http://hdl.handle.net/10150/129650 2026-05-13T16:42:01Z http://hdl.handle.net/10150/680132 THE EFFECT OF WHEEL RUNNING ON THE ACTIVITY OF PKC-Δ+ NEURONS IN MICE WITH ACTIVITY-BASED ANOREXIA Johnson, Cassidy Amber Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder that is characterized by significantly restricted eating, irrational obsession with thinness, and oftentimes over-exercising. However, the neural mechanism underlying anorexia development is still poorly understood and targeted therapy is not available. The purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of physical activity on the neural factors that lead to the development and prognosis of anorexia nervosa. In addition to mediating fear and anxiety responses, the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) has been understood to play a role in feeding regulation. Specifically, a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in the CEA that express protein kinase C-delta (PKC-δ+) are known to mediate diverse anorexigenic signals, and these neurons are required for the development of activity-based anorexia (ABA) in rodents. ABA is a commonly used biobehavioral animal model to mimic anorexia nervosa in humans, in which food-restricted mice run themselves to death if given access to a running wheel. We employed in vivo calcium imaging to study the activity of PKC-δ+ neurons during wheel running over the development of ABA in mice (n=3). We found that wheel running reduces the activity of PKC-δ+ neuron activity in fed, fasted, and ABA mice. Interestingly, when ABA has fully developed, wheel running elicits an even stronger activity reduction in PKC-δ+ neurons. Our data suggest that CEA PKC-δ+ neurons may play a role in mediating satiety signals following bouts of exercise, and that feeding and exercise behaviors are regulated by overlapping neural mechanisms. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10150/680031 OBSERVATIONS AND MAPPING OF SEDIMENTARY FEATURES NEAR SELECT TESSERAE ON VENUS Petersen, Scott From spring 2024 to spring 2025, I worked with Professor Lynn Carter at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory on a project to determine how tesserae on Venus interact with the planet’s sedimentary cycle and associated processes. We produced a map sedimentary features that will be posted on the University of Arizona ReDATA repository in the coming weeks (University of Arizona, 2025). We also produced an abstract and poster presentation for the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC). We also adapted a dune crestline mapping algorithm from Telfer et al. (2015) to apply to dune fields on Earth to attempt to use the dune fields as analogs for microdunes on Venus. We found that sedimentary features near tesserae were somewhat rare. Nonetheless, we mapped the location of wind streaks, possible mass wasting, low emissivity terrain, and newly classified “outlines” in the immediate vicinity of several tesserae. We also discovered two microdune fields in Tellus tessera and Husbishag tessera. While we ran out of time to use our crestline mapping algorithm to study analogs of Venus microdunes, we were able to qualitatively determine that dune morphology does affect their appearance in SAR imagery depending on the direction they are imaged from. See related dataset “Observations of Sedimentary Features near Select Tesserae on Venus” in the University of Arizona Research Data Repository (ReDATA): https://doi.org/10.25422/azu.data.29055653 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10150/680030 THE POWER OF DEBATE: A REFLECTION ON TEACHING, MENTORSHIP, AND CREATIVITY IN ARGUMENTATION Kousoulas, Pauline Maria This project explores the educational impact of over 150 hours of community service through debate coaching at New Vistas Center for Education. By mentoring more than 30 students weekly and developing a comprehensive YouTube debate series, I fostered skills in leadership, communication, and mentorship. The coaching experience emphasized critical thinking, ethical argumentation, and individualized strategies for neurodiverse learners. Supported by research on debate and mentorship, my reflection illustrates how tailored instruction and inclusive teaching practices can empower students to grow academically and personally. The YouTube series addressed a gap in accessible, beginner-friendly debate resources, contributing a practical, student-centered tool for future debaters. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10150/680029 THE MIRROR DARKENS: SHORT STORY COLLECTION Bauschka, Ethan Michael Creative and speculative fiction has the potential to depict humanity in all of its glory, with beautiful and ugly honesty. In creating this thesis, I aim to explore the potential horror of isolation and guilt in a refreshing way, all while showcasing my evolution as an aspiring author. This particular short story collection - consisting of four works - is an exploration of the space between villainy and redemption, love and hate, morality and survival, and light and darkness. The collection, as a unit, is meant to show the dangerously thin lines between these spaces of being and grip the readers. And so, each story shall build upon the last and show how the character's choices have led them to their ends, or new beginnings. By the end, it is my main hope that people will enjoy the experience of reading all of the stories and find something that piques their interests. Ultimately, the goal of this collection is to humanize those affected by the darkness of their own lives, with genre elements, like horror, fantasy, mystery, and thriller. Technically speaking, this collection shall be an entry point into longer pieces and a fuller, more complete series of short stories that I plan to build on in the future. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z