Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Towards An Interdisciplinary “Science Of The Mind”: A Call For Enhanced Collaboration Between Philosophy And Neuroscience, Alessandra Buccella, Uri Maoz, Liad Mudrik

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

In recent decades, the neuroscientific community has moved from describing the neural underpinnings of mental phenomena—as characterized by experimental psychology and philosophy of mind—to attempting to redefine those mental phenomena based on neural findings. Nowadays, many are intrigued by the idea that neuroscience might provide the “missing piece” that would allow philosophers (and, to an extent, psychologists, too) to make important advances, generating new means that these disciplines lack to close knowledge gaps and answer questions like “What is Free Will?” and “Do humans have it?.” In this paper, we argue that instead of striving for neuroscience to replace philosophy …

Influence Of Polypyrrole On Phosphorus- And Tio2-Based Anode Nanomaterials For Li-Ion Batteries, Chiwon Kang, Kibum Song, Seungho Ha, Yujin Sung, Yejin Kim, Keun-Young Shin, Byung Hyo Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Phosphorus (P) and TiO2 have been extensively studied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high specific capacities. However, P is limited by low electrical conductivity and significant volume changes during charge and discharge cycles, while TiO2 is hindered by low electrical conductivity and slow Li-ion diffusion. To address these issues, we synthesized organic–inorganic hybrid anode materials of P–polypyrrole (PPy) and TiO2–PPy, through in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of the nanoscale inorganic materials. These hybrid anode materials showed higher cycling stability and capacity compared to pure P and TiO2. The enhancements are attributed …

A/B Testing Of User Enrollment Forms To Enhance Diversity In The Biomedical Workforce Via The National Research Mentoring Network: User-Centered Design Case Study, Toufeeq Ahmed Syed, Erika L Thompson, Jason Johnson, Zainab Latif, Nan Kennedy, Damaris Javier, Katie Stinson, Jamboor K Vishwanatha

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) is a National Institutes of Health-funded program for diversifying the science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine research workforce through the provision of mentoring, networking, and professional development resources. The NRMN provides mentoring resources to members through its online platform-MyNRMN.

OBJECTIVE: MyNRMN helps members build a network of mentors. Our goal was to expand enrollment and mentoring connections, especially among those who have been historically underrepresented in biomedical training and the biomedical workforce.

METHODS: To improve the ease of enrollment, we implemented the split testing of iterations of our user interface for platform registration. …

The Use Of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values For Differentiating Bevacizumab-Related Cytotoxicity From Tumor Recurrence And Radiation Necrosis In Glioblastoma, Kamand Khalaj, Michael A Jacobs, Jay-Jiguang Zhu, Yoshua Esquenazi, Sigmund Hsu, Nitin Tandon, Alireza Akhbardeh, Xu Zhang, Roy Riascos, Arash Kamali

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVES: Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common primary invasive neoplasms of the brain. Distinguishing between lesion recurrence and different types of treatment related changes in patients with GBM remains challenging using conventional MRI imaging techniques. Therefore, accurate and precise differentiation between true progression or pseudoresponse is crucial in deciding on the appropriate course of treatment. This retrospective study investigated the potential of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map values derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as a noninvasive method to increase diagnostic accuracy in treatment response.

METHODS: A cohort of 21 glioblastoma patients (mean age: 59.2 ± 11.8, 12 Male, 9 Female) …

Post-Immunotherapy Ctla-4 Ig Treatment Improves Antitumor Efficacy, Stephen Mok, Didem Ağaç Çobanoğlu, Huey Liu, James J Mancuso, James P Allison

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Immune checkpoint therapies (ICT) improve overall survival of patients with cancer but may cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) such as myocarditis. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 immunoglobulin fusion protein (CTLA-4 Ig), an inhibitor of T cell costimulation through CD28, reverses irAEs in animal models. However, concerns exist about potentially compromising antitumor response of ICT. In mouse tumor models, we administered CTLA-4 Ig 1) concomitantly with ICT or 2) after ICT completion. Concomitant treatment reduced antitumor efficacy, while post-ICT administration improved efficacy without affecting frequency and function of CD8 T cells. The improved response was independent of the ICT used, whether …

Improving Laboratory Animal Genetic Reporting: Lag-R Guidelines, Lydia Teboul, James Amos-Landgraf, Fernando J Benavides, Marie-Christine Birling, Steve D M Brown, Elizabeth Bryda, Rosie Bunton-Stasyshyn, Hsian-Jean Chin, Martina Crispo, Fabien Delerue, Michael Dobbie, Craig L Franklin, Ernst-Martin Fuchtbauer, Xiang Gao, Christelle Golzio, Rebecca Haffner, Yann Hérault, Martin Hrabe De Angelis, Kevin C Kent Lloyd, Terry R Magnuson, Lluis Montoliu, Stephen A Murray, Ki-Hoan Nam, Lauryl M J Nutter, Eric Pailhoux, Fernando Pardo Manuel De Villena, Kevin Peterson, Laura Reinholdt, Radislav Sedlacek, Je Kyung Seong, Toshihiko Shiroishi, Cynthia Smith, Toru Takeo, Louise Tinsley, Jean-Luc Vilotte, Søren Warming, Sara Wells, C Bruce Whitelaw, Atsushi Yoshiki, Asian Mouse Mutagenesis Resource Association, Celphedia Infrastructure, Infrafrontier Consortium, International Mammalian Genome Society, International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium, International Society For Transgenic Technologies, Mutant Mouse Resource And Research Centers, Phenomics Australia, Rrrc- Rat Resource And Research Center, Guillaume Pavlovic

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The biomedical research community addresses reproducibility challenges in animal studies through standardized nomenclature, improved experimental design, transparent reporting, data sharing, and centralized repositories. The ARRIVE guidelines outline documentation standards for laboratory animals in experiments, but genetic information is often incomplete. To remedy this, we propose the Laboratory Animal Genetic Reporting (LAG-R) framework. LAG-R aims to document animals' genetic makeup in scientific publications, providing essential details for replication and appropriate model use. While verifying complete genetic compositions may be impractical, better reporting and validation efforts enhance reliability of research. LAG-R standardization will bolster reproducibility, peer review, and overall scientific rigor.

A Pan-Cancer Patient-Derived Xenograft Histology Image Repository With Genomic And Pathologic Annotations Enables Deep Learning Analysis, Brian S White, Xing Yi Woo, Soner Koc, Todd Sheridan, Steven B Neuhauser, Shidan Wang, Yvonne A Evrard, Li Chen, Ali Foroughi Pour, John D Landua, R Jay Mashl, Sherri R Davies, Bingliang Fang, Maria Gabriela Raso, Kurt W Evans, Matthew H Bailey, Yeqing Chen, Min Xiao, Jill C Rubinstein, Brian J Sanderson, Michael W Lloyd, Sergii Domanskyi, Lacey E Dobrolecki, Maihi Fujita, Junya Fujimoto, Guanghua Xiao, Ryan C Fields, Jacqueline L Mudd, Xiaowei Xu, Melinda G Hollingshead, Shahanawaz Jiwani, Saul Acevedo, Pdxnet Consortium, Brandi N Davis-Dusenbery, Peter N Robinson, Jeffrey A Moscow, James H Doroshow, Nicholas Mitsiades, Salma Kaochar, Chong-Xian Pan, Luis G Carvajal-Carmona, Alana L Welm, Bryan E Welm, Ramaswamy Govindan, Shunqiang Li, Michael A Davies, Jack A Roth, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Yang Xie, Meenhard Herlyn, Li Ding, Michael T Lewis, Carol J Bult, Dennis A Dean, Jeffrey H Chuang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) model human intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity in the context of the intact tissue of immunocompromised mice. Histologic imaging via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is routinely performed on PDX samples, which could be harnessed for computational analysis. Prior studies of large clinical H&E image repositories have shown that deep learning analysis can identify intercellular and morphologic signals correlated with disease phenotype and therapeutic response. In this study, we developed an extensive, pan-cancer repository of >1,000 PDX and paired parental tumor H&E images. These images, curated from the PDX Development and Trial Centers Research Network Consortium, had a …

A Mechanistic Lnk Between Inflammation And Atrial Fibrillation?, Joshua A Keefe, Shuai Zhao, Xander H T Wehrens

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Individual And Joint Associations Of High-Sensitivity Troponin I And High-Sensitivity Troponin T With Cardiac Phenotypes And Outcomes In The General Population: An Analysis From The Dallas Heart Study, Rebecca Vigen, Colby Ayers, Jarett Berry, Anand Rohatgi, Vijay Nambi, Christie M Ballantyne, Torbjorn Omland, Christopher R De Filippi, James De Lemos

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: High-sensitivity troponin I (hs-cTnI) and T (hs-cTnT) provide complementary information regarding cardiovascular disease risk. The explanation for their distinct risk profiles is incompletely understood.

Methods and results: hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT were measured in Dallas Heart Study participants. Associations of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT with demographics and phenotypes were assessed using linear regression. Associations with incident heart failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, global cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox models. Among 3276 participants (56% women, 50% Black persons, median age 43 years), the correlation between hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT was modest (Spearman rho=0.35). Variables associated with hs-cTnI but …

Addressing Disparities In Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: A Call For Equitable Health Care, Devyani Chowdhury, Pietro A Elliott, S Yukiko Asaki, Shahnawaz Amdani, Quang-Tuyen Nguyen, Christina Ronai, Seda Tierney, Victor Y Levy, Kriti Puri, Carolyn A Altman, Jonathan N Johnson, Julie S Glickstein

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

While significant progress has been made in reducing disparities within the US health care system, notable gaps remain. This article explores existing disparities within pediatric congenital heart disease care. Congenital heart disease, the most common birth defect and a leading cause of infant death, has garnered substantial attention, revealing certain disparities within the US health care system. Factors such as race, ethnicity, insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and geographic location are all commonalities that significantly affect health disparities in pediatric congenital heart disease. This comprehensive review sheds light on disparities from diverse perspectives in pediatric care, demonstrates the inequities and inequalities …

Pathogenic Variants In Autism Gene Katnal2 Cause Hydrocephalus And Disrupt Neuronal Connectivity By Impairing Ciliary Microtubule Dynamics, Tyrone Despenza, Shujuan Zhao, Sheng Chih Jin, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Enlargement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled brain ventricles (cerebral ventriculomegaly), the cardinal feature of congenital hydrocephalus (CH), is increasingly recognized among patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Assessment Of Patient-Derived Xenograft Growth And Antitumor Activity: The Nci Pdxnet Consensus Recommendations, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Ramaswamy Govinden, Li Ding, Ryan Fields, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Although patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are commonly used for preclinical modeling in cancer research, a standard approach to in vivo tumor growth analysis and assessment of antitumor activity is lacking, complicating the comparison of different studies and determination of whether a PDX experiment has produced evidence needed to consider a new therapy promising. We present consensus recommendations for assessment of PDX growth and antitumor activity, providing public access to a suite of tools for in vivo growth analyses. We expect that harmonizing PDX study design and analysis and assessing a suite of analytical tools will enhance information exchange and facilitate identification …

A Pan-Cancer Patient-Derived Xenograft Histology Image Repository With Genomic And Pathologic Annotations Enables Deep Learning Analysis, Brian S White, R Jay Mashl, Sherri R Davies, Ryan C Fields, Jacqueline L Mudd, Ramaswamy Govindan, Shunqiang Li, Li Ding, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) model human intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity in the context of the intact tissue of immunocompromised mice. Histologic imaging via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is routinely performed on PDX samples, which could be harnessed for computational analysis. Prior studies of large clinical H&E image repositories have shown that deep learning analysis can identify intercellular and morphologic signals correlated with disease phenotype and therapeutic response. In this study, we developed an extensive, pan-cancer repository of >1,000 PDX and paired parental tumor H&E images. These images, curated from the PDX Development and Trial Centers Research Network Consortium, had a …

Validating A Curvature-Based Marker Of Cervical Carotid Tortuosity For Risk Assessment In Heritable Aortopathies, Jin Vivian Lee, Anna L Huguenard, Ralph G Dacey, Alan C Braverman, Joshua W Osbun

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Cervical arterial tortuosity is associated with adverse outcomes in Loeys-Dietz syndrome and other heritable aortopathies.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A method to assess tortuosity based on curvature of the vessel centerline in 3-dimensional space was developed. We measured cervical carotid tortuosity in 65 patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome from baseline computed tomography angiogram/magnetic resonance angiogram and all serial images during follow-up. Relations between baseline carotid tortuosity, age, aortic root diameter, and its change over time were compared. Patients with unoperated aortic roots were assessed for clinical end point (type A aortic dissection or aortic root surgery during 4 years of follow-up). …

Baseline Levels And Longitudinal Changes In Plasma Aβ42/40 Among Black And White Individuals, Chengjie Xiong, Jingqin Luo, Rachel L Henson, Tammie L S Benzinger, Quoc Bui, Folasade Agboola, Elizabeth Grant, Emily N Gremminger, Krista L Moulder, Ganesh Babulal, Carlos Cruchaga, David M Holtzman, Randall J Bateman, John C Morris, Suzanne E Schindler, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD) may facilitate testing of historically under-represented groups. The Study of Race to Understand Alzheimer Biomarkers (SORTOUT-AB) is a multi-center longitudinal study to compare AD biomarkers in participants who identify their race as either Black or white. Plasma samples from 324 Black and 1,547 white participants underwent analysis with C

Identification Of Unique Cell Type Responses In Pancreatic Islets To Stress, Marlie M Maestas, Matthew Ishahak, Punn Augsornworawat, Daniel A Veronese-Paniagua, Kristina G Maxwell, Leonardo Velazco-Cruz, Erica Marquez, Jiameng Sun, Mira Shunkarova, Sarah E Gale, Fumihiko Urano, Jeffrey R Millman

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Diabetes involves the death or dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells. Analysis of bulk sequencing from human samples and studies using in vitro and in vivo models suggest that endoplasmic reticulum and inflammatory signaling play an important role in diabetes progression. To better characterize cell type-specific stress response, we perform multiplexed single-cell RNA sequencing to define the transcriptional signature of primary human islet cells exposed to endoplasmic reticulum and inflammatory stress. Through comprehensive pair-wise analysis of stress responses across pancreatic endocrine and exocrine cell types, we define changes in gene expression for each cell type under different diabetes-associated stressors. We find that …

Towards Environmentally Sustainable Preservation Of Heritage Buildings, Rozal Rozal Yousef Hanna1, Ayman Gamal El-Din Abd El- Tawab2, Walaa Abou El- Haggag Mehanna3

Journal of Engineering Research

The construction industry, characterized by its intricate processes and extensive stakeholder networks, stands at the cusp of a digital revolution. The adoption of blockchain-smart contract (BCSC) technology is at the heart of this transformation. This research delves deep into the BCSC within the construction arena to provide comprehensive insight into its probable applications, inherent challenges, and potential future trajectories. Leveraging the PRISMA analysis technique, a curated collection of relevant academic research articles was assembled, shedding light on the existing body of knowledge regarding the application of BCSC technology in construction. The authors developed an innovative user interface tool customized to …

Review: Protection Of Wooden Structures With Nano-Titanium Dioxide Coating, Zienab Zienab A. Ahmed1*, And M. M. Mosallem2

Journal of Engineering Research

Wood is widely used for various purposes with good performance. Wood works as the main material for furniture, monuments, decorations and constructions. which has the close relationship with human. Durability of wood is important in ensuring an appropriate life for the structure being designed. Wooden construction deteriorates easily due to UV radiation and weather conditions. Many of wood types need a preservative treatment. Several compounds are available for chemical protection, but not all are completely safe for human health. New technologies with low environmental impact and economically feasible are developed, which improves the life cycle of wood. Titanium dioxide is …

Urbanism Strategies For Linking Existing And New Cities, Naglaa J. Q. Mo’Men Abdel-Qader Ebrahim1, Mohsen Bayad2

Journal of Engineering Research

New cities, designed for urban growth outside existing metropolitan regions, face challenges in street infrastructure due to rapid expansion. Efficient control of mobility is crucial as cities grow. Sustainable transportation involves factors like infrastructure, public transit, delivery networks, affordability, efficiency, air quality, health, and reduced emissions. Commuting between established and new urban areas is common, leading to issues like urban sprawl, longer travel times, and congestion in developing countries. The challenge is to improve accessibility while addressing air quality, traffic, congestion, noise, built environment, emissions, and sprawl. This study aims to explore factors influencing mobility choices in Egypt, focusing on …

Mitigating Care Provider Turnover For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Abigail Equinoa

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Curriculum Vitae Of Thein Zhu, Thein Zhu

Presentations and Events

Curriculum Vitae of Thein Zhu

1999- To Date in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA (Past career for 1963-1998 period in Myanmar (Burma) is also attached)

Thein Hlaing Zhu (as Thein Hlaing before 2009)

Occupation :Trauma Epidemiologist

Development Of A Student-Run, Faculty-Directed Pbc, Olivia Holloway, Angela Blackwell, Julie Seidle

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Benefits of creating a student-run, faculty-directed, community-based Pro Bono Clinic for community members to engage in the occupation of gardening.

The Innovator - Summer 2024, Matthew Hamel

Faculty Affairs & Research Newsletters - The Innovator

No abstract provided.

Veterans In Focus: Disability And Veterans In Rural America, Hannah W. Pepprock, Lillie Greiman, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Health and Wellness

There are an estimated 17 million Veterans living throughout the United States. Relative to the general population, Veterans are more likely to experience disability. Veterans are also disproportionately represented in rural areas across the U.S. As people with disabilities are also disproportionately represented in rural areas, it is valuable to explore the intersection between veteran status, disability, and rurality. This analysis uses publicly available date from the American Community Survey to examine service-connected disability rating status and the ACS-6 questions on functional ability as they related to U.S. regions and rurality.

Promoting Academic And Social Well-Being For Young Adults With Asd Towards Post-Secondary Education And Employment, Theresa Holcomb, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This program and policy-type capstone addresses the gap in inclusive services for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in post-secondary education (PSE). It resulted in developing and implementing a Social Engagement program designed to enhance communication skills, self-advocacy, and workplace preparedness—key factors for academic and vocational success. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the program used a board game-based format to facilitate interactive learning and the practical application of social skills. Targeting young adults with ASD involved in vocational training, the program emphasized developing professional communication and workplace social interaction. The findings indicate …

Implementation Of A Crna Clinical Faculty Preceptorship Workshop: A Quality Improvement Project., Sarah Veeneman

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background/Significance: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) undergo extensive didactic and clinical training when earning their doctoral practice degrees. However, there is inconsistency of preceptor clinical training.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve the consistency in preparedness of CRNA clinical faculty preceptors who train nurse anesthesia residents (NARs).

Methods: A pre-post approach was used. A MeSH search was conducted that resulted in 13 studies that were examined for quality and applicability for this project. The Plan-Do-Study-Act model was the framework to guide this quality improvement project.

Intervention: Participants attended one 3-hour educational training workshop. …

Implementation Of A Mindfulness Approach To Emotional Regulation In A Public High School., Kaelin Cherise Shay

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

According to the Gallup and Walton Family Foundation-State of American Youth Survey for 2023, schools in the United States received an average grade of C+ when it comes to supporting their students’ mental health, highlighting a potential area for improvement in the school system (Wilcoxon & Marken, 2023). This quality improvement project aimed to teach high school students about emotional regulation using a mindfulness platform and evidence-based techniques designed for the school environment. The sessions focused on improving the students’ understanding of emotions and emotional regulation and helping them apply techniques to regulate emotions in a healthy manner.

This project …

Evaluation Of An Educational Training On Telehelath Utilization Rates And Hospital Readmissions In A Home Health Setting., Gabrielle A. Coomer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: Hospital readmissions are on the rise and continue to be a concern within healthcare due to their effects on the quality of care and healthcare costs. Telehealth strategies have been utilized across healthcare settings to improve hospital readmission rates.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a telehealth training program in increasing telehealth utilization rates and reducing the acute care hospitalization rate within a single home health agency.

Intervention: A 30-minute PowerPoint presentation on the definition of telehealth, goals, and benefits of telehealth, patient eligibility, special considerations for clinicians, billing and coding guidelines, …

Examining The Tax Landscape Of Recreational Cannabis: Trends And Considerations From The Past 10 Years Of Policy, Thomas A. Norton, Amanda K. Thompson-Abbott, Raymond Keener Iii, Alberto Coustasse

Accounting Faculty Research

This article aims to provide an overview of the taxation of recreational cannabis in states where it has been legalized for recreational purposes. By delving into the various approaches taken by different jurisdictions, analyzing the economic impacts, and examining the challenges and opportunities inherent in cannabis taxation, we seek to shed light on a topic that is rapidly shaping the future of the cannabis industry and the broader economy. From excise taxes to sales taxes and licensing fees to revenue allocation, the taxation framework surrounding recreational cannabis is a dynamic and evolving landscape. Potential federal excise taxes could further complicate …

Higher-Dose And Adjuvanted Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Can Improve Immunogenicity In People With Hiv, Ethan Gladhill, Heather Rollins, Heather Justice, J. Brumitt

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Background- People with HIV have proportionally higher mortality and morbidity from seasonal influenza and have a reduced immune response to seasonal influenza vaccines. Improvement of their immune response to influenza vaccines may lead to improved health outcomes.

Methods- CINAHL and Medline were searched using the terms “high dose influenza AND HIV”, “high antigen AND influenza vaccine”, “influenza vaccine AND HIV AND immunogenicity”, “influenza vaccine AND HIV AND adjuvant”, and “adjuvanted influenza vaccine AND HIV”. Articles were selected based on criteria of investigating higher-dose (30μg or higher) or adjuvanted influenza vaccines …