Digital Commons Network^™

Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion Is Associated With Higher Nonroutine Discharge Rates Compared To Cervical Disc Arthroplasty In Obese Patients, Paul G. Mastrokostas, Luke B. Schwartz, Eli Berglas, Aaron B. Lavi, Leonidas E. Mastrokostas, Jonathan Dalton, Christopher K. Kepler, Arya Varthi, Jad Bou Monsef, Afshin E. Razi, Mitchell K. Ng

Rothman Institute Papers

CONTEXT: Obesity is a recognized risk factor for adverse outcomes in cervical spine surgery. While cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has emerged as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), comparative outcomes among obese patients remain underexplored.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare nonroutine discharge rates and other postoperative outcomes between obese patients undergoing single-level ACDF and CDA.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using a national database.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify obese patients who underwent single-level ACDF or CDA between 2016 and 2020. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were …

Robust Embeddings Of Genetics, Anatomy, And State Decoded From A Neuron’S Activity, Aidan Schneider

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Neural spike trains are shaped by both extrinsic inputs and intrinsic structural constraints. While prior work has focused on how spike timing encodes externally driven variables, such as stimuli or behavior, this dissertation explores whether principles that organize neural activity in space and time—such as genetic cell type, anatomical location, and arousal state—are also embedded in the spiking output of individual neurons. I hypothesize that these organizing principles are not quenched as irrelevant variability, but rather multiplexed within the neural code itself. To test this, I attempt to decode these principles from the spike trains of neurons recorded in behaving …

Functional Equivariance And Backward Error Analysis, Sanah Suri

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Geometric, or structure-preserving, numerical integration has long been used as a framework for studying integrators that preserve a systems invariants. In backward error analysis, the approximate numerical flow of a system is viewed as the exact flow of a modified problem, allowing us to gain qualitative insights into the behavior of the numerical solution. The preservation of conservation laws by a numerical integrator can be generalized to $F$-functionally equivariant integrators, where $F$ represents an observable of the system in consideration. This thesis describes the behavior of geometric integrators through the lens of backward error analysis. First, we extend the idea …

How Are We Defining Preoperative Anemia? A Comparison Of Various Anemia Thresholds Among Patients Undergoing Short-Construct Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Tariq Issa, Omar Tarawneh, Teeto Ezeonu, Mark Lambrechts, Mark Kurd, Ian Kaye, Jose Canseco, Alan Hilibrand, Alex Vaccaro, Christopher Kepler, Gregory Schroeder

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a risk factor for increased transfusions. However, various definitions of anemia have been described in scientific literature and a consensus on how to appropriately diagnose anemia or who to preoperatively optimize is lacking. We aimed to compare multiple anemia definitions and evaluate if any threshold best predicts transfusion requirements and surgical outcomes following spinal fusion.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1-2 level posterior spinal fusions. Preoperative hemoglobin was defined based on preoperative laboratories within 28 days of surgery. Anemia was diagnosed using the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and …

Using Web Scraping As A Tool To Collect School Nutrition Data, Aaron Brown

Student Works

Web scraping, a technique for collecting publicly available online data, may facilitate collecting school meal data from large, national samples of school districts in a timely, cost-effective manner. We explore its potential by examining the variation in sodium content of 2 popular entrees served through the US Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program—pizza and chicken nuggets. Daily school menu data were obtained from a national sample of school districts via web scraping. Linking web scraped data to publicly available data on school districts permitted examination of entree sodium content variation across school district geographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Such …

Awaken Your Academic Mind: The Unseen Power Of Prayer, Ryuichi Inouye, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

Even devout church members sometimes neglect prayer when engaging in learning that should be eternally significant. We encourage us to use this article as a guide to overcome this common weakness and experience miraculous learning. We bear witness that God rejoices in our efforts and will provide wonderful support.

Introduction To Sociology: The Family, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the evolving landscape of modern family structures, analyzing their diverse forms, core functions, and the challenges they face within contemporary society. Drawing on recent research and theoretical frameworks, it examines the transformation of parenthood—especially single fatherhood—the shifting definitions of family and kinship, and the influence of family structure on emotional security, socialization, and reproductive roles. The discussion highlights the rise of dual-career households, increased grandparental involvement, the complexities of blended and single-parent families, as well as the growing acceptance of cohabitation and child-free couples. Special attention is given to persistent social problems, such as the cycles …

Introduction To Sociology: Sex And Gender, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the complex interplay between sex and gender, focusing on how societal structures, historical contexts, and cultural norms shape gender roles and expectations. Drawing on the works of influential theorists such as Margaret Mead and researchers like Maccoby and Jacklin, the discussion distinguishes between biological sex differences and socially constructed gender distinctions. The analysis highlights the pervasive influence of gender socialization through agents such as family, peers, educational institutions, and media, which collectively reinforce stereotypes and stratify opportunities for individuals. The evolution of gender stratification is traced from the post-World War II era to the present, documenting …

Introduction To Sociology: Culture, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

A Synthesis of Sociological Perspectives on Culture and Social Evolution This paper provides an in-depth exploration of culture as a foundational element in the study of sociology, dissecting its central components—knowledge, language, symbols, values, norms, and material objects—and their profound impact on society. Through the examination of cultural integration and diversity, the analysis foregrounds the dynamic tensions between assimilation and the preservation of subcultures, illustrating how these forces shape identities, relationships, and social cohesion in contemporary contexts. The discussion offers nuanced insights into the processes by which dominant and minority cultures interact, negotiate power, and navigate the challenges of …

Introduction To Sociology: Class And Stratification, Dr. Marcia Morrison Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate dynamics of class, stratification, and social inequality, emphasizing the interplay of wealth, power, and prestige in shaping individual opportunities and societal outcomes. Drawing on foundational theories from Marxist and functionalist perspectives, it examines the mechanisms by which economic and social structures reinforce or challenge class divisions. The analysis extends to the evolution of American economic disparity, particularly during the transformative 1980s, and examines policies aimed at addressing poverty, such as those articulated by Sar Levitan and the implementation of the Social Security Act. Through a nuanced discussion of cultural capital, the role of …

Wendy Kooken, Wendy Kooken, Nathalie Romero '25, Posse Legacy Project, Illinois Wesleyan University

All oral histories

Interview of Wendy Kooken, PhD, RN on July 3, 2025. Wendy Kooken, PhD, RN, Posse 4 and Posse 7 mentor and Associate Professor of Nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University.

The Impact Of Operative Level On Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Single-Level Posterior Lumbar Decompression For Disc Herniation, Jonathan Dalton, Robert Oris, Omar Tarawneh, Gregory Toci, Rajkishen Narayanan, Dominic Finan, Hannah Bash, Marco Goldberg, John Mangan, Barrett Woods, Mark Kurd, Ian Kaye, Jose Canseco, Alan Hilibrand, Alex Vaccaro, Gregory Schroeder, Christopher Kepler

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of upper versus lower lumbar decompression on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing L1-L2, L2-L3, L4-L5, or L5-S1 single-level elective decompression with 1-year PROMs were identified. Included PROMs were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg, and Short Form-12 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores. Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) were calculated. Multivariable regressions assessed the independent predictive ability of operative level controlling for demographic confounders.

RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-six patients were included (94 upper lumbar decompressions). Upper lumbar decompression patients were older (64.0 vs. …

A Systematic Review Of Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (Rest), Elnaz Lashgari, Emma Chen, Jackson Gregory, Uri Maoz

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) is a therapeutic technique that involves immersing an individual in an environment with minimal sensory input or stimulation. The goal of REST is to induce a state of relaxation that is deeper than what can be achieved through other forms of relaxation techniques. Research suggests that REST can help reduce anxiety, alleviate chronic pain, improve sleep, and enhance creativity and cognitive function. Flotation-REST is a popular type of REST that utilizes an enclosed tank filled with buoyant saltwater to facilitate relaxation. This study aimed to synthesize the evidence on studies that investigate the effects …

Evaluating Early Reading Challenges And Their Influence On Phonological And Linguistic Awareness In Elementary Students In Dki Jakarta, Bahrudin Bahrudin, Endang Rochyadi, Achmad Hufad, Mohammad Arif Taboer, Imas Diana Aprilia, Ranti Novianti, Salma Nadiyah

Journal of ICSAR

The purpose of this study is to determine and describe early reading difficulties (ERD) of the elementary school children in DKI Jakarta with its phonological and linguistic awareness. Adopting a descriptive quantitative design, the performance of 65 children between the ages of 7 and 11 years (2nd to 5th grades) on measures of letter identification, syllable and word reading, phonological awareness, and linguistic awareness was tested. There was a broadly variable distribution of students' reading difficulties across the three reading difficulty levels: 43% independent, 22% instructional, and 35% frustration. The overwhelming majority of the children had difficulty blending phonemes to …

Analysis Of Student Learning Experiences In Sign Language Learning Through A Deep Learning Approach Based On The Case-Based Learning Model, Imas Diana Aprilia, Prinanda Gustarina Ridwan, Lamina Amalia Putri, Indah Auliya Muchtar

Journal of ICSAR

Students in special education programs often face challenges in mastering sign language due to limited access to interactive and contextual learning experiences. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the implementation of sign language learning by integrating the Deep Learning approach, which emphasizes mindful, meaningful, and joyful learning, with the Case-Based Learning (CBL) model to provide a more holistic learning experience. Using a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data, the study involved 51 students who had completed a sign language course and one instructor from the Special Education Study Program. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured …

Collaborative Strategies In Self-Protection Against Sexual Violence For Children With Intellectual Disabilities: Systematic Literature Review, Zulfa Rahmah Effendi, Endang Rochyadi, Budi Susetyo, Oom Sitti Homdijah

Journal of ICSAR

This study explores collaborative strategies based on the Pentahelix model to enhance self-protection education against sexual violence for children with intellectual disabilities. Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of this population and the fragmented nature of existing protective mechanisms, this research adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method guided by PRISMA protocols. A total of 25 peer-reviewed, Scopus-indexed articles published between 2015 and 2024 were thematically analyzed. The findings reveal that multi-actor collaboration involving government, academia, communities, the private sector, and media plays a pivotal role in establishing responsive protection systems and educational interventions tailored to the specific needs of children with …

A Quantitative Study On The Determinants Of Collaborative Culture In Inclusive Primary Schools: The Role Of Social Competence, Work Motivation, And Organizational Climate, Angela Astrid Stelladiba Cindy Ayu, Bunyamin Bunyamin, I Made Sudana

Journal of ICSAR

This study aims to examine the influence of teachers’ social competence, work motivation, and organizational climate on collaborative culture in elementary schools within the Bawana Alit cluster, Tembalang District, Semarang City. Employing a quantitative approach with a correlational design, data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 153 teachers selected using proportional random sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and hypothesis testing. The results showed that each independent variable social competence (r = 0.701), work motivation (r = 0.726), and organizational climate (r = 0.821) had a positive and significant influence on collaborative culture. Simultaneously, the …

Toward Inclusive Higher Education: Challenges And Opportunities In Ten Asian Countries Following Crpd Ratification, Mohammad Idrees Naeemy, Hiroki Yoneda

Journal of ICSAR

The ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has triggered a wave of policy initiatives aimed at inclusive higher education around the world. Yet the extent of progress remains unclear in Asian region. This systematic review fills that gap by analysing 46 peer-reviewed publications (2013–2024) that document post-CRPD developments in ten Asian countries—China, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. We mapped legislative reforms, organizational responses and structural adaptations designed to accommodate students with disabilities and compared the pace and depth of change across national contexts. The review revealed …

Holistic Approach In Inclusive Education Management In Indonesia: A Systematic Review Of Strategies And Challenges Faced By Schools, Bayu Pamungkas, Angga Damayanto, Adi Suseno

Journal of ICSAR

This study aims to analyze the strategies and challenges faced by schools in implementing inclusive education management in Indonesia. The method employed is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The results show that schools in Indonesia have implemented various strategies to support inclusive education, including curriculum adaptation, teacher professional development, collaboration with stakeholders, provision of facilities and infrastructure, utilization of technology, and holistic approaches. However, challenges such as lack of understanding and support, limited resources, and difficulties in developing adaptive curricula and inclusive learning methods still exist. This research highlights the importance of collaborative …

Assessing Significance Of Inclusive Education As A Remedy Of Addressing The Challenges Of Disabled Children, Sive Makeleni, Onyinyechi Glory Ndu

Journal of ICSAR

The issue of disability in the lives of many children has raised a lot of debates by scholars in terms of their learning ability and meeting immediate needs. This study focuses on the inclusive education for dealing with special needs of children. It aimed at assessing the significance of inclusive education and training as a remedy for addressing the challenges facing the disabled children in dealing with their special needs. What their immediate needs are, and finally suggest measures to put in place in addressing the identified problems. The study employed a literature review method. The data was collected using …

Transcriptomic And Histological Characteristics Of Innate Immune Activation In Brain Parenchyma In A Rat Model Of Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Miriam Zamorano, Sanjna Udtha, Aidan M Collier, Erica Underwood, Razan El Sayed, Ankit Agarwal, Devin S Hatchell, Chunfeng Tan, Paul J Nietert, Scott D Olson, Brandon A Miller

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) remains a major complication in preterm infants with lifelong sequelae. There is no effective treatment for IVH other than supportive care and surgery for post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. We previously reported that the innate neuroimmune response in an animal model of IVH was dependent on developmental stage, only occurring in older animals.

Methods: This study utilized a lysed-blood injection model of IVH in rats. This model specifically captures the effects of blood products released by IVH on brain parenchyma. We performed RNAseq and differential gene expression analysis on CD11b/c-positive cells in the brain (microglia/macrophages) to define gene expression …

Direct Inhibition Of Ras Reveals The Features Of Oncogenic Signaling Driven By Ras G12 And Q61 Mutations, Michelangelo Marasco, Dinesh Kumar, Santiago Garcia Borrego, Tessa Seale, Giulia Maddalena, Riccardo Mezzadra, Kylie Belanger, Soren Cole, Brayan Perez, Wei Luan, Radha Mukherjee, Ilinca Aricescu, Vladimir Markov, Yuxin Zhu, Sabrina Arena, Alberto Bardelli, Elisa De Stanchina, Scott W Lowe, Richard A Burkhart, Jacquelyn W Zimmerman, Rona Yaeger, Scott E Kopetz, Neal Rosen, Sandra Misale

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

RAS genes are frequently mutated in cancer, often at codons 12 and 61. With the recent introduction of RAS inhibitors, we can now directly investigate the effects of specific RAS mutations in cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that in tumors with RASG12X mutations, mutant RAS can be activated by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), and PI3K activation is dependent on mutant RAS. Conversely, RASQ61X mutations activate the MAPK cascade independently of RTKs, and inhibition of RASQ61X impairs MAPK pathway activation but leaves the PI3K pathway unaffected. Our characterization of these distinct features of G12X and Q61X mutations suggests that …

Ptpn11 Mutations Define A Rare But Highly Adverse Subset Of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Alexandre Bazinet, Alex Bataller, Guillermo Montalban-Bravo, Kelly Chien, Koji Sasaki, Wei Ying Jen, Mahesh Swaminathan, Tapan Kadia, Courtney Dinardo, Farhad Ravandi, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Hagop Kantarjian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Parkinson Disease Signaling Pathways, Molecular Mechanisms, And Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Comprehensive Review, Muhammad S Khan, Somayyeh Nasiripour, Jean C Bopassa

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide; treating this disease remains quite challenging. Environmental and genetic factors may play a role in the pathophysiology of PD. α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, mitochondrial failure, neuroinflammation, and gut dysbiosis are among the known risk factors of PD. The pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease is complicated by the interconnections between these molecular pathways, which also present significant obstacles to treatment development. However, due to its complex mechanism and long latency, PD is difficult to diagnose and detect, which presents a barrier to treatment. In addition, the need to develop …

The Relevance Of Climate Change And Sustainability In Nursing Education: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Students’ Perspectives, Jennie Aronsson, Marie Elf, Paul Warwick, Riccardo Lomartire, Anna Anåker

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: As climate change continues to challenge global health, nursing education must evolve to prepare future nurses for the impacts on care delivery and promote sustainable practices within the healthcare system which is itself a contributor to the climate crisis through emissions and waste. In this study we aimed to i) explore undergraduate nursing students’ attitudes towards and awareness of climate change and sustainability issues and its inclusion in nursing education at a Swedish university, and ii) explore differences in awareness and attitudes across student groups in different semesters. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive research study, nursing students from six …

External Challenges For Individuals Who Need Or Use Aac Who Are Learning Language: Lived Experiences, Key Research Findings, And Future Directions, Christine Holyfield, Janice Light, Dana Nieder, Jamie Preece

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Language skills are essential to effective communication, but learning language is by no means a simple process for individuals with developmental disabilities who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood. Research demonstrates that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions positively impact development across language domains (e.g., pragmatics, semantics, morphosyntax) and may also benefit speech production. However, these gains can only be realized if people have timely access to effective AAC and have meaningful opportunities to interact with others. This paper integrates the lived experiences of individuals who need or use AAC and their families with key research …

Leveraging Oxygen Mobility With Zirconia In Low-Temperature Plasma For Enhanced Methane Reforming To Syngas, Fnu Gorky, Levy Pile, Grace Jones, Apolo Nambo, Mourad Benamara, Maria L. Carreon

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Despite extensive efforts to optimize the single-step production of syngas, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates via plasma catalysis, several challenges remain unresolved. In particular, understanding the various reaction pathways is hindered by the complexity of the reactions and the diverse range of chemical products formed. In this study, our main objective is to evaluate and compare the influence of zirconia on reaction pathways, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) conversions (%), and syngas selectivity (%) relative to the plasma-only route. Experiments were conducted at a low radio-frequency plasma power of 50 Watts without external heating. The results demonstrated significantly enhanced conversions of …

A Comparison Of Different Posterior Arthrodesis Techniques Versus Anterior Dens Screw For Odontoid Fractures: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Pavlos Texakalidis, Stavros Matsoukas, Michael Cloney, Mykhaylo Krushelnytskyy, Kevin Swong, Najib El Tecle, Tyler Koski, Nader Dahdaleh

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Odontoid fractures are often managed surgically. The most common approaches are anterior dens screw (ADS) and posterior arthrodesis (PA), with the latter being associated with significantly higher fusion rates. PA techniques can include wiring, C1-C2 transarticular (TA) screws, and C1 lateral mass (LM)-C2 pars/pedicle screws. Most comparative studies group multiple PA techniques together when comparing PA versus ADS. Our objective was to systematically review the literature and identify studies that separately provide fusion rates of each different posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis (PA) technique utilized compared to ADS.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred …

Commentary On Quality Improvement Case Series: Leukemic Arthritis Mimicking Septic Arthritis In A Pediatric Patient, Alexandre Arkader, Mihir M Thacker, Karim Masrouha

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Factors Related To Hypertension In Pediatric Patients Who Do Not Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Chart Study, Alyssa Exarchakis, Alexandra Cohen, Penghao Wang, Seema Rani, Diana Martinez

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: The relationship between OSA and adult hypertension has been extensively studied; however, it remains understudied in pediatric patients without OSA. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with pediatric hypertension without OSA, through an IRB-approved retrospective chart review of patients who underwent polysomnography at Nemours Children's Hospital, DE/NJ between January 2020 and July 2023. Methods: Eligibility criteria included children 8-17 years, completed PSG, and clinic visit blood pressure (BP). Anthropometrics, demographics, social determinants, and medical history were obtained from electronic medical records. Hypertension was defined as the average systolic and/or diastolic BP that is …