproportionately concentrated in high-income nations, and that there exists limited international research opportunities and academic networks in Latin American schools, reinforcing a widening gap in global higher education. Alongside limited international partnerships, there is also restricted research funding, language barriers, and the threat of biopiracy which serve as further obstacles. Additionally, much of the literature is locked behind paywalls, further restricting access. Market analysis highlights how economic gains largely benefit agribusinesses, while Indigenous farmers face land tenure issues, loss of traditional farming practices, and the shift toward monocropping. Research on genetic trends revealed a decline in traditional landraces due to the dominance of high-yield hybrids, reducing biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to pests and climate change. Addressing these disparities requires policy interventions supporting fair trade, Indigenous-led agricultural cooperatives, and community-driven research. Preventing the artificial inflation and greenwashing of these superfoods would also help maintain affordability while ensuring benefits reach a broader variety of communities.Biology and Biochemistry, Department ofHonors Colleg
Development of Biocompatible and Glutathione-Tolerant Iridium Catalysts and Sustainable Amide Formation Methods
No full textIn recent years, intracellular catalysis has attracted considerable attention due to their potential to mimic enzymes or introduce new-to-Nature reactions. Given the abundance of nucleophilic biomolecules (e.g., thiols, amino acids) in biological settings, the challenge of minimizing catalyst deactivation while maintaining its efficacy is difficult to overcome. Herein, two different strategies were explored to enhance the biocompatibility of half-sandwich iridium picolinamidate complexes, which are among the most active catalytic detoxifying agents against reactive aldehyde species currently reported. The first approach involves using a macrocyclic iridium complex with alkali ions in phosphate buffer media, which results in the formation of higher-ordered species that display enhanced tolerance to glutathione and exhibit a preference for reacting with small aldehydes over large aldehydes under physiological conditions. In the second approach, the incorporation of sterically encumbering substituents on the phenyl ring of N-phenylpicolinamide ligands in pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium (III) complexes was shown to influence the coordination mode (N,N’ vs. N,O), catalytic activity, and biological properties of the complexes. The study indicates that even in cases where the integration of bulky ligand is intended to improve thiol tolerance, it is important to evaluate the impact of such modifications on the coordination behavior of the metal complexes. Other studies outlined in this dissertation include progress in the synthesis of five- and six-membered ring N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) directly from amino acids and carbon dioxide (CO2) using n-propylphosphonic anhydride (T3P) and phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), the synthesis of 2-azaaryl-1-methylpyridinium halides (AMPx), and evaluation of their efficiency as amide coupling reagents in water
Psilocybin for blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury in U. S. service members
No full textTraumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant death and disability worldwide. Between 2000 and 2024, 514,583 United States service members (SMs) were diagnosed with a TBI. Further, 82% of those cases were considered mild TBI (mTBI), with a loss of consciousness lasting less than 30 minutes. Exposure to blasts during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) deployments, job-related exposure to low-level blasts from breaches and artillery fire, and the threat of future conflicts make blast-induced mTBI especially important to study. An estimated 10-40% of SMs with mTBI experience persistent and deleterious TBI-related symptoms and comorbidities, with multiple mTBIs being especially concerning. These symptoms and comorbidities include cognitive, emotional, physical, and mental impairments and disorders. As of now, effective and validated treatment of these mTBI symptoms is lacking and needed. Psilocybin is a psychedelic that acts on serotonin receptors, increases neuroplasticity, and has the potential for lasting and positive mood effects when paired with a therapeutic setting. Psilocybin-assisted therapy could address several cellular changes characteristic of mTBI while offering a transformative experience that could reduce the intensity of affective disorders and improve feelings of connectedness. This thesis addresses the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin for affective and cognitive symptoms of blast-induced mTBI in SMs while assessing the policies and challenges surrounding psychedelics and the military.Honors CollegePsychology, Department o
Temporal Profiles of Volatile Organic Compounds near the Houston Ship Channel, Texas
No full textHouston, Texas, with its large-scale industrial activities, serves as a national hub for petrochemical processing and chemical feedstock production, making it a unique emission region for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and production-related emissions. These emissions can be associated with industrial activities, including solvent usage and production to manufacture consumer products such as volatile chemical products. To support the Houston-based Dept. of Energy’s Atmospheric Measurement Radiation program-led Tracking Aerosol Convection ExpeRiment (TRACER) projects, VOCs were measured at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site during September 2021 and 2022. The observed VOC mixing ratios reveal unique emission signatures for select VOCs, including benzene, toluene, acetone, and isoprene. Routine nighttime enhancements of these compounds exceeded the urban background, with mixing ratios increasing by up to 20 ppbv per hour and persisting for up to 6 h, suggesting that emissions from local industrial activities near the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) are impacting the site. For example, mixing ratios exceeding 15 ppbv for at least one VOC were observed on 58% of nights (n = 32 nights), with 19 nights (~35%) having two or more VOCs with mixing ratios above 15 ppbv. For select peak emission events, the NOAA dispersion model estimated plume transport across parts of the urban system, suggesting that VOCs from the HSC may impact local air quality. This study highlights the importance of VOC-related emissions from industrial production and supply chains in contributing to total VOC emissions in urban areas like Houston, Texas
Beyond Just Books: Public Libraries as Lifelines in Texas's Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities
No full textLimited access to social services, particularly in rural areas, is exacerbated by low public awareness, stigmatization, and funding cuts. As traditional social service offerings decline, libraries are stepping in to fill these gaps. Consequently, libraries have emerged as essential public utilities and 'local trusted entry points,' community-based organizations that connect individuals to healthcare and/or social services. Offering a range of resources in addition to books, robust data infrastructure, and opportunities for social connection, libraries are one of the few institutions that provide free services to truly everyone. However, the Institute of Museum and Library Services indicates Texas public libraries lack sufficient resources and institutional support. This study evaluates the impact of Texas public libraries by assessing their responsiveness to communities in rural, suburban, and urban settings across the state and within the Houston area. Gaps in health, economic development, education, and immigrant integration were examined using 2022 Census data. Library offerings were measured using the 2022 Texas Public Library Statistics dataset and data collected from the Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library systems. These findings aim to support librarian decision-making, enhance political recognition of libraries, and increase public awareness of their pivotal and multifaceted role in community development.Honors Colleg