Matching Items (326)
Description
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease that infects hibernating bats of multiple species across large portions of eastern North America. To date, WNS has been responsible for the deaths of over seven million bats. It is not yet known why certain species are able to resist infection. Since the fungus invades the skin and some resistant species show no signs of the characteristic cutaneous lesions, it seems likely that resistant species contain specific defense mechanisms within their skin, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other immunologically relevant proteins expressed by specific cell types or as secreted soluble components. Proteomics could be a useful tool for understanding differences in susceptibility, and could help identify AMPs that could be synthesized and used as control agents against the spread of the causative fungus. This study is the first to optimize proteomics methods for bat wing tissues in order to compare the skin proteomes of species variably impacted by WNS, including those of two endangered species. Further tests are planned to investigate methods of increasing protein yield without altering the size of the tissue sample collected, as well as the analysis of mass spectrometry data from processed skin tissues of five bat species differentially affected by WNS.
ContributorsPatrose, Reena Paulene (Author) / Moore, Marianne (Thesis director) / Steele, Kelly (Committee member) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
Cocaine is a highly addictive psychostimulant that is widely used around the world. It is far more cost effective to curb this problem through treatment than by any other method as medicinal drug treatment is 15 times more effective than law enforcement at reducing the societal costs of cocaine use as determine by RAND corp. In a previous paper from our lab, it was found that via virally mediated introduction of additional 5-HT1B receptors into the nucleus accumbens there was a leftward shift in the cocaine intake dose-response curve in animals that were self-administering cocaine by pressing a lever. These findings suggest that 5-HT1B receptor action enhances the reinforcing effects of cocaine. However, when animals were given a 21-day period of prolonged abstinence and then tested for cocaine intake, it was determined that 5-HT1B receptor action had the opposite effect of decreasing cocaine intake presumably due to a decrease in the reinforcing effects of cocaine: [16]. The experiment in the current paper was devised to further test this finding via pharmacological means using the 5-HT1B agonist CP 94253 to increase stimulation of 5-HT1B receptors. Animals were trained to self-administer by pressing a lever on fixed ratio schedules of cocaine reinforcement given at 0.75 mg/kg and 0.075 mg/kg doses of cocaine. These doses allowed us to examine changes in self-administration on both the ascending and descending limbs of the inverted u-shaped cocaine dose-effect curve. Our results indicated that in animals given CP 94253 exhibited a decrease in responding on both the ascending and descending limbs of the dose response curve demonstrating a downward shift after prolonged abstinence. These exciting results suggest that the agonist decreases cocaine intake, and therefore, the agonist may be a useful treatment for cocaine dependence.
ContributorsYanamandra, Krishna Teja (Author) / Neisewander, Janet (Thesis director) / Goldstein, Elliott (Committee member) / Pentkowski, Nathan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2013-05
ContributorsChandler, N. Kayla (Author) / Neisewander, Janet (Thesis director) / Sanabria, Federico (Committee member) / Olive, M. Foster (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Description
The organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) is a polyspecific monoamine transporter
found in the human and rat brain. In Rats, OCT3 is the only known monoamine transporter inhibited by physiological concentrations of corticosteroids. We hypothesized that CORT- mediated inhibition of OCT3 blocks the clearance of serotonin (5-HT) leading to an increase 5-HT receptor-mediated signaling. In experiment 1, due to conflicting reports on the location of OCT3 mRNA in the rat brain, in situ hybridization was performed on brain tissue sections. RNA was extracted from rat brain tissue, reverse transcribed into cDNA, and then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to generate riboprobe templates. The riboprobe templates were then used for in vitro transcription of digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled riboprobes complementary to OCT3. In experiment 2, 12 rats from an identical cohort were exposed to a chronic restraint stress paradigm (two hours/day for seven days, STRESS group), while the other 12 remained in their home cages (CTRL group). Twenty-four hours after the last stressor, all animals were euthanized and their brains immediately removed and frozen. Bilateral tissue punches were collected from 300μm coronal sections from the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus, basolateral amygdala (BLA), and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). The relative OCT2, OCT3, and 5HT2a mRNA levels from each tissue punch were determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results of experiment 1 confirmed the presence of OCT3 mRNA in the CA1, amygdala, and the DMH. The results of experiment 2 show that chronic restraint stress did not alter gene expression for 5-HT2A, OCT2, and OCT3. These data may help reveal new information involving OCT3’s role in the hippocampus, amygdala and DMH in regards to localization and mRNA expression levels after exposure to a stressor.
found in the human and rat brain. In Rats, OCT3 is the only known monoamine transporter inhibited by physiological concentrations of corticosteroids. We hypothesized that CORT- mediated inhibition of OCT3 blocks the clearance of serotonin (5-HT) leading to an increase 5-HT receptor-mediated signaling. In experiment 1, due to conflicting reports on the location of OCT3 mRNA in the rat brain, in situ hybridization was performed on brain tissue sections. RNA was extracted from rat brain tissue, reverse transcribed into cDNA, and then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to generate riboprobe templates. The riboprobe templates were then used for in vitro transcription of digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled riboprobes complementary to OCT3. In experiment 2, 12 rats from an identical cohort were exposed to a chronic restraint stress paradigm (two hours/day for seven days, STRESS group), while the other 12 remained in their home cages (CTRL group). Twenty-four hours after the last stressor, all animals were euthanized and their brains immediately removed and frozen. Bilateral tissue punches were collected from 300μm coronal sections from the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus, basolateral amygdala (BLA), and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). The relative OCT2, OCT3, and 5HT2a mRNA levels from each tissue punch were determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results of experiment 1 confirmed the presence of OCT3 mRNA in the CA1, amygdala, and the DMH. The results of experiment 2 show that chronic restraint stress did not alter gene expression for 5-HT2A, OCT2, and OCT3. These data may help reveal new information involving OCT3’s role in the hippocampus, amygdala and DMH in regards to localization and mRNA expression levels after exposure to a stressor.
ContributorsTompkins, Heather Camila (Author) / Orchinik, Miles (Thesis director) / Neisewander, Janet (Committee member) / Talboom, Joshua (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Description
Substance abuse disorders affect 15.3 million people worldwide. The field has primarily focused on dopaminergic drugs as treatments for substance use disorders. However, recent work has demonstrated the potential of serotonergic compounds to treat substance abuse. Specifically, the serotonin 1B receptor (5-HT1BR), a Gi-coupled receptor located throughout the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, has been implicated in the incentive motivational and rewarding effects of cocaine. Our research suggests that the stimulation of 5-HT1BRs produces different effects at various time points in the addiction cycle. During maintenance of chronic cocaine administration, 5-HT1BR stimulation has a facilitative effect on the reinforcing properties of cocaine. However 5-HT1BR stimulation exhibits inhibitory effects on reinforcement during prolonged abstinence from cocaine. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of a switch in the functional role of 5-HT1BRs in the locomotor effects of cocaine at different time points of chronic cocaine administration in mice. We found that the 5-HT1BR agonist CP 94,253 increased locomotor activity in mice tested one day after the last chronic cocaine administration session regardless of whether the chronic treatment was cocaine or saline and regardless of challenge injection (i.e., cocaine or saline). Yet after abstinence, CP 94,253 induced a decrease in locomotor activity in mice challenged with saline and attenuated cocaine-induced locomotion relative to cocaine challenge after vehicle pretreatment. These findings suggest that a switch in the functional role of 5-HT1BR is observed at different stages of the addiction cycle and further suggest that clinical applications of drugs acting on 5-HT1BR should consider these effects.
ContributorsBrunwasser, Samuel Joshua (Author) / Neisewander, Janet (Thesis director) / Pentkowski, Nathan (Committee member) / Der-Ghazarian, Taleen (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
N. fowleri has been coined the "brain-eating" amoeba, receiving increased attention from both the media and scientific research since its discovery in 1961. While infection is extremely rare, it infects humans through the nasal passage after exposure to contaminated, warm freshwater, causing the brain destroying reaction primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Those infected with PAM present with symptoms such as severe headache and loss of the sense of smell and will typically die within a week thereafter. This fulminant pathogenicity has led to increased awareness of N. fowleri through the news and public health centers. This thesis aims to comprehensively review N. fowleri, the epidemiology and pathology of PAM, interventions against the disease, and how the news has portrayed N. fowleri and PAM. This thesis also strives to raise ethical and thought-provoking questions about how much media coverage and research funding N. fowleri receives given its rarity, as well as explore its value and novel contributions to understanding disease as a whole.
ContributorsFerrell, Chantell Isabell (Author) / Buetow, Kenneth (Thesis director) / Neisewander, Janet (Committee member) / McGlynn, Katherine (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
Within the field of psychopharmacology, there has been difficultly with studying the functional effects of dopamine at the D2 receptor apart from other dopamine receptors due to the lack of drugs that are selective for the D2 receptor. The purpose of this study was to observe the motivational and locomotor effects of using three varying doses (1.0, 3.0, and 5.6 mg/kg) of a new, highly selective D2 antagonist, SV293. These doses were tested across five different conditions that explore the effects of controls, SV293 by itself, and in combination with cocaine. These tests are designed to separately assess the effects of the antagonist between drug-seeking behaviors and locomotor activity. The cue tests showed that SV293 reduced drug-seeking and increased response latency at the high dose, suggesting a decrease in motivational effects of cocaine-related cues. SV293 alone also reduced drug-seeking and increased response latency at the high dose, suggesting a decrease in motivation for cocaine. Cocaine in combination with SV293 did not produce any significant effects on drug-seeking behavior, suggesting that SV293 did not alter the motivational effects of cocaine itself. Spontaneous locomotor activity tests with SV293 alone showed no reduction in locomotor activity; however, the addition of cocaine showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity at the high dose of SV293. Overall, the 5.6 mg/kg dose of SV293 decreases drug-seeking behavior elicited by cocaine-related cues and environmental stimuli, as well as cocaine-induced locomotor activity. This selective D2 antagonism could ultimately help elucidate the mechanisms of other dopamine receptors with particular emphasis on their involvement with drug addiction. Key words: cocaine, SV293, D2, antagonists, dopamine
ContributorsLynn, Jeffrey Spencer (Author) / Neisewander, Janet (Thesis director) / Orchinik, Miles (Committee member) / Bastle, Ryan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
This project, (im)permanence, aims to analyze the impact of temporary and permanent public art in downtown Phoenix through the voices of various artists, curators, city officials and art managers. Downtown Phoenix has seen rapid change and an influx of growth and development in recent years, yet its vibrant arts scene still characterizes and helps define much of the area. This project consists of five profile stories about public works of art downtown, organized on a scale of permanent to temporary. The stories feature the artists discussing the impact of their work in the public realm, the benefits and drawbacks of both temporary and permanent work, and the role public art plays amid downtown's many changes. The pieces and programs included in (im)permanence are the sculpture Her Secret is Patience at Civic Space Park, the forthcoming Wallace and Ladmo statue and Civic Space Park, the Three Birds in Flight Mural on Roosevelt Row, the public art incorporated into Valley Metro's light rail stops, and the temporary art projects of Scottsdale Public Art's IN FLUX program. These pieces, as determined by Leslie-Jean Thornton and myself, represent a microcosm of the temporary and permanent public art in the area, and showcase a range of stories emblematic of the character of downtown Phoenix. The design of the website features animations indicative of the temporary nature of the pieces -- elements fade in incrementally based on their degree of "permanence." This website was made using wix.com, and it incorporates multimedia elements such as photos, photo galleries, an infographic, and a photo slider. Website URL https://sundevilsgirl.wixsite.com/impermanence
ContributorsJarvis, Sarah Ashley (Author) / Thornton, Leslie (Thesis director) / Fahlman, Betsy (Committee member) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-12
Description
The purpose of this thesis is to develop an aptitude test to administer to shelter dogs in order to determine which dogs could be adopted and trained for Search and Rescue (SAR) work. SAR is an essential field made up primarily of volunteers that search for people who have gotten lost. Many SAR teams work with the police force to locate missing persons. There are various types of SAR work, such as urban SAR, ground SAR, mountain rescue, and cadaver SAR, among others. The tasks of hiking, climbing, crawling, and various other methods of maneuvering are required from the SAR dogs and their handlers, so physical fitness is necessary in all SAR dogs. A stable, confident demeanor is also crucial for the overall effectiveness of the canine. The availability of a standardized aptitude test could prove beneficial for SAR dog handlers seeking dogs to train for work in the SAR field. This also presents the opportunity for increased adoption of shelter dogs, provided SAR dog handlers decide to work with homeless adult dogs. The aptitude test encompasses the critical qualities necessary for SAR dogs to possess. Physical suitability, temperament, aptitude, object focus, and emotional suitability have been implemented and defined in the test, based on the desired traits described by various SAR organizations and evaluations for puppies and working dogs. Though there are multiple variations of aptitude and temperament tests, these evaluations do not incorporate the administration to shelter dogs in order to determine their potential for working in a special field particularly the field of Search and Rescue. The qualities for SAR dogs described in this thesis were utilized to create ideal typologies of SAR dogs. This provides a theoretical idea of realistic dogs suitable for SAR work. These ideal typologies were scored against the aptitude test based on their characteristics described in order to determine consistent implementation of the test by multiple users. The aptitude test was also implemented on two real dogs to discern the effectiveness of the test. Although neither dog displayed the proper characteristics to become SAR dogs, the results from the trials demonstrated an overall efficacy of the test.
ContributorsNiemira, Lauren Marie (Author) / Caron, Martha (Thesis director) / Steele, Kelly (Committee member) / Oberle, Eric (Committee member) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05
Description
Brains and computers have been interacting since the invention of the computer. These two entities have worked together to accomplish a monumental set of goals, from landing man on the moon to helping to understand how the universe works on the most microscopic levels, and everything in between. As the years have gone on, the extent and depth of interaction between brains and computers have consistently widened, to the point where computers help brains with their thinking in virtually infinite everyday situations around the world. The first purpose of this research project was to conduct a brief review for the purposes of gaining a sound understanding of how both brains and computers operate at fundamental levels, and what it is about these two entities that allow them to work evermore seamlessly as the years go on. Next, a history of interaction between brains and computers was developed, which expanded upon the first task and helped to contribute to visions of future brain-computer interaction (BCI). The subsequent and primary task of this research project was to develop a theoretical framework for a potential brain-aiding device of the future. This was done by conducting an extensive literature review regarding the most advanced BCI technology in modern times and expanding upon the findings to argue feasibility of the future device and its components. Next, social predictions regarding the acceptance and use of the new technology were made by designing and executing a survey based on the Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Finally, general economic predictions were inferred by examining several relationships between money and computers over time.
ContributorsThum, Giuseppe Edwardo (Author) / Gaffar, Ashraf (Thesis director) / Gonzalez-Sanchez, Javier (Committee member) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05