Digital Commons Network^™

Structural And Molecular Basis Of Pcna-Activated Fan1 Nuclease Function In Dna Repair, F. Li, A. S. Phadte, M. Bhatia, S. Barndt, A.R. Monte Carlo, Iii, C.F.D. Hou, R. Yang, S. Strock, A. Pluciennik

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

FAN1 is a DNA dependent nuclease whose proper function is essential for maintaining human health. For example, a genetic variant in FAN1, Arg507 to His hastens onset of Huntington's disease, a repeat expansion disorder for which there is no cure. How the Arg507His mutation affects FAN1 structure and enzymatic function is unknown. Using cryo-EM and biochemistry, we have discovered that FAN1 arginine 507 is critical for its interaction with PCNA, and mutation of Arg507 to His attenuates assembly of the FAN1-PCNA complex on a disease-relevant extrahelical DNA extrusions formed within DNA repeats. This mutation concomitantly abolishes PCNA-FAN1-dependent cleavage of such …

Improving Evidence-Based Depression Screening In A Primary Care Clinic, Stella Ndukwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression affects more than 21 million U.S. adults annually and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Unidentified and untreated depression is associated with poor patient outcomes including chronic disease, disease exacerbation, increased healthcare utilization, decreased quality of life, and suicide. The aim of this staff education project was to increase the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression screening in a primary care clinic. The clinical practice problem identified was the underutilization of a standardized depression screening tool, leading to missed or delayed depression diagnoses. The project addressed the question of whether education of the health care …

Identifying Developmental Intellectual Disability As A Sudep Risk Marker From Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Reports Using Large Language Models, Ran Hu, Rashmie Abeysinghe, Gorbachev Jowah, Shiqiang Tao, Samden D. Lhatoo, Guo-Qiang Zhang, Licong Cui

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence In Higher Education, Kelly Freeman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED), is a growing field of research and practice in higher education. AIED is increasingly permeating the student journey, from admissions through graduation, and is affiliated with tools such as early alert systems, adaptative tutoring, predictor systems, and language learning chatbots. These emergent technologies provide previously unforeseen opportunities to advance student success, such as widespread individualization, yet pose challenges related to technical literacy and ethical and safety concerns. After the initial excitement surrounding AI chatbots in 2022, catalyzed by the introduction of ChatGPT, the pace of technological innovation continues to accelerate, with …

2025 North Haverhill Fair 4-H Animal Packet, Extension

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Direct Parieto-Occipital Connectivity Of The Amygdala Via The Parahippocampal Segment Of The Cingulum Bundle, Arash Kamali, Kamand Khalaj, Atif Ali, Farbod Khalaj, Diana Kokash, Andres R Gonzalez, Michael A Jacobs, Alireza Akhbardeh, Paul E Schulz, Khader M Hasan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background

The amygdala is a key structure involved in memory, emotional processing, and sensory integration. While the cortical connectivity of the amygdala with the frontal and temporal lobes has been extensively studied, its direct connections with the parieto-occipital cortices remain underexplored. This study aims to delineate the direct connectivity between the amygdala and the parietal and occipital cortices via the parahippocampal segment of the cingulum bundle.

Methods

High-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) tractography was performed on 30 healthy adult brains. Fiber tracking was conducted using three regions of interest (ROIs) placed in the parietal, occipital, and medial temporal lobes. A fractional …

Forward Genetic Screen In Zebrafish Identifies New Fungal Regulators That Limit Host-Protective Candida-Innate Immune Interaction, Bailey A Blair, Emma Bragdon, Gursimran Dhillon, Nnamdi Baker, Lena Stasiak, Mya Muthig, Pedro Miramon, Michael C Lorenz, Robert T Wheeler

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Candida is one of the most frequent causes of bloodstream infections, and our first line of defense against these invasive infections is the innate immune system. The early immune response is critical in controlling Candida albicans infection, but C. albicans has several strategies to evade host immune attack. Phagocytosis of C. albicans blocks hyphal growth, limiting host damage and virulence, but how C. albicans limits early recruitment and phagocytosis in vertebrate infection is poorly understood. To study innate immune evasion by intravital imaging, we utilized the transparent larval zebrafish infection model to screen 131 C. albicans mutants for altered …

Theta Oscillons In Behaving Rats, M S Zobaer, Nastaran Lotfi, Carli M Domenico, Clarissa Hoffman, Luca Perotti, Daoyun Ji, Yuri Dabaghian

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Recently discovered constituents of the brain waves—the oscillons—provide a high-resolution representation of the extracellular field dynamics. Here, we study the most robust, highest-amplitude oscillons recorded in actively behaving male rats, which underlie the traditional θ-waves. The resemblances between θ-oscillons and the conventional θ-waves are manifested primarily at the ballpark level—mean frequencies, mean amplitudes, and bandwidths. In addition, both hippocampal and cortical oscillons exhibit a number of intricate, behavior-attuned, transient properties that suggest a new vantage point for understanding the θ-rhythms’ structure, origins and functions. In particular, we demonstrate that oscillons are frequency-modulated waves, with speed-controlled …

Memory-Augmented Llm Agent For Predicting Locomotion Modes In Construction Activities, Ehsan Ahmadi

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The construction industry faces significant challenges, including labor shortages, high physical demands, and safety risks, necessitating advanced assistive technologies like exoskeletons to enhance worker efficiency and reduce injuries. However, effective exoskeleton control in dynamic construction environments requires accurate locomotion prediction, a task complicated by the diversity of activities and reliance on supervised learning methods that struggle to generalize. This study investigates a multimodal approach to locomotion prediction, leveraging speech commands and visual data from smart glasses to enable adaptive and safe human-exoskeleton interaction. The research unfolds in two stages: the first develops a framework to evaluate the zero-shot capability and …

A Role For Δ Subunit-Containing Gabaa Receptors On Parvalbumin-Positive Neurons In Maintaining Electrocortical Signatures Of Sleep States, Peter M Lambert, Sofia V Salvatore, Xinguo Lu, Hong-Jin Shu, Ann Benz, Nicholas Rensing, Carla M Yuede, Michael Wong, Charles F Zorumski, Steven Mennerick

2020-Current year OA Pubs

GABA

Intelligent, End-To-End Test Selection Using Artificial Intelligence, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

Software development relies on end-to-end (E2E) testing to ensure quality and reliability. However, E2E tests are often time-consuming and expensive. This disclosure describes automated techniques to comprehensively perform end-to-end (E2E) testing of software in an adaptive manner. Based on analyzing code changes, the techniques intelligently recommend a subset of tests to achieve targeted E2E testing. The tests enable developers to develop with more confidence. Employing machine learning (ML) models trained over a combined dataset of static code analysis, code coverage metrics from multiple system-under-test (SUT) configurations, historical bug data, and an integrated user feedback mechanism, the most relevant tests for …

Mastering Technology Audit Quality Assurance: A Framework For Auditors, Ramkumar Bharathan

Defensive Publications Series

Ramkumar's document presents a comprehensive framework (COBIT, NIST, FFIEC CAT, FFIEC IT Handbook) for establishing, implementing, and maturing a robust Technology Quality Assurance Review (QAR) program within internal audit, emphasizing its strategic imperative in today's complex digital landscape. Driven by escalating technology risks (cybersecurity, cloud, AI), evolving regulatory demands (FFIEC, COBIT, NIST CSF, GLBA, SOX, NYDFS, State Privacy Laws), and the need for reliable assurance, the framework details a systematic approach grounded in IIA Global Internal Audit Standards (specifically the QAIP) and integrated with key governance and control frameworks like COBIT and NIST CSF. It outlines core QAR principles, a …

Pain Management In The Skilled Nursing Facility And Return To Acute Care, Amy S. Berkhout

Group: Northern Arizona University School of Nursing, DNP Doctoral Papers

This program evaluation project aimed to assess the effectiveness of a pain management (PM) initiative and the associated Medicare cost-benefit analysis at a 96-bed skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Arizona. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Framework for Project Evaluation was used to guide this project. A board-certified PM provider was brought into the SNF to treat pain specific to each patient. Prior to this intervention, patients were being treated for pain by the internal medicine provider on staff. Data were collected at the facility to determine if implementing a designated PM program decreased the number of patients returning …

Culturally Tailored Diet Education In Hispanic Patients With Diabetes, Kelly Chavez

Group: Northern Arizona University School of Nursing, DNP Doctoral Papers

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) is a medical condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Research has shown Hispanic individuals have higher occurrence rates of DM2 than non-Hispanic individuals (Mora & Golden, 2017). Although this condition can be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are also needed for adequate management. With diet modification, patients can significantly improve their hemoglobin A1C (hbA1c) results, improving their DM2 control, and reducing the risk for worsening of disease and complications. Many studies have concluded there is a need to provide culturally tailored dietary education in patients with DM2 to improve management. …

The Impact Of Race-Corrected Spirometry Results On Eligibility Into An Asthma Clinical Trial, Carina H. Perdew, Bridgette L. Jones, Wumi V. Akinjole

Research Days

BACKGROUND: Spirometry is a widely used pulmonary function test that assesses lung function by examining airflow and capacity. Spirometry measurements assist in the diagnosis, severity classification, and management of asthma, and can affect one’s eligibility into various events (e.g., clinical trials, high-risk jobs, sports). Reference equations are used to establish predicted values to account for biological variables such as age, sex, and height; however past clinical guidelines recommended utilizing race-correction. The incorporation of race may negatively impact people of color due to misrepresentation of one's lung function, consequently impacting future medical management. OBJECTIVES: To characterize differences in spirometry values across …

The Embodied Nature Of Representation: Reframing "Best Candidate" Narratives In Supreme Court Nominations, Susan Tanner

ConLawNOW

This Essay explores how discourse surrounding Supreme Court nominations reflects broader societal debates about merit, representation, and inclusion. Through analysis of the controversy surrounding President Biden’s commitment to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court, this piece examines three interconnected themes: the embodied nature of representation, the relationship between diversity and judicial legitimacy, and the problematic nature of “best candidate” narratives. It challenges traditional conceptions of merit in judicial nominations and argues for a more nuanced understanding that recognizes the value of diverse lived experiences on the bench.

A Novel Approach To The Management Of Extreme Hypernatremia Using Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy And Hypertonic Saline, Bahar Barani, Xuexin Lu, Darcy Weidemann, Jenna Miller, Nathan Beins, Judith Vansickle, Vimal Chadha

Research Days

Case series about two patients with severe hypernatremia and kidney failure who were treated with a novel mechanism using continuous dialysis and customized fluids with good outcomes.

Jail Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Matt Huntington

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

This session will cover how to create community partnerships with law enforcement and incarceration partners. The goal of our program with the Tooele County Sheriff's Office was to reduce jail recidivism and overdose by preparing individuals to safely leave the jail. Come join an interactive discussion on creating programs for high need communities through innovative partnerships.

Reaching Communities And Serving People: Assessing Utah's Legal Needs, Pamela Beatse J.D, Scotti Hill J.D, Keenan Carroll J.D., Hannah Kiely M.A

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

"Utah Legal Services (ULS) conducted a comprehensive legal needs assessment in 2024 to gather the necessary data and information to better meet its mission of providing high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people who are unable to afford legal representation or are facing disadvantages. Using the combination of an online survey, a series of focus groups throughout the Wasatch front, individual or group interviews, and several community soundboards, ULS conducted a broad, statewide survey. We connected with representatives, organizations, advocates, case managers, and leaders in the community as well as with client-eligible Utahns and ULS staff. This process allowed …

Evidence In Support Of Adaptive Learning For Pre-Class Preparation In A Flipped Stem Classroom, Renee M. Clark, Autar Kaw, Andrew Scott, Saurav Kumar, Ali Yalcin

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Adaptive learning supports online instruction by offering feedback to students using machine learning. In a funded study, adaptive learning was used in a flipped STEM course at three universities for pre-class preparation. We conducted a comparative analysis with and without adaptive learning. The assessments were a final exam and concept inventory (stratified demographically) and affective questions from the College and University Classroom Environment Inventory, focus groups, and evaluation survey. This study found classroom environment enhancement with adaptive learning, with Task Orientation and Satisfaction exhibiting significant changes at two universities. We found enhanced perspectives with adaptive learning, including increased preference for …

Belonging, Re-Belonging And Re-Becoming: A Science Teacher Educator’S Self-Study Of Using Pedagogical Tensions To Explore The Shaping Of One’S Pedagogical Approaches, Hlologelo Climant Khoza

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The education landscape continues to change as perpetuated by crises like COVID-19 propelling teachers to adapt and change their pedagogical approaches. As a mid-career science teacher educator, having developed ways of teaching, I experienced pedagogical tensions that were unsettling during COVID-19, thus threatening what I already knew about teaching pre-service teachers. In this self-study, I used the construct of pedagogical equilibrium as a theoretical lens to understand how these pedagogical tensions shape my pedagogical approaches to teaching pre-service teachers in the present time. Data were collected through journaling and discussions with critical friends. These data sets were transformed into narratives …

Proceedings Of The 12th Research Symposium At Mammoth Cave National Park, Pat Kambesis Editor, Lee Anne Bledsoe Editor, Ana K. Celis Editor

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Proceedings of the 12th Research Symposium at Mammoth Cave National Park: Celebrating 100 Years of Scientific Research & Resource Management in the Mammoh Cave Region.

Academic Senate - Agenda, 5/13/2025, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Pilot/ Validation Of Protocol For An Alternative To Clinical, Morgan Sylvester

Honors Theses

All across the country, Clinical Microbiology laboratories are being consolidated into one location for an entire hospital network10. Though this helps reduce cost and staffing needs, it creates issues for the next generation of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) trying to find clinical sites to complete clinical practicum rotations to complete the necessary certification processes. To combat this issue, it was proposed that MLS programs create alternative curriculums to offer in place of clinical rotations to reduce the amount of time students need in these rotations from three weeks to one week. This study investigated one alternative with the intent that …

Modeling Molten Lithium Carbonate As Pollutant Absorbing Agent, Lucian G. Forestieri

Student Summer Scholars Manuscripts

Coal burning generates gaseous pollutants that are toxic to local environments and human health, namely hydrochloric acid and sulfur dioxide ( HCl and SO₂). Current methods for capturing these pollutants are flue gas desulfurization, which utilize solid or water- dissolved carbonates. This method, however, is inefficient mainly due to the product salts blocking further reactions. Molten carbonates may be a more efficient alternative. Experimental work cannot observe these reaction mechanisms, and the small number of current computational models do not match experimental properties. This work aims to develop a computational model of gaseous HCl scattering off the surface …

Jessica Servais V. John Caccia

2025 Decisions

USDC for the District of New Jersey

Real-World Implementation Of A Noninvasive, Ai-Augmented, Anemia-Screening Smartphone App And Personalization For Hemoglobin Level Self-Monitoring, Robert G. Mannino, Julie Sullivan, Jennifer K. Frediani, Paul George, Jeremy Whitson, James Tumlin, L. Andrew Lyon, Erika A. Tyburski, Wilbur A. Lam

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Anemia, characterized by low blood hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, afflicts >2 billion individuals worldwide. Here, we report real-world data generated by a smartphone app that noninvasively screens for anemia using only “fingernail selfies.” App data for anemia screening were obtained from >1.4 million uses across the United States enabling geographic mapping of Hgb levels. Of those, 9,061 users also self-reported complete blood count Hgb levels for comparison, resulting in accuracy and performance that match gold standard laboratory testing and a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 93%, respectively, when using an anemia cutoff of 12.5 g/dL. Geotagged data enabled construction of …

Measuring Restoration Success: From Satellite-Based Wetland Monitoring To Field-Assessed Microtopography Effects On Biological Communities, Matthew Karl Potvin

Master’s Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Life In The Narrative, Ryan Juliano

Master’s Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Awareness, Perception, And Acceptance Of Ai Technology In Healthcare Among Pilgrims In Makkah: Understanding Applications And Willingness To Adopt Solutions, Omar Babateen, Aljofool Daood Aldandani, Sari Abdulrahman Alrehaili, Afnan Mousa Alhawsawi

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a major technological advancement in the last decade and enables the analysis of complex data to help physicians in disease diagnosis and treatment of patients with greater efficiency and accuracy. This study aims to evaluate awareness, perceptions, and acceptance of AI technology in healthcare among pilgrims with a focus on how these factors relate to education levels. Methods: A general population based cross-sectional study was conducted in Makkah region included 457 adults aged 18 and above. Data was collected through structured questionnaire. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and chi-square tests with significance at p<0.05. Results: The study population was predominantly aged 18-30 years (55.8%), followed by those aged ≥50 years (22.3%) and 31-49 years (21.9%). Most participants were female (69.6%), and 82.3% were Saudi nationals. While 78.6% were familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, only 42.7% believed AI could surpass traditional physicians in diagnosis and treatment. However, 85.1% thought AI could enhance administrative tasks. Concerns about trusting AI with patient care were notable, with 73.7% expressing doubts. Participants with lower education levels were significantly more likely to believe AI would outperform physicians in diagnosis (53.7% vs. 36.6%, p < 0.05) and professionalism (42% vs. 30.2%, p < 0.05). Conversely, those with higher education were more concerned about trusting AI with patient lives (77.3% vs. 67.3%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: While most participants recognize AI’s potential in healthcare, many doubt it might outperform physicians Yet support its use during Hajj and Umrah.