NusG is a universally conserved transcription elongation factor that stimulates RNA polymerase pausing throughout the Bacillus subtilis genome. The 5' leaders of formate and putative nitrite regulatory genes yrhG and forC2 contain NusG-dependent pause sites upstream of intrinsic terminators. To determine whether pausing regulates transcription of these genes, we conducted ?-Galactosidase assays in the presence of formate and nitrite to measure expression of yrhG and forC2 in wild-type, ?nusG, and pause-mutant strains of B. subtilis.

My research aims to better understand the role that fz2 cleavage plays in gamma-tubulin localization at branch points in the neuron. Prior research indicated that decreasing the amount of fz2 reduced the amount of localized gamma-tubulin, so my research is determining whether the cleavage is essential to this localization. I hypothesize that without gamma-secretase and thus the cleavage of Fz2, there will be a decrease in gamma-tubulin localization.

Microplastics are emerging contaminants increasingly found in aquatic ecosystems. Their persistence and fragmentation into smaller particles make them a significant concern for freshwater habitats, though their ecological impact is not fully understood. This study examined microplastics in vernal ponds, ephemeral aquatic habitats in northeastern U.S. forests. Seven ponds in Central Pennsylvania were sampled for microplastic composition, abundance, and correlations with environmental factors. Microplastic fragments were found in all sites, with the highest abundance near residential areas. These results highlight the need for further research on microplastic accumulation in these ecosystems.

Flavonoids play a key role in plant defense. This study utilizes a fluorescent biosensor to track flavonoid synthesis in maize without extensive chemical analysis. E. coli expressing the biosensor is exposed to flavonoid standards to establish fluorescence baselines. Spectrophotometry quantifies flavonoid levels, enabling efficient and non-destructive detection. This approach aids in developing high-flavonoid maize germplasm for pest and disease resistance, demonstrating the potential of biosensor technology for high-throughput metabolic screening and agricultural sustainability.

This study examined racial/ethnic differences in baseline neuropsychological test performance among 801 NCAA Division I athletes. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) revealed significant differences in attention/processing speed and memory (p<.001), with athletes of color scoring lower than white athletes on 14 of 16 test indices. These findings underscore the need to investigate systemic factors influencing performance disparities. Prioritizing research on athletes of color is urgent, given the role of cognitive testing in return-to-play decisions and athlete safety.

Previous studies have found correlations between the abundances of specific microbes in the gut and gene expression in adjacent host tissue. However, we currently lack an understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying those correlations. Here we address that gap in knowledge by investigating the mechanisms of host-microbiome interactions, specifically with respect to the effect of direct vs. indirect contact on gene expression, as well as identification of the molecules responsible for these changes in gene expression.

Flaviviruses like dengue and Zika are single stranded RNA viruses that cause dengue fever and congenital Zika syndrome, respectively. We used ALFA tag and fluorescent nanobodies binding ALFA tag to study the early events of flavivirus infection in human cells using confocal microscopy. Zika viruses expressing ALFA tag were generated and binding of the nanobody to the tag was studied in virus infected cells and the results will be discussed.

This cross-sectional study (n=402) examined vaping policy awareness, attitudes, beliefs, and compliance among students, faculty, and staff at Penn State Harrisburg. Over 55% were unaware vaping is included in the policy. Support for a vaping ban (aOR=0.229, p=0.04) and discomfort witnessing vaping (aOR=0.167, p=0.04) correlated with lower vaping rates. Findings highlight the need for clearer policies and targeted education to improve awareness and compliance.

This work presents an alternative approach to the Next-Best-View (NBV) problem for UAVs solely equipped with an RGB camera and with limited a priori knowledge of their target. The vehicle first performs a predefined search routine to locate and obtain several initial views of the target. These images are processed to estimate camera poses, generate a sparse point cloud, and define the 3D bounding volume using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) framework. Subsequent viewpoint selection is informed by optimizing an information gain heuristic at a set of candidate viewpoints surrounding the bounding volume. The point cloud and bounding volume are updated incrementally as the vehicle obtains more information about its surroundings, and the optimal trajectory is recalculated. This approach is validated in a test case.

This project centers around the voting behavior of moderate weak partisans. The project addresses the role of polarization in the modern political climate, especially as it pertains to the lack of choices for these voters who are most predisposed prefer a politically moderate candidate. Multiple theories of vote choice are examined to see which is most often employed by these moderates in today's highly polarized political environment.

Drawing on Old Norse literature, mythology, and archaeological evidence, my research shows that textile production appears as a powerful metaphor for fate, both as an external force and an intrinsic part of a person’s personality according to Viking conceptions. Through textile metaphors Viking cultural values, gender roles, and societal structures are revealed, all woven into their conception of fate.

E. coli is a commensal bacterium found in poultry, when given the opportunity it can cause colibacillosis infection. Sequencing genomes of colibacillosis from infected poultry is suspected to show different genes compared to commensal E. coli found in non-infected poultry. From sequencing analysis, these are differentiated by identification of possible virulence factor genes. Differentiation of colibacillosis-infected poultry and non-infected poultry can lead to further studies on prevention and treatment.

This research examines the relationship between female representation in government and militarization spending. Using statistical methods such as regression analysis, the study will assess whether higher percentages of women in government correlate with lower military expenditures while controlling for confounding variables. Anticipated findings may indicate a negative correlation, no significant relationship, or unexpected results. The conclusions could inform policy discussions on gender diversity in political leadership, national security, and international peace efforts.