Digital Commons Network^™

Rapid Single-Cell Measurement Of Transient Transmembrane Water Flow Under Osmotic Gradient, Hong Jiang, Jinnawat Jongkhumkrong, Y. J. Chao, Qian Wang, Guiren Wang

Faculty Publications

Aquaporins (AQPs) are critical for transmembrane water transport in response to osmotic gradients, but their gating and regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. A central challenge is the lack of methods to measure water flow across AQPs from individual cells with the spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity equivalent to patch-clamp recordings of ion fluxes—a limitation stemming from the electrically silent nature of water flow. Here, we present a novel optical technique—Flow-Induced Fluorescence Increase Velocimetry (FIFIV) based on Laser-Induced Fluorescence Photobleaching Anemometry (LIFPA)—that enables direct, real-time monitoring of cytoplasmic flow induced by transmembrane water transport under osmotic pressure gradients. Using small molecular fluorescent …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Structure–Activity Modeling And Hybrid Machine Learning-Based Prediction Of Bioactivity In Pyrazole Derivatives For Drug Discovery Applications, Kader Şahi̇n, Serhat Kiliçarslan, Serdar Durdaği, Emi̇n Saripinar

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Pyrazole derivatives are of growing interest due to their diverse pharmacological activities. However, their biological activity is often highly sensitive to subtle structural modifications. Existing quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) approaches frequently fail to capture the conformational flexibility and nonlinear structure–activity relationships (SAR) of such heterocyclic scaffolds, creating a gap in the accurate prediction of their biological profiles. Therefore, there is a strong need for more robust and predictive computational frameworks. This study addresses this gap by integrating four-dimensional (4D)-QSAR descriptors with hybrid machine learning (ML) techniques to improve predictive accuracy and provide a more reliable tool for structure-based drug …

Enhancing Thermal Energy Storage Efficiency Using Optimized Concrete Materials: A Review, Ahmed Mohamed Abbass, Ahmed M. El-Khayatt, Khaled A. Eltawil

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The increasing global energy demand and the environmental impact of fossil fuels necessitate the development of sustainable energy solutions. Solar energy is a promising alternative, but its intermittency and inefficiency limit its widespread adoption. This study explores the role of advanced concrete-based thermal energy storage systems in addressing these challenges. Key aspects examined include packing density optimization, high-temperature performance, and hydrothermal durability of concrete. The research highlights the importance of granulometric optimization, binder selection, and hydration mechanisms in enhancing concrete properties. Additionally, the effects of heat exposure on concrete durability, permeability, and mechanical strength are analyzed, with a focus on …

Optimized Thermal Management Of Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Circular Fins And Forced Air-Cooling, Mohamed M. Donia, Ahmed A. Hegazi, Mohamed A. Aziz, Osama Abdelrehim

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) is vital for maintaining the optimal performance, safety, and longevity of electric vehicle batteries by keeping their temperature within a desired range. This study proposes an optimized cooling solution for BTMS based on both experimental and numerical investigations. Experimental tests were performed on a single battery cell under discharging rates of 1C, 2C, 3C, and 4C using an electronic load, with thermal performance evaluated under natural convection. Numerical models simulating both forced and natural convection were developed using ANSYS 19.3, and a combined Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach was …

Verification Of Offline Signature Based On A Hybrid Dense-Attention-Residual-Cnn Structure Optimized By Grey Wolf Algorithm, Zeyad T. Salim, Mahmoud M. Saafan, Eman M. El-Gendy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Signature verification is a necessary vision task with prevalent use in securing realworld applications. Offline signature is a popular type that needs to efficacious approach to be checked due to the depending on the paper time and the written tool. The progress in intelligent algorithms participates in supporting simple way authentication-based signatures. In this research work, an offline signature verification (OSV) based on an optimized and costumed convolutional neural network(CNN) infrastructure is suggested. The CNN is costumed by integrating residual, dense, and attention mechanisms, then optimized by applying a grey wolf optimization(GWO) algorithm. The system is trained and tested with …

Gender Differences In College Students’ Physical Activity Self-Efficacy, Social Comparison Beliefs, And External Frames Of Reference, Ken Murfay, Sarah Pyszczynski, Sarah Collins

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study examined whom college-aged individuals believe observing would more likely increase their physical activity self-efficacy (PASE) for a physical skill, whom they are more likely to compare their abilities to within a physical education (PE) class, how often they compare themselves to others in PE, and what students’ PASE scores were. Based on the mean scores for each question, students were more likely to compare themselves to a student than a teacher, friend than a non-friend, and similar or higher skilled peer than a lower skilled peer. To increase students’ confidence for a physical skill, students had higher levels …

External Validation Of The Proliferation Saturation Index Model In Predicting Tumour Volume Regression In Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy, Sarah Barrett, Mohammad Zahid, Conor K Mcgarry, Heiko Enderling, Gerard M Walls, Laure Marignol

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The Proliferation Saturation Index (PSI) model is a patient-specific mathematical model designed to simulate and predict tumour volume regression (TVR) during radiation therapy (RT) using early treatment response dynamics. This study validates the PSI model in an independent external cohort of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using previously derived model parameters.

Methods: In a cohort of 71 patients, treated with definitive RT alone (55Gy/20#) tumour volume measurements extracted from 6 Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans acquired on days 1, 2 and 3 and weekly thereafter. Model predictions of TVR at final CBCT (CBCT6) were made using tumour …

Cerebral Documents And Algorithmic Sensemaking: Searching For Expressions In Human And Artificial Cognitive Collaborations, Rebekah L. Cowell

Proceedings from the Document Academy

Generative Artificial Intelligences (AIs) and current advanced large language models (LLMs) are algorithmically designed to generate text-based conversations as conversational agents (CAs), by replicating human language and conversational communication. Pairing human cognition with generative computationally coded cognition. We have never been here before: cerebral and artificial information collaborations and processing producing expressions that may or may not become visible as second-hand/secondary source documents.

Sensemaking or sense(un)making is a unique autonomous human drive cognitively, our information processing is sensemaking in action and expressions and articulations are evidence of the sensemaking cycle. Documentation [expressed or articulated through various mediums] are a product …

Protecting ‘Punks’: The Shortcomings Of The Prison Rape Elimination Act, Rachel Goldsmith

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Prisoner-on-prisoner sexual abuse is widespread in US male prisons, with inmates “turning each other out” by sexually assaulting each other. While the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) received unanimous support in Congress in 2003, motivated by the Human Rights Watch Report “No Escape: Male Rape in Prisons,” scholars argue that the PREA fails to protect prisoners from prison rape: for example, its standards may be ineffective or criminalize consensual sex between prisoners. This essay will examine the shortcomings of the PREA, drawing on current legal scholarship, and propose solutions to enhance the law's effectiveness in protecting prisoners. The US government …

Susceptibility Profile And Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Of Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella Spp., And Enterococci From Small-Scale Cattle Farms In Tennessee, Goodness Olakanmi, Maureen Nzomo, Bharat Pokharel, Abdullah Mafiz, Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge

Food and Animal Sciences Faculty Research

Antimicrobial resistance in food–animal environments threatens sustainable production and public health, yet small farms remain poorly characterized as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. To address this, we investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterococcus spp. from small-scale cattle farms in Tennessee, USA. Methods: Over one year, 153 environmental samples (soil, manure, water) were collected from 17 farms. Target bacteria were isolated and confirmed using selective agar, biochemical tests, and PCR, and tested against 12 antibiotics using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test. Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) and multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles …

Molecular Detection Of Genes Encoded For Biofilm Formation In Bacteria Isolated From The Oral Cavity Of Patients, Tebarek Al-Taei, Ali A. Al-Hisnawi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Background: A biofilm is a collection of the microbial cells attached to the surface that are encased in a matrix of extracellular polymers. Biofilm formation creates a physical and chemical barrier that prevents antibiotics from reaching bacterial cells, resulting in treatment failure and reinfection. The present study aimed to investigate the biofilm formation in bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of patients.

Methods: In this study, 150 bacterial isolates were obtained from tooth and gum surface swabs of male and female patients of different ages who visited specialized centers and dental clinics in Babylon City after they were clinically diagnosed …

Investigation Of Biofilm Formation And Osmotic Stress Tolerance Of Nonmotile E. Coli Mg1655 In Simulated Microgravity, Tyler Jenkins

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

Simulated microgravity presents multiple physiological stressors for astronauts, including bone demineralization, muscle loss, and weakening of the immune system (Chavez et al., 2024). Bacteria serve as viable model organisms to study physiological changes because of their abundance in the human digestive system and skin. Motility in bacteria plays a significant role in cell survival, but few studies have been conducted on microgravity’s effect on motility phenotypes. While motile strains like K12 have been studied extensively under microgravity conditions (Topolski et al., 2022; Chavez et al., 2024), the effects of simulated microgravity on non-motile strains are largely unknown. To better understand …

Finding Research Datasets And Evaluating Data Quality, Ibis Anette Moreno-Lozano Phd.

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

No abstract provided.

Systematic Synthesis Of Crispr/Cas Applications For Enhancing Salt Tolerance In Crops: A Decade Of Progress And Challenges, Xindi Sun, Fusheng Wu, Zhuanzhuan Ma, Guohao Liang, Shumei Chen, Xutong Hu, Shugao Fan, Ying Zhao

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Soil salinity is a major constraint on global crop productivity, driving the need for salt-tolerant varieties. While CRISPR-Cas genome editing offers targeted solutions for trait improvement, significant biological and technical bottlenecks limit its application in conferring salt stress resilience. This systematic summarizes findings from 83 peer-reviewed studies (2015–2024) employing CRISPR/Cas technologies to improve salt tolerance in five major crops (rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, barley). Our systematic review reveals that early single-gene edits achieved modest gains (30–50% Na⁺ exclusion) but often showed limited yield gains in field settings, potentially due to compensatory regulation and environmental variation. The literature suggests that multiplex …

Albumin-Binding Domains In Therapeutic Protein Engineering: A Structural And Computational Perspective On Rational Design, Matthew Argyle, Dallin M. Chipman, Anna Claire Woolley, Bradley C. Bundy, Dennis Della Corte

Faculty Publications

Therapeutic proteins face a critical pharmacokinetic challenge: rapid clearance from circulation limits their clinical efficacy. Albumin-binding domains (ABDs) offer an elegant solution by enabling therapeutic proteins to “hitchhike” on serum albumin’s favorable 19-day half-life through FcRn-mediated recycling. Clinical validation through approved therapeutics like ozoralizumab demonstrates the success of this approach, with preclinical studies showing fusion to an ABD extended half-life to 18 days. This review provides an analysis of ABD-fusion protein design, integrating structural biology, computational prediction, and rational engineering principles. We catalog the major classes of albumin-binding modalities, including bacterial three-helix bundle domains, engineered peptides, antibody-derived binders, and alternative …

Nanoencapsulation Of Tomentosin-Rich Pulicaria Crispa Fraction In Mil-53(Fe) Improves The Release Profile And In Vitro Anti-Colorectal Cancer Activity, Hamies Baher

Dentistry

No abstract provided.

News Briefs, Marvin H. Jeter Iii, Joyce Shaw

Mississippi Libraries

News updates from Gunter Library at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and from the Mississippi Library Commission.

Discovery Of Horsfieldia Macrothyrsa Bioactives With Cytotoxic Effects On Breast Cancer Cells Through In Vitro And Docking Analyses, Megawati Megawati, Akhmad Darmawan, Agus Budiawan Naro Putra, Kartika Dyah Palupi, Marissa Angelina, Ahmad Randy, Siska Andrina Kusumastuti, Faris Hermawan, Sumi Hudiyono

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of Horsfieldia macrothyrsa leaves to identify their bioactive compounds. Methanol extracts were fractionated using n-hexane and ethyl acetate, followed by silica gel column chromatography with a stepwise polarity gradient. From 100 g of powdered leaves, three major    compounds were successfully isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction: 1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one (1), sesamin (2), and β-sitosterol (3). Their chemical structures were confirmed using UV, IR, LC–MS/MS, and NMR  spectroscopy. Biological activities of the fractions and isolates were evaluated through DPPH antioxidant assays, α-glucosidase inhibition for antidiabetic activity, MTT …

Data Management Plans For Grant Proposals, Rubab Shahzad

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

Fundamentals of research data management and how to create effective Data Management Plans (DMPs) and Data Management Sharing Plans (DMSP)

Design And Functionalization Of A Hierarchical Cu-Btc/Zeolite A4 Composite With Tannic Acid For High-Performance Heavy Metal Removal: Synergistic Adsorption Mechanisms, Kinetic Insights, And Reusability Evaluation, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

This study presents the development of a novel multifunctional adsorbent Cu-BTC (HKUST-1)/Zeolite A4 composite functionalized with tannic acid—for the efficient removal of toxic heavy metal ions (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions. The composite was synthesized via a solvothermal process and systematically characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS, and BET surface area analysis. The resulting material exhibited a high specific surface area (1050 m²/g), a hierarchical pore structure, and a homogeneous distribution of active sites. Batch adsorption experiments revealed superior adsorption capacities of 220 mg/g for Pb²⁺, 180 mg/g for Cd²⁺, and 150 mg/g for Cr(VI) at pH 6, surpassing those …

Design And Economic Assessment Of A Sustainable Standalone Photovoltaic System For Hospital Lift Applications, Tasneem M. Abed, Saad S. Eskander, Mohamed A. Elsayes, Mohamed Zaki

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study presents an optimized design and operation strategy for a stand-alone solar photovoltaic power system to drive a 4.5 kW elevator at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. The research aims to reduce the battery bank capacity and overall system cost while maximizing the utilization of solar panels. A novel "Optimum Operator System" is proposed, incorporating three power switches controlled by an Arduino microcontroller. The system's performance is analyzed through extensive modeling, simulation, and experimental validation. Results show a significant reduction in battery bank capacity, with 7 fewer 100 Ah batteries required compared to conventional systems. The proposed method significantly enhances …

Life-Cycle-Oriented Selection Framework For Solar Shading Devices In Hot–Arid Building Façades: From Traditional Precedents To Pv-Integrated Systems, Sameh Ahmed Qadry

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Abstract

This study proposes a life-cycle–oriented, computationally light framework for selecting solar shading devices in hot–arid building façades. While previous research has extensively analysed shading performance using detailed simulations, most studies focus on single systems or materials, rarely comparing traditional, modern, and PVintegrated solutions within a unified life-cycle and operation–maintenance perspective. The research addresses this gap by integrating three shading families—traditional local precedents (e.g. mashrabiya, rawshan), modern fixed and dynamic systems, and hybrid PV-integrated façades—into a comparative decision-support framework tailored to hot–arid climates. Methodologically, the study combines: (1) a structured descriptive–analytical literature review with analytical coding of key attributes (design …

The Structure, Pathogenesis, And Inhibition Of The P53-Mdm2 Pathway, Amanda L. Brown, Xiaoying Lian, Qian Wang

Faculty Publications

The p53 tumor suppressor protein plays a central role in maintaining genomic stability by regulating cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and DNA repair under cellular stress. Mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, negatively regulates p53 via direct binding and proteasomal degradation. Overexpression or amplification of MDM2 can disrupt this pathway and promote tumorigenesis, even in cancers with wild-type p53. This review outlines the structural features of MDM2, particularly its N-terminal hydrophobic pocket and C-terminal RING domain, and their roles in p53 regulation. We further examine the pathological effects of MDM2 dysregulation and SNPs linked to increased cancer risk. …

Ecologic Factors Contributing To West Nile Virus Hyperendemicity In Central South Carolina: An Integrated Vector–Human–Environmental Study, Elba S. Fridriksson, Ahayla Muraleedharan, Kyndall C. Dye-Braumuller, Madeleine M. Meyer, Kia Zellars, Hiuxuan Li, Melissa S. Nolan Ph.D., Mph

Faculty Publications

West Nile virus (WNV) is an endemic arboviral infection in the United States that has undergone phyloge-netic evolution since its introduction 25 years ago. An integrated vector–human–pathogen study was conducted in the summer of 2023 to unearth contemporary Culex quinquefasciatus habitat patterns and human transmission spillover foci in South Carolina, a state with historically little WNV data. A serosurvey revealed WNV seroprevalence 10 times the national average (22% versus 2%, respectively), with unusual epidemiologic risk factors. Female Culex quinquefas-ciatus WNV positivity was low (2.7%), with viral phylogenetics 100% homologous to the WN02 clade. Mosquito vectors clustered in affluent urban neighborhoods …

Identification Of A Cytokine Biomarker For Prognostic Modeling Of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Alison J Wu, Neil Lin, Jie Su, Cherie Lin, Madison-Shira Hossack, Wei Shi, Farnoosh Abbas-Aghababazadeh, Wei Xu, Benjamin Haibe-Kains, Simona F Shaitelman, Melissa B Aldrich, Fei-Fei Liu, Jennifer Y Y Kwan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Lymphedema is a chronic complication of breast cancer treatment, and early intervention is crucial to reduce morbidity. This study evaluated the role of blood-based cytokine biomarkers in the prognostication of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) to improve risk prediction. A secondary analysis of inflammatory biomarkers for BCRL was performed using a previously published cohort of 147 breast cancer patients who had undergone serum cytokine profiling during their treatment at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre from 2010-2014. Prognostic cytokine variables for lymphedema were selected by regression analysis and independence from known clinical risk factors. Regression-based modeling was employed to integrate prognostic variables …

Green Technology: A Systematic Review Of Ai And Iot Solutions For A Sustainable Future, Nesma Abd El-Mawla, Mohamed A. Berbar, Nawal A. El-Fishawy, Mohamed A. El-Rashidy, Mahmoud Badawy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Green technology offers a solution to the pressing environmental crisis. It can change the structure and generation of waste so as not to harm the earth, and people can become environmentally friendly. To address complex environmental challenges like climate change and pollution, innovative Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are essential. These technologies can help optimize resource use, reduce waste, and promote sustainable development. However, it's crucial to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection when implementing green technologies. This survey paper systematically examines the landscape of Green Technology, focusing on its pivotal components: Measures of …

Ubiquitination Of Oncogenic Mutant P53 Via Attenuation Of Ribosome Biogenesis Machinery Effectively Inhibits Pancreatic Tumor Growth, Mudassier Ahmad, Sahir Sultan Alvi, Haider Ahsan, Carlos Perez, Andrew Massey, Vivek K Kashyap, Neeraj Chauhan, Emmanuel Anning, Manish K Tripathi, Dae J Kim, Nirakar Sahoo, Tamer Oraby, Murali M Yallapu, Mohammad Moshahid Khan, Manu M Sebastian, Subhash C Chauhan, Bilal B Hafeez

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Dysregulated ribosome biogenesis and p53 mutations are known to play oncogenic roles in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. In this study, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of BMH-21, a pharmacologic inhibitor of RNA polymerase I, against pancreatic cancer by uncovering a novel molecular mechanism involving RPA194-mediated ubiquitination of mutant p53 without affecting the ubiquitination of wild-type p53. Our key findings are that (i) BMH-21 selectively induces apoptosis and cell growth inhibition of pancreatic cancer cells with no effect on normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells; (ii) BMH-21 degrades RPA194; (iii) BMH-21 inhibits recruitment of both RPA194 and RPA135 on rDNA …