Article describes how the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) is a useful tool to measure salience abnormalities among the general population. The authors claim that there is strong clinical and scientific evidence that salience alteration is linked to psychosis.

Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated a correlation between the manifestation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and ambient air pollution levels, which is exacerbated by the presence of other risk factors, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension. We investigated the hypothesis that exposure to a mixture of gasoline and diesel engine emissions (MVE) coupled with the concurrent consumption of a high-fat (HF) diet promotes the development of a NAFLD phenotype within the liver. Three-month-old male C57Bl/6 mice were placed on either a low fat or HF diet and exposed via whole-body inhalation to either filtered (FA) air or MVE (30 µg PM/m3 gasoline engine emissions + 70 µg PM/m3 diesel engine emissions) 6 hr/day for 30 days. Histology revealed mild microvesicular steatosis and hepatocyte hypertrophy in response to MVE exposure alone, compared to FA controls, yielding a classification of "borderline NASH" under the criteria of the modified NAFLD active score (NAS) system. As anticipated, animals on a HF diet exhibited moderate steatosis; however, we also observed inflammatory infiltrates, hepatocyte hypertrophy, and increased lipid accumulation, with the combined effect of HF diet and MVE exposure. Immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR of the liver revealed the presence of lipid peroxidation, altered expression …

Alteration in diet and knockdown of detoxification genes impacts the response of C. elegans to oxygen deprivation stress. I hypothesized that feeding worms a vitamin D3-supplementation diet would result in differential oxygen deprivation stress response. We used a combination of wet lab and transcriptomics approach to investigate the effect of a vitamin-D3 supplemented diet on the global gene expression changes and the anoxia response phenotype of C. elegans (Chapter 2). C. elegans genome consists of 143 detoxification genes (cyp and ugt). The presence of a significant number of genes in these detoxification families was a challenge with identifying and selecting specific cyp and ugt genes for detailed analysis. Our goal was to understand the evolution, phylogenetic, and expression of the detoxification enzymes CYPs and UGTs in C. elegans (Chapter 3). We undertook a phylogenetic and bioinformatics approach to analyze the C. elegans, detoxification family. Phylogenetic analysis provided insight into the association of the human and C. elegans xenobiotic/endobiotic detoxification system. Protein coding genes in C. elegans have been predicted to be human orthologs. The results of this work demonstrate the role of C. elegans in the identification and characterization of vitamin D3 induced alterations in gene expression profile and anoxia …

This research project studies ways that space shapes identity by examining a contemporary sculpture using a multicultural theory. The author focuses on analyzing the role of physical space in the construction of cultural identity across time by studying Mariana Castillo-Deball’s No Solid Form Can Contain You (2010) through Gloria Anzaldua’s Nepantilism theory.

This article considers areas of cardiovascular research that have benefited from studies of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), including the themes of investigation of the CAM’s hemodynamic influence on heart and central vessel development, use of the CAM as a model vascular bed for studying angiogenesis, and the CAM as an assay tool.

Annotated Text of the Texas laws related to marriage, family, children, parent-child relationships, and other relevant legal issuances.

The anti-S2 peptides, the stabilizer and destabilizer, were designed to target myosin sub-fragment 2 (S2) in muscle. When the peptides are coupled to a heart-targeting molecule, they can reach the cardiomyocytes and interfere with cardiac muscle contraction. Monoclonal antibodies, MF20 and MF30, are also known to interact with light meromyosin and S2 respectively. The MF30 antibody compared to anti-S2 peptides and the MF20 antibody is used as a control to test the central hypothesis that: Both the anti-S2 peptides and antibodies bind to myosin S2 with high affinity, compete with MyBPC, and possibly interact with titin, in which case the anti-S2 peptides have further impact on myosin helicity and reach the heart with the aid of tannic acid to modulate cardiomyocytes' contraction in live mice. In this research, the effects of anti-S2 peptides and antibodies on myosin S2 were studied at the molecular and tissue levels. The anti-myosin binding mechanism to whole myosin was determined based on total internal reflectance fluorescence spectroscopy (TIRFS), and a modified cuvette was utilized to accommodate this experiment. The binding graphs indicated the cooperative binding of the peptides and antibodies with high affinity to myosin. Anti-myosin peptides and antibodies competition with Myosin Binding Protein C …

This study addressed five key applications of paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS): (i) comparative analysis of the microporous substrate with the cellulose-based substrate in drug detection; (ii) detection of more than 190 fentanyl analogs with their fragmentation pattern can be implemented in the future reference for quicker, accurate and sensitive determination; (iii) exploring sweat in a fingerprint to be considered an alternate method to recognize non-invasive markers of metabolites, lipids, narcotics, and explosive residues that can be used in forensic testing applications; (iv) extending and improving better, cost-effective and quick real-time monitoring of the diseased stage using biofluid samples to obtain vastly different lipid information in viral infection such as COVID-19; and (v) mass spectral detection in chemical warfare agent (CWA) stimulant gas exposure with microporous structure absorbency capabilities in air quality monitoring. This novel synthetic material is known as Teslin® (PPG Industries), consisting of a microporous polyolefin single-layered silica matrix, can be used for precise, sensitive, selective, and rapid sample analysis with PS-MS. The Teslin® substrate provided longer activation time for samples and an active signal with a higher concentration of ion formation and mobility compared to cellulose-based papers. Direct analysis of multiple samples showed that, besides being more …

Article highlights the importance of pectin in cell wall integrity and the value of lignin modification as a tool to interrogate the informational content of plant cell walls.

Article presents an Arabidopsis gene co-expression network constructed using RNA-Seq datasets, which will serve as a useful resource for the Arabidopsis research community to gain insights into Arabidopsis gene interactions and functions.

The dissertation covers three major topics: metal-assisted aromaticity, synthetic approaches to tailor donor-acceptor supramolecular stacks, and photoluminescence properties of cyclic trinuclear complexes (CTCs) of d10 metals. First, multiple theoretical approaches are adapted to discuss in detail the origin of aromaticity of CTCs, putting forward a metal-assisted aromaticity model. Next are the discoveries of donor-acceptor stacked CTC–CTC' complexes from both experimental and computational perspectives, reporting multiple novel crystallography-determined structures and revealing their pertinent intermolecular ground-state charge transfer. The spontaneous binding behavior is also determined by UV-vis and NMR titrations and rationalized as the cooperation of multiple supramolecular interactions, including metallophilicity, electrostatic attraction, and dispersion. The last part includes systematic investigations of photoluminescence properties of halogen-metal-bonded CTCs and sandwich-like cation–π-bonded heptanuclear clusters based on CTCs. The cooperative effects of metal-centered conformation, the heavy-atom and relativistic effects from both the halogen and metal atoms play complementary roles in the phosphorescence process to promote the inter-system crossing and radiative transitions.

The deposition of boron oxide (B₂O₃) films on silicon substrates is of significant interest in microelectronics for ultrashallow doping applications. However, thickness control and conformality of such films has been an issue in high aspect ratio 3D structures which have long replaced traditional planar transistor architectures. B₂O₃ films are also unstable in atmosphere, requiring a suitable capping barrier for passivation. The growth of continuous, stoichiometric B₂O₃ and boron nitride (BN) films has been demonstrated in this dissertation using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and enhanced ALD methods for doping and capping applications. Low temperature ALD of B₂O₃ was achieved using BCl₃/H₂O precursors at 300 K. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to assess the purity and stoichiometry of deposited films with a high reported growth rate of ~2.5 Å/cycle. Free-radical assisted ALD of B₂O₃ was also demonstrated using non-corrosive trimethyl borate (TMB) precursor, in conjunction with mixed O₂/O-radical effluent, at 300 K. The influence of O₂/O flux on TMB-saturated Si surface was investigated using in situ XPS, residual gas analysis mass spectrometer (RGA-MS) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD). Both low and high flux regimes were studied in order to understand the trade-off between ligand removal and B₂O₃ …

The direct epitaxial growth of multilayer BN by atomic layer deposition is of critical significance forfo two-dimensional device applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) demonstrate layer-by-layer BN epitaxy on two different substrates. One substrate was a monolayer of RuO2(110) formed on a Ru(0001) substrate, the other was an atomically clean Ni(111) single crystal. Growth was accomplished atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycles of BCl3/NH3 at 600 K substrate temperature and subsequent annealing in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). This yielded stoichiometric BN layers, and an average BN film thickness linearly proportional to the number of BCl3/NH3 cycles. The BN(0001)/RuO2(110) interface had negligible charge transfer or band bending as indicated by XPS and LEED data indicate a 30° rotation between the coincident BN and oxide lattices. The atomic layer epitaxy of BN on an oxide surface suggests new routes to the direct growth and integration of graphene and BN with industrially important substrates, including Si(100). XPS and LEED indicated epitaxial deposition of h-BN(0001) on the Ni(111) single crystal by ALD, and subsequent epitaxially aligned graphene was deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of ethylene at 1000 K. Direct multilayer, in situ growth of h-BN on magnetic substrates such as …

In the past two decades, myriad algorithms to elucidate the characteristics and dynamics of molecular systems have been developed for quantum computers. In this dissertation, we explore how these algorithms can be adapted to other fields, both to closely related subjects such as materials science, and more surprising subjects such as information theory. Special emphasis is placed on the Variational Quantum Eigensolver algorithm adapted to solve band structures of a periodic system; three distinct implementations are developed, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We also see how unitary quantum circuits designed to model individual electron excitations within a molecule can be modified to prepare a quantum states strictly orthogonal to a space of known states, an important component to solve problems in thermodynamics and spectroscopy. Finally, we see how the core behavior in several quantum algorithms originally developed for quantum chemistry can be adapted to implement compressive sensing, a protocol in information theory for extrapolating large amounts of information from relatively few measurements. This body of work demonstrates that quantum algorithms developed to study molecules have immense interdisciplinary uses in fields as varied as materials science and information theory.

The transcriptions of Franz Liszt (1811-1886) and Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894) on Beethoven's "Marcia alla turca" serve as unique examples within the area of transcription since each of these important virtuosos transcribed the movement with drastically different results. Liszt's Capriccio alla turca (1846) is built on Beethoven's thematic materials although it is presented with a greatly embellished accompaniment providing countermelodies, expanded passages, and vigorous rhythmic features. In contrast, Rubinstein's Turkish March (1848) attempts to capture Beethoven's original (1811) as closely as possible adhering to the form and harmonies. Each composer's approach served to showcase new pianistic innovations capturing orchestral sonorities at the piano previously unimagined. This dissertation offers musical insight for two less well-known works from significant pianist-composers which should receive further attention. Additionally, this research provides greater documentation for the compositions of Rubinstein, supplementing the historical accounts of his abilities as a performer. Examination and comparative analysis of each transcription not only illuminates the creative approaches each composer employed in creating his transcription, but also serves pianists wishing to perform these neglected works.

Logistics 4.0 suggests that increased automation can enhance performance, while Logistics 5.0 emphasizes the advantages of a modern workforce that combines humans and emerging technologies. However, the logistics industry needs a deeper understanding of human factors, an area that has been overlooked so far. To bridge this research gap, this dissertation investigated distracted driving behavior among individuals involved in transportation and logistics-based applications. This investigation employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Essay 1 focuses on a systematic literature review (SLR) that comprehensively analyzes published research on self-response studies regarding distracted driving behavior. The study identifies five overarching categories of distractions: (a) cell phone-related, (b) technology-related, (c) nontechnology-related, (d) psychological, and (e) personality. The findings underscore the substantial research conducted on self-reported distractions associated with cell phones and technology. Essay 2 employs the protection motivation theory (PMT) to develop hypotheses that predict the engagement of young drivers in texting while driving (TWD). In addition to TWD, the survey also included cognitive failure to examine the indirect effects of PMT on TWD within a mediation framework. The results, obtained through structural equation modeling with 674 respondents aged 18-25, indicate that several factors including response cost, threat vulnerability, cognitive failure, self-efficacy, and …

Article discusses how integrated pest management (IPM) is a wide-ranging strategy that involves tactics for the structural control of pests and diseases, also known as integrated pest control (IPC). The authors' prime aim of this study is to explore global scientific publications regarding integrated pest management and map the recent global trends in this innovative research domain, thereby providing future research directions based on dynamic observations.

The use of enamines continues to be an important tool in organic syntheses as both a catalyst and reactant. The addition of metal catalysts coupled with enamine catalysis has generated many reactions that normally would not occur separately. However, catalysts' incompatibility is an issue that we wish to solve allowing new chemistry to occur without hindrance. The use of enamines has continued to be a well-studied area of organic chemistry, but the field is ripe for different types of enamines to gain the spotlight. Enaminones are enamines with both nucleophilic and electrophilic properties. They allow reactions that are normally not possible with enamines to become obtainable. Chapter 1 is a brief introduction on enamines and the reason they gained so much attention. Then ends with enaminones and what makes them interesting reactants. Chapter 2 described a new synthesis for the tricyclic synthesis of chromanes using a novel bifunctional catalyst system of enamine-metal Lewis acid giving great yields (up to 87 %yield) and excellent stereoselectivity (up to 99 % ee). Chapter 3 covered new reactions for ring-open cyclopropane (up to 94% yield), tetrahydroquinolinones (up to 84% yield) and enantiospecific tetrahydroquinolinones (up to 84% yield and 97% ee) using α-enaminone and donor-acceptor …

Article asserts that this research presents a novel and environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of multifunctional nanobiocomposites for the efficient removal of toxic heavy metal and dye, as well as the disinfection of wastewater microorganisms. The synthesized bioinspired nanocomposite KAC-CS-AgNPs could be an innovative solution for effective and sustainable wastewater treatment and has great potential for commercial applications.

Born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Bob Camblin (1928-2010) was an artist, first and foremost. He earned his BFA and MFA degrees from the Kansas City Art Institute. His studies were followed by a Fulbright Fellowship that allowed him a year’s stay in Italy. Returning to the USA, he held teaching positions at the Ringling Museum, the University of Illinois, Detroit Mercy, and the University of Utah before moving to Houston in 1967 to teach at Rice’s new art department. He was active in Houston during the late 1960s through the 1980s, collaborating with Earl Staley and Joe Tate on many projects, including “happenings” on the beach in Galveston. His career led him to creative undertakings all over the world. Throughout his lifetime he constantly experimented with various art media. He remained open to new ideas and new techniques until his death in Louisiana in 2010. Camblin was a central figure in the period of artistic fermentation in Houston that is now beginning to receive increasing critical attention. He chose Rowland to be his historian while still at Rice, and her insights into him are based on many personal letters and conversations. In addition, she is a trained art historian and …

This review article calls for establishing the CaMV 35S promoter as a quantitative reference standard for transcription activity in plants.

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect globally, affecting both children and their families. Twenty –five percent of children experiencing a CHD birth defect are diagnosed with complex CHD (cCHD), signifying critical heart dysfunction requiring one or more open-heart surgeries during the first year of life. With medical advances, cCHD survival rates have almost tripled in the last three decades. This has resulted in an increase in the number of morbidities associated with cCHD, which is drastically impacting the need to support quality of life outcomes for a child with cCHD and their family. The two most prevalent unaddressed risks for quality of life outcomes in the cCHD population are child and caregiver mental health and child's neurodevelopmental disabilities. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect globally, affecting both children and their families. Twenty-five percent of children experiencing a CHD birth defect are diagnosed with complex CHD (cCHD), signifying critical heart dysfunction requiring one or more open-heart surgeries during the first year of life. With medical advances, cCHD survival rates have almost tripled in the last three decades. This has resulted in an increase in the number of morbidities associated with cCHD, which is drastically impacting …

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNT's course catalog for Fall 2020.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNT's course catalog for Spring 2021.