VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Constraining Deformation, Uplift, and Activity Along the Tuz Golu Fault Zone, Central Anatolia, Turkey
Keywords: Anatolia
Geodynamics
Geology
Structural
Tectonics
Turkey

We use a combination of paleostress analysis, tectonic geomorphology, and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology along the Tuz Golu fault zone to constrain deformation and uplift in the Central Anatolian Plateau (CAP) interior. Paleostress analysis shows at least two principal phases of deformation - pre-upper Miocene compression and post-Miocene extension, suggesting a changeover from compression to extension in Anatolia that broadly coincides with the onset of regional uplift. Morphometric analysis provide evidence of a southeastward increase in footwall uplift rate that could be the result of a regional uplift gradient, block rotations, or a combination of these processes. Morphometrics suggest north-northwest tilting of catchments, which may be linked to regional tilting related to uplift of the CAP. We utilize 40Ar/39Ar dating of offset lava flows in the southeastern Tuz Golu fault zone to constrain strike-slip deformation, and derive dextral slip rates that range from 0.58 to 3.53 mm/yr since ~2 Ma.
Community Connectedness Mediates the Link Between Attachment Avoidance and Internalized Heterosexism
Keywords: Attachment
Collective Self-Esteem
Community Connectedness
Internalized Heterosexism
Sexual Identity
Sexual Minorities

For sexual minorities, social connection with other sexual minorities plays an important role in managing minority stress (Detrie Lease, 2007; Meyer, 2003) and buffering the effects of internalized heterosexism (Mason, Lewis, Winstead, Derlega, 2015; J. Puckett, Levitt, Horne, Hayes-skelton, 2015). Disrupted social connection could explain why past studies found links between attachment avoidance â a discomfort with closeness and intimacy â and internalized heterosexism (Brown Trevethan, 2010; Mohr Fassinger, 2003). Using structural equation modeling, I tested whether community connectedness might mediate the link between attachment avoidance and multiple components of internalized heterosexism. In Study 1, attachment avoidance predicted higher internalized heterosexism, but this was fully mediated by the negative association between avoidance and community connectedness. Study 2 largely replicated these results, however, connectedness only partially mediated a link between avoidance and identity concealment. Thus, attachment avoidance may be linked to negative identity because avoidance hinders community connectedness.
The Inhibitory Role of Taurine through Glycine and GABAA Receptors in the Anoxia-tolerant Western Painted Turtle Brain (Chrysemys picta bellii)
Keywords: Anoxia
GABA
Glycine
Shunting Inhibition
Taurine
Western Painted Turtle

Unlike anoxia-intolerant mammals, painted turtles survive extended periods of anoxia. This is partly accomplished by an increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which mediates spike arrest via shunting inhibition in brain. Taurine levels also increase; its purpose is unknown but is speculated to include actions similar to inhibitory neurotransmitters, acting through glycine and/or GABAA/B receptors. Given the general importance of inhibition in anoxia-tolerance, we investigated taurineâ s function as an inhibitory molecule in the turtle cerebrocortex. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological methods we found that taurine depolarized membrane potential, increased whole cell conductance and induced an inward current similar to the effects of GABA and glycine. These effects were reduced when glycine and GABAA receptors but not GABAB or glutamatergic receptors were inhibited, suggesting that taurine mediates its effects through both glycine and GABAA receptors. Therefore, taurine may act as an inhibitory signaling molecule during anoxia in the turtle cortex.
Factors Associated with In-hospital Growth Trajectories of Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Keywords: Human milk
Macronutrient intakes
Postnatal growth
Preterm infant
Very low birth weight

Relationships between individual factors and in-hospital growth of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have been previously investigated; however, examining these factors together and their association with growth rates during hospitalization is warranted. This study explores the relationship between infant demographics, morbidities, daily macronutrient and energy intakes, and in-hospital weight, length, and head circumference (HC) trajectories. Repeated measures linear regression models assessed the relationship between prospectively-collected factors and anthropometric measures over time of 316 VLBW infants. Weight was associated with all macronutrient and energy intakes over time, irrespective of the infantsâ postnatal age (p-values: .03-
Modeling, Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation of Ion Exchange and Diffusion-Coupled Drug Transport in Pharmaceutical Polymers
Keywords: Eudragit Polymer
Ion Exchange
Modeling

Ionic polymers are used in pharmaceutical products to achieve desired drug release properties. The ionic interaction between drugs and polymers complicates theoretical prediction of drug transport adding more difficulties in design of controlled release dosage forms. Therefore, this thesis investigates drug transport in membranes of Eudragit速 RS (RS) and Eudragit速 RL (RL) with different amounts of cationic groups. A mathematical model was developed to describe the ion-exchange and diffusion-coupled drug loading mechanism. The model was verified by loading two different anionic drugs, ibuprofen Na and diclofenac Na, into cationic RS/RL polymer membranes. The dependence of drug loading kinetic and equilibrium were investigated using numerical simulations and experiments on the different physicalchemical parameters. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the system determined from this work can be used for the design of experiments to achieve target loading efficacy and efficiency and for prediction of drug release kinetics of coated dosage forms.
Do VLBW Infants Continue to Acquire Growth Deficits during their In-hospital Stay?
Keywords: Growth
Infants
Preterm

The purpose of this study was to determine whether very low birth weight (VLBW) infants continue to leave the hospital growth restricted, and to explore predictor variables affecting growth. Infant growth, demographics, morbidity, and mortality data were collected prospectively until hospital discharge or the 90th postnatal day. Anthropometric z scores were calculated. Multiple regression models with interaction terms were constructed to assess the association of potential predictor variables with absolute and z score measures of weight, length and head circumference over time. From birth to end of the study, weight (-0.73  1.06 to -1.5  0.85), length (-0.71  1.08 to -1.83  1.29) and head circumference (-0.87  1 to -1.11  1.03) z scores declined (P
ARGLU1 is an RNA-binding Protein that has a Fundamental Role in Modulating Global Alternative Splicing Patterns
Keywords: Alternative splicing
Nuclear receptor coregulators
RNA-binding proteins
RNA processing

Alternative splicing (AS) is a key step of RNA maturation. More emerging evidence demonstrates RNA synthesis and processing are coupled, thus transcriptional coregulatory proteins are being studied in greater detail as mediators of both events. Nuclear receptors such as glucocorticoid receptor (GR) are ligand-dependent transcription factors dependent on coregualtor interaction. The role of GR in metabolism and immune function in response to synthetic glucocorticoids, such as Dexamethasone are well characterized. We identified a novel GR coactivator, arginine and glutamate rich 1 (ARGLU1) that potentiates GR transcriptional activity and interacts with splicing factors. ARGLU1 knockdown in a neuronal cell line and analysis of mRNA found ARGLU1 alters alternatively spliced events (ASEs). Dexamethasone-regulated ASEs were also identified and found to be largely dependent on ARGLU1 and GR. RNA immunoprecipitation found that ARGLU1 could bind pre-mRNA of ASEs. This thesis studied the role of ARGLU1 as a novel RNA-binding protein that modulates AS.
Effects of TRPM2 Inhibition in Neuroprotection following Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Keywords: AG490
hypoxic-ischemic
neuroprotective
TRPM2

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury is a major cause of acute mortality and chronic neurological morbidity in infants and children. Studies indicate that transient receptor potential melastatin 2 or TRPM2 (a non-selective cation channel with high permeability to calcium that can be activated by intracellular adenosine diphosphoribose [ADPR] and H2O2) can mediate neuronal death following acute ischemic insults in adult mice as well as HI brain injury in neonatal mice. My study tested the effect of a newly described TRPM2 channel inhibitor AG490 by using a H2O2-induced neuronal cell death in vitro model and mouse HI brain injury in vivo model. I found that the inhibition of TRPM2 channels by AG490 demonstrates a neuroprotective effect both in vitro and in vivo. The neuroprotective effect of AG490 following post-injury treatment suggests the potential clinical implications of this drug, including the possible prevention of HI related neurological complications such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
CONSUMPTION OF NON-COW’S MILK BEVERAGES AND HEIGHT IN CHILDHOOD
Keywords: childhood
cow milk
height
noncow milk beverages
pediatrics

ABSTRACT Background: Non-cow’s milk beverages among children are increasingly being consumed due to perceived health benefits. However, non-cow’s milk contains less protein and fat than cow’s milk and may not have the same effect on height. I hypothesized that consumption of non-cow’s milk beverages would be associated with lower childhood height. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of TARGet Kids! data on healthy children 2-5 years of age was conducted. Multivariate linear regression models were used to test the association between daily volume of non-cow’s milk beverage consumption and height-for-age z-scores. Results: Higher non-cow’s milk consumption was associated with lower childhood height. Each daily cup of non-cow’s milk was associated with a lower height-for-age z-score of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.05, P
Overlapping Roles of Iroquois Homeobox Genes 3 and 4 in the Compaction of the Ventricular Myocardium
Keywords: Cardiac development
Iroquois
LVNC

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a primary congenital cardiomyopathy characterized by prominent trabeculation and intra-trabecular recesses in the ventricular wall. Its genetic basis and pathologic mechanism remain largely unknown. Here it is shown that Irx3;Irx4 double knockout (DKO) mouse mutants represent a novel model of LVNC. Irx3 and Irx4 belong to the family of Iroquois homeobox (Irx) genes, encoding transcription factors important for cardiac function. Mice lacking either Irx3 or Irx4 do not have gross cardiac malformations. In contrast, Irx3;Irx4DKO mice exhibit postnatal lethality and thinner ventricular walls as early as E14.5. By P14, DKO mice have prominent noncompacted trabeculation and abnormal muscular growth that resemble human LVNC. Furthermore, Irx3;Irx4DKO hearts exhibit increased expression of heart failure marker genes, elevated Bmp10 pathway activity, and altered pattern of cardiomyocyte proliferation, each of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of LVNC. Taken together, these studies suggest that Irx3 and Irx4 possess overlapping functions, which are essential to myocardial compaction.
Developing an Auditory Hybrid Brain-computer Interface Based on Near-infrared Spectroscopy and Electroencephalography
Keywords: alternative communication
auditory
brain-computer interface
electroencephalography
hybrid
near-infrared spectroscopy

Auditory brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) serve as an access pathway for individuals who present as locked-in and have concomitant visual impairments, but they do not perform as well as visual BCIs. Since hybrid BCIs that combine electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) outperform unimodal BCIs in motor imagery tasks, we hypothesized that such a hybrid BCI would outperform a unimodal BCI in an auditory oddball task. Eleven non-disabled adults (aged 25.6 Âą 3.3) participated in two offline sessions and eight returned for a third online session. While combined EEG-NIRS classification did not outperform EEG-exclusive classification, combined classification does show modest gains in 2 participants when using all the NIRS data but constraining the EEG data to only a single oddball. In conclusion, NIRS offers limited benefits in terms of classification in a prolonged auditory task paradigm, but future research should focus on optimizing task duration for EEG and NIRS classification.
Galectin-9 inhibits B cell receptor (BCR) signaling by regulating BCR organization and mobility
Keywords: B cell
BCR
galectin 9

B cells are part of the adaptive immune system and secrete antibodies targeting foreign pathogen (referred to as antigen). B cells are activated by binding of antigen to the antigen-specific B cell receptor (BCR), which initiates downstream signaling cascades necessary for the production of antibodies. Recent data from our lab identified that the glycan-binding lectin known as galectin-9 (Gal-9) binds to IgM-BCR and inhibits B cell activation. However, the molecular mechanism for Gal-9 mediated inhibition B cell activation is still unknown. In this study, we showed that exogenous Gal-9 reorganizes IgM-BCR into larger clusters within the Gal-9 lattice, and concomitantly immobilizes IgM. We also demonstrated that Gal-9 increases the density of inhibitory molecules including CD45 and CD22 together with IgM-BCR in the Gal-9 lattice, consistent with the inhibitory effect of Gal-9 on B cell activation. These findings elucidate a novel extracellular mechanism to regulate signal transduction through BCR.
On the Competing Roles of Attractiveness and Group Membership in Person Evaluations
Keywords: Attractiveness
Group membership
Impression formation
Person perception

Individual preferences notwithstanding, studies on physical attractiveness have suggested that people largely agree about others’ attractiveness and favor attractive individuals. Though this attractiveness halo represents one of the strongest influences over social behavior, psychological literature has documented other robust biases as well. For instance, favoritism towards members of one’s own group guide much of a person’s thoughts and actions. Here, I investigated what happens when these two biases collide by examining how attractiveness affects implicit and explicit evaluations of ingroup and outgroup members. I hypothesized that group membership biases would cede to attractiveness biases; participants would prefer attractive individuals irrespective of group membership. However, whereas the results of Implicit Association Tests showed that participants’ evaluations of ingroup and outgroup targets differed more by group membership, semantic differential scales showed that explicit evaluations differed more by attractiveness levels. A person’s attractiveness and group membership therefore seem to separately affect others’ evaluations.
The Anticonvulsant Effects of 5a-dihydroprogesterone in the Rat Amygdala-Kindled Model
Keywords: 5a-dihydroprogesterone
amygdala-kindling
DHP
epilepsy

The present study investigated the anti-seizure effects of 5-dihydroprogesterone (5-DHP) in an animal model of human drug-resistant complex partial seizures - the rat amygdala-kindling model - using different routes of administration and solvents. 5-DHP in -cyclodextrin administered via the subcutaneous (SQ) route was weakly effective (Rmax=30%). 5-DHP via the intraperitoneal (IP) route in the "benzyl" vehicle, however, suppressed both generalized and focal seizures with ataxia shortly after injection; and generalized seizures around 130 minutes post-injection. The "benzyl" vehicle itself, however, was active at the earlier time, and benzyl alcohol was found to be anticonvulsant. 5-DHP in -cyclodextrin via the intravenous (IV) route suppressed both generalized seizures and focal seizures, with ataxia. A time-response IV study at 5mg/kg showed immediate onset of anticonvulsant action that lasted for about 60 minutes post-injection. In conclusion, 5-DHP demonstrated efficacy in the present study, and 5-DHP analogs might be developed as a new anti-seizure therapy.
Mother to fetus transfer of probiotic lactobacilli in mice
Keywords: Bacteria
Microbiology
Microbiota
Nutrition
Pregnancy
Probiotics

Research suggests that the fetal environment is not sterile. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the presence of bacteria in fetal tissues, including fetal intestine, and to characterize the transfer of probiotic bacteria (Lacidofil速: L. rhamnosus R0011 (95%) and L. helveticus R0052 (5%)) from mother to offspring during pregnancy in CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice. Total bacteria were quantified in the placenta, umbilical cord, and small and large intestine of fetuses derived from both strains of mice, with lactobacilli found to predominate. L. rhamnosus R0011 was quantified in 50% of large intestine and 33% of placenta samples of fetuses derived from CD-1 probiotic treated dams, but not in any fetal tissues derived from CD-1 control or C57BL/6 dams. These findings suggest that fetal tissues are not sterile and contain an abundance of lactobacilli, and that vertical transfer of microorganisms occur during gestation.
A Novel Digital Memory Augmentation Device to Improve Autobiographical Memory in Older Adults
Keywords: aging
autobiographical memory
digital memory augmentation
episodic memory

A promising approach to minimize the effects of autobiographical memory (AM) loss in aging is digital memory augmentation (DMA), whereby a device records information in one's day-to-day life for later review. Despite producing benefits to memory recall, current DMA protocols do not incorporate findings from the cognitive neuroscience literature which have been shown to improve memory. In the current study, we developed a novel DMA device which takes into account the neurobiology underlying AM, and various principles from cognitive psychology known to improve learning and memory. Participants used this device to record events and review them back in a speeded and distributed manner throughout the day. We found that using our DMA device specifically improved recall of episodic AM details without affecting recall of non-episodic AM details in older adults. We also found that using our DMA device improved immediate memory recall as measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale: Logical Memory Test (Wechsler, 2008). Furthermore, the benefits in episodic AM details derived from using our DMA device could be predicted by scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Nasreddine et al., 2005). The results of our study suggest that our novel DMA device can provide a means to improve episodic AM memory in older adults.
Examining the Impact of Item-Distractor Similarity Using a Validated Circular Shape Space
Keywords: Interference
Mixture Model
Shape Wheel
Similarity

How does interference impact memory? Previous work on memory for colour suggest that the similarity of distracting information can differentially alter how visual representations are forgotten. In Experiment 1, we describe the creation of the Validated Circular Shape Space (VCS space), a novel â Shape Wheelâ whereby the subjective similarity of 360 shapes varied incrementally around a circular space. Pairwise shape similarity ratings were collected over a series of validation steps and multidimensional scaling was used to iteratively validate the shape space to ensure subjective circularity. In Experiment 2, we then used this set of shapes to assess how shape memory was impacted by distracting information that varied in subjective similarity relative to the study shape. We found that when distractors were similar to the studied shape, a significant benefit to memory accuracy was observed. When distractors were dissimilar to the studied shape, accuracy was significantly reduced. In contrast, no differences in precision was observed in any of the conditions relative to baseline. These results may imply the existence of surround suppression which acts to shield shape memory from the degradation of highly similar distractors. Overall, we have developed a novel circular shape space that is homogenous across individuals and show that memory for shapes can be systematically impacted by the subjective similarity of distractors.
The role of Eph-ephrin signalling in the cell-to-cell spread of Listeria monocytogenes
Keywords: EFNB1
Eph
ephrin
Listeria monocytogenes
listeria spread

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive human pathogen that has emerged as a model organism for studying intracellular parasitism. After cellular invasion, these bacteria escape the phagosome using the pore-forming toxin Listeriolysin O (LLO) and two phospholipases C. Expression of ActA allows Listeria to undergo actin-based motility in the cytosol, leading to formation of cell surface protrusions that can be engulfed by neighbouring cells, allowing cell-to-cell spread. Here, I demonstrate that ephrin-B1 plays an important role in restricting Listeria cell-to-cell spread. Ephrin-B1 restricts Listeria spread by limiting their ability to initiate protrusion formation. The pore-forming toxin LLO is known to promote cell-to-cell spread of Listeria and was found to be required for the increased spread observed in ephrin-B1-deficient cells. This suggests that LLO can promote protrusion formation/stability in the absence of ephrin-B1. Collectively, ephrin-B1 functions as a specific host factor to counteract the function of LLO in promoting efficient Listeria spread.
Validation and Mechanistic Studies of Gluconeogenesis Regulators Identified from Zebrafish Chemical Genetic Screens
Keywords: Diabetes
Drug repurposing
Gluconeogenesis
Pck1
Pyruvate tolerance test
Zebrafish

Phosphoenolypyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is the rate limiting enzyme in hepatic gluconeogenesis, which produces glucose from pyruvate to maintain circulating glucose level according to the bodyâ s needs. Cytosolic PEPCK (pck1) is widely studied for its crucial role in hepatic gluconeogenesis. High levels of pck1 are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes; conversely, improved insulin sensitivity is observed in mice with decreased pck1 level. Ten potential lead compounds from previous screening of 727 FDA-approved compounds were examined using pck1 zebrafish reporter lines, Tg(pck1:luc2) and Tg(pck1:Venus). Compounds were tested in larval zebrafish and ranked based on their ability to regulate pck1 expression and glucose levels. Subsequently, a diabetic mouse model was used to further validate the potential anti-hyperglycemic effects of the selected compound (Esomeprazole, Eso). Eso treatment improved glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice as determined by pyruvate tolerance tests. Here we describe a possible mechanism of action of Eso, which involves regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis through insulin-dependent down-regulation of pck1.