Digital Commons Network^™

Receptor-Mediated Drug Delivery: Redefining Targeted Drug Conjugates In Oncology, Keon Niles Jafari, Charlene Chai, Shelby Kim, Kamaljit Kaur

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Targeted drug delivery (TDD), specifically through targeting ligand–drug conjugates, has reshaped oncology by enabling selective delivery of cytotoxic payloads to cancer cells while minimizing uptake by normal tissues. A key approach relies on exploiting overexpressed cell surface receptors (CSRs) to enable selective uptake of drug conjugates via receptor-mediated endocytosis. This review delineates four clinically validated CSRs (HER2, Trop-2, Nectin-4, and SSTR2) with several FDA-approved drug conjugates. Furthermore, emerging CSRs (EGFR, DLL3, and keratin 1) that may support next-generation TDD platforms for cancer treatment are also highlighted. We discuss how CSR type, density on cancer cells, and its mechanism of endocytosis, …

Identification Of Thruster Faults In Underwater Vehicles By Using Custom Encodings In Spiking Neural Networks, Donovan Gegg

LSU Master's Theses

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are untethered robotic platforms used for tasks such as seafloor mapping, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. Recent technological advances have produced smaller, more affordable platforms, broadening access to research teams and small companies alike. This miniaturization comes at the cost of them handling drawbacks associated with a more compact machine such as reduced battery capacity as well as limited processing and sensing capabilities. These constraints make small-sized marine vehicle’s reliability critical as they can cause malfunctions, making the loss of a vehicle more likely. Actuator faults are particularly consequential as unintended and unstable control in an …

Polymer Microstructures For Advanced Biomanufacturing, Tongyao Wu

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

With the continued growth of the biopharmaceutical industry, the demand for scalable, robust, and resource-efficient platforms for large-scale mammalian cell culture is amplified. Recent developments in microfluidic technology, such as precise control of the microenvironment, showed the potential to improve the performance of cell culture systems. However, constrained by scalability and operational efficiency, applying such approaches to large-scale cell culture and biopharmaceutical production presents challenges. This dissertation addresses these challenges through three independent but conceptually related technological developments. First, a roll-to-roll (R2R) fabrication process was developed for the scalable production of hollow microcarriers (HMCs). HMCs provide three-dimensional microenvironments suitable for …

Science Challenges And Solutions To Support Implementation Of The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, Claire L. Szostek, Angus Atkinson, Victor Martinez-Vicente, Ana M. Queirós, Peter I. Miller, Kerry L. Howell, Rebecca C. Millington, Susan Kay, Matthew Faith, Karen Tait, Elizabeth Talbot, Andrew Rees, Chris Lyal, Jeff Ardron, Matthew Frost

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement provides a new opportunity to consolidate and achieve global marine environmental goals. Here we focus on how science and technology will support its implementation. We provide an overview of existing scientific knowledge and methods that are scalable to Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). Reviewing data gaps, challenges and opportunities, we outline solutions and a roadmap focused on enhancing resources and capacity.

Fenced And Feral: Farming And Spread Of Flowerhorn (Amphilophus Spp.) In Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, Janice A. Ragaza, Hannah Nicole Gasmen

Environmental Sustainability

This study examines the spread and ecological impact of invasive Flowerhorn cichlids (Amphilophus spp.) in Lake Sampaloc, Philippines, driven by both accidental release and intentional aquaculture practices. Field observations and literature reveal that these highly adaptable and aggressive fish outcompete native species, contributing to biodiversity decline amid increasing pollution, eutrophication, and microplastic contamination. Their phenotypic plasticity allows them to thrive in degraded environments, further exacerbating ecological imbalance. While local communities have begun utilizing Flowerhorns for ornamental trade and potential aquafeed production, such practices risk reinforcing their proliferation. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies combining biosecurity, pollution control, …

Comparing The Levels Of Some Biochemical Markers In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With And Without Depression, Shnst Ibrahim Mohamed Ali, Israa Ghassan Zainal

Baghdad Science Journal

One of the most common comorbidities of rheumatoid arthritis is depression, which is an independent mood disorder. This study aims to examine the blood levels of some biochemical markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients with and without depression compared to healthy group. This study included three groups: rheumatoid arthritis patients with depression, rheumatoid arthritis patients without depression, and a healthy group. The results showed that patients groups had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher activity of acetylcholine esterase and ceruloplasmine, carbonyl, ischemic modified albumin (IMA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α ), Haptoglobin, and Cupper, and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) …

Bioclimatic Reorganization Of Carbon–Water–Energy Coupling Revealed By Eddy Covariance And Interpretable Machine Learning, Koong Yi, Margaret S. Torn, Gabriel B. Senay, Lixin Wang, Kosana Suvočarev, Joshua B. Fisher, Arman Ahmadi, Housen Chu, Gil Bohrer, Georgianne W. Moore, Stephen P. Good, Steven A. Kannenberg, Justine E. C. Missik, Kanishka Mallick, Kul Khand, Youngryel Ryu, Kuno Kasak, A. Christopher Oishi, David E. Reed, Xiangzhong Luo, Carl J. Bernacchi, Dennis Baldocchi

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Ecosystem exchanges of carbon, water, and energy are central to Earth system functioning, yet their sensitivities to environmental variability remain poorly constrained across biomes and climates. Here, we analyzed ≥ 5 years of eddy covariance data from 87 AmeriFlux sites (964 site-years) spanning six vegetation types and a broad range of climatic conditions to examine the controls and multi-year trends of gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), water-use efficiency (WUE), and the Bowen ratio. We trained boosted regression tree ensembles with environmental (air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, soil water content, atmospheric CO2, radiation, wind speed) and temporal (month, year) variables …

The Evolution Of Science And The Transformation Of Human Understanding: Toward A Generative Framework Of Learning And Reality, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

This essay argues that the development of science can be understood not as linear accumulation, but as a sequence of structural transformations in human understanding. Such a view aligns with a generative framework in which knowledge is not passively received or merely constructed, but emerges through dynamic interactions that reorganize cognitive and experiential structures. By situating this framework within the history of science, we can better understand both the nature of scientific progress and its indispensable role in human development.

Learning As Becoming: A Restored Gospel-Based Reinterpretation Of Scientific Discovery And Human Growth, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

For many educators of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, a persistent dissonance exists between the secular textbooks we utilize and the restored truths we cherish. Traditional science often presents the universe as a closed, material system where learning is merely the acquisition of data. However, as we align our academic pursuits with the light of the Restored Gospel, we discover that scientific inquiry is not independent of spiritual growth. Rather, it is a primary mechanism through which we experience a fundamental shift in our very nature—moving from "knowing" to "becoming."

Multidisciplinary Care In The Management Of Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma: A Single-Center Case Series And Review, Jaanvi Mehta, Leena Wardeh, Jayson Suriano, Rishob Dasgupta, Ramsay Hafer, Alexandra Elder, Safiyyah Bhatti, Jason B. Lee, Atrayee B. Mallick, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

European Geosciences Union Honors Bianchi, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

May Federal Courts Create New Presumptions?, Emile J. Katz

Penn State Law Review (2003 - Present)

No abstract provided.

Combatting Desertification Scientifically: Where Feasible, Where Necessary, Bojie Fu, Yanxu Liu, Shuai Wang, Yijia Wang, Guipeng Cui, Yue Guo

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

China has made remarkable achievements in combating desertification, achieving “zero net growth” in land degradation. With the goal of scientifically improving the relationship between humans and nature in drylands, the continuous exploration of new concepts, methods, and pathways for scientific desertification control will contribute to advancing the harmony between humans and nature in China’s drylands. Based on the definitions of desertification, ecological restoration baselines, and the contributions of nature to humans, we clarified the scientific implications of “controlling desertification where it is feasible and necessary”. We discussed the shift in China’s desertification prevention and control direction from “humans advancing while …

Synthesis, Characterization, And Biological Potentials Of Chalcones Derivatives, Acer Juma Hamad, Hamdia Hateem Jawad, Kadhim Abdulwahid Aadim

Baghdad Science Journal

This work aims at synthesizing chalcone derivatives using Acetophenone and benzaldehyde derivatives as the primary components. The chalcone compounds [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] have been produced through Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction, which involves combining benzaldehyde derivatives (such as 4-bromobenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-(dimethyl amino)benzaldehyde, and o-Nitro benzaldehyde) with acetophenone or its derivatives. This reaction takes place when an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and ethanol are combined at room temperature. The generated products were examined employing carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance ¹³C-NMR, proton nuclear magnetic resonance ¹H-NMR, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) spectroscopic techniques. Each compound was tested to determine how …

Quantitative Analysis Of Thiamine, Riboflavin, And Niacin Vitamins By High-Performance Liquid Chromatography In Pharmaceutical Sample Tablets And Drops, Sarra A. Abrahem, Suhad A. Ibrahim, Alaa Sh. Abdulbari, Noor M. Ali, Maryam Y. Hashim

Baghdad Science Journal

Levering cutting-edge high-performance liquid chromatography techniques with a C-18 column, we meticulously crafted a gradient of MeOH and glacial CH₃COOH (96–5%), pulsating through at a mesmerizing 1.2 ml/min. With ultraviolet detection at a precise wavelength of 245 nm, we unraveled the mysteries of these vital nutrients. Thiamine reveals itself at a retention time of 3.5 min, followed by Riboflavin at 8.1 min and Niacin at 10.8 min. The findings of this study were not just a spectacle of scientific powers but were also rigorously benchmarked against commercial drugs, ensuring accuracy and reliability in our analysis.

Studying The Level Of Amyloid-A And Fibrinogen-Like Protein 1 And Other Biomarkers In The Sera Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Of Iraqi Patients, Aya Waleed Aziz, Bushra Faris Hasan

Baghdad Science Journal

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isa common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis causing pain and inflammation and can result in joint destruction, its risk factors involve a family history of disease, obesity, smoking as well as viral infections. In this study, serum amyloid A and fibrinogen-like protein 1 were evaluated in 80 patients and 40 healthy controls (both men and women). Measurement of SAA, FGL1, RF, CRP, and MPO were performed using ELISA kits, the colorimetric method has been employed for estimating lipid profile, and Westergren method has used to measure ESR. The results indicated that levels of SAA, FGL1, MPO, …

First Record Of Keratitis Caused By Valkampfia In Iraq, Turkan K. Karyagdi

Baghdad Science Journal

Acanthamoeba is the most well-known causes amoebic keratitis. However, other free-living amoebas (FLA), such as Valkampfia, can also causes of keratitis. Twenty-two samples were collected from cases suspected of amoebic keratitis in Kirkuk Hospital to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba . Cultivation process was carried out directly on non-nutrient agar (NNA) medium supported with killed Escherichia coli bacteria. Inverted and light microscope were used at 40X magnification to diagnose cultures growth .Only two samples showed positive growth on NNA medium. However, no any presence of Acanthamoeba was observed as were expected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which ampilified by …

Distribution Of Some Antibiotic Resistance Genes Among Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolated From Patients Lying Icu In Al-Najaf /Iraq, Ghufran Rajab Taher, Ahlam Kadhim Alyasseen

Baghdad Science Journal

Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant nosocomial pathogen, affecting immunocompromised and critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). The emergence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) poses a threat due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study investigates the prevalence of carbapenemase-encoding genes among CRAB isolates from ICU patients at AL-Sadder hospital/ Najaf. Eight sputum specimens were collected from ICU patients suspected of A. baumannii. The isolates were identified through morphological, biochemical tests and the Vitek 2 Compact system. Antibiotic sensitivity was determined by the Vitek 2 Compact system (using AST card). only 5 A. baumannii isolates have been …

Protective Effect Of Boswellia Carterii And Gum Arabic (Senegalia Senegal) On Induced Arthritic In Male Rats, Basma Ali Jasim, Alia Hussein Ali

Baghdad Science Journal

The study aims to use natural substances like Senegalia senegal and Boswellia carterii to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a painful disease affecting joints and making movement difficult, , The two plants were used to treat the symptoms of induced arthritis in male rats by using the complete freund's adjuvant method. A group of thirty adult male rats was used in this study, divided into six groups, with five rats for each group. The 1st group was the negative control (without arthritis induced and without treatment); the 2nd group is the positive control group (with arthritis induced and without any treatment); the …

I Think You Overuse That Word: A Theoretical Examination From Multiple Lenses Of "Why Relational Beings Have Become Hesitant To Commit.", Rafe Karen

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

This paper serves as a companion to a documentary film that explores the shifting landscape of modern relationships. The film presents personal narratives about dating, connection, and commitment, and the paper offers an experiential exploration of these themes, focusing on dating dynamics, social media, online dating, lack of connection, Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19), video games, and the effects of overwhelming choice. Drawing from existing literature and insights gained during the filmmaking process, the paper analyzes broader societal and psychological patterns shaping modern relationships. Using a combination of filmed interviews and direct observation, the study examines the lived experiences of individuals navigating …

Conquering Today's Health Paradox With The Power Of Heal - An Expert Consensus Report Plus Research Priorities And Policymaker Roadmap, Katharina C Wirnitzer, Mohamad Motevalli, Derrick R Tanous, Clemens Drenowatz, Maximilian Moser, Holger Cramer, Thomas Rosemann, Karl-Heinz Wagner, Andreas Michalsen, Beat Knechtle, Zlatko Fras, Adilson Marques, Nataša Fidler Mis, Fatima C Stanford, Christian Schubert, Nandu Goswami, Claus Leitzmann, Per Morten Fredriksen, Gerhard Ruedl, Rodrigo A Lima, Christian Kessler, Michael Jeitler, Naim A Khan, Hassan Joulaei, Maryam Fatemi, Karl W Kratky, Kara K Palmer, Bernd Haditsch, Boštjan Jakše, Walter Kofler

School of Health Professions

BACKGROUND: Despite growing scientific evidence and health guidelines, the global health paradox persists, with rising lifestyle-related diseases and escalating healthcare costs exposing the inadequacy of current efforts.

OBJECTIVE: Three multidisciplinary congresses were held to generate evidence-based conclusions aimed at addressing the global health paradox.

METHODS: A total of 58 experts from 62 entities participated in the international research and knowledge-exchange panels. Experts reviewed the latest findings to develop practical strategies and identify key research and policy priorities, focusing on the Healthy Eating & Active Living (HEAL) approach.

RESULTS CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The expert consortium endorsed a 33 evidence-based consensual-statement policy …

Microstructural Evolution And Precipitate Control In Boron-Doped Ni-Mn-Ti Shape Memory Alloys Via Thermal Processing, Na Liu, Marcia Ahn, Subrata Ghosh, Dipika Mandal, Bed Poudel, Wenjie Li

Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics: Faculty Publications

Elastocaloric cooling, which leverages stress-induced phase transformation in shape memory materials, represents a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to conventional vapor-compression cooling systems. Central to optimizing these materials is understanding how thermal processing history dictates phase formation, microstructure, and thermal properties. In this study, we investigated the (Ni50Mn31.5Ti18)99.8B0.2 compound synthesized via vacuum induction melting and arc melting, followed by water quenching. Induction melting results in needle-like, boron-rich precipitates within the martensite lattice. In contrast, vacuum arc melting promoted precipitate growth at the grain boundaries. The vacuum arc melting sample exhibits ~82% martensite phase fraction, a near-ambient transformation temperature of ~277 K, …

Survival Politics On A Working Waterfront: Rules Change Faster Than Prices In The South Texas Shrimp Fishery, Owen Temby, Anthony R. Lima

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

In 2024–2025, the U.S. and Texas governments raced to save Gulf shrimp. Texas passed a truth-in labeling law for food service in restaurants. Federal agencies added antidumping and countervailing duty orders and new tariffs. This case follows Brownsville and Port Isabel, where dock prices slid while boats and crews aged. We frame the response as survival politics: urgent and improvised moves to keep a livelihood going even when imports set the price. Using legislative hearings, agency notices, local reporting, and port records, we show that rules reset faster than prices. Inventories, contracts, and supplier substitution delay any lift at the …

Plant-Based Dietary Patterns Are Associated With Slower Epigenetic Aging, Hyunju Kim, Christina A Castellani, Jiantao Ma, Alexis C Wood, Audrey Ting, Morgan E Grams, Bing Yu, Kelly Ruggles, James S Floyd, Dan E Arking, Casey M Rebholz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Greater adherence to plant-based diets is associated with health benefits. Dietary intake can modify DNA methylation patterns, but it is unknown whether plant-based diets in a largely non-vegetarian population are associated with DNA methylation-based epigenetic aging measures. We examined the associations between 4 different types of plant-based diets indices (PDI) [overall PDI, provegetarian diet, healthy PDI, and unhealthy PDI] and epigenetic aging. We used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (N=2,810) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, N=2,056). PDIs negatively scored higher intake of animal products and positively scored higher intake of all or selected …

High-Capacity Nations Can Unlock Momentum For Quality Marine Protection, Fabio Favoretto, Joy A. Kumagai, Catalina López-Sagástegui, Deirdre Brannigan, Alex Driedger, Jennifer Sletten, Claire Colegrove, Timothe Vincent, Virgil Zetterlind, Paolo Guidetti, Octavio Aburto-Oropeza

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Summary.Highly and fully protected marine protected areas (HF-MPAs) deliver the strongest ecological outcomes, yet they cover just 3.8% of the ocean, and annual gains have stalled. We combine ProtectedSeas regulatory classifications with coastal habitat maps for corals, mangroves, seagrasses, and saltmarshes to track HF-MPAs and minimally/lightly protected MPAs (ML-MPAs) from 2000 to 2025 and overlay results with governance-based enabling conditions. HF-MPAs remain rare even in high-capacity countries that host most mapped coastal habitats and 39% of the global upgrade gap. Upgrading ML-MPAs in this small cohort—especially in overseas territories—offers immediate habitat protection gains and a visible pathway toward 30 × …

Antibacterial Activity Of Sapium Ellipticum, Securidaca Longepedunculata, And Allophylus Africanus Against Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates, Eleonora A. Mbare, Rose J. Masalu, Cyprian B. Mpinda

Tanzania Journal of Science

Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a major clinical challenge due to its high levels of antibiotic resistance. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of three medicinal plant extracts Allophylus africanus (leaves), Securidaca longepedunculata (root bark), and Sapium ellipticum (stem bark), against 30 drug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. Antibacterial screening was conducted using the agar well diffusion method, followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) via a 96-well microtiter plate assay. All three plant extracts demonstrated inhibitory activity against three resistant P. aeruginosa strains (gentamicin-resistant strains F4 and GR4RAU-AI, and ceftazidime-resistant strain 19-10), with inhibition zones of varying diameters. MIC values showed strain-specific …

Effects Of Substrate–Supplement Interactions On Yield Performance Of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus), Charles O. Joseph, Faraja Makwinja

Tanzania Journal of Science

Different substrates and supplements are used in mushroom production, however their interaction effects and growth variables affected is little known. This study was conducted to compare the effects of substrate-supplement interactions on growth and yield of oyster mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus. Two substrates (banana leaves and sawdust) and two supplements (chicken manure and sugar) were investigated. The substrates were reduced to 2 cm pieces and steam sterilized at 80–100°C for 3 hours. In each bag containing specific substrate, the supplements were added as 2% of the total substrate. The spawn was inoculated from each bag; misting was applied to maintain constant …

Heavy Metal Contamination In Agricultural Soils And Potential Human Health Risks, Debora Michael Mwenda, Leonard Masesa Jumanne, Daudi Salvius Mgaya, Amos Vincent Ntarisa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils is a growing concern due to potential human health risks via ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. However, data on fertiliser-related contamination in rural Tanzanian settings remain limited. This study assessed contamination levels and associated health risks in Kibwabwa village, Iringa, Tanzania. A total of 48 soil samples were collected from eight farms at a depth of 0–15 cm. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, and Pb were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Health risks were evaluated using chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) models …

Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera) Pollination Enhances Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Yield In Kibaha Tanzania, Beatrice Tonola, Charles Olambo Joseph, Mkabwa L.K. Manoko, Shibonage K. Mashilingi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Honey bees are essential pollinators of the world’s food crops. However, information on the influence of honey bee pollination on watermelon yield is limited in Tanzania. This study assessed efficiency of honey bee pollination on watermelon yield. The study tested three improved watermelon varieties (Zebra F1, Candy F1 and Sukari F1) and three pollination environments: (Caged with Apis mellifera (CAM), Caged without insects (CW) and Open pollination (OP) in two seasons. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed no significant interaction between pollination environment and varieties. Significant difference …

Volume 60-1 Full Issue, Ryan Brown

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

No abstract provided.