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Investigating The Capacity Of Tdp-43 Low Complexity Domain To Target Protein Aggregates In Yeast, Nicholas J. Grahame

Biology Summer Fellows

Utilizing protein TDP-43 and fluorescent proteins to:

Investigate TDP-43’s LCD region in protein aggregates. Use fluorescent protein tagging to visualize co-localization and aggregation. Leverage yeast as a model system for studying LLPS and aggregation.

Can we target chaperone proteins to TDP-43 LCD region?

A Predictive Framework For Early Detection And Personalised Monitoring Of Parkinson’S Disease Using Artificial Intelligence And Large Language Models, Priyadharshini S

Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a multifaceted and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that presents a spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective disease management and improved patient outcomes, yet remains clinically challenging due to symptom overlap and diagnostic limitations. This thesis proposes a comprehensive and interpretable artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostic framework that aims to transform the early detection, personalised monitoring, and treatment recommendation process for PD. The proposed solution integrates deep learning, radiomics, evolutionary optimisation, and large language models (LLMs), ensuring a highly accurate and clinically adaptable system.

The research begins by analysing T2-weighted 3D …

Green Infrastructure Features And Benefits Communicated By Programs Targeting Residents In The Greater Toronto Area, Nya Lazarus-Munnick, Tenley M. Conway

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Municipalities are increasingly adopting green infrastructure (GI) as a nature-based solution to address stormwater management, climate adaptation, and other urban environmental challenges. One of the strengths of GI is its multifunctionality, which can provide a range of social, economic and environmental benefits. For GI to reach its full potential, widespread implementation throughout a landscape is needed. As a result, GI strategies often rely on various actors, including residents, who can implement GI on their own properties and contribute to the scaling up of GI across a landscape. GI implementation that depends on residents, however, has many challenges pertaining to their …

Prognostic Gene Expression And Microrna Profiling Signatures And Genetic Alterations In Primary Testicular Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Wenyu Shi, Zijun Y Xu-Monette, Youchao Jia, Alexandar Tzankov, Heounjeong Go, Ling Li, Maurilio Ponzoni, Yafei Wang, Qiongli Zhai, Anamarija M Perry, Shi Wang, Xiaoxiao Wang, April Chiu, Mina L Xu, Carlo Visco, Karen Dybkaer, Henry Withers, Mark Long, Alyssa F Yuan, Yi Miao, Everardo Macias, Dehong Wu, Wen Shuai, Bangchen Wang, Jianyong Li, Govind Bhagat, Youli Zu, Zenggang Pan, William Choi, Santiago Montes-Moreno, Weina Chen, J Han Van Krieken, Michael B Møller, Xinfang Yu, Benjamin M Parsons, Shanxiang Zhang, Eric D Hsi, Aliyah R Sohani, Jeremy S Abramson, Andrés J M Ferreri, Bing Xu, Yong Li, Ken H Young

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Primary testicular (PT) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a rare and aggressive lymphoma with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. To identify prognostic biomarkers in PT-DLBCL, in this study we analyzed DNA and RNA samples of PT-DLBCL tumors from 206 patients using next-generation sequencing platforms and assays. Genetic alteration analysis found that multiple chromosomal copy number variations (CNVs), TP53 transcript mutations with high variant allele frequency, and MCD subtype had significantly adverse prognostic effects, whereas elevated microsatellite instability had a significantly favorable prognostic effect in PT-DLBCL. Targeted RNA-seq analysis identified a PTL gene expression signature by comparing PT-DLBCL with systemic …

Integrative Spatial Omics Reveals Distinct Tumor-Promoting Multicellular Niches And Immunosuppressive Mechanisms In Black American And White American Patients With Tnbc, Qian Zhu, Akhila Balasubramanian, Jaya Ruth Asirvatham, Megha Chatterjee, Badrajee Piyarathna, Jaspreet Kaur, Nada Mohamed, Ling Wu, Stacy Wang, Niloufar Pourfarrokh, Paula Danika Binsol, Mahak Bhargava, Uttam Rasaily, Yitian Xu, Junjun Zheng, Deborah Jebakumar, Arundhati Rao, Carolina Gutierrez, Angela R Omilian, Carl Morrison, Gokul M Das, Christine Ambrosone, Erin H Seeley, Shu-Hsia Chen, Yi Li, Eric Chang, Xiaoxian Li, Elizabeth Baker, Ritu Aneja, Xiang H-F Zhang, Arun Sreekumar

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Racial disparities in the clinical outcomes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have been well-documented, but the underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. To investigate these disparities, we employed a multi-omic approach integrating imaging mass cytometry and spatial transcriptomics to characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME) in self-identified Black American (BA) and White American (WA) TNBC patients. Our analysis revealed that the TME in BA patients is marked by a network of endothelial cells, macrophages, and mesenchymal-like cells, which correlates with reduced patient survival. In contrast, the WA TNBC microenvironment is enriched in T-cells and neutrophils, indicative of T-cell exhaustion and suppressed …

The Local Neighborhood Interactions Shaping Tree Communities Through Ecological Disturbance And Environmental Change, Cole Doolittle

Dissertations (1934 -)

My dissertation consists of four chapters focused on understanding the factors maintaining local species diversity, addressing a central goal of ecology increasingly critical for preserving ecosystem services and human well-being in the face of climate change. Specifically, I investigate how local neighborhoods – that is, the spatial arrangement, density, and identity of nearby competitors – contribute to patterns of growth and survival along gradients of ecological disturbance and environmental change using forest tree communities as a study system. In my first chapter, I develop a conceptual framework that synthesizes why we may expect local neighborhood interactions to weaken under ecological …

Transcriptomic Analysis Of Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer Improves Prognostication And Identifies Benefit From Adding Docetaxel To Definitive Radiotherapy With Androgen Suppression In The Nrg Oncology/Rtog 0521 Phase 3 Trial, Ryan M. Phillips, James A. Proudfoot, Elai Davicioni, Yang Liu, Daniel E. Spratt, Jeff M. Simko, Robert Den, Alan Pollack, Seth A. Rosenthal, A. Oliver Sartor, Christopher J. Sweeney, Gerhardt Attard, Leslie Longoria, Samir Patel, Michael W. Straza, Jason A. Efstathiou, Amit B. Shah, Karen E. Hoffman, Joseph P. Rodgers, Howard M. Sandler, Felix Y. Feng, Phuoc T. Tran

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: NRG/RTOG 0521 randomized men with high-risk localized prostate cancer (PC) to androgen suppression (AS) and definitive radiotherapy (RT) ± docetaxel-based chemotherapy (CT). The overall survival (OS) benefit with CT initially reported was lost on longer follow-up. The Decipher genomic classifier (GC) measures multiple transcripts relevant to docetaxel action. Basal/luminal differentiation portends differential response to AS and CT for high-risk localized and metastatic hormone-sensitive PC. We validated the Decipher GC in pretreatment biopsy samples for risk stratification and examined basal-luminal subtyping to predict docetaxel response.

METHODS: Decipher GC scores and basal-luminal cellular subtypes were generated for specimens from …

An Acoustofluidic Device For Sample Preparation And Detection Of Small Extracellular Vesicles, Jessica F. Liu, Jianping Xia, Joseph Rich, Shuaiguo Zhao, Kaichun Yang, Brandon Lu, Ying Chen, Tiffany Wen Ye, Tony Jun Huang

Faculty Publications

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as powerful vectors for liquid biopsy, offering a noninvasive window into the dynamic physiological and pathological states of the body. However, to fully leverage the clinical potential of sEV biomarkers, it is imperative to develop robust and efficient technologies for their isolation and analysis. In this study, we introduce a novel sharp-edge acoustofluidic platform designed for rapid and effective sample preparation, coupled with sensitive detection of specific sEV populations based on their surface markers. Our approach utilizes acoustically activated sharp-edge microstructures to concentrate bead-bound sEVs within the microfluidic device, facilitating immediate visualization by fluorescence …

Patient-Centered, Theory-Based, Online Intervention To Promote A Physically Active Lifestyle For People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Chungyi Chiu, Vaishnavi Sridharan, Mojtaba Khaliji, Md Refat Uz Zaman Sajib, Xiaotian Gao, Kathleen Zackowski

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience life challenges due to the nature of disease progression. Although an active lifestyle has been shown effective for symptom and relapse management, most people with MS lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not reach the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines.

Objective: This study aims to test the preliminary efficacy of a codeveloped, online self-management intervention based on the health action process approach (HAPA) adapted for people with MS to cultivate a physically active lifestyle.

Methods: The 8-week intervention program was developed using community-based participatory research based on the HAPA. The program includes increasing …

Ethical Lawyering While Our House Is On Fire, Jaclyn Lopez

Maryland Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

A Study On Litigation Strategies Of Environmental Ngos In China’S Centralized Governance Society: Taking Biodiversity Litigation As An Example, Huiyu Zhao, Yizhen Xu

Maryland Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

A Human Rights-Based Litigation Strategy For Wildlife Protection In Nigeria, Emmanuel K. Omirin

Maryland Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

Native Hawaiians And Environmental Stewardship: Reclaiming The ‘Āina In The Face Of A Western System, Lauren Wiederkehr

Maryland Journal of International Law

No abstract provided.

Utility Of The Us Preventive Services Task Force For Preeclampsia Risk Assessment And Aspirin Prophylaxis, Thomas Mcelrath, Arun Jeyabalan, Arkady Khodursky, Alison Moe, Manfred Lee, Maneesh Jain, Laura Goetzl, Elizabeth Sutton, Pamela Simmons, George Saade, Antonio Saad, Luis Pacheco, Esther Park-Hwang, Antonina Frolova, Ebony Carter, Ai-Ris Collier, Daniel Kiefer, Vincenzo Berghella, Rupsa Boelig, Michal Elovitz, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Joseph Biggio, Kara Rood, William Grobman, Carrie Haverty, Morten Rasmussen

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines on preeclampsia risk assessment and aspirin prophylaxis (AP) have not been evaluated for clinical utility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate which characteristics in the USPSTF guidelines identify risk status and the association of preeclampsia risk with AP recommendations.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This observational cohort study enrolled from July 2020 to March 2023 with data analysis performed from October to December 2024. Enrollment occurred at 11 centers throughout the US or via direct-to-participant recruitment. Pregnant participants aged 18 years or older with a singleton pregnancy less than 22 weeks' gestation were selected via …

Exploring Physician Associates’ Perceptions Of Motivational Interviewing: A Phenomenological Study, Thaddeus Riley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Longer lifespans across the population are contributing to a rise in chronic illnesses that require ongoing treatment. This increase has furthered the need for evidence-based clinical tools to effectively treat long-term diseases. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based method used by physicians and other healthcare practitioners, including physician associates (PAs), to help patients facilitate health behavior changes. PAs are licensed, highly trained healthcare professionals who practice medicine across all specialties and settings. PAs focus on patient-centered, team-based care and play a key role in expanding access to healthcare and improving overall health outcomes (AAPA, 2023b). While MI’s efficacy has been …

Cognitive Fatigue Assessment For Human-Robot Collaboration: Review & Open Challenges, Manizheh Zand, Sally Wood, Fatemeh Davoudi Kakhki, Maria Kyrarini

General Engineering

As Human Robot Collaboration (HRC) technologies continue to advance, robots are increasingly being deployed to assist in various settings, including manufacturing, healthcare, and home environments. A critical aspect of designing safe and adaptable HRC systems is the ability to assess and monitor an individual’s Cognitive Fatigue (CF) during interactions with robots. This is especially important in ensuring safe and effective environments, as fluctuations in CF can affect both performance and safety. Although prior research has explored cognitive workload and fatigue, a significant gap exists in understanding how to effectively measure and manage CF in real-time during HRC. This paper reviews …

Tailoring Hiv/Aids Communication To The Cultural Contexts Of The Borana Pastoral Community In Ethiopia, Dano Olana, Sabihah Moola

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

The HIV/AIDS health communication approach in sub-Saharan Africa has often overlooked sociocultural specificities. The current approach follows a generalist notion that does not consider the specific contextual domains accordingly. Similarly, the cultural appropriateness of HIV/AIDS health communication among the Borana pastoral community in Ethiopia is not clear. In this study, we aimed to explore whether HIV/AIDS communication among the Borana pastoral community was tailored to the cultural contexts of the community. A qualitative case study was used to unpack the cultural communication contexts for HIV/AIDS. We collected data using three methods, namely, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis …

Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation For Older Adults And Clinical Populations, Darren G. Candow, Sergej M. Ostojic, Philip D. Chilibeck, Igor Longobardi, Bruno Gualano, Mark A. Tarnopolsky, Theo Wallimann, Terence Moriarty, Richard B. Kreider, Scott C. Forbes, Uwe Schlattner, Jose Antonio

Faculty Publications

Background: The biological process of aging is typically associated with a decrease in muscle quantity, muscle performance (primarily strength), bone mass and architecture, functionality and neurological/cognitive function. From a healthy aging perspective, interventions that have the potential to overcome or attenuate these decrements are clinically relevant.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review on the efficacy of creatine monohydrate supplementation (CrM) in older adults. Results: Accumulating research shows that CrM, primarily when combined with exercise training, is safe and has beneficial effects on measures of whole-body lean body mass, regional muscle size, muscle strength, bone area and thickness, functional ability, glucose …

A Rapid Method For Identifying Plant Oxidative Stress And Implications For Riparian Vegetation Management, Mizanur Rahman, Takashi Asaeda, Kiyotaka Fukahori, Md Harun Rashid, Hideo Kawashima, Junichi Akimoto, Refah Tabassoom Anta

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Native and invasive plants of the riverain region undergo a range of environmental stresses that result in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a relatively stable and quickly quantifiable way among different ROS. The herbaceous species including Artemisia princeps, Sicyos angulatus, and Solidago altissima were selected. The H2O2 and photosynthetic pigment of leaves were measured, soil samples were analyzed to quantify macronutrients such as total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and soil moisture, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was also recorded at different observed sites of Arakawa Tarouemon, Japan. The H2O2 concentration of S. altissima significantly …

Effects Of Dietary Supplementation With Codium Fragile And Fennel Essential Oil On Growth, Enzyme Activity, And Hepatopancreas Histology In Juvenile Narrow-Clawed Crayfish (Pontastacus Leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823), Yavuz Mazlum, Meti̇n Yazici, Şehri̇ban Çek, Mehmet Naz, Musa Türkmen, Oğuz Yaşar Uzunmehmetoğlu, Kemal Dede

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study investigated the impact of different levels of Codium fragile macroalgae (CF) dietary supplementation combined with a fixed concentration of 0.05% fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. var. dulce Mill.) essential oil (FO) on the growth performance, enzyme activity, and hepatopancreas histological changes of juvenile narrow-clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus (initial average weight = 0.25 ± 0.04 g). A 90-day feeding trial was conducted using four experimental groups: CF + FO (control), 1% CF + FO, 2% CF + FO, and 4% CF + FO. The essential oil yield obtained from the fennel seeds was 2.4%. Anethole was the most abundant component …

Monitoring And Control Of Red Palm Weevil Infestation Using Iot Technology, Harun Çi̇men, İbrahi̇m Çakmak, Mustapha Touray, Selçuk Hazir

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Palms are slow-growing arboreal monocots predominantly distributed across warm regions and are frequently incorporated into parks, gardens, and roadsides. The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is a highly destructive invasive insect that threatens palms. This field study investigated the effectiveness of a seismic sensor system to detect R. ferrugineus larvae on palm trees in the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Culture Park. This park is home to a diverse collection of palm species, including Washingtonia sp. and Phoenix dactylifera. Seismic sensors were attached to the trunks of palm trees to detect the vibrations caused by feeding R. ferrugineus larvae and calibrated to …

The First Documented Case Of Melanism In Sciurus Anomalus, Recorded In Türkiye, Burak Akdağ, Balkan Mega

Turkish Journal of Zoology

This study reports the first documented case of melanism in the Caucasian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) from Türkiye. While melanism has been documented in 12 other species within the Sciurus genus, it has not previously been recorded in S. anomalus. The observation was made during a herpetological field survey in Erzincan Province, Türkiye, where a melanistic specimen was photographed in a mixed habitat comprising natural vegetation and cultivated land. In mammals, melanism is widely regarded as an adaptive trait, potentially conferring advantages such as improved thermoregulation in colder climates and enhanced crypsis in shaded forest environments. This novel observation not only …

Positive Social Emotional Influences Experienced By College-Educated Black Men During Their K–12 Education In U.S. Public Schools, Lyzanethia Howard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although negative experiences and unfair factors in the K–12 educational experiences of Black males are well-researched, very little research is found on the positive contributions toward their educational success. As some Black males successfully complete K–12 schooling and advance to the college level, it is imperative to understand the factors that positively contributed to their educational advancement. Guided by Yosso’s theory of community cultural wealth, this basic qualitative study explored six aspects of cultural capital—the aspirational, familial, linguistic, resistant, navigational, and social capital—that contributed to the educational success and advancement of Black males during their journeys through the U.S. K–12 …

Association Between Antioxidant Defense Systems And Celiac Disease, Saad Kadhim Taher Yahya

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Intake of gluten activates the immune system in CD patients resulting in tissue damage to their digestive system.

Objectives: The oxidative stress status as well as antioxidant defense mechanisms in persons with CD and non-CD individuals while evaluating gluten-free dietary impact.

Methods: A total of 100 CD patients along with 100 healthy participants received inclusion for this study. The laboratory analysis determined oxidative stress through MDA, AOPP, and 8-OHdG examinations of bloodstream markers. The study measured antioxidant defenses using FRAP and TEAC techniques to examine SOD, CAT, GPx, and TAC. Tissue examination and blood tests were used to measure …

Annual Ghg Emissions In Co2e From Turfgrass Maintenance In Los Angeles County, Valerie Rountree, Michael Barnes, Martin S. Hoecker-Martinez, Nathan W. Strout

Cities and the Environment (CATE)

Maintaining turfgrass landscapes - including mowing, irrigation, and fertilization - is an under-recognized source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides. The state of California has ambitious policies to reduce GHG emissions and improve local air quality, however, southern California continues to be one of the most polluted regions in the world; moreover, it is an arid region that relies heavily on imported water to meet diverse user needs. To better understand the significance of turfgrass maintenance as a source of GHG emissions, we calculate the total annual GHG emissions in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO_{2 …}

Stimulated Cytokine Production, Attachment, And Emotional Well-Being In Dementia Spousal Caregivers, Daniel L. Argueta, Sarah Roberts, Kelly N. Brice, E Lydia Wu-Chung, Vincent D. Lai, Jensine Paoletti-Hatcher, Bryan T. Denny, Charles Green, Samantha Henry, Multiple Additional Authors

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Proinflammatory cytokine production may be related to poor emotional adjustment in dementia spousal caregivers. People who display attachment insecurity may be at increased risk for adverse caregiving experiences and poor psychosocial outcomes.

Spatiotemporal Responses To A Rural Highway By Four Mammal Species, Caitlin K. Brett, Anna Rose Mehner, John H. Young Jr., Sarah E. Lehnen, Richard J. Kline

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Roads can negatively impact the wildlife communities they transect. Road mortalities from wildlife-vehicle collisions are one direct effect, but roads may also indirectly affect wildlife behavior, movement, or local distribution. Quantifying the spatial extent of these road-effects is important for understanding how roads indirectly affect species of concern, identifying potential sources of disturbance, and for estimating the effectiveness of road mitigation structures. Farm-to-Market Road (FM)106, which transects part of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Cameron County, Texas, has been identified as a potential source of wildlife road mortalities, particularly for one of the two remaining breeding populations of …

Jack Mcelveen V, Jack Mcelveen V, '22, Nathalie Romero '25, Posse Legacy Project, Illinois Wesleyan University

All oral histories

Interview of Jack McElveen on July 17, 2025. Jack McElveen V is a Posse 2 Scholar who majored in Accounting.

Microbial Nanocellulose Based Biocomposites For Soft Bone Regeneration: From Present To The Future: From The Present To The Future, Probal Basu, Nabanita Saha, Tomáš Sáha, Petr Sáha

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

Microbial nanocellulose (MC) draws special attention from the research community due to its unique nano-bio fabrication. This nanofiber-constructed biomaterial is biosynthesized by certain microbes in the purest form (devoid of lignin, pectin, and hemicellulose). Due to its striking similarities to animal collagen fibers, MC nanofibers have been used to develop osteoconductive biomaterial for soft tissue regeneration. High surface area, notable rheological properties, and biocompatibility make this material attractive for tissue regeneration. Concurrently, their bio-friendly characteristics are due to various bio-ceramic materials like calcium phosphate (CP) employed in conjunction with MC (for the development of scaffold/bio-composite). The significant interaction between MC's …

Sensing The Stiffness: Cellular Mechano-Sensing At The Implant Interface, Patricia S Pardo, Delia Danila, Raja Devesh Kumar Misra, Aladin M Boriek

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In this perspective, we highlight the relevance of the FA-Hippo signaling pathway and its regulation of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) and the transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding domain (TAZ) as main players in the process of implants integration. The modulation and responses of YAP/TAZ triggered by substrate and ECM stiffness are of particular interest in the construction of materials used for medical implants. YAP/TAZ nuclear localization and activity respond to the substrate stiffness by several mechanisms that involve the canonical and non-canonical Hippo signaling and independently of the Hippo cascade. YAP/TAZ regulate the expression of genes involved in several mechanisms …