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Immune Camouflage: Relevance To Vaccine Design And Human Immunology, Anne S. De Groot, Leonard Moise, Rui Liu, Andres H. Gutierrez, Ryan Tassone, Chris Bailey-Kellogg, William Martin

Institute for Immunology and Informatics Faculty Publications

High strain sequence variability, interference with innate immune mechanisms, and epitope deletion are all examples of strategies that pathogens have evolved to subvert host defenses. To this list we would add another strategy: immune camouflage. Pathogens whose epitope sequences are cross-conserved with multiple human proteins at the TCR-facing residues may be exploiting "ignorance and tolerance," which are mechanisms by which mature T cells avoid immune responses to self-antigens. By adopting amino acid configurations that may be recognized by autologous regulatory T cells, pathogens may be actively suppressing protective immunity. Using the new JanusMatrix TCR-homology-mapping tool, we have identified several such …

Academic Catalog: 2014-2015, Augustana College, Rock Island Illinois

Academic Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Regulation Of Gene Expression Of The Tryptophanase Operon, Maria Emma Torres

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

We Are The Asteroid, Sloane Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We Are the Asteroid is a collection of personal essays concerned with the power of erasure and manipulation of chronology that comes with writing. It both acknowledges and participates in the fact that nonfiction writers become unstuck in time, whether they want to or not, traveling between ages, rearranging the order of events into the stories they tell. The collection centers on a few traumatic events in the narrator's life, and it explores the ways in which she deals with those events through her writing. The writer utilizes various structural techniques, such as the segmented form, to play with the …

Female Bias In Technical Communication And An Exploration Of Pedagogical Strategies For Reversing The Bias, Rebecca Beeson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores technical communication and seeks to establish that females outnumber males in the field while also holder more high-level positions. It further seeks to show why a field does not benefit from having one sex outnumber the other. The benefits of having an equal number of females and males contributing to the growth and expansion of the field are discussed. Finally, this thesis discusses potential pedagogical strategies which could be employed at the college level as a means of attracting more young men to the field and allowing for maximum growth of technical communication as a field of …

Equilibrating The Recognition Of The Minority Class In The Imbalance Context, L. Cleofas-S?Nchez, O. Camacho-Nieto, J. S. S?Nchez-Garreta, R. M. Valdovinos-Rosas

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

In pattern recognition, it is well known that the classifier performance depends on the classification rule and the complexities presented in the data sets (such as class overlapping, class imbalance, outliers, high-dimensional data sets among others). In this way, the issue of class imbalance is exhibited when one class is less represented with respect to the other classes. If the classifier is trained with imbalanced data sets, the natural tendency is to recognize the samples included in the majority class, ignoring the minority classes. This situation is not desirable because in real problems it is necessary to recognize the minority …

Lift And Drainage Of Electrically Conducting Power Law Fluid On A Vertical Cylinder, K. N. Memon, S. Islam, A. M. Siddiqui, Sher Afzal Khan, Nazir Ahmad Zafar, M. Akram

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

In this work, the theoretical study of steady flow for lift and drainage of Power law MHD fluid on a vertical cylinder is presented. The governing nonlinear differential equation has been derived from the momentum equation. The resulting equation is then solved using Perturbation method. Series solutions have been obtained for velocity, flow rate and average velocity in both cases. The graphical results for velocity profile is discussed and examined for different parameters of interest. Without MHD our problem reduces to well known Newtonian and Power law problem.

Application Of Continuous Genetic Algorithm For Nonlinear System Of Second-Order Boundary Value Problems, Omar Abu-Arqub, Zaer Abo-Hammour, Shaher Momani, Shaher Momani

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

In this paper, a numerical algorithm, based on the use of genetic algorithm technique, is presented for solving a class of nonlinear systems of second-order boundary value problems. In this technique, the system is formulated as an optimization problem by the direct minimization of the overall individual residual error subject to the given constraints boundary condtions, and is then solved using continuous genetic algorithm. In general, the proposed technique uses smooth operators and avoids sharp jumps in the parameter values. The applicability, efficiency, and accuracy of the proposed algorithm for the solution of different problems is investigated. Meanwhile, the convergence …

A Cryptanalysis Method Based On Niche Genetic Algorithm, Tao Li, Jiguo Li, Jing Zhang

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

At present, the evolution cryptanalysis methods mainly adopt the basic genetic algorithm (literature [1] and [2]) which has ”early” phenomenon, searching stagnation in the near optimal solution, and low calculation efficiency. This paper inspired by biological genetic evolution proposes a niche genetic algorithm based on the code analysis method. This algorithm can keep the population diversity and prevent premature convergence. In genetic operator operation, this algorithm uses (m + l ) selection strategy which has the strongest selection pressure. In order to achieve compensating the shortage of groups diversity easy loss, improve the searching efficiency of algorithm, speed up the …

Solving Subset Sum Problems By Time-Free Spiking Neural P Systems, Tao Song, Liang Luo, Juanjuan He, Zhihua Chen, Kai Zhang

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

In membrane computing, spiking neural P systems (shortly called SN P systems) are a group of neural-like computing models inspired from the way spiking neurons communication in form of spikes. In previous works, SN P systems working in a nondeterministic manner have been used to solve numerical NP-complete problems, such as SAT, vertex cover, in feasible time. In these works, the application of any rule should complete in exactly one time unit, and the precise execution time of rules plays a crucial role on solving the problems in polynomial (or even in linear) time. However, the restriction does not coincide …

Solving Vertex Cover Problem By Tissue P Systems With Cell Division, Tao Song, Hongjiang Zheng, Juanjuan He

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

Tissue P systems are a class of distributed and parallel computing models investigated in membrane computing, which are inspired from the structure and functioning of communication cells in tissues. Such systems with cell division (corresponding to the mitosis behavior of living cells) can theoretically generate exponential working space in linear time, therefore providing a possible way to solve computational hard problems in feasible time by a space-time trade-off. In this work, we construct a family of tissue P systems with cell division to solve the vertex cover problems, and achieve a linear time solution (with respect to the size of …

Parallel Solution To The Dominating Set Problem By Tile Assembly System, Hongjiang Zheng, Yufang Huang, Jianhua Xiao, Jian Liu, Tao Song

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

The dominating set problem is a well known NP hard problem. It means that as the instance size grows, they quickly become impossible to solve on traditional digital computers. Tile assembly model has been demonstrated as a highly distributed parallel model of computation. Algorithmic tile assembly has been proved to be Turing-universal. This paper proposes a tile assembly system for the dominating set problem. It only needsQ(mn) tile types to solve such a complex problem in the timeQ(m+n) where n and m are the number of vertices and edges of the given graph, respectively.

The Minimum Spanning Tree Problem Based On Triple-Stranded Dna Structure Model, Jing Yang, Zhi-Xiang Yin, Ming-Qiang Chen, Kai-Feng Huang

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

Three-helix structure of the DNA molecule provided by the emergence of a new type of computing model, it has high stability, low rate of wrong solutions, easy separation and so on. Especially during the reaction data pool and the final solution was to come in the form of double-stranded, so avoid the hairpin structure, greatly improved the correct rate of solution. Minimum spanning tree problem is a NP-difficult problems in graph theory, which is looking for the tree contains all vertices and the smallest right of an undirected graph. We will attempt using of triplex DNA computing model for this …

Scalable Visualization Of Semantic Nets Using Power-Law Graphs, Ajaz Hussain, Khalid Latif, Aimal Tariq Rextin, Amir Hayat, Masoon Alam

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

Scalability and performance implications of semantic net visualization techniques are open research challenges. This paper focuses on developing a visualization technique that mitigates these challenges.We present a novel approach that exploits the underlying concept of power-law degree distribution as many realistic semantic nets seems to possess a power law degree distribution and present a small world phenomenon. The core concept is to partition the node set of a graph into power and non-power nodes and to apply a modified force-directed method that emphasizes the power nodes which results in establishing local neighborhood clusters among power nodes. We also made refinements …

Applications Of Resource Allocation Network And Optimization Algorithms To Automatic Landing Control, Jih-Gau Juang, Cheng-Yen Yu, Chih-Min Lin

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

This paper presents four optimization algorithms: Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Chaos Particle Swarm Optimization (CPSO) and Bacterial Swarm Optimization (BSO), and a neural network compensator: Resource Allocation Network (RAN) to aircraft automatic landing control design. When wind disturbance is beyond the originally scheduled flight condition, the aircraft automatic landing system can not be used in such environment during serious wind speed changes. The proposed intelligent control scheme can enhance the PID control performance of the autopilot and guide the aircraft to a safe landing in difficult environment.

A Note On The Bounded Solutions To X′′+C(T, X, X′)+Q(T)B(X) = F (T), Cemil Tunç

Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences

Kroopnick (2010) discussed the bounded solutions of certain non-autonomous differential equations of the second order by using the integral test. In this paper, instead of the integral test, we study the results of Kroopnick [9] by using the Liapunov’s function approach. We compare the established results with that of Kroopnick [9]. We also give some additional results on the equi-bounded solutions and uniformly-bounded solutions, and an example is given for the illustrations.

The Environmental Theology Of Aimee Semple Mcpherson (Chapter 4 Of Blood Cries Out : Pentecostals, Ecology, And The Groans Of Creation), A.J. Swoboda, Steven Bouma-Prediger

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

Excerpt: "My initial investigation into Aimee Semple McPherson—founder of The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel—and ecology was bleak: every word search returned a spiritual metaphor. “Garbage” came back as “garbage can of Satan,” “pollution” came back as “pollution of the soul,” “plants” came back as “plants of faith,” and “dumping” came back as “dumping ground for gossip.” But eventually, persistence paid off.

Popular pastor and author Rick McKinley writes, “Margins are those clear spaces along the edge of a page that keep the words from spilling off. Every book has them. You might jot notes in the margins, but …

Evaluating Cecal Ligation And Puncture- Induced Kidney Injury In Diabetic Meprin Deficient Mice, Kasheena Burris

Theses

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD), and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Key histological changes observed in DN include accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Meprins are metalloproteinases that are abundantly expressed in the brush border membranes of proximal kidney tubules. Meprins are also expressed in leukocytes (monocytes and macrophages) and podocytes. Meprins cleave/degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen IV, collagen VI, fibronectin, laminin, and nidogen-1 in vitro. Meprins have been implicated in the pathology of DN. Sepsis is a complex medical condition, where the …

The Effects Of Moringa Oleifera On Stress Induced Immune Modulation In Mice, Jr. Glenn Drue

Theses

In both humans and animals, stress causes the body to release adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones that cause changes within the body, which include modulation of the immune system. Stress in mammals can cause changes in the profile of immune cells circulating in the blood. Environmental and nutritional stressors can be considered two of the most common animal stressors. In the presence of stress there is an increase in the number of circulating neutrophils and a decrease in the number of lymphocytes within the blood. The physiological changes that occur in animals in response to acute and chronic stress …

Incidents In The Life Of Slave Girls 2.0: Rememory And Patriarchal Bargaining In Toni Morrison's A Mercy And Dolen Perkins-Valdez's Wench, Melody Y. Andrews

Theses

Through examining traditional slave narratives, such as Harriet Jacob's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, as well as neo-slave narratives with female protagonists, such as Wench and A Mercy, it becomes evident that participating in patriarchal bargaining in the antebellum South existed as a form of resistance and leverage not in a feminist sense, but one that is inherently womanist. Nearly twenty-five years ago, feminist Deniz Kandiyoti coined the term "patriarchal bargain" to describe the way in which women navigate within patriarchal societies: "Women strategize within a set of concrete constraints, which I identify as patriarchal bargains. Different …

Chemical Reactive Separations In Energy And Environmental Processes, Md Arif Khan

Theses

The main objective of this study was to investigate the application of chemical reactive separation (reactive separation, advanced oxidation) in bio-oil upgradation and air pollution control. Aspen simulation for reactive distillation of pyrolysis bio-oil for the reactive distillation with n-butanol is carried out using RADFRAC module and UNIQUAC property method by minimizing Gibbs free energy. The binary and ternary interaction and chemical and phase equilibrium (CPE) between the components were studied to determine the azeotropes and homogeneous region of mixture. The conversions for the esterification reactions were found to be 70-90% for various simulated bio-oils, and water was separated from …

Sustainable Production Of Biofuels And Biochemicals From Aquatic Biomass, Quazi Mahzabin Rahman

Theses

In recent years, growing attention has been devoted to the conversion of biomass into biofuels and biochemicals. Biomass has several reasons to be considered as an attractive energy source. The main reason is that energy produced from biomass can contribute to sustainable development. Aquatic biomasses-microalgae, duckweed, and cattail-are considered as promising biomass sources due to their favorable characteristics such as high growth rate and low lignin content. The objective of this study was to produce biofuel- ethanol through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of fresh algae, duckweed and cattail biomass by E. coli and to produce acetic acid by C. …

Design And Fabrication Of Nanodevice For Cell Interfacing, Prema Chinnappan

Theses

The goal of this thesis is to (a) design and fabricate a nanodevice that interface with cells and (b) optimize neuronal cell culturing protocol. The long term objective of this thesis is to perform intracellular electrical signal recording and stimulation of neuronal cells. To achieve this objective, a nanodevice with "Fin" shaped electrodes was designed that increases the electrode area and conductance so that it reduces the signal loss as shown in the case of traditional circular Nanopillar design. The overarching goal of neuroscience is to target and discover the relationships between the functional connectivity-map of neuronal circuits and their …

3d Variational Analysis In Subsurface Contaminant Transport Model, Anup Saha

Theses

Modeling of contaminant transport in a subsurface environment by a numerical model deviates from the real world environment because of the highly heterogeneous nature of the subsurface environment. In this study, the data assimilation techniques are integrated with the numerical model and are applied to the subsurface environment to predict the contaminant transport. The Forward Time Center Space (FTCS) model is used as a numerical approach to solve the classical advection-dispersion-reaction transport equation and the Kalman Filter, Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) and 3D Variational (3DVAR) analysis are used for data assimilation purpose. A hybrid scheme, termed as EnKF-3DVAR is developed …

Advanced Distillation Curve For Alternate Aviation Fuel And Biofuels, Thomas Anison

Theses

Distillation curve is an important indicator in industry and academia for characterizing fuels. The advanced distillation curve apparatus developed by Smith and Bruno[1] was used to carry out this research. The boiling temperature vs volume curve of a distillation curve can further be improved or corrected if the time delay of the distillate in the condenser and the vapor travel time from vaporization to condensation is known. Experiment for a four component mixture of decane, dodecane, tetradecane and hexadecane was conducted and the experimental data used to develop an empirical model for the process as a pure pseudo-hydrocarbon compound. The …

Effect Of Feeding Sows Diets Supplemented With Oat And Yeast Culture On The Incidence Of Post Weaning Diarrhea In Their Offspring, Torel Daniels

Theses

Post Weaning Diarrhea (PWD) is a leading cause of mortality in piglets during the first two weeks of weaning. According to the Fairbrother, Nadeau et al. (2005) report, PWD is a major gastrointestinal disease caused by stress, pathogenic intestinal bacteria and immature immune responses. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) are used to combat PWD but there is public concern surrounding their use (Casewell, Friis, Marco, McMullin, & Phillips, 2003). The purpose of this study is to investigate natural alternatives to AGP that prevent PWD. Therefore, we designed a study whereby yeast culture and oat were fed to sows during the last …

Understanding And Treating The Psychosocial Consequences Of Infertility, Arthur L. Greil, Lone Schmidt, Brennan Peterson

Marriage and Family Therapy Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Psychological distress and infertility are linked in a complex pattern, such that distress may be a cause of infertility and reduce the probability of achieving a pregnancy at the same time that infertility may be a cause of psychological distress. Although infertile women are not more likely to be characterized by psychopathology, they are more likely to experience higher levels of distress than comparison groups. Infertile men also experience psychological distress, but women experience more infertility distress than men. Both infertility and its treatment are stressors putting a heavy psychological strain on couple relationships. Whereas there is general agreement about …

Airborne Staphylococcus Aureus In The Biology Labs At Southern Adventist University, Harrison Filler

Capstone Research Projects

Staphylococcus aureus has been of growing interest to the scientific community in recent years. It is not only easily transferred from one person to another, but its rapidly evolving antibiotic resistance has made it increasingly difficult to treat. Once thought to be a hospital-acquired disease, S. aureus is now often found in the community. Studies indicate that people and clothing can act as carriers of S. aureus not only directly, but through airborne particles. For these reasons a research experiment was designed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus in the microbiology lab and anatomy and physiology lab at Southern …

Mathematical Modeling Of Population Genetics, Haley Baker

Capstone Research Projects

This paper provides modeling of quantitative factors involved with population genetics, specifically the Hardy-Weinberg law and the Fisher-Haldane-Wright equation.

Post Offices - Rowan County, Jack D. Ellis

Jack D. Ellis Rowan County History Collection

No abstract provided.