Doctoral Dissertations
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This collection includes doctoral dissertations submitted to the Graduate School by Ball State University doctoral candidates in partial fulfillment of degree requirements.
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Item The effect of adipose biopsy technique on adipose tissue biology(2024-05) Lynch, Colleen; Trappe, Scott W.his investigation compared adipose tissue (AT) biomarkers obtained from two biopsy techniques, Bergström and Mercedes. Baseline abdominal subcutaneous AT was obtained from 14 (9M, 5F; 28 ± 4 y; 85 ± 8 kg; Body Fat 28 ± 8%; VO2max 3.3 ± 0.7 L•min-1) healthy, recreationally active adults via the Bergström and Mercedes biopsy techniques. Gene expression was measured in AT (n=8) for inflammatory and adipokine genes of interest (IL1β, IL6, IL8, IL10, TNFα, ADIPOQ, LEPD). Plasma (n=14) and AT (n=11) inflammatory cytokine concentrations were assessed (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL1β, IL2, IL5, IL6, IL8, IL12p70, IL17A, IL23, TNFα, IL4, IL10, IL13). Average yield for the Bergström biopsy was less than the Mercedes biopsy (261 ± 110 mg vs. 951 ± 601 mg; P<0.05). There was a difference in RNA quality between the Bergström (RIN 7.7 ± 0.7) and Mercedes (RIN 8.1 ± 0.5, P<0.05), with RNA from the Mercedes technique having a higher RIN. There was no difference in expression of inflammatory or adipokine genes in tissue obtained with the Bergström or Mercedes adipose biopsy technique (P>0.05). Of the measurable AT cytokine concentrations (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL8, IL13, IL17A) there was no difference between Bergström and Mercedes tissue (P>0.05). Several biomarkers were analyzed within the tissue obtained, including RNA quality, select genes of interest, and cytokines. It was shown that both techniques yielded RNA that was acceptable for downstream assays. In the current study there was no difference in the genes of interest or the inflammatory cytokines measured between adipose biopsy techniques at this timepoint. Overall, the Bergström technique yields less tissue but may allow for more individual biopsies to occur compared to the Mercedes technique which yielded more tissue but may limit the number of adipose biopsies. These findings provide valuable insight into the interchangeability of the biopsy techniques based upon study design and desired downstream assays.Item Influence of the NASA SPRING exercise protocol on myonuclear and satellite cell content of the vastus lateralis and soleus during 70 days of bedrest(2024-05) Simpson, Mathew; PIchtel, JohnThis dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of the environmental effects of microplastics, with a focus on nurdles (pre-production microplastics) and microfibers . The opening section provides an overview of the pervasive nature of microplastic, and the current methodology used to describe its environmental impact. Chapter 1 identifies the physical weathering characteristics of microplastics from marine and freshwater coastlines using a attenuated total reflectance Fourier infrared spectrometer (ATR-FTIR). This chapter suggests that standard sample preparation methods may not be necessary for large (> 1 mm) microplastic identification and explores the impact of environmental substances on the accuracy of the analysis. Chapter 2 evaluates the impact of virgin and aged microfibers on plant growth. Through the analysis of biomass, chlorophyll content (Soil Plant Analysis Development values), water retention capability, and biochemical impacts, it was determined that the presence of microfibers has the potential to result in acute impacts on aquatic plant health and ecosystem function. Chapter 3 focuses on the distribution of nurdles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, analyzing the correlation between pollution sources and nurdle presence. Through statistical modeling, this chapter demonstrates the impact of local plastic manufacturers on nearby coastlines. The findings of this dissertation conclude that there is a clear need for further research into microplastic pollution mitigation and environmental impact. Overall, this dissertation provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the impact of primary microplastic pollution and challenges we face regarding their management.Item Ocean basin freshening: case studies from the quaternary and eocene utilizing foraminifera and ichthyoliths paleo-proxies(2024-05) Yager, Stacy L.; Fluegeman, RichardThe Eocene Epoch (56-33.9 Ma) represents an interval of reorganization of the Earth’s climate and ocean systems; from the prolonged greenhouse warmth in the Early Eocene to the beginning of the modern icehouse conditions with the first large Antarctic ice sheet. The understanding of paleo-ecological and paleoceanographical phenomena and environments in the Eocene benefits from detailed examination of the Quaternary (2.58 Ma-Present) geologic record and vice versa. This study focuses on freshwater influence (ocean freshening) in the Vøring Basin along the Norwegian Continental Margin during the Early Eocene and the late Quaternary of the Cariaco basin. Late Quaternary (~ 340,000 kyr) Cariaco Basin productivity and its relation to freshwater runoff fluxes utilize δ13C stable isotope data from Orbulina universa as a paleoproxy for productivity (higher δ13C = increased local productivity). From these data a model for the geologic record of freshwater runoff fluctuations can be developed. This model aids the reconstruction of Early Eocene salinity, bottom-water circulation, and freshwater runoff fluxes for the Vøring Basin of the Norwegian Margin. In support, neodymium (Nd) and stable isotope data were obtained from ichthyoliths recovered from IODP Expedition 396. Nd values (-5.58 - 0.41) suggest bottom-water in these marginal marine settings was mixing with other sources, including continual runoff. Salinity reconstructions and δ13C values suggest there was an increase in productivity along with brackish waters within the Vøring Basin, all corroborating with each other. The Eocene from IODP Expedition 396 does not have precise time or paleobathymetric control. Toward that end, planktonic and benthic foraminifera taxonomic data were collected as part of an on-going scientific collaboration. Zone E7 is suggested based on planktonic foraminifera while two proposed scenarios are suggested for the mixture of agglutinated and calcareous benthic foraminifera with bathymetry indicating depths ~ 200 – 2,000 m.Item A rhythmic analysis of "Ein' Feste Burg" and its thematic development in Philip Spark's Between The Two Rivers: Variations of Ein' Feste Burg(2024-05) Wurster, Miles B.; Caneva, Thomas; Spieker, MatthewLuther’s original melody for the chorale Ein’ Feste Burg ist Unser Gott possesses a vibrant, rhythmic character similar in style to the popular folk music of early 16th-century German lands. The melody was carefully crafted to pair with the naturally occurring poetic stresses of the hymn text. Over time, the asymmetrical rhythmic version of EIN’ FESTE BURG was replaced with an isometric setting of the tune. This study outlines the importance of Luther’s original composition, suggests a setting of the melody that preserves the essence of the original rhythm within a modern notational framework, and uses that model as a basis for analyzing the thematic development of the hymn tune in Philip Sparke’s Between the Two Rivers: Variations on Ein’ Feste Burg. The analysis identifies all unique appearances of thematic material derived from the seven phrases of the hymn. A musical analysis of Between the Two Rivers concludes that the isometric setting of EIN’ FESTE BURG was used in the composition of the work.Item Microplastics chemical characterization, regional distribution, and effects on BIOTA(2024-05) Skiles, Chad Michael; Trappe, Scott W.The purpose of this study was to determine if the SPRINT exercise protocol provided protection to MHC I and IIa myonuclear and satellite cell number in the vastus lateralis and soleus during 70 days of bedrest. Twenty-five subjects (24 M, 1F) were recruited, screened, and randomized into one of three groups: bedrest only (BR; n=8, 37±3 yrs), bedrest with resistance and aerobic exercise (BRE; n=9, 34±2 yrs), and bedrest with resistance and aerobic exercise concurrent with low dose of testosterone injections (BRE+T; n=8, 33±3 yrs). Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis and soleus were sectioned, immunofluorescently stained, and analyzed for myonuclear and satellite cell number, along with fiber size and fiber type composition. Myonuclear number in MHC I and IIa fibers of the vastus lateralis and soleus were unchanged (P>0.05) from pre- to post-bedrest within BR, BRE, and BRE+T. However, there was a main time effect (P<0.05) for a decrease in myonuclear domain for vastus lateralis MHC I fibers (-8%), as well as soleus MHC I (-18%) and IIa (-18%) fibers. Also, there was a trend for a main effect for time (P=0.059) for an increase (+37%) in satellite cell number for vastus lateralis MHC IIa fibers, which was primarily driven by the exercise groups (BR: -4%, BRE: +36%, BRE+T: +67%). The main effect of time that was observed in the myonuclear domain was mirrored by the main time effect in fiber atrophy in vastus lateralis MHC I fibers (-10%), as well as soleus MHC I (-21%) and IIa (-23%) fibers. Unloading did not reduce MHC I fiber proportion in both the vastus lateralis and soleus (P>0.05). BR trended to decrease vastus lateralis MHC IIa fiber composition (P=0.065) while BRE and BRE+T increased the vastus lateralis MHC IIa. Additionally, BRE decreased total hybrid proportions in the vastus lateralis (P<0.05). In the soleus there was a main time effect in the increase of total hybrids (P<0.05). Prolonged unloading did not alter myonuclei and satellite cells in both the vastus lateralis and soleus, but SPRINT may enhance satellite cell number in the vastus lateralis MHC IIa fibers. The decline in myonuclear domain was driven by the muscle fiber atrophy in the vastus lateralis MHC I fibers, and in soleus MHC I and IIa fibers. The results suggest that the SPRINT exercise is effective at maintaining fiber size, and consequently preserving myonuclear domain in both the vastus lateralis and soleus. The current data along with prior findings within this cohort support SPRINT as an effective countermeasure for protecting myocellular characteristics and function during prolong unloading.