15849 research outputs found
Sort by
Ethnicity through Education: An Analysis of the Influence of Formal Education on Ethnicity in Garo Hills
Full text linkIn recent decades, the positioning of ethnic groups within the educational context has emerged as an important area of scholarly investigation. The structural, institutional, and local contexts often determine how ethnic groups shape their ethnicity. This study draws from panethnicity and social ontology frameworks to examine ethnic consciousness and the processes of solidarity-building across subgroups within the Garo community in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The unequal distribution of educational resources has led to socioeconomic disparities and class formation within Garo society, creating a growing divide between the educated and uneducated Garos. While acknowledging the diversity among subgroups, this study highlights the efforts of educated Garos to respond to sociopolitical conditions in order to foster ethnic consciousness and solidarity among various segments of Garo society. Leveraging their constitutional status as a Scheduled Tribe, the educated Garos have utilized the moral framework, values, and organizational structures of Christianity, alongside their knowledge of Garo and English, to appeal to other subgroups, particularly the uneducated Garos, encouraging them to unite for shared ethnic interests. This research is based on in-depth interviews, observations of sociopolitical events, and documentary sources, examining the role of education in shaping ethnic dynamics and solidarity within Garo society. The findings indicate that contemporary Garo ethnicity is a constructed phenomenon, significantly influenced by the educated Garos. The study also reveals that a lack of education impedes the development of ethnic consciousness and solidarity, suggesting that strengthening of the education system is essential for fostering a robust sense of ethnicity among the Garos
Enzymatic Characterization of Bacterial Enzymes and Inhibitors as Potential Antibiotics with New Mechanisms of Action
Full text linkBacteria have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, therefore there is an urgent need for new drug classes of antibiotics to help fight antibiotic infections. To this end, our research is focused on inhibitors of dizinc metalloenzymes N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE), an enzyme in the lysine biosynthesis pathway, N-acetyl-L-ornithine deacetylase enzyme (ArgE), an enzyme in the arginine biosynthesis pathway, and sodium-dependent NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) enzyme, a respiratory complex enzyme as promising drug targets. DapE, ArgE, and Na+-NQR and are only present in bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens that can cause potentially deadly infections, thus inhibitors of DapE, ArgE, and Na+-NQR offer promise as potential antibiotics with a new mechanism of action without mechanism-based side effects in humans. A high-throughput screen against Haemophilus influenzae DapE (HiDapE) previously provided several hits in different chemical classes. Structure activity relationships (SAR) were developed for several series synthesized and tested against DapE in our ninhydrin-based DapE assay. Inhibitors were also tested in a thermal shift assay using SYPRO Orange dye against DapE from several bacterial species to observe the stability of the enzyme impacted by inhibitors binding. Additionally, our group’s ninhydrin-based assay has been updated and improved utilizing a new substrate for DapE. We are also interested in ArgE as an antibiotic target. We have elucidated the active site structure of a di-Zn Escherichia coli ArgE (EcArgE) using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Several classes of compounds were screened against ArgE, and SAR is being followed to design new inhibitors against ArgE. A new N,N-dimethyl-N-acetylornithine substrate was designed and synthesized in our lab enabling development of a ninhydrin-based ArgE assay which enabled testing inhibitors that absorb at shorter wavelengths. In-house DapE inhibitors were evaluated for ArgE inhibition, and SAR was determined with a series of boronic acid inhibitors. Selected inhibitors were also tested in a thermal shift assay using SYPRO Orange dye against EcArgE to observe the stability of the enzyme in the presence of inhibitors. We have also targeted Na+-NQR, where we have synthesized clofazimine-like phenazine derivatives and tested them with in-cellular assays along with calculating EC50s
Refinement of Megakaryocyte Lineage Commitment in Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells During Postnatal and Adult Hematopoiesis
Full text linkMammalian hematopoiesis ensures the continuous production of specialized blood cells, yet the mechanisms that govern megakaryocyte/erythroid (MK/E) bifurcation remain incompletely understood. While HSPCs sustain all blood lineages, how transient waves of progenitors arise and adapt from fetal to adult stages is less clear. This gap in knowledge limits our capacity to precisely manipulate platelet and red blood cell outputs in both developmental and therapeutic contexts. Using refined gating strategies and various bulk- and single-cell transcriptomics, we dissected the traditional “common myeloid progenitor” and Multipotent Progenitor (MPP) compartment into multiple functionally distinct subsets (C1, C2, C3). Within C1, an ESAM⁺ fraction exhibited robust MK/E potential in vitro and in vivo, whereas the ESAM⁻ fraction and other subsets displayed predominantly myeloid outputs. Upstream, MPP3 emerged as a critical branch point for MK/E fate commitment, while MPP4 contributed largely to myeloid and lymphoid lineages. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated heterogeneity in adult progenitors, spotlighting new avenues for controlling lineage specification. Developmentally, we observed transient α-catulin-GFP⁺ subsets in neonatal mice that preferentially yielded polyploid megakaryocytes. Over the first few postnatal weeks, these α-catulin-GFP⁺ cells declined, correlating with a shift to more balanced hematopoiesis. Furthermore, maternal dietary supplementation with trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) subtly altered MPP frequencies and α-catulin-GFP⁺ progenitors in offspring, suggesting that extrinsic factors intersect with intrinsic developmental programs to influence early-life MK/E output. Collectively, our data refine existing models of hematopoiesis by pinpointing distinct branching events that drive MK/E specialization in adult progenitors and uncovering specialized transient waves of MK/E-biased cells during the neonatal period. Understanding these dynamics enhances our capacity to modulate lineage commitment throughout development and may inform future strategies for treating platelet deficiencies and other hematologic disorders
Does the Value Last? Exploring the Longitudinal Value of a Research Experience for Preservice Science Teachers
Full text linkLittle attention has been given to the preparation of secondary preservice science teachers (PST) to meet the vision for science teaching and learning outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education. Existing literature suggests PSTs would benefit from authentic engagement in scientific research. But research experiences for preservice science teachers or preRETs are rare (Krim et al., 2019). This longitudinal qualitative case study explores the value retained one year after participation in a preRET, which engages PSTs in scientific research and education-focused professional learning. This study utilizes the preRET Value Creation Model (preRET VCM) (Authors, 2024), which overlays the Value-Creation framework by Wenger-Trayner and Wenger-Trayner (2020) onto a revised model of outcomes of a RET developed by Krim et al. (2019), thereby applying the value framework to the preRET. Value-Creation stories were composed to explore the generation and flow of value across and between cycles. Examination and comparison of each value story revealed common themes, including a relationship between intangible and potential values and shifts in epistemologies. This study demonstrates that authentic research experiences benefit PSTs and should be included as a compliment to their teacher preparation. Findings suggest the need to broaden understanding of what is considered translation to practice . Spaced reflection after preRET helped PSTs identify retained value and confirm the program\u27s impact. The study holds methodological implications for using the preRET VCM as a holistic framework to understand the value generated during and after research experiences
Characterizing Problematic Images in Retracted Scientific Articles
Full text linkThis cross-sectional study analyzed retracted articles flagged for problematic image manipulation (e.g., image duplication) in the Retraction Watch Database (56,716 entries as of October 4, 2024). We focused on entries containing the term image in the retraction reason (8002 entries) and further refined the dataset to those discussed on PubPeer (2078 after duplicate removal) to gain more detailed insights into the image problems. Data extracted included figure types (eg, microscopy, gel blot), the context of image misuse (eg, within-article, between-article), and the type of manipulation (e.g., duplication, splicing). The study highlights the prevalence of gel blot images and between-article image duplication in retracted articles, indicating a potential benefit from specialized tools to detect such issues
Exploring General Education Teachers\u27 Awareness of Ableism in Elementary School
No full textAbleism, or prejudice and discrimination on the basis of dis/ability is of growing interest to both practitioners and researchers (Branco et al., 2019; Friedman & Awsumb, 2019). In the United States, there are federal laws that protect public education as a fundamental right regardless of a student’s ability status. Prior researchers found that educators can hold biases with respect to a student’s disability label (Bassey et al., 2020; Donohue & Bornman, 2015; Freer, 2018; Gifford & Knott, 2016; Ko & Boswell, 2013; Lucas, et al., 2009; Nah & Tan, 2021; Pachiţa & Gherguţ, 2021; Röhm et al., 2022; Wüthrich & Sahli Lozano, 2018). Additionally, a greater number of students are being educated in the general education classroom in keeping with the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) regulations (Pew Research Center, 2023). Educator exposure to disability issues and comfortability dealing with disability related biases in the classroom varies. Thus, the purpose of the current dissertation study is to examine the extent to which general education teachers are aware of ableism in the classroom during intermediate school years (4th-5th grades) and to explore how teacher awareness of ableism and dis/ability-related biases impact social experiences for students in the classroom with the hopes of providing greater insights as to the best supports for educators as they work with youth. Critical Disability Theory (CDT) provides the framework for this descriptive study with a primarily qualitative design. Through the process of Constant Comparative Analysis, four core themes were identified from (n=8) teacher interviews with respect to 1) Views on Disability, Learning, and Success, 2) Teacher Self-Efficacy in an Inclusive Classroom, 3) Social Impact of Disability in School, and 4) Pertinent Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Topics for Disability Inclusion. The study results further emphasize the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to include ability status and the need for additional professional development and holistic student supports in order to optimize student experiences
Understanding Middle Managers in Community Colleges
No full textThis dissertation explores the lived workplace experiences of non academic middle managers at community colleges, a group often overlooked in higher education research. Using a phenomenological approach, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with eleven directors and managers to highlight how these professionals navigate their campus environments, operational demands, and student needs. Framed by Max Weber’s theory of bureaucracy, the findings underscore the dual roles middle managers play, as organizational lynchpins and leaders and as advocates for students, all while operating within constrained organizational structures. Key themes include varied levels of institutional knowledge, differential access to professional development, and constrained agency. The research contributes to limited scholarship on community college staff by documenting how middle managers experience their workplace
The Influence of Defects: Oxidation of Non-Planar Transition Metal Model Catalysts
No full textMetal-catalyzed oxidation reactions are a major application of heterogeneous catalysis and are a widely applied synthetic route for the production of chemicals and reagents essential to modern society. However, as the intricacies of heterogeneous surface catalysis are slowly being unraveled, minute details of the catalytic environment have been revealed to play outsized roles in the catalytic activity of the surface. The experiments herein further investigate the interplay between surface geometry and the formation oxygen-induced surface structures. Understanding how defects influence surface reactivity is a necessary step in gaining the ability to accurately model heterogeneous catalytic environments. Two different aspects of defects have been investigate in the paper herein. The first project was to understand how defect geometry influences the growth of oxygen induces surface reconstructions on c-Ag(111). We found that geometry may have an influence on the kind of surface reconstructions that nucleated, as well as inhibit the propagation of the surface reconstruction via changing the location of nucleation. However, the propagation of the reconstruction was inhibited to a much greater degree on the more narrow steps that were farther from the apex of the crystal. This leads to the second project, which was to understand how step width influences the growth of surface oxide on a bisected Rh(111)/(322) crystal. The crystal contains two separate surface facets: one with relatively large, flat terraces and the other with well defined, repeating, narrow steps. Oxidation and subsequent LEED analysis of this surface determined that oxide could grow on the highly stepped (322) half of the crystal under conditions where oxide would not be observed on a Rh(111) surface. These findings help strengthen the notion that defects have a direct influence on the growth of surface structures on metal model catalysts
Evolution of Bacteria: The Subsequent Relationships between Different Species and Their Hosts
No full textTo explore the relationship between two recently identified bacterial species (S. anginosus and S. urinae), three aims were designed. First, niche ranges were identified via two metagenome databases. Different niche ranges were identified between the two groups. S. urinae was more specific to the urogenital tract. S. anginosus appeared to be present across human anatomical niches. Secondly, specific genes to the S. urinae group were identified. This gives insight into the genomic and phenotypic differences previously identified. Thirdly, a temporal study was created to view S. urinae in female urine over 8 weeks. This showed stability in the urinary microbiome as well as within the S. urinae population in urine. This thesis furthers insight into the divergence of bacteria within the human microbiome and into the temporal dynamics of said bacteria
Characterizing Niche Specialization in Staphylococcus Epidermidis
No full textThis thesis investigates the microbial diversity of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) across various anatomical sites in the human body. While traditionally viewed as a benign skin microbe, S. epidermidis also inhabits the urinary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts, raising questions about its genetic variation and adaptability in different environments. The research aims to compare strains of S. epidermidis isolated from the oral cavity, nostrils, urinary tract, and skin of healthy individuals to determine if they share a common ancestor or if they evolved independently in response to specific environmental factors. The study comprises three main aims. Aim 1 focuses on assessing the prevalence of S. epidermidis across the selected sites by collecting and purifying samples from 50 healthy female participants, using selective media for isolation and PCR for identification. Aim 2 involves comparative genetic analysis of the isolated strains to identify genotypic differences, pan-genome composition, and genes associated with niche adaptation. Aim 3 aims to analyze the microbial composition of the samples through metagenomic sequencing, particularly examining co-occurring species with S. epidermidis. The proposal highlights the intellectual merit of addressing gaps in current microbiome research by examining S. epidermidis beyond the skin. It emphasizes the significance of host-microbe interactions and the potential for S. epidermidis to act as both a benign and pathogenic organism. The broader impacts include engaging undergraduates in research and enhancing educational experiences through hands-on learning in bioinformatics and metagenomics, contributing to a deeper understanding of the role of S. epidermidis in human health