Digital Commons Network^™

Capturing Sclera Anisotropy Using Direct Collagen Fiber Models: Linking Microstructure To Macroscopic Mechanical Properties, Fengting Ji, Xuehuan He, Frederick Sebastian, Mohammad R. Islam, Hannah Schilpp, Bingrui Wang, Yi Hua, Rouzbeh Amini, Ian A. Sigal

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Collagen fibers are essential to the mechanical behavior of soft tissues, including sclera. Conventional models often represent these fibers statistically, potentially missing crucial aspects of their role in tissue behavior. In this study, we expand on a direct fiber modeling approach that we recently presented based on explicitly representing the sclera long, interwoven fiber bundles. Specifically, our goal was to capture specimen-specific 3D fiber architecture and anisotropic mechanics of four ovine sclera samples (superior from Eye-1, temporal and superior from Eye-2, and temporal from Eye-3), each tested under five conditions: equi-biaxial (1:1) and four non-equi-biaxial (1:0.75, 0.75:1, 1:0.5, and 0.5:1). …

Assessment Of Body Fat Percentage In Emirati Females: A Comparative Analysis Of Bia Vs. Dxa, Dalia Haroun, Aseel Ehsanallah

All Works

Introduction: Obesity is a significant health issue in the UAE. Accurate body composition assessment is crucial for managing obesity-related health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in measuring body composition among Emirati females. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 95 healthy Emirati females aged 17–27 years. Paired samples t-tests, correlation analyses, and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the two methods (BIA vs. DXA). Results: BIA significantly underestimated % fat and fat mass (FM) while overestimating fat-free mass (FFM) compared to DXA. The mean difference in % fat was …

Lung Epithelial And Alveolar Macrophage-Like Cell Interactions Significantly Modify Innate Responses To Bacterial Endotoxin With The Involvement Of Direct Cellular Contacts, Tnf-Α, Icam1 And Mcp-1, Connor Wood, Shagun Khera, Minjeong Woo, Vikram Sharma, Justyna Lopatecka, Frederic Coulon, Zaheer Nasir, Vincent Delorme, Simon K. Jackson, György Fejer

School of Biomedical Sciences

Introduction: Lung alveolar macrophages (AMs) and epithelial cells form the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens. Their interactions strongly influence innate immune responses in the lung, yet the mechanisms underlying this cross-talk remain incompletely understood. Methods: In this study, we established a co-culture system using a primary model of AMs (MPI alveolar macrophage-like cells) and MLE-12 alveolar epithelial cells to investigate innate responses and cellular interactions during bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 activation. Results: Cytokine and chemokine profiling revealed that co-cultures exhibited significantly enhanced proinflammatory responses to both LPS and TLR2 ligands—including IL-6, TNF-a, and MCP-1 secretion—compared with mono-cultures. Strikingly, …

Maternal Immunization With Vp8* Mrna Vaccine Yields Superior Passive Transfer Of Rotavirus-Neutralizing Antibodies To Foals, Karin E R Borba, Rebecca M Legere, Nathan M Canaday, Jill W Skrobarczyk, Zachary W T Arnold, Elena Cotton-Betteridge, Cristina Poveda, Michael F Criscitiello, Angela I Bordin, Luc R Berghman, Jeroen B K Pollet, Noah D Cohen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Despite the availability of a killed whole-virus (KV) vaccine, diarrhea caused by equine rotavirus group A (ERVA) remains a significant health concern for foals in the United States. The vaccine is administered to pregnant mares, with foals protected by passive transfer of colostral antibodies. However, KV-induced immunity is only partially protective and maternal antibody levels in foals are often low and wane rapidly. To address these limitations, we developed a mRNA-based ERVA vaccine encoding the highly conserved VP8* protein to evaluate whether it can provide improved immune protection.

Methods: Pregnant mares (n = 12 per group) were …

Quantitative Reasoning In Calculus Iii: Advancing Student Engagement, Confidence, And Aspirations At An Hsi, Tanvir Prince

Numeracy

This study examines the impact of integrating Quantitative Reasoning (QR) into a Calculus III course at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) on student engagement, confidence, and aspirations. The course is offered at Hostos Community College in the South Bronx. It incorporated QR-focused projects on economic inequality, environmental pollution, and access to healthcare. These projects allowed students to apply advanced calculus concepts to real-world social issues. A pre- and post-survey design was employed to assess changes in students’ mathematical confidence, perceptions of relevance, and career and educational goals. Results showed statistically significant gains in confidence and in the belief that advanced math …

Uae Traditional Folklore Through Modern Media And Its Educational Potential: The Case Of Freej, Shahad Imad Mostafa

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This mixed‑methods study examined how the Emirati animated series Freej preserves traditional folklore through vernacular language, dialect, and idiomatic expressions, and evaluated its educational potential. Guided by four questions on folklore representation, dialect/idiom use, the role of the characters, and curricular applicability, the research combined content analysis of selected episodes, interviews coding and a survey of 100 Emirati participants; survey data were summarized with descriptive statistics to triangulate qualitative insights. Findings indicated that audiences overwhelmingly perceived Freej as linguistically and culturally authentic: 95% rated the dialect as very/somewhat authentic, 94% said it reflects elders’ speech, and 89% felt the series …

How Bork Made It To The Supreme Court: Judge Robert Bork’S Nomination Battle And Its Impact On American Judicial Politics, Will Brady

Legacy

No abstract provided.

Animal Taxa Threatened By Adverse Fire Regimes In Western Australia: A Synthesis And Outlook, Tim S. Doherty, Mark G. Allen, Karlene Bain, Stephen Beatty, Allan H. Burbidge, Renee A. Catullo, Sarah Comer, Ben Corey, Saul J. Cowen, Robert A. Davis, Martin A. Dziminski, J. Anthony Friend, Bruce Greatwich, Mark S. Harvey, Hannah Killian, Michael E. Klunzinger, Damian C. Lettoof, Nicola J. Mitchell, Melinda Moir, Harry A. Moore, David L. Morgan, Ian J. Radford, Michael J. Rix, Tom Vigilante, Adrian F. Wayne, Corey Whisson, Nicole Willers, Matthew R. Williams

Natural Resources Research Articles

Adverse fire regimes threaten biodiversity, potentially leading to population declines and increased extinction risk. Understanding how varying fire regimes affect threatened species is essential for effective ecosystem management, including in Western Australia where diverse ecosystems are exposed to wildfires, Indigenous burning, and prescribed fire. We compiled and synthesised data on the threat of adverse fire regimes to threatened animal taxa in Western Australia. Using a threat classification scheme, we ranked adverse fire regimes as having either no, low, medium, high, or unknown impact on each taxon. A total of 212 taxa were reviewed, 153 (72%) of which are considered fire-threatened: …

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe) Thermal Control System: Review Of On-Orbit Performance, Matthew I. Ralphs, Mike Holt

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

This paper reviews the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) detector thermal control system’s (TCS) performance for over two years of operation on the Internation Space Station (ISS). The TCS employs active thermal control for the InGaAs detectors with thermoelectric coolers (TEC). Each of the four detectors are controlled by a dedicated TEC at a nominal setpoint of -30°C, with heat transported away via low-mass, high-conductance pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS) thermal straps into a nickel-plated copper conductor bar. A bi-directional radiator with Silver Teflon ensures an unobstructed view that can radiate the heat away to space. Titanium isolators decouple the detectors from …

Educational Policies Committee Agenda January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• R401 - Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• UCC and EPC Handbook updates
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Effect Of Remineralization And Resin Infiltration On Microhardness, Mineral Content And Cervical Leakage Of Restored Demineralized Enamel., Caroline Maged Massieh, Sarah Adel Botros

Dentistry

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of remineralization and resin infiltration on microhardness, mineral content and microleakage in artificially-induced cervical enamel lesions. Materials and Methods: 50 human central incisors were assigned to 5 study groups (n=10) according to different surface intervention: Group 1: Positive Control (sound teeth not subjected to demineralization); Group 2: Negative Control (teeth subjected to demineralization); Group 3: CPP-ACP paste (remineralization of demineralized lesions with CPP-ACP, Tooth Mousse, GC); Group 4: HAp toothpaste (remineralization of demineralized lesions subjected with HAp, Herbadent Remin); Group 5: Resin infiltration (resin infiltration of demineralized lesions with ICON, DMG). Microhardness (MH) was evaluated …

Metacommunity Coupled Epidemiological And Biophysical Modeling Of An Emergent Coral Disease, Benjamin Holmes Farmer

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Emerging infectious diseases pose imminent risk to the marine realm and coral reefs in particular. Since its emergence in 2014, stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has dramatically reduced living coral cover in Florida and charted a similar course in the Caribbean. SCTLD is by far the most severe coral disease in history and has driven highly susceptible species to local extinction, yet the mechanisms driving the regional epizootic are not well understood. Here, we developed reef-scale parameterizations of disease spread using model sites in the lower Florida Keys, developed extensive metacommunity habitat maps for the US Caribbean, and then …

Renal Piezo2 Is An Essential Regulator Of Renin, Rose Z Hill, Jeffrey H Miner, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Renin synthesis and release is the rate-limiting step of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that controls fluid homeostasis. A major activator of the RAAS is a decrease in perfusion pressure within the kidneys, suggesting a link between renal mechanotransduction and renin. However, the identity of the mechanosensor(s) in the kidneys and their physiological significance to the RAAS remain unclear. We find that loss of the force-gated nonselective cation channel PIEZO2 in cells of renin lineage dysregulates the RAAS by elevating renin. We observe that PIEZO2 is expressed in renin-producing juxtaglomerular granular cells and is required for their calcium dynamics in vivo. …

Characterization Of Novel Sigma Receptor Ligands Derived From Multicomponent Reactions As Efficacious Treatments For Neuropathic Pain, Ryosuke Shinouchi, Bengisu Turgutalp, Rohini S Ople, Shainnel O Eans, Ashai K Williams, Haylee R Hammond, Andras Varadi, Rebecca Notis Dardashti, Susruta Majumdar, Jay P Mclaughlin

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Fluid Agency In Ai Systems: A Case For Functional Equivalence In Copyright, Patent, And Tort, Anirban Mukherjee, Hannah H. Chang

Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts

Modern artificial intelligence (AI) systems lack human-like consciousness or culpability, yet they exhibit fluid agency: behavior that is (i) stochastic (probabilistic and path-dependent), (ii) dynamic (co-evolving with user interaction), and (iii) adaptive (able to reorient across contexts). Fluid agency generates valuable outputs but collapses attribution, irreducibly entangling human and machine inputs. This fundamental unmappability fractures doctrines that assume traceable provenance—authorship, inventorship, and liability—yielding ownership gaps and moral “crumple zones.”

This Article argues that only functional equivalence stabilizes doctrine. Where provenance is indeterminate, legal frameworks must treat human and AI contributions as equivalent for allocating rights and responsibility—not as a claim …

Novel Repurposing Of Empagliflozin-Loaded Buccal Composite (Chitosan/Silk Fibroin/Poly(Lactic Acid)) Nanofibers For Alzheimer’S Disease Management Via Modulation Of Aβ–Ager–P-Tau Pathway, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Background/Objectives: Empagliflozin (EMPA) was repurposed for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment via buccal delivery, exploiting novel nanofibers (NFs) integrating chitosan (Cs), silk fibroin (Fb), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Methods: EMPA-loaded Cs/Fb/PLA NFs were electrospun in different formulations to optimize the formulation parameters. The optimized formulation was then investigated for its enhanced in vivo effect. Results: Optimized nanofiber diameters ranged from 459 ± 173 to 668 ± 148 nm, possessing bead-free morphology confirmed by SEM and satisfactory mechanical properties. EMPA was successfully well-dispersed in the polymer matrix as evidenced by FTIR, XRD, and drug content. The optimized NFs displayed a hydrophilic surface …

Antecedent Enhancer Activity Predicts Future Susceptibility To Seizures In Mice, Benjamin D Boros, Mariam A Gachechiladze, Juanru Guo, Dylan A Galloway, Shayna M Mueller, Mark Shabsovich, Allen Yen, Xuhua Chen, Alexander J Cammack, Tao Shen, Robi D Mitra, Joseph D Dougherty, Timothy M Miller

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Wide variation of responses to identical stimuli presented to genetically inbred mice suggests the hypothesis that stochastic non-genetic variation, such as in chromatin state or enhancer activity during neurodevelopment, can mediate such phenotypic differences. However, this hypothesis is largely untested since capturing pre-existing molecular states requires non-destructive, longitudinal recording. Therefore, we tested the potential of Calling Cards (CC) to record transient neuronal enhancer activity during postnatal development in mice, and thereby associate such non-genetic variation with a subsequent phenotypic presentation - degree of seizure response to the pro-convulsant pentylenetetrazol. We show that recorded differences in enhancer activity at 243 loci …

Gh Alters Lymphatic Vessels In Female Mice And Stat5 Phosphorylation In Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells, Christopher Walsh, Emily Scott, Elise Wagner, Jerome Walsh, Shashank Reddy, Arshad Ahmad, Reetobrata Basu, Eva Sevick-Muraca, Rich Brody, Uday Sandbhor, Sebastian Neggers, John J Kopchick

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Disruption of lymphatic function underlies a broad spectrum of inflammatory and metabolic disorders, yet the hormonal pathways that regulate lymphatic biology remain poorly defined. GH, which is implicated in similar disease states, has an unclear role in lymphatic homeostasis. To address this gap, we investigated how chronic alterations in GH signaling alter lymphatic structure and function. Using transgenic mouse lines with increased, decreased, or absent GH action, we quantified the effect of GH on lymphatic pumping rate and lymphangiogenic remodeling during wound healing using near-infrared fluorescent imaging. We also measured markers of lymphatic endothelial cells using Western blot and immunohistochemistry …

Defining Rna Oligonucleotides That Reverse Deleterious Phase Transitions Of Rna-Binding Proteins With Prion-Like Domains., Lin Guo, Jacob Mann, Jocelyn Mauna, Katie Copley, Hejia Wang, Jack Rubien, Cristian Bergmann, Jenny Carey, Jessica Merjane, Marilyn Ngo, Jiazhen Xu, Hana Odeh, Jiabei Lin, Bo Lim Lee, Laura Ganser, Emma Robinson, Kevin Kim, Anastasia Murthy, Tapas Paul, Bede Portz, Amanda Gleixner, Zamia Diaz, Ashleigh Smirnov, George Padilla, Ellen Lavorando, Carolann Espy, Yulei Shang, Eric Huang, Alessandra Chesi, Nicolas Fawzi, Sua Myong, Christopher Donnelly, James Shorter

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with prion-like domains (PrLDs), such as FUS and TDP-43, condense into functional liquids, which can transform into pathological fibrils that underpin fatal neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we define short RNAs that prevent FUS fibrillization by promoting liquid phases and distinct short RNAs that prevent and reverse FUS condensation and fibrillization. These activities require interactions with multiple RNA-binding domains of FUS and are encoded by RNA sequence, length, and structure. We define a short RNA that dissolves cytoplasmic FUS aggregates, restores nuclear FUS, and mitigates FUS toxicity in optogenetic models and ALS …

Classification Of Venomous Snakes In Thailand Based On The Melting Temperature Specificity Of Target Genes Using Sybr Green Real-Time Pcr, Sunutcha Suntrarachun, Tanapong Tawan, Lawan Chanhome

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The SYBR Green real-time PCR was developed for the rapid and accurate classification of major venomous snakes in Thailand. The method relies on melting temperature (Tm) discrimination of target genes from mitochondrial ribosomes. Short single-stranded primers were designed to specifically amplify synthetic DNA of venomous snakes in a single reaction (singleplex), producing distinct melting peaks. Neurotoxic snakes such as cobras (Naja spp.), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and kraits (Bungarus spp.) exhibited melting peaks ranging from 81.00 to 86.00°C, whereas hematotoxic snakes, including the Siamese Russell's viper (Daboia siamensis), Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma …

Discrimination Experienced By Single Mothers In Morocco, Hind Chokri

Revue Marocaine de Droit, d'Economie et de Gestion (Moroccan Journal of Law, Economics and Management)

Despite legal reforms and Morocco’s ratification of international instruments aimed at combating discrimination and violence against women, single mothers continue to face persistent stigma and multiple forms of discrimination. This article analyzes the legal, social, and economic determinants that shape discrimination across the life course of single mothers. It reviews the legal status of single mothers and their children under Moroccan legislation and highlights barriers to protection, social inclusion, and economic opportunities.

The Power Of Choice: Transformative Moments In The Lives Of Biblical Heroes, Hershey H. Friedman, Linda Weiser Friedman

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

This paper examines pivotal moments in the lives of key biblical figures and explores how these choices shaped both personal destinies and spiritual legacies. Biblical narratives depicting the lives of Adam, Noah, Joseph, Judah, Moses, Ruth, Boaz, David, Solomon, Zerubbabel, Esther, Mordechai, and Samson illustrate that these transcendent moments involve significant moral choices. We see that even revered figures can experience moral failings, and that some individuals can achieve greatness through singular acts of moral courage. These momentous decisions – whether acts of bravery, failures of judgment, vengeance versus reconciliation, worldly power versus spiritual calling, or moments of redemption—reveal profound …

Toward A Contemporary Understanding Of Global Leadership: Relevance Of Diverse Voices, International Collaboration, And New Perspectives, Joseph M. Cervantes, Viet A. Ho, Vui T. Nguyen, Tram N. Le, Minh N.P. Vo

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

This paper introduces Integral Global Attunement (IGA) as a transformative paradigm in global leadership, emerging in response to the unprecedented shifts catalyzed by theCOVID-19 pandemic. Rooted in the fusion of psychological insight, intercultural consciousness, and ethical stewardship, IGA proposes a fifth wave of leadership—one that transcends transactional strategies to embrace identity, ethics, and relational interconnectedness as central pillars of influence. The writing argues that the current global crises reflect not merely external disruption but an inner dissonance within humanity, calling for a deeper, multi-aware model of leadership. Through the triadic lens of identity (e.g., multicultural integration, visionary consciousness), ethics (e.g., …

Pure Leadership Model: A Framework For Leaders Desiring To Lead With An Upright Heart, Matome Liphy Ramalepe

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

Contemporary organisations face intensifying demands for value-driven decision-making, ethical consistency, and service-oriented leadership. These demands underscore the need for frameworks that integrate character formation with organisational performance. In response to these challenges, the Pure Leadership Model conceptualises leadership as a virtue-centred system in which specific virtues function as the mediating link between leadership styles and core organisational values. The model positions the virtues of meekness, compassion, courage, faithfulness, sincerity, and prudence as central mechanisms through which servant, ethical, and authentic leadership translate into the organisational values of service, accountability, and integrity. Through this virtuous mediation, the model ultimately promotes organisational …

Dna Of Leadership To Guide Our Existential Purposes Toward Kindness, Hakan Kapucu

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

This article examines the intersection of leadership and humanity’s quest for existential purpose, highlighting the role of human values such as kindness, empathy, respect, and ethics in guiding individuals toward meaning. It examines how existential purposes—shaped by philosophical, spiritual, social, and scientific perspectives—align with values that foster personal fulfillment and collective well-being. The article highlights the potential of leaders to address existential struggles, such as the dread of insignificance or isolation, by creating purpose-driven workplaces. Two leadership styles, servant leadership and technoversal leadership, are presented as exemplary models. Servant leadership prioritizes community, fostering environments where individuals discover purpose through shared …

A Treasure Hunt: The Interdisciplinary Challenge Of A Digital Humanities Hackathon, Marie Barras, Adélaïde Quenson, Adrien Jeanrenaud, Angela Allemand, Marina Berazategui, Levyn Bürki, Michel Capot, Simon Gabay, Vestin Hategekimana, Pauline Jacsont, Bokar Lamine N'Diaye, Elina Leblanc, Clara May, Anne-Laure Oberson, Margherita Parigini, Lara Pitteloud, Fassaleh Taal, Cédric Viaccoz

Artl@s Bulletin

Abstract: This article tells the story of an interdisciplinary hackathon emphasizing exploration, collaboration, and creative engagement with globalization-related cultural datasets. Participants worked in teams to produce research posters, which were then presented at the opening of the international conference Image Deluge & Globalization in Geneva. The article discusses three projects: one on 19th-century Spanish chapbooks using topic modeling and network analysis; another on leopard motifs in print imagery; and a third on olfactory heritage. The hackathon highlighted both the potential and the limitations of working with digital cultural data, offering insights into interdisciplinary methods.

Résumé: Cet article raconte un hackathon …

Queens, Pearls And Spirochaetes, Radu Suciu

Artl@s Bulletin

Abstract: In December 2019, the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (now the Burnett Foundation) released a public health campaign raising awareness about the increasing rates of syphilis infections in New Zealand. The campaign consisted of photographs that contrasted contemporary backgrounds of bars and nightclubs with actors wearing theatrical costumes akin to the Elizabethan period. This reinforced the perceived idea that syphilis was a disease resurging from the distant past. This paper discusses one of the campaign’s most iconic portraits by analysing its shared cultural, artistic, and medical references (explicit or implicit) and their shifting meanings through time.

Résumé: En décembre 2019, …

Generative Identity Theft: Criminalizing Deepfakes Using The Right Of Publicity, Dustin Marlan

Akron Law Review

No abstract provided.

Copyright In Characters: A Proposal For Reform, Michael W. Carroll

Akron Law Review

No abstract provided.