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USING SEDIMENTOLOGY, FORAMINIFERA, AND SEABED MORPHOLOGY TO ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENT OF SUGARLOAF ISLAND, BOGUE SOUND, NC BEFORE AND AFTER A COASTAL SHORELINE STABILIZATION PROJECT
No full textSugarloaf Island is a spoil island within Bogue Sound, off the coast of Morehead City, NC. It acts as a fetch-limited barrier island, protecting the mainland from erosion resulting from wind and wave energy. Currently, the shoreline of Sugarloaf Island is eroding, making it the focus of a shoreline stabilization project. Morehead City’s project plan calls for the installation of wave attenuation devices (WADs), subaquatic vegetation (SAV, i.e., coastal seagrass), oyster reefs, and a rock revetment to try to boost the island’s resilience and reduce erosion. To evaluate the effects of the stabilization structures, this study has utilized sedimentology, foraminifera and side-scan sonar imagery to understand the characteristics of sediment transport and erosion. This study has determined a general sediment transport direction of west to east and a fining of sediment in that direction as well. Following emplacement of stabilization structures, there was a coarsening of sediments around the island. Sorting of beach and nearshore samples was maintained or worsened, whereas offshore sites showed maintained or improved sorting. This study also analyzed living, modern dead, and fossilized foraminifera. Across both sampling times, Elphidium excavatum and Ammonia parkinsoniana were the most abundant species in both the modern dead and the live foraminiferal assemblages. Following emplacement of stabilization structures, where was an increase in living foraminifera, specifically in the onshore samples. Lower numbers of live foraminifera in round 1 samples was likely due to the time of sampling (mid-winter) when reproduction is reduced or paused. There was also a decrease of fossilized foraminifera specimens. These findings are the result of the implementation of stabilization structures, which has reduced wave energy and onshore sediment transport
SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS OF PYRENE-CONTAINING LISINOPRIL ANALOGS TO STUDY ACE INHIBITION
No full textCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. One of the major risk factors in developing CVD is hypertension, characterized by extended periods of increased blood pressure. Blood pressure is managed by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), of which angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a key player. Lisinopril, one of the most prescribed medications in the world, is an ACE inhibitor with common side effects that can limit its use. The aim of this work is to prepare a small library of fluorescent, lisinopril-like compounds whose interaction with the ACE active site can be directly measured using fluorescence spectroscopy. Testing of such compounds is expected to shed light on the enzyme’s ability to accommodate much larger hydrophobic groups than are found in lisinopril, and to determine if the carboxylate units in the native drug are essential for binding, perhaps paving the way for future inhibitor development. Thus, several new pyrene-containing analogs were prepared using automated peptide protocols. In the presence of ACE, the putative inhibitors showed small increases in fluorescence intensity, suggesting they can enter the enzyme active site. The analogs were then challenged to inhibit ACE hydrolysis of an angiotensin I peptide containing a different (non-pyrene) fluorophore. The amidation state of the C-terminus of the lisinopril analogs appears to be a considerable factor in their ability to influence the rate of ACE hydrolysis, though additional studies are warranted
Red, White, and Feeling Blue: A Correlational Study on the Relationship Between Subjective Well-Being and Relationship Quality, as Moderated by Political Extremity
No full textThis study examines the correlational ties between subjective well-being (SWB), relationship quality (RQ), and political extremity among 125 undergraduate ECU PSYC 1000 students during the height of the 2024 presidential election. Using validated measures, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Social Support Scale, we tested how political views moderate the established connection between relationship quality and subjective well-being. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between relationship quality and SWB (r = .459, p < .001), while political affiliation showed a weaker but significant relationship with SWB (r = .212, p < .05). Contrary to expectations, stronger political affiliation did not weaken the relationship quality to subjective well-being connection, suggesting that quality relationships benefit well-being regardless of political ideology. An unexpected finding showed that first-generation students reported higher levels of well-being (r = .303, p < .001), which is an intriguing factor that is potentially worthy of further investigation
Assessing the human and natural drivers of mangrove habitat loss in Puerto Rico
No full textMangroves provide various ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being. In the last five decades, however, approximately one-third of global mangroves have disappeared due to land-use changes, water pollution, sea level rise (SLR), extreme weather events, and ineffective conservation and restoration practices. Puerto Rico's high climate variability and exposure to disturbances such as hurricanes, droughts, and urbanization make it an ideal environmental setting to explore how mangrove ecosystems respond to multiple types of disturbance in a range of biomes and climates. This study involved identifying disturbances, natural and anthropogenic, that could have impacted mangrove conditions and conducting a remote sensing analysis of mangrove cover in Puerto Rico. The estimated mangrove area after adjustment was 7,784 hectares for 2023. Furthermore, this study found Hurricane María to be the major driver of mangrove loss in Puerto Rico, with 65% of mangrove loss being associated with this disturbance. Although mangrove recovery was observed after the hurricane, as showcased by steady increases in NDVI values, the recovery was inconsistent across regions, with some areas encountering persistent stress or slow regeneration. The impacts of the 2015 Caribbean drought and the 2020 earthquakes were not as extensive and abrupt. Urbanization after Hurricane María had a more noticeable effect in areas such as Jobos Bay, where areas cleared by the hurricane were unable to recover due to illegal development. The results of this study highlight how different natural and anthropogenic drivers overlapped across regions and exacerbated mangrove loss across Puerto Rico. These findings underline the necessity of taking multiple drivers into account in the development of conservation strategies for mangroves
Characterizing background-dependent effects of zfl1;zfl2 double mutants in maize development
No full textReproduction in flowering plants is reliant on the correct function of the genes that regulate meristems, which are stem cell populations that give rise to specific tissues. Maize is a monoecious grass species that develops two inflorescences: the tassel, producing male flowers, and the ear, producing female flowers. In early development, tassel and ear primordia follow similar growth patterns that rely on shared regulators, but their meristems differentiate into their respective floral organs based on transcription factors (Thompson, 2014). Redundant genes zfl1 and zfl2 are upstream regulators of floral organ identity genes, and individuals with transposon insertion mutations in both zfls have defective floral meristems and severely altered phenotypes (Bomblies et al., 2003). However, these genes have only been studied in one inbred line (W22). Due to the highly diverse genetic background of maize, there is an abundance of family lines, each possessing a variable genetic makeup that manifests in a distinct presentation of mutations. The Thompson Lab has introgressed zfl1 and zfl2 mutations into the A619 background and has observed some enhanced phenotypic effects. We are characterizing the double mutant zfl1;zfl2 phenotype of maize with an A619 background by rearing individuals with varying numbers of mutated zfl alleles in a greenhouse, extracting DNA from their leaf tissues, identifying presence of zfl mutations through PCR and gel electrophoresis, and imaging early tassels and ears with scanning electron microscopy. In our investigation we have observed that zfl gene mutations have a dosage effect of severity, causing non-double mutants to exhibit mild floral defects. Evidence shows that zfl1;zfl2 double mutants demonstrate derepressed bracts, indeterminate floral meristems, and reduced tassel branching. These SEM micrographs have provided modern imagery of maize with zfl mutant defects and may aid in establishing the functions of zfl1 and zfl2, increasing understanding of maize development, and exploring the function of zfl homologs in other cereal crops
Analysis of venom gland gene functions between adaptive radiations of Hawaiian Spiders
No full textThe Hawaiian Tetragnatha spiders are a compelling model for studying adaptive radiation because of their rapid diversification into distinct ecological forms, including orb-weaving and ground-hunting species. This thesis investigates how evolutionary pressures have influenced functional gene expression in the venom glands of eight Tetragnatha species native to the Hawaiian Islands. The study examines whether ecological variation among species is reflected at the molecular level through comparative transcriptomic analysis and functional annotation using Gene Ontology (GO) terms. RNA was extracted and sequenced from venom glands, and the resulting data were used to identify GO terms associated with gene function, biological processes, and cellular localization. Functional annotations were performed using Blast2GO and InterProScan. Data were further analyzed and visualized through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), semantic scatterplots, tree maps, and word clouds. The findings reveal distinct differences in venom gland gene functions between orb-weaving and spiny-legged spiders. Ground-hunting species displayed greater diversity in molecular activities related to neurotoxicity, signal transduction, and enzymatic processes, which may support their active foraging strategies. These results demonstrate that ecological adaptation can drive not only changes in behavior and morphology but also divergence in gene expression patterns related to venom. This research links molecular data with ecological context and contributes to a broader understanding of how adaptive radiation shapes the evolution of functionally important traits in non-model organisms
Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity Prevention Recognition and Treatment in a Perioperative Setting: A Quality Improvement Project and DNP Project.
No full textLocal and regional anesthesia provides a benefit to patients in the perioperative period by allowing for surgical procedures to be performed, preventing and treating post-operative pain, and suppressing pain for up to three days. Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) is a potentially fatal complication of inadvertent systemic absorption of local anesthetics. CRNAs have a crucial role in administering local anesthesia and preventing or treating LAST. The purpose of this DNP QI project was to develop and assess CRNA perceptions of a new quick reference guide (QRG) on LAST treatment and prevention. This quality improvement project was conducted in the main operating room area of a level one trauma hospital in Eastern United States. A single Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle was completed employing a pre- and post-implementation survey design that assessed CRNAs’ perception of the QRG. The CRNAs reported an overall positive perception of the QRG. Most of the CRNAs responded that the BICEPSS mnemonic was useful. There was a generalized increase in confidence of knowing maximum dosages of local anesthetics when the QRG was used. Most of the CRNAs supported implementation of the QRG, or one like it, at the partnering organization. Limitations of the study included small sample size, and unique division of the anesthetic workload at the partnering organization. Recommendations for future QI projects in this area include individualized QRG development for the organization, a larger sample size, and involvement of non-CRNA anesthesia providers.D.N.P
SOCIAL REGULATION OF THE THALAMIC PARATHYROID HORMONE TYPE II (PTH2) NEUROPEPTIDE IN ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO)
No full textSocial dominance is prevalent among social species. It allows group members to divide limited resources according to social rank. However, social dominance is often accompanied by aggression, stress and anxiety as group members establish their social relationships. These social stressors often lead to behavioral and neurophysiological consequences. This study examined the physiological effects of social dominance on the thalamic parathyroid system. Parathyroid Hormone Type II (PTH2) is a neuropeptide within the vertebrae thalamus serving as a sensory integration and relay center for stress responses. Studies using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an organismal model of study reveal how behavioral decisions impact social relationships while highlighting the brain regions that are modulated by social behavior. Though PTH2 is expressed within the thalamic nucleus of zebrafish, the neurological mechanisms examining the role of PTH2 in information processing and stress responses to social behaviors remain poorly understood. Based on the idea that the presence of PTH2 affects behavior on a phenotypic level, I hypothesized that the thalamic PTH2 nucleus morphological and functional organization could be socially regulated. Using phosphorylated ribosomal S6 expression as a measure of cellular activity, I hypothesized that morphological differences in the PTH2 system leads to physiological changes. Moreover, I hypothesized that changes in the social environment because of social rise and social fall or social isolation will lead to a corresponding plasticity in the structural and functional organization of the PTH2 system. My results reveal that social dominance influences the number of PTH2 expressing cells: After one week of social interactions the number of PTH2 cells is higher in dominants compared to subordinates and communals (control), but this difference is abolished after two-weeks of interactions. Secondly, I show that PTH2 neurons expression of PS6, a marker of cellular activity is significantly upregulated in dominants compared to subordinates after one week of social interactions. Thirdly, social rise and fall in rank shifts the expression of PS6 and PS6 fluorescence intensity to reflect the animals’ current social status, but social reversal has limited effect on the number of PTH2 cells. Finally, social isolation or re-isolation of dominant animals show decreased PTH2 cell count and PS6 cellular activity, suggesting that re-isolation further modulates the molecular plasticity of the PTH2 neuropeptide circuit. These results provide new insights of how social isolation and aggressive interactions influence the plasticity of the PTH2 system in the context of social anxiety and stress
The Role of ADAP/Centaurin-A1 In Hippocampal-Based Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning
No full textThe synaptic protein ADAP1/Centaurin-a1 (CentA1) is found in high concentrations within the brain. It is known to regulate dendritic differentiation and their structural plasticity. Research has shown that it may mediate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, leading to behavioral and cognitive impairments in mice. CentA1 is upregulated by amyloid β (Aβ), which correlates with Aβ-dependent spine loss and deficits in spine plasticity in mice. In turn, plaques comprised of Aβ are highly associated with AD progression. Indeed, phosphorylation of CentA1 is prominently expressed in hippocampal tissues of AD patients. In this study we investigated whether suppression of CentA1 would be an ideal method to reverse cognitive dysfunction using trace eyeblink classical conditioning (TECC), a well-studied form of learning mediated by cortical-hippocampal interactions. A learning task that assesses this neural circuit is used because it is highly susceptible to AD neuropathogenesis.
AD is characterized by progressive loss of many cognitive functions. Looking at CentA1 overexpression is a novel approach to understanding neuropathology of AD, as current treatments have yielded very little in terms of long-term efficacy. Elevated CentA1 may enhance AD progression and pathology, leading to cognitive impairments and its reduction is a potential target for experimental therapeutics.
Adult male and female wild-type (WT) and CentA1 knockout (KO) mice were surgically implanted with recording electrodes and a stimulating electrode. After recovery, they received six days of TECC. Each day consisted of 100 trials in which a 380-ms, 80 dB tone conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired with a 100-ms, 1.6 mA current (unconditioned stimulus, US) delivered to the periorbital muscle to elicit an eyeblink unconditioned response (UR). A trace period of 500 ms in between the tone CS and shock US was imposed. The learning measure is the conditioned response (CR), an anticipatory eyeblink that is elicited by the tone CS and is emitted prior to the US. The trace period taxes the ability to time events properly and requires the integrity of cortical-hippocampal circuits. We compared whether the learning curves expressed by each group differed significantly.
Results from this study will provide novel insight on whether CentA1 plays a role in mediating adverse learning outcomes in AD
Determining if East Carolina University is Supportive of Working Toward Becoming a Trauma-Informed Campus
No full textPursuing higher education is a great milestone, but it can be incredibly challenging for students. Many students encounter periods of heightened stress due to academic, occupational, financial, or social stressors. While different stressors are important to acknowledge, it is especially important to highlight adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), a root cause of poor mental and physical well-being for college life (Davies et al., 2022). ACEs are difficult or traumatic events that occur in childhood and adolescence. Examples include violence, parental alcoholism, divorce, abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, and distress. Between 50% and 70% of university students have experienced an ACE, and between 12% and 20% have experienced four or more ACEs (Underwood et al., 2024). College students who have experienced one or more ACEs or traumatic events are more likely to have poorer retention rates and grades, feel anxious and lonely, and experience a decreased quality of life. Many university administrators and staff disregard past trauma or the negative effects of ACEs. A trauma-informed campus incorporates training for administrators, faculty, staff, and students to minimize traumatization or retraumatization in the college environment (Schroeder et al., 2023). This framework prepares leaders on college campuses to prioritize the well-being of students and employees by recognizing and appropriately responding to trauma by creating a systematic model for combatting the effects