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REGULATION OF THE BIDIRECTIONAL TRANSPORT OF ORGANELLES DURING SYNAPSE FORMATION, MAINTENANCE, AND PLASTICITY
Full text linkNeurons are specialized, polarized cells necessary for our function, cognition, and behavior. Moreover, neurons are non-mitotic cells and must be maintained for a lifetime. Within the neuron, organelles, such as mitochondria and lysosome-vesicles (LV), undergo bidirectional transport between the soma and synapses and contribute to neuronal health, energy demand, macromolecule clearance, intracellular signaling, and cell-to-cell communication. Decades of research have revealed the significance of mitochondria and LV during aging, neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and recently, novel implications in neuropsychiatric disorders. While these studies highlight the role of mitochondria and LV during aging and neurological conditions, less is known about the role of mitochondrial and LV in preserving the neuron during basal and learning conditions. Novel insight into whether and how basal versus learning conditions influence mitochondrial and LV abundance, spatial distribution, and soma-to-synapse bidirectional trafficking can strengthen our fundamental understanding of the neuron and can offer potential therapy targets for combatting the transport impairments observed in aging and neurological diseases.
Here, we employ the large identified sensory and motor neurons of the Aplysia californica gill withdrawal reflex by recapitulating the reflex monosynaptic circuity in vitro. We simultaneously imaged mitochondrial and LVs trafficking during basal synapse formation, maintenance, and activity-dependent excitatory plasticity. We found that the basal formation of functional synapses leads to a bidirectional enhancement in mitochondrial flux and a decrease in LV retrograde flux. Enhanced bidirectional mitochondrial transport persists through basal synapse maintenance. Additionally, retrograde LROs flux is persistently reduced during basal synapse maintenance. During synapse maintenance, differentially compartmentalized cAMP-PKA pools are necessary and sufficient for bidirectionally enhanced mitochondrial transport and for the reduction of retrograde LV trafficking. Lastly, excitatory synaptic plasticity temporally modulates direction-specific enhancements in mitochondrial flux and reductions in retrograde LRO flux. These results demonstrate modulation of mitochondria and LV\u27s spatial and temporal distribution during basal and excitatory synapse activities.
These data offer insight into how the transport of essential organelles between the soma and synapse is regulated to support synaptic activity. Importantly, these data provide the fundamental basis for characterizing mitochondrial and LVs trafficking during basal activity and excitatory plasticity
Bioarchaeological Analysis of Three Individuals Excavated from Palikè di Mineo, Sicily
Full text linkThis study presents the analysis of three individuals excavated from the area of Palikè di Mineo, Sicily in May and June of 2023. The archaeological area contained numerous burials, but this study focuses on two adult male and one subadult (child). Burials are estimated to be from the Imperial Period of the Roman Empire (20 CE - 360 CE). Information collected includes age, sex, stature, and taphonomy of the individuals. Burial style, artifacts, and position of the burials are used to present data on the possible conditions of life in ancient Sicily. This article contributes data to the greater discussion of archaeology in the area
BENEFICENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE AGE OF THE THING: A CASE STUDY OF THE PALM BEACH COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Full text linkWith this thesis, I explore how Palm Beach County Library System administration and the broader county government are managing the advance of artificial intelligence and seeking actionable resolutions to the artificial intelligence dilemma. Due to power differentials, triangulation required me to adopt a humanist, perspectival approach. I collected data from participant observations, reflective fieldnotes, literature review, and transcription of an interview, all of which informed my interpretations. Albeit colored by past experiences, I relate my professional familiarity in a customer service training role and express the importance of engaging patron experience that is service-oriented, ongoing training intended to recenter the human individuals that make up the public. I qualify the data gathered and question the neutrality of linear representations, being subject to bias. Ultimately, I proposed resolutions as to the role of artificial intelligence in libraries, to show that speculation is no solution. Therefore, my study is meant to highlight expandable service offerings, such as maker spaces, and the brilliance of the potential to harness “The Libraries of Things” to realize a new appreciation and value of public libraries in the age of the thing
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT: A CASE STUDY OF PERCEPTIONS OF PRACTICE
Full text linkThis dissertation examines the application of Peter Senge’s Learning Organization Theory at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), focusing on administrators\u27 perceptions of institutional learning amid increasing international student enrollment. Higher education institutions must balance market-driven behaviors with collaborative learning environments as they navigate a competitive global landscape.
The study stresses the need to investigate institutional learning outcomes and the impact of rising international student enrollment on university policies, procedures, and organizational learning. It explores the relationship between espoused theories, strategic goals designated by FAU, and theories-in-action, which reflect actual practices in recruiting and supporting international students. By integrating Argyris and Schön\u27s concepts of single-loop and double loop learning with Senge’s criteria, the research aims to provide insights into aligning theory with practice in efforts to enhance international student enrollment and retention.
Using qualitative case study methodology, this research includes semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and observations involving 14 administrators engaged in international student enrollment and support. Findings reveal that while FAU exhibits characteristics of a learning organization—such as personal mastery and team learning— gaps exist between its espoused theories and theories-in-action. Key themes include the importance of professional development, cross-departmental collaboration, and leadership’s role in fostering effective learning environments. Challenges identified include a lack of clear strategic direction, inadequate institutional support for professional growth, and inconsistent cross-departmental collaboration, which impede the university\u27s internationalization efforts.
In turn, this study seeks to guide future policy and decision-making to enhance the success of strategic initiatives. The conclusions highlight that bridging the gap between espoused theories and theories-in-action is crucial for universities to effectively recruit and support international students, thereby improving their overall institutional effectiveness and competitiveness in the global higher education landscape
Examining the Legal and Educational Implications of School Resource Officers in Education
Full text linkPredominantly serving the youth in schools, some states across the United States have implemented full-time sworn law enforcement officers, known as School Resource Officers (SROs), who are specially and specifically trained to promote safety within schools. Succeeding an increase in concern surrounding the juvenile justice system and juvenile crime, funding for school-based law enforcement programs has increased in conjunction, allowing for over 45% of public schools in the country to have implemented SROs within their walls. However, concerns surrounding the excessive use of force surrounding SROs have instigated debates regarding the necessity of a police presence on campus, as instances where SROs have resorted to force for discipline have been captured on camera. This article will discuss benefits and drawbacks of having SROs involved in disciplining noncriminal behavior by students and argue from a legal standpoint for the establishment of SROs in schools to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and students, prevent and respond to school-based crime, and protect students and staff from threats of violence during school. The presence of SROs does not inherently infringe on students\u27 rights. However, because of concern over excessive use of force, this article will present a legal analysis that would help promote positive relationships between SROs and the student population and minimize violent encounters
ENHANCING USE OF LONG-ACTING INJECTABLE ANTIPSYCHOTICS VIA EVIDENCE-BASED PROTOCOLS IN OUTPATIENT PSYCHIATRY
No full textThis quality improvement project aimed to improve continuity of care for individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder by implementing an evidence-based protocol to increase the use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics in an outpatient psychiatric setting. Guided by the Iowa Model and Jean Watson\u27s Theory of Human Caring, the intervention focused on the early identification of individuals at risk of relapse, the adoption of standardized protocols, education for both patients and caregivers and structured staff training. The protocol, adapted from the Taiwanese Society of Biological Psychiatry and Neuropsychopharmacology (TSBPN), provided clear criteria for LAI initiation and follow-up care. Outcomes were measured using validated tools such as the Bipolar Recovery Questionnaire and Recovery Assessment Scale, alongside adherence and readmission metrics. The project resulted in improved staff knowledge, enhanced patient engagement, and a projected 25% increase in LAI use over three months. These findings support the role of nurse-led, person-centered interventions in advancing evidence-based psychiatric care and reducing hospital readmissions among vulnerable populations
POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH FOLLOWING PREGNANCY LOSS: UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF POSITIVE RELIGIOUS COPING AND THE MODERATING EFFECT OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT
No full textThe purpose of this research study was to examine positive religious coping, perceived social support, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among bereaved mothers who had experienced pregnancy loss. I aimed to inform counselors about the nuances of the aftermath of pregnancy loss, as well as the protective and risk factors of PTG. The final sample consisted of 154 bereaved mothers who thoroughly completed a demographic questionnaire, the Positive Religious Coping subscale of the Brief Religious Coping Scale (Brief R-COPE), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory–Expanded (PTGI-X), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). I utilized the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 28.0.1.0 (142), to examine all data. Findings indicated that the proposed model of demographic and loss-related factors was not statistically significant. However, positive religious coping emerged as a significant predictor of PTG, while perceived social support was not found to be a significant moderator of the relationship between positive religious coping and posttraumatic growth. Exploratory post-hoc analyses revealed that age was associated with the New Possibilities subscale of PTG, and the number of pregnancy losses was related to decreased perceived social support. The findings of this study highlight the nuances in understanding the complex aftermath following pregnancy loss, especially as it relates to posttraumatic growth. Implications include equipping counselors to respond with cultural sensitivity and effectiveness when working with this population. Limitations of this study include restricted generalizability, potential self-report bias, and the use of a quantitative cross-sectional design
A COMPUTATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR MULTI-SCALE ANALYSIS OF MOUSE CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW REGULATION
No full textCerebral hemodynamic imaging is increasingly used as a non-invasive technique to study brain function and dysfunction in both research and clinical settings. Recent advances in imaging technologies have enabled high-speed, high-resolution, whole-brain measurements of blood flow and oxygenation. Improving the interpretation of these cerebral hemodynamic signals through a mechanistic understanding of their cellular drivers would enable more accurate characterization of brain function and pathology. However, no existing biophysical model fully captures the fine-grained dynamics observed in these signals. This dissertation introduces a biophysically grounded computational framework for multi-scale analysis of the mouse cerebral blood flow regulatory system, which captures mechanistic interactions among its primary components that shape cerebrovascular dynamics.
The tight coupling between neuronal activity and metabolic demand has led to the evolution of complex neurovascular coupling (NVC) mechanisms that dynamically regulate regional cerebral blood flow in response to local energy needs. This process, known as functional hyperemia, ensures the adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to active brain regions. Consequently, regional hemodynamic signals correlate with underlying brain activity, forming the foundation of hemodynamic neuroimaging. However, this correlation is complex, as multiple cellular and vascular factors contribute to the cerebrovascular dynamics, complicating the inference of cell-type-specific activity. To address this challenge, we developed a quantitative framework to disentangle the cell-specific drivers of cerebrovascular dynamics and generate a model that links cellular activity to hemodynamic signals. Incorporating the proposed biophysical model into cerebral hemodynamic analysis enhances the accuracy of inverse models that infer regional neuronal and astrocytic activity from hemodynamic signals.
Dysfunction in cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, including stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the physiological mechanisms that support healthy CBF regulation is essential for identifying early markers of pathology and improving the diagnosis of diseases in which cerebrovascular dysfunction plays a role. Current research also aims to identify specific morphological and functional impairments in the cerebral vasculature that most severely disrupt brain health. This work uses computational modeling to establish a systems-level perspective on healthy CBF regulation and to examine how cellular-level disruptions impair key system-level regulatory processes required for maintaining cerebral homeostasis. Furthermore, the model can be used to investigate how these impairments manifest in macroscopic, noninvasively measurable hemodynamic signals, supporting the identification of biomarkers of cerebrovascular dysfunction
A PHENOMENOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES COLLEGE STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCE WITH SECULAR HIGHER EDUCATION
No full textThe study explored how Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) college students make meaning of their academic, social, and spiritual engagement while enrolled in secular higher education. The study used a phenomenological approach to qualitative research design. Phenomenological methods were chosen to capture the lived experience of 17 JW college students, using purposeful sampling methods with data analyzed using Moustakas’s (1994) transcendental approach. The Watchtower Society’s (TWS) stance on higher education has been consistently discouraging, portraying college environments as spiritually dangerous and warning that exposure to secular ideologies, critical thinking, and worldly influences can weaken faith or lead to apostasy. The research questions for the study are:
1. How do Jehovah’s Witnesses college students in secular higher education institutions resolve what they learn in the classroom with The Watchtower Society’s religious dogmas? 2. How does the affiliation of Jehovah’s Witnesses college students with The Watchtower Society affect their academic, social, and spiritual involvement while studying in secular higher education institutions? 3. What strategies do Jehovah’s Witnesses college students use to manage their academic, social, and spiritual responsibilities while enrolled in secular higher education institutions?
The conceptual framework that guided this study is Baxter Magolda’s (2001, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014) theory of self-authorship, which explores how individuals transition from externally defined beliefs to internally constructed identities, a process particularly relevant to understanding how JW college students navigate secular higher education. The research questions were answered by conducting two semi-structured interviews (Seidman, 2019) with JW college student participants who met the sample criteria. A document analysis of TWS’s journals, magazines, Awake!, and Watchtower pamphlets was also conducted. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by providing the first phenomenological exploration of JW students’ experiences in secular higher education, offering insights into their strategies for navigating academic, social, and spiritual challenges
DEVELOPING A HIGH-THROUGHPUT MACHINE LEARNING SCREENING PLATFORM FOR GENETIC AND PHARMACOLOGICAL MODULATORS ON CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS SEIZURE BEHAVIOR
No full textEpilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that affect over 50 million people worldwide, including more than 3.5 million in the United States. Seizures arise from a disrupted balance between excitation and inhibition. Although antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) remain the primary treatment to restore the excitation and inhibition balance, approximately 30% of patients experience drug-resistant epilepsy, highlighting the need for additional antiseizure medications. The Caenorhabditis elegans electroshock assay was developed in relative alignment with the rodent maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test, the gold standard for preclinical AED screening, provides a cost-effective platform for prescreening candidate AEDs.
This work advances the C. elegans electroshock assay in two ways. First, iterative hardware refinements were applied to the conventional assay methodology to improve chamber stability, image clarity, and consistency of alignment. Second, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic platform was developed to enhance image resolution and clarity, overcoming the limitations of the conventional tube-based setup. This device also reduced worm handling, minimized variability, and enabled higher throughput under uniform conditions. In addition, a machine learning-based analysis pipeline was constructed to track behavior and is designed to generate quantitative measures of seizure recovery, providing a framework for unbiased analysis.
This work also investigated the antiseizure effects of both known and novel compounds to demonstrate the utility of the assay improvements. A known GABAA receptor agonist isoguvacine reduced seizure-like behavior across wildtype worms and in unc-25, but not in unc-49, supporting the microfluidic platform’s sensitivity to known GABAA receptor agonists. In parallel, Resveramorph-3, a novel resveratrol-inspired compound, attenuated the PTZ extended recovery time after electroshock in prior conventional work and produced recovery in the microfluidic platform, underscoring directional cross-platform reproducibility and validation.
Collectively, this work refines the conventional assay while establishing a distinct microfluidics approach, together improving reproducibility, scalability, and objectivity. By integrating engineering improvements, a validated microfluidic design, and framework for automated behavioral analysis, this work provides a platform positioned to accelerate prescreening of candidate AEDs and support efforts to expand treatment options for drug-resistant epilepsy