19468 research outputs found
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The Role of Calcium in Early Embryonic Development
No full textCalcium is a ubiquitous, highly conserved universal messenger that mediates an array of functions such as neuronal and neuromuscular synaptic transmission, the stress response, wound healing, cardiac myocyte function, brain homeostasis maintenance, cell proliferation, and the immune response in mature organisms; this highly regular, stereotypical calcium activity in mature organisms has been extensively studied and is well understood (Vig et al., 2009; Fearnley et al., 2011; Patergnani et al., 2020). Calcium activity has also been implicated as a key regulator during the early development of organisms in processes such as neural induction, neuronal fate determination and differentiation, and organogenesis (Paudel et al., 2018). However, despite its universal presence in developing embryos, the spontaneous calcium activity that exists in embryonic systems is less well-characterized. This results from a dearth of studies, lack of consensus on analytical techniques, and contradictory results from literature in this field. Past studies on calcium activity during early embryonic development are also limited in that they are largely correlational rather than causal or functional. This thesis uses several different approaches to explore the role of calcium activity in early embryonic development. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive review of the tweety gene family—which encodes calcium responsive gated chloride channels—by describing its structure, evolution, expression during development and adulthood, biochemical and cellular functions, and role in human disease. Then, chapter 2 discusses analysis of time-series data collected on embryos that were microinjected with GCaMP mRNA (a genetically-encoded calcium indicator that enables fluorescent visualization of calcium activity) and imaged for calcium activity at cellular resolution over a one hour period using fluorescent confocal microscopy. Importantly, this time-series analysis reveals that there is a lack of standardization in the methodology used to analyze time-series data of embryonic calcium activity imaging. This insight inspired the investigation described in chapter 3, which is a comprehensive review and critique of the existing methodologies used to detect and analyze imaging data of embryonic calcium activity. The review serves as a call to action to standardize the techniques used to analyze imaging data of embryonic calcium activity. Finally, chapter 4 experimentally examines the effects of calcium activity on early embryonic development by perturbing embryonic calcium dynamics using an automated calcium perturbation device that I invented. Ultimately, elucidating the role of calcium activity on early embryonic development through this study helps create the molecular framework necessary for the development of promising therapeutic strategies that target developmental diseases and disorders implicated by dysregulated embryonic calcium dynamics.BiologyBachelors of Science (BS
Melodies of Memory: Exploring the Impact of Music on Gamma and Theta Coupling in Adults
No full textMusic therapy has gained recognition for its potential to improve emotional and cognitive outcomes, particularly in individuals with dementia. However, the specific mechanisms by which different types of music (e.g., rhythmic versus non-rhythmic) affect brain wave synchronization and cognitive function remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of rhythmic and non-rhythmic music on brain wave activity (specifically theta and gamma waves) and cognitive performance (including memory, attention, and focus) in young students. Using a within-subject design, participants were exposed to three conditions: rhythmic music, non-rhythmic music, and no auditory stimuli (baseline). EEG was used to measure changes in theta and gamma wave synchronization, while perceived emotions were assessed through the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The primary hypothesis was that rhythmic music would significantly enhance theta and gamma amplitude, as well as theta–gamma phase–amplitude coupling, in association with improvements in cognitive task performance, whereas non-rhythmic music would have a milder effect. This research aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the role of rhythmic entrainment in brain wave modulation and its potential applications in cognitive enhancement and emotional regulation. The findings could inform music therapy interventions in both clinical and educational settings, offering insights into how music may be used to optimize cognitive function and emotional well-being.PsychologyBachelors of Science (BS
Self-Reporting Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Superoxide Generation and Detection
No full textConjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) have powerful applications in fluorescence imaging due to their brightness, photostability, and compatibility with aqueous media. CPNs have recently received attention for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), making them potential candidates for new photocatalytic and photodynamic therapy applications. Although reports of CPN ROS generation largely focus on singlet oxygen production, CPN excited states can also generate superoxide radical anion through an alternate CPN excited state deactivation pathway. Here, we demonstrate that CPNs generate superoxide upon irradiation by doping the CPNs with a hydrocyanine dye that becomes fluorescent upon reaction with superoxide. Superoxide production induces an off to on fluorescence response in the dye-doped CPNs by converting quenching hydrocyanine dyes into fluorescent cyanine dyes. The cyanine dyes act as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) acceptors for the multi-chromophoric CPNs resulting in amplified cyanine fluorescence signals. Variation of the irradiation intensity, dye loading level, and CPN composition allows for the manipulation and optimization of the dye-doped CPNs’ fluorescence response to irradiation. Motivated by the FRET amplification of the cyanine signal, ongoing and future work focuses on decoupling superoxide production and detection with possible applications in the design of a dye-doped CPN superoxide probe.ChemistryBachelors of Science (BS
A mathematical model of revascularization following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
No full textThe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical stabilizer of the knee that is frequently injured in sports. Due to its limited natural healing capacity, ACL tears generally require reconstruction using a graft (ACLR). This procedure initiates the process of ligamentization, where the graft transforms to possess properties closer to that of the native ligament. Despite the relatively high prevalence of this injury and the importance of the healing process, detailed knowledge of the dynamic changes during healing remains limited. This thesis presents the first mathematical model describing some of the changes that occur throughout ligamentization, focusing on the aspects of revascularization. The vascular density is of particular interest as it has been found to spike around two months postoperatively, coinciding with the timing of the weakest intra-articular graft strength. To bridge this knowledge gap, this model, constructed through an extensive literature review and validated based on real-world data, employs a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). It explores the interactions between inflammation, hypoxia, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiogenesis, each identified as key factors influencing vascular density. The model accurately captures the physiological processes and changes occurring throughout ligamentization and revascularization while highlighting critical healing stages where future research would be valuable. Looking forward, this model has the potential to be developed into a diagnostic tool that could be used to create personalized treatment and recovery plans by incorporating patient-specific data, potentially revolutionizing ACLR outcomes.Kinesiology & Health SciencesBachelors of Science (BS
“No Iphis can I be” Exploring Lesbianism and Gender Fluidity Through Adaptation/Fanfiction of Twelfth Night in One and the Same, an Original Play
No full textIn this thesis I seek to explore the queering of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night through writing, directing, and performing in One and the Same, an original play that more earnestly features same-gender attraction and gender fluidity within the early modern tropes, characters, setting, and language of Shakespeare. I will lay out my sources of inspiration for One and the Same—fanfiction culture, Shakespeare’s other plays, and much more—I will narrate the process of writing, editing, and producing the play, the reception of it from audiences and actors, and I will share my final thoughts on the entire experience and how what I learned from the process could be applied elsewhere in staging Shakespeare in ways that facilitate the entertainment and enlightenment of as diverse an audience as possible.Theatre, Speech & DanceBachelors of Arts (BA
Evaluating Autophagy as a Mechanism for MK-STYX-induced Stress Granule Reduction
No full textPseudoenzymes have recently sparked interest in the world of biology. Ten percent of the human genome codes for pseudoenzymes. These proteins have remained conserved through evolutionary history and perform unique cellular functions despite their loss of catalytic activity. Mitogen activated protein kinase phosphoserine/threonine/tyrosine binding protein (MK-STYX) is a pseudophosphatase; it binds but does not remove phosphate groups from phosphorylated proteins. Lacking phosphatase activity does not translate to lack of function; MK-STYX has important cellular functions such as reducing stress granule formation, inducing neurite formation, and promoting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Previous studies found that MK-STYX binds Ras GTPase activating protein binding protein 1 (G3BP-1), key stress granule nucleator, and reduces stress granule formation independent of G3BP-1 phosphorylation. The mechanism of how MK-STYX reduces stress granule formation remains unclear. Autophagy, a cellular degradation pathway, has been shown to clear stress granules in cells. Due to the common outcome of both pathways, the present study explores the autophagy pathway as a possible method behind MK-STYX’s ability to reduce stress granule formation. In particular, the present study investigates whether MK-STYX clears stress granules by modulating the key autophagy protein, microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (LC3). Irreversible post- translational modifications of LC3 result in successful autophagic degradation. Pilot studies show that MK-STYX increases LC3 phosphorylation. Because LC3 involvement in autophagy depends heavily on the phosphorylation site, it is important to understand the effects of MK-STYX on LC3 dynamics. Using fluorescence microscopy, the degree of MK-STYX colocalization with LC3B (the most common isoform) was tested. Immunoblotting was used to measure the levels of unphosphorylated LC3B and phosphorylated LC3B at Serine 12 (an inhibitory phosphorylation site) in the absence and overexpression of MK-STYX. The data suggests that MK-STYX increases LC3B phosphorylation at Serine 12 in basal cell conditions and decreases LC3B phosphorylation at Serine 12 during serum starvation. This means that MK-STYX may increase autophagy pathway activity and autophagic degradation during stressful conditions such as serum starvation, which are prime conditions for stress granule formation and persistence. These results demonstrate that MK-STYX has a strong potential to modulate autophagy to reduce stress granule formation and serve as the foundation for further analysis.BiologyBachelors of Science (BS
K-Pop Concept Analysis in China: The Intellectual Discourse and Feminist Critical Interpretations
No full textThis honors thesis examines the creative authorship and active spectatorship of Korean popular music (hereafter, K-pop) concepts (keonsep). The first chapter tackles two main issues with the existing scholarship and the general public’s understanding of the term, “concept.” First, because its definition remains vague and constantly varies as the field develops, a thorough study of the word’s use and the transformations should be conducted in order to come up with a precise set of definitions. Second, the seemingly increasing homogeneity in the globalized online world often overshadows regional differences. As the Korean word keonsep is a transliteration from English, it is taken for granted by many that concept’s meaning is identical across various areas. On the contrary, this project adopts a nuanced approach to contextualize the notion of “concept” based on cultural specificity, with a strong emphasis on China. The Chinese fans’ interpretations are particularly worth studying for 1) China has one of the largest populations of K-pop followers; 2) Korean content has been banned in the country since the 2016 geopolitical dispute between the U.S., South Korea, and China. Oftentimes caught between the nationalism-vs.-idol conflict, the Chinese K-pop fans curiously developed an abstruse yet welcomed discourse that interprets transmedial K-pop content through the lens of intellectual theories, i.e., scholarships by Lacon or Foucault. For young Chinese audiences unfamiliar with these theories, following K-pop concepts has been turned into a way to approach the profound, once-intimidating ideas. This study provides five main angles to explain this popular phenomenon: fan influencers’ leadership, the unique ecologies of Chinese popular media, China’s new Mandarin language education, problems with the domestic idol industry, and the Sino-Korea geopolitical tensions that urgently demand one to justify their passion for K-pop. The second chapter turns to audience studies and integrates this field with the discoveries about the recent feminist movement in China. It explores the critical (negative) online interpretations of K-pop media content by Chinese feminist video makers. With a survey of feminism’s transformations in China, this chapter reveals that K-pop (pseudo-)feminist concept analysis creates a space–a subaltern counterpublic–for Chinese audiences to freely debate over female agency and representations. Moreover, Bilibili’s promotion of knowledge-category video productions pushes the content on this popular video platform to package itself as enlightening and critical, thus further accelerating the creation of critical interpretations among Chinese feminists who engage with K-pop.Film StudiesBachelors of Arts (BA
I Grieve Different
No full textI Grieve Different is a collection of memoirs with interspersed poetry, explaining the growth of the self as a continous grieving process. Sahil Verma recounts 12/13 instances through his life exploring the themes of substance use, death, joy, memory and nostalgia to queer the western experience while still correlating the east and the west. With emphasis on Hyderabad's culture, this collection is an example of queer temporality in practice.EnglishBachelors of Arts (BA
Phase separation dynamics of SynGAP & PSD-95 in post-synaptic densities
No full textThe intricate interplay between SynGAP, PSD-95, and AMPA receptors within the post-synaptic density underpins synaptic plasticity and signal transmission. This study investigates several models of the interactions of these proteins, beginning with a minimal model of the kinetics of the exchange of SynGAP and AMPA receptors in the post- synaptic density after induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). Subsequently, we model the phenomenon of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated by the association of SynGAP and PSD-95. Our model of phase separation utilizes a three-component Flory-Huggins theory type (SynGAP, PSD-95, and solvent), and assumes energetically favorable interactions between SynGAP and PSD-95, as well as PSD-95 with itself. The model reproduces the phenomena of phase-separation-mediated formation of the post- synaptic density. We stimulate the dispersal of SynGAP from the post-synaptic density that follows an induction of LTP, which is modeled by a change in the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter representing the decreased favorability of SynGAP and PSD-95 interactions.NeuroscienceBachelors of Science (BS
Eastern Oysters and Ocean Acidification: Does Family Impact Tolerance?
No full textEastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are a bivalve species in Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay that play an important role in their aquatic ecosystems and are an important species in aquaculture. Rising problems caused by climate change, such as ocean acidification (OA), could threaten natural populations and the success of the aquaculture industry. One solution to the threat of OA may be selective breeding of Eastern oysters for increased tolerance of OA, but there is currently limited research to inform the potential of this strategy. The first step towards evaluating the potential of this solution involves determining if oysters with different genetics respond differently to OA. This project looked at two genetically different families of Eastern oysters produced from broodstock bred for high performance in either high salinity or low salinity conditions to see if their tolerance of OA conditions differed. Juvenile oysters from each family were exposed to either acidified or control pH conditions (pH 7.3 and 7.8, respectively) for two weeks after which physiological responses were measured. The individual and interactive impacts of treatment and family on respiration rates, calcification rates, energy stores, oxidative stress, and total protein content were assessed. Family had an impact on response to OA for just total protein content out of the parameters measured, with oyster seed from the low salinity family having higher total protein content at acidified conditions than oysters from the high salinity family, but similar total protein between families at control conditions. Therefore, some traits related to OA tolerance may be influenced by family and thus could be selected for if they are heritable. However, we generally observed negative impacts of OA on oyster seed regardless of family, such as lower calcification rates and evidence of oxidative stress. Further research should examine if traits related to OA tolerance are heritable and whether there are families with more robust physiological tolerance of OA impacts.BiologyBachelors of Science (BS