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2024

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November 2024 Berkeley Pit Migratory Waterfowl Protection Monthly Report, Mark Thompson, Loren Burmeister Dec 2024

November 2024 Berkeley Pit Migratory Waterfowl Protection Monthly Report, Mark Thompson, Loren Burmeister

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.


Citation Practices Of Contrasting Cultures In Q1 Journal Articles, April Rose C. Gonzales Dec 2024

Citation Practices Of Contrasting Cultures In Q1 Journal Articles, April Rose C. Gonzales

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Citation is a distinguishing feature in research writing that every researcher must include to ensure credible ethical research. Citing sources is necessary as it provides credit to the original author, refers to previous findings, sets credibility, and enables sustainability of the topic. However, studies least consider culture as an element that influences citation beliefs and practices. Most literature holds a lack of language proficiency as the culprit for poor citation skills. Drawing from Hofstede's Cultural Dimension theory (2011) and Lewis’ (2006) Cultural Behaviour in Relation to Writing, this study explores the influence of culture on citation practices with the hope …


Exploring Student Engagement In A Blended And Gamified Statistics And Probability: Designed With Learning Styles And Player Types, Reymund R. Gonowon Dec 2024

Exploring Student Engagement In A Blended And Gamified Statistics And Probability: Designed With Learning Styles And Player Types, Reymund R. Gonowon

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Educators are called to contribute towards achieving SDG 4: Quality Education. A major determinant in achieving this goal is providing learners with essential skills such as analyzing and interpreting data, making inferences, and driving evidence-based decisions which are the expected competencies in Statistics and Probability (STATPRO), one of the core subjects of the senior high school curriculum in the Philippines. To progress towards SDG 4, achieving the learning competencies of STATPRO is vital, however engaging students in a blended learning environment may be challenging. This study aims to explore the behavioral engagement of students in a gamified STATPRO class through …


At The Core Of Apple And Antitrust: Interoperability, Antoine Bremond Dec 2024

At The Core Of Apple And Antitrust: Interoperability, Antoine Bremond

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

This paper offers a novel approach to analyzing Apple Inc, (Apple) within the context of antitrust law. As a frequently named party to antitrust litigation, not only in the United States but also worldwide, Apple’s closed garden has already been called into question. However, similar to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) attempt on March 21st, 2024 to “to erect a new landmark decision” in their lawsuit against Apple, this paper focuses on Apple’s iOS ecosystem as a whole. While this article recognizes similar consumer harm concerns the DOJ addresses in United States, et al. v. Apple Inc …


The Environmental Rule Of Law's Transformative Power, Mariano H. Novelli Dec 2024

The Environmental Rule Of Law's Transformative Power, Mariano H. Novelli

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

The Environmental Rule of Law is proposed as an ecocentric, transformative, and dynamic model. As a principle of governance, it implies values and standards that give rise to a new paradigm based on sustainable development, climate stability, and the circular economy, specifically focused on fundamental rights and obligations. Key factors of the Rule of Law revolution are the collective character of the environment, diffuse rights, the recognition of future generations and nature as legal subjects, and various principles with a strong protective purpose. The growing integration between human rights and the environment is another feature of the process, to be …


Defining The Social Licence Of Large Language Models In Healthcare, Robin L. Pierce, Jack Gallifant, Ashley Cordes, Amelia Fiske, Matilda Dorotic, Mataroria Lyndon, Shrey Jain, Joe Zhang, Judy Gichoya, Leo Anthony Celi Dec 2024

Defining The Social Licence Of Large Language Models In Healthcare, Robin L. Pierce, Jack Gallifant, Ashley Cordes, Amelia Fiske, Matilda Dorotic, Mataroria Lyndon, Shrey Jain, Joe Zhang, Judy Gichoya, Leo Anthony Celi

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

As Large Language Models (LLMs) continue to grow and evolve, the ethical, social, and legal challenges they present, especially in terms of data use and sharing, come sharply into focus. Particularly in high-risk domains like healthcare, where the sensitivity of data is pronounced, and the ramifications of data leakages or misuse are profound. These licenses, envisioned to address the complexities introduced by LLMs, still grapple with barriers that hinder their full potential: notably, the absence of authoritative regulatory bodies, ambiguities in defining what constitutes 'sufficient public benefit', issues of data sovereignty, and dilemmas surrounding responsibility and liability. Herein, we delve …


Integrating Traditional And Western Healing Practices For American Indian Patients, Victoria Blacksmith Dec 2024

Integrating Traditional And Western Healing Practices For American Indian Patients, Victoria Blacksmith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community experiences disproportionally high rates of mental health disorders. Although research had examined the benefits of using traditional AI/AN health practices, little was known about how integrating traditional and Western treatment methods works. Using historical trauma theory and oppression theory, this qualitative study explored how AI/AN clinicians integrate traditional health practices into Western treatment methods when treating mental health disorders in AI/AN patients. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with five clinicians. Data analysis via deductive coding revealed two main themes: lived experiences of AI/AN clinicians and integration strategies. Cultural knowledge was the most prominent …


Electric Utility Industry Safety Plan Filing And Accident Reporting Impact On The Number Of Accidents, Rishi Singh Dec 2024

Electric Utility Industry Safety Plan Filing And Accident Reporting Impact On The Number Of Accidents, Rishi Singh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Safety is of paramount importance in the electric utility industry. Construction is the basis of electric work and is one of the most dangerous industries, with a high rate of accidents and fatalities. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between the organizational leaders’ decision to file safety plans and accident reporting to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or utility commissions on the number of accidents in the electric utility industry. The decision-making theory provided the study’s foundation. The study used secondary data from 2019 to 2023 for electric utility companies from California. Published …


Protocol For Culturing Patient-Derived Organoids Of Cervical Cancer, Rui Wang, Timothy Harris, Dalissa Negrón-Figueroa, David Lo, Allison Judge, D'Shaunique Walters, Bo Jiang, Lauren E Colbert Dec 2024

Protocol For Culturing Patient-Derived Organoids Of Cervical Cancer, Rui Wang, Timothy Harris, Dalissa Negrón-Figueroa, David Lo, Allison Judge, D'Shaunique Walters, Bo Jiang, Lauren E Colbert

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Herein, we present a protocol for culturing patient-derived organoids (PDOs) of cervical cancer that includes workflows for tumor biopsy/resection tissue and cytobrush-sampled cells. We describe steps for PDO culture initiation, including rinsing, gentle dissociation, Lymphoprep separation, and cell assessment, as well as seeding cells from surgical and cytobrush tissue digestion. We then provide guidance on PDO maintenance and passage and techniques for producing conditioned medium. Overall, this protocol serves as a valuable guide for establishing and maintaining cervical cancer PDOs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Colbert et al.


Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Bpsou Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Belle Of Butte (Bres No. 8 & Ur-39) Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp) Request For Change Ir-2024-Ra-02 (Dated December 19, 2024), Molly Roby Dec 2024

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Bpsou Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Belle Of Butte (Bres No. 8 & Ur-39) Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp) Request For Change Ir-2024-Ra-02 (Dated December 19, 2024), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.


A Study Of The Impact Of Covid-19 On Developmental Decline And Learning Loss In Young Children And Recovery Guidelines, Wilailak Langka, Phornchulee Lungka, Narisara Peungposop, Suppawan Satjapiboon Dec 2024

A Study Of The Impact Of Covid-19 On Developmental Decline And Learning Loss In Young Children And Recovery Guidelines, Wilailak Langka, Phornchulee Lungka, Narisara Peungposop, Suppawan Satjapiboon

Journal of Education Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the educational system, particularly in young children education. There are guidelines for providing young children education during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, they are still broad and unclear in practice. This research aims to 1) study the impacts of the COVID-19 situation on early childhood children's developmental and learning regression, 2) analyze causal factors that influence teachers’ readiness to organize learning experiences, and 3) examine guidelines to recover the development of early childhood children. Qualitative data were collected via interviews with 50 participants, consisting of administrators and preschool teachers, while quantitative data were gathered using a …


Problems And Anxiety Management Of Piano Performance Contestants, Apichai Limtaveekiettikul, Narongchai Pidokrajt Dec 2024

Problems And Anxiety Management Of Piano Performance Contestants, Apichai Limtaveekiettikul, Narongchai Pidokrajt

Journal of Education Studies

Self-regulated anxiety among piano performance contestants is of utmost importance, especially for amateur pianists who lack experiences but still have to endure both internal and external pressure. Eliminating the underlying causes of issues that affect physical health, professional achievements, and lifestyles is crucial. Therefore, learning how to manage anxiety effectively is crucial. This article aims to offer self-management strategies for coping with anxiety during piano performances, particularly for new competitors or those who struggle with anxiety during the show. 1) creating imaginary situations in their minds that could serve as a bridge to reality 2) Planning and preparing in a …


Leave The Kids Alone: The Constitutional Battleground Of Gender-Affirming Health Care Bans For Transgender Youth, Tyler Callagy Dec 2024

Leave The Kids Alone: The Constitutional Battleground Of Gender-Affirming Health Care Bans For Transgender Youth, Tyler Callagy

Seton Hall Law Review

No abstract provided.


Fda Approval Of Zuranolone: A Breakthrough Treatment For Postpartum Depression, Connor Dains, Makayla Eversole, Kiley Devoll, Daniella Egbujor, Marisa Petrunich, Madilyn Paphanchith, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Manoranjan D'Souza Dec 2024

Fda Approval Of Zuranolone: A Breakthrough Treatment For Postpartum Depression, Connor Dains, Makayla Eversole, Kiley Devoll, Daniella Egbujor, Marisa Petrunich, Madilyn Paphanchith, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Manoranjan D'Souza

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious medical condition that increases the risk of postpartum mortality and affects the ability of a postpartum individual to take care of their newborn. Until 2023, intravenously-administered brexanolone was the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for PPD. Brexanolone’s route of administration poses significant barriers to accessibility and convenience. Other treatment options, such as psychotherapy and antidepressants, often require long-term commitment and may not provide rapid relief for severe symptoms. In August 2023, the FDA approved zuranolone as an oral medication for PPD, which enhances treatment accessibility and offers patients a more flexible, outpatient …


From Policymaking To Legislation, The Need For A Secular Turn In Bioethics Discourse To Uphold, As A Function Of The Greater Good, Policy For Legislation Of Medically Aided Dying In The United States Of America, Scott Dyer Dec 2024

From Policymaking To Legislation, The Need For A Secular Turn In Bioethics Discourse To Uphold, As A Function Of The Greater Good, Policy For Legislation Of Medically Aided Dying In The United States Of America, Scott Dyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A person’s right to self-determination is a central aspect of living in a democratic nation. Similarly, decisions regarding medical care are generally left up to the patient to determine what treatment is or is not appropriate. The same should apply to end-of-life care as well, especially when a patient desires to hasten his or her death via medically aided dying. However, due to the illegality of medically assisted dying in most of the United States, the right to a self-determined death is not possible for the majority of American citizens. One of the main reasons for this is due to …


Engineering Biomaterial Interfaces For Microbial Control, Yikang Xu Dec 2024

Engineering Biomaterial Interfaces For Microbial Control, Yikang Xu

Dissertations - ALL

Since its inception as early as ancient Chinese placing bamboo pegs in place of missing teeth over 4,000 years ago, biomaterials have been an indispensable component of medical tools at human’s disposal. While early implants rely solely on the material properties themselves, modern devices have become much more than just materials. Topographic features, coatings, surface energy, and even embedded electronics have all added dimensions to the complexity of biomaterials and medical devices. Interaction between these materials and host cells and tissues, as well as microbes that can cause infections. Although well recognized for its significance, controlling biomaterial associated infections is …


Privacy Protection In Machine Learning Via Exploitation Of Constrained Adversarial Evasion, Brian Testa Dec 2024

Privacy Protection In Machine Learning Via Exploitation Of Constrained Adversarial Evasion, Brian Testa

Dissertations - ALL

Deep neural networks are extensively applied to real-world tasks. In many cases, the data feeding these tasks are human generated content, which emphasizes the criticality of privacy and data protection. The diverse modalities of this user data provide fertile ground for 3rd parties to monetize a user’s data. This work considers two such modalities: user speech when interacting with smart speaker voice assistants (VAs) and images shared with online service providers. In these cases, the user would like to support some form of machine learning (ML) inference without allowing others. A user interacting with a smart speaker would like the …


Governing The Paddies: Emotions, Dispossession, And Gendered Struggles For Resource Access In Rice Farming In Tolima, Colombia, Akemi Inamoto Dec 2024

Governing The Paddies: Emotions, Dispossession, And Gendered Struggles For Resource Access In Rice Farming In Tolima, Colombia, Akemi Inamoto

Dissertations - ALL

Colombia produces nearly one million tons of irrigated rice annually, almost exclusively for domestic consumption, with 72% of this production driven by smallholder farmers. In the department of Tolima, rice farming plays a significant role in both the local political economy and the agrarian landscape. This dissertation engages with feminist political ecology, critical agrarian studies, and debates on agrarian transformation to examine the everyday manifestations of dispossession that shape the lives of smallholder farmers and farmworkers in rural Tolima. I focus on how gender and class dynamics structure access to resources and opportunities, with special attention to the experiences and …


Elementary Science Instruction: A Document Analysis Of Teacher Messaging Across Two Sets Of Curriculum Materials, Jessica Mary Whisher-Hehl Dec 2024

Elementary Science Instruction: A Document Analysis Of Teacher Messaging Across Two Sets Of Curriculum Materials, Jessica Mary Whisher-Hehl

Dissertations - ALL

Elementary teachers are tasked with teaching multiple subjects within an instructional day. One mechanism to support this task is through strong curriculum materials, which lay out a course of instruction aligned with instructional standards. This is helpful when teachers are trying to teach to a new set of standards, such as the Next Generation Science Standards, which require a significant shift in instructional strategies. In cases such as this, educative features embedded in the curriculum materials can assist teachers in making the required shifts in instruction. However, sometimes the instructional time required by curriculum materials, especially in elementary science, is …


Vimentin Inside And Outside The Cell: From Cell Spreading To Nuclear Mechanics To Covid-19, Maxx Swoger Dec 2024

Vimentin Inside And Outside The Cell: From Cell Spreading To Nuclear Mechanics To Covid-19, Maxx Swoger

Dissertations - ALL

Cells are constantly subjected to both external forces encountered from the extracellular environment and internal stresses generated by the cell necessary to migrate and undergo healthy cellular function. Central to the ability of cells to both generate and mediate forces is the cell cytoskeleton, which forms the muscles and bones for cells. There are three main components of the cell cytoskeleton: microtubules, actin, and intermediate filaments. The role of actin and microtubules in cell function, particularly force generation and mediation have been well studied; however, the role of intermediate filaments is less understood. Intermediate filaments represent a broad and diverse …


Mathematical Multi-Compartment Modeling Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cell Kinetics Under Ibrutinib, Melanie Schulz, Sanne Bleser, Manouk Groels, Dragan Bošnački, Jan A Burger, Nicholas Chiorazzi, Carsten Marr Dec 2024

Mathematical Multi-Compartment Modeling Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cell Kinetics Under Ibrutinib, Melanie Schulz, Sanne Bleser, Manouk Groels, Dragan Bošnački, Jan A Burger, Nicholas Chiorazzi, Carsten Marr

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib is an effective treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While it rapidly reduces lymph node and spleen size, it initially increases the number of lymphocytes in the blood due to cell redistribution. A previously published mathematical model described and quantified those cell kinetics. Here, we propose an alternative mechanistic model that outperforms the previous model in 26 of 29 patients. Our model introduces constant subcompartments for healthy lymphocytes and benign tissue and treats spleen and lymph nodes as separate compartments. This three-compartment model (comprising blood, spleen, and lymph nodes) performed significantly better …


Results Of The Simultaneous Combination Of Ponatinib And Blinatumomab In Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive All, Hagop Kantarjian, Nicholas J Short, Fadi G Haddad, Nitin Jain, Xuelin Huang, Guillermo Montalban-Bravo, Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna, Tapan M Kadia, Naval Daver, Kelly Chien, Yesid Alvarado, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Ghayas C Issa, Rebecca Garris, Cedric Nasnas, Lewis Nasr, Farhad Ravandi, Elias Jabbour Dec 2024

Results Of The Simultaneous Combination Of Ponatinib And Blinatumomab In Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive All, Hagop Kantarjian, Nicholas J Short, Fadi G Haddad, Nitin Jain, Xuelin Huang, Guillermo Montalban-Bravo, Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna, Tapan M Kadia, Naval Daver, Kelly Chien, Yesid Alvarado, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Ghayas C Issa, Rebecca Garris, Cedric Nasnas, Lewis Nasr, Farhad Ravandi, Elias Jabbour

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.In this analysis, we update our experience with the chemotherapy-free regimen of blinatumomab and ponatinib in 60 patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive ALL. At a median follow-up of 24 months, the complete molecular response rate …


Protocol For Monitoring Clonal Hematopoiesis In Transgenic Mouse Models Using Multispectral Imaging, Priyanka Khanna, Lauren B Ostermann, Shayaun Khazaei, Ran Zhao, Michael Andreeff, Rasoul Pourebrahim Dec 2024

Protocol For Monitoring Clonal Hematopoiesis In Transgenic Mouse Models Using Multispectral Imaging, Priyanka Khanna, Lauren B Ostermann, Shayaun Khazaei, Ran Zhao, Michael Andreeff, Rasoul Pourebrahim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Clonal hematopoiesis involves the clonal expansion of hematopoietic cells, potentially progressing into hematological malignancies. Here, we present a protocol for the development and characterization of two mouse models designed to simulate clonal hematopoiesis and acute myeloid leukemia. We describe steps for model generation, monitoring clonal expansion, harvesting, fixation, and staining of bone marrow and spleen tissues. We specifically focus on the visualization and analysis of p53 mutant clonal expansions, providing a comprehensive protocol for studying these phenomena in mouse models. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pourebrahim et al.


Survival Analysis Of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Based On Radiomics And Deep Learning Features From Ct Images, Zhennan Lu, Sijia Wu, Dan Ni, Meng Zhou, Tao Wang, Xiaobo Zhou, Liyu Huang, Yu Yan Dec 2024

Survival Analysis Of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Based On Radiomics And Deep Learning Features From Ct Images, Zhennan Lu, Sijia Wu, Dan Ni, Meng Zhou, Tao Wang, Xiaobo Zhou, Liyu Huang, Yu Yan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: To create a nomogram for accurate prognosis of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) based on computed tomography images.

Methods: Eight hundred twenty-two ccRCC patients with contrast-enhanced computed tomography images involved in this study were collected. A rectangular region of interest surrounding the tumor was used to extract quantitative radiomics and deep-learning features, which were filtered by Cox proportional hazard regression model and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Then the selected features formed a fusion signature, which was assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression model method, Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves, and concordance index (C-index) …


Ifrd1 Is Required For Maintenance Of Bladder Epithelial Homeostasis, Bisiayo E Fashemi, Amala K Rougeau, Arnold M Salazar, Steven J Bark, Rayvanth Chappidi, Jeffrey W Brown, Charles J Cho, Jason C Mills, Indira U Mysorekar Dec 2024

Ifrd1 Is Required For Maintenance Of Bladder Epithelial Homeostasis, Bisiayo E Fashemi, Amala K Rougeau, Arnold M Salazar, Steven J Bark, Rayvanth Chappidi, Jeffrey W Brown, Charles J Cho, Jason C Mills, Indira U Mysorekar

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The maintenance of homeostasis and rapid regeneration of the urothelium following stress are critical for bladder function. Here, we identify a key role for IFRD1 in maintaining urothelial homeostasis in a mouse model. We demonstrate that the murine bladder expresses IFRD1 at homeostasis, particularly in the urothelium, and its loss alters the global transcriptome with significant accumulation of endolysosomes and dysregulated uroplakin expression pattern. We show that IFRD1 interacts with mRNA-translation-regulating factors in human urothelial cells. Loss of


Specifically Targeting Muc16 For Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Kathryn M. Muilenburg Dec 2024

Specifically Targeting Muc16 For Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Kathryn M. Muilenburg

Theses & Dissertations

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with a low 5-year survival rate and a high rate of resection recurrence. However, surgery remains the only treatment with curative potential for pancreatic cancer. Many factors such as high desmoplasia, a lack of intraoperative imaging, and micrometastatic disease contribute to the high rate of incomplete resections in pancreatic cancer. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a potential intraoperative tool for application in surgical resection. FGS works through passive or active targeting of a free dye or dye-containing moiety (e.g. antibody, peptide, and nanoparticles) to specifically fluoresce the tumor compared to the surrounding normal, fibrotic, and …


Formulation And Characterization Of Biologics – From Sirna To Monoclonal Antibodies, Chinmay M. Jogdeo Dec 2024

Formulation And Characterization Of Biologics – From Sirna To Monoclonal Antibodies, Chinmay M. Jogdeo

Theses & Dissertations

Biologics are a rapidly growing class of therapeutics, encompassing a wide range of modalities, with gene therapy products and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) constituting the majority. Proper formulation and characterization of these complex therapeutics is crucial to ensure their safety and therapeutic efficacy.

This dissertation focuses on two main areas: the development of a novel renal-targeted siRNA delivery system and the assessment of structural and conformational stability of mAbs in a simulated subcutaneous (SC) environment.

The first part of this dissertation presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel renal-targeted polymer for selective siRNA delivery to injured kidneys. Inulin was modified …


Developing Naturalistic Precision Functional Mapping For High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography, Aahana Bajracharya Dec 2024

Developing Naturalistic Precision Functional Mapping For High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography, Aahana Bajracharya

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Advancements in non-invasive imaging have enabled extensive research into higher-order cognitive functions of the brain. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has provided valuable insights into brain networks underlying various cognitive processes. However, limitations such as confined environments and scanner noise pose challenges for fMRI to be broadly applicable across all demographics and experimental conditions, especially in speech and language studies. Because of this, there is a need for complementary techniques that can help understand the brain as it functions during everyday scenarios. High Density Diffuse Optical Tomography (HD-DOT) is an emerging functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based technique with comparative advantages over fMRI, …


Investigating Catalytic Conversion Of Lignin To Valuable Products, Jialiang Zhang Dec 2024

Investigating Catalytic Conversion Of Lignin To Valuable Products, Jialiang Zhang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Lignin is a complex, random, and heterogeneous biopolymer in lignocellulosic biomass. It has significant potential for conversion into valuable chemicals and fuels. However, its natural recalcitrant structure has made selective depolymerization challenging. This dissertation presents a detailed investigation into the mechanisms of lignin disassembly and structural evolution under various catalytic and solvent conditions. The research spans three key studies. In Chapter 2, operando magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed to study reaction pathways and kinetics of lignin model polymers during catalytic hydrogenolysis. We used a Ni-Al2O3 catalyst in methanol under high temperature and pressure, and …


Bone-Ivd Crosstalk And The Role Of Rage Signaling In An Ivd Injury Model, Remy Walk Dec 2024

Bone-Ivd Crosstalk And The Role Of Rage Signaling In An Ivd Injury Model, Remy Walk

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Low back pain (LBP) is the number one musculoskeletal cause of disability with a lifetime prevalence of up to 85%. The causes of LBP are multifactorial with potential contributions from factors such as tissue injury and degeneration as well as social economic and psychological factors. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with 26-40% of LBP cases and in a 2015 meta-analysis, it was estimated that a total 403 million people suffer from symptomatic IVD degeneration. IVD degeneration is characterized by loss of hydration in the nucleus pulposus (NP), damage accumulation in the annulus fibrosus (AF) and calcification of the cartilaginous …