Digital Commons Network^™

Optimizing Feasibility And Acceptability Of An Online Expressive Writing Intervention For Survivors Of Adolescent And Young Adult Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Trial Of Iterative Modifications And Outcomes, Eunju Choi, Yusi Aveva Xu, Celia Cy Wong-Meli, Michael E Roth, Yisheng Li, Qian Lu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of an online expressive writing (EW) intervention for survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer and determine whether iterative, theory-driven modifications can enhance response, adherence, and completion rates.

Methods: In this randomized pilot trial, survivors of AYA cancer were recruited through a hospital-based AYA oncology clinic and an online community. Forty participants were randomly assigned to the EW intervention or control group. To improve on lower-than-expected adherence and completion rates in a previous cohort, the protocol was iteratively revised using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS). Modifications included …

Barriers To Occupational And Physical Therapy Utilization For Children With Cancer, Maria C Swartz, Shiming Zhang, Donna Kelly, Clark R Andersen, Keri Schadler, Alakh P Rajan, Eduardo Gonzalez Villarreal, Stephanie J Wells, Amy Heaton, Karen Moody

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT) referrals and utilization barriers for childhood cancer patients have not been adequately examined. The current study investigated factors influencing referrals to and utilization of OT/PT services among children with cancer at an NIH-designated cancer center.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included pediatric cancer patients (up to 18.99 years) presenting to the center over a 33.5-month period. Variables that could influence referrals to OT/PT were extracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) including OT and PT referrals (inpatient and outpatient), OT and PT consult completion, age at diagnosis, cancer type, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, cancer treatment, …

A Comprehensive Biomechanical Material Characterization Of The Human Breast Fibro-Structural Support System, Aroj Bhattarai, Gregory P Reece, Kristy K Brock, Krishnaswamy Ravi-Chandar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Breast surgery for aesthetic purposes, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction, and breast reconstruction after cancer treatment require an accurate structural (anatomical) and mechanical (functional) understanding of the breast components, including the fascial-ligamentous support system of the breast, to achieve optimal results. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive description of the mechanical behavior of the ligamentous and fascial connective tissues of the human female breast. Fasciae and ligaments obtained from 17 patients between 35 and 85 years of age who were undergoing mastectomy and three female cadavers were tested. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted, and three constitutive models …

Anaemic Streams: Iron And Essential Trace Metals Frequently Limit Primary Producer Biomass, David M. Costello, Olufemi J. Akinnifesi, Renn C. Schipper, Paisley Kostick, Jordyn T. Stoll, Scott D. Tiegs, Amy Marcarelli, Sally A. Entrekin, Raven L. Bier, Krista A. Capps, Dean E. Fletcher

Michigan Tech Publications

Metals are essential for microbial metabolism, yet their role as limiting nutrients in freshwater streams remains poorly understood. We quantified the prevalence of metal and nutrient (co-)limitation of primary producers in 41 streams. Metal limitation was widespread with Fe limitation eliciting the strongest and most consistent biomass responses (50% of streams). Zn limitation was also common (33% of streams), marking the first evidence of Zn-limited stream biofilms at this spatial scale. Metals were often co-limiting with N and P, highlighting interactions between macro- and micronutrients. Diatoms were more responsive to Zn and cyanobacteria reached higher biomass with N and P …

Signatures Of The Anthropocene: Population Genomic Structure Detected In Pennsylvania Coyotes, Craig A. Marshall, Julia Halo, Kyle Van Why, Yeraldi Loera, Stavi R. Tennenbaum, Casey Burton, Ariana Di Landro, Dominic Dominguez, Daniel Duncan, Madison Machado, Catalina Posada, Stephen J. Gaughran, Madison Lichak, Kristin Brzeski, Elizabeth Heppenheimer, Bridgett Vonholdt

Michigan Tech Publications

Coyotes (Canis latrans) expanded across eastern North America in the last century and are ecological generalists capable of thriving across diverse habitats. Broad genetic surveillance has reported little spatial genetic patterning for this highly dispersive species. Here, we explore the genome-wide signatures of spatial patterns found in a 10-year study of 1199 coyotes from northeastern United States, with a temporal analysis of Pennsylvania coyotes. Despite their broad dispersal capability, we detected subtle but significant population structure, with two genetic clusters that have a weak clinal transition zone. This partitioning aligned qualitatively with patterns of human population density and activity. We …

Spatial Profiling Reveals Distinct Molecular And Immune Evolution Of Mouse Lung Adenocarcinoma Precancers With Or Without Carcinogen Exposure, Bo Zhu, Muhammad Aminu, Pingjun Chen, Jian-Rong Li, Chuanpeng Dong, Chenyang Li, Yanhua Tian, Shao-Wei Lu, Hong Chen, Chenxi Ma, Xin Hu, Jie Ye, Andrew Y Liu, Beibei Huang, Frank R Rojas, Parra Cuentas Edwin Roger, Ou Shi, Monique B Nilsson, Alissa Poteete, Khaja B Khan, Wei Lu, Luisa M Solis Soto, Junya Fujimoto, Cara Haymaker, Ignacio I Wistuba, Zhubo Wei, Linghua Wang, Don L Gibbons, Ken Chen, Alexandre Reuben, Jason M Schenkel, John V Heymach, Chao Cheng, Jia Wu, Jianjun Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Tumor evolution involves genetic, transcriptional, and phenotypic alterations that shape cancer cell behavior and interactions with the microenvironment. While single‐cell technologies have advanced our understanding of this process, spatial dynamics remain incompletely characterized. Here, whole‐exome sequencing (WES), imaging mass cytometry (IMC), and spatial transcriptomics (ST) were integrated to study molecular evolution and immune responses in two lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) mouse models: a genetically engineered model (129S4/Sv‐KrasLSL‐G12D, termed 129S4 K) and a carcinogen‐induced precancer model (129S4 U). Compared to 129S4 K, 129S4 U tumors exhibited higher mutational, neoantigen but lower copy number variation (CNV) burdens at matched developmental timepoints, consistent with …

Utah Farmers Markets Impact Report: Strengthening Local Food Systems, Economic Resilience, And Community Well-Being, Jaclyn Pace, Steven Price, Roslynn Brain-Mccann, Joshua Cafferty, Blue Cook

All Current Publications

Utah's farmers markets are more than places to shop — they are essential community infrastructure. With more than 60 markets in operation across the state, people rely on their local market for food, leisure, and community connection. From 2023–2025, the Utah Farmers Market Network (UFMN) and Utah State University (USU) Extension led a three-year, mixed-methods evaluation to document the economic and social contributions of farmers markets across the state. Over three market seasons, more than 230,000 customer responses were collected at markets in St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, Ogden, Murray, Wheeler Farm, Millcreek, Downtown Salt Lake City, and Price — …

Widespread Decline In The Abundance Of Sea Cucumber Assemblages In Atolls Of The Protected Rowley Shoals, Northwestern Australia, Inês Leal, Claire L. Ross, Simone Strydom, Richard D. Evans, Thomas H. Holmes, Graham J. Edgar, John K. Keesing

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The Rowley Shoals, off northwestern Australia, are renowned as a biodiversity hotspot. This remote system comprises three atolls, Clerke, Imperieuse and Mermaid, which in recent years have been increasingly targeted by illegal fishing, a pressure rising across the Indo-Pacific. The objective of this study was to quantify recent changes in sea cucumber assemblages across the Rowley Shoals. We surveyed nine sea cucumber species at monitoring sites in 2018 and 2023 to assess changes in their abundance. Total assemblage densities declined significantly across all atolls and habitats. Documented seizures of illegally harvested holothurians by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority over this …

Optimized Deep Learning Framework With H2o For Lung Cancer Prediction, Walaa Hassan Ibrahim, Mohamed S. Saraya, Sally M. Elghamrawy, Ali I. Eldesouky

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The automatic diagnosis of lung cancer using chest X-ray (CXR) images has significantly advanced with progress in computing, machine learning, and deep learning. However, detecting lesions and nodules remains challenging due to CXR limitations. Early lung cancer detection is critical for successful treatment, but current AI algorithms often rely on large annotated datasets, which are not always available. To address this, a novel multi-classification deep learning framework is proposed that combines CXR and CT images. This approach leverages the detailed feature detection capabilities of CT scans alongside the complementary views from CXRs, improving early-stage lung cancer detection and classification precision. …

Exosome Engineering For Blocking Gut Dysbiosis And Inducing Cell Death Mechanisms In Glioblastoma Multiforme, Ahalya Muraleedharan, Karthik Rangavajhula, Swapan K. Ray

Faculty Publications

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in adults. Emerging evidence endorses that gut dysbiosis contributes to GBM progression through the gut–brain axis (GBA), promoting inflammation and therapeutic resistance via abnormal short-chain fatty acid production and cytokine dysregulation. Exosomes, naturally occurring nanovesicles (30–150 nm), offer promising therapeutic potential due to their blood–brain barrier permeability, biocompatibility, and versatile cargo capacity. This review examines exosome engineering strategies for dual targeting: inhibiting alterations in gut microbiome and inducing regulated cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis and ferroptosis in GBM. We describe exosome engineering with detailed focus on cargo loading approaches …

Bone Marrow Endosteum Houses Hedgehog-Susceptible Dlx5-Expressing Osteoblast Precursor Cells, Keita Kondo, Yuki Matsushita, Shion Orikasa, Yuta Nakai, Aiko Kuroda, Shinsuke Ohba, Wanida Ono, Noriaki Ono

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The bone marrow endosteum provides a robust source of bone-making osteoblasts by housing various types of osteoblast precursor cells, including endosteal stem cells expressing fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (Fgfr3) and their downstream progenitor cell populations. In fetal bone development, Dlx5 marks early perichondrial cells that populate the diaphyseal bone and marrow stroma in the postnatal stages. However, the location of Dlx5-expressing cells in the postnatal bone marrow and how they contribute to osteogenesis remain undefined. Here, we show that Dlx5

Endosteal Stem Cells At The Bone-Blood Interface: A Double-Edged Sword For Rapid Bone Formation: Bone Marrow Endosteal Stem Cells Provide A Robust Source Of Bone-Making Osteoblasts Both In Normal And Abnormal Bone Formation, Keita Kondo, Yuki Matsushita, Shion Orikasa, Yuta Nakai, Aiko Kuroda, Shinsuke Ohba, Wanida Ono, Noriaki Ono

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Endosteal stem cells are a subclass of bone marrow skeletal stem cell populations that are particularly important for rapid bone formation occurring in growth and regeneration. These stem cells are strategically located near the bone surface in a specialized microenvironment of the endosteal niche. These stem cells are abundant in young stages but eventually depleted and replaced by other stem cell types residing in a non-endosteal perisinusoidal niche. Single-cell molecular profiling and in vivo cell lineage analyses play key roles in discovering endosteal stem cells. Importantly, endosteal stem cells can transform into bone tumor-making cells when deleterious mutations occur in …

Crops Grown Below Ground Can Be 20-40°F Warmer Than Above-Ground Outdoor Crops, Jessie Miller

Research on Capitol Hill

At USU, 33% of students are considered food insecure. The walipini, a pit-style greenhouse, shows food can be grown year-round for a low cost.

Assessing Tree Species Diversity In Forests Using Combined Remote Sensing Data, Tufan Demi̇rel

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Tree species diversity (TSD) is a critical biological variable for ecosystem functioning and sustainable forest management.This study aimed to model TSD in forest ecosystems using spectral and texture metrics extracted from Sentinel-2, WorldView-3,and PlanetScope satellite imagery, and structural metrics derived from LiDAR data. Tree species data collected through field surveyswere used to calculate Shannon, Simpson, and species richness biodiversity indices. These biodiversity indicators were then related toexplanatory variables derived from remote sensing (RS) metrics. The Boruta algorithm was applied for variable selection and randomforest regression analysis was used for modeling. The results show that combining LiDAR and satellite data is …

Assessing The Capabilities Of Ai-Based Large Language Models (Ai-Llms) In Interpreting Histopathological Slides And Scientific Figures: Performance Evaluation Study, Khanisyah Erza Gumilar, Grace Ariani, Priangga A. Wiratama, Rimbun Rimbun, Tri H. Yuliawati, Hong Chen, Ibrahim H. Ibrahim

BioMedicine

Background: Integrating artificial intelligence-based large language models (AI-LLMs) into medical and other scientific domains is increasingly recognized as a tool to support complex tasks, such as interpreting histopathology slides and scientific figures. AI-LLMs can simplify these processes by providing clearer explanations. By improving accessibility and comprehension, AI-LLMs can significantly assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and therapy determination. Students and the public also find it easier to understand complex scientific concepts and images.

Objectives: This study explores the capability of AI-LLMs in interpreting histopathological slides and scientific images. This study aims to evaluate the performance of AI-LLMs in supporting diagnostics and …

Effectiveness Of A Network Open House Model To Recruit Trainees To Post-Baccalaureate Stem Programs, Sarah Mordan-Mccombs, Scott Takeo Aoki, Lindsay Lewellyn, Sarah Justice, Neetu Tewari, Jorge Cantu, Robert Seiser, Ahmed Lakhani, Jennifer R. Kowalski

Biology Faculty publications

Post-baccalaureate (post-bac) programs can be instrumental in strengthening science training and expanding STEM career opportunities for junior trainees. Many of these sponsored programs are designed to increase research exposure for underrepresented minorities, including African American, Hispanic, Native American, and first-generation college students, among others. Recruiting trainees to post-bac programs can be challenging for reasons including a lack of awareness about available programs. To address this gap, an Open House event was created with the goal of raising awareness and generating interest among potential students for future post-bac programs. Students were recruited from partnering Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to attend a …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

No abstract provided.

Lymphatic Malformations With Activating Kras Mutations Impair Lymphatic Valve Development Through Matrix Metalloproteinases, Diandra M. Mastrogiacomo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are lesions that can be due to inherited or somatic mutations, and they lead to a defective lymphatic vasculature. Activating KRAS mutations have been identified recently in LM patients with lymphedema, chylous ascites, or life-threatening chylothorax. In a LM mouse model, KRAS mutations are associated with a loss of lymphatic valves, which has been proposed to cause chylothorax via retrograde lymph flow into the pleural space. However, the mechanisms underlying the loss of lymphatic valves are unknown. To investigate the mechanisms leading to valve loss, we combined the lymphatic-specific and tamoxifen-inducible Flt4CreERT2 with Kras-loxP-stop-loxP-G12D (Kras+/G12D) mice and …

Science Communication Tools: Rubrics For Generating Posters And Manuscripts That Are Authentic To The Practice Of Science, Quinn Vega

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Traditional undergraduate science courses often prioritize content mastery over authentic engagement with the scientific process. Course-based research, also referred to as course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), addresses this limitation by immersing students in authentic scientific practice. In course-based research, assessment practices can also mirror the authentic scientific practice, where extensive formative feedback supports refinement of skills and understanding. Here, we present two rubrics designed to support the teaching and assessment of science communication in a way that reflects how scientists prepare to disseminate their research findings. One rubric is for creating scientific posters and another for writing short-format manuscripts. Developed …

The Effect Of St. John’S Wort Solution On Climbing Activity Reflecting Depressive-Like Behavior In Drosophila Melanogaster To Model Seasonal Depression In Low Sunlight Exposure, Madison Simon

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Although depression is a known substantial threat to public health, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is under-researched. SAD refers to recurrent seasonal patterns of depression. This depressive disorder has few accepted treatments. The purpose of this study was to test whether St. John’s Wort (SJW), a natural supplement with researched antidepressant properties, could be a cheaper alternative with fewer limitations for treating SAD. SJW’s efficacy as a seasonal depression inhibitor was tested through a Drosophila depression-like model using climbing activity to reflect depressive behavior. It was hypothesized that as the concentration of SJW solution increases, the climbing activity of stressed Drosophila …

Science Communication Tools: Rubrics For Generating Posters And Manuscripts That Are Authentic To The Practice Of Science, Tamarah Lynne Adair, Swati Agrawal, Yesmi P. Ahumada-Santos, Regina Alvarez, Kirk Anders, Rebekah F. Hare

Biology Faculty Scholarship

Traditional undergraduate science courses often prioritize content mastery over authentic engagement with the scientific process. Course-based research, also referred to as course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), addresses this limitation by immersing students in authentic scientific practice. In course-based research, assessment practices can also mirror the authentic scientific practice, where extensive formative feedback supports refinement of skills and understanding. Here, we present two rubrics designed to support the teaching and assessment of science communication in a way that reflects how scientists prepare to disseminate their research findings. One rubric is for creating scientific posters and another for writing short-format manuscripts. Developed …

The Role Of Fkbp51 In The Regulation Of Reproductive Aging And Prenatal Stress-Impaired Ovarian Function And Development, Monica C. Moore

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is an immunophilin that acts as a co-chaperone with heat shock protein 90 that negatively regulates transcriptional activity of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and progesterone receptor (PR), and FKBP51 levels are increased by stress conditions. Our previous studies demonstrate that Fkbp5 gene depletion was protective against maternal re-strained stress-induced preterm birth (PTB), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and maternal stress-induced age-related decline in live births. We hypothesize that FKBP51 contributes to impaired ovarian development and folliculogenesis induced by prenatal stress (PNS). Timed-pregnant Fkbp5+/+ (wild-type) and Fkbp5−/− (knockout) mice were randomly assigned to either the undis-turbed (nonstress) or PNS …

An Examination Of Trends And Factors Influencing Teen Retention In 4-H Youth Development Program: A Case Study, Bethany R. Corona

LSU Master's Theses

Teen participation in 4-H has declined nationally in recent years, raising concerns about long-term program sustainability and youth engagement. Understanding the factors that influence teens’ decisions to remain involved in 4-H is critical for informing program design and delivery. Guided by the theory of planned behavior, this qualitative study explored teen perceptions of 4-H programming, youth voice, social influences, communication, and barriers to participation. Data were collected through two group interviews with teen 4-H members representing multiple parishes. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the constant comparative method through a three-phase coding process consisting of open, axial, …

Population Satisfaction Indicators Of The Quality-Of-Life Standards During The Work Trip (A Case Study Of The Cities Of Minia And New Minia), Shimaa Mohammed Hamdy Derbala, Amna Waz Amgad Ali

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The research examined the indicators of population satisfaction with the quality of life during work trips in the cities of Minia and New Minia, in relation to the problem of low urban communication between the two cities and the continued dependence of debtors on each other to provide employment opportunities. The research examined previous studies linking the quality of life of work trips to the environmental, social and psychological aspects of the movement and economy, A questionnaire was designed for a sample of the population (388 individuals) to assess the residents' impression of the quality of life during their work …

Strategies For Sustainable And Inclusive Outdoor Wayfinding In Healthcare Facilities: An Approach To Enhance User Experience At Kafr Alsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, Rania Abd Allateef Ghanam, Ahmed Salah El-Deep

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Outdoor wayfinding plays a critical role in shaping user experience in healthcare environments, where inadequate navigation can heighten stress and hinder timely access to care. Despite the presence of wayfinding systems in many hospitals, outdoor navigation remains underexamined and inconsistently addressed in design guidelines. This study fills this gap by investigating architectural strategies to enhance outdoor wayfinding and reduce user stress. The research focuses on Kafrelsheikh University Hospital in Egypt and applies a twophase methodology: (1) a comprehensive literature review to identify current principles, guidelines, and best practices in outdoor wayfinding, and (2) an on-site case study to assess existing …

The Role Of Motion Graphics In Enhancing The Effectiveness Of Infographics Design, Hussein Mohammad Al-Omari

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

An infographic's primary objective is to satisfy the demands and expectations of its audience by presenting information in a logical and intelligible way. Recent developments in graphic design techniques have made several intricate techniques approachable by artists and designers, elevating the design process to a sophisticated profession that transcends media boundaries. Static infographics and animated infographics feature the same material; however, animated infographics have the benefit of displaying information via continuous motion and animated sequences rather than in static components or separate stages, and that’s because of the special features of animation, which attract a wider audience. They are also …

The Impact Of The Podcast "Climate, What's The Story?" On The Jordanian Public's Awareness Of Climate Change, Amnaa Abushammaleh

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

The study aimed to identify the extent to which the Jordanian public follows climate change through the podcast "Climate, What's Its Story?" and the reasons for this follow-up, in addition to revealing the extent of their confidence in the information presented about climate change in the podcast "Climate, What's Its Story?" and the reasons for this confidence. It also aimed to identify the level of awareness of the Jordanian public about climate change after listening to the studied podcast, in addition to measuring the extent of the Jordanian public's interaction with the information presented in it, the forms of this …

Addressing Population Aging: Innovative Approaches To Aging Research In China, Jingyi Li, Jinghui Lei, Qun Chu, Weiqi Zhang, Moshi Song, Yaojin Peng, Guanghui Liu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The increasing prevalence of aging and associated diseases poses a substantial challenge worldwide. In recent years, the field of aging research has achieved numerous breakthroughs. Nevertheless, challenges still persist. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the advancements within China’s aging research, highlighting current challenges and proposing strategy and policy recommendations. These suggestions draw from various areas, including research paradigms and key issues, efficient resource management, development of essential technological research and innovation ecosystems, international collaboration, and considerations of ethics and governance. The aim is to provide valuable insights and guidance for enhancing the quality and impact of aging research …

From Waste To Sustainability: Exploring Consumer Purchase Intentions Of Milk Enriched With Upcycled Peanut Skins, Peng Lu, Fan Xu, Jennifer Waldeck, Keith Weber, Hualu Zhou

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Highlights

• National survey investigated consumer acceptance of milk enriched with upcycled peanut skins.
• Developed a conceptual model based on Technology Acceptance Model.
• Identified that consumer attitudes and emotions are essential in the purchase intentions of upcycled foods.
• Identified social influence as a determinator of consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions.
• Inform and advance research, practice, and policy that promotes upcycled food products.

Social Support And Mental Toughness As Predictors Of Perceived Stress Among College Kinesiology Students, Jianmin Guan, Wan Xiang Yao, Xiaofen D. Hamilton, Gaofeng Lu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional theory of stress and coping, this study examined the associations of age, gender, three types of social support (family, friends, and significant others), and mental toughness with two dimensions of perceived stress (helplessness and coping inefficacy) among 666 college students majoring in Kinesiology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that male college students, as well as those with higher levels of mental toughness and family support, reported significantly lower levels of helplessness and coping inefficacy in managing stress. Additionally, greater support from friends was significantly associated with lower levels of coping inefficacy, while younger students …