19304 research outputs found
Sort by
From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Women's Candidacy, Legislative Success, and Policy Impact in State Governments
No full textWomen in the United States remain underrepresented in elected office due to structural and institutional barriers that limit their political participation. This dissertation examines how policies can help eliminate these barriers and how women, once in office, influence legislative and policy outcomes that further support women’s representation. Motivated by theories of policy feedback, legislative behavior, and gendered political institutions, I argue that both institutional reforms and increasing women’s presence in legislatures contribute to reducing structural barriers that have historically deterred women from political participation. Using data from organizations such as the Vote Mama Foundation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), this dissertation presents three studies that explore different stages of women’s political representation. The first study examines how policies allowing the use of campaign funds for childcare (CFCC) signal a more accessible political environment, leading to an increase in women’s candidacies for state legislatures. The second study explores the gendered dynamics of legislative compensation bills, revealing that bills sponsored by a majority of women face greater resistance but are more likely to succeed as women’s representation in legislatures increases, suggesting a shift in institutional norms over time. The final study assesses how women’s increasing representation in state legislatures and governorships affects economic outcomes for women, demonstrating that higher representation leads to narrower gender pay gaps and a reduction in sex-based discrimination charges, particularly in Democratic-controlled states. Taken together, these studies contribute to our understanding of how institutional barriers can be dismantled to foster a more inclusive political system. By demonstrating that women’s presence in office increases political participation and leads to policy changes that reduce systemic inequities, this dissertation highlights the importance of policy interventions and sustained efforts to expand women’s representation in government. These findings underscore the critical role of state governments in shaping gender equity and strengthening the pipeline for women in politics
Resources for Houstonians Experiencing Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation
No full textThis research explored the resources available for victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in Houston Texas. Through a combined methodology of fieldwork, historical and sociological research, and meetings with an LCSW, I learned about the barriers to accessing resources and witnessed first-hand the ways that social workers navigate these roadblocks. Key scholarly sources include Sameena Mulla's The Violence of Care and Cheryl Nelson Butler's The Racial Roots of Human Trafficking.Sociology, Department ofHonors CollegeEnglish, Department o
Navidad nuestra by Ariel Ramírez
No full textThis study analyzes Navidad nuestra (1964), a six-movement piece by Argentine composer Ariel Ramírez (1921¬–2010) with text by Félix Luna (1925–2009). Composed alongside the famous Misa criolla, the work places the nativity story in Northwestern Argentina, mixing regional folk styles with Catholic imagery. Despite its popularity, Navidad nuestra remains underexplored in academic literature. This essay situates the piece as an expression of a distinct type of Argentine musical nationalism. Drawing from extensive archival research, interviews, and musical analysis, the study shows how Ramírez combines traditional genres—such as vidala, chaya, and cueca—with classical structures and instrumentation. This synthesis aligns with the nationalist goal of constructing a unified ser nacional, rooted in a white, Catholic, and rural narrative. Ramírez does not merely incorporate folk elements; he elevates them, aiming for their legitimacy within concert and liturgical spaces. The work serves as a clear example of objective nationalism in music, preserving regional characteristics while framing them within the conventions of art music. As such, Navidad nuestra reflects the layered interplay of politics, religion, ethnicity, and art, making it a vital contribution to Argentina’s musical heritage and a case study for the consolidation of the ser nacional during the 1960s
Single Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy with Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy Alone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Behalf of TROGSS—The Robotic Global Surgical Society
No full text<b>Background:</b> Single-Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) has been reported as both a safe and effective surgical procedure. However, these findings have not been directly compared to those of more established and less complex procedures, such as Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), which remains the most commonly performed technique in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS). <b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to assess and contrast the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between patients who underwent SADI-S and those who underwent SG. <b>Methods:</b> A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed and registered under PROSPERO with the ID CRD42024532504. A comprehensive search strategy was executed on 15 April 2024, covering PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct from the first reports to March 2024. The search strategy incorporated relevant keywords, including: &ldquo;SADI-S&rdquo; OR &ldquo;Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal bypass&rdquo; and &ldquo;Sleeve Gastrectomy&rdquo;. We included studies comparing adult patients (&ge;18 years old) undergoing SADI-S and SG, reporting at least one clinical outcome of interest. <b>Results:</b> Five studies published between 2019 and 2023, comprising 3593 patients, were included. Of these, 461 patients (12.8%) underwent SADI-S, while 3132 (87.2%) underwent SG. The mean patient age was 42.96 years, with 89.6% female participants. Patients undergoing SADI-S had a significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than those undergoing SG (Mean: 49.73 &plusmn; 8.10 vs. 45.64 &plusmn; 7.84; Mean Difference [MD]: 3.83, 95% CI: 0.52&ndash;7.14; <i>p</i> = 0.02) and an increased risk of hypertension (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.04&ndash;1.84; <i>p</i> = 0.03). SADI-S also resulted in longer operative times (125.63 &plusmn; 51.91 min vs. 49.67 &plusmn; 26.07 min; MD: 65.97 min, 95% CI: 61.71&ndash;70.25; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and length of hospital stay (2.30 &plusmn; 2.76 days vs. 1.21 &plusmn; 0.81 days; MD: 1.03 days, 95% CI: 0.70&ndash;1.37; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Moreover, patients who underwent SADI-S demonstrated a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications, such as readmissions and reinterventions (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 2.15&ndash;4.67; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), and experienced greater excess weight loss (MD: 12.42%, 95% CI: 0.92&ndash;23.92; <i>p</i> = 0.03). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding age, sex, or the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). <b>Conclusions:</b> SADI-S appears to be a promising surgical technique for facilitating substantial weight loss in individuals with severe obesity. Given the higher risk of postoperative complications associated with SADI-S, careful evaluation and personalized decision-making for patient selection and education are essential to optimize clinical and safety outcomes
The Role of Hyaluronan in the Maintenance of Progenitor Cells in the Aging Murine Lacrimal Gland
No full textDry Eye Disease (DED) is a worldwide prevalent disease that affects the lacrimal gland (LG) and Meibomian glands. Age-related LG dysfunction has been shown to lead to tear film instability, however knowledge on the etiology is currently limited. Our group has previously shown that hyaluronan (HA), a major extracellular matrix (ECM) component, regulates MG morphology and homeostasis, however no studies have characterized the ECM in the LG. Our unpublished data shows that HA is highly expressed in the LG, and changes in HA expression led to macroscopic changes to the LG. This study aimed to first characterize a method to identify progenitor cells within the LG, and, thereafter, characterize the effects of HA on progenitor cells in the LG. We also aimed to evaluate the effects of HA on LG inflammation. LGs of wt and Has1-/-;Has3-/- mice (mice lacking HA synthase 1 and 3 required for HA biosynthesis) were excised at 8-weeks (adult) and 1 year (aging). Progenitor cells and HA distribution were characterized using EdU+ label retaining cell (LRC) method. A separate H2BGFP;K14rtta mice model was used to characterize progenitor cells in adult wt mice. Expression markers for progenitor cells, ductal cells, epithelial cells and inflammatory markers were quantified using RT-PCR. EdU+ LRCs, which represent LG progenitor cells, are associated with HA-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) in adult LGs, however the HA association with progenitor cells drops with aging. The number of EdU+ LRC was significantly reduced in young adult Has1-/-;Has3-/- mice when compared to wt mice. Wt mice suffer a more pronounced loss of EdU+ LRC with aging than Has1-/-;Has3-/- mice. RT-PCR revealed elevated levels of progenitor cell markers in Has1-/-;Has3-/- mice when compared to wt mice. RT-PCR suggested an increase in inflammatory marker expression in aging Has1-/-;Has3-/- mice when compared to wt mice. HA may play a critical role in maintaining LG progenitor cells and its loss along with aging may lead to a loss in progenitor cells. Additionally, changes in HA expression with aging could contribute towards the increased inflammatory cell infiltration that occurs with aging
Conformational Dynamics of ICAM-1: Exploring the Role of G241R and K469E Mutations in Disease Pathogenesis
No full textPurpose and Hypothesis: Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a glycosylated transmembrane protein in the Immunoglobulin superfamily that mediates immune cell adhesion and inflammation. The ICAM-1 gene, located on chromosome 19, contains nine polymorphisms, including G241R and K469E, which are associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and chronic allograft failure. Additionally, K469E is linked to cardiovascular diseases, while G241R increases brain tumor risk in certain populations. We hypothesize that these mutations contribute to disease through structural changes in ICAM-1, necessitating further investigation. Materials and Methods: To study ICAM-1 structure, I expressed its ectodomain in HEK 293 cells with different glycosylation patterns. A bicistronic vector encoding ICAM-1 and GFP was designed for high expression and selection. After PEI transfection and G418 selection, GFP-expressing cells were enriched using flow cytometry, and single clones were isolated. Additionally, I used AlphaFold to model the wild-type and mutant structures. Results and Discussion: Fluorescence microscopy confirmed GFP expression in all selected clones. Structural modeling indicates that G241, located at the interface of Ig domains 2 and 3, may influence domain orientation. Conclusion & Future Direction: Despite its significance, ICAM-1's structural dynamics remain poorly understood. This study aims to experimentally characterize its ectodomain and model its conformational changes, enhancing insights into its structure-function relationship and informing future therapeutic strategies.Biology and Biochemistry, Department ofHonors Colleg
Ptolomea
No full textThis thesis is a novella exploring what it is like to be twenty years old and the perpetrator of a betrayal, as well as the conflicting emotions that come with returning home after running away. It draws on themes surrounding the ninth circle of Hell, as imagined in the Inferno by Dante Alighieri. This thesis is the author's first time working in the novel form.Honors CollegeEnglish, Department o
Sex-Specific Gene Expression Differences in Drosophila melanogaster Heads Revealed by RNA-Sequencing Analyses
No full textDespite their almost identical genomes, males and females often display unique phenotypes from one another. This phenomenon, known as sexual dimorphism, can manifest at various biological levels, from the genetic level to the level of behavioral traits. Therefore, an insightful area of study in genomics and evolutionary biology is how males and females use their shared genome to give rise to sex-specific gene expression (Khodursky et al. 2020). One approach to understand sex-specific gene expression differences and sexual dimorphisms is to analyze transcriptome differences between the sexes. Previous studies have found that the evolutionary properties of sex-biased genes in Drosophila melanogaster may even be tissue specific, including the head and gonads (Khodursky et al. 2020). While previous studies have explored sex-specific gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster heads, the specific genes and gene networks driving this differential expression needs further characterization.Biology and Biochemistry, Department ofHonors Colleg
Using and Designing Genetically Encoded Metal Ion Sensors for Application in Anaerobic Gut Bacteria
No full textTransition metals are required for proper cellular function by all organisms. The roles of metal ions in the human gut microbiota are poorly understood in part due to a lack of tools that can quantify and track metals in live gut bacteria, including genetically encoded metal ion sensors. Most genetically encoded sensors use green fluorescent proteins, which require oxygen to become fluorescent. Cofactor-based fluorescent proteins, such as bilin-binding fluorescent proteins, could be used for oxygen-independent metal ion detection because their cofactors can be added to biological systems exogenously, but few have been used as sensors for transition metals like zinc.
This research focuses on developing fluorescent protein-based Zn2+ sensors, including oxygen-independent probes for detecting metal ions in anaerobic gut bacteria. The first chapter describes application of a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor, eZinCh-2, in E. coli. We successfully expressed properly functioning eZinCh-2 and determined a labile zinc concentration of ~0.10 nM in BL21(DE3) and TOP10 E. coli strains. Next, we improved the binding efficiency of phycoerythrobilin (PEB) to the third GAF domain (Slr1393g3) from a cyanobacteriochrome. The increased PEB loading of the GAF3 variant from ~3% to 20% improves the utility of Slr1393g3 as the basis for new protein-based fluorescent sensors, including as an acceptor fluorophore in a green/orange FRET sensor. In the next chapter, we describe engineering of a near-infrared oxygen-independent FRET-based Zn2+ sensor. The sensor (ZapNIR1) has a 4- fold change in FRET ratio upon addition of excess Zn2+. ZapNIR1 was expressed in E. coli and could monitor uptake of exogenously added Zn2+ to cell suspensions as well as detect varying concentrations of endogenous Zn2+ in live E. coli. The last chapter is an investigation of the Zn2+ response of several GAF domains. We found that the second Cys residue of the GAF domain All1280g2 facilitates Zn2+ binding to PEB/PUB, resulting in the fluorescence turn-on response by rigidification of the cofactor. Introduction of a second Cys residue into miRFP670nano led to a moderate fluorescence enhancement by Zn2+ and shows that bilin-binding fluorescent proteins are a good basis for single fluorescent protein-based Zn2+ sensors
Transformer-Based Offline Reinforcement Learning: Applications in Condition-Based Maintenance
No full textCondition-based maintenance (CBM) is critical for optimizing industrial efficiency and safety, but remains challenging due to complex dependencies and scalability issues. CBM for multi-component systems often encounters large state and action spaces, which present significant difficulties in finding optimal maintenance policies using traditional methods. This thesis bridges traditional optimization and deep learning by proposing a novel framework for maintenance decision-making in complex systems. We formulate the equipment replacement problem as a sequential decision-making problem that is suitable for reinforcement learning (RL). To address the challenge brought by the large state and action spaces, we cast the formulated RL problem as a supervised learning problem that aims to generate future actions that achieve the target return based on past states and actions. We leverage the superior learning capabilities of transformers and develop transformer-based decision models to seek optimal maintenance planning policies. Specifically, we build the decision transformer (DT) based on the GPT architecture, which takes states, actions, and return-to-go as inputs and autoregressively outputs the optimal actions. The model uses return-to-go values to guide the trajectory generation with the desired level of performance, effectively allowing the model to ``stitch" together optimal sequences even from suboptimal training data. Computational studies are performed for both single and multiple machine problems, examining the performance of transformers on maintenance decision-making. Our experimental evaluation examines two critical factors: dataset quality (measured by the proportion of optimal trajectories) and dataset size effects on learning convergence and policy optimization. Our results show that transformer-based RL approaches can effectively solve complex maintenance optimization problems through offline learning, with the critical insight that the presence of even minimal high-quality (e.g., 2% optimal trajectories in a dataset of 60,000 trajectories) in the dataset enables optimal policy extraction, achieving near-optimal performance. Furthermore, the DT demonstrates rapid convergence and learns environmental constraints efficiently, with correction events for invalid actions quickly declining to near zero during training