Digital Commons Network^™

Targeting The Bcl2 Family: Advances And Challenges In Bh3 Mimetic-Based Therapies, Nabanita Mukherjee, James Sheetz, Yiqun Shellman

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

The BCL2 family of proteins plays a pivotal role in regulating apoptosis and cellular homeostasis, making them critical therapeutic targets in cancer and other diseases characterized by pathological cell survival. BH3 mimetics, small molecules that selectively inhibit anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members, have achieved significant clinical success, particularly in hematologic malignancies. However, several challenges remain, including resistance mechanisms, toxicity (such as MCL1 inhibitor-associated cardiotoxicity), and the intricate balance between apoptotic and non-apoptotic functions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of BCL2 family biology, the development and clinical application and outcomes of BH3 mimetics, and the emerging resistance mechanism known as double-bolt …

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists And The Clinical Outcomes Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ahmed B. Bayoumy, Lindsay M. Clarke, Parakkal Deepak, Aakash Desai, Priya Sehgal, Uri Gorelik, Haggai Bar-Yoseph, Marie Villumsen, Chris J. J. Mulder, Dirk J. Stenvers, Maarten E. Tushuizen, Nanne K. H. De Boer

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Prior studies showed worse outcomes in obese inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, especially those related to hospitalizations, surgery, and steroid-free remission. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) have demonstrated significant metabolic benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Hence, GLP1-RAs may improve clinical outcomes in patients with IBD, especially those with obesity. The objective was to systematically evaluate the impact of GLP1-RAs on clinical outcomes in patients with IBD.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to March 15, 2025. Studies reporting outcomes …

Predictors Of Lower-Limb Arterial Occlusion Pressure Across Commonly Used Cuff Widths, Isaac J. Wedig, Isaac M. Lennox, Erich J. Petushek, John J. Durocher, John Mcdaniel, Steven J. Elmer

Michigan Tech Publications

We compared predictors of lower-limb arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) across commonly used blood flow restriction (BFR) cuff widths (11, 13, 18 cm) and developed prediction equations to estimate AOP for each cuff. Participants (n = 116) underwent measurements of thigh circumference (TC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and AOP was assessed using Doppler ultrasound in a seated position. Multiple linear regression models with commonality analysis and mixed-effects models were used to identify and compare predictors of AOP between each cuff. LASSO regression with bootstrap resampling was used to develop and internally validate prediction equations. TC, SBP, DBP, age, …

Writing Workshop Journal: A Student-Centered Guide For College Composition, Tanya Zhelezcheva

Open Educational Resources

This comprehensive OER workbook supports ENGL 101 (Composition) students through a structured journal-based writing system. The resource combines Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles with post-process pedagogy to offer diverse pathways for student learning and writing development.

The workbook features:

- 4-component journal entry structure (exercises, reflection, next steps)

- 40+ writing exercises across four categories (Foundation Skills, Reading Logs, Drafting, Growth Mindset)

- Extensive planning and organizational tools (weekly/monthly calendars, goal-setting frameworks)

- Metacognitive reflection exercises that build writing awareness - Backward planning and time management strategies

- Evidence-based approaches to developing thesis statements, integrating sources, and crafting arguments …

Energy Price Shocks, Motorisation Intensity, And Income Inequality With Panel Evidence From 34 Indonesian Provinces 2016–2025, Andhika Taufan Prananta

Jurnal Kebijakan Ekonomi

This study investigates how fuel-price shocks and motorisation intensity affect income inequality across 34 Indonesian provinces (2016–2025). Using Random Effects, DiD, Synthetic Control, and Local Projections, we find energy shocks amplify inequality-exacerbating effects of motorisation in high-density provinces. Using a vehicle-density-based treatment indicator, the DiD estimate yields a conditional ATT of 0.39 percentage points (p = 0.442) as suggestive evidence. Impulse-response functions project a transitory Gini increase of up to 0.012 under extreme scenarios, reverting within 3–4 years. Our regional typology identifies eight resilient and six critically vulnerable provinces, providing a foundation for targeted policy interventions.

Embung Desa Dan Adaptasi Perubahan Iklim: Analisis Empiris Perlindungan Lahan Pertanian Indonesia Dari Ancaman Kekeringan, Danan Perri Sandria, Asri Yuliani

Jurnal Kebijakan Ekonomi

This study analyzes the contribution of village ponds to mitigating agricultural land damage caused by drought in Indonesia. Using quantitative methods with linear regression models on data from 78.291 villages, the research tests the effectiveness of micro-water infrastructure as a disaster mitigation instrument. Findings indicate that village ponds significantly reduce the area of crop failure, although their effectiveness declines during extreme droughts due to limited storage capacity. Policy implications emphasize transforming physical pond construction into adaptive management through integrated closed distribution technology and strengthened local institutions to ensure farmers' economic resilience against global climate anomalies.

The Role Of Cooperatives In Social Capital Formation: Empirical Evidence In Indonesia, Nia Kurnia Sholihah, Muhammad Halley Yudhistira, Sulistiadi Dono Iskandar

Jurnal Kebijakan Ekonomi

Social capital is one of the indicators used to assess changes in societal conditions, particularly in evaluating the sustainability of welfare. Higher social capital tends to reduce conflict and facilitate economic transactions. Cooperatives, as organizations with dual objectives (economic and social), represent one potential mechanism for strengthening social capital within communities. This study adopts a quantitative approach and uses Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) data to estimate the impact of cooperative participation on social capital formation, proxied by individuals’ trust across various dimensions and events.

Liberatory And Public Health Harm Reduction: Retracing Genealogies, Forming Queer Imaginaries, Ana Sofia Harrison

Sociology Between the Gaps: Forgotten and Neglected Topics

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of An In Situ Forming Composite Hydrogel Based On Gelatin–Sodium Alginate– Polyethylene Oxide For Biomedical Applications: Effect Of Incorporated Sophora Japonica On Hydrogel Performance, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Hydrogels are ideal candidates for biomedical applications such as wound healing, tissue engineering, and bone regeneration due to their porosity and similarity to the extracellular matrix of humans. A gelatin/ sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel with the inclusion of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was utilized to achieve enhanced mechanical strength. Hydrogels were prepared at different ratios of polymer solutions to select the hydrogel that exhibited an optimal gelation time. Sophora japonica, a plant leaf extract (SJLE) rich in flavonoids and isoflavonoids, was added to the hydrogel to enhance tissue repair. The developed hydrogels were extensively characterized for their morphology, porosity, and swelling …

Religious, Spiritual, And Cultural Influences Of Dysphagia In The Usa, Emily J. Helder, Elizabeth Oommen, Natalie Bekmetjev, Abigail Mosher, Laura Schipper, Stacia Hoeksema, Katie Georges, Maddie Willemstein, Anna Bierma, Emily Cameron

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Dysphagia, difficulty with swallowing, affects approximately 16% of US adults and can result from conditions such as stroke, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. Despite growing emphasis on the intersection of religion/spirituality (R/S) and health, little research has examined these connections in dysphagia. This qualitative study explored the impact of dysphagia on engagement in R/S rituals and communities and access to cultural food traditions. It also examined ways that R/S beliefs shaped coping practices in persons with dysphagia and their caregivers. Data were gathered through focus group sessions as a part of an interprofessional support group. Participants’ dysphagia symptoms were caused by …

Recipient Of The 2025 Alumni Trailblazer Award, Katlyn J. Gao ’97

Alumni Trailblazer Award

Katlyn Gao is the Co-Founder and CEO of League One Volleyball (LOVB), the largest youth volleyball brand in the U.S. and home to a new professional league led by Olympic medalists from Team USA. Under her leadership, LOVB is redefining the sport across youth, college, and professional levels—expanding opportunities for women and pioneering one of the most innovative models in professional athletics. She brings deep consumer brand and strategy expertise from leadership roles at Lululemon, Sephora, and Coach, as well as Bain and Harvard Business School. Recognized as a trailblazer in modern sports leagues, Katlyn has attracted support from investors …

Educational Experiences Of Traditional And Online Learning Graduate Students, Beverly Crawford Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how graduate-level human services students who have attended both traditional and online courses describe their educational experiences, particularly in terms of engagement, knowledge application, and peer connections. Semistructured interviews were conducted among 12 graduate-level, human services students who had experience in both learning environments. Social learning theory was the theoretical foundation used in the study. Thematic analysis, revealed four major themes describing distinct learning experiences across modalities. First, online and traditional learning involve different forms of engagement. Second, relational engagement in academic environments is important. Third, constraints on engagement across learning …

Recipient Of The 2025 Alumni Titan Award, Dion Steele ’89

Alumni Titan Award

Dion Steele 95'

Dion Steele, a charter alumnus of IMSA, is a visionary leader with a proven record in education, youth development, and community impact. He has served as Principal at Art in Motion Creative Arts School and Urban Prep Academies, and as Director of External Partnerships at the University of Chicago Charter Schools, where he empowered students and teams through culturally responsive leadership. With expertise in education, social justice, and organizational strategy, Dion has driven transformative initiatives that champion innovation, inclusion, and student success. Respected for his authenticity, strategic insight, and commitment to equity, he embodies the qualities of …

Recipient Of The 2025 Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award, Captain Brent Spillner 95'

Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award

Captain Brent Spillner ‘95

A native of Cary, Illinois, Capt. Spillner commissioned in 1999 through the University of Illinois’ naval ROTC program, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science. At sea, he served aboard USS OHIO (SSBN 726), USS LOUISVILLE (SSN 724), USS HAMPTON (SSN 767), and USS ALBUQUERQUE (SSN 706), completing multiple Western Pacific deployments. He commanded USS SPRINGFIELD (SSN 761) from 2016 to 2019, overseeing an engineered overhaul, recertification, and Pacific transition, and USS GREENEVILLE (SSN 772) in 2020, completing a fourth Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command deployment. From 2023 to 2024, he commanded USS EMORY …

Recipient Of The 2025 Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award, Dr. Michael Ombrello

Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award

Dr. Michael Ombrello is an internationally recognized physician-scientist and Principal Investigator at the NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, where he leads the Translational Genetics and Genomics Section. A global pioneer in Still’s disease genomics, he founded the INCHARGE Consortium and launched the first genomic studies of the disease. His team identified the first disease-causing PLCG2 mutations in humans, leading to the discovery of PLAID—an immune disorder featured in The New England Journal of Medicine and The New Yorker. His research has reshaped understanding of rare inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, with findings published in journals such …

Sexual Health Education For Autistic Adolescents In The Arab World: Can Culturally Sensitive Behavioural Activation Help With Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour?, Asmahan Saleh, Karola Dillenburger

All Works

Purpose: Sexual Health Education (SHE) is an important issue for adolescents everywhere, including those with autism or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who live in the Arab world. These young people can become especially vulnerable if their sexual behaviour is inappropriate. Methods: The current studies explored the effectiveness of culturally attuned Behavioural Activation to enhance safeguarding five autistic young people, while at the same time, not abrogating safe and appropriate sexual behaviour. The intervention was delivered via telehealth services. Results: A significant decrease and eventually cessation of public masturbation (in four participants) and undressing others without their consent (in one …

Rape Myth Acceptance, Pretrial Publicity, And Decision-Making: An Examination Of Perceptions Of Victim Credibility And Perpetrator Guilt In A Real-World Sexual Assault Case, Lindsey Strouse

Student Theses

This study explores how the media narratives and political perspective of pretrial publicity (PTP) can influence jurors’ perceptions in sexual assault cases, raising significant concerns about justice in courtrooms. Specifically, it examines whether media framing of a real-life sexual assault case — through varying media narratives, with media that either challenges or endorses rape myths, and media source (liberal vs. conservative) — affects mock jurors’ rape myth acceptance (RMA), views of victim credibility, and judgements of perpetrator guilt. Participants first completed a RMA scale, then read mock news articles varying in media narrative and political affiliations (media source), followed by …

Safely Exploring Novel Actions In Recommender Systems Via Deployment-Efficient Policy Learning, Haruka Kiyohara, Yusuke Narita, Yuta Saito, Kei Tateno, Takuma Udagawa

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

In many real recommender systems, novel items are added frequently over time. The importance of sufficiently presenting novel actions has widely been acknowledged for improving long-term user engagement. A recent work builds on Off-Policy Learning (OPL), which trains a policy from only logged data, however, the existing methods can be unsafe in the presence of novel actions. Our goal is to develop a framework to enforce exploration of novel actions with a guarantee for safety. To this end, we first develop Safe Off-Policy Policy Gradient (Safe OPG), which is a model-free safe OPL method based on a high confidence off-policy …

Ligand-Receptor Interactions Induce And Mediate Regulatory Functions Of Batf3+ B Cells, Hui Yan, Rui Wang, Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli, Christian Cervantes, Funan He, Shuai Wu, Azad Khosh, Weiwei Luo, Jingwei Wang, Maria J Fernandez, Uday P Pratap, Mustafa Khan, Karli Hinton, Sai Eashan Vankamamidi, Dariela Perez, Carlos E Rivera, Harshita B Gupta, Fushun Zhang, Zhenqing Ye, Yidong Chen, Xiao-Dong Li, Gangadhara R Sareddy, Hong Zan, Yue Li, Exing Wang, Evelien M Bunnik, Guangming Zhong, Christopher A Hunter, Ross M Kedl, Zhinan Yin, Booki Min, Diako Ebrahimi, Siyuan Zheng, Tyler J Curiel, Yan Xiang, Ratna K Vadlamudi, Paolo Casali, Zhenming Xu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

B cells express many protein ligands, yet their regulatory functions are incompletely understood. We profiled ligand expression across murine B sublineage cells, including those activated by defined receptor signals, and assessed their regulatory capacities and specificities through in silico analysis of ligand-receptor interactions. Consequently, we identified a B cell subset that expressed cytokine interleukin-27 (IL-27) and chemokine CXCL10. Through the IL-27–IL-27 receptor interaction, these IL-27/CXCL10-producing B cells targeted CD40-activated B cells in vitro and, upon induction by immunization and viral infection, optimized antibody responses and antiviral immunity in vivo. Also present in breast cancer tumors and retained there through CXCL10-CXCR3 …

Hawc Performance Enhanced By Machine Learning In Gamma-Hadron Separation, R. Alfaro, C. Alvarez, A. Andrés, E. Anita-Rangel, M. Araya, J. C. Arteaga-Velázquez, N. Ghosh, P. Hüntemeyer, K. Leavitt, M. Najafi, Et. Al

Michigan Tech Publications

Improving gamma-hadron separation is one of the most effective ways to enhance the performance of ground-based gamma-ray observatories. With more than a decade of continuous operation, the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory has contributed significantly to high-energy astrophysics. To further leverage its rich data set, we introduce a machine learning approach for gamma-hadron separation. A multilayer perceptron shows the best performance, surpassing traditional and other machine learning-based methods. This approach shows a notable improvement in the detector’s sensitivity, supported by results from both simulated and real HAWC data. In particular, it achieves a 19% increase in significance for the Crab …

Navigating Night Shift: The Role Of A Clinical Resource Nurse, Jodie Gord, Ashley Burbey

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Young Carers In Early Childhood - Exploring Experience With The Power Threat Meaning Framework, Carly Ellicott, Alyson Norman, Helen Lloyd, Felicity Dewsbery, Sarah Jones, Shoshana Jones

School of Psychology

This paper presents the first exploration of young carers in early childhood (YCEC), in the context of whole family support, through the application of the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF). Existing contributions to young carer research have shaped social policy, legislation, and practice concerned with whole family approaches to the identification, assessment, and support for young carers globally. To date, the literature has predominantly focused on young carers in middle childhood to young adulthood, contributing to socially constructed Eurocentric ideologies of who young carers are likely to be. As such, YCEC remain disempowered in broader young carer and family science …

The Xeremies Of The Banda Municipal De Barcelona: From The Symphonic Turn Of The Cobla To The Invention Of The Barítona, Nuria Bonet, Albert Fontelles-Ramonet

School of Art, Design and Architecture

During the early twentieth century, Catalonia experienced a period of great cultural and musical development through the Noucentisme movement, which aimed to elevate its national culture to a symbol of high art. The xeremies (shawms) of the cobla ensemble, which played the sardana genre, were integrated into symphonic and chamber repertoire. This required the technical improvement of the tible (treble) and tenora (tenor) xeremies, but also encouraged the invention of new instruments in the shawm family. The barítona (baritone shawm) was premiered in 1930 by the Banda Municipal de Barcelona and represents a milestone in Catalan music in the tumultuous …

Engaging Each Other: Harnessing The Power Of A Multigenerational Workforce In Academic Libraries, Kay Coates, Rachel~Anne Spencer

University Libraries: Faculty Presentations

This presentation focuses on employee engagement and the multigenerational workforce in academic libraries. In this session, the professional values and strengths of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z will be discussed by examining how these generations can collaborate and support each other given their different skill sets, attitudes, and lived experiences. Through the application of Kahn’s Theory of Employee Engagement and the Appreciative Inquiry approach, the focus will be on the dynamic interplay of the generations’ engagement and interaction in the workforce. The goal being to foster productive harmony that leverages the unique contributions of each generation.

Creating Culture: Enabling Research-Active Practitioners To Thrive, Elizabeth Rajan, Philippa Clay, Shani Ackford, Katherine Broomfield

South West Clinical School Journal

#400WORDS: DELIVERING A RESEARCH SKILLED WORKFORCE SPECIAL EDITION

The George-Anne Deep Dive, Georgia Southern University

George-Anne Media Group: Newsletters & Magazines

No abstract provided.

Establishing A Large Public Involvement Network For A Chronic Pain Research Consortium In The Uk, Sharon Grieve, Rosie Harrison, Noureen Shivji, Ian Taverner, Colin Wilkinson, Jo Lloyd, Carolyn Chew-Graham, Candy Mccabe, Ellen Readman, Lisa Austin, Adele Higginbottom, Ed Keogh

South West Clinical School Journal

#400WORDS: DELIVERING A RESEARCH SKILLED WORKFORCE SPECIAL EDITION

Getubetter Lockout Report Evaluation, Samantha Jenkins, Emma Lees, Sharon Viol, Simon Ingram, Faye Goodwin

South West Clinical School Journal

#400WORDS: DELIVERING A RESEARCH SKILLED WORKFORCE SPECIAL EDITION

Occupational Therapy Research Cafes – A Novel Route To Embed Research Into Practice, Mary Harvey

South West Clinical School Journal

#400WORDS: DELIVERING A RESEARCH SKILLED WORKFORCE SPECIAL EDITION

So, What Does Well-Being Mean To You? The Understanding Of Well-Being By Service Users In A Local Authority Setting: A Qualitative Study, Rachel Stott

South West Clinical School Journal

#400WORDS: DELIVERING A RESEARCH SKILLED WORKFORCE SPECIAL EDITION