Digital Commons Network^™

Investigation Of Phenylephrine Sulfation And Inhibition Using A Novel Hilic Assay Method, Heta N. Shah

Theses and Dissertations

Phenylephrine (PE) is the most commonly used over-the-counter nasal decongestant. The problem associated with phenylephrine is that it undergoes extensive first pass metabolism in the intestinal gut wall leading to its poor and variable oral bioavailability.

This research project aims at developing strategies in order to increase the oral bioavailability of PE by co-administration of GRAS compounds. A HILIC assay method was developed to detect the parent drug, phenylephrine (PE) and its sulfate metabolite (PES).The enzyme kinetic studies were done with phenolic dietary or GRAS compounds using LS180 human intestinal cell model, recombinant SULT enzymes and human intestinal cytosol (HIC). …

Automating The Process Of Fabricating Uniform-Sized Cell Spheroids For Three-Dimensional Bioprinting, Ganesh Sosale

Theses and Dissertations

Although researchers have been able to print small, simple, and avascular tissues, they have been unsuccessful in creating large, complex and vascularized organs. Printing large and complex three-dimensional tissues or organs involves utilizing a large quantity of cellular spheroids and layer-by-layer addition of spheroids. In this study, an in-house cell spheroid fabrication system was developed to produce cell spheroids with human liver cells (hepG2), human endothelial cells (hEC), human neural stem cells (hNSC), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). It offers the ability of fabricating uniform-sized spheroids repeatedly, which is essential when large and complex structures need to be produced. …

Multi-Platform Arabinoxylan Scaffolds As Potential Wound Dressing Materials, Donald C. Aduba Jr

Theses and Dissertations

Biopolymers are becoming more attractive as advanced wound dressings because of their naturally derived origin, abundance, low cost and high compatibility with the wound environment. Arabinoxylan (AX) is a class of polysaccharide polymers derived from cereal grains that are primarily used in food products and cosmetic additives. Its application as a wound dressing material has yet to be realized. In this two-pronged project, arabinoxylan ferulate (AXF) was fabricated into electrospun fibers and gel foams to be evaluated as platforms for wound dressing materials. In the first study, AXF was electrospun with varying amounts of gelatin. In the second study, AXF …

The Role Of Srsf3 In Control Of Alternative Splicing Of Cpeb2 In Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Brian P. Griffin

Theses and Dissertations

In the presented study, we identified that SRSF3 controls the alternative splicing of CPEB2 and consequently promotes a metastatic phenotype in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC causes thousands of deaths annually, frequently due to a lack of effective treatments and a high rate of metastasis in patients. Alternative splicing has been found to be dysregulated in numerous cancers, while splicing factors such as SRSF3 are variably expressed. In this study we performed a siRNA panel to screen potential splicing factors, then used specific siRNA to study the effect of its knockdown on cellular function. These results showed that SRSF3 …

Characterizarion Of The Regulation And Function Of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Tonb-Dependent Transporters: Tdfg, Tdfh And Tdfj, Sophonie Jean

Theses and Dissertations

The obligate human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae successfully overcomes host strategies to limit essential nutrients, termed “nutritional immunity” by expression of TonB-dependent transporters (TdTs): outer membrane receptors that facilitate nutrient transport in an energy-dependent manner. N. gonorrhoeae encodes eight TdTs, five of which facilitate utilization of iron or iron-chelates from host derived proteins including transferrin, lactoferrin and hemoglobin, in addition to siderophores from neighboring bacteria. The transferrin utilization system was previously shown to be critical for establishing infection in human males; demonstrating the possible contributions of TdTs to gonococcal pathogenesis. As such, studies describing the biological function and contribution to pathogenesis …

Interaction Between Atm Kinase And P53 In Determining Glioma Radiosensitivity, Syed F. Ahmad

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor. Studies have shown that targeting the DNA damage response can sensitize cancer cells to DNA damaging agents. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is involved in signaling DNA double strand breaks. Our group has previously shown that ATM inhibitors (ATMi) sensitize GBM cells and tumors to ionizing radiation. This effect is greater when the tumor suppressor p53 is mutated.

The goals of this work include validation of a new ATM inhibitor, AZ32, and elucidation of how ATMi and p53 status interact to promote cell death after radiation. We propose that ATMi and …

Individuals With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Predictive Factors For Successful Occupational Performance, Mary Culshaw

Theses and Dissertations

As awareness and diagnoses of FASD grow in Canada, there is increased need to support these individuals across their lifespan. One study suggested the prevalence of FASD may be as high as 10 per 1000 births (May & Gossage, 2001). The impact to society is growing as well, since this population requires support across their lifespan due to cognitive and sometimes physical impairments. It was estimated that the annual cost to Canadians was $53 billion (in 2007 dollar value) to support individuals aged 0-53 years (Stade et al., 2009). There is mounting evidence identifying the cognitive and physical impairments that …

Into The Fray, Frances Pearce

Theses and Dissertations

My sculpture and prints are about dismemberment and the destruction caused by war. To address the high cost of war, I make works that present the threat of injury, amputation, and prosthetics. I use Classical Greek art history references to address contemporary political, military, and social issues. I include images such as Amazonian women, horses, and doves. These images are coupled with references to the damage caused by conflict. While my work concerns destruction, paradoxically, my process involves additive construction. I take a mixed media approach to both my sculptures and my prints, and use a wide range of materials …

Peracetic Acid Sterilization Of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds, Suyog Yoganarasimha

Theses and Dissertations

Sterilization of tissue engineered scaffolds is an important regulatory issue and is at the heart of patient safety. With the introduction of new biomaterials and micro/nano structured scaffolds, it is critical that the mode of sterilization preserve these built-in features. Conventional sterilization methods are not optimal for engineered polymeric systems and hence alternate systems need to be identified and validated. PCL is polyester with a low melting point (heat labile), susceptible to hydrolysis and is popular in tissue engineering. Electrospinning generates some nanoscale features within the scaffold, the integrity of which can be affected by sterilization method. Chapter 1 explores …

Restoring Lateral Incisors And Orthodontic Treatment: Perceptions Among General Dentists And Othodontists, Matthew A. Sandretti, Bhavna Shroff, Steven J. Lindauer, Al M. Best

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare preferences and perceptions of orthodontists and general dentists when restoring peg-shaped lateral incisors. The investigation sought to summarize these preferences with regard to treatment planning, tooth preparation and interdisciplinary communication. A pair of mailed and electronic surveys was distributed to 1,500 general dentists and orthodontists, respectively. The results indicated that general dentists perceived that general dentists held the primary decision-making responsibility, while orthodontists disagreed (P<0.0001). Orthodontists prioritized the treatment goals of Class I canine relationship and overbite/overjet more significantly than general dentists, whom valued tooth proportions more highly (P<0.0001). General dentists reported receiving significantly less input than orthodontists report seeking (P<0.0001).The consensus of both groups showed that the tooth should be positioned centered mesiodistally and guided by the gingival margins incisogingivally. Both groups agree that orthodontists must improve communication to improve treatment results.

The Effectiveness Of A Preventive Recall Strategy In Children Following Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia, Katherine A. Nordeen

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This was a pilot study to assess the impact of a preventive strategy following full-mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR) under general anesthesia in children with early childhood dental caries.

Methods: Sixty-six patients completed FMDR and were included in the analysis. At the consultation visit, caries risk assessment (CRA) and dental exam information were recorded, and caregivers completed an oral health knowledge (OHK) questionnaire. Patients returned for a post-surgery and recall visit. Caregivers received oral hygiene instructions in a motivational-interviewing style.

Results:At the consultation visit all patients were high risk. At the post-surgery visit, only 47% remained high risk …

Characterization Of Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin, A Novel Biomaterial, Fadi K. Hasan

Theses and Dissertations

Autologous platelet concentrates represent promising innovative tools in the field of regenerative medicine and are successfully used in oral surgery. Several commercial systems exist that generate various forms of platelet concentrates including Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). The alpha- granules of entrapped platelets release a variety of peptide growth factors that promotes healing. Usually PRP is a suspension that can be injected into the site of injury or used as a gel with the addition of thrombin (PRP-gel). In contrast Choukroun’s L-PRF is a dense fibrin based biomaterial enriched with platelets and growth factors. The physical state of …

Dual Pi3k/Mtor Inhibition With Bez235 Augments The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Doxorubicin In Cancer Without Influencing Cardiac Function, David E. Durrant

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer continues to be a leading cause death in the United States despite improved treatments. Cancerous lesions form after acquiring oncogenic driver mutations or losing tumor suppressor function in normal cells. Traditional therapies have included use of genotoxic substances that take advantage of the increased growth rate and loss of tumor suppressor function to cause cell death. One such drug is the anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin (DOX). DOX interchelates into DNA and disrupts transcriptional machinery while also poisoning topoisomerase II. This results in single and double stranded DNA breaks, which if severe enough leads to either necrotic or apoptotic cell death. …

Synthesis Of Unnatural Amino Acids For Genetic Encoding By The Pyrrolysyl-Trna/Rna Synthetase System, William A. Knight

Theses and Dissertations

The complexity of all biomolecules in existence today can be attributed to the variation of the amino acid repertoire. In nature, 20 canonical amino acids are translated to form these biomolecules, however, many of these amino acids have revealed posttranslational modifications (i.e. acetylation, methylation) after incorporation. Amino acids that exhibit PTM are known for their involvement in cellular processes such as DNA repair and DNA replication; these PTMs are commonly found on histones within the chromatin complex. Utilization of in vivo site-specific incorporation has recently reported functionality of post-translationally modified amino acids.1 xii Here we report the synthesis and in …

Regulation Of Eps8 Dependent Pathways By Src In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Dhwani Patel

Theses and Dissertations

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a type of cancer that begins in the epithelial cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands. Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 60% for all cases. Over the past few years, a subset of cells with stem-like properties, called cancer stem cells, are believed to have tumor-initiation capabilities and are responsible for maintaining on-going tumor growth. Previous data from our lab suggested that …

Rituals, Our Past, Present & Future. Glimpses Of Islamic Enrichment, Othman Mohamed Khunji Mr

Theses and Dissertations

A Muslim should be encouraged to comprehend the benefit

and value behind every aspect of Islamic practice and wisdom,

and not just practice their religion because they were told to do

so. The products proposed in this thesis aim to achieve this by

inviting and encouraging a Muslim to practice The Five Pillars

of Islam while comprehending their value through the use of

modern means such as Arduino technology, 3D printing and

visual computing programing.

I am provoked by the fact that the circle of Gulf-region Muslims

I’m surrounded by, and have been exposed to since childhood,

belong to one …

Double Zero, Anthony Earl Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis follows the trajectory of my artistic practice over the past two years, which has led to the installation of my thesis exhibition titled, Double Zero. I hope to position the work among its art and cultural terms by exploring how I have expanded my research concerning Situationist and Marxist theory as well as developed a broader photographic studio practice driven by material experimentation, play, and an investigation into how we live and interact with commodities through media.

The Orphanage Of Things: A Narrative Of Abandonment, Malaz Elgemiabby

Theses and Dissertations

In Sudan, 110 babies are abandoned in the streets of Khartoum every month. The majority of abandoned children are born out of wedlock. Young women with illegitimate pregnancies are often ostracized by their families and society, and the lack of emotional, financial and legal support has led many to take desperate measures, including the abandonment of their children. Relinquishing mothers exist like ghosts in Sudanese society. The only evidence of the mother’s experience is her anonymous, abandoned child. In order to understand and examine this phenomenon, I used ethnographic performance art informed by design research practice (Performative Research Design). I …

Investigation Into The Specification Of Nurf Recruitment To The Genome, Marissa Mack

Theses and Dissertations

The nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF) is a mutli-protein complex that plays a role in the regulation of gene expression through its ability to remodel nucleosomes. The largest subunit of this complex, Bptf (Bromodomain PHD Finger Transcription Factor) is important for many cellular processes as a transcriptional regulator and improper function results in disease or malignancy. To further understand the genome-wide recruitment of the NURF complex, the interaction partner for the N-terminal PHD finger domain of Bptf was investigated through pull down assays followed by mass spectrometry. It was determined that this domain does not recognize histones; instead it recognizes a …

Virsa: The Contemporary Value Chain, Samreen Zahra Mrs

Theses and Dissertations

"Handicraft" means a useful or decorative object made by a craftsman who has direct control over all stages of production. Handicrafts have always had a greater value, an identity of their own that is reflective of their place, culture and materials, as well as a sense of belonging to a particular place and time. With the ever-growing mass production that followed the Industrial Revolution, we lost those crafts to multiple reasons: one being cheaper, industrial-made products reducing the demand for handicrafts, and another being a shift in consumer tastes. Most craftspeople hardly earn enough to survive and fulfill their basic …

Reconstructing A Science Fiction Autobiography, Jason R. Rood

Theses and Dissertations

This is a collection of essays revolving around concepts pertinent to my current visual arts practice, centering on a deconstruction of personal narrative mythologies. What is generated is a web of connection that spans Narrative Modes, Science Fiction, the use of Lines and Drawing, the Digital and Space and Time. Through this interweaving of topics, I am beginning the process of rebuilding the structure of a personal story for the future.

The Object Inbetween, Lucy L. Derickson

Theses and Dissertations

My mission is to bring attention to the unusual, undefined, and fluid connections we have to objects through various avenues of experience. Things, objects, and devices have shaped our culture, environment, and personal philosophies. We live, grow, learn, and mourn with objects. We worship, sympathize, and relate to objects. But what I am most interested in is a human tendency to retreat to objects, allowing them to mediate experiences of friendship and intimacy between people.

During my graduate studies, I have been evaluating my personal and professional connections with others in order to understand how technology such as smart phones …

Use And Perspectives Of A Social Marketing Campaign To Improve Fruit And Vegetable Intake, Allison Palmberg

Theses and Dissertations

The current study evaluated the development and acceptability of a social marketing campaign to improve emerging adults’ fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. A social marketing campaign was developed through focus groups with 24 college students. Materials were implemented in two dining locations at Virginia Commonwealth University. Sales of carrots, apples, and chips were collected in three phases: baseline, implementation of the campaign, and washout. In addition, surveys were collected from 303 diners across all phases and locations. Results indicated an increase in carrot sales, decrease in sales of chips sold with a meal, and mixed findings regarding sales of apples …

Limelight & Indigestion, Joshua D. Thorud

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis chronicles the progression toward and creation of my thesis show, Limelight & Indigestion, as well as the cultural, technological and artistic influences and discussions that underpin the works therein. The show is an exploration of celebrity, mass media, and the nature of the desire for fame. I hope to situate my work through an investigation of topics such as Hollywood and the use of green screens and associated technology, our physical and ideological connection to cinema, the absurd in cinema history, and the complex nature of media digestion.

Fliers From Dry Season, Noa Glazer

Theses and Dissertations

In my studio practice I attempt to create sensual experiences from which nothing is learned and lack resolution; this thesis is an attempt to find ways to outline these experiences. However, this attempt will eventually lead to something entirely different, for these experiences are undefinable and impossible to investigate.

I will try to show how the components of the work, rather than forming a direct link to a chain of thoughts or associations, summon an experience that is derived only from the encounter itself.

Fallen/Lifted, Hillary Waters Fayle

Theses and Dissertations

I use found botanical material such as leaves, seedpods, and branches to explore human connection to the physical world. By combining these organic objects with the rich traditions of needlecraft, I bind nature and the human touch. Both tender and ruthless, this intricate stitch work communicates the idea that our relationship with the natural world is both tenuously fragile and infinitely complex.

The way I think about and make art mirrors the way I think about my life and how I walk through the world. What I do is about elevating details. It is about noticing cycles and connections. It …

Dynamics Of Identity Threats In Online Social Networks: Modelling Individual And Organizational Perspectives, Romilla Syed

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the identity threats perceived by individuals and organizations in Online Social Networks (OSNs). The research constitutes two major studies. Using the concepts of Value Focused Thinking and the related methodology of Multiple Objectives Decision Analysis, the first research study develops the qualitative and quantitative value models to explain the social identity threats perceived by individuals in Online Social Networks. The qualitative value model defines value hierarchy i.e. the fundamental objectives to prevent social identity threats and taxonomy of user responses, referred to as Social Identity Protection Responses (SIPR), to avert the social identity threats. The quantitative value …

Finding Unfound_Graphic Hybridity, Yaeyoung Park

Theses and Dissertations

Hybridity is the result when visual form, color or tools interact. While not every combination of multiple elements result in success, I believe creativity, intuition and serendipity determines the successful hybridity. This is the documentation of my journey to develop a personal definition of successful hybridity in graphic design.

Sankofa Art Education: A Cultural Basis For Ghanaian Art Education, Esi Sam Annan

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a curriculum research project that focuses on teaching the traditional arts of Ghana and enduring artistic ideas to Ghanaian basic school students. It has been designed based on data from a survey conducted with experts in Ghana arts history and on the traditional arts of Ghana. The curriculum covers the major arts practiced by the traditional artists. It also recognizes some contemporary Ghanaian artists and their artworks.

This study offers insights into Ghanaian basic school art teachers’ philosophies and experience with their traditional arts. Through analysis of the findings, the major themes that emerged were changes in …

Polysaccharide-Based Shear Thinning Hydrogels For Three-Dimensional Cell Culture, Vasudha Surampudi

Theses and Dissertations

The recreation of the complicated tissue microenvironment is essential to reduce the gap between in vitro and in vivo research. Polysaccharide-based hydrogels form excellent scaffolds to allow for three-dimensional cell culture owing to the favorable properties such as capability to absorb large amount of water when immersed in biological fluids, ability to form “smart hydrogels” by being shear-thinning and thixotropic, and eliciting minimum immunological response from the host. In this study, the biodegradable shear-thinning polysaccharide, gellan-gum based hydrogel was investigated for the conditions and concentrations in which it can be applied for the adhesion, propagation and assembly of different mammalian …