Digital Commons Network^™

Gene Expression Networks Regulated By Human Personality, Coral Del Val, Elisa Díaz De La Guardia-Bolívar, Igor Zwir, Pashupati P Mishra, Alberto Mesa, Ramiro Salas, Guillermo F Poblete, Gabriel De Erausquin, Emma Raitoharju, Mika Kähönen, Olli Raitakari, Liisa Keltikangas-Järvinen, Terho Lehtimäki, Claude Robert Cloninger

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Genome-wide association studies of human personality have been carried out, but transcription of the whole genome has not been studied in relation to personality in humans. We collected genome-wide expression profiles of adults to characterize the regulation of expression and function in genes related to human personality. We devised an innovative multi-omic approach to network analysis to identify the key control elements and interactions in multi-modular networks. We identified sets of transcribed genes that were co-expressed in specific brain regions with genes known to be associated with personality. Then we identified the minimum networks for the co-localized genes using bioinformatic …

A Guide To Understanding Big Data For The Nurse Scientist: A Discursive Paper, Henry Ofori Duah, Samantha J. Boch, Sara Arter, Nichole Nidey, Joshua Lambert

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Big data refers to extremely large data generated at high volume, velocity, variety, and veracity. The nurse scientist is uniquely positioned to leverage big data to suggest novel hypotheses on patient care and the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introductory guide to understanding the use and capability of big data for nurse scientists. Herein, we discuss the practical, ethical, social, and educational implications of using big data in nursing research. Some practical challenges with the use of big data include data accessibility, data quality, missing data, variable data standards, fragmentation of health data, and …

Effects Of Age On Lacrimal Gland Bioactive Lipids, Brandon Ebright, Zhiyuan Yu, Priyal Dave, Dante Dikeman, Sarah Hamm-Alvarez, Cintia S De Paiva, Stan Louie

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a source of bioactive lipids regulating inflammation and its resolution.

Methods: Changes in PUFA metabolism were compared between lacrimal glands (LGs) from young and aged C57BL/6 J mice using a targeted lipidomics assay, as was the gene expression of enzymes involved in the metabolism of these lipids.

Results: Global reduction in PUFAs and their metabolites was observed in aged LGs compared to young controls, averaging between 25 and 66 % across all analytes. ꞷ-6 arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites were all reduced in aged LGs, where the changes in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and lipoxin A4 …

Implementation, Evolution, And Laboratory Performance Of Methods-Based Proficiency Testing For Next-Generation Sequencing Detection Of Germline Sequence Variants, Karen D Tsuchiya, Birgit Funke, Madhuri Hegde, Avni Santani, Rhona J Souers, Szabolcs Szelinger, Jaimie Halley, Qin Zhao, Nicole Mot, Angshumoy Roy, Vanessa L Smith, Bing M Zhang, Karl Voelkerding, Ann M Moyer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Context.—: Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assays are used for diagnosis of diverse inherited disorders. Limited data are available pertaining to interlaboratory analytical performance of these assays.

Objective.—: To report on the College of American Pathologists (CAP) NGS Germline Program, which is methods based, and explore the evolution in laboratory testing practices.

Design.—: Results from the NGS Germline Program from 2016-2020 were analyzed for interlaboratory analytical performance. Self-reported laboratory testing practices were also evaluated.

Results.—: From 2016-2020, a total of 297 laboratories participated in at least 1 program mailing. Of the 289 laboratories that provided information on tests offered, 138 (47.8%) offered …

Practical Tips For Paediatricians: Precordial Catch Syndrome, Karina Kofman, Lisa C A D'Alessandro, Betul Yilmaz Furtun

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

An Electronic Health Record Model For Predicting Risk Of Hepatic Fibrosis In Primary Care Patients, Aaron P Thrift, Theresa H Nguyen Wenker, Kyler Godwin, Maya Balakrishnan, Hao T Duong, Rohit Loomba, Fasiha Kanwal, Hashem B El-Serag

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: One challenge for primary care providers caring for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is to identify those at the highest risk for clinically significant liver disease.

AIM: To derive a risk stratification tool using variables from structured electronic health record (EHR) data for use in populations which are disproportionately affected with obesity and diabetes.

METHODS: We used data from 344 participants who underwent Fibroscan examination to measure liver fat and liver stiffness measurement [LSM]. Using two approaches, multivariable logistic regression and random forest classification, we assessed risk factors for any hepatic fibrosis (LSM > 7 kPa) and significant hepatic …

Subspecialty Choices Among Medicine-Pediatrics Graduates: Results From A Four-Year National Program Director Survey, Anoop Agrawal, Daniel Wells, Michael Kisielewski, Savita Misra, Benjamin Doolittle

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and objectives Dual-trained medicine-pediatrics physicians (med-peds) play an important role in the healthcare ecosystem. Little is known about the subspecialty choices of med-peds residency graduates. This study aims to characterize the subspecialty choices of med-peds residency graduates. Methods The Medicine-Pediatrics Program Directors Association (MPPDA) administers an annual survey to the program directors of all med-peds residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This project represents aggregate survey data from 2020-2023. Results The number of program directors responding to the survey ranged from 80.8% (63/78) to 85.7% (66/77; mean response rate: 82.8%). About 465 of …

Liver Disease And Transplantation In Telomere Biology Disorders: An International Multicenter Cohort, Yunzu Michele Wang, Batul Kaj-Carbaidwala, Adam Lane, Suneet Agarwal, Fabian Beier, Alison Bertuch, Kristin A Borovsky, Steven K Brennan, Rodrigo T Calado, Luiz Fernando B Catto, Carlo Dufour, Christen L Ebens, Francesca Fioredda, Neelam Giri, Nicholas Gloude, Frederick Goldman, Paula M Hertel, Ryan Himes, Sioban B Keel, Divya T Koura, Christian P Kratz, Sakil Kulkarni, Iris Liou, Taizo A Nakano, Silvia Nastasio, Marena R Niewisch, Daniel D Penrice, Ghadir S Sasa, Sharon A Savage, Douglas A Simonetto, David S Ziegler, Alexander G Miethke, Kasiani C Myers

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Patients with telomere biology disorders (TBD) develop hepatic disease, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatopulmonary syndrome. No specific treatment exists for TBD-related liver disease, and the role of liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial. Our study objectives were to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes in patients with TBD-related liver disease, and their LT outcomes.

Methods: Data from 83 patients with TBD-associated liver disease were obtained from 17 participating centers in the Clinical Care Consortium of Telomere-Associated Ailments and by self-report for our retrospective, multicenter, international cohort study.

Results: Group A ("Advanced") included 40 patients with advanced liver disease. Of …

Pathways Toward Healing: Examining The Role Of Emotion Regulation In Longitudinal Expressions Of Complicated Grief And Multisystemic Resilience Resources Among Bereaved Youth, Lacy Ellen Jamison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The death of a loved one is a profoundly impactful event, especially for youth who may lose a vital source of support during critical developmental stages. This study investigated the trajectories of complicated grief and multisystemic resilience resources among bereaved youth over a six-month period, considering the roles of emotion regulation strategies (expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal), potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and various sociodemographic and loss-related factors. The present study utilized self-report data from treatment-seeking bereaved youth (N = 106). Parallel process latent growth curve modeling (PP-LGCM) was used to explore individual differences in grief and resilience trajectories. Post-hoc moderation …

Religiosity, Dietary Acculturation, And Obesity Among Immigrants To The United States, Samira Rahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Obesity, influenced by lifestyle choices, has risen sharply worldwide and is linked to diabetes, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. Among U.S. immigrants, obesity risk often increases with acculturation to American practices. However, religious involvement and maintaining the origincountry diet may protect against obesity. Using 2003 New Immigrant Survey data, this study examines the relationship between religion and obesity among immigrants to the United States. Results show significant variations: Jewish immigrants have the highest obesity risk, while Buddhist immigrants have the lowest, due to cultural and dietary practices. Longer U.S. residence and older age correlate with higher obesity rates. The findings emphasize …

Groundwater Recharge Estimation Focusing On Shallow Aquifer Dynamics In The Near Stream Zone Of The Incised Cub Creek, Middleton, Tennessee, Khayrun Nahar Mitu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This study investigated the Lone Oaks restoration site in Middleton, Tennessee, focusing on Cub Creek's channeling issues. Subsurface investigations revealed a shallow aquifer with limited groundwater storage, varying in thickness by about 2 m between upstream (U/S) and downstream (D/S) sections, and an unsaturated zone extending from 1.8 m U/S to 2.3 m D/S. The underlying confining layer is 6.5 m bgs U/S and 9 m bgs D/S, indicating eastward erosion or deposition shift between the Wilcox and Porters Creek Clay. Where U/S and D/S soil moisture at 90 cm and 150 cm remained near saturation during the cool season, …

Runx2 Regulates Peripheral Nerve Regeneration To Promote Schwann Cell Migration And Re-Myelination, Rong Hu, Xinpeng Dun, Lolita Singh, Matthew C. Banton

School of Biomedical Sciences

Runx2 is a major regulator of osteoblast differentiation and function; however, the role of Runx2 in peripheral nerve repair is unclear. Here, we analyzed Runx2 expression following injury and found that it was specifically up-regulated in Schwann cells. Furthermore, using Schwann cell-specific Runx2 knockout mice, we studied peripheral nerve development and regeneration and found that multiple steps in the regeneration process following sciatic nerve injury were Runx2-dependent. Changes observed in Runx2 knockout mice include increased proliferation of Schwann cells, impaired Schwann cell migration and axonal regrowth, reduced re-myelination of axons, and a block in macrophage clearance in the late stage …

Volume 33, Number 2, Summer/Fall 2024, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 33 | NUMBER 2 | Summer/Fall 2024

ON OUR COVER:

President Sheahon Zenger poses for a portrait in the Bates & Merwin Reading Room on the fourth floor of The Ames Library. The room hosts a collection of award-winning books in honor of IWU's former president Minor Myers jr.

18 Discoveing Home, As a career university administrator with a long record of success and optimism for the future of liberal arts, Sheahon Zenger has been appointed the 21st president of Illinois Wesleyan University.

22 Browadway Reunion, More than a decade after last performing together at IWU, Bry Parham '07 …

Croning Academics: Menopause Matters In Higher Education, Marie Lavelle, Joanna Haynes, Emma Macleod-Johnstone

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

This writing is born out of our experiences of becoming older women, academy hags, facing the performative demands of the neoliberalising patriarchal university. We are raging. With the figure of the Crone, and feminist-killjoy-croning as our creative and livid research method (Ahmed, 2023), we squeeze time out/with impossible university spaces and schedules to tend to grey matters. The paper traces the normalisation of menopause policies in workplaces and universities, following the social trending and capitalisation of menopausal and ageing matters. We question what menopause policies do and argue they constitute a failed project for the advancement of gender equality and …

Targeting Histone Deacetylase 6 (Hdac6) To Enhance Radiation Therapy In Meningiomas In A 2d And 3d In Vitro Study, Juri Na, Shahana Shaji, C. Oliver Hanemann

Peninsula Medical School

Background: External radiation therapy (RT) is often a primary treatment for inoperable meningiomas in the absence of established chemotherapy. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) overexpression, commonly found in cancer, is acknowledged as a driver of cellular growth, and inhibiting HDACs holds promise in improving radiotherapeutic efficacy. Downregulation of HDAC6 facilitates the degradation of β-catenin. This protein is a key element in the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, contributing to the progression of meningiomas. Methods: In order to elucidate the associations and therapeutic potential of HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6i) in conjunction with RT, we administered Cay10603, HDAC6i, to both immortalised and patient-derived meningioma cells prior …

Animal Personality And Sentience As Distinct Concepts, Mark Briffa

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Owens et al (2024) discuss how knowledge of both animal personality and sentience in target populations can be leveraged to enhance wildlife conservation programmes. In this commentary I expand on the distinction between these two concepts. Behavioural differences should be considered broadly across conservation programmes, not just those involving species deemed sentient.

In Memoir And Memory: Us Servicewomen In The Iraq War, Kelly Taylor

Voces Novae

No abstract provided.

Post Mendez V. Westminister: Public Education For Mexican Americans 1965-1975, Alejandra Lemus

Voces Novae

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Carrying Capacity Of Lokawisata Baturraden In Banyumas Regency To Support Sustainable Tourism, Annisa Nadia Candraningtyas, Aude Lathif Eriawan, Beta Lavenda Kurnianingtyas, Nur Azizah, Qorisa Nur Laila, Sulistiawan Fajar Nugroho, Tashya Nuraziizah, Vivi Lusiana, Sri Rahayu Budiani

Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi: Kajian, Teori, dan Praktek dalam Bidang Pendidikan dan Ilmu Geografi

The tourism sector plays a pivotal role in driving the country's economy. Despite its significant influence on the economic sector, its improper and incorrect management will result in the destruction of the environment. This study aims to estimate the carrying capacity of Lokawisata Baturraden, Banyumas Regency, in order to support sustainable tourism management and development. Primary and secondary data were used in this study, as was the comparison method for the data analysis. The results indicated that the Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC) was 39.970, the Real Carrying Capacity (RCC) was 6.715, and the Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) was 4.291. Based …

Geography Teacher Profile Towards Geospatial Technology Usage For Geography Learning In Senior High School, Siti Nur Farihah, Listyo Yudha Irawan, Agus Dwi Febrianto, Dedi Sasmito Utomo, Ivy Geok-Chin Tan, Nabila Nurul Hawa, Ruhi Begum

Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi: Kajian, Teori, dan Praktek dalam Bidang Pendidikan dan Ilmu Geografi

In the current era, the utilization of WebGIS technology in geographical learning is not yet optimized by educators. This is due to the fact that their knowledge and abilities in this field are still limited. Consequently, it is crucial to identify the variables that impact the integration of WebGIS in educational settings. This research endeavors to ascertain the influence of age, teaching tenure, and teacher gender on the utilization of WebGIS. This research employed a quantitative approach with multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The sampling method involved distributing a Google form to member teachers who had attended a webinar on …

The Use Of Landsat-8 In Google Earth Engine To Analyze Urban Heat Island In Bogor City, Khalifah Insan Nur Rahmi, Marfandi Ramadhan Pane, Tiara Risky Adella, Jalu Tejo Nugroho, Nur Febrianti, Kurnia Ulfa

Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi: Kajian, Teori, dan Praktek dalam Bidang Pendidikan dan Ilmu Geografi

Landsat-8 imagery contains a time series thermal image from 2013 to the present, which could be utilized to identify changes in land surface temperature (LST). Google Earth Engine (GEE) has provided straightforward access to the Landsat-8 thermal time series image. The LST alterations in urban areas are influenced by urban physical development and the impact of climate change, which has a detrimental effect on environmental conditions. This leads to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. This research aims to ascertain the spatial distribution of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in Bogor City, Indonesia, utilizing Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS satellite imagery in …

Analysis Of Shoreline Changes On The Coast Of Tanjung Widoro, Bungah Sub-District, Gresik District, Rudianto Rudianto, D. Setyoningrum, A T. Yanuar, A S. Hudin

Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi: Kajian, Teori, dan Praktek dalam Bidang Pendidikan dan Ilmu Geografi

The shoreline is the boundary between the land and the ocean at the highest tide. Various factors can affect the changes to the line, such as coastal abrasion and sedimentation, which result in a reduction in land area and, consequently, a change in the shoreline. The impact of abrasion causes land abrasion, which can damage residential and cultivation areas. Conversely, land can increase towards the sea due to the process of accretion. The impact of coastal abrasion on the shoreline results in an increase in sea tides, which in turn obstructs river water flowing into the estuary. This tidal flood …

T. Boudieri Extract Potentiates The Effects Of Capecitabine Treatment In Human Colon Cancer Cells, Katia Sawaya, Mahmoud Khalil, Ghada Khawaja

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Resistance to chemotherapy remains a major challenge for colorectal cancer patients worldwide, hence the persistent need to uncover alternative treatments as well as new adjunct therapies in the fight against cancer. Natural extracts constitute an excellent source of bioactive substances that have a promising potential in that regard, with minimal negative side effects. We have previously demonstrated that both the ethanolic as well as the water extracts of Terfezia boudieri, a black desert truffle abundant in and part of the cuisine of the Mediterranean region, have significant antiproliferative effects against colon cancer cells. Our aim in this study was …

Uses Of Herbal Extracts In Endodontology: A Literature Review, Reem Chamseddine, Roula S. Abiad

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The use of natural herbal extracts in the field of dentistry, and specifically in endodontology had gained a high popularity in the past few years. The main objective of endodontic treatment is to prevent and eliminate the infection from the root canal, seize the invasion of microorganisms to periradicular tissues and preserve the natural dentition. Studies had shown that some herbs are better alternatives to traditional chemical irrigants or medicaments used in root canal treatment, based on their potential antimicrobial effect, smear layer removal capabilities, tissue dissolution effect, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Aim: The purpose of this literature review …

Cryotherapy In The Field Of Endodontics: A Literature Review, Amena Al Bast, Roula S. Abiad

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Cryotherapy is a recent approach in the field of endodontics. It is a remedy that subject tissue to low temperature. Low temperature induces vasoconstriction limiting inflammation, pain and edema and analgesia by reducing the nerve conduction velocity. The aim of this review is to point out the different and recent clinical applications of cryotherapy in the field of endodontics and to describe its physiology and its effect regarding postoperative pain and inflammation. A literature search from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and EBSCO databases and other resources using specific keywords results in articles to determine the effect of applying cryotherapy in the …

Artificial Intelligence For Authentication Through Mental Profiling Technique, Nawaf Mazloum, Christine Abou-Saleh, Hassan Mazloum, Charles Anosike

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

A new approach to user authentication using mental profiling saw light, which is a technique that involves measuring an individual's cognitive abilities and psychological traits to create a unique profile, using Artificial Intelligence techniques. These profiles can then be used to identify users securely and efficiently, even in the presence of sophisticated attacks, by harnessing AI-driven systems for mental profile creation and user authentication.

After reviewing the existing literature on authentication and mental profiling, it presents a new mental profiling test that is specifically designed for authentication purposes. The test was evaluated on a sample of 100 users, and results …

An In – Depth Analysis Of Natural Fibers :A Comprehensive Review Of Properties And Performance Characteristics, Abbas Chour, Jamal Khatib

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The purpose of this research is to investigate the usage of natural fibers in plant-based natural fiber-reinforced cement-based composites for sustainable construction materials. It summarizes research on various fiber kinds, their properties, and their impact on cement-based products, with a focus on renewable possibilities such as flax, jute, ramie, hemp, cotton, sisal, and kenaf. Due to their hydrophilic nature, plant fibers and polymers present compatibility concerns and moisture damage when combined. The paper examines ways for improving durability, such as physical and chemical treatments to improve aging resistance, optimizing binder components, and modifying curing regimens to reduce alkalinity in the …

Umsl Bulletin 2024-2025, University Of Missouri-St. Louis

Bulletins

This is the pdf version of the 2024-2025 University Bulletin and Course Catalog

Final Report - Autonomous Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement By A Magnet-Wheeled Robot, Yang Wang, Hung Manh La, Yu Otsuki, Son Thanh Nguyen

Project SN-6

This project develops a compact ultrasonic thickness sensing device that is integrated with a steel-climbing bicycle robot for autonomous thickness measurement of steel bridge members. With wireless communication capability, the ultrasonic sensing device can perform high-voltage pulse excitation, filtering and amplification of the received ultrasonic signal, and high-speed analog-to-digital conversions (up to 80 MHz). After successful validations of the device, it is integrated into a bicycle-like robot with two magnetic wheels controlled by two independent steering actuators that navigates on various steel surfaces (flat, curved, rough, concave, and convex). Along with the wireless ultrasonic sensing device, the robot carries a …

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Kualitas Tidur Pasien Dengan Lupus Eritematosus Sistemik, Gestana Andru, Alvina Widhani, Rudi Putranto, Arif Mansjoer, Hamzah Shatri

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Sleep disturbances are often found among Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. Poor sleep may cause low quality of life. Study about sleep quality among SLE patients and related factors in Indonesia is scarce. This study aimed to know factors related to poor sleep quality among SLE patients.

Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among SLE patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta Indonesia. Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with global PSQI score >5 indicates poor sleep quality. Factors evaluated were symptoms of depression and anxiety by Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), pain by Visual …