Digital Commons Network^™

Mapping Intellectual Property Abuses In The Pharmaceutical Field, S. Sean Tu, Ana Santos Rutschman

Faculty Publications

This Viewpoint details intellectual property abuses in the pharmaceutical industry involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Effect Of Freezing And Freeze-Thaw Cycles On Equine Serum Insulin Concentration: A Pilot Study, Molly Wallace, Shea Porr, Lydia O'Sullivan

Honors College Theses

Insulin dysregulation is a key component of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), and is often a predisposing factor to conditions such as laminitis and hepatic lipidosis. Diagnosis of EMS is most often reached through a combination of glucose and insulin measurements in equine serum. Achieving an accurate result of insulin concentration is vital for diagnosis, making proper sample handling essential. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of repetitive freeze-thaw cycles on equine serum insulin concentrations. Serum was collected from 10 university-owned horses and split into four treatment groups: Unfrozen, Once Frozen, Twice Frozen, and Thrice Frozen. Unfrozen …

Vitamin D Is Glucoprotective In Aging Males But Not Females, Olivia Z B Ginnard, Maria Morales, Ji Youn Youn, Yong Xu, Stephanie R Sisley

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Vitamin D supplementation is linked to many beneficial health outcomes in the geriatric population, such as decreased mortality, epigenetic aging, and fracture risk. Conversely, type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency in older adults. However, there is a discrepancy between clinical trials in adults on the efficacy of vitamin D treatment in prediabetes and diabetes. In addition, human data indicates there may be sexual dimorphism in the effect of vitamin D deficiency on dysglycemia that is more pronounced in men. These incongruities may be due to our limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms of vitamin D in …

A Role For Gut Mycobiome And Altered Fungal-Bacterial Interactions In Women With Endometriosis†, Chandni Talwar, Ashirbad Guria, Kristi Hoffman, Scott Biest, Patricia Jimenez, Ramakrishna Kommagani

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Endometriosis is a gynecological pathology prevalent in reproductive age women in which the inner uterine wall (endometrium) grows outside as ectopic lesions. The inflammation resulting from these growing implants closely associates with disease severity, causing chronic pain and infertility. Emerging studies have found altered bacterial communities in endometriosis and a causal role for gut bacteria in endometriosis. However, the role of the gut mycobiome, i.e., the fungal component of the microbiome in endometriosis is a current knowledge gap that needs to be addressed. In this study, utilizing the stool samples from women with endometriosis, we found that the gut fungal …

Stress And The Cerebellum: How Stress Alters Endocannabinoid Signaling, Mohamed Sayed

Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day

No abstract provided.

The Oncogenic Role Of Mitoneet In Breast Cancer, Connor Kent

Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day

No abstract provided.

2025 Graduate Research Day Agenda (Pdf), Graduate Studies

Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day

The 4th Annual Dr. Joseph Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day Agenda (PDF)

Effects Of Tai Chi On Psychological, Physiological, And Functional Outcomes In Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Sophia Boudreaux

Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day

No abstract provided.

Harmony Patel Bds, Ms, Dhi(Abd), Harmony Patel

Faculty Research Mixer

No abstract provided.

42nd Annual Reception Bibliography, 2024-2025, Leonard H. Axe Library

Bibliographies

Since 1984, Leonard H. Axe Library at Pittsburg State University has honored book authors and other creators for their outstanding scholarship and contributions to their fields. This bibliography documents creative works published by university faculty and staff within the last year.

Spectator 2025-11-13, Editors Of The Spectator

The Spectator

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Evangelism Renewed: The Theological Revisioning Of Evangelism By Henry H. Knight Iii, Mark Teasdale

Witness

No abstract provided.

Life After Prison: Exploring Gendered Differences In The Impact Of Social Support On The Ease Of Reintegration For Previously Incarcerated Men And Women, Joy Ferdinand

Theses and Dissertations

Successful reintegration into society remains a significant challenge for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly in securing stable housing and employment. This study examines the gendered impact of social support on reintegration outcomes, specifically assessing how peer instrumental support, familial instrumental support, and familial emotional support influence housing stability and employment within three months of release. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI), this study employs logistic regression models to explore whether gender moderates the relationship between social support and reentry success. Findings indicate that peer instrumental support significantly affects housing stability, but its impact varies by gender. …

Reducing Data Requirements In Polymer Science: Deep Neural Networks For Predicting Surface Tension Of Copolymer Compatibilizers, Md Mushfiqul Islam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In polymer chemistry, compatibilization involves adding a substance often a block or graft copolymerto stabilize polymer blends that would otherwise not mix well, leading to rough structures and weak me- chanical properties. Compatibilizers improve miscibility and reduce interfacial tension, which is critical for applications such as mixed-waste polymer recycling. Sequence-controlled polymers offer unique potential by combining the tunable chemistry of synthetic polymers with the precise, function-driven design of biological macromolecules, but unlike proteins, they lack large, evolution-shaped datasets to guide discovery. This research develops a deep learning framework to predict the surface tension of sequence-controlled copolymer compatibilizers across varying concentrations. …

Black Grouper (Mycteroperca Bonaci) Neurocranium, Layla Lacelle, David W. Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Accuracy Matters: Evaluating The Value Of Ai Tools For Summaries In Metadata, Emily Baldoni, Angela Yon

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on library workflows has been a topic of immense interest—and sometimes anxiety—in the library profession. In the area of cataloging and metadata, one frequently cited potential use for AI (particularly Large Language Models (LLMs)) is constructing summaries and abstracts of information resources. However, very little systematic assessment has been done of the characteristics, quality, and utility of AI-generated abstracts for library materials, leaving information professionals with little evidence on which to make data-driven decisions as to how, if at all, to implement AI-assisted workflows for this aspect …

Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection-Induced Changes In Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cell Morphology And Function, Lyndsey N. Gisclair, Douglas A. Johnston

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Introduction. Six to seven million individuals are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. With 12,000 deaths annually, chronic Chagas disease remains a significant global health challenge due to persistent vector transmission, increasing non-vector transmission and limited therapeutic options. Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Gap Statement. Since its initial description more than 100 years ago, research efforts into the cardiomyopathy found in chronic Chagas disease have primarily focused on the contributions of immune cells, cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, leaving a significant gap in understanding the …

Lair1 Prevents Excess Inflammatory Tissue Damage In Staphylococcus Aureus Skin Infection And Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Hannah K. Dorando, Evan C. Mutic, Kelly L. Tomaszewski, Yulia Korshunova, Ling Tian, Mellisa K. Stefanov, Chaz C. Quinn, Deborah J. Veis, Juliane Bubeck Wardenburg, Amy C. Musiek, Neha Mehta-Shah, Jacqueline E. Payton

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) experience high morbidity and mortality due to S. aureus skin infections and sepsis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We have previously identified high levels of LAIR2, a decoy protein for the inhibitory receptor LAIR1, in advanced CTCL. Mice lack a LAIR2 homolog, so we used Lair1 knock-out (KO) mice to model LAIR2 overexpression. In a model of S. aureus skin infection, Lair1 KO mice had significantly larger abscesses and areas of dermonecrosis compared to WT despite similar bacterial burdens. Lair1 KO exhibited a pattern of increased inflammatory responses in infection and sterile …

Targeting Tomm40 And Tomm22 To Rescue Statin-Impaired Mitochondrial Function, Dynamics, And Mitophagy In Skeletal Myotubes, Neil V Yang, Sean Rogers, Rachel Guerra, Justin Y Chao, David J Pagliarini, Elizabeth Theusch, Ronald M Krauss

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Statins are the drugs most commonly used for lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Although generally well-tolerated, statins can induce myopathy, a major cause of non-adherence to treatment. Impaired mitochondrial function has been implicated in the development of statin-induced myopathy, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We have shown that simvastatin downregulates the transcription of

What Are The Barriers And Facilitators To The Acceptance Of Information And Communication Technology-Based Interventions For Improving Resilience And Mental Health Of Healthcare Workers: A Scoping Review Protocol, Elisabete Alves, Ricardo Rodrigues, César Fonseca, Manuel Lopes, Inês Faria, Nina Dalkner, Paul Barach, Frans Folkvord, Jim Ingebretsen Carlson, Eva Reininghaus, Michele Wessa, Yvonne Prinzellner, Vanessa Leung, Eva Turk, Lara Guedes De Pinho

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers (HCWs) report overwhelming demands and experience crisis levels of burnout and unique challenges that further impair their mental health. Promotion of mental health among HCWs using information and communication technology (ICT) has received little empirical research attention and interventions for improving mental health resilience in HCWs are not well established.

DESIGN: Scoping review to map existing evidence and identify gaps for future research regarding the main barriers and facilitators of the acceptance of ICT-based interventions for improving resilience and mental health among HCWs working in all healthcare settings.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol was developed in accordance …

Survey On Preparedness And Readiness For Technological Advancements In Ai Sparta Ai, Jegason Phosphorus Diviant

Population Health Research and Scholarship

Generative AI is rapidly entering academic workflows, yet readiness to use these tools in graduate training and the workplace remains unclear. The SPARTA AI was administered online to faculty and graduate students in the University of New Mexico’s Psychology Department and COPH (Feb–Sep 2025). The analytic sample included N=37 respondents. Descriptives, role-stratified academic AI usage, one-sample tests of perceived preparedness vs a 3.0 midpoint, and correlations between AI interest and academic usage were computed; Wilson CIs were used for proportions. The sample comprised 20 faculty and 17 graduate students, primarily from COPH and Psychology. AI usage was generally infrequent across …

November 2025 Graduate Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Experiences And Training Of Early Childhood Education Directors, Rochelle Elaine Nadeau

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In Colorado, early childhood education (ECE) directors are often not fully prepared to lead and develop high-quality teaching teams, which is integral to offering high-quality programming to children and families in the early years of development. Framed by transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Colorado ECE directors' experiences with training and support, and the resources needed to develop ECE directors to lead high-quality programming . Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 13 Colorado ECE directors from center-based programs that serve children from birth to 8 years. Thematic analysis using open coding yielded …

The Pressure To Endure: How Black Women Over 50 Navigate The Dichotomy Of Human Resilience And Supernatural Strength, Debra Ann Garner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to discover how Black women over 50 interpret their life experiences in the face of pressure to be strong and faith filled. It explored the intersection of race, gender, age, and faith, specifically concerning older Black women and their interpretations of the impact of cultural and societal expectations. With data from ten interviews, this study examined how the women view the dichotomy of life as Strong Black faith-filled women who are inwardly self-silencing, suppressing, and who use other coping mechanisms through decades of lingering emotional trauma. From prior studies, the Strong Black …

Male Post-Secondary Students’ Experiences With Social Isolation Enrolled In Online Classes: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Patrick Ide

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of male post-secondary students enrolled in a large university in the western part of the United States who have felt socially isolated while participating in an online learning environment. At this stage of the research, social isolation was defined as the state of being distant or disconnected from others with limited or no in-person connections. The central research question is: What are the lived experiences of male post-secondary students enrolled in online academic programs who have experienced social isolation? Sub-questions addressed the level of connectedness and how …

Divine Intervention Emphasized In Ptsd Treatment Strategies, Zachary R. Kuster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined how theological concepts might enhance PTSD treatment outcomes by challenging existing paradigms within evidence-based interventions. While some therapeutic models acknowledge the value of integrating theological concepts within treatment, little empirical evidence explains how emphasizing the theological concepts that may already exist within evidence-based strategies may enhance the overall efficacy of treatment. In this study, an experimental group received strategies emphasizing grace, hope, and forgiveness, while a control group received strategies without these emphases. The PCL-5 psychometric assessment tool was used to measure changes across two 4-week PTSD programs that incorporated 48 strategies from the same four therapeutic …

Ministerial Perspectives On Approaches To Caring For A Traumatized Congregant To Enhance Spiritual Development, Tonya B. Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe experienced Christian Ministers’ experiences caring for a traumatized congregant from various countries worldwide. The criterion for participation was an experienced minister with 15 years of experience, at least 40 years old, and who ministered to three types of traumas. The two main theories guiding this study were Bowlby’s (1969, 1982) attachment theory and Fowler’s (1981) development of faith with references to Erickson’s (1958/1962) psychosocial development, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy, and cognitive behavior theory (Beck, 1952; Ellis, 1962). The three main research questions were: How does an experienced Christian minister describe their experiences …

Grief Disrupted: A Phenomenological Study Of How African Americans Experienced Grief Without Traditional Rituals During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jacqueline Williamson-Webb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent times, the dominant psychological understanding of grief is as an emotion (Gravesen & Birkelund, 2021; Meiselman, 2021). However, grief is also socially constructed, meaning that the emotions and behaviors labeled as grief have their beginning in the social space. Grief, then, is a performative act shaped by cultural traditions and public rituals (Murrell et al., 2023). Consequently, the purpose of this interpretative phenomenological study is to understand the lived grief experiences of African Americans (AAs) living in New Jersey who experienced a personal loss through the death of another person during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erving Goffman’s dramaturgy guides …

Latent Classification Of Time-Dependent Transition Rates In Longitudinal Binary Outcome Data, Joonha Chang, Wenyaw Chan

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) models and latent classification methods are commonly used to analyze longitudinal categorical outcomes in medical research. While CTMC models are popular for their simplicity and effectiveness, their assumption of constant transition rates presents limitations in capturing dynamic behaviors. To address this, non-homogeneous continuous-time Markov chains (NH-CTMCs) have been developed, incorporating time-varying transition rates to enhance model flexibility. In this study, we leverage closed-form transition probabilities for a fully ergodic two-state NH-CTMC model and propose a latent class clustering approach to identify heterogeneous transition rate patterns within the population. We emphasize the potential advantages of these models …

Fusion Transcriptome Landscape In Glioblastoma: Incidence And Therapeutic Implications, Manmeet Ahluwalia

All Publications

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) lacks effective therapies for recurrent disease. Unlike cancers with successful fusion-targeted treatments (eg BCR-ABL1 in CML), the incidence and therapeutic potential of gene fusions in GBM remain unclear. We analyzed a large genomic database to define fusion frequency and molecular associations.

Methods: 4800 IDH-wildtype GBM samples (WHO 2021) underwent NextGen DNA sequencing (592-gene panel/whole exome) and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing for fusions at Caris Life Sciences. Fisher-Exact/Chi-Square tests, adjusted by Benjamini-Hochberg (q < 0.05), assessed significance.

Results: Pathogenic fusions occurred in 428 (8.9%) samples, primarily FGFR3 (37%, n = 159; FGFR3: TACC3, n = 134), MET (21%, n …