Digital Commons Network^™

We Are Our Brains: Disembodied Brain Films In 1950s Cold War America, David P. Pierson

Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Books

Personified Body Parts in Cinema, Literature, and Visual Culture investigates the power of personifying body parts in cinema, television, visual culture, literature, erotica, folklore, and mystique.

Culturally, socially, and poetically exposing hidden aspects and subtleties of human existentialism, this book vigorously questions and problematizes numerous artistic, aesthetic, technological, naïve, and macabre manipulations of body parts for various purposes. A diverse team of authors explore how scribing human traits to limbs, eyes, brains, genitalia, hearts, and other inner organs is grotesque and aesthetic, repealing and appealing, intimidating and intimate, rude and enjoyable, material and spiritual, surprising and mundane. Personified organs are …

Progestogens As Modulators Of Motor Behaviors And Microtubule Dynamics In Embryonic And Larval Stage Zebrafish, Mandarin Mathouchanh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Progestogens are steroid hormones based on progesterone (P4) that play many critical roles in early developmental stage and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). In addition to their functions in reproduction, they play important roles in the central nervous system (CNS). P4 and its metabolites are known to modulate the excitability of neurons and promote neural inhibition. This dissertation aims to elucidate the physiological and developmental effects of progestogens on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Through the use of motility assays, we report significant findings in this dissertation that suggests both the membrane progesterone receptor (mPR) and GABAA receptor facilitate the rapid deep …

Book Of Abstracts: 2025 Honors College Research Symposium, Honors College, North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University

2025 Honors College Research Symposium

This booklet contains the collection of research abstracts presented at the 2025 Honors College Research Symposium, held on April 17, 2025, at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The symposium highlights original undergraduate research across disciplines including science, engineering, humanities, health, education, business, and agriculture. The publication documents the scholarly contributions of Honors students through both oral and poster presentations.

Novel Therapeutics For Myeloid Malignancies, Tim Kong

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Myeloid malignancies are a group of heterogenous and clonal disorders that include myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These blood cancers are driven by characteristic oncogenes and propagated by pro-inflammatory niches; MPNs demonstrate hyperactive JAK-STAT signaling and upregulate cytokines including TNF, IL-6, and IL-8. Current therapeutics such as ruxolitinib targeting JAK2 providing symptomatic benefit to MPN patients but are not curative and do not prevent disease transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). As such, greater understanding of the underlying disease biology is still required with means of uncover cancer dependencies. Here, we utilize a series of multi-omic approaches …

Senescent Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Mediate Immunosuppression And Promote Breast Cancer Progression, Jiayu Ye

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and aging is the largest risk factor for breast cancer development. The process of aging is typically accompanied by a progressive accumulation of senescent cells, which are characterized by a series of markers such as p16INKA4 (p16) positivity and a distinctive profile of secretory factors including mitogens, cytokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that are collectively recognized as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Numerous data so far have shown that senescent stromal cells play critical roles in modulating tumor microenvironment and progression. For example, senescent fibroblasts induced in vitro could …

Shidaazhìi Kat Gwiizii Gugwiteendaii Gugwitr’Ìt K’Ìneljìh, Leslie Mccartney, Antoine (Tony) Andre

Faculty

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Clinical Features And Treatment Modality Of Pediatric Patients With Steven Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Single-Center Experience, Funda Ayteki̇n Güveni̇r, Vi̇ldan Seli̇n Çayhan, Selman Kürşat Balci, Ragip Dere, Hati̇ce Irmak Çeli̇k, Serhat Emeksi̇z, Ahmet Selmanoğlu, Zeynep Şengül Emeksi̇z, Emrah Şenel, Emi̇ne Di̇bek Misirlioğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare but life-threatening severe cutaneous drug hypersensitivity reactions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical features of pediatric patients diagnosed with SJS, TEN or SJS/TEN overlap and to examine treatment modalities.

Materials and methods: Patients aged 0–18 years who were followed up with SJS, TEN or SJS/TEN overlap at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between August 2019 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Twelve patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Five of the patients had SJS, four had SJS/TEN overlap, and …

Comparative Vasorelaxant Effects Of Atorvastatin And Rosuvastatin In Rat Aorta:Investigating The Role Of Perivascular Adipose Tissue, Deni̇z Kaleli̇ Durman, Meryem Aras, Gülsüm Ruveyda Aktaş, Bi̇rsel Sönmez Uydeş Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Statins are known to display pleiotropic effects on the vascular system, beyond their lipid-lowering properties. Studieson isolated vascular preparations have demonstrated their acute relaxant effects on vascular tone. Considering the increased evidence inregard to the contribution of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) in the regulation of vascular homeostasis, we aimed to investigate thepossible modulatory role of PVAT in the vascular effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in isolated rat aorta.

Materials and methods: Thoracic aortas isolated from young male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: rings with intact PVAT(+) and rings without PVAT (-), and then mounted in an isolated …

The Effects Of Liraglutide On Expressions Of Insulin Secretion And Beta Cell Survive Associated Gpcr Genes In Pancreatic Beta Cells, Meli̇kenur Türkol, Türker Bi̇lgen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Liraglutide as a long-acting glucagon-like peptide drug has anti-hyperglycemic and antiobesity effects. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well- known drug target molecules that conduct critical signaling pathways related with diseases. Research has confirmed the role of many GPCRs genes in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell functions and insulin secretion. Liraglutide dependent expressional changes in GPCR genes may let us determine new drug targets.

Materials and methods: Therefore, we investigated the changes in expression of GPR75, GPR56, GLP1R, M3R, and CB1R genes, which are the GPCR family members, in response to liraglutide treatment in the NIT-1 mouse pancreatic beta …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

The Impact Of Aspartame On Mood Regulation: Examining Neurophysiological Effects In Individuals With Anxiety, Kyra Triepke, Valentina Guzman Cortes, Mateus Ismael Ribeiro

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Despite being widely used as sugar alternatives, artificial sweeteners (AS), especially aspartame, remains debated regarding their potential effects on mental health. While some studies suggest aspartame has no discernible impact on stress, anxiety, or cognitive performance, others indicate that it may affect serotonin pathways and contribute to mood disorders. Given these contradictory findings, further research is needed to clarify aspartame’s effect on mood regulation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of aspartame on stress-related biomarkers and mood modulation, focusing on individuals with anxiety. A controlled experimental design will be used, in which participants with anxiety will be randomly assigned …

Ice Box, Vol. 21 (2025), N/A N/A

Ice Box

No abstract provided.

Issue 464: April 17-May 1, 2025, The Local Voice

The Local Voice

Special Issue: 2025 Double Decker Arts Festival

Age-Related Meningeal Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Compromises Cns Lymphatic Function, Kate Hitpass Romero, Taylor J Stevenson, Leon C D Smyth, Ben Watkin, Samuel J C Mccullough, Luca Vinnell, Amy M Smith, Patrick Schweder, Jason A Correia, Jonathan Kipnis, Mike Dragunow, Justin Rustenhoven

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Efficient clearance of central nervous system (CNS) waste proteins and appropriate immune surveillance is essential for brain health. These processes are facilitated by lymphatic networks present in the meninges that drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Age-related impairments to meningeal lymphatic drainage contribute to CNS waste accumulation and immune dysfunction, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identify extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the aged dura as a key driver of CSF clearance deficits, demonstrating that peri-lymphatic collagen accumulation disrupts lymphatic function. Exploring immune-derived factors contributing to this ECM remodeling, we identify transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) as a …

Asynchronous Development Of The Mouse Auditory Cortex Is Driven By Hemispheric Identity And Sex, Ashlan P Reid, Demetrios Neophytou, Robert Levy, Cody Pham, Hysell V Oviedo

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Lateralized auditory processing is essential for specialized functions such as speech processing, typically dominated by the Left Auditory Cortex (ACx) in humans. Hemispheric specializations also occur in the adult mouse ACx, but their developmental origins are unclear. Our study finds that the Left and Right ACx in mice reach developmental milestones at different ages. Thalamocortical responses and maturation of synaptic dynamics develop earlier in the Right ACx than the Left. We show that this timing offset predicts hemisphere-dependent differences in sensory-driven plasticity. Juvenile tone exposure at specific times results in imbalanced adult tone frequency representations in the Right and Left …

The Essential Calcium Channel Of Sperm Catsper Is Temperature-Gated, Dilip K Swain, Citlalli Vergara, Júlia Castro-Arnau, Polina V Lishko

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The flagellar calcium channel CatSper is essential for male fertility, as it regulates calcium influx to trigger the hyperactive motility required for sperm to fertilize the egg. Precise activation of CatSper is critical, as premature activation can impair sperm function. While optimal temperature is known to influence fertilization, its effect on CatSper remains unknown. By directly recording from mouse spermatozoa, we reveal that CatSper functions as a temperature-gated ion channel, with a thermal threshold of 33.5 °C and a temperature coefficient Q

Capturing Tradition: The Business, Branding, And Personal Identity Of Senior Portraits In The Modern South, Xenia R. Minton

Honors Theses

The rise of college students starting photography businesses, particularly in graduation portraits, has transformed the creative and entrepreneurial landscape in the South. This thesis explores the senior portrait culture at the University of Mississippi, analyzing its rapid growth through the perspectives of photographers and academic experts in Southern Studies. Grounded in eight years of experience as a photographer, this study examines the evolution of the industry, business strategies, and cultural significance. Through interviews with seasoned senior portrait photographers and Southern Studies professors, this research investigates how regional traditions, social media, and consumer expectations have shaped the profession. By analyzing these …

Dietary Patterns And Their Effects On C-Reactive Protein Regarding Female Reproductive Disorders, Mckenzie Moe

Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: Chronic inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health disorders. CRP is one of the most common biomarkers of inflammation. Dietary components, lifestyle factors, and women’s reproductive health disorders are major components that influence the levels of CRP within the body. Other influential factors include injury, infection, and illness. The purpose of this review is to explore the findings of literature available on nutrition interventions for CRP levels in consideration of women's reproductive disorders.

Methods: This narrative review examines the works of 15 articles, including 10 cross-sectional and five longitudinal designs. …

Montana Kaimin, April 17, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Designing An Optimal Thermal Preference Arena For Southern Cricket Frog (Acris Gryllus) Juveniles, Eleanor E. Briggs, David M. Phillips Jr.

Honors Theses

Climate change has been altering ecosystems across the world at a substantial rate, disrupting the delicate ecophysiological relationships between ecosystems and the organisms that live in them. Ectotherms, such as amphibians, rely on external temperatures to behaviorally thermoregulate, making it especially imperative to study their thermal biology. Thermal preference, which assesses the environmental temperature an organism would seek out in the absence of external stimuli, provides valuable information about an amphibian’s thermal biology and can be used to predict the effects of climate change on a species or population. A commonly used method to measure thermal preference is an arena …

Spartan Daily, April 17, 2025, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2025

Volume 164, Issue 34

April 17, 2025, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Benzyl Alcohol Improves Ang Ii-Induced Vascular And Renal Injury, Qi Hua, Zhenyu Gu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The etiology of hypertension in pediatric populations is complex and multifactorial, with metabolic abnormalitiesplaying a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of the condition. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Benzyl alcohol (BA),identified through metabolomics analysis of pediatric hypertension serum, on Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular and renalinjury in murine models.

Materials and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a vascular remodeling model by continuous 4-week Ang II infusionusing a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Bioinformatics was used to identify target metabolites. The tail artery, common carotid arterydiastolic, and systolic pressures in mice were determined with a blood pressure …

Development Of A Prototype Awsm-Pet System For Augmented Whole-Body Pet Imaging, Yunlai Chen

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a critical imaging modality for medical diagnostics, yet its accuracy is often limited by spatial resolution and sensitivity constraints. This dissertation presents the development of Augmented Whole-body Scan via Magnifying PET (AWSM-PET), a novel technique integrating high-resolution auxiliary detectors with a clinical PET scanner to enhance sensitivity and resolution while remaining fully compatible with standard clinical protocols. The study encompasses hardware development, image reconstruction methods, and performance evaluation through imaging studies, including human trials. High-resolution outsert panel detectors were designed, mounted on a mobile cart, and integrated with a Biograph Vision PET/CT scanner. Firmware and …

Seg-Swin: A Dual-Attention Transformer Model For Advanced Amd Classification And Lesion Detection Using Color Fundus Imaging, Niveen Nasr El-Den, Mohamed Elsharkawy, Ibrahim Saleh, Ali H. Mahmoud, Mohammed Ghazal, Ashraf Khalil, Ashraf Sewelam, Hani Mahdi, Ayman El-Baz

All Works

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent retinal disorder in the elderly, often leading to significant vision impairment. The diagnosis of AMD is confirmed through various medical imaging modalities, with color fundus photography (CFP) being a primary tool. The detection and staging of AMD-severity depend on several factors, including the number and size of drusen, the presence of pigmentary changes, geographic atrophy, and neovascularization, all of which are identifiable through CFP. In this study, we introduce an innovative dual-vision transformer-based network designed to automatically detect AMD and classify its severity into either dry AMD or wet AMD using CFP. Early …

A Deep Learning Strategy To Identify Cell Types Across Species From High-Density Extracellular Recordings, Maxime Beau, David J Herzfeld, Francisco Naveros, Marie E Hemelt, Federico D'Agostino, Marlies Oostland, Alvaro Sánchez-López, Young Yoon Chung, Michael Maibach, Stephen Kyranakis, Hannah N Stabb, M Gabriela Martínez Lopera, Agoston Lajko, Marie Zedler, Shogo Ohmae, Nathan J Hall, Beverley A Clark, Dana Cohen, Stephen G Lisberger, Dimitar Kostadinov, Court Hull, Michael Häusser, Javier F Medina

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

High-density probes allow electrophysiological recordings from many neurons simultaneously across entire brain circuits but fail to reveal cell type. Here, we develop a strategy to identify cell types from extracellular recordings in awake animals and reveal the computational roles of neurons with distinct functional, molecular, and anatomical properties. We combine optogenetics and pharmacology using the cerebellum as a testbed to generate a curated ground-truth library of electrophysiological properties for Purkinje cells, molecular layer interneurons, Golgi cells, and mossy fibers. We train a semi-supervised deep learning classifier that predicts cell types with greater than 95% accuracy based on the waveform, discharge …

A Deep Fake Dilemma: The Battle Over Keeping It Real, Tyler Gollin

DePaul Journal of Art, Technology & Intellectual Property Law

No abstract provided.

Training Your Large Language Model How To Speak "Human": A Transformative Public Necessity Or Copyright Infringement?, Isabelle Nasser

DePaul Journal of Art, Technology & Intellectual Property Law

No abstract provided.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma And Car-T Cell Therapy In Appalachia And Beyond, Rupert Congmon

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality without effective treatment. The Appalachian region is identified as a likely high-risk area. Surgical resection is the current leading treatment despite drawbacks such as recurrence and decreased post-op quality of life. While CAR-T cell therapy has shown promising results in hematological malignancy, employing it for solid tumors like HCC is now a growing field of interest. Ballad Health HCC data sets (n=40) were analyzed to compare characteristics of HCC patients in Appalachia against the general U.S. Key variables included age, gender, prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and tumor …

Of Cicada's And Ducks: Humor In Emmanuel Chabrier's "Les Cigales" And "Villanelle Des Petits Canards", Hope Dornfeld

Liberty University Research Week

The goal of this performing arts presentation is to analyze the use and presentation of humor in Emmanuel Chabrier’s “Les cigales” and “Villanelle des petits canards,” two French mélodies. The program notes that accompany the performance detail the historical context of Chabrier’s work and give a brief summary of the mélodie genre. In addition, they trace the steps inherent in presenting a work of performance art. The primary research question behind the study is, “How can a vocalist successfully portray the humorous qualities of Chabrier’s work through performance art?” Subquestions include the following, “In what ways, if any, is the …