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- Creators: Barrett, The Honors College
Background: Recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) is resistant to available treatments and continued growth of the tumor is inevitable; this process is facilitated by the expression of genes regulated by the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors, namely STAT5, active in the invasive rim of GBM tumors. Currently, there are no targeted therapies for recurrent GBM that increase the overall patient survival rate. This study aims to analyze the differential expression of genes regulated by STAT5 between primary and recurrent GBM.<br/>Methods: Analysis of whole exome and RNA sequencing were performed on matched bulk primary and multiple recurrent tumor samples from GBM patients who received the current standard care to determine significant changes in gene expression of STAT3/5 targets. <br/>Results: Statistical analysis reveals a decrease in Synaptotagmin 2 (SYT2) and Pleckstrin Homology Domain Containing A3 (PLEKHA3) at recurrence, previously identified as potential STAT5 targets. <br/>Conclusions: To get a better understanding of the roles of STAT5 in GBM recurrence, their downstream effects need to be better understood. The transcriptomic program initiated by STAT5 activation is distinct from that of STAT3 activation. The roles of STAT5 target genes in GBM are poorly characterized, so further research should focus on understanding the effects of altered expression of these genes as they relate to STAT3/5 in GBM recurrence.
Sports analytics refers to the implementation of data science and analytics techniques within the sports industry. Several sports analysts and team managers have utilized analytical tools to boost overall team and player performance, often through the analysis of historical data. One of the most common techniques employed in sports analytics is that of data mining–the extensive practice of analyzing data in order to extract and deliver insights and findings. Data mining projects are frequently guided with the six-step Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) framework. One such sport that has extensively used data science and analytics, and data mining specifically, is that of Formula One (F1). Given the sports’ reliance on technology, race engineers working for F1 constructors often develop statistical models analyzing historical race performance to derive insight of drivers’ success. For the purposes of this project, the perspective of a race engineer working for the F1 constructor McLaren was considered. As the constructor is seeking to gain a competitive advantage for the upcoming F1 season, race performance data concerning previous seasons was collected and analyzed as part of a larger data mining project utilizing the CRISP-DM framework. Statistical models, such as linear regression and random forest, were developed to predict the number of points scored by McLaren racers and the variables most strongly contributed to such scored points. The final results point to specific lap times having to be aimed for as the most important variable in determining the number of points gained, although specific locations also seem prone to McLaren race success. These results in turn will be utilized to develop race strategies for the upcoming season to ensure McLaren has high efficiency against its competitors.
Two of the six variables tested yielded statistically significant results after we performed a univariate analysis of variance test on each of the variables. The two variables that yielded statistically significant results were belief in the integrity of the organization and benevolence toward the organization. Americans expressed more benevolence and belief in the integrity of their organization when they received more vacation time, while Europeans exhibited the opposite reaction (to a lesser degree). These results could provide insight to companies that are looking to strengthen company culture or increase motivation of employees. The variables with non-significant results could be attributed to globalization, limitations of our study, or the concept of scarcity.