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Lamina Cribrosa Microstructure In Nonhuman Primates With Naturally Occurring Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thinning, Palaiologos Alexopoulos, Arthur G Fernandes, Zeinab Ghassabi, Ronald Zambrano, Anse Vellappally, Eitan Shemuelian, Tingfang Lee, Jiyuan Hu, Armando Burgos-Rodriguez, Melween I Martinez, Joel S. Schuman, Amanda D Melin, James P Higham, John Danias, Gadi Wollstein

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

PURPOSE: The lamina cribrosa (LC) is hypothesized to be the site of initial axonal damage in glaucoma with the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL-T) widely used as a standard metric for quantifying the glaucomatous damage. The purpose of this study was to determine in vivo, 3-dimensional (3D) differences in the microstructure of the LC in eyes of nonhuman primates (NHPs) with naturally occurring glaucoma.

METHODS: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans (Leica, Chicago, IL, USA) of the optic nerve head were acquired from a colony of 50 adult rhesus monkeys suspected of having high prevalence of glaucoma. The …

Structural Changes Likely Cause Chemical Differences Between Empty And Full Aav Capsids, Caryn Heldt, Molly A. Skinner, Ganesh S. Anand

Michigan Tech Publications

Due to the success of adeno associated viruses (AAVs) in treating single-gene diseases, improved manufacturing technology is now needed to meet their demand. The largest challenge is creating a process to separate empty and full capsids. Patients received larger capsid doses than necessary due to the presence of empty capsids. By enabling the better separation of empty and full capsids, patients would receive the greatest therapeutic benefit with the least amount of virus capsids, thus limiting potential side effects from empty capsids. The two most common empty/full separation methods used in downstream processing are ultracentrifugation and anion exchange chromatography. Both …

Sequence-To-Expression Approach To Identify Etiological Non-Coding Dna Variations In P53 And Cmyc-Driven Diseases, Katherine Kin, Shounak Bhogale, Lisha Zhu, Derrick Thomas, Jessica Bertol, W Jim Zheng, Saurabh Sinha, Walid D Fakhouri

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Disease risk prediction based on genomic sequence and transcriptional profile can improve disease screening and prevention. Despite identifying many disease-associated DNA variants, distinguishing deleterious non-coding DNA variations remains poor for most common diseases. In this study, we designed in vitro experiments to uncover the significance of occupancy and competitive binding between P53 and cMYC on common target genes. Analyzing publicly available ChIP-seq data for P53 and cMYC in embryonic stem cells showed that ~344-366 regions are co-occupied, and on average, two cis-overlapping motifs (CisOMs) per region were identified, suggesting that co-occupancy is evolutionarily conserved. Using U2OS and Raji cells untreated …

The Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Working Memory With A Covariate Of Exercise Among The Perimenopausal Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Karen Marie Veltri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Intermittent fasting and exercise are tools to improve health. Current literature focuses on their impact on metabolic health and weight loss, leaving a gap in the research examining their effects on working memory during the menopause transition. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by recruiting perimenopausal participants and randomly assigning them to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group followed an 8/16 intermittent fasting regimen for two consecutive weeks. Both groups ate ad libitum without dietary restrictions. Participants completed a pre- and post-study Working Memory Questionnaire and self-reported average hours of exercise per week. …

Communication And Posttraumatic Growth: The Power Of Positive Declarations, Jennifer L. Owen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has explored the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and communication trends. Yet, there is a gap in research regarding how positive declarations of desired outcomes can influence PTG and be applied in a therapeutic context. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine if positive declarations of psychological growth facilitate PTG after trauma and impact levels of hope, anxiety, or depression. A small pilot study was conducted through six counseling sessions with participants (N = 16) divided into either the control (n = 8) or experimental group (n = 8). A novel Positive Communication Approach (PCA), distinguished by …

Leading The Families Of First Baptist Church Of Long Beach, Ca, To Support The Foster Care And Adoption Community, David B. Delaney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The PLACED project is a faith-driven initiative to equip First Baptist Church to support the foster care community through practical care, education, and community engagement.

A Qualitative Examination Of Food Choice Among Division Iii Student Athletes Using Grounded Theory, Paul Webster Craig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The determinants of food choice among the general population have been extensively investigated, but studies of food choice in collegiate student athletes are limited. Student athletes make food choices daily, and the selection of foods is an integral part of an athlete’s training regimen. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III (DIII) student athletes are a comparatively unstudied population, particularly in terms of their food choices; therefore, assessing and understanding the influences of food choices in this population can enable and support optimal eating behavior. To assess different determinants of food choice in athletes, this qualitative study developed a theoretical …

The Effects Of Race-Related Stress, Racial Socialization And Burnout In African American Teachers Who Attended Hbcus Vs. Pwis, Catava M. Burton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior research has indicated racial socialization (RS) safeguards against race-related stress (RRS). Despite previous investigations, there has been a dearth of scholarship exclusively examining how RRS, RS, and burnout effect African American teachers with divergent collegiate experiences. To illuminate this research gap, this quantitative study used an online survey to examine the predictive role of RRS and RS on burnout in African American teachers (N = 20) who attended HBCUs or PWIs. This study also measured the potential moderating role of collegiate experience on RRS and RS. The respondents were administered the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS), Cultural and …

The Association Between Race And Obesity After Controlling For Dietary Behaviors Among Adolescents, Jasmine Nicole Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood obesity has become a critical global public health concern due to its significant, long-term impact on overall quality of life and physical health. Despite efforts, there is a lack of information that includes all races and ages to combat childhood obesity. This study addressed the association between race and obesity after controlling for dietary behaviors among adolescents in Georgia, using quantitative cross-sectional data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Guided by the social ecological model, the research investigated how demographic factors and dietary behaviors influence obesity rates. Specifically, the study explored the association between age, race, …

The Saga Acetyltransferase Module Is Required For The Maintenance Of Maf And Myc Oncogenic Gene Expression Programs In Multiple Myeloma, Ying-Jiun C Chen, Govinal Badiger Bhaskara, Yue Lu, Kevin Lin, Sharon Y R Dent

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Despite recent advances in therapeutic treatments, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable malignancy. Epigenetic factors contribute to the initiation, progression, relapse, and clonal heterogeneity in MM, but our knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms underlying MM development is far from complete. The SAGA complex serves as a coactivator in transcription and catalyzes acetylation and deubiquitylation. Analyses of data sets in the Cancer Dependency Map Project revealed that many SAGA components are selective dependencies in MM. To define SAGA-specific functions, we focused on ADA2B, the only subunit in the lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) module that specifically functions in SAGA. Integration of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), …

Current Status And Research Directions In Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Hagop Kantarjian, Gautam Borthakur, Naval Daver, Courtney D Dinardo, Ghayas Issa, Elias Jabbour, Tapan Kadia, Koji Sasaki, Nicholas J Short, Musa Yilmaz, Farhad Ravandi

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The understanding of the molecular pathobiology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has spurred the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of corresponding novel targeted therapies. Since 2017, twelve agents have been approved for the treatment of AML subsets: the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax; the CD33 antibody drug conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin; three FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, gilteritinib, quizartinib); three IDH inhibitors (ivosidenib and olutasidenib targeting IDH1 mutations; enasidenib targeting IDH2 mutations); two oral hypomethylating agents (oral poorly absorbable azacitidine; fully absorbable decitabine-cedazuridine [latter approved as an alternative to parenteral hypomethylating agents in myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia but commonly used in …

Investigation Of The Endogenous Opioid Neural Circuitry In Pain, Erin Nicole Bobeck

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

The Interaction Between Frequency Of Cannabis Use And Method Of Delivery In Predicting Lack Of Interest In Eating, Joanne Lynn Pomeroy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cannabis use, its benefits, and adverse effects are being increasingly studied due to the abundance of existing dispensaries created under recreational and legalization policies. While research is inconclusive, an established association exists between increased cannabis concentration and anorexigenic properties. This study examines the interaction between the frequency of cannabis use and the method of delivery in predicting the lack of interest subtype of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in emerging adults. Cannabis use was measured by the Cannabis Engagement Assessment (CES). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) was used to measure anxiety, and the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Questionnaire …

An Explanatory Study Of Toxic Leadership And Servant Leadership Related To Organizational Culture And Behavioral Trust, Daniel Timothy Thames

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto correlational study was to determine if a relationship exists between followers’ perceptions of toxic leadership and servant leadership as they relate to organizational culture and behavioral trust as measured by the Toxic Leadership Scale (TLS), the Servant Leadership Questionnaire (SL-7), the Organizational Culture Scale (OCS), and the Behavioral Trust Inventory (BTI). Toxic leadership was evaluated through the framework of Padilla et al.’s (2007) toxic triangle and Thoroughgood et al.’s (2012) susceptible circle of followers of toxic leaders. Exploring the theoretical context of toxic leadership, this project studied the effects of toxic leadership …

The P-Myh9/Usp22/Hif-1Α Axis Promotes Lenvatinib Resistance And Cancer Stemness In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Qiaonan Shan, Lu Yin, Qifan Zhan, Jiongjie Yu, Sheng Pan, Jianyong Zhuo, Wei Zhou, Jiaqi Bao, Lincheng Zhang, Jiachen Hong, Jianan Xiang, Qingyang Que, Kangchen Chen, Shengjun Xu, Jingrui Wang, Yangbo Zhu, Bin He, Jingbang Wu, Haiyang Xie, Shusen Zheng, Tingting Feng, Sunbin Ling, Xiao Xu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Lenvatinib is a targeted drug used for first-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A deeper insight into the resistance mechanism of HCC against lenvatinib is urgently needed. In this study, we aimed to dissect the underlying mechanism of lenvatinib resistance (LR) and provide effective treatment strategies. We established an HCC model of acquired LR. Cell counting, migration, self-renewal ability, chemoresistance and expression of stemness genes were used to detect the stemness of HCC cells. Molecular and biochemical strategies such as RNA-sequencing, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry and ubiquitination assays were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Patient-derived HCC models and HCC samples …

Miocene Climatic Optimum And Middle Miocene Climate Transition: A Foraminiferal Record From The Central Ross Sea, Antarctica, Iodp Expedition 374 Scientists, Samantha E. Bombard, R. Mark Leckie, Imogen M. Browne, Amelia E. Shevenell, Robert M. Mckay, David M. Harwood, Jeanine Ash, François Beny, Giuseppe Cortese, Laura De Santis, Justin P. Dodd, Oliver M. Esper, Jenny A. Gales, Saki Ishino, Benjamin A. Keisling, Sookwan Kim, Sunghan Kim, Denise K. Kulhanek, Jan Sverre Laberg, Juliane Müller, Molly O. Patterson, Brian W. Romans, Oscar E. Romero, Francesca Sangiorgi, Osamu Seki, Shiv M. Singh, Isabela M. Cordeiro De Sousa, Saiko T. Sugisaki

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The Ross Sea record of the Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO; ∼ 16.9–14.7 Ma) and the Middle Miocene Climate Transition (MMCT; ∼ 14.7–13.8 Ma) provides critical insights into Antarctic ocean–cryosphere interactions during a time of extreme warmth and subsequent cooling. Here we report on Lower to Middle Miocene foraminiferal assemblages from the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site U1521 on the outer shelf of the central Ross Sea to identify regional shifts in environmental and water mass conditions and trace continental shelf evolution. We identified seven benthic biofacies clusters, dominated by abundant Globocassidulina subglobosa (a proposed indicator of proto-Circumpolar Deep Water, …

2024 State Of The University Address, Aondover Tarhule

State of the University Addresses

Annual address delivered by the president of Illinois State University discussing the university's accomplishments and plans for the future.

Air Quality And Mental Illness: Role Of Bioaerosols, Causal Mechanisms And Research Priorities, Kamaldeep Bhui, Marcella Ucci, Prashant Kumar, Simon K. Jackson, Corinne Whitby, Ian Colbeck, Christian Pfrang, Zaheer A. Nasir, Frederic Coulon

School of Biomedical Sciences

BACKGROUND: Poor air quality can both trigger and aggravate lung and heart conditions, as well as affecting child development. It can even lead to neurological and mental health problems. However, the precise mechanisms by which air pollution affect human health are not well understood.

AIMS: To promote interdisciplinary dialogue and better research based on a critical summary of evidence on air quality and health, with an emphasis on mental health, and to do so with a special focus on bioaerosols as a common but neglected air constituent.

METHOD: A rapid narrative review and interdisciplinary expert consultation, as is recommended for …

Practical Insights And Advances In Concrete Pumping, Daniil Mikhalev, Siamak Fakhrayee Nejad, Serina Ng, Baishakhi Bose, Robin De Schryver, Ana Brunčič, Manu K. Mohan, Yanwei Wang, A. V. Rahul, Atta Ur Rehman, Dengwu Jiao, Viktor Mechtcherine, Geert De Schutter, Dimitri Feys

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This technical letter gives a concise overview of the state-of-the-art in concrete pumping. It outlines the different pump systems, briefly describes the general flow behavior of concrete in pipes and addresses the main challenges of pumping. It also elaborates upon factors influencing the pumping behavior and how to control the pumping process.

Designing A Novel Approach To Cadaveric Dissection And Evaluation Of The Lacrimal Gland Anatomy, Maresa Joanna Mcdowell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During our study, the orbital dissections of 44 cadavers were analyzed, and the lacrimal gland's condition after dissection was evaluated. Medical students previously dissected twenty-two of the cadavers using the dissection steps outlined in Grant’s Dissector. From these, 21 student groups performed orbital dissection using the two approaches outlined in Grant’s Dissector. Post-evaluation of Grant’s anterior approach (GAA) showed that 50% of the lacrimal glands had signs of damage to the orbital lobe, and 88.89% of the palpebral lobe were damaged. When Grant’s supraorbital approach (GSA) was used, 70% of the palpebral lobes showed signs of damage compared to the …

Pastoral Counseling In African American Churches, Allen Tyrone Smith Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African Americans, as a people group, are generally reluctant to pursue clinical support related to emotional or mental health issues. Black people underutilize professional services that address emotional and mental health-related problems (Hankerson & Weissman, 2012). According to Neighbors et al. (1998), regardless of problem type or severity, individuals less likely to secure assistance from professionals are those who contact pastors first. Avent et al. (2015) noted that African American Christians who seek religious support tied to a variety of circumstances choose to access their pastor in order to be supported in opposition to a professional counselor. A perception exists …

Social Work Interventions And Emergency Room Utilization, Paige Elaine Bartholomew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Emergency Room (ER) resources are a valuable commodity that are often misused as a point of care into the health system. Families who have no medical home and psychosocial needs frequent the ER on a regular basis to access care and necessary resources. Primary care and psychosocial ER utilization is costly and inefficient. Reducing avoidable visits is an important health system goal that must be balanced with the desire to deliver quality care to every family in a fiscally responsible manner that promotes long term health and wellness. In pediatrics, the first step will be to better understand the frequent …

Physiological And Psychological Performance Considerations Of Female Elite Warfighters (Few) In United States Military Special Operations: A Qualitative Study, Bailey Weis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the physical and psychological characteristics of the female elite warfighters (FEW) that have completed a special operations selection or elite combat course in the United States Armed Forces. The theory guiding this study was Kathy Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory (CGT) to gain deeper insight on the female pioneers who are completing special operations selections or elite combat courses by exploring the physical and psychological nature of their experience. The CGT framework for this study highlighted the participants’ background, physical insights, and mental resilience as indicators of their success while enabling …

Wisdom City: Towards A Political Reading Of The Wisdom Genre, James E. Golec Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The contemporary conversation surrounding the wisdom genre shows a lack of consensus regarding the origin, nature, and biblical use of wisdom. This situation can be improved through reading the biblical wisdom genre politically, revealing the principles that create and sustain a God-fearing society. The hermeneutical key to accomplish this task begins with the claim that the book of Proverbs presents itself as a ‘city in a book.’ The outline of Proverbs, especially via the first nine chapters, introduces coherence between the concept of wisdom and an archetypal city. Second, the book provides a transformative engine, which can be found in …

Aiding A Reformed Church Into A Multiethnic And Economically Diverse Congregation, Leroy E. Childress Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Ethnic and economic diversity can be experienced in the local church. There is a biblical undertone in the Scriptures that shows Jesus, the apostles, and Old Testament themes that point to Revelation 7 for the reality of it. This reality can be lived on earth while Christians practice for heaven. While 95 percent of the churches around America remain homogeneous, with intentionality, adequate training, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations, historically Reformed churches can also experience ethnic and economic diversity within their congregations. Although many churches do not feel the capabilities to become multiethnic and economically diverse, by …

Investigating The Predictive Relationships Between Trauma And Persecution And Academic Motivation With Female Afghan High School Students: A Correlational Study, Gary Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlation study was to determine if there is a predictive relationship between academic motivation and the linear combination of trauma and persecution of Afghanistan female high school students. The study sample of 119 female students was drawn from two underground high schools in Afghanistan in the grades of 10-12, aged 16-20. Instruments included the Academic Motivation Scale, the Child Post-Traumatic Cognitive Inventory, and the Persecution and Deservedness Scale. A multiple linear regression analysis was applied to assess how well the criterion variable (academic motivation) was predicted using the whole set of predictor variables …

A Phenomenological Study Of Special Education Teacher Self-Efficacy For English Learner Instruction, Emilie Louise Jacumin-Simmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of special education teachers (SETs) who instruct English learners (ELs) at secondary public schools in the Southeast. In this research, SETs instructing ELs were generally defined as SETs responsible for the instruction of ELs with or without disabilities. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. The qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 11 SETs who teach in secondary public school districts in the southeastern United States. Data collection consisted of Teacher Self-Efficacy (TSE) Scale surveys, teacher reflections on their …

Low To Moderate-Intensity Exercise On Blood Pressure Response In Hypertensive Older Adults, David Farrell Robinson Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aims to investigate the blood pressure response of a single bout of exercise at low to moderate intensity in older adults with normal/grade 1 hypertension. 120 physically active adults (74.80 ± 6.3 years) randomly completed two aerobic exercise sessions of 30 minutes at low (30% heart rate reserve [HRres]) and moderate (50% HRres) intensity. Blood pressure was assessed pre-exercise, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the completion of the exercise bout. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased after both exercise intensities without significant differences. Both exercise intensities saw a proportionate decrease in post exercise blood pressure response compared …

If The Balloon Goes Up: A History Of U.S. Army Maneuvers And Their Effectiveness, 1902-1944, Randall S. Wells Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The historiography surrounding U.S. Army military readiness exercises and their effectiveness in improving or increasing the resultant fighting power of Army Ground Forces is an untouched field of study. This work fills that historical gap by exploring and analyzing a series of U.S. Army readiness maneuvers conducted for forty-plus years that sought to closely replicate the actual conditions of combat that Army Ground Forces were expected to encounter. In doing so, it reveals the criticality of ensuring effective military readiness exercises accomplish their primary intent, which is to use actual military vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, weapons, and tactics to facilitate …

Exploring School Counselors’ Perceptions Of How Poverty Impacts Elementary School Students’ Capacity For Academic And Emotional Success: A Phenomenological Study, Latesha Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate school counselors’ viewpoints regarding poverty’s influence on elementary school students’ executive functioning, self-regulation abilities, and academic performance. The impact of poverty on children’s academic achievement is widely acknowledged, and school counselors’ assistance to students from low-income families is considered paramount. The study provided a unique viewpoint regarding alleviating poverty by highlighting the crucial significance of education and skills. The guiding theory in the research study was the social cognitive theory that offers a conceptual structure for comprehending how school counselors’ observations and experiences within the educational setting influence their perspectives regarding …