Digital Commons Network^™

Conditional Product Sampling For Gaussian Process Implicit Surfaces, Song Shi

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Gaussian Process Implicit Surfaces (GPISes) provide a powerful and unified stochastic geometry representation for rendering surfaces, volumes, and the rich continuum between them. Recent work has shown that GPISes can model a broad space of visual appearances under a unified light transport framework. However, practical rendering with GPISes remains challenging: existing estimators can become inefficient for particular correlation structures, and highly anisotropic or heightfield-like GPISes require specialized treatment to obtain robust variance reduction.

This thesis extends recent work on GPIS rendering by introducing a new next-event estimation (NEE) technique for anisotropic GPISes.We show that standard NEE provides diminishing benefits as …

Spark (Seizure Plan For Action And Readiness In Kids): Improving Seizure Action Plan Completion For Hospitalized Children Using Quality Improvement Methodology, Lauren Amendola Do, Faap, Jennifer W. Glusman Do, Mat, Faap, Sheena Mckenzie Md, Mba, Faap, Kayla Howard Do, Radhwa Ramadan Md, Loredana Huma Phd, Acrp-Cp, Usha Appalaneni Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) provides individualized seizure management instructions, including medication administration and emergency protocols. SAPs are inconsistently completed at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn (ACH-OL) leading to missed opportunities for patient/caregiver education and potential safety risks during care transitions.

Purpose:

Using quality improvement (QI) methodology, we aimed to improve the SAP completion rate for patients admitted to ACH-OL with seizure from 13% to 75% between 9/1/2025-12/31/2025.

Methods:

English and Spanish speaking patients 0–18 years admitted to ACH-OL with seizure-related diagnoses (identified by ICD-10 codes) and discharged from a general pediatric service between 9/1/25- 12/31/25 were included. …

Improving Integration Of Intake And Output Into Patient Care For Hospitalized Pediatric Patients, Seetal Mishra Md, Sheena Mckenzie Md, Mba, Faap, Svetlana Kravtchenko Md, Jessica Panice Msn, Aprn, Pcns-Bc, Aprn, Jessica Dukats Msn, Rn, Cpn, Danielle Prate Msn, Rn, Cpn, Joel Anderson Mph

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Lack of a universally accepted definition of strict vs standard intake and output (Ia&nO) has led to variability in documentation and orders across the pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) team. A serious safety event (SE) occurred when severe dehydration in an infant was not recognized, resulting in hypovolemic shock. Chart review showed minimal output documentation and failure to recognize I&O imbalance.

Purpose:

We aimed to decrease the I&O SE rate by 10% over 2 years by improving the integration of I&O into the clinical care of general pediatric patients at two campuses of Advocate Children’s Hospital.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team …

Maternal Fever And Pprom Are Associated With Early Neonatal Illness Severity: A Composite Score Analysis In Nicu Admissions, Zoya Khan Do, Alexandra Wilson Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Maternal complications during delivery may predispose neonates to early clinical instability. Identifying specific maternal risk factors can help stratify neonatal risk and guide early postnatal care.

Purpose:

To assess the relationship between maternal complications and early neonatal illness severity using a composite clinical illness score.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included neonates admitted to a level IV NICU. Maternal factors analyzed included chorioamnionitis, fever, PPROM, preeclampsia, and intrapartum antibiotic exposure. Neonatal illness severity was defined using a 5-point composite score incorporating hypotension, need for hydrocortisone, elevated CRP, presence of multiple central lines, and ≥5 days of central line use. …

The Node Knows: Histopathology As The Key To Fever Of Unknown Origin In An Adolescent, Annette Mathew Do, Dana Nezon Md, Shalini Vootkur Md, Melissa Tesher Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a common pediatric presentation with a broad infectious and noninfectious differential. Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), also known as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), is a rare, self-limited condition characterized by prolonged fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific findings, with definitive confirmation requiring histopathologic evaluation. We describe a case of FUO and cervical lymphadenopathy ultimately diagnosed as HNL.

Description:

A 14-year-old female presented with one month of neck pain, tender cervical lymphadenopathy, and fevers. Initial outpatient treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate did not result in improvement. Reevaluation demonstrated leukopenia and neutropenia, prompting hospital …

Baseline Ntprobnp As A Predictor Of 1-Year Heart Failure Hospitalizations In Cardiac Amyloidosis, Hannah Runnoe Do, Anne Marie Bonaguro Do, Valentina Turbay Caballero Md, Cindy Ndiaye Mph, Mark Dela Cruz Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are at high risk for morbidity. It remains unclear which biomarkers or echocardiographic parameters can help identify CA patients at the highest risk of short-term hospitalization.

Purpose:

We investigated whether biomarkers or echocardiographic parameters could help identify CA patients at the highest risk of hospitalization within one year.

Methods:

We performed a single-center cohort study of all CA patients from 2019 to 2025 who had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular- pulmonary arterial pressure coupling (RV-PA coupling ratio) reported at baseline. Patients were divided into groups based on number of heart …

Kidney Biopsy Adequacy Analysis And Improvement Strategies, Rosemary Kallarackel Do, Serena Thomas Bs, Abraham Thomas Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and management of patients with medical kidney diseases. Recent data suggest an increasing incidence of inadequate kidney biopsy samples in the United States. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines recommend that an adequate kidney biopsy specimen should contain at least 8 glomeruli (KDIGO Glomerular Diseases Work Group, 2021).

Purpose:

Improving kidney biopsy adequacy is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis, reduce repeat procedures, and optimize outcomes. Optimizing procedural techniques targeting the outer renal cortex and selecting larger-gauge needles—has been shown to improve tissue adequacy. Standardizing biopsy protocols, enhancing operator training, …

Connecting Unprofessional Behaviors To Trust: Medical Education Perspectives, Deborah Simpson Phd, Kristin Ouweneel Mba, Tricia La Fratta Mba, Jacob Bidwell Md, Wilhelm Lehmann Md, Mph, Nicole Salvo Md, William Macdonald Md, Kathryn Agard Cmp, Pmp, Esmeralda Santana C-Tagme, David Hamel Md, Kirtan Patel Do, Jessica O'Brien Md, Ed.M, Suzette S. Caudle Md, Leah N. Delfinado Md, Facog, Mscp, David M. Irby Mdiv, Phd

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Perceived unprofessional behavior (PUB) poses a significant challenge in medical education (ME), as research demonstrates its adverse impact on patient care, teamwork, and learning. But what if professionalism is reframed as trust consistent with ME’s entrusted professional activities (EPA)? Agreement on which behaviors adversely affect trust can provide educators with a different approach to illuminate PUB.

Purpose:

To develop and conduct a needs assessment to assess the degree to which selected professionalism-related behaviors are linked to trust.

Methods:

Key ME stakeholders (i.e., learners, faculty, ME leaders/staff) submitted brief, de-identified unprofessional behaviors that they had experienced/witnessed exhibited in practice. Behaviors …

When Metabolism Meets Mind: The Diagnostic Challenges Behind Late-Onset Otc Deficiency, Rebecca Hoshaw Do, Lauren Amendola Do, Faap, Catherine Raquel Bs, Mallory Logsdon Do, Faap

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most prevalent urea cycle disorder (UCD), affecting ~1 in 60,000 people. As an X-linked condition, it was historically associated with severe neonatal disease in males. However, newer data shows females often present postnatally with highly variable symptoms and age of onset, frequently causing mis- or delayed diagnosis.

Description:

We report a case of a 10-year-old female with cyclic vomiting syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and recent orthopedic surgery who presented with acute onset altered mental status, lethargy, and visual hallucinations without focal neurologic deficits on exam. Initial labs were notable for normal glucose and …

Traumatic Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis After Mastoid Fracture: Importance Of Venous Imaging In High-Risk Skull Fractures, Afrah Rehman Bs, Ellie Esbrook Md, Sakina Burhani Md, Madeline Bonaguro Md, Sonali Mehta Patel Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Traumatic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an under-recognized complication of head trauma, particularly in skull fractures overlying dural venous sinuses. Among patients with skull fractures, venous sinus thrombosis is reported in up to 7% of cases and in 41–57% when fractures extend to a dural sinus or jugular bulb on dedicated imaging. We present a case of traumatic sigmoid sinus thrombosis associated with mastoid fracture involving the jugular bulb.

Description:

A previously healthy 15-year-old male presents after being thrown from the hood of a moving vehicle. He experienced a brief loss of consciousness followed by headache, dizziness, nausea, …

Alopecia Associated With Tnf-Α Inhibitors: A Faers Review Of Combination Therapy Effects That Miraculously Spare Ibd Patients, Olivia Foy Md, Lukus Berber Md, Nick Adimi Md, Eli D. Ehrenpreis Md, Agaf, Facg

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are widely used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), often combined with Methotrexate (MTX) to reduce immunogenicity. Agents such as Infliximab and Adalimumab are effective for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although generally well tolerated, both have been linked to dermatologic adverse effects. Alopecia is a visible and distressing side effect that may affect quality of life and adherence. The magnitude of this risk in IBD patients receiving combination therapy remains unclear. Post-marketing databases allow detection of rare adverse drug reactions and potential interactions.

Purpose:

We used OpenVigil, a …

Using Large Language Models To Evaluate The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (Ibdq), Olivia Foy Md, Yannis Lafazanos Do, Lukus Berber Md, Eli D. Ehrenpreis Md, Agaf, Facg

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), a 32-item survey published in 1989, evaluates health-related quality of life (QOL) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across bowel, systemic, emotional, and social domains. Higher scores indicate better QOL. It remains widely used in clinical practice and trials. However, as therapies and patient expectations evolve, legacy instruments may not capture contemporary domains such as mental health burden, cultural factors, treatment complexity, extraintestinal manifestations, and cumulative therapy impact. Large language models (LLMs), increasingly used in clinical research, offer a systematic method to critique and refine patientreported outcome (PRO) tools. We aimed to determine whether …

Complete Radiographic Response Of Disseminated Post-Kidney Transplant Kaposi Sarcoma After Conversion From Tacrolimus To Sirolimus, Ravjot Kaur Virdi Do, Mph, Jon M. Richards Md, Eli D. Ehrenpreis Md, Agaf, Facg

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)-driven angioproliferative neoplasm that can occur after solid-organ transplantation. Post-transplant KS often involves lymph nodes and viscera and is managed primarily by reducing or modifying immunosuppression. Conversion from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors is frequently employed given potential antitumor and antiangiogenic effects. This report details a unique case of disseminated, predominantly extracutaneous KS, initially concerning for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which achieved complete radiographic response after CNI-tosirolimus conversion alone.

Description:

A woman with end-stage renal disease from congenital renal hypoplasia underwent deceased-donor kidney transplant at age …

Menarche To Menopause: The Impact Of The Reproductive Lifespan On Gynecological Health, Iridian Guzman Mph, Caroline Cochrane Md, Anne Rivelli Mph, Ma, Veronica Fitzpatrick Drph, Mph, Asma Ahmed Phd, Marybeth Ingle Phd

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

A woman’s reproductive lifespan (age at menopause-age at menarche) is anchored within two significant physiological shifts. On average, women spend half their life in this phase and are susceptible to gynecological diseases.

Purpose:

The aim of the menopause (M2M) study is to examine the shift in reproductive lifespan.

Methods:

The M2M study included women (10-90 years) with a documented age at menarche and 1> annual encounter between 2014-2024 within a large Midwestern Health System (n=340,220). Demographics, gynecological conditions, and comorbidities were extracted from electronic health records. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables are presented as means and standard deviations and …

Event Recap Flyer And Award Winners, Advocate Health - Midwest

Scientific Day

Recap flyer from the 52nd Annual Scientific Day, including list of award recipients.

Effects Of Rnai Of Ribophorin 1, Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2 Beta And Peptidylprolyl Isomerase A In Acyrthosiphon Pisum, James Balthazor Ph.D., Brandon Kenemer

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Graduate research using dsRNA to knockdown three genes of the unfolded protein response in pea aphids supported by the NIH K-INBRE Program.

Three genes found in the Unfolded protein response, Ribophorin 1, Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 beta, and Peptidylprolyl isomerase A are thought to be potential targets for RNA Interference (RNAi) in Acyrthosiphon pisum.  Ribophorin 1 (RPN1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that assists in anchoring ribosomes to the rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane.  It acts as a substrate-specific chaperone.  It facilitates N-glycosylation by delivering newly synthesized proteins to the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex.  Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 beta (eIF2B) is …

Homeschool Music: The Predictive Relationship Between Parents’ Homeschooling Approach And Religiosity For Music Learning Choices, Ashley Virginia Finke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational study was to examine how accurately the combination of parents’ homeschooling approach and parents’ religiosity predict music learning choices for homeschooled students. A Florida Department of Education report showed an increase in homeschooling between the 2013-14 and 2023-24 school years, while an Institute of Education Sciences report documented that 49 percent of homeschooled students in the United States participated in music in 2016. Despite these reports, limited research exists of homeschool music education in the United States and, specifically, in Florida. This study resulted from the related literature and the dearth of current …

Given The Systematic Theological Analysis With A Practical Theological Target Of Creation Care, A Christian Worldview Provides Robust Reasons For Protecting And Promoting The Fecundity Of Non-Human Animals, Joshua Forystek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When a systematic theological analysis with a practical theological target of creation care is taken, a Christian worldview provides robust reasons for protecting and promoting the fecundity of non-human animals. This multifaceted approach brings cohesion and specificity into the area of Christian stewardship toward creation care.

Women In Ministry Leadership: Balancing Work, Personal Life, And Family Responsibilities, Coretta Shawn Thompson Siler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Women in ministry leadership experience specific difficulties managing professional ministry, personal health, and family obligations (Frederick, T. V., Dunbar, S. B., & Hargrove, D. S., 2023). This paper focused on the specific struggles of women in ministry leadership, despite the numerous challenges women face across various fields. Its purpose was to examine the obstacles, interactions, and repercussions of these issues in faith-based groups and church leadership. The Dissertation-in-Praxis addressed these difficulties and offered a one-day workshop as a real-world solution. It aimed to educate women in leadership on biblical concepts, leadership styles, and methods for juggling their obligations. With servant …

The Problem Of Evil: Theodicy Of Afterlife, Christian C. Anyanwueze

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem of evil has remained a central issue in philosophical theology, prompting both ancient and contemporary scholars to propose various theodicies and defenses concerning the existence of evil in a world created by an omnipotent, omniscient, and wholly good God. While Plantinga’s Free Will Defense, Hick’s soul-making theodicy, and the Augustinian-Thomistic greater-good tradition offer significant contributions to the discussion, each faces important limitations. Plantinga’s model functions primarily as a logical defense and leaves unresolved questions concerning transworld depravity and eschatological fulfillment, while Hick’s instrumental use of evil as a means of soul-building has been criticized for potentially compromising divine …

Social Networking Influences In The Challenges Of West African Immigrant College Students In Kentucky – A Hermeneutical Qualitative Study, Martin Chukwusolum Akwari

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological study is to explore how social network groups modulate the lived experiences of West African immigrant students in colleges and universities in Kentucky. Grounded in Bourdieu’s social capital theory and informed by a social constructivist interpretive framework, this study explored how shared experiences within social network groups influence how West African immigrant students interpret their academic and social environments during college years. The study is anchored on a central research question: How does social interaction with others influence how immigrant students of West African origin interpret their lived experiences in higher education institutions …

One Body Many Members: Toward A Vision Of Individual And Corporate Maturity In The New Testament, Rebecca Mohr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The apostle Paul and the author of Hebrews both discern within the early Christian communities a critical deficiency: some individual believers did not realize the value they would bring to the corporate Church body by maturing and remaining committed to the fellowship. For Paul, growth in Christ is inherently ecclesial; the believer’s Christian maturity contributes to the edification and unity of the body, as articulated in Ephesians 4, where maturity in faith and knowledge safeguards the church from fragmentation and instability. Spiritual immaturity, therefore, is not merely an individual shortcoming but a communal liability that threatens the integrity of the …

The Relationship Between Mentorship And Career Longevity For New Clinicians In Emergency Medical Services, Katherine Elizabeth Contreras

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to understand how mentorship assisted a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) clinician in navigating the challenges of the first year at an EMS agency in Central Texas. Guiding the study was Lev Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism, which focuses on knowledge gained through human activities, social interactions, and behavior modeling. Twelve study participants completed one-on-one interviews, two participants completed a single focus group interview, and the researcher conducted naturalistic observations, during which the participants shared personal, firsthand experiences that answered the study’s central research question: How does mentorship help new EMS …

Harmonizing Faith: An Investigation Of The Efficacy Of A Small Group Study On The Theology Of Music For Spiritual Growth, Timothy Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem this study addresses is that Trinity Anglican Church in Connersville, Indiana, had not cultivated a theology of music among its congregants to enrich encounters with God through music. The purpose of this DMIN action research project was to implement a small group study on the theology of music to enrich encounters with God through God-honoring, captivating music. The researcher employed a novel approach: Luke 10:27 served as a paradigmatic framework for exploring how music relates to the dimensions of heart (i.e., emotion), soul (i.e., spiritual encounter), strength (i.e., embodied experience), mind (i.e., intellect), and neighbor (i.e., communal and …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Cardiovascular Adaptations To Exercise And Endurance Performance Among Male And Female Collegiate Athletes, Ronnie Wayne Eggleston Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cardiovascular adaptations to exercise are prominent among endurance athletes. While heart rate is used to determine exercise prescription and to measure overall health, little research has explored the influence of sex-based differences on changes in heart rate and performance outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare cardiovascular adaptations to exercise in male and female endurance athletes, with a focus on heart rate and performance times. A quasi-experimental longitudinal design was used with a sample of 19 (nine males, ten females) collegiate triathletes on a university club sports team. Data was collected at the beginning and end …

Emotional Suppression & Job Satisfaction: A Look Into The Life Of A Military Member, Laura Gilbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military members face a multitude of unique stressors that may contribute to the use of emotional expressive suppression. Yet limited research exists on the effects of emotional suppression on employee job satisfaction within the military ranks. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the perceptions and experiences of 17 active duty military members of the United States Coast Guard regarding emotional expressive suppression and its effect on personal job satisfaction. The research questions explored the lived experiences of those who employed emotional expressive suppression and their accounts of job satisfaction, framed within emotional regulation and the range of affect theory. Through …

Supporting Parents Of Pre-Adolescents: Equipping Parents Through Focused Instruction On Biblical Parenting Practices, Lillian Michelle Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project addresses the problem that parents and grandparents of pre-adolescent children at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church do not receive sufficient intentional spiritual support, biblical guidance, and instruction to teach them how to raise their children using parenting skills grounded in a biblical worldview. The purpose of this research was to equip parents and grandparents of pre-adolescent children with biblically based parenting skills using an eight-week group study. The project examined the results of the Bible study group, which focused on Genesis 1:26, Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Proverbs 22:6, Luke 2:46, Ephesians 6:1-4, and Titus 2:1-8. The study implemented …

Host Communities' Perceptions Of Multinational Oil Companies' Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr) Communication In The Niger Delta, Nigeria, James E. Onosu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the lived experiences and perceptions of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria regarding the corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication and messages of multinational oil companies (MOCs) operating in the region. This became imperative in the face of unabated conflicts between the giant oil companies and their host community counterparts, despite the companies' claims of numerous CSR projects, and to fill a gap in the literature on the dearth of CSR communication in the region. The central research question that the study sought to answer was: What is the perception of host communities regarding the …

Perceived Opportunities For Skill Refreshment Via Microlearning And Its Impact On Job Satisfaction And Organizational Commitment Among K-12 Teachers, Jessica Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traditional professional development models often fail to provide the flexibility required by modern K-12 educators, contributing to increased stress and burnout. This non-experimental, cross-sectional study examined the relationship between perceived opportunities for skill refreshment via microlearning, short, on-demand modules, and teachers’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Grounded in SCT, COR Theory, and OST, the study surveyed 99 K-12 teachers in the United States using validated instruments and a researcher-developed scale. Results indicated that perceived microlearning opportunities significantly and positively predicted job satisfaction. Perceived microlearning opportunities also significantly predicted organizational commitment in the initial regression model. Job satisfaction, in turn, significantly …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Challenges Mothers Face With Reentry Into The Workforce After Giving Birth, Carrie Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of new mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) who reentered the workforce in Arkansas. The study aimed to discover the psychological, organizational, and social difficulties these mothers experienced during the transition from maternity leave to regular employment. Using feminist theory, attachment theory, and social constructivism as guiding frameworks, the study investigated the effects of gendered workplace structures, interrupted maternal-infant bonding, and sociocultural expectations in shaping how mothers perceived themselves and their work. A purposive sampling strategy was applied to select participants who had returned to work within one year …