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Scientific Kenyon: Neuroscience Edition (Full Issue)

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Ditching Magic For Memory: The New Mushroom In Town, Dani Buch

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

What Does Aaron Hernandez Have In Common With Your High Schooler?, Sam Lee

Scientific Kenyon: The Neuroscience Edition

No abstract provided.

Regulation Of Rorα Stability Through Prmt5-Dependent Symmetric Dimethylation, Gaofeng Xiong, Brynne Obringer, Austen Jones, Elise Horton, Ren Xu

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα), a candidate tumor suppressor, is prevalently downregulated or lost in malignant breast cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of how RORα expression is regulated in breast epithelial cells remain incompletely understood. Protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), a type II methyltransferase catalyzing the symmetric methylation of the amino acid arginine in target proteins, was reported to regulate protein stability. To study whether and how PRMT5 regulates RORα, we examined the direct interaction between RORα and PRMT5 by immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays. The results showed that PRMT5 directly bound to RORα, and PRMT5 mainly symmetrically …

A Cautionary Tale About Properly Vetting Datasets Used In Supervised Learning Predicting Metabolic Pathway Involvement, Erik D. Huckvale, Hunter N. B. Moseley

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The mapping of metabolite-specific data to pathways within cellular metabolism is a major data analysis step needed for biochemical interpretation. A variety of machine learning approaches, particularly deep learning approaches, have been used to predict these metabolite-to-pathway mappings, utilizing a training dataset of known metabolite-to-pathway mappings. A few such training datasets have been derived from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). However, several prior published machine learning approaches utilized an erroneous KEGG-derived training dataset that used SMILES molecular representations strings (KEGG-SMILES dataset) and contained a sizable proportion (~26%) duplicate entries. The presence of so many duplicates taint the …

Teaching Financial Econometrics To Students Converting To Finance, Stan Hurn, Peter C. B. Phillips, Vance Martin, Jun Yu

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Financial econometrics is a dynamic discipline that began to take on its present form around the turn of the century. Since then it has found a permanent position as a popular course sequence in both undergraduate and graduate teaching programs in economics, finance, and business schools. Because of the breadth of the subject’s foundations, its extensive coverage in applications and because these courses attract a wide range of students with accompanying interests and skill sets that cover diverse areas and technical capabilities, teaching financial econometrics presents many challenges to the university educator. This chapter addresses some of these challenges, provides …

Supply Chain Disruptions And Supplier Capital In U.S. Firms, Ernest Liu, Vladimir Smirnyagin, Aleh Tsyvinski

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We empirically and quantitatively study the impact of supply chain disruptions on U.S. businesses. Leveraging granular shipment-level data on the universe of U.S. seaborne imports with nearly 200 million observations, we construct a measure of disruptions at the individual firm level for the time period 2013-2023. We document a significant heterogeneity in disruption rates among U.S. public firms, with a notable increase observed in recent years. We introduce a notion of supplier capital and investigate the effect of supply disruptions on firms’ investment decisions. In the data, firms tend to increase investment in supplier capital following the shock, however, financially …

Improving Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Pediatric Surgery: An Innovative Mentorship Program, Amelia E. Gavulic, Insiyah Campwala, Natalie Moreno, Grace M. Mallampalli, Yousef Ibrahim, Anthony Stallion, Sabina Siddiqui, Marjorie J. Arca, Samir K. Gadepalli, Erika A. Newman

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Abstract: Purpose: Representation among pediatric surgeons does not reflect the pediatric patient population. In line with the Association of Pediatric Surgery Training Program Directors (APSTPD)’s mission to broaden cognitive diversity and representation in the workforce via leadership development and longitudinal mentorship, the Alliance of Pediatric Surgeons Growing and Advancing Representation (APGAR) was created with national collaboration. One year later, we report on the composition of APGAR and the perspectives of its members. Methods: Seventeen mentorship groups (“pods”) were formally established with representatives from each premedical learner level from high school students to pediatric surgery fellows and attendings. Pods were led …

The Role Of Mettl21a In Kras-Driven Cancers, Xiaojie Yang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Abstract

More than 100 lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) were predicted to be present in the human proteome, and many were implicated in cancer etiology. However, the catalytic activity and substrate specificity for many of these enzymes remain unknown. Our work aimed to explore the role of Methyltransferase like 21A (METTL21A), amember of the little-studied seven β- strand family of candidate lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), and its role in regulating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) tumorigenesis. Through the meta-analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets, I found that METTL21A is significantly downregulated in PDAC and LUAC versus normal tissue, and …

Oxidative Phosphorylation In Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Regulator Of The Tumor Immune Landscape, Renato A. Guerrieri

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Previously, we demonstrated via RNA-sequencing analysis of murine intracranial melanoma tumors that pharmacologic inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) results in increased expression of genes consistent with activated anti-tumor immune responses. The central hypothesis of this dissertation is that OXPHOS plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and immune regulation of melanoma brain metastases (MBMs).

The functional significance of OXPHOS was assessed through genetic inhibition, involving knockout (KO) of key regulatory genes such as Ppargc1a (PGC1a) and Ndfus4 (NDUFS4), a component of mitochondrial complex I. PGC1a KO in an RCAS-TVA mouse model of autochthonous lung and brain tumors developing from primary …

International Economic Law In The Era Of Great Power Rivalry, Ming Du

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

No abstract provided.

Climbing Up The Critical Mineral Value Chains: The Global South And Green Industrialization In An Era Of Disruption, Mandy Meng Fang

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

No abstract provided.

Conceptualizing "Systemically Important Technological Institutions" As Too Big To Fail Entities: Moving The Insolvency Goal Post, M. P. Ram Mohan, Sai Muralidhar K.

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

No abstract provided.

Targeting Coenzyme A Biosynthesis For Antifungal Development., Jessica Regan

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

An estimated 1.5 million people die each year from invasive fungal infections (IFIs) involving dissemination to the deeper organs via the bloodstream, with estimated healthcare costs of over $7 billion in the U.S. alone. Collectively, several Candida species account for more than 75% of disseminated fungal infections in the U.S., with attributable mortality rates ranging 35-75%. Unfortunately, the prospect of curing these infections is limited by the modest efficacy of the available antifungal drugs: the azoles, echinocandins, and amphotericin B. Approximately one-third of patients with disseminated Candida infections are non-responsive to treatment with the azoles, and favorable response rates are …

Identifying Contributors To Acute Stroke Transfer Delays From Lower To Higher Level Stroke Centers, Jennifer Patterson

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The intricate process of efficiently transferring patients within the healthcare setting has proven to be complex however, it is a critical component to ensure timely access to essential medical interventions. Navigating these complexities presents a multifaceted challenge that is not fully understood. For patients suffering a stroke, these transfer delays may render them ineligible for treatment and left with disabling disability. This collective work aims to identify contributors to delays in transfer from lower to higher levels of care in the acute stroke populations.

Three papers emerged from this thesis. First, a narrative review of the literature published between January …

Optimizing Adult Learner Success: Applying Random Forest Classifier In Higher Education Predictive Analytics, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

This study examines the application of the Random Forest Classifier (RF) model in predicting academic success among adult learners in higher education. It focuses on evaluating the model's effectiveness using key statistical measures like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score across a comprehensive dataset from 2013–14 to 2021–22, which includes variables such as age, ethnicity, gender, Pell Grant eligibility, and academic performance metrics. The research highlights the RF model's capability to handle large datasets with varying data types and demonstrates its superiority over traditional regression models in predictive accuracy. Through an iterative process, the study refines the RF model to …

Exploring Application Of The Coordinate Exchange To Generate Optimal Designs Robust To Data Loss, Asher Hanson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the coordinate exchange (CEXCH) algorithm in the generation of robust optimal designs. The assessment involves a comparative analysis, wherein designs produced by the Point Exchange (PEXCH) Algorithm are employed as benchmarks for evaluating the efficiency of CEXCH designs. Three modified criteria, selected from the traditional alphabet criteria pool, are utilized to score each algorithm. To enhance the reliability of the comparative analysis, multiple rounds of validation are conducted, focusing on visual assessments, design scores, and criteria efficiencies. The findings from each round of validation contribute to a comprehensive …

Analyzing The Use Of Agricultural Literacy Assessments: A Descriptive Study Of The Implementation Of The Judd-Murray And The Longhurst-Murray Agricultural Literacy Instruments, Taryn S. Whitaker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive snapshot of how the JMALI and LMALI agricultural literacy assessment instruments have been implemented within the United States. It was concluded that the greatest number of respondents used the assessment instruments as formal assessment diagnostic tools to determine agricultural knowledge and improve instruction. When assessments are used as intended, the likelihood they will effectively achieve their intended goals increases.

This study was the first step in determining how agricultural literacy assessments are currently being used. However, future research should focus on improving the collection of agriculture literacy assessment scores and …

Top-Down Vs Bottom-Up Effects On Predator-Prey Interactions In Aquatic Communities, Catherine Mary Mcclure

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Ecology is studied at multiple scales to better understand how small changes at the individual level scale up to affect our ecosystems and global systems. These ecological scales include individuals (single organism), populations (group of organisms of the same species), communities (populations of different species interacting with each other), and ecosystems (species interacting with other species and their local environment). The research in this document is focused on the individual, population, and community scale. In particular, this research addresses questions regarding how changes in environmental conditions (i.e., predation and resources) affect species interactions which ultimately affects the composition of ecological …

Understanding Timing Error Characteristics From Overclocked Systolic Multiply-Accumulate Arrays In Fpgas, Andrew S. Chamberlin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the biggest fields of research for computer hardware right now. Hardware accelerators are chips (such as graphics cards) that are purpose built to be the best at a specific type of operation. AI hardware accelerators are a growing field of research. Part of hardware in general is a digital clock that controls the pace at which computations occur. If this clock runs too quickly, the hardware won't have enough time to finish its computation. We call that a timing error. This paper focuses on studying the characteristics of timing errors in a small custom …

Using Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Vs Traditional D-Dimer To Rule Out Acute Aortic Syndrome, Jacob Nelson, Divyani Patel, Sylvia Kashat, Gorune Geloian, Karen Childers, David A. Berger, Brett Todd

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background and Objectives: Acute aortic syndromes (AS), including aortic dissection, are rare and life-threatening diagnoses. Early diagnosis is critical as mortality increases by 1%–2% per hour after symptom onset. D-dimer (DD) Methods: In this retrospective chart review, we identified all patients who presented to any Emergency Department (ED) at a multicenter health system between 2012 and 2021, received a D-dimer test, and underwent CTA Dissection, CTA Coronary Study, or CTA Triple Rule-Out. Patients under the age of 18, pregnant, had prior dissection or thoracic aorta repair, or who presented altered/unresponsive were excluded. For patients with multiple presentations, the first visit …

Assessing And Meeting The Needs Of Homeless Populations, Mitchell Greenwald

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Problem Formation: As homeless populations have continued to grow, it is important to analyze services and replace ones lacking efficacy. This research sought to locate gaps in service delivery and to let the data fuel newer, innovative services. Significance: This study brought greater awareness of needs and services available to homeless people and to clinical staff at the agencies who work with them. It also provided new ideas for interventions that might better meet client needs. Design: This study was designed as a mixed-methods project. It was believed that master’s level social work students would be an ideal group to …

Accessibility Of Services For Transgender Adolescents From A Child Welfare Perspective, Eduardo Cedeno

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The following is a quantitative study with an explorative element conducted at Southern California University with a convenience sample of 23 social worker participants with experience in child welfare. A Qualtrics questionnaire was administered during the Fall 2023 semester and was used to assess the social workers perception, preparedness, and knowledge in providing services to transgender youth in foster care. The study aimed to gain an understanding of the overall perception of the effect in available transgender resources and training within the child welfare system.

What Are The Barriers To Seeking Psychotherapy Services Across Different Racial And Ethnic Groups?, Deysee Chavez, Elisa Rodarte

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored barriers to seeking psychotherapy services across racial and ethnic groups among adults of 18 years of age or older (2) any individual who has considered, sought, or received mental health services (3) residing in Southern California. The surveys consisted of questions from the Barriers to Mental Health Services Scale Revised (BMHSS-R) sub-scales; Help Seeking, Stigma, Knowledge and Fear of Psychotherapy, Belief about Inability to Find a Psychotherapist, and Belief that Depressive Symptoms are Normal. It was hypothesized that Latino individuals face greater barriers when seeking psychotherapy services as compared to other racial groups. This study consisted of …

“We Take Crises And We Make Them Work”: Platicas And Testimonios Of Undocumented Latina/O/X College Students To Engage In Critical Race Feminista Praxis, Fernando Villalpando

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Undocumented Latinx college students have experienced and continue to experience challenges to earn their American dream (Pentón, Herrera & Obregón, 2018). Their aspirations and resiliency are facing one of the biggest challenges yet with the rhetoric and actions of the Trump Administration. These actions may have major implications on their journey through higher education and society. In California alone there are approximately 38,000 undocumented college students who could be in jeopardy of their future, and the implications of the current presidency’s actions could have enormous impacts on their lives (Gonzáles, 2009). By wanting to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals …

Social Workers’ Preparedness For Practice With Patients Experiencing Psychotic Disorders, Paula Crespin

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The present study explored the preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders who present with non-affective psychosis. The present study sought to examine the perceived barriers to mental health service utilization for individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders as well as the perceived preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals with non-affective psychosis. Social workers are crucial frontline workers in the treatment and support of individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorder. This qualitative study was comprised of twelve semi-structured interviews to gauge the preparedness of social workers (N=12). Results from the thematic analysis demonstrated …

Seeking Steatite: Analyzing The Spatial Distribution Of Southern California Arrow Shaft Straighteners, Christina Angela Livingston

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Arrow shaft straighteners are ground stone tools used in the production of arrows. Over the years, before Spanish colonialism, California Natives formed arrow shaft straighteners using various types of stone, such as granite or basalt. My thesis will focus on the arrow shaft straighteners made out of steatite. Steatite, or soapstone, is a metamorphic rock that is smooth to the touch. The smoothness makes steatite very easy to carve and modify. In California, there are many main sources of steatite. For my thesis, I will focus only on four of these sources: Inyo County, Santa Catalina Island, Sierra Pelona, and …

Archaeological Perspectives On Human-Horse Dynamics: Reexamination And Analysis Of The Ca-Sbr-2110 Collection, Gabrielle Nicole Carpentier

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In this thesis, I analyzed the CA-SBr-2110 collection which contains a human and a horse skeleton. The collection was excavated in 1965 from Yermo, California and is currently housed at San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands, California. This research explores human-horse relationships in an archaeological context. The human skeleton was not analyzed in this research due to unknown cultural affiliation and sensitivity towards potential indigeneity. My research examines the horse remains within this collection and utilizes radiocarbon dating on three samples. Dating two samples from the horse provided approximate dates of 1829–1900 cal AD and 1798–1942 cal AD while dating …

Stress And Help-Seeking In Farmworkers In The Coachella Valley, Alexis Garcia, Daniela Mejia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

California farmworkers are a vulnerable population who face unique stressors that may increase their risk for mental health problems. The study’s purpose is: (1) to quantitatively investigate the relationship between stress and help-seeking attitudes among Coachella Valley farmworkers and (2) to qualitatively explore the factors affecting the utilization of mental health services. Data came from 28 participants recruited through the snowball sampling method. Quantitative data from the Migrant Farmworker Stress Inventory (MFWSI) and the Mental Health Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS) suggests no relationship between help-seeking attitudes and stress levels. Qualitative data analysis revealed themes that reflected cultural views. Results show …

Composing From The Margins: The Breaking Of Writing Barriers, Empowering Voices & Broadening The Work Of Feminist Composition Studies, Jasmin Salgado

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The concept of identity politics within Composition Studies acknowledge how a writer’s social identity (race, gender, sexuality, disabilities, etc.) influences their writing style and shapes their language. Understanding the relationship between social identity and writing practices means recognizing the diverse perspectives writers bring to the writing classroom. In alignment with this perspective, feminist composition studies emphasize the importance of centering marginalized voices and creating inclusive learning environments where students can safely express their identities through writing. However, research reveals that diverse perspectives haven’t always been welcomed in academic spaces. Feminist compositionists unveil how discourse around writing conventions and language norms …