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Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles as a Potential Biomarker for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer
No full textThis is the presentation given at the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE).Ovarian cancer (OC) poses a significant health challenge, ranking fifth in cancer deaths among women in the USA. Due to the asymptomatic nature of early-stage OC, diagnosis often occurs at an advanced metastatic stage, resulting in reduced survival rates. Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) has been a pivotal marker for OC screening, but its effectiveness, particularly for early detection, is limited. Therefore, exploring novel biomarkers is crucial to improve OC diagnosis and reduce mortality. Recent research has also suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) may serve as promising diagnostic biomarkers, so in our study, we present the development of an automated, cost-effective microfluidic device for early OC detection, employing antibodies selected for EV-specific OC membrane proteins, such as ITGB3, ITGA5. The microfluidic device, featuring approximately two million micropillars, facilitates efficient EV capture. A photocleavable (PC) linker was employed for the gentle release of captured EVs using a 450nm blue-light LED. Protein quantification via BCA Assay was done and the result indicated the antibody efficiency in capturing the target protein. Notably, our results demonstrated a highly significant exoEV recovery of ITGB3 and ITGA5 from ovarian cancer plasma compared to the healthy controls. In addition, NTA and TEM analysis was done to further characterize the plasma samples giving details about their sizes and number of particles present in each samples. The released EVs will still be counted using an in-plane extended nano-coulter counter (XnCC) which is integrated to the microfluidic device. The XnCC consists of a narrow constriction (~423 nm) for the electrical detection of nanoparticles as they pass through an in-plane pore utilizing resistive pulse sensing (RPS). This device features 5 pores in parallel, enhancing particle sampling efficiency while maintaining high detection precision for single particles. The XnCC devices are adaptable to fabrication in thermoplastics like cyclic olefin polymer (COP), allowing for cost-effective mass production through replication-based methods, such as nano-injection molding. This screening method is imperative for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer
The Status of Druze Studies and Launching the Druze Studies Journal (DSJ)
No full textThis essay discusses the evolution of Druze Studies and the inauguration of the Druze Studies Journal (DSJ), as well as encapsulates discussions from the "2023 Bilingual Interdisciplinary Virtual Symposium: Druze Studies: Past, Present, and Future." Initiated at the University of Kansas, this event marks a pivotal moment in researching the Druze, addressing the field’s expansion over the last two decades, and creating platforms like DSJ and the Druze Studies Project for scholarly exchange. Contributions range from digital publishing innovations to critical reevaluations of Druze Studies' scope and methodologies. Key discussions revolve around enhancing research continuity, overcoming interdisciplinary challenges, and navigating ethical considerations surrounding sacred community beliefs. This collective effort underscores the importance of DSJ as a medium for fostering academic dialogue, broadening Druze Studies’ reach, and promoting a deeper, more inclusive understanding of the Druze community's historical and contemporary contexts
Investigation of Wicking Geotextile for Moisture Reduction and Interaction of Soil with Fines
No full textGeotextiles, made of synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene, have long been used for drainage in pavements. However, they are often ineffective to remove moisture under unsaturated soil conditions after precipitation and/or groundwater rise, leading to pavement distresses. To address these problems, a wicking geotextile with specialized nylon fibers, featuring deep grooves for high capillary forces, has been developed. This geotextile efficiently absorbs and removes water from its surrounding soil, mitigating pavement distresses resulting from frost heave, freeze-thaw, and poor drainage.
To drain water out of road sections, the geotextiles need to get wet first. In this study, the wettability of three different types of geotextiles, namely wicking woven (WW) geotextile, non-wicking woven (NWW) geotextile, and nonwoven (NW) geotextile, was investigated in terms of their contact angles dependent on water-geotextile interaction. Test results show that the contact angle decreased to smaller than 90° and the droplet disappeared on the wicking woven geotextile within a few seconds after water dropping, while the contact angle remained larger than or approximately equal to 90° on the other two types of geotextiles within the observation period. This comparison indicates that water penetrated faster into the wicking woven geotextile than other geotextiles.
Subgrade soils and base courses under pavements often remain unsaturated throughout their service life, except during precipitation or changes in groundwater levels. The content of moisture present in a soil under an unsaturated condition after gravitational drainage is termed as the field moisture capacity (FMC), commonly used by soil scientists and agricultural engineers to assess water availability for plants. However, laboratory methods to determine FMC are lacking. Hence, a simple test method was developed in this study to determine FMCs for sands at different fines contents (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%).
The effectiveness of the wicking geotextile in reducing soil moisture is influenced by fines in the soil. The limit for the effectiveness of the wicking geotextile in unsaturated soils at fines contents remains unknown. This study developed a simple moisture reduction test method using polycarbonate test boxes as soil columns in the laboratory to quantify the effectiveness of the wicking geotextile in reducing moisture in sands at different fine contents (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) and waiting periods (3, 7, 14, and 28 days). A non-wicking woven geotextile was used for comparison. Test results reveal that the moisture reduction by the wicking geotextile decreased with the fines content in the silty sand, while the non-wicking geotextile hindered water flow, leading to moisture accumulation. The measured moisture content profile in the soil column indicated the influence zone of the wicking geotextile varied with the fines content.
Woven geotextiles are commonly employed to reinforce slopes, walls, and roads, where soil-geotextile interface shear strength is an important design parameter. While the wicking geotextile can enhance hydraulic performance in such applications, the interface behavior and properties of the wicking geotextile with its surrounding soils are not well investigated. This study conducted large interface shear tests to assess wicking geotextile-sand interface strengths, considering a range of fines and moisture contents. The calculated interaction coefficients between the wicking geotextile and sands with 0%, 5%, and 10% fines were 0.9, 0.81, and 0.78, respectively, under normal stresses of 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 kPa.
Moisture adversely affects road performance by softening subgrade soil, reducing load-bearing capacity, and increasing compressibility. Previous studies mostly focused on the improvement of aggregate bases by the wicking geotextile under rainfall conditions. However, little is known about the benefits of the wicking geotextile in improving sandy subgrade with fines, especially at field moisture capacities under cyclic loading. Six large-scale cyclic plate loading tests were conducted to investigate control, wicking-geotextile improved, and non-wicking geotextile improved sections on sand subgrades with 0% and 10% fines. A 10-day drainage period was allowed for all test sections. Test results show the wicking geotextile reduced moisture from both aggregate base and sand subgrade at a field moisture capacity condition and permanent deformations of the aggregate base over the sand subgrades with 0% and 10% fines due to the combined mechanical stabilization and drainage effects
The Angel’s Share: The History of the American Female Whiskey Drinker
No full textSubmitted to the Department of History of the University of Kansas in partial fulfillment of the requirements for departmental honors.This paper will illuminate the often overlooked but significant role of women in American whiskey history. From distillation practices before prohibition to contemporary marketing influence, women have played pivotal roles in the production, marketing, and cultural significance of whiskey. Despite some historical constraints like the prohibition of alcohol from 1920-1933 and the ban of women in advertising by the Distilled Spirits Institute from 1936-1958, the influence of women in the world of whiskey persists, challenging traditional narratives of a male dominated industry. In tracing women’s stories in whiskey culture from 1920 to 1964, this paper argues for a more inclusive perspective that acknowledges the enduring impact of women and emphasizes that women have been integral to the evolution of this American product. This reevaluation aims to enrich our understanding of whiskey history and promote a more inclusive narrative moving forward
Mating dynamics of a sperm-limited drosophilid, Zaprionus indianus
No full textWhen males have large sperm, they may become sperm limited and mating dynamics may be affected. One such species is Zaprionus indianus, a drosophilid that is an introduced pest species in the Americas. We examined aspects of mating behavior in Z. indianus to determine the senses necessary for mating and measure female and male remating habits. We found that vision is necessary for successful copulation, but wings, which produce courtship song, are not needed. Males need their foretarsi to successfully copulate and although the foretarsi may be needed for chemoreception, their role in hanging on to the female during copulation may be more important for successful mating. Females that mate once run out of sperm in approximately five days, although mating a second time greatly increases offspring production. Females do not seem to exert pre-mating choice among males with respect to mating with a familiar versus a novel male. Males are not capable of mating continuously and fail to produce offspring in many copulations. Overall, females of this species benefit from polyandry, providing an opportunity to study sexual selection in females. In addition, the dynamics of male competition for fertilizing eggs needs to be studied
Connecting and Relating: Why Interpersonal Communication Matters
No full textThis book was made possible by an Open Educational Resources (OER) grant provided by the University of Kansas Libraries.
This text is an edited and remixed version of Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach to Relationships by Wrench, Punyanunt-Carter, and Thweatt, Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking as Advocacy by Mapes, Problem Solving in Teams and Groups by Piercy, and several other open-access texts (cited at the end of each chapter.) Chapters present key theories and concepts in interpersonal communication, including new chapters on information literacy and public speaking. The chapters in this book cover topics typically taught in an undergraduate interpersonal communication course: family interactions, language, listening, nonverbal communication, persuasion, and romantic relationships, while also presenting practical skills like information search and citation and public speaking.Connecting and Relating: Why Interpersonal Communication Matters helps readers examine their own one-on-one communicative interactions. This edited and remixed text incorporates the latest communication theory and research to help students navigate everyday interpersonal interactions. Chapters present key theories and concepts in interpersonal communication, including new chapters on information literacy and public speaking. The chapters in this book cover topics typically taught in an undergraduate interpersonal communication course: family interactions, language, listening, nonverbal communication, persuasion, and romantic relationships, while also presenting practical skills like information search and citation and public speaking
Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education: A Practical Guide
No full textThis book provides an overview of assessment and evaluation methods applied to higher education. Drawing on numerous ideas from a wide range of sources, the book presents evaluation as first and foremost an exercise in asking good questions about the programs offered. The book is broader in focus than traditional books on student learning outcomes assessment by focusing on other evaluation purposes, namely needs assessment and developing a logic model. Additionally, It provide many examples from various units found on any campus
Increased Risk of Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Propensity-Matched Analysis
No full textBackground/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and the risk of breakthrough respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in vaccinated patients with CRC. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX research network to identify vaccinated patients with CRC. Patients were matched using propensity score matching (PSM) and divided into patients with CRC and control (without history of CRC) groups. The primary outcome was the risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated patients. The secondary outcome was a composite of all-cause emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and death during the follow-up period after the diagnosis of COVID-19. Results: A total of 15,416 vaccinated patients with CRC were identified and propensity matched with 15,416 vaccinated patients without CRC. Patients with CRC had a significantly increased risk for breakthrough infections compared to patients without CRC (aOR = 1.78; [95% CI: 1.47–2.15]). Patients with CRC were at increased risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections after two doses (aOR = 1.71; [95% CI: 1.42–2.06]) and three doses (aOR = 1.36; [95% CI: 1.09–1.69]) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Vaccinated patients with CRC were at a lower risk of COVID-19 infection than unvaccinated CRC patients (aOR = 0.342; [95% CI: 0.289–0.404]). The overall composite outcome (all-cause ED visits, all-cause hospitalization, and all-cause death) was 51.6% for breakthrough infections, which was greater than 44.3% for propensity score-matched patients without CRC (aOR = 1.79; [95% CI: 1.29–2.47]). Conclusions: This cohort study showed significantly increased risks for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated patients with CRC. Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients with CRC were associated with significant and substantial risks for hospitalizations
Genomic patterns in the dwarf kingfishers of northern Melanesia reveal a mechanistic framework explaining the paradox of the great speciators
No full textA grant from the One-University Open Access Fund at the University of Kansas was used to defray the author's publication fees in this Open Access journal. The Open Access Fund, administered by librarians from the KU, KU Law, and KUMC libraries, is made possible by contributions from the offices of KU Provost, KU Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, and KUMC Vice Chancellor for Research. For more information about the Open Access Fund, please see http://library.kumc.edu/authors-fund.xml.The paradox of the great speciators describes a contradictory biogeographic pattern exhibited by numerous avian lineages in Oceania. Specifically, these lineages display broad geographic distributions across the region, implying strong over-water dispersal capabilities; yet, they also display repeated genetic and phenotypic divergence—even between geographically proximate islands—implying poor inter-island dispersal capabilities. One group originally cited as evidence for this paradox is the dwarf kingfishers of the genus Ceyx. Here, using genomic sequencing and comprehensive geographic sampling of the monophyletic Ceyx radiation from northern Melanesia, we find repeated, deep genetic divergence and no evidence for gene flow between lineages found on geographically proximate islands, providing an exceptionally clear example of the paradox of the great speciators. A dated phylogenetic reconstruction suggests a significant burst of diversification occurred rapidly after reaching northern Melanesia, between 3.9 and 2.9 MYA. This pattern supports a shift in net diversification rate, concordant with the expectations of the “colonization cycle” hypothesis, which implies a historical shift in dispersiveness among great speciator lineages during the evolutionary past. Here, we present a formalized framework that explains how repeated founder effects and shifting selection pressures on highly dispersive genotypes are the only ultimate causes needed to generate the paradox of the great speciators. Within this framework, we emphasize that lineage-specific traits and island-specific abiotic factors will result in varying levels of selection pressure against dispersiveness, caused by varying proximate eco-evolutionary mechanisms. Overall, we highlight how understanding patterns of diversification in the Ceyx dwarf kingfishers helped us generate a cohesive framework that provides a rigorous mechanistic explanation for patterns concordant with the paradox of the great speciators and the repeated emergence of geographic radiations in island archipelagoes across the globe
Effects of negativity type and active involvement on the likelihood of responding to negativity in live stream chats
No full textA grant from the One-University Open Access Fund at the University of Kansas was used to defray the author's publication fees in this Open Access journal. The Open Access Fund, administered by librarians from the KU, KU Law, and KUMC libraries, is made possible by contributions from the offices of KU Provost, KU Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, and KUMC Vice Chancellor for Research. For more information about the Open Access Fund, please see http://library.kumc.edu/authors-fund.xml.This study explores whether chat negativity and the degree to which live chat rule sets encourage active (vs. passive) involvement influence participants' willingness to react to negative behavior within video game live streams. Using the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects (SIDE) and an experimental design, this study examines chat participants' likelihood of calling out and reporting negative behaviors. A 2x3 experimental design manipulated type of negativity (i.e., clear/ambiguous) and framing of community-specific rules of users' role in responding to norm violations (i.e., active involvement/passive involvement/control). Results suggest clear negativity was associated with a higher likelihood of calling out/reporting. Active involvement interacted with degree of negativity: when live chat rule sets encouraged active (vs. passive) involvement, participants were more likely to call out clear negativity and less likely to call out ambiguous negativity. Furthermore, there was support for the hypothesis that social identification moderated the relationship between type of negativity and likelihood of response, whereby participants with higher social identification were more likely to respond to clear negativity and less likely to respond to ambiguous negativity. Finally, participants’ perceptions of group norms in the hypothetical communities were affected by prior experience and chat activeness, but not by type of negativity or active (vs. passive) involvement