Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership Studies, Xavier University, 2022, Leadership Studies and Human Resource Development

The purpose of this research was to examine post-traumatic spiritual growth in the LGBTQ+ and Ally-identifying communities after self-identified religious or spiritual trauma. In this two-phase mixed-methods study, we utilized both interview and survey techniques. In the qualitative Phase I, twenty-four (24) participants were interviewed yielding a vast amount of narrative data and meaning bits that assisted in understanding the nature of the trauma, pivot points, and subsequently growth. The survey Phase II yielded 407 complete responses and the Post-traumatic Spiritual Growth Index (PTGI-X) was utilized to investigate LGBTQ+ and Allies growth after self-identified religious or spiritual-based trauma. Additionally, the survey captured the nature of trauma, as well as affiliation with a spiritual/religious-based organization, and the spiritual identity of each participant when the trauma first occurred and after growth was experienced. Results revealed the experiences of individuals in the LGBTQ+ and Ally communities who self-identify as having experienced religious/spiritual trauma and subsequent post-traumatic growth were more similar than different. The study also shed light on those few areas where the experience of religious/spiritual trauma among members of the LGBTQ+ and Ally communities may differ, although no differences were found between the post-traumatic growth reported by members of these two communities. The primary outcomes of post-traumatic growth observed among both LBGTQ+ and Ally participants were with respect to the religious/spiritual affiliation and identity reported by both groups before experiencing trauma, compared with after post-traumatic growth. Results suggested that following post-traumatic growth participants often shifted from formal religion to identifying as spiritual. Suggestions for further research include investigating spiritual/religious trauma, pivot points, and growth in the LGBTQ+ community.

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2013, Food and Nutrition Sciences (Health Sciences and Professions)

Growth Hormone (GH) is known as a diabetogenic molecule. In excess it can inhibit insulin's action resulting in insulin resistance and diabetes, which can be seen in the GH receptor knockout (GHR-/-) mice since the absence of GH action throughout the whole body improves insulin sensitivity and increases life span. Three tissues that are both insulin and GH sensitive are liver, adipose tissue, and muscle. To determine their individual contributions, three tissue specific GHR disrupted mouse lines have been independently produced: liver-specific, adipose-specific, and muscle-specific GHR-/- mice using the CRE-LOX system. Tissue specific promoters, albumin, aP2, MCK, were utilized to drive the CRE recombinase expression in liver, adipose, and muscle tissues separately. This thesis aimed to validate the gene deletion in specific tissues at the DNA level. The results confirm that liver and muscle specific GHR-/- mice had the deletion of the GHR gene in the liver and muscle tissues, respectively. However, in the adipose specific GHR-/- mice, all tissues, and not just adipose tissue, had evidence of GHR deletion. These findings need to be taken into account when evaluating the phenotype.

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Engineering and Applied Science: Mechanical Engineering

Bubble dynamics is an integral part of various industrial processes such as aeration, bubble column reactors, and has been a topic of active research for nearly eight decades. Significant progress has been made towards understanding the factors governing the departure bubble size and shape, in particular the effect of liquid physicochemical properties. Bubble dynamics plays an important role in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and paints where a large majority of the liquids being used are of non-Newtonian nature and undergo a change in their viscous properties under the effect of stress. The complex thermo-physical properties of non-Newtonian fluids play a huge role in dictating the bubble growth process and needs further investigation. The aim of this work is to gain a better understanding of the complex physics governing the growth of bubbles from capillary orifices submerged in liquid pools of aqueous solutions of polymers under constant gas flow rate through a combination of experimental and computational approaches. A comprehensive evaluation of existing computational techniques for studying single bubble growth is carried out and coupled level set VOF technique with modifications to the property estimation equation is suggested as a reliable technique to accurately model bubble growth in highly viscous fluids, with large capillary numbers greater than 1. Following this, a brief characterization of non-Newtonian fluids is made along with a comparison of most frequently used rheology models. Selecting the right model plays an important role in computational modeling as each model has its limitations and hence may only be applicable for certain concentrations of polymers. Rupesh Bhatia has shown in his work that the asymptotic forms of certain rheology models work better in characterizing the fluid and the importance of the Asymptotic Power Law (APL) model in the computational modeling of bubble growth in shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluids is esta (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2017, Biology

The spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) is a cartilaginous growth center between the occipital and sphenoid bones. The chronological age of SOS fusion is believed to occur during adolescence, but the physiological changes in facial and mandibular ontogeny that occur during SOS fusion remains unknown. In my studies, I show sexual dimorphism in SOS fusion age with female subjects always ahead of male subjects in each SOS fusion stage. The SOS fusion rate in females is faster than males and the duration of SOS fusion was shorter in females than males. This research demonstrates a significant positive relationship between hand-wrist skeletal maturity and SOS fusion stages in both genders. Moreover, this study has shown that the maximum amount of mandibular growth occurred while the SOS was still fusing; and the minimum amount of mandibular growth occurred when SOS is already fused. As the orthodontic treatment is influenced by the amount of remaining mandibular and facial growth, this data shows that SOS fusion stages could be used as a biological indicator and help in craniofacial skeletal maturity assessment.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1959, Graduate School

Master of Science, University of Akron, 2016, Applied Mathematics

A three-stage, unidirectional pit growth model, from initiation to stable growth and repassivation as the bulk potential is decreased, is developed. Stage I models metastable pit growth under ohmic control and a constant current density. Here it is assumed that the pit is covered by a semi-permeable oxide layer. Stage I is terminated when the metal concentration reaches its saturation limit at which time the pit cover instantaneously bursts. Stage II models the stable pit growth under diffusion control and the formation of a salt film at the bottom of the pit. During Stage II the bulk potential is decreased at a specified scan rate. When the bottom pit potential reaches the transition potential, Stage III begins. Here we model the pit growth under ohmic control, for a prescribed polarization curve, until the metal repassivates as the potential is decreased. The governing system of equations for each stage is solved numerically to determine the potential drop, and the concentrations of sodium, chloride, and metal ions within the pit. The pit depth as a function of time is determined from Faraday's Law in Stages I and III, and from a mass balance at the electrolyte/metal interface in Stage II. The cumulative pit depth is fit to a power law model that is used in existing Markov models for pit initiation and growth, and is compared with experimental pit depths for stainless steel in seawater.

Bachelor of Science (BS), Ohio University, 2016, Biological Sciences

Objective: Although growth hormone (GH) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) have a reported relationship, FGF21 and its receptor fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGFR1) and cofactor ß-Klotho (KLB) have not been analyzed in states of altered GH action. This study measured circulating FGF21 and tissue expression of Fgf21, Fgfr1, and Klb in mice with modified GH action to further elucidate the regulation of FGF21 action by GH. Design: 7 month old male mice bovine GH transgenic (bGH) mice (n = 9) and wild type (WT) controls (n = 10), and GH receptor knockout (GHR-/-) mice (n = 8) and WT controls (n = 8) were used for all measurements. Body composition was performed before dissection and tissue weights were measured at the time of dissection. Serum FGF21 levels were evaluated by ELISA. Expression of Fgf21, Fgfr1, and Klb mRNA in white adipose tissue (AT), brown AT, and liver were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: As expected, bGH mice had increased body weight (p = 3.70E-8), but decreased percent fat mass (p = 4.87E-4). Likewise, GHR-/- mice had decreased body weight (p = 1.78E-10), but increased percent fat mass (p = 1.52E-9), due to increased size of the subcutaneous AT depot when normalized to body weight (p = 1.60E-10). Serum FGF21 levels were significantly elevated in bGH mice (p = 0.041) and unchanged in GHR-/- mice (p = 0.88). Expression of Fgf21, Fgfr1, and Klb mRNA in white AT and liver were downregulated or unchanged in both bGH and GHR-/- mice. The only exception was Fgf21 expression in brown AT of GHR-/-, which trended toward increased expression (p = 0.075). Conclusion: We provide evidence that circulating FGF21 is increased in bGH animals, but remains unchanged in GHR-/- mice. Downregulation or no change in Fgf21, Fgfr1, and Klb expression are seen in white AT, brown AT, and liver of bGH and GHR-/- mice when compared to their respective controls, except for an increase in brown AT Fgf21 expression in GHR-/- mice, which could sugge (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2014, Biological Sciences (Arts and Sciences)

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are thought to play key roles in the development and maintenance of the heart. Evidence of the profound effect GH has on the heart can be found in patients with diseases that disrupt GH action. In pathological states of acromegaly (caused by oversecretion of GH), GH deficiency, and Laron Syndrome (a disease caused by mutations in the GH receptor resulting in systemic lack of GH induced action), patients exhibit unique cardiovascular phenotypes of altered structure and function. Despite these observations, the exact role of GH in the cardiovascular system is not well characterized. To better understand the effects that GH action has on the cardiovascular system, we studied the well-established bovine GH (bGH) transgenic mouse and developed a novel tamoxifen-inducible, cardiac-specific GH receptor (GHR) gene disrupted mouse (iC-GHRKO). We find that the bGH mice exhibit an age-dependent elevation of systolic blood pressure that is correlated with changes in both the brain natriuretic peptide and renin angiotensin systems. Our initial characterization of the iC-GHRKO mice surprisingly reveals that cardiac GH signaling is not necessary for maintenance of baseline cardiac function, but does appear to be required for normal glucose homeostasis in older mice. These studies take us a step closer to understanding the role of GH in the cardiovascular system and imply complex hormonal regulation of both cardiovascular function and whole body metabolism.

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2013, School Psychology

With the increased emphasis on data collection in schools, educators need efficient, reliable systems for progress monitoring. Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) is one such system for basic reading skills. Previous studies demonstrated differences in growth rates between males and females with respect to oral reading fluency. The present study examined if, despite previous researches noted differences in growth rates, fewer data points would give appropriate growth estimates in males and females. Results indicated that growth estimates in weeks 1 and 5 gave a comparable growth estimate to those taken in weeks 1 and 10. This comparison held true for both male and female students. These important results can help school psychologists guide school staffs on how to efficiently gather oral reading fluency progress monitoring data.

MCP, University of Cincinnati, 2007, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning

Controlling urban growth involves accommodating market forces while preventing the spoil of sprawl (Knaap 2000). Keeping a viable economy and preserving the environment is a balancing act with which planning agencies must contend. Due to concerns over the capacity of the environment to absorb growth and concerns with a safe hurricane evacuation the Florida Keys adopted stringent development controls to regulate the rate and location of growth. However, the tourist based economy in the Florida Keys requires a significant low to moderate income labor force, the high cost of housing excludes many families from the local housing market, and stringent growth control policies make it difficult to provide affordable units. This research paper explores the problems with providing affordable housing within the strict growth management policies of the Florida Keys. The research methodology provides a rational for the provision of affordable units from the limited number of annually allocated residential building permits. The research found that more than 5,000 additional housing units are needed to accommodate current demand and that 26 percent may require housing assistance. However, the total remaining housing allocations is 250 units for the county. The remaining allocations cannot alone accommodate the demand for housing let alone for low income households. The existing housing supply is sufficient to accommodate demand; however, many of these are seasonal homes for residents living outside of the county. The recommendations include the provision of additional building permit allocations and the conversion of existing housing such as transient units into affordable units.

MCP, University of Cincinnati, 2004, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning

Urban sprawl' is a term used to define the patterns of uncontrolled and haphazard development that characterizes the American landscape as of today. Economically, socially and environmentally, sprawl is creating some of the costliest problems that the United States now faces. The ‘Smart Growth' movement has emerged out of the realization that we need to rethink the way we grow. This thesis is an outcome of the need for documented evidence of the current status of smart growth in the state of Ohio. The research attempts to establish the conflicts and constraints in the context of smart growth in Ohio as well as in its two key sub-regions – Cleveland metropolitan area in Northeast and Cincinnati metropolitan area in Southwest Ohio. The methodology uses a case study analysis approach to document and analyze the macro and micro level dynamics of the two regions and the state of Ohio as a whole. The critical components of the study were the establishment of a smart growth prescription with nine overarching principles and their sub elements followed by a chronological evolution of smart growth in the state and in its two sub-regions and finally a matrix composition and analysis framework that was used to establish the relative status of smart growth in the two respective central cities, suburbs and metropolitan regions.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2001, Molecular and Cellular Biology (Arts and Sciences)

In an effort to create growth hormone (GH) resistance in mouse L cells and in mice, we have designed a ribozyme (RZ) directed against mouse GH receptor (GHR) mRNA. The ability of the RZ to specifically cleave GHR mRNA at the designated target site was verified by in vitro analysis. The ability of the RZ to cleave more than one substrate was also demonstrated in vitro. We have established several stable mouse L-cell lines expressing different amounts of mouse GHR. A metallothionein driven “mini-gene” containing the mouse GHR cDNA with added introns flanking exon 8a allowing for the production of both GHR and GH binding protein (GHBP) was used to create the cell lines. GH binding assays followed by Scatchard analysis revealed GHR numbers per cell ranging from ~50,000 to ~240,000. Western blot analysis using an antibody against phosphorylated tyrosines demonstrated a correlation between GHR number and STAT-5 phosphorylation. A linear relationship existed between receptor number and GH stimulated STAT-5 activation up to ~150,000 GHRs per cell, with maximal activation occurring at ~300,000. One of the GHR/BP cells lines that expressed ~170,000 GHRs per cell (E6 cells) was transfected with GHR-RZ coding DNA. Western blot analysis revealed a ~50% decrease in GHR abundance in RZ transfected cells. This decrease was confirmed by GH binding assays, which revealed the RZ transfected cells had ~81,000 GHRs per cell compared to ~170,000 without the RZ. This decrease in receptor levels was enough to greatly reduced E6 cell sensitivity to GH as shown by a decrease in GH-dependent STAT-5 activation, thus causing GH resistance in these cells. The same GHR-RZ was used to establish several transgenic mouse lines. Analysis of growth revealed no significant change between transgenic mice containing the RZ “mini-gene” as compared to non-transgenic littermates. Western blot analysis of GHR levels in the liver samples revealed that the RZ-DNA positive transgenic mice had similar GHR levels (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2008, Nutrition Science (Health and Human Services)

Microarray analyses were performed comparing mRNA expression levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue between mice with disruption in the growth hormone (GH) receptor gene (GHR-/- mice) and littermate controls. The data revealed that 87 genes were significantly upregulated and 72 genes were significantly downregulated in GHR-/- mice versus littermate controls. Among the 159 altered genes, a subgroup of five genes was chosen for confirmation by a second mRNA quantification method, real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-RT PCR). RT-RT PCR studies confirmed the altered gene expression for only three genes, angiotensinogen (Agt), adiponutrin (Adpn) and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4). To better understand the role of GH in adipose specific expression of these three genes (Adpn, Agt, Angptl4), RT-RT PCR analysis was expanded to include an additional genotype of altered GH function, the bovine GH transgenic mice, an additional diet treatment high-fat diet, as well as two other adipose depots, the epididymal and retroperitoneal adipose depots. This thesis discusses in detail all gene alterations observed in the microarray analyses and the RT-RT PCR analyses for Adpn, Agt, Angptl4 in adipose tissue.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2024, Chemistry and Biochemistry (Arts and Sciences)

The human growth hormone (hGH) is a 191 amino acid polypeptide hormone synthesized and secreted by anterior pituitary somatotrophs, that plays a pivotal role in regulating postnatal growth, development, bone density, and metabolism. Upon secretion into bloodstream, hGH binds to the extracellular domain of the human growth hormone receptor (hGHR), a transmembrane protein belonging to the cytokine receptor superfamily. Binding of hGH to the hGHR induces a conformational change in the receptor, leading to the activation of hGHR-associated Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) in the cytoplasm and subsequent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). This phosphorylation event in turn initiates downstream signaling pathways that regulate the expression of hGH-associated genes, such as IGF1, FOS, SOCS2, involved in stimulating growth and regulating metabolism. Unfortunately, dysregulated hGH signaling has been linked to various disease phenotypes, such as acromegaly, gigantism, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, highlighting the therapeutic relevance of modulating hGH-hGHR interactions. To date, the only growth hormone receptor antagonist approved by the FDA for clinical use is pegvisomant (Somavert® for injection), which is used for the treatment of acromegaly. Although pegvisomant has shown success in improving symptoms of acromegaly, it comes with several disadvantages. For example, high production costs, end-product heterogeneity, and the requirement for daily injections, collectively impact efficacy of the treatment regimen. Therefore, the development of next-generation antagonist of the hGHR has become a necessity. The work outlined in this dissertation addresses this gap in knowledge by developing peptide-based antagonists that target the hGHR and aims to provide new insight into expanding novel therapeutic strategies for growth hormone-associated diseases. The use of peptide-based antagonists for modulating t (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2024, Psychology-Industrial/Organizational

Feedback orientation is a person's general receptivity to feedback; although early theorizing about the construct described how it should change over time in the context of ongoing performance management experiences, the extant literature has largely neglected to study whether changes to feedback orientation do in fact occur. This study involves an experiment that was designed to improve participant feedback orientation, and evaluated how that change might be influenced by feedback environment, leader-member exchange, and perceived organizational support. A longitudinal study of feedback orientation was conducted to assess the construct weekly for four weeks, and discontinuous growth curve modeling was used to evaluate whether the experimental intervention induced an increase to feedback orientation that was greater than what would be expected from the normal weekly fluctuations of the construct. Results from an online study of working adults conducted on Prolific revealed that the intervention successfully produced an increase in participants' feedback orientation, relative to both pre-intervention fluctuations and to the impact of a control intervention. Furthermore, initial feedback orientation and leader-member exchange were found to moderate the size of the feedback orientation boost that was produced by the experimental intervention, such that the boost was larger for those with lower initial feedback orientations and for those with higher initial leader-member exchanges. Feedback environment, meanwhile, moderated feedback orientation dynamics such that participants who perceived higher levels of feedback environment maintained higher levels of feedback orientation post-intervention for two weeks after the intervention. These results offer clear insights into feedback orientation dynamics and how they are impacted by critical feedback events, feedback environments, and leader-member exchange.

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2023, Higher Education

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent that contingent faculty from Michigan's 15 public universities engage with on and off-campus professional development (PD) to improve their teaching practice. Addressing a spectrum of research questions, this study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to provide a nuanced understanding of the experiences and motivations of contingent faculty members. The initial quantitative phase surveyed 4,745 contingent faculty members through a web- based survey, exploring the availability of on and off-campus PD offerings and the factors influencing their participation. The subsequent qualitative phase was conducted through ten Zoom interviews with contingent faculty from nine universities. This phase delved into the various PD resources utilized by contingent faculty and the underlying motivations driving their engagement. The on-campus exploration revealed the prevalence of in-person seminars and computer-based training from Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs), that aligned with broader institutional trends. However, faculty interviews exposed discontent rooted in CTL unfulfilled promises, insufficient communication, and a perceived emphasis on theory over practical application. Contingent faculty expressed a strong desire for peer interactions, mentorship, and discipline-specific development, emphasizing the importance of immediately applicable knowledge. The study further explored on-campus factors influencing contingent faculty. Transitioning to off-campus PD, the study uncovered a significant commitment to continuous learning among contingent faculty. Engagement in live in-person seminars, conferences, social media, and internet resources emerged as critical elements in their professional growth. Notably, the unexpected involvement with artificial intelligence (AI) in discussions around lesson planning and academic integrity reflec (open full item for complete abstract)

Bachelor of Science (BS), Ohio University, 2023, Chemistry

The over-expression of human growth hormone (hGH) is associated with serious endocrine disorders such as gigantism and acromegaly. hGH exerts its biological effects by binding the human growth hormone receptor (hGHR), and previous research has indicated that peptides modeled off the natural sequence of hGH can effectively antagonize this therapeutically relevant protein-protein interaction. The site 1 mini-helix (S1H) peptide developed by the Holub Laboratory at Ohio University is one such antagonist. S1H is inherently unstructured in solution, which may reduce its overall effectiveness as a hGHR inhibitor. Presented here is a library of four (4) novel S1H derivatives which have had their helical structures stabilized using a technique known as hydrocarbon-stapling. These stapled constructs exhibit enhanced helical character and proteolytic stability compared to their wild-type counterpart and hold enormous potential as potential drugs in the treatment hGH-related disorders.

Bachelor of Science (BS), Ohio University, 2023, Biological Sciences

Growth hormone deficiency is a condition that results from insufficient production and secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. Since GH has numerous physiological activities and acts on most tissues of the body, recombinant GH has been approved for treatment of GH deficiency in children and adults (Hintz, 2004). However, while GH is crucial for proper growth and development and maintenance of body composition, it also has covert actions that can be detrimental to health. These covert actions include 1) GH has diabetogenic activity (inhibits insulin action) (Ader et al., 1987; Bornstein et al., 1969; Cameron & Kostyo, 1987; Houssay, 1936; Lostroh, 1974; Luft & Cerasi, 1968; Rabinowitz et al., 1965; Rabinowitz & Zierler, 1963; Takahashi et al., 2001) 2) GH downregulates xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes which impairs stress resistance (Amador-Noguez et al., 2004, 2007; Jiang et al., 2013; Steinbaugh et al., 2012) 3) GH can increases fibrosis (Kopchick et al., 2022) and 4) GH can promote the growth of certain cancers. Since GH binds with high affinity to the GH receptor (GHR) and the prolactin receptor (PRLR), GH's proliferative effect on cancer is thought to be mediated though GHR as well as PRLR signaling (Cunningham et al., 1990; Jacobson et al., 2010; Neradugomma et al., 2014; Thomas et al., 2015; Wen et al., 2014). As such, the lactogenic action of GH (GH signaling through the PRLR) has positive and negative health effects as it helps promote lactation but also promotes the growth of PRLR positive cancers. The presence of these covert actions may partially explain why GH is described as a pro-aging hormone (i.e., elevated GH levels are associated with decreased lifespan while reduced GH action is associated with increased lifespan in numerous species (Berryman et al., 2008; Junnila et al., 2013)). Because of this, our laboratory is studying a variant of GH (GHv) that has diminished diabetogenic and lactogenic activities in efforts to determine (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, 2023, Psychology

Caregiver emotion socialization robustly predicts child psychological adjustment, including anxiety. In the current study, I aimed to delineate developmental trajectories of mothers' emotion socialization practices, specifically the initial levels and growth across time of their supportive and non-supportive responses to their young children's emotions. To contextualize these processes, I examined two predictors (i.e., maternal emotion dysregulation, child negative emotionality) and one outcome (i.e., child anxiety) of said trajectories. Supplementary analyses also assessed how emotion socialization trajectories varied by emotion type (i.e., sadness, anger, or worry). To inform early child anxiety risk, I investigated these questions in a community sample of 173 predominantly White, non-Hispanic mother-child dyads who participated at four time points (child ages 2-5 years, assessments 1 year apart). Mothers reported on study variables, and results robustly varied by emotion socialization type. Latent growth curve models (LGCMs) showed that mothers' supportive global and emotion-specific responses were highly stable across time, lacking sufficient variance for further growth modeling. Supportive emotion socialization did not relate to predictors, outcome, or demographic covariates. Non-supportive response LGCMs revealed that linear growth functions best represented the data and that mothers endorsed gradual decreases in overall non-supportive responses across time. Intercept and slope were negatively related. Supplemental LGCMs and latent curve growth analyses (LCGAs) indicated some variation across emotion type. Non-supportive worry responses linearly decreased, whereas non-supportive sadness responses linearly increased over time, with each model comprising two classes varying by intercept and slope. Across global and emotion-specific models, maternal emotion dysregulation, child negative emotionality, and demographic covariates showed unique relations with non-sup (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2022, Physics and Astronomy (Arts and Sciences)

Neurofilaments are the most abundant structures in the axonal cytoskeleton. They are synthesized in the cell body then shipped across the axon in an active transport with average velocities that are amongst the slowest in the axon. Neurofilaments are known to be the main determinants of axonal caliber. Their accumulation in the axon serves a space-filling role that leads to its radial expansion. An increase in the number of neurofilaments in the cytoskeleton and a slowing in their transport along the axon are the two experimentally observed phenomena that correlated between axonal radial growth and neurofilaments. However, the exact mechanism by which neurofilaments accumulate remains unknown. Guided by existing morphometric analysis and experimental data correlating axon caliber with cytoskeletal content during axonal growth, a computational model was developed to simulate a growing axon by injecting an increasing influx of neurofilaments into the proximal end of the axon. In parallel, a study was modeled where neurofilaments assembled in the cell body were labeled with a radioactive marker so that their axonal transport along the nerve could be observed and the involvement of their slowing in the axon with its caliber growth was evaluated. Results indicate that both the increasing influx of neurofilaments from the cell body and the slowing of neurofilament transport both contribute to the growth of axonal caliber during development.