Digital Commons Network^™

Machine Learning For Genetic Expression, Jennifer M. Fowler

Student Theses and Dissertations

The publication of the human genome in 1994 launched a computational biology revolution. Despite subsequent advances in sequencing and computing technology, the research community lacks robust and reproducible tools for interpreting differential expression of genes. Modern high-throughput genome sequencing and high-density arrays allow unprecedented computational analysis of genetic profiles. These developments combined with the rise artificial intelligence and machine learning powered by unprecedented amounts of data present new opportunities in bioinformatics. A novel gene ranking method, AUCg, is presented and applied to genetic expression data from patients with multiple myeloma. The AUCg method is compared to popular Bioconductor tools, and …

Population Genomic Assessment Of The Endangered Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma Susanae), Hilary Canada

Student Theses and Dissertations

The Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma susanae) is an endangered species of freshwater fish endemic to the tributaries of the Cumberland River above the Cumberland Falls in Kentucky and Tennessee. Once recognized as a subspecies of Johnny Dater (E. nigrum), E. susanae was elevated to species level based on morphological and mtDNA variation. Habitat degradation and modification is a primary concern for the species with its preference for slow-flow streams. Fragmented populations increase the risk of disrupting historic gene flow between tributaries which could potentially result in genetically distinct populations. In 2011, E. susanae was listed under the Endangered Species Act by …

Integrating Biological Determinants With Sociological Models Of Criminal And Antisocial Behaviors, Christopher L. Pitts

Student Theses and Dissertations

This thesis tests an integrated biosocial model of adolescent deviance using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Comprehensive OLS regression models reveal that the predictors of offending are highly behavior specific. For example, biological sex is a strong predictor for violent crime but not for noncriminal antisocial acts, where sociological factors are dominant. The results demonstrate a complex interplay of factors, with prior offending history, biological traits (sex, BMI), psychological states (mental health), and social context (community efficacy) all emerging as significant, simultaneous predictors of various outcomes. These findings challenge the sufficiency of single-domain theories. They provide …

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Diversity And Water Quality As Indicators Of Wetland Health In Natural And Constructed Wetlands Of Northeast Arkansas, Helena Grace Wheeler

Student Theses and Dissertations

Exposure to different abiotic factors drives a shift in macroinvertebrate communities. In wetland systems, soil is the primary driver of the aquatic system. Analyzing community dynamics in association with soil composition, water physiochemical properties, wetland size and age is valuable in determining wetland health. Little research has been done to examine the direct relationship between wetland soil parameters and macroinvertebrate communities. Macroinvertebrate diversity, community composition, and soil and water composition data were analyzed from natural wetlands, Agricultural Conservation Easement - Wetland Reserve Easement Program (ACEP-WRE) wetlands, and agricultural wetlands within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Sample collection occurred from February to …

Mcsa Forum Minutes 09/22/2025, Morris Campus Student Association

Morris Campus Student Association

No abstract provided.

Chimes: September 22, 2025, Calvin University

Chimes

Parking prices increase: How are students feeling? by Addy Offutt & Ian Tjoelker

"Famous last words": Calvin Theatre Company's latest 24-hour theatre by McKenna Wilkilson

Student Senate's bright hopes for a new year by Jorie Cho

Dining in looks different this year: Ex-ploring dining hall changes by Evangeline Anga

Constitution Day celebration sparks dialogue on campus by Ella Vanden Berg

To cut language is to cut identity: A call to Calvin's conscience by Sarah Sparling

[Excerpt From] High Reliability Organizations (3rd Ed.), Cynthia Oster

Sigma Publications: Book Excerpts

Patient safety and quality of care are critical concerns of healthcare consumers, payers, providers, organizations, health systems, and governments. Evidence shows that high reliability methods enable the most efficient, safe, and effective care; however, these methods are not the standard in all healthcare systems.

Nurses—who are on the front line of providing safe and effective care—are ideally situated to drive high reliability. High Reliability Organizations: A Healthcare Handbook for Patient Safety & Quality, Third Edition, equips nurses and healthcare professionals with the tools necessary to establish an error detection and prevention system. In this new edition, authors Cynthia A. Oster …

Retracted: Idea Density And Grammatical Complexity As Neurocognitive Markers, Diego Iacono, Gloria Feltis

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Language, a uniquely human cognitive faculty, is fundamentally characterized by its capacity for complex thoughts and structured expressions. This review examines two critical measures of linguistic performance: idea density (ID) and grammatical complexity (GC). ID quantifies the richness of information conveyed per unit of language, reflecting semantic efficiency and conceptual processing. GC, conversely, measures the structural sophistication of syntax, indicative of hierarchical organization and rule-based operations. We explore the neurobiological underpinnings of these measures, identifying key brain regions and white matter pathways involved in their generation and comprehension. This includes linking ID to a distributed network of semantic hubs, like …

One Is The Loneliest Number: The Impact Of Social Isolation On Blaberus Discoidalis, Jaden Jackson

Student Theses and Dissertations

Isolation in humans and its consequences has been documented by researchers as early as the 1700s (McNeil et al., 1984). More recently, interest in the impact of social isolation has been renewed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the studies covering social isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic rely on self-report measures obtained through questionaries or interviews. Studying social isolation experimentally is difficult due to risk factors associated with isolating one from conspecifics. This is particularly true when studying humans. Animal models of social isolation are important as they allow for implementation of necessary controls needed to establish …

Overcoming Traumatic Barriers To Maximize The Potential Of College Students Facing Mental Health Challenges, Ashley Blanche

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to explore gaps in knowledge and support for young adults with trauma, with the goal of improving their mental health and academic success. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate how past trauma contributed to mental health challenges that affected the academic success of disadvantaged undergraduate students aged 18–25 in Mississippi. The problem to be addressed in this study was the lack of mental health consciousness in the college community as it related to past trauma in disadvantaged college students aged 18-25. This study’s theoretical framework was based on Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, linking adverse …

The Effects Of Technology On Engagement Among Stem-Based Students At Historically Black Colleges Or Universities, Matthew Evan Bellinger

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study is meant to address the positive or negative instances of student engagement through technology use among STEM students at HBCUs. The intended demographic from this includes STEM students at HBCUs, but also administrators who have a role in enrollment or retention. The wider range of relevant parties is due to the purpose of this study which is to investigate the different forms of technology on STEM students and faculty as they are implemented in higher education at HBCUs. This was accomplished by connecting the technology used by students or faculty to either a Technology-Enhanced Learning environment (engagement) or …

Designing For Shalom: Deepening Faith Integration In Engineering And Technology, Fred Haan

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Presented on 9/22/2025 at the event, Integration of Faith and Learning in the Disciplines at the University Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia

Immunotherapy For Precision Medicine In Colorectal Cancer, Miao Cao, Michael Xu, Zinah Bairmani, Babar Bashir, Scott A. Waldman, Adam E. Snook

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The implementation of CRC screening has decreased CRC incidence in adults older than 65 years. However, among young adults who experience more aggressive disease progression, CRC incidence has been increasing for decades. Immunotherapy represents a collection of innovative and promising approaches with greater efficacy and safety. In this review, we discuss modalities and selected targets of immunotherapies for CRCs that are guided by precision medicine.

AREAS COVERED: The following review focuses on immunological approaches for CRCs, including therapeutic monoclonal …

Barriers To Achieving Graduated Responsibility: Preparing Pathology Residents For Independent Practice, Bronwyn H. Bryant, Balaram Puligandla, Hailey L. Gosnell, Kristen Johnson, Stephanie Barak, Mary P. Berg, Satyapal Chahar, John M. Childs, Julie Katz Karp, Amanda Lofgreen, Cindy B. Mccloskey, Barbara E. C. Knollmann-Ritschel, Kristie L. White, W. Stephen Black-Schaffer

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Allowing pathology residents to practice with high levels of autonomy helps prepare them for independent practice. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently added to the core requirements that residents must have opportunities to perform assigned clinical responsibilities under oversight supervision-defined as review and feedback after care is delivered. To understand the current state of resident autonomy, pathology residency programs were surveyed (32 responses) about the highest level of supervision achieved by senior residents for common pathology tasks, as well as the most significant barrier to achieving oversight supervision for each task. Each task was assigned a "supervision …

Comparative Neurobiology Of Vigilance And Stress Adaptation Systems In Wild And Laboratory Rodents (Rattus Norvegicus), Molly Kent, Brendan Crockett, Aditya Narayanan, Isabel Dilandro, Andrés Mauco, Gabriella Handford, Paean Luby, Troy Richter, Jonatahn Richardson, Olivia Harding, Joanna Jacob, Sarah Hartvigsen, Kelly Lambert

Psychology Faculty Publications

Although chronic stress is typically associated with disease and negative outcomes, wild animals often survive—and even thrive—in environments marked by recurring threats. In this study, we investigated neurobiological differences in vigilance-associated and stress-coping systems, as well as resilience, in wild and laboratory-bred rats (Rattus norvegicus) to explore potential survival-related adaptations in wild populations. Consistent with previous findings, wild rats exposed to chronic environmental stressors exhibited heightened hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, evidenced by enlarged adrenal glands and elevated fecal metabolites of glucocorticoids. Brains were processed using thionin staining for neural and glial cell counts and immunohistochemistry for immunoreactive targets. Wild …

Cerebellar Dysfunction In A Mouse Model Of Childhood-Onset Manganese-Induced Dystonia Parkinsonism, Alexander N Rodichkin, Amanda M Brown, Pavani Devabathini, Jennifer L Mcglothan, Si Chen, Ajith Pattammattel, Yong S Chu, Tao Lin, Daniel D Pontow, Karam Abilmouna, Ritishka Kapoor, Sarah E Hardin, Yulia Pushkar, Roy V Sillitoe, Tomás R Guilarte

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Humans with pathogenic variants of the manganese (Mn) transporter gene SLC39A14 exhibit highly elevated brain Mn concentrations and childhood-onset dystonia-parkinsonism. Here we show that Slc39a14-knockout (KO) mice, a preclinical model of the disease with elevated Mn concentrations in the CB, express deficits in physiological tremor implicating cerebellar (CB) dysfunction. Imaging of intracellular Mn in Purkinje cells (PCs) using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy confirmed highly elevated Mn concentrations in the PCs of Slc39a14-KO mice. To determine biological pathways altered in the CB of Slc39a14-KO mice relative to wildtype (WT), we performed RNA sequencing and discovered significant upregulation of pathways and genes …

Roots Of Justice: A History Of Race And Racism In Nebraska, Kevin Abourezk, M. Dewayne Mays, Paul Olson, Gabriel Bruguier, Preston Love Jr., Adam Fletcher Sasse, Heather Fryer, J.S. Onésimo (Ness) Sándoval, Sharon Ishii-Jordan, Emira Ibrahimpašić, Julia Reilly

Zea E-Books Collection

There is much to understand about the history of Nebraska and how the past shapes the present. This book attempts to bring into clearer focus the triumphs and trials of five broad groups whose lives have often been overlooked when the state’s history is told. The authors know some of this history of racism firsthand: Most of them have lived as people of color in Nebraska. They’ve experienced “the good, the bad and the ugly” that makes up our state story. We encourage educators, scholars and family historians to continue to dig, to document and to tell these stories. And …

Essential Role Of Protein Kinase R In The Pathogenesis Of Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease, Amit Prabhakar, Rahul Kumar, Meetu Wadhwa, Abhilash Barpanda, Joseph Lyons, Asavari Gowda, Simren Gupta, Ananyaa Arvind, Prajakta Ghatpande, Arun P. Wiita, Brian B. Graham, Giorgio Lagna, Akiko Hata

Biology

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare and severe subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension, characterized by progressive remodeling of small pulmonary arteries and veins with no therapies. Using a mitomycin C–induced (MMC-induced) rat model, we previously demonstrated that protein kinase R–mediated (PKR-mediated) integrated stress response (ISR) drives endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. To determine whether PKR is the primary mediator of ISR and the pathogenesis, we treated control (Ctrl) and PKR-knockout (KO) mice with the same dose of MMC. Consistent with rat data, Ctrl mice displayed ISR activation, vascular remodeling, and pulmonary hypertension after MMC treatment, while KO mice showed …

The Prognostic Indicators Of Progression From Solitary Plasmacytoma To Multiple Myeloma: A Narrative Review, Marco Ruiz Andia

All Publications

Solitary plasmacytomas (SPs), encompassing both solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) and extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP), are rare plasma cell neoplasms that carry a risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM). This review synthesizes current literature on the prognostic indicators predictive of such progression. High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities have been consistently linked to faster transition to MM. Other factors, such as tumor size, age, and persistent M-protein levels after treatment, are also prognostic factors. While radiotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, its curative potential is influenced by these indicators. Time to progression to MM is highly variable. This review highlights the need for standardized …

What Is Known About The Fish Intake Of People Living In Disadvantaged Communities In The Uk? A Scoping Review, Sarah Gale, Roseline Aboluwade, Louise Hunt, Clare Pettinger

School of Health Professions

Fish provides essential nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish) and other micronutrients, and may be seen to have a prominent role in protecting against non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. Recent UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey analysis suggests people are not meeting their weekly fish intake recommendation of at least two portions per week, of which one should be oily. Lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to eat poor-quality diets, with low fish intake, resulting in poor health outcomes. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the factors influencing fish consumption in people living within ‘disadvantaged …

Engineering And Technology, Fred Haan

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

9/21/2025 for the event, Integration of Faith and Learning, at University Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia

Assessing Inclusion Within Naaee Affiliate Ee Associations And Where To Go From Here, Connor Chilton

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental Education (EE) has a history that has been typically defined by traditionally dominant identities (White, male, able-bodied, etc.). The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) offers a unique position as frontrunners for the field of EE and have the duty to provide an inclusive-minded education for and about the environments throughout the world. Through NAAEE’s affiliate network within the United States, this paper details a glimpse into the work towards inclusion by surveying its leadership position holders about the broad subject and several interconnections of inclusion. Upon completion of the survey, participants who opted to participate in a …

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …

Artificial Intelligence In The Management Of Leukemia, Stephanie Koo, Austin P. Runde, Melvin Speisman

School of Medicine

BACKGROUND: Recently, given the demonstrated ability of AI to accurately characterize complex pathologies, AI has been proposed to be of use in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of leukemias given their genetic complexity and subtype heterogeneity, array of treatments, and need for relapse detection. AI has several potential applications in the management of leukemia. First, it can be used to detect leukemia; using AI to detect nuances in lab values can ensure these deadly cancers are never missed. Second, AI can be used to risk-stratify patients and personalize treatments; leukemias are among the most genetically complex cancers with well-characterized risk …

The Role And Influence Of Media Coverage And Social Media On Suicides: A Scoping Review, Kevin Miko Buac, Janine Trixia Austria, Claro Emmanuel Monsanto, Ma. Jamaica Monique Ponce, Arnold Christopher Soriano, Mystie Suzuki, Marc Eric S. Reyes

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Numerous factors contribute to suicide ideation; recent studies highlight that the media’s presentation of suicide plays a significant role in influencing suicide ideation and attempts among their audience. This study aims to evaluate the extent of the literature on traditional media reporting and social media in the context of suicide ideation and attempts, considering social media as a distinct yet relevant domain with its widespread reach and user-driven nature. The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews was employed to retrieve relevant studies and address the following questions: (1) What potential factors …

Quality Improvement Project Optimizing Opioid Screening: The Impact Of Staff Education In A Pain Management Clinic., Khairunnisa Khan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Chronic pain is a complex condition that often requires long-term opioid therapy, creating challenges for safe prescribing and patient monitoring. Inadequate screening for opioid misuse risk can contribute to unsafe practices, regulatory noncompliance, and patient harm. Validated instruments such as the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) and the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) are available to guide risk assessment, yet their use in everyday practice remains inconsistent. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate whether targeted staff education improved compliance with opioid risk assessment documentation in a rural pain management clinic. A pre-/post-intervention design was …

Prevalence Of Helmet Use In Skateboarders: A Systematic Review And Narrative Synthesis, Katherine Hunzinger, Ricker Adkins, Stevie Chen, Thomas Li, Lujie Chen

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

Introduction: Helmet adoption remains low among skateboarders, but the specific prevalence remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to summarize available evidence on helmet-use prevalence among skateboarders. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted using the search terms: skateboard, skateboarding, protective gear, protective equipment, pads, or helmet. Articles were included if they were in English with specific data on helmet use among skateboarders. Articles excluded were those representing reviews or conference abstracts/presentations; or if helmet use prevalence for skateboarders could not be ascertained. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, …

When The Eyes Break The (Naturalistic) Scene: Investigation On The Eye-Gaze Following Mechanisms In Complex Scenarios, Bianca Monachesi, Anna Pecchinenda, Gustav Kuhn

School of Psychology

Processing eye-gaze and aligning one’s own attention with the gaze direction of others (gaze following) is a crucial ability and it underpins several cognitive and affective mechanisms. However, we know little about how this gaze following operates in realistic scenarios in adults. The present study addresses this gap by presenting naturalistic scenes, in which models were portrayed centrally or peripherally (7°), with their eye gaze directed straight ahead, averted towards an object (valid cue) or away from it (invalid cue), while maintaining a straight head position. Eye movements were recorded while participants (N = 60) performed two tasks: a free …

Imsa 2025 Profile, Office Of College And Academic Counseling

IMSA Profile

The nationally-ranked Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students in its tuition-free residential Academy for grades 10-12. Students are challenged with a rigorous curriculum designed to develop them into problem solvers and critical thinkers. Notable IMSA alumni include YouTube Co-Founder Steve Chen, PayPal Co-Creator Yu Pan, Yelp Co-Founder Russell Simmons, SparkNotes and OkCupid Co-Founder Sam Yagan, and Hearsay Social Founder, Clara Shih.

Understanding Sexual And Gender Minority Patients’ Experiences To Inform Provider Training, Marvin Allan Schilt-Solberg, Joseph Schwartz, Sarah Kiperman, Brayden Misiolek, Rick Zimmerman

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Despite increasing visibility in the United States and worldwide, sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals continue to face significant health disparities, including increased substance use (Schuler et al., 2018), poor mental health (SAMHSA, 2023), and risky HIV behaviors (Solberg et al., 2023). These disparities often stem from negative experiences within the healthcare system, resulting in delayed care or lack of care for health problems (Ayhan et al., 2019). This study seeks to understand the experiences of SGM individuals in healthcare settings and was guided by insights from Uncertainty Management Theory (Brashers, 2001).

Methods: Participants were recruited online and from …