bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Out-of-core image techniques with extensions for WAMI
Authors:   , Fraser Joshua B.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Out-of-core image techniques provide for interactive visualization, analysis, and processing of extremely large images exceeding primary memory. This requires specialized data formats for fast random access to data residing on remote or secondary storage, threading architectures for improved throughput, application-level domain specific caching, and optimized rendering techniques. While these techniques have been embraced in some scientific fields such as remote sensing and digital histopathology, barriers remain to wider adoption. This work improves on existing methods with a view-centric threading architecture to improve data throughput by loosely coupling cooperating threads while reducing locking contention, and a constant-time O(1) spatially clustering cache better suited to user interaction than time-based paging of competing systems. Wider adoption is addressed with a method for fast service-less remote data access, a portable file interchange format, and a novel fast method for online transcoding of data to this out-of-core format. Specific extensions are provided for Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) with spatio-temporal caching and distributed rendering for large tiled displays. A brief study is also made for extending these concepts to create a scalable 3D point cloud visualization tool using reservoir-sampled octrees and fast screen space area calculation for continuous level-of-detail. Finally, these methods are applied beyond visualization to create novel solutions to problems in WAMI including point-of-interest stabilization, dense multiview 3D reconstruction, and accurately sampled hierarchical reconstruction in city-scale photogrammetry.
Magical safe spaces : the role of literature in Medieval and early modern magic
Authors:   , Howland-Davis Emilee J.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] My dissertation argues that medieval and early modern English romances provided magic a safe space where authors and audiences engaged with the ideas of magic and superstition free from the risk of condemnation and the inquisition of medieval and early modern secular and religious authorities. The term safe space is a contemporary idea used to discuss spaces, both literal and figurative, where people who identify as LGTBQ+ are welcomed and free to express themselves. While the modern idea of a safe space has a very specific group of users and uses, it is the figurative idea of a safe space which I argue can be applied to otherworlds in medieval and early modern romances. I discuss late medieval and early modern romances as well as their interaction with and difference from historical records, trials, and treatises on magic. My methodology combines a historicist approach with Marxist and feminist theory in its exploration of magical safe spaces. The later Middle Ages were a time of increased scrutiny of non-religious behaviors, a narrowing of what constituted witchcraft and diabolism, and an upsurge in the numbers of heretical accusations and trials. Similarly, early modern England experienced an increase in accusations and investigations of magic, witchcraft, and heresy. My dissertation draws connections between historical documents and medieval and early modern literature and argues that as societal concerns about feminine heretical practice increased, literature found safe ways to explore these ideas. In doing this, medieval and early modern romance became a safe space for the exploration of magic generally and female magic users specifically.
Naturalizing epistemology : reconsidering quine and nietzsche
Authors:   , Khawaja Salman
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] This dissertation argues for ways to construct a more viable normative epistemology--the part of epistemology that focuses on normative notions such as rationality, justification, evidence, and reasons--for a branch of naturalism called replacement naturalism. The replacement naturalist, in contrast to other types of naturalists, rejects a priori methods and wants to replace those methods with a posteriori methods. Critics of replacement naturalism have questioned the plausibility of providing a normative epistemology account based solely on empirical methods. Most contemporary replacement naturalist theories fail to adequately respond to common critiques about their viability, because their normative epistemologies lack coherence and substance. I argue that we can find insights on how to better respond to these basic viability concerns by looking back to Quine and Nietzsche. In this regard, I offer a new interpretation of Quine's naturalized epistemology and his turn to psychology--one that reduces concerns about coherence, but still affirms he was not abandoning normative epistemology. I also offer a new interpretation of Nietzsche's normative theory--which focuses on his central project of the reevaluation of all values. Reconsidering Quine's turn to psychology and Nietzsche's reevaluation of values can help replacement naturalists respond to the incoherence and substantiality objections against their normative epistemology accounts.
Role of S100A9 in diabetic retinopathy
Authors:   , Lim Rayne Ruiyi
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvasculature disease causing irreversible blindness in 50% of working adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Chronic sterile inflammation is one of the key players involved in DR progression, however no treatment strategy is available for the early inflammatory milieu. S100A9 is a damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) protein found at the injury sites of inflammatory diseases. However, the function of S100A9 in the retina and DR is yet to be studied. This study was designed to characterize S100A9 in the retina and its role in DR pathogenesis. Firstly, S100A9 protein was identified to associate with severity of DR in human patient plasma. In the retina, S100A9 was found upregulated in the retina of Ossabaw pig model of early DR. Obese pigs fed a western diet showed signs of retinal damage including pericyte loss, basement membrane thickening, and neuronal degeneration. S100A9 was increased in the inner and outer plexiform layers of the retina and localized to the activated retinal microglial cells. We then established the culture of primary pig retinal microglial (pMicroglia) cells for further examination of S100A9 mechanism of action in DR. Activated pMicroglia were shown to produce S100A9 protein, which induced pro-inflammatory response via production of IL-1[beta], IL-6 and IL-8. Paquinimod, a Q-compound, inhibited S100A9 binding to TLR4 and thus dampened the pro-inflammatory response via downstream regulation of TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome. In conclusion, this study reports microglial-derived S100A9 to be a possible instigator of early damage seen in DR pathogenesis, which can be targeted for therapeutic intervention in human DR patients.
Effect of gender and generation on objective and subjective retirement income adequacy at three points in time
Authors:   , Herring Dalisha D.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the effect of gender and generation on subjective and objective measures of retirement income adequacy (RIA). The two generations studied -- Baby Boomers and Generation X -- each have experienced somewhat different retirement planning environments during their working years. I assessed gender and generational differences in both measures of RIA at three points in time and identify the factors that play a role in these differences. Questions this dissertation seeks to answer include whether being female is a significant factor in either objective or subjective RIA assessment, whether being female affects objective and subjective RIA in different years, whether being in Generation X is a significant factor in objective and subjective RIA assessment, and whether being in Generation X affects objective and subjective RIA in different years. The research design includes analysis of respondents born 1946 to 1964, Baby Boomers, and 1965 to 1981, Generation X, in the 1989, 2001, and 2016 Survey of Consumer Finances. Logistic regression assesses the likelihood of meeting the objective RIA target. Respondents meet the target if they have a retirement income replacement ratio of at least 73%. Ordinal logistic regression assesses the gender and generational differences in subjective RIA. Subjective RIA is rated by respondents as either (1) totally inadequate, (2) "unsatisfactory," (3) enough to maintain living standard, (4) "satisfactory," or (5) very satisfactory. While results did not indicate gender as a significant factor in objective and subjective retirement income adequacy as expected, generation does play a role in these measures. Findings also indicate that race and income level play a significant role in objective and subjective RIA. Individuals identifying as black/African American and households in the highest income tercile tend to be over-confident about their expected retirement income, while those in the lowest tercile tend be under-confident. Individuals with self-assessed health status of anything less than excellent are less likely to meet the objective RIA target. When planning for income needs in retirement, it is important for individuals and families to consider increased healthcare cost that comes with advanced age.
Targeted therapeutics for non small cell lung carcinoma
Authors:   , Mukherjee Soumavo
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] "Lung carcinoma, also known as lung cancer, is a malignant tumor of lungs characterized by uncontrolled call growth in lung tissue. Tobacco smoking is the reason for nearly 85% of cases of lung cancer. The rest 10-15% are usually a combination of genetic factors, secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, asbestos and radon gas exposure. Chest radiography and CT scan with confirmation by biopsy are the ways to detect the cancer. The type of cancer, degree of spread and the overall health weigh in on the outcome and eventual possible cure. Still now, most cases are not curable. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the treatments of choice for all types of lung cancer. Being the most common form of cancer in men and second most common form in women, after breast, data of the year 2012 showed 1.8 million incidences of lung cancer resulting to 1.6 million deaths worldwide, with the most common age of diagnosis being 70 years. 5-year survival rate in USA is 17.4%. ... Studies has been done to unravel the downstream effect after knocking down the oncogene via siRNA(42). Malignant cells have a number of secondary pathways, along with the primary pathway, which remain dormant till the disruption of the primary pathway(43). A complex mechanism controls this function which is triggered by the change in downstream protein and gene expression levels. This makes the cancer cells develop drug resistance(44). In this project, we developed a gelatin-based nanoparticle (GelNP) that will act as a vehicle to deliver targeted siRNAs against NSCLC cells in combination with Cisplatin. The cetuximab (Ab), an EGFR targeting antibody, shall be attached to the surface. The AXL and FN14 SiRNAs shall be conjugated to the antibody by the thio-ether linkage. The cetuximab antibody shall be used to specifically target the cell and also to protect the siRNAs from degradation. We predict that 146kDa cetuximab antibody will shield the 15kDa siRNAs and prevent it from exposure to environment. Since AXL and FN14 has been observed to be related to EGFR, we hypothesize that knocking down AXL and FN14 will block EGFR and thus allow the TKI to continue its course of therapeutic action."--Introduction.
The use of massively parallel sequencing to study the virome, epigenome and genome of canine and feline cancers
Authors:   , Chu Shirley
Published: April 2021

The remarkable advancements in sequencing technologies have allowed the entire mutational landscape of hundreds of different types of human cancers to be defined. This knowledge gives patients two new categories of treatment options, small molecule inhibitors and targeted immunotherapy. Veterinary oncology has been slow to enter the field of genome-wide studies, largely due to costs. Five years ago, the first whole genome of a canine cancer patient was published. Because of NIH support and the steady decline in sequencing costs, the number of published canine tumor sequences has exploded this past year as these projects are being concluded. This dissertation contributes to this growing knowledge. The scope was diverse and included exploration in metagenomics, epigenomics and transcriptomics in canine and feline cancers. This research affirmed previous notions that papillomavirus is not a common cause of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) and added to the understanding that it is not caused by any other DNA or integrated dsRNA virus. In canin DLCBL (cDLBCL) we provided more evidence that the subgroups seen in human DLBCL (hDLBCL) cannot be faithfully reproduced in the methylome of cDLCBL, likely at a greater scale than DNA mutations, and neurogenic/neuroendocrine, HOX and Wnt pathways were epigenetically targeted. In canin osteosarcoma (OSA) we built upon the genome model by adding loss of heterozygosity data and illustration of metastatic lesions. We also provided support to target the CDK4, Wnt and mTOR pathways. Finally we highlight unexpected discoveries such as the discovery of Epstein Barr virus in FOSCC, stability of the methylome in Golden Retriever DLBCL, epimutations in the TBX pathway in cDLBCL, dysregulation of human melanoma pathways in canine OSA, absence of dysregulation of HER2 in canine OSA, absence of genomic evidence of a telomere maintenance mechanism, recurrent shattering of chr26 in canine OSA and HSP90AB1, MITF and NOTCH2, as potentially actionable genes. These data will provide a significant resource for the community to generate new hypotheses and answer key questions about the molecular drivers of canine and feline malignancies.
Integrated clinical decision support : assessing opportunities and outcomes
Authors:   , Green Timothy A.
Published: April 2021

Medical calculators play an important role as a component of specific clinical decision support (CDS) systems that synthesize measurable evidence and can introduce new medical guidelines and standards. Understanding the features of calculators is important for calculator adoption and clinical acceptance. Some medical calculators can fulfill the role of CDS for Meaningful Use purposes. However, there are barriers for clinicians to use medical calculators in practice. This research presents a novel classification system for medical calculators and explores clinician use and perceived usefulness of medical calculators. Additionally, we examine the effects of an EHR integrated decision support tool on management of pain in an inpatient setting. Metadata on 766 medical calculators implemented online were collected, analyzed, and categorized by their input types, method of presenting results, and advisory nature of those results. Reference rate, publication year, and availability of references were collected. We surveyed a population of resident and attending physicians at a medium-sized academic medical center to discover the prevalence of medical calculator use, how they were accessed, and what factors might influence their use, for example, EMR integration. We also conducted a retrospective evaluation of an EHR integrated CDS module focused on pain management, leveraging a novel approach to digital workflow evaluation within the EHR, focusing on patient-centric outcome measurements.
Mechanisms of polar growth in the alphaproteobacterial order rhizobiales
Authors:   , Williams Michelle A.
Published: April 2021

All bacteria elongate and divide to faithfully reproduce their cell shape. Understanding the mechanisms that drive bacterial morphology requires an intimate knowledge of how the cell wall is synthesized. During cell division, most bacteria synthesize new cell wall at mid-cell and the mechanism underlying this process is highly conserved. In contrast, there is a high degree of diversity in bacterial growth patterning during elongation. Bacteria in the Rhizobiales exhibit an atypical form of unipolar elongation, and the molecular mechanisms of how new cell wall is synthesized during growth and division currently remains unexplored. Using microfluidics and fluorescent cell wall probes we first investigated whether polar growth is conserved in a morphologically complex bacterium, Prosthecomicrobium hirschii. We showed that P. hirschii has a dimorphic lifestyle and can switch between a long-stalked, non-motile form and a short-stalked, motile form. Furthermore, we found that all morphotypes of P. hirschii elongate using polar growth, suggesting the polar elongation is a widespread feature of bacteria in this order. Next, we used the rod-shaped bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a model to investigate the precise mechanisms that drive polar elongation. We characterized a comprehensive set of cell wall synthesis enzymes in A. tumefaciens and identified penicillin-binding protein 3a (PBP3a) and PBP3b as a synthetic lethal pair that function during cell division, and PBP1a as an essential enzyme required for polar growth and maintenance of rod shape. Compositional analysis of the PBP1a depletion, suggested that LD-transpeptidase (LDT) enzymes may play an important role in polar growth. We identified three LDTs that likely function in polar growth. We also observed subpolar localization of LDTs, suggesting bacteria in the Rhizobiales may insert or remodel cell wall material in a subpolar zone during growth. Finally, we used RNA-seq to explore changes in gene expression during PBP1a depletion, revealing that that loss of PBP1a induces a lifestyle switch which mimics the switch from a free-living bacterium into a plant-associated state. The change in lifestyle is characterized by increased exopolysaccharide production and Type VI Secretion System activity and a decrease in flagella-mediated motility. This finding indicates that bacteria have a mechanism to sense changes in cell wall composition or integrity due to the loss of PBP1a and respond through changes in gene expression that impact physiology and behavior. This finding opens the door to future studies on the link between changes in cell wall composition and complex bacterial behaviors and lifestyles. Overall, this research provides mechanistic insights about the roles of cell wall synthesis during cell growth and division in the A. tumefaciens, which are conserved in other Rhizobiales, including agriculturally and medically species such as Sinorhizobium and Brucella.
Insights into atomic orbital polarization in polyatomic dissociation from DC slide velocity map imaging
Authors:   , Weeraratna Hashini Chaya
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] "The field of chemical reaction dynamics is based upon understanding the details of elementary chemical reactions. It seeks to answer fundamental questions such as, what pathways does the reaction follow? what product states are formed? what determines the energy disposal, and the angular distributions of the products? State-of-the-art experimental methods developed over time along with theoretical techniques and advanced computational methods provide a toolset to address these questions. Achieving deep insight into reaction mechanisms ultimately permits the control over their chemical reactivity. One way of apprehending these processes is to characterize the potential energy surface (PES) since they completely embody the forces between the constituent atoms. .. Photodissociation of small molecules has been studied using variety of detection methods, such as, photofragment translational spectroscopy, [4,5] Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), [6] Doppler-related methods, [7] Rydberg tagging, [8,9] photofragment ion imaging [10] and photoelectron imaging. [11] Photofragment imaging is now the most widely used method to study photodissociation dynamics. In the simplest illustration, it maps the recoil velocity distribution of the state selected product onto a position sensitive detector plane and energy and the angular distributions information are extracted by reconstruction of the experimentally observed images. The main objective of the this work is to study the vector correlations of photodissociation using photofragment ion imaging technique."--Introduction.
Essence of social exchange through alumni engagement of millennials and their alma mater
Authors:   , Machovsky Robert J.
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the donor and alumni engagement and perceptions of the â€œMillennialâ€ generation and descriptive statistics of the population (born between 1980-2004) at a rural Midwest University. Data were obtained from a University database containing demographic (i.e., gender, race, birth year, donor status, donation amount, activities involved in while in school), on Millennial alumni at the University. Data were analyzed by a variety of techniques that included descriptive statistics, Independent t-Test, deployment of a survey, and focus group. The quantitative findings concluded that Millennials who were born from 1980 to 1989 contributed larger average gifts then Millennials who were born from 1990 to 2004. Additionally, the research discovered that Millennials who were involved in organizations gave larger donations than those who were not in student organizations. The qualitative findings concluded that the Millennial population provided evidence of areas and reason on why they support the institution when connected to making a donation and the various aspects that affect one's ability due to communication preferences, affinity, areas to support, and financial ability. An understanding for professionals and researchers to be educated on how to better fundraise/engage with the Millennial generations within higher education will allow for universities and colleges to rely on this generation in the years to come.
An evaluation of a precollege program on college success
Authors:   , Krueger Merilee A.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a precollege 07 program at Missouri University of Science and Technology known as Hit the Ground Running (HGR). It used a convergent mixed-methods research design, combining data from semi-structured interviews with HGR participants and institutional data on previous HGR participants (e.g., high school grades, ACT scores, math placement test scores, enrollment dates, graduation term). It was based on the theoretical frameworks of Vygotsky (1978) and Bandura (1997). Bandura proposes that self-efficacy is an important factor for college success. Vygotsky suggests that effective learning requires social interaction. While the study did not provide a comparison group, the quantitative data suggest that HGR is an effective program in term of graduation rate and retention. It also found that the primary reasons listed as to why HGR was helpful were that it facilitated the formation of friendship and increased their sense of preparedness, thus selfefficacy in college.
The ecology of organizational forms in local and regional food systems: exploring the scaling-up challenge via a species concept
Authors:   , Entsminger Jason Scott
Published: April 2021

Over the past 30 years, Western nations have developed alternative systems for exchanging agrofood products which incorporate social values into the transactional environment. These systems are comprised of many different exchange relationships, structured to transmit information about social values and attach credence attributes to the products. New organizational forms, institutions, and networks arise to achieve the values demanded by the underlying social movement. One movement centers on the social value of a commitment to place. It seeks to create relocalized and socially embedded means of exchange. Policy initiatives have responded, making investments in local and regional food systems. The primary challenge faced by these initiatives: how to increase the of scale while maintaining the value premiums associated with the movementâ€™s objectives. I view these complex networks as ecologies and seek to understand how different organizational forms interact to scale-up LRFSs. I make three crucial developments: (1) a framework to define LRFSs; (2) a model on the metaphysics of social objects and their kinds; and (3) an Organizational Species Concept to consistently identify organizational forms. Together these developments enable an ecological approach by providing a means of identifying distinct organizational populations. I apply my OSC to the case of food hubs â€" coordinating intermediaries identified as a key for increased scale. This yields six "species". I find that each fills a different functional role and contributes differently to scaling-up LRFSs. I highlight how this is helpful for targeted policymaking.
The impact of residence hall leadership on international students' cross-cultural adaptation
Authors:   , Murdock Gregory D.
Published: April 2021

International students experience cross-cultural difficulties as they seek to adapt to U.S. campuses. Past research has indicated that residence halls can have both positive and negative impacts on students' educational experiences. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study explored the lived experiences of 13 international students and 20 residence hall leaders from three Midwestern colleges, exploring the impact that residence hall leaders have on the cross-cultural adaptation of international students. Results demonstrated that residence hall leaders can foster international students cross-cultural adaptation through providing useful information that helps the students to become familiar with and understand better the new environment. Residence hall leaders who provide meaningful personal conversation with international students can also contribute to their cross-cultural adaptation through conveying value and acceptance of the student into the residence hall community. Providing residence hall community activities that help build intercultural relationships, establish cultural support networks, and promote a sense of community foster such cross-cultural adaptation as well.
Taxonomic and metagenomic approaches to diet, health, and breeds of ruminants
Authors:   , Patil Rocky
Published: April 2021

Ruminant mammals maintain a symbiotic relationship with their gut microbiome, the organisms of which break complex plant matter into metabolites that are absorbed by the host animal for its nutrition. Building on prior work describing the taxonomic composition of this ecosystem, we sought to explore its biochemical operation with a systems biology approach. We constructed a merged host/microbial metabolic network by using shotgun metagenomic data matched to a reference enzyme database. We used this approach to explore the complexities of the rumen ecosystem and to assess the effects of feed additives in diet, feed efficiency, and breed-differences on this ecosystem. We linked the metabolic network of the microbial community to that of the host animal by defining a set of interface metabolites shared between them. The value of our approach is illustrated with our comparison of the rumen microbiomes of animals of low and high feed efficiencies. Strikingly, there was no individual enzyme that was statistically different in its abundance between these two groups. However, by analyzing the network as a whole, we observed that the high efficiency animals had a microbial network that was closer in network space to the host's reactions. In our antibiotics study, we observed that there were changes in the taxonomic and functional structure when sheep were fed a diet supplemented with antibiotics. Sheep fed antibiotics had a set of microbial enzymes that were closer in in the network space to the host metabolism than were the enzymes of the microbes of sheep not fed antibiotics. There were 546 individual microbial reactions that were significantly different between the two groups. Finally in the third study described, we found that breed differences in these community metabolic networks between Angus and Charolais cattle were only detected by analyzing the global network structure: there were no individual microbial taxa or enzymes that differed significantly between the breeds. These studies have shown the importance of using a metabolic network approach to better characterize the interactions between gut microbiota and host organisms as compared to solely studying the individual taxonomic and metabolic reactions.
A combined analytical and experimental approach for prediction of properties of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) parts
Authors:   , Phan Thao Thi Phuong
Published: April 2021

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a technique used to build rapid prototypes out of thermoplastic materials. Printing technology continues to mature from a rapid prototyping process to a rapid manufacturing technique, therefore predicting printed part behavior has become increasingly desirable. This study aims to determine the relation between the process parameters and associated temperature history and the strength of printed parts. A combined analytical and experimental approach was used for studying and prediction properties of printed parts. The results indicate that process parameters and temperature history have a significant impact on the behavior of printed parts. Further research is needed to identify other factors that could improve the effectiveness of printed part behavior.
High risk students on track to graduation: a qualitative case study of student success
Authors:   , Burkeybile Drew
Published: April 2021

This qualitative case study was designed to investigate how first-time, full-time undergraduate students who met standard admissions requirements ended up on academic probation after their first semester. Furthermore, this study explores how these students were able to overcome the academic adversity, return to good academic standing, and be on track to graduation. The theoretical framework of grit was used to during the research, since the research participants were able to overcome academic adversity. A high percentage of the regularly admitted first-time, full-time freshman at UCM who struggle academically during their first semester and are subsequently placed on academic probation, end up leaving the university with no degree. This study focuses on the minority of students in this population who stay enrolled, persisted, are in good academic standing, and are on track to complete a degree. Data collection for this research included individual interviews with students and document analysis. Findings indicate three major themes that impact student success: "fit" in an academic program, student mental health, and utilization of student resources. The research can provide university leadership with insight on how to improve student success, retain students on probation, and improve graduation rates for this population of students.
Hormonal regulation of bone health: novel understandings of xenoestrogens and estrogen receptor-[alpha]
Authors:   , Dirkes Rebecca
Published: April 2021

Estrogen is one of the most influential hormones on bone growth and maintenance throughout the life cycle in both men and women, but there are still unknown roles of estrogen and the estrogen receptors in males. In addition, exposure to xenoestrogens, or environmental compounds that have anti-estrogenic qualities, is increasing in industrial countries, but the impact of these compounds on skeletal health in males and females remains unknown. In this dissertation, we used animal models to explore a, the importance of estrogen receptor-[alpha] (ER[alpha]) in male mice at different points in the life cycle and b, the long-term impact of gestational exposure to xenoestrogens, specifically bisphenol-A (BPA) and bisphenol-S (BPS), on male and female offspring. We found that both young and aged male ER[alpha] knockout (ERKO) animals had impaired measures of cortical geometry, but improved measures of trabecular microarchitecture, implying differential roles for ER[alpha] in different bone compartments. We also found that ERKO could lead to increased expression of sclerostin, a bone growth inhibitor, in aged, male mice. In younger, male ERKO mice we found that ERa is not required for an osteogenic response to exercise, which is in direct contrast with females. Finally, we found that gestational and lactational exposure to BPA, but not BPS, had significant negative impacts on the skeleton of adult male, but not female, mice. Male offspring exposed to BPA had significantly lower measures of both cortical geometry and trabecular microarchitecture, indicating long-term effects of interrupted estrogen signaling during uterine and early childhood on skeletal development. These findings further our understandings of the importance of estrogen on skeletal health across the lifespan and could have significant public health impacts if they are translatable to humans.
Spatio-temporal acquisition, reconstruction, and visualization of dynamic scenes for plant phenotyping
Authors:   , Shafiekhani Ali
Published: April 2021

Recent advances in robotic vision are permitting breakthrough solutions to various agriculture-related problems, including farming, field phenotyping, food security, etc. Among these technological advancements, autonomous data collection for field phenotyping enables plant scientists to further correlate plant behavior to environmental conditions using a large amount of high-quality data captured throughout the growing season. In that sense, the ability to process such a large amount of image data must be made possible via computer vision techniques that fuse raw data in order to extract relevant changes during the growing season. For instance, correlating 3D models of plants over time enables scientists to analyze phenotypical data and identify favorable traits in terms of maximum growth, yielding, response to abiotic stressors, etc. Furthermore, the fusion of 3D models of individual plants into larger and cohesive models of the entire crop over time can lead to important discoveries in plant genomics by biology researchers. In this work, we propose an end-to-end system to acquire, fuse, and visualize multimodal data collected over time from an agricultural field. The system consists of two field robots and a visualization tool. The robots can collect and process RGB, Thermal, and 3D information from close proximity or from above ground. The visualization tool allows users to select and process the same data in order to create Spatio-temporal, high dimensional models that describe the physical and temporal structure, color, and temperature of plants in crop fields. Once created, users can visualize the same N-dimensional models using a newly proposed GUI, named VisND. Technically speaking, the proposed system registers time-stamped 5D models (3D plus RGB and IR) of the field as observed by the robots into a single-registered Spatio-temporal model. This process requires a non-rigid (ie. deformable) registration of the 3D structures so that plant behavior (e.g. growth, leaf angle, response to stress, etc) can be visualized over time.
The impact of adverse maternal environments on resistance artery function and mechanical characteristics in offspring
Authors:   , Ramirez-Perez Francisco Ignacio
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Maternal obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GMD) and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been associated with cardiovascular deficiencies in offspring. Obese women often suffer from infertility and use ART to achieve a pregnancy. Children of mothers that undergo ART or experience GDM have a higher risk of developing hypertension, but little is known about the mechanisms that control this process. Here, I report that in offspring, the interaction between a high fructose and high fat diet (also known as western diet, WD) and ART exhibited impaired endothelialdependent dysfunction in mesenteric resistance arteries, this was determined by the presence of reduced acetylcholine vasodilation. Arteries from WD-ART male mice had greater wall cross-sectional area (CSA) and wall-to-lumen ratio (W/L) compared to their respective ART control, indicative of vascular hypertrophic remodeling. Another adverse maternal environment during pregnancy is GDM, with 2-10 [percent] of pregnancies in the US being affected. To study this model, we designed a two-by-two experiment array using male mice, with main effects genotype and diet. In resistance mesenteric arteries of wild type (WT) offspring fed a WD experienced enhanced vasodilation to acetylcholine. Furthermore, in offspring of hyperleptinemic dams WD reduced vasodilation to insulin. Offspring of hyperleptinemic dams had stiffer arteries regardless of the diet. Therefore, we conclude that while maternal hyperleptinemia was beneficial to offspring vascular health fed a standard diet (SD), it had detrimental effects when fed a WD. The results of these two projects suggest that an adverse maternal environment (i.e. ART or GDM) in combination with a WD favors the development of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening in resistance mesenteric arteries of offspring.
Contribution of de novo lipogenesis to the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors:   , Syed Abdul Majid Mufaqam
Published: April 2021

This dissertation is focused on understanding the biochemical pathway of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in humans and how changes in DNL can alter disease states, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This document's first chapter presents a review of the literature, while the second chapter focuses on investigating the contribution of DNL to the progression of NAFLD. The main outcome of this study was that as disease severity progressed, hepatic DNL increased in a stepwise fashion until fibrosis was significant, at which time DNL was found to be reduced. Conclusions from isotopic labeling of liver were mirrored by data from protein and gene expression studies which pointed toward mechanisms of promoting both fat storage and decreased fatty acid oxidation. In the third chapter, data are presented on the effects of pharmacological inhibition of DNL, which lowered both liver fat (from 11.8 [percent] to 10.3 [percent]) and liver enzymes (from 29 to 22 U/L). In this study, different subjects received different doses (50, 100, and 15 mg/d) and within the high dose group, DNL was reduced maximally by 75 [percent] which resulted in a 5 [percent] reduction in liver fat and a 36 [percent] reduction in liver enzymes. Lastly, this dissertation's fourth chapter presents data from an investigation in which acute overconsumption of food and alcohol increased liver fat only in individuals whose DNL was stimulated by this treatment but not in individuals with unchanged DNL. The variability in response between subjects was surprising and suggested that for some people, overconsumption of carbohydrates may have greater lipogenic effects than excess alcohol. Future studies should identify the factors that govern this response. In summary, the combined data from these studies highlight the significance of the DNL pathway in promoting increased fat storage in the liver. This conclusion is supported by independent observations of both the negative effects of increased DNL on the liver and the benefits of reducing flux through this pathway to improve liver health. Both dietary and pharmacologic approaches to reduce DNL should be the focus of future treatment of NAFLD.
Examining equity and opportunity within Advanced Placement programs using the lens of social justice
Authors:   , Ward Crystal R.
Published: April 2021

Using the social justice lens, this study aimed to provide clarity on the impact of leadership on college readiness in an urban school environment. This researcher investigated what leadership characteristics, accountability practices and what teachers and leaders within an urban school in Chicago are doing to increase college readiness for their minority population. Also, the researcher examined the impact that leadership has on college readiness programs including the Advanced Placement program within the school. While the findings were inconsistent, the tenets of social justice premediated the ethos of this setting and established that equity can occur with vision and fortitude. The implications for practice for all high schools are important.
Examining secondary teachers' practical rationality of mathematical modeling
Authors:   , Zhao Wenmin
Published: April 2021

Research on mathematical modeling is growing rapidly in the field of mathematics education, and there are numerous benefits of engaging students in modeling activities. However, mathematical modeling is still marginalized in mathematics instruction. In order to understand the challenges and obstacles secondary teachers face to incorporate modeling into their classrooms, this study drew upon the theoretical perspective of practical rationality. It used a breaching experiment survey of 176 secondary teachers in Missouri and follow-up interviews with six purposefully selected survey respondents to examine secondary teachers' norms and professional obligations related to mathematical modeling. After data collection, I used descriptive statistical analyses to examine the norms and applied the professional obligation framework to analyze teacher obligations. My findings confirmed four of the six hypothesized norms: Teachers tend to precisely identify which factors should be included in students' solutions, expect students to find a symbolic representation as their model, expect students to primarily work on politically neutral tasks, and are open to students doing model revisions. However, this study did not have robust enough evidence to confirm or disconfirm whether teachers tend to give students unambiguous directions about mathematical operations or components. Nor could it uncover whether students are expected to primarily engage in mathematical thinking rather than nonmathematical thinking during the modeling process. The findings also revealed that teachers' preferred actions among the scenarios presented were influenced by their perceived professional obligations, including commitments to individual students, the classroom's interpersonal dynamics, the practice of the mathematics discipline, and the institutions they work for. More specifically, disciplinary obligations featured most often in the survey responses of those teachers who complied with canonical actions. In contrast, those who selected noncanonical options (such as opening up the beginning phases of the modeling process) most often cited their obligations to individual student thinking to justify their survey responses. The findings suggested that the mathematics education community needs to increase awareness about complex and often conflicting teacher obligations related to mathematical modeling. To support teachers in enacting modeling, the field might consider qualified professional development, viable modeling tasks and tools, and a flexible schedule as well as opportunities to build shared understandings of disciplinary practices and obligations to students' individual needs.
Surface and deep water circulation in late Cretaceous North Atlantic greenhouse ocean
Authors:   , Isaza LondonÌƒo Carolina
Published: April 2021

This research provides the first of its kind empirical data regarding the evolution of Maastrichtian surface to deep ocean circulation in the North Atlantic. Differences in foraminiferal abundances and oxygen and carbon isotopic ratios of bulk carbonate and foraminifera between two Ocean Drilling Program Sites in the subtropical North Atlantic indicate a sharp water mass boundary was a relatively stable and persistent feature of the Maastrichtian North Atlantic despite significant regional warming across the interval. Neodymium isotopes of fish debris, on the other hand, indicate significant changes in intermediate and deep water circulation through the Late Cretaceous and especially during the Maastrichtian. During the Cenomanian-Campanian interval at least three different deep water masses were active in the North Atlantic including one formed by downwelling of warm saline waters in the Demerara Rise region. During the Campanian-Maastrichtian, low-latitude-sourced waters seem to have reached abyssal depths, but from the mid-Maastrichtian on, this water mass seems to have declined in importance. From the mid-Danian on, we found evidence for only one water mass (plausibly sourced in the northern North Atlantic, as it is today) at bathyal and abyssal depths in the North Atlantic. Our data demonstrate that surface and, especially, intermediate and deep water circulation patterns are an important (and measurable) variable that helps determine greenhouse temperature distributions on regional and global scales.
Comparison of Germ Patterns and Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with Cholesteatoma and without Cholesteatoma in Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital.
Authors: Hifni Ahmad , Rian Hasni  , Fiona Widyasari  , Abla Ghanie  , Erial Bahar
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity. It is necessary to identify bacterial patterns and antibiotics susceptibility in CSOM. Appropriate administration of antibiotics is essential to treat infection and prevent widespread resistance.

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the pattern of germs and antibiotic susceptibility between CSOM with cholesteatoma and without cholesteatoma.

Methods: Observational study with cross-sectional design. Data collection was carried out using medical record data on 102 subjects who underwent middle ear swab and bacterial culture from January to December 2019.

Results: From 102 subjects and 122 bacterial culture results. it was found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36.1%) was one of the most common organisms to cause CSOM. followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. There was a significant difference between the germ pattern and the type of CSOM (p = 0.002). Amikacin. meropenem. gentamicin. cefepime. ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime were found to be the most effective antibiotics for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The rate of resistance to tigecycline and cefazoline were highest. Age. sex. nutritional status and comorbidities were not factors that significantly influenced the incidence of cholesteatoma in CSOM.

Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the germ pattern in both CSOM groups. Patients that show Gram negative have a significant effect on the incidence of CSOM with cholesteatoma.