Digital Commons Network^™

Clinical Applications Of Advanced Rotational Radiation Therapy, Adrian Nalichowski

Wayne State University Dissertations

Purpose: With a fast adoption of emerging technologies, it is critical to fully test and understand its limits and capabilities. In this work we investigate new graphic processing unit (GPU) based treatment planning algorithm and its applications in helical tomotherapy dose delivery. We explore the limits of the system by applying it to challenging clinical cases of total marrow irradiation (TMI) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We also analyze the feasibility of alternative fractionation schemes for total body irradiation (TBI) and TMI based on reported historical data on lung dose and interstitial pneumonitis (IP) incidence rates.

Methods and Materials: An anthropomorphic …

Gas-Phase Ion Spectroscopy Of Nucleobases And Mononucleotides: Models For Higher Order Nucleic Acids, Yuan-Wei Nei

Wayne State University Dissertations

Experiments examining the structures and stabilities of protonated and sodium cationized nucleobases, and deprotonated DNA and RNA mononucleotides are presented and discussed in this dissertation. These studies were carried out using the infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy technique that utilizes a Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS) coupled to a free electron laser (FEL) located at the Radboud University Nijmegen. Ionic species of these biologically important complexes were generated using an electrospray ionization source and then mass isolated to have their infrared (IR) spectra measured by the experimental apparatus. Detailed analysis of the IR spectra measured …

Anti-Cancer Effects Of Tocotrienols In Nsclc, Lichchavi Raj Raj

Wayne State University Dissertations

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death among cancers, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 80-85% of all lung cancers and a five-year survival rate of 5 % at stage IIIB. Delta-tocotrienol (δT) including other tocotrienol isomers has been shown to exhibit anti-tumor activity via inhibition of different signaling pathways in tumors including NSCLC. Previously we reported that δT reduced cell invasion via inhibition of the Notch-1 and NF-κb pathway.

Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) dependent cell migration and invasion are key processes in cancer metastasis. Hence, its suppression is a promising strategy for cancer therapeutics. …

High School Adolescents' Academic Engagement, Behaviors, And Achievement: Associations With Intrapersonal Factors And Academic Support Systems, Elizabeth Suzanne Robtoy

Wayne State University Dissertations

The current study investigated the roles of select intrapersonal and environmental factors in high school adolescents’ academic engagement, behavior, and achievement. This aforementioned combination of factors has not been considered for their combined ability to explain greater proportions of variance in academic engagement, behavior, and achievement, despite the fact that ecologically, there are multiple life contexts that interact to explain academic achievement development and this selection may provide important information. Participants were 415 high school students (171 males, 244 females) from a mid-western, suburban high school that enrolls about 1,285 students. Future educational goals, as well as executive functioning, emerged …

Evolving Clustering Algorithms And Their Application For Condition Monitoring, Diagnostics, & Prognostics, Fling Finn Tseng

Wayne State University Dissertations

Applications of Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) technology requires effective yet generic data driven methods capable of carrying out diagnostics and prognostics tasks without detailed domain knowledge and human intervention. Improved system availability, operational safety, and enhanced logistics and supply chain performance could be achieved, with the widespread deployment of CBM, at a lower cost level. This dissertation focuses on the development of a Mutual Information based Recursive Gustafson-Kessel-Like (MIRGKL) clustering algorithm which operates recursively to identify underlying model structure and parameters from stream type data. Inspired by the Evolving Gustafson-Kessel-like Clustering (eGKL) algorithm, we applied the notion of mutual information to …

Change In Processing Speed And Its Associations With Cerebral White Matter Microstructure, Muzamil Arshad

Wayne State University Dissertations

The decline of cognition with age is one of the most feared aspects of aging, while the slowing of responses, or reduced processing speed, is one of the most reliable aspects of aging. Slowing of processing has been hypothesized to affect other domains of cognition as well. Despite the well-known slowing-age relationship and central position processing speed plays in theories of cognitive aging the neurobiological mechanisms which underpin slowing is unclear. If we could identify the biology associated with processing speed we could then attempt to develop interventions to mitigate the effects of age on those variables. In turn we …

Teen Dating Violence: Attitudes And The Mediating Role Of Self-Control From A Social-Ecological Perspective, Frederick Warren Upton

Wayne State University Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Teen Dating Violence (TDV) attitudes and environmental and self-control constructs using structural equation models. First, adolescents (N=1236) attitudes about TDV were analyzed to determine if consistent distinct subtypes emerged. Distinct subtypes of TDV attitudes were identified: Very Unacceptable, Moderately Unacceptable, Verbal Aggression and Checking Behavior. Next the direct relationship between subtypes of TDV attitudes and self-control and environmental constructs, neighborhood disorganization, extracurricular activities and parental supervision, were investigated. TDV subtypes did indeed show unique relationships with environmental and self-control factors, further supporting the distinct types of teen dating violence …

Zwitterionic Polymer Materials For Nanoparticle Stabilization, Cell Encapsulation And Anti-Fouling Coating, Wei Wang

Wayne State University Dissertations

Based on the superior anti-fouling property, the zwitterionic materials had great potential in applications such as medical implants, medical device coating, and marine coating industry. This thesis will focus on the applications of zwitterionic materials in stabilizing carbon nanoparticles, as implantable devices and durable coating on medical devices for long-term anti-microbial purposes. Chapter 2 of the thesis will discuss a simple method to synthesis carbon nanoparticles stabilized by zwitterionic polymers. Chapter 3 of the thesis reports the use of zwitterionic hydrogel to encapsulate islet of Langerhans to treat Type 1 diabetes. In Chapter 4 and 5, several methods were developed …

Neuropharmacological Investigation Of Stress And Nicotine Self-Administration Among Current Cigarette Smokers, Eric Woodcock

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF STRESS AND NICOTINE SELF-ADMINISTRATION AMONG CURRENT CIGARETTE SMOKERS

by

ERIC ANDREW WOODCOCK

August 2017

Advisor: Dr. Mark K. Greenwald

Major: Neuroscience (Translational)

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Nicotine use, especially cigarette smoking, is a significant public health problem. Existing pharmacotherapies attenuate nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. However, the majority of patients relapse within the first year of treatment. Treatment studies indicate a commonly cited precipitant to smoking relapse is stress. Pharmacotherapies do not attenuate, and may exacerbate, the effects of acute stress. Experimental studies (preclinical and clinical) indicate that acute stress potentiates drug-seeking behavior across drugs of …

Synthesis Of Netilmicin And Apramycin Derivatives For The Treatment Of Multidrug-Resistant Infectious Diseases, Amr Sayed Motawi Sonousi

Wayne State University Dissertations

The ever-growing bacterial resistance to existing antibiotics is alarming to humanity. Many researchers decided to revisit aminoglycosides with renewed emphasis on chemical modification as they have long been used as highly potent antibiotics for treating severe bacterial infections. The bactericidal effect of aminoglycosides is mainly due to protein synthesis inhibition by binding to the A-site of the bacterial ribosomes. However, the high potency and the broad spectrum of aminoglycosides has been outweighed by their side effects, especially ototoxicity, and by the resistance of pathogens. The goal of this research was the modification of existing aminoglycosides to develop derivatives which are …

Exploring Potential Energy Surfaces Of Chemical Reactions Using Electronic Structure Methods, Bishnu Thapa

Wayne State University Dissertations

This dissertation includes three topics: molecular dynamics in strong laser fields, pKa’s and redox potential calculations of bio–organic molecules, and oxidative damage of the nucleobases. Electronic structure calculations are used to provide a deeper understanding of experimental observations as well as to predict new results.

Chapters 2, 3 and 4 investigate the fragmentation and isomerization reactions of small monocations in the presence of strong laser fields. In the presence of intense laser pulses with 800 nm wavelengths, Born-Oppenheimer classical trajectory simulations were performed to investigate the dynamics of methanol monocation on the ground state potential energy surface (Chapter 2). With …

Classical And Quantum Mechanical Simulations Of Condensed Systems And Biomolecules, Hedieh Torabifard

Wayne State University Dissertations

This work describes the fundamental study of two enzymes of Fe(II)/-KG super family enzymes (TET2 and AlkB) by applying MD and QM/MM approaches, as well as the development of multipolar-polarizable force field (AMOEBA/GEM-DM) for condensed systems (ionic liquids and water).

TET2 catalytic activity has been studied extensively to identify the potential source of its substrate preference in three iterative oxidation steps. Our MD results along with some experimental data show that the wild type TET2 active site is shaped to enable higher order oxidation. We showed that the scaffold stablished by Y1902 and T1372 is required for iterative oxidation. The …

Bifurcation And Global Dynamics Of A Leslie-Gower Type Competitive System Of Rational Difference Equations With Quadratic Terms, V. Hadžiabdić, M. R.S. Kulenović, E. Pilav

Mathematics Faculty Publications

We investigate global dynamics of the following systems of difference equations xn+1 = xn/(A1 + B1xn + C1yn), yn+1+1 = yn2/(A2 + B2xn + C2ynP), n = 0, 1, ., where the parameters A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 are positive numbers and the initial conditions x0 and y0 are arbitrary nonnegative numbers.This system is a version of the Leslie-Gower competition model for two species. We show that this system has rich dynamics which depends on the part of parametric space.

Genotype And Phenotype In 12 Additional Individuals With Satb2-Associated Syndrome, Yuri A. Zarate, Kalsner, Alice Basinger, Julie R. Jones, Chumei Li, Marta Szybowska, Zhou Luan Xu, Samantha Vergano, Aisling R. Caffrey, Cruz Velasco Gonzalez, Holly Dubbs, Elaine Zackai, Francisca Millan, Aida Telegrafi, Berivan Baskin, Richard Person, Jennifer L. Fish, David B. Everman

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

SATB2-associated syndrome (SAS) is a multisystemic disorder caused by alterations of the SATB2 gene. We describe the phenotype and genotype of 12 individuals with 10 unique (de novo in 11 of 11 tested) pathogenic variants (1 splice site, 5 frameshift, 3 nonsense, and 2 missense) in SATB2 and review all cases reported in the published literature caused by point alterations thus far. In the cohort here described, developmental delay (DD) with severe speech compromise, facial dysmorphism, and dental anomalies were present in all cases. We also present the third case of tibial bowing in an individual who, just as in …

The Rise Of Anxiety Among The College Age Population, Kaleigh Landberg

Student Research Posters

Anxiety among college students is a common occurrence today. This study has researched how students are dealing with this mental health issue as well as looked into many different variables that were incorporated such as gender differences, treatment options, potential triggers and coping mechanisms.

Neuroembryology, D. Darnell, Scott F. Gilbert

Biology Faculty Works

How is it that some cells become neurons? And how is it that neurons become organized in the spinal cord and brain to allow us to walk and talk, to see, recall events in our lives, feel pain, keep our balance, and think? The cells that are specified to form the brain and spinal cord are originally located on the outside surface of the embryo. They loop inward to form the neural tube in a process called neurulation. Structures that are nearby send signals to the posterior neural tube to form and pattern the spinal cord so that the dorsal …

Eigenvalue Dependence Of Numerical Oscillations In Parabolic Partial Differential Equations, R. Corban Harwood

Faculty Publications - Department of Mathematics

This paper investigates oscillation-free stability conditions of numerical methods for linear parabolic partial differential equations with some example extrapolations to nonlinear equations. Not clearly understood, numerical oscillations can create infeasible results. Since oscillation-free behavior is not ensured by stability conditions, a more precise condition would be useful for accurate solutions. Using Von Neumann and spectral analyses, we find and explore oscillation-free conditions for several finite difference schemes. Further relationships between oscillatory behavior and eigenvalues is supported with numerical evidence and proof. Also, evidence suggests that the oscillation-free stability condition for a consistent linearization may be sufficient to provide oscillation-free stability …

Scope And Sequence Models For Building Vertical Science Literacy: Based On Next Generation Science Standards, Nh Education And Environment Team (Nheet)

NHEET

No abstract provided.

Factors Distinguishing Positive Deviance Among Low-Income African American Women: A Qualitative Study On Infant Feeding, Cecilia E. Barbosa, Saba W. Masho, Kellie E. Carlyle, Maghboeba Mosavel

School of Nursing Publications

Background: Positive deviant individuals practice beneficial behaviors in spite of having qualities characterizing them as high risk for unhealthy behaviors.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and understand factors distinguishing low-income African American women who breastfeed the longest (positive deviants) from those who breastfeed for a shorter duration or do not breastfeed.

Methods: Seven mini-focus groups on infant-feeding attitudes and experiences were conducted with 25 low-income African American women, grouped by infant-feeding practice. Positive deviants, who had breastfed for 4 months or more, were compared with formula-feeding participants who had only formula fed their babies and short-term breastfeeding participants who …

Fact Book 2017-18, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Fact Books

• 2 Year Calendar
• Mission and Goals Statement
• University Officials
• Organizational Diagram
• Accredited Programs at Western Michigan University
• Undergraduate Programs and Majors
• Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs

2017 January - Veteran's Voice Newsletter, Office Of Military And Veteran's Services, East Tennessee State University

Veteran's Voice Newsletter [2016-2017]

No abstract provided.

Exploration Of Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Sensors For Peroxynitrite Detection, Ousama Al-Mahmoud, Haitham Kalil

Undergraduate Research Posters 2017

Peroxynitrite (PON, ONOO-) plays an essential role in several cardiovascular dysfunctions and other diseases triggered by oxidative stress. The precise detection of this analyte in biological systems is of paramount importance not only to understand the genesis and development of diseases, but also to design and assess efficient therapies. We fabricated highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensors based on transition metal-decorated graphene nanocomposites as catalytic interfaces for peroxynitrite quantification. The interfaces of metal-decorated graphene nanostructures were immobilized on carbon electrodes by electro-grafting, electro- depositing, and drop-casting techniques. The morphology and surface chemistry of the nanostructured materials were characterized using Scanning …

Utilizing Arcgis To Map Land Use Change In Missouri River Watersheds, Ethan Jennings

Sustainable RIVER

No abstract provided.

The Examination Of Hip Joint Kinematics With Iwalk In Walking Gait, Tyler Champagne

Undergraduate Review

The purpose of this study was to examine the kinematic movements of the lower limbs involved in walking with a new hands-free crutch known as iWalk, manufactured by iWalkFree Inc. Recently, this new crutch has been developed to reduce underarm stress from conventional crutches, and improve walking efficiency. This study examined the movements with the iWalk by simulating a lower limb injury to the right lower limb in ten healthy female individuals in order to evaluate the kinematics of walking gait, specifically the hip joint angle of the nonweight bearing limb. The results of the study showed a significant increase …

Unm Pathology Pathfinder Winter 2017, Unm Department Of Pathology

Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Echo Ontario Annual Report 2017/18, Allison Crawford, John Flannery, Eva Serhal, Rhonda Mostyn

Project ECHO Bibliography

No abstract provided.

2017 Program, Belmont University

Humanities Symposium Programs

No abstract provided.

Lanl Plutonium Assessment, Andrew Elloso, Ryan Murphy, Robert Simpson, Thomas Sullivan

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

At the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), low level nuclear waste (LLW) is processed for disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. This waste is processed in a glovebox and then placed into a 55 gallon drum and sent to a nondestructive assay (NDA) laboratory to determine if the waste within the drum's reactivity is below 100nCi/g stipulated by the regulation held by the Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA). In several cases every year, the reactivity of the drum is exceeded, thus requiring a costly and dangerous procedural deviation to divide the contents of the drum to reach an acceptable level …

Lab On Paper, Aaron Matarese, Luis Pimentel, Winfield Smith

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This final design report highlights the developments of the Lab on Paper over the past year. The goal is to redesign the Lab on Paper to be more easily manufactured and eliminate the hook effect which causes false negatives in lateral flow assays. Sponsor Labonachip, LLC desires to bring Lab on Paper to market and the easiest way to do so is to adapt it to existing manufacturing lines. By eliminating the hook effect, Lab on Paper will be more accurate and reliable than current lateral flow assays.

The Lab on Paper aims to become a universal diagnostic instrument that …

Fidelity Of Implementation: An Overlooked Yet Critical Construct To Establish Effectiveness Of Evidence-Based Instructional Practices, Marilyne Stains, Trisha Vickrey

Department of Chemistry: Faculty Publications

The discipline-based education research (DBER) community has been invested in the research and development of evidence-based instructional practices (EBIPs) for decades. Unfortunately, investigations of the impact of EBIPs on student outcomes typically do not characterize instructors’ adherence to an EBIP, often assuming that implementation was as intended by developers. The validity of such findings is compromised, since positive or negative outcomes can be incorrectly attributed to an EBIP when other factors impacting implementation are often present. This methodological flaw can be overcome by developing measures to determine the fidelity of implementation (FOI) of an intervention, a construct extensively studied in …