Digital Commons Network^™

The Power Of Prediction With Social Media, Harald Schoen, Daniel Gayo-Avello, P. Takis Metaxas, Eni Mustafaraj, Markus Strohmaier, Peter Gloor

Computer Science Faculty Scholarship

Social media today provide an impressive amount of data about users and their societal interactions, thereby offering computer and social scientists, economists, and statisticians – among others– many new opportunities for research exploration. Arguably, one of the most interesting lines of work is that of predicting future events and developments based on social media data, as we have recently seen in the areas of politics, finance, entertainment, market demands, health, etc. In fact, an average of one in seven research papers presented at the WWW, ICWSM and IEEE SocialCom Conferences between 2007 and 2012 contain the term “predict” in their …

Signaling Mechanisms And Physical Structure Of Biofilm Growth In Synechocystis Sp. Strain Pcc 6803, Jennifer Fishbein

Honors Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

2012 Touro College & University System Faculty Publications, Touro College & University System

Faculty Publications Books

This is the 2012 edition of the Faculty Publications Book of the Touro College & University System. It includes all eligible 2012 publication citations of faculty within the Touro College & University System. It was produced by the Touro College Libraries.

Disposition Of Mefloquine And Enpiroline Is Highly Influenced By A Chronic Schistosoma Mansoni Infection, Katrin Ingram, Urs Duthaler, Mireille Vargas, William Ellis, Jennifer Keiser

United States Army: Publications

Chronic Schistosoma mansoni infections lead to severe tissue destruction of the gut wall and liver and can influence drug disposition. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a chronic S. mansoni infection on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of two promising antischistosomal lead candidates (mefloquine and enpiroline) in mice. Studies were conducted in two different mouse cohorts (S. mansoni-infected and uninfected mice) for both drugs. Plasma samples were collected at various time points after oral treatment (200 mg/kg of body weight) with study drugs. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was validated to analyze enpiroline and mefloquine in plasma. …

Full-Length Plasmodium Falciparum Circumsporozoite Protein Administered With Long-Chain Poly(I•C) Or The Toll-Like Receptor 4 Agonist Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant-Stable Emulsion Elicits Potent Antibody And Cd4+ T Cell Immunity And Protection In Mice, Kathrin Kastenmüller, Diego A. Espinosa, Lauren Trager, Cristina Stoyanov, Andres M. Salazar, Santosh Pokalwar, Sanjay Singh, Sheetij Dutta, Christian F. Ockenhouse, Fidel Zavala, Robert A. Seder

United States Army: Publications

The Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) protein (CSP) is a major vaccine target for preventing malaria infection. Thus, developing strong and durable antibody and T cell responses against CSP with novel immunogens and potent adjuvants may improve upon the success of current approaches. Here, we compare four distinct full-length P. falciparum CS proteins expressed in Escherichia coli or Pichia pastoris for their ability to induce immunity and protection in mice when administered with long-chain poly(I·C) [poly(I·C)LC] as an adjuvant. CS proteins expressed in E. coli induced high-titer antibody responses against the NANP repeat region and potent CSP-specific CD4⁺ T cell …

Ebola Virus Exploits A Monocyte Differentiation Program To Promote Its Entry, Osvaldo Martinez, Joshua C. Johnson, Anna Honko, Benjamin Yen, Reed S. Shabman, Lisa E. Hensley, Gene G. Olinger, Christopher F. Basler

United States Army: Publications

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are critical targets of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection in vivo. However, the susceptibility of monocytes to infection is controversial. Studies indicate productive monocyte infection, and yet monocytes are also reported to be resistant to EBOV GP-mediated entry. In contrast, monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells are permissive for both EBOV entry and replication. Here, freshly isolated monocytes are demonstrated to indeed be refractory to EBOV entry. However, EBOV binds monocytes, and delayed entry occurs during monocyte differentiation. Cultured monocytes spontaneously downregulate the expression of viral entry restriction factors such as interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins, while upregulating the expression …

Air Force Demographics Of Sexually Transmitted Infections 2007 To 2012, Daniel R. Shea

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

In the United States there is a significant gap between Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) rates of Caucasians and African Americans. This disparity is attributed to many causes including access to health care, socioeconomic status, and social dynamics. The objective of this research is to describe the racial demographics of STI infections in the Air Force and explore possible disparities based on military pay grades. The military enforces many of the recommendations on how to limit STI health disparities by offering easy access to free health care and mandatory regular checkups. Despite these policies, the data reveals significant disparities based on …

Immunopathogenesis Versus Protection In Dengue Virus Infections, Alan L. Rothman, Carey L. Medin, Heather Friberg, Jeffery R. Currier

Institute for Immunology and Informatics Faculty Publications

Dengue viruses (DENV) are mosquito-borne viruses that cause significant morbidity. The existence of four serotypes of DENV with partial immunologic cross-reactivity creates the opportunity for individuals to experience multiple acute DENV infections over the course of their lifetimes. Research over the past several years has revealed complex interactions between DENV and the human innate and adaptive immune systems that can have either beneficial or detrimental influences on the outcome of infection. Further studies that seek to distinguish protective from pathological immune responses in the context of natural DENV infection as well as clinical trials of candidate DENV vaccines have an …

Report From The Field - Overview Of The Sixth Annual Vaccine Renaissance Conference, Denice Spero, Lauren Levitz, Anne S. De Groot

Institute for Immunology and Informatics Faculty Publications

The Sixth Annual Vaccine Renaissance Conference, hosted by the Institute for Immunology and Informatics (iCubed) at the University of Rhode Island (URI), took place on October 15–17, 2012. This conference provides a forum for the review of current progress in the discovery and development of vaccines, and creates an environment for the exchange of ideas. Dr. Joel McCleary opened the conference with a warning about the importance of preparing for well-defined biowarfare threats, including tularemia and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Following the keynote address, sessions explored biodefense and preparation for pandemic and biowarfare threats; vaccines for emerging and re-emerging neglected …

Low Immunogenicity Predicted For Emerging Avian-Origin H7n9, Anne S. De Groot, Matthew Ardito, Frances Terry, Lauren Levitz, Ted Ross, Leonard Moise, William Martin

Institute for Immunology and Informatics Faculty Publications

A new avian-origin influenza virus emerged near Shanghai in February 2013, and by the beginning of May it had caused over 130 human infections and 36 deaths. Human-to-human transmission of avian-origin H7N9 influenza A has been limited to a few family clusters, but the high mortality rate (27%) associated with human infection has raised concern about the potential for this virus to become a significant human pathogen. European, American, and Asian vaccine companies have already initiated the process of cloning H7 antigens such as hemagglutinin (HA) into standardized vaccine production vehicles. Unfortunately, previous H7 HA-containing vaccines have been poorly immunogenic. …

Virginia Commonwealth University Fall Commencement Program [2013], Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Research At The University Of Nebraska–Lincoln: 2012 - 2013 Report, Vicki Miller , Editor

Office of Research and Economic Development: Publications

Contents

Innovative Collaborations Drive Success ... 1

Unraveling Secrets of Brain, Biology and Behavior ... 2

Research, Athletics Partnership ... 4

Understanding Impact of Toddler Sleep Habits ... 5

For Nonparticipants, Voting May Just Be Too Stressful ... 6

Collaborating on Nanoelectronics ... 8

Aftercare Critical for At-risk Teens ... 9

Defense-related Research Expanding ... 10

Reporting Key to Preventing Violence ... 11

Book Opens Cather Letters ... 12

Pioneering New Era for Literary Scholarship ... 14

Lizard Fossil Reveals Climate Clues ... 15

Innovation Campus Emerging ... 16

Research Leading to Water-wise Sensor ... 17

Bolstering Plants’ Defenses ... …

College Of Osteopathic Medicine Entering Class 2013, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels And C-Reactive Protein In Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection, C. Anderson Johnson, Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, Krishna C. Poudel, Masamine Jimba, Jun Kobayashi, Paula Palmer

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has frequently been associated with vitamin D deficiency as well as chronic inflammatory response. We tested the hypothesis of an independent relationship between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) in a cohort of HIV-positive people. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 316 HIV-positive people (181 men and 135 women) aged 16 to 60 years residing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Serum high-sensitivity CRP concentrations and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by the latex agglutination nephelometry method and the competitive protein-binding assay, respectively. The relationship between serum CRP concentrations and 25(OH)D …

Analysis Of 161 Adult Patients With Brucellosis, Bi̇rcan Kayaaslan, Esragül Akinci, Ali̇ye Baştuğ, Seli̇m Sirri Eren, Pinar Öngürü, Ayşe But, Meltem Arzu Yetki̇n, Hurrem Bodur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, and complications of brucellosis. Materials and methods: Between January 2005 and December 2008, 161 patients with brucellosis who were admitted to our clinic were evaluated prospectively. Results: Of the patients, 97 (60.2%) were male, and the mean age was 47 ± 17 years (range: 16-79). There were 99 patients (61.5%) classified as acute, 36 (22.4%) classified as subacute, and 6 (3.7%) classified as having a chronic infection. Relapse or reinfection was observed in 20 (12.4%) patients. Blood culture positivity rates were 60.7% and 44.8% among acute and subacute cases, respectively (P = 0.008). In …

Metastatic Mtln3 And Non-Metastatic Mtc Adenocarcinoma Cells Can Be Differentiated By Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Matthew J. Novotny, Dacie R. Bridge, Karen H. Martin, Scott A. Weed, Robert B. Wysolmerski, Joan C. Olson

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Cancer patients are known to be highly susceptible to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection, but it remains unknown whether alterations at the tumor cell level can contribute to infection. This study explored how cellular changes associated with tumor metastasis influence Pa infection using highly metastatic MTLn3 cells and non-metastatic MTC cells as cell culture models. MTLn3 cells were found to be more sensitive to Pa infection than MTC cells based on increased translocation of the type III secretion effector, ExoS, into MTLn3 cells. Subsequent studies found that higher levels of ExoS translocation into MTLn3 cells related to Pa entry and secretion …

Vertical Transmission Of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Modulates Pre- And Postnatal Innervation And Reactivity Of Rat Airways, Giovanni Piedimonte, Cheryl Walton, Lennie Samsell

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

Environmental exposure to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infections in infants, but it remains unknown whether this infection is transmitted transplacentally from the lungs of infected mothers to the offspring. We sought to test the hypothesis that RSV travels from the respiratory tract during pregnancy, crosses the placenta to the fetus, persists in the lung tissues of the offspring, and modulates pre- and postnatal expression of growth factors, thereby predisposing to airway hyperreactivity.

Methodology

Pregnant rats were inoculated intratracheally at midterm using recombinant RSV expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP). Viral RNA was amplified by …

A 454 Survey Reveals The Community Composition And Core Microbiome Of The Common Bed Bug (Cimex Lectularius) Across An Urban Landscape, Matthew Meriweather, Sara Matthews, Rita Rio, Regina S. Baucom

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Elucidating the spatial dynamic and core constituents of the microbial communities found in association with arthropod hosts is of crucial importance for insects that may vector human or agricultural pathogens. The hematophagous Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), known as the human bed bug, has made a recent resurgence in North America, as well as worldwide, potentially owing to increased travel, climate change and resistance to insecticides. A comprehensive survey of the bed bug microbiome has not been performed to date, nor has an assessment of the spatial dynamics of its microbiome. Here we present a survey of internal and external bed …

Patent Landscape Of Helminth Vaccines And Related Technologies, Jon R. Cavicchi, Stanley P. Kowalski, John Schroeder, Rayna Burke, Jillian Michaud-King

Law Faculty Scholarship

Executive Summary This report focuses on patent landscape analysis of technologies related to vaccines targeting parasitic worms, also known as helminths. These technologies include methods of formulating vaccines, methods of producing of subunits, the composition of complete vaccines, and other technologies that have the potential to aid in a global response to this pathogen. The purpose of this patent landscape study was to search, identify, and categorize patent documents that are relevant to the development of vaccines that can efficiently promote the development of protective immunity against helminths. The search strategy used keywords which the team felt would be general …

Investigating Moringa Oleifera Lam As A Dietary Supplement To Promote Immune Health: A Mouse Model, Donja S. Smith

Theses

Moringa oleifera Lam (MOL) is a tree, native to the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia and Africa. All parts are edible and because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it has many nutritional benefits. For example, many of the vitamins and minerals are known to modulate immunity, suggesting that MOL could be a good dietary supplement to boost immunity. Our lab is interested in identifying natural products that can be used to enhance immunity and health among animals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate immune modulation by Moringa using a mouse model. Two trials were …

Are We Sick Yet: Assessing Consumer Mortality From Food Contamination In Multiple Distribution Channels, Raquel T. Teasley

Theses

According to the Center for Disease Control approximately 48 million people get sick from food-borne illnesses per year. In 2011, about 80% of illnesses were triggered by unspecified agents transmitted through food. Food contaminations put customers at risk and can be detrimental to the economy since customers rely on the fact that the food system is reliable and resilient. This research aims to compare the vulnerabilities of three food supply chain distribution channels: food retail, food service and food manufacturing. Distribution channels are the last nodes in the supply chain and they dictate how many people interact with contaminated products. …

Evaluation Of Fc Receptor Genes In Bovine Neutrophils, Jamie S. Williams

Theses

Receptors for the Fc portion of IgG, Fc receptors (FcR) are found on immune cells and contribute to protective functions of the immune system. The FcγRs (I, II and sub isoforms) bind specifically to IgG molecules and are important due to stimulating effector cells to destroy pathogens by phagocytosis and intracellular killing. The SYK kinase is critical for FcγR mediated phagocytosis and signal transduction in cells. Neutrophils contain a heterogeneous population of FcR. The objectives of this study were to evaluate genetic variation and the impact of IgG binding on transcription of FcγR and secreted levels of phosphorylated Syk between …

Virginia Commonwealth University Graduate And Professional Programs Bulletin Courses [2013], Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Listing of professional and graduate courses for 2013-2014.

Critical Analysis Of Contemporary Public Health Genomics And Needs Assessment For Public Health Genomics Course Curriculum, Kim London

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: To analyze the need for increased content on genomics in Public Health (PH) academic curriculum.

Methods: A literature synthesis was performed of various genetic science studies. Results were assessed with regard to the number and type of genomic studies published, cost to perform genetic analyses, health care provider and the public’s use and understanding of genetic testing capabilities. A search was conducted and assessment performed of public health genomics curriculum at accredited public health educational programs.

Results: The cost to sequence a single genome declined from $10 million in 2007 to under $10 thousand in 2012. This cost reduction …

Circulating Microparticles: Square The Circle, N. S. Barteneva, E. Fasler-Kan, M. Bernimoulin, J. N. Stern, E. D. Ponomarev, L. Duckett, I. A. Vorobjev

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: The present review summarizes current knowledge about microparticles (MPs) and provides a systematic overview of last 20 years of research on circulating MPs, with particular focus on their clinical relevance. RESULTS: MPs are a heterogeneous population of cell-derived vesicles, with sizes ranging between 50 and 1000 nm. MPs are capable of transferring peptides, proteins, lipid components, microRNA, mRNA, and DNA from one cell to another without direct cell-to-cell contact. Growing evidence suggests that MPs present in peripheral blood and body fluids contribute to the development and progression of cancer, and are of pathophysiological relevance for autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious, cardiovascular, …

Effect Of Soil And Irrigation Water On Microbial Quality Of Fresh Produce Grown In North Carolina, Tracie Davis

Theses

Foodborne outbreaks involving Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, and E. coli O157:H7 from contaminated fresh produce have been increasingly recognized all over the world. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of irrigation water and soil on microbial quality of leafy greens and tomatoes grown in different parts of North Carolina (NC). Soil and water samples were collected from 4 small farms located in NC and inoculated onto selective media (TSA for total aerobic count, XLT4 for Salmonella spp. (SS), and MacConkey for total E. coli species, EC). All plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. Following …

Demonstration Of Mutations Conferring Resistance To Lamivudine In Liver Tissue Of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Under Lamivudine Therapy, İsmai̇l Yaşar Avci, Can Polat Eyi̇gün, Emi̇ne Günal, Ayhan Kubar, Hanefi̇ Cem Gül, Ömer Coşkun, Hakan Erdem, Levent Görenek, Bülent Ahmet Beşi̇rbelli̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To demonstrate the genotypic lamivudine resistance in liver tissue of patients with negative serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA under long-term lamivudine therapy. Materials and methods: Fourteen patients (10 patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase and 4 patients under long-term lamivudine therapy for severe liver disease) with undetected serum HBV DNA were included in the study. A liver biopsy was performed for each patient, and HBV DNA extracted from liver tissue was analyzed with TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Mutations conferring lamivudine resistance were shown for all 14 patients in their liver tissue-extracted HBV DNA. One patient had rtM204V, 4 …

Clinical Manifestations Of 16 Oropharyngeal Tularemia Patients: Experience Of A Referral Hospital In The City Of Konya, Turkey, Mesut Sabri̇ Tezer, Gülteki̇n Övet, Necat Alataş, Mehmet Hakan Görgülü, Ersen Koç, Mehmet Aki̇f Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

In recent years, tularemia's importance has been reemerging in Turkey. However, the majority of tularemia cases were reported in the northern cities of Turkey. In this study, we report 16 oropharyngeal tularemia patients living in rural areas of the city of Konya, which is located in the southern zone of the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Materials and methods: Sixteen patients (12 males, 4 females; mean age: 33.7 years, range: 10–73 years) were included in this study. All patients were admitted to our clinic for the evaluation of intractable cervical mass lesions. The diagnosis of tularemia was made after exclusion …

Lung Abscess: Analysis Of The Results As Community-Acquired Or Nosocomial, Nuri̇ Tutar, Fatma Sema Oymak, Asi̇ye Kanbay, Hakan Büyükoğlan, Afra Yildirim, İnsu Yilmaz, Suat Ali̇ Doğan, İnci̇ Gülmez, Ramazan Demi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To assess the etiology, underlying disease, treatment procedures, and mortality rate of lung abscesses by dividing the patients into community-acquired lung abscess (CALA) and nosocomial lung abscess (NLA) subgroups. Materials and methods: We reviewed and analyzed data on 62 adult cases of CALA and NLA treated during 2000-2011 at a tertiary university hospital in Turkey. Results: Of these 62 patients, 44 had CALA and 18 had NLA. Etiologic microorganisms were isolated in 20 of the 44 patients (45.4%) in the CALA group and in 15 of the 18 patients (83.3%) in the NLA group. Among these patients, Staphylococcus aureus (20.0%) …

Evaluation Of Nonneoplastic Findings On Vaginal Smears With Comparison Of Intrauterine Devices And Oral Contraceptive Pill Effects, Rahi̇me Bedi̇r Findik, Servet Güreşci̇, Ayşe Nurcan Ünlüer, Jale Karakaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although the Pap smear is a common screening test for cervical cancer and its precursors, it can detect some benign conditions as well. In this study, the aim was to evaluate smear results with regard to nonneoplastic findings and to compare them to the detectable effects of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptive pills (OPs). Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, the hospital records and cytopathology reports of 4248 patients were recorded. Smear results were evaluated according to the 2001 Bethesda System and were evaluated according to age groups, menopausal/menstrual status, physical examination findings, and contraceptive method usage. Results: …