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Implementing The Methodology To Generate Diagnostic And Therapeutic Antibodies, Andrea Mariana Carlin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This research aimed to establish the methodology for developing monoclonal antibodies at The University of Texas at El Paso. Monoclonal antibodies are indispensable across multiple fields, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and biotechnology, yet there is a shortage of commercially available antibodies targeting specific proteins or possessing specialized characteristics. To address this gap, three models were selected: a peptide derived from the intracellular protein Schlafen 8 and two cell surface protein receptors: mouse vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and human melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R). These proteins present unique challenges in antibody generation, including issues of accessibility, expression, and specificity.

Throughout …

Uncovering The Light Network Load Performance Penalty Of The Network Link Outlier Factor (Nlof), Michelle Lara

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of the Network Link Outlier Factor with Most Likely Link (NLOF: MLL) algorithm under varying network load conditions. Repeated simulation experiments using Mininet were conducted for four different network-wide load levels: 100 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 5 Gbps. Using statistical inference, our experimental results indicate that NLOF: MLL is ineffective under light load conditions (i.e., 100Mbps load) due to the limited network flow data available for its learning process. This limitation highlights a key challenge in applying the algorithm to lightly loaded networks. A preliminary algorithm was proposed to address this light-load performance …

Integrating Responsible And Ethical Conduct Of Research Into Cures: A Longitudinal Study Observing Professional Development Of Fellows Within The Ethics Network For Course-Based Opportunities In Undergraduate Research, Aimee Angelica Hernandez-Gaytan

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Enhancement Of Zika Virus Infection By West Nile And Dengue Virus Antibody Positive Cord-Blood Samples From Mothers In El Paso-Texas, Jeanette Orbegozo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak and its association with microcephaly cases and other neurological syndromes are important public health concerns. A phenomenon known as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) involves preexisting flavivirus antibodies to a specific flavivirus that enhances the severity of a second infection with a different flavivirus. Since ZIKV is related to flaviviruses like West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus (DENV), prior exposure to these viruses could elicit cross-reactive antibodies that may enhance a subsequent ZIKV infection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if WNV and DENV antibodies from cord blood enhanced ZIKV infection in vitro. Initially, a …

Functional Analysis Of The Zebrafish Orthologs Of Host Cell Factor 1 Gene, David Paz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Host Cell Factor C1 (HCFC1) is a transcriptional co-activator factor that regulates the expression of over 5000 different downstream target genes in human cells. Missense mutations in the HCFC1 gene cause methylmalonic acidemia homocysteinemia cblX type (cblX). cblX, a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome (MCA) characterized by abnormal brain development, craniofacial abnormalities, metabolic deficits, and intractable epilepsy. Published studies suggest that HCFC1 regulates neural precursor proliferation, number, and differentiation. However, these results were derived from studies that were performed with nonsense alleles or transient knockdown approaches. Although these results demonstrate the importance of HCFC1 in brain development, they do not replicate …

Enhanced Redox Storage And Diverse Intercalation In Layered Metal Organic Frameworks With A Staggered Stacking Mode, Satya Prakash Suman

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Two-dimensional metal organic frameworks (2D MOFs) with honeycomb-like porous sheets are of growing interest for applications in electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis. Notably, 2D MOFs that host their porous sheets in eclipsed or slipped-parallel stacking modes possess continuous one-dimensional pores (1D) and have been widely studied. In contrast, related 2D MOFs with a staggered stacking mode have reduced porosity, are relatively rare, and are largely unexplored for applications. Here we report 2-fold enhanced redox storage and intercalation of diverse ions in a staggered-stacked, nonporous 2D MOF over its eclipsed-stacked, porous counterpart. Interestingly, both MOFs, despite undergoing similar ligand-centered redox processes, …

Examining The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Coping Behaviors, And Metabolic Syndrome In Mexican-American Men, Paulina Torres

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been increasing in the US over recent years. Individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and developed maladaptive coping strategies are at increased risk of developing MetS. Hispanic men might have an increased risk of developing MetS due to higher exposure to ACEs and increased use of maladaptive coping strategies.Purpose: To examine the relationship between ACEs, coping, and MetS among Mexican-American men. Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional study of 100 adult men from El Paso, Texas in 2018-19. ACEs were examined using the 10-item ACE questionnaire. Coping was assessed through …

The Flexible Pathways Model Of Writing Assessment: A Plan For Equity And Agency In The Writing Classroom, Matthew Varel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This project is a qualitative study in which I seek to understand how my new model of writing assessment, The Flexible Pathways Model, or FPM, functions when piloted in three First-Year Writing classrooms at a border and Hispanic-Serving Institution. This research builds on the work of composition scholars Peter Elbow and Pat Belanoff, Elbow and Jane Danielewicz, Asao B. Inoue, Ellen Carillo, and Edward White as well as education scholar Benjamin Bloom. The model also incorporates concepts from Universal Design scholarship of Tara Wood, Stephen Dolmage, and Anne-Marie Womack. In the FPM, students learn about four different methods of writing …

Water Fluoridation: The Evidence Behind The Risk Of Fluoride Use, Margherita Fontana D.D.S., Ph.D., Carlos González-Cabezas D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D., Livia Tenuta D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate surrounding fluoride use for caries control has intensified due to recent events, including a National Toxicology Program (NTP) report and a court ruling mandating EPA action on fluoride levels in tap water.

Despite concerns about fluoride's potential neurodevelopmental impact at high concentrations, current evidence shows no adverse effects at the recommended levels of 0.7 ppm in U.S. community water fluoridation programs. While studies in regions with endemic fluorosis suggest an association between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ, methodological limitations undermine causal conclusions.

Global and U.S. health authorities, including the WHO and ADA, reaffirm the safety and efficacy …

Preparing Educators To Effectively Engage With Postsecondary Stem Students With Autism, Luzconsuelo Gavaldon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifetime mental disability (Boucher, 2009). Because the brains of people with autism work differently than their non-neurodiverse peers (Kuzminskaite et al., 2020), they tend to respond to external stimuli in a hypo- or hyper-sensory fashion. One of the primary considerations that must be accounted for when working with individuals with autism is that the brains of these persons are each neurologically distinct. In other words, there is no "one-size-fits-all" means by which individuals with ASD learn and develop and, consequently, no single way to therefore engage with said individuals (Anderson & Butt, 2017; Kuzminski …

Enhancing The Utility Of Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (Uavs) With Model-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse) And Modular Open Systems Approach (Mosa), Aimee Barraza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as versatile tools with significant implications across various industries, particularly in defense. The technological advancements in UAVs have revolutionized military operations, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. However, there exist challenges such as environmental factors affecting sensor and flight performance, limited battery life restricting flight durations, and payload capacity constraints impeding task efficiency.This paper delves into the importance of UAVs in different industries, specifically focusing on their pivotal role in the Department of Defense. It emphasizes the necessity of technological upgrades to overcome current challenges and proposes the adoption of a Modular and Open System Approach …

Myofibroblast Targeted Liposomes For The Treatment Of Skin Fibrosis, Elfa Beaven

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Continuous overactivation of myofibroblasts leads to excessive deposition of profibrotic proteins, which in turn causes tissue stiffness and, ultimately, organ failure. One of those proteins, Cadherin-11 (CDH11), is reported to be overexpressed in the tissue of fibrotic skin, specifically on myofibroblasts. Similarly, chronic inflammation drives fibrosis progression in autoimmune-related illnesses like systemic sclerosis (SSc). Therefore, it is hypothesized that CDH11 could be a target for cell-specific delivery of antifibrotic therapies to fibrotic skin tissue. Here, a CDH11 peptide conjugated liposome loaded with Tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, was developed to understand the potential of targeted therapies to treat skin fibrosis. The …

Unequal Struggles: The Heightened Burdens Of First-Generation College Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristen Nichole Branch

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This narrative literature review explores the current research and data on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on first-generation college students. From academics to mental, emotional, and social effects, the COVID-19 pandemic took the hurdles that this unique group of students already faces and amplified their challenges. This narrative literature review looks at different studies starting at the peak of the pandemic, 2020, to the current year, 2024, where we are beginning to see mitigation strategies and changes to policies to assist the flaws within the education system for first-generation students.

Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dots: A Promising Nanomaterial For Investigating Their Potential In Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment, Sherin M. El Morsy

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Huntington's Disease (HD) remain incurable, despite extensive research into therapeutic development. In the United States of America, the annual cost of PD and AD in terms of patient care and lost productivity is approximately $200 billion. Consequently, there is a critical and unaddressed need for the development of innovative drugs and drug delivery systems that can decelerate, stop, or ideally reverse neurodegenerative diseases. The dissertation presented here focuses on devising strategies to target PD through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of protein aggregation and the reduction of oxidative stress. …

Redefining Approaches For Measuring Landscape Subsidence And Permafrost Degradation In Arctic Tundra Environments, Tabatha Lynn Fuson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

As climate change accelerates in the Arctic, the degradation of permafrost is leading to significant landscape transformation in tundra landscapes. This dissertation investigates the multifaceted responses of permafrost systems to warming, focusing on the dynamics of surface elevation changes and active layer thickness (ALT) across the North Slope of Alaska. In this study, I explore the capacity of repeat Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technology for modeling tundra features and detecting surface subsidence, specifically how different climate and landscape conditions during scanning impact TLS model precision. We also compare TLS model precision estimates to TLS model accuracy by comparing elevation values …

Examination Of The Role Of Ovarian Hormones On Nicotine Withdrawal Severity In Females, Priscilla Giner

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Women are more susceptible to the long-term consequences of chronic nicotine exposure, and clinical evidence has shown that abstinence from nicotine exposure produces a withdrawal syndrome that is intensified by estrogen (E2 in rats) and progesterone (PR) in females. The goal of this Masterâ??s thesis was to determine the mechanisms by which E2 and PR promote withdrawal from nicotine vapor inhalation in female rats. Prior work in male rodents has revealed that nicotine withdrawal is modulated in the medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus (MHb-IPN) pathway. Our hypothesis is that females experience greater inhibition of the IPN via local interneurons that release the …

Advancements In Polymer Synthesis And Ceramic Additive Manufacturing For Energy Applications, Sofia Gabriela Gomez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this work was to create polymer and ceramic materials for integration into energy applications. The first part of this research was to fabricate polymer syntactic foams that exhibited high energy absorption capabilities. The fabrication of polymer syntactic foams was feasible through synthesizing hollow polysiloxane microspheres that were imbedded into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. An array of characterization techniques was used to test the material and physical properties of the syntactic foams. The next step of this research was to fabricate a porous water emulsion foam ink for use in Direct-Ink-Write (DIW) additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Unlike the …

General Purpose Gpu Benchmarks For Neural Networks, Jose Maria Granados

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Neural networks are a field of computing experiencing a rise in popularity in recent years due to the utilization of graphics processing units as their computational centerpiece. The lack of neural network benchmarks for the open-source Nyuzi architecture, a developing general-purpose processor with graphical processing capabilities, is the focus of this thesis. This work aims to determine whether Nyuziâ??s performance counters and traceable events suffice for performance tuning of neural network implementations. Given the mathematical intensity of neural networks, a strong emphasis is placed on events related to arithmetic instructions. Experimenting with neural network implementations in C and C++, existent …

Chipless 3d Microfluidic Rf Sensing, Sheikh Dobir Hossain

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Effective management of the cold chain is essential to uphold the quality and safety of products vulnerability to physical factors like temperature, humidity, pressure, etc., including perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. Chipless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensors have become increasingly favored as a viable technology for tracking, inventory, and sensing industries due to their wireless and non-line of sight (NLOS) situations, straightforward fabrication, cost efficiency, and adaptability to challenging environmental conditions. However, there is still a need for advancements in RFID sensors to make them promise for cold chain applications. Integration of flexibility and non-volatile memory into the existing RFID …

Environmental Change As A Driver Of The Evolution Of Migratory Behavior In Suboscine Birds, Emily Johns

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Avian migration, particularly long-distance seasonal migratory movement, has long captured the attention of researchers and the public alike. However, the evolutionary origins of migratory behavior are poorly understood, in part due to limited understanding of the full range of migratory strategies including short-distance and intra-tropical movements. We examine the climatic drivers of migration across suboscine birds, a group of roughly 1,300 primarily Neotropical species with a complex array of migratory strategies. Our reconstructions of the evolutionary history of suboscine migration reveal that migratory behavior is labile and is lost approximately twice as often as it is gained. We find that …

The New Anthropocentrism: The Problem Of Water Conservation And Water Justice, Benjamin Stuart Milam

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

My objective with my thesis is to argue for and reinforce a type of anthropocentrism that is both environmentally conscious and consumable for an audience that is not necessarily well versed in philosophical literature. In the first chapter I go over philosophical frameworks, such as Anthropocentrism and Biocentrism, and why I believe they do not meet both of those criteria listed. After that I discuss New Anthropocentrism, coined by Clive Hamilton, and why I believe that a slightly modified version possesses qualities that I believe are needed for the crisis at hand. In chapter 2 I use that framework and …

Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics: Materials, Manufacturing, And Machine Development, Joseph Matthew Munoz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This research aimed to advance the 3D printing of ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) and develop a custom Direct Ink Writing (DIW) system with multimaterial and in-line mixing capabilities. The study first focused on creating ZrB₂–SiC composites reinforced with aligned silicon carbide fibers (SiCf) using paste extrusion. By formulating suspensions with a preceramic polymer (SMP-10), ZrB₂, and SiCf, the study assessed how fiber alignment influenced key properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Green curing and pyrolysis transformed the printed parts into UHTCMCs, with results showing substantial improvements in thermal conductivity—nearly double that of non-aligned parts—and a …

Unpacking Exclusion: A Narrative Literature Review And Discrete Analysis Of Preschool Suspension And Expulsion, Megan Pheterson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis explores exclusionary disciplinary practices in preschool settings, where children from marginalized groups, particularly racial minorities and those with disabilities, face a higher risk of suspension and expulsion. This thesis provides a qualitative overview and interpretation of existing literature, pointing trends and gaps in research and highlighting four main themes: (1) Navigating the layers of exclusionary practices: From policy to practice; (2) Exclusionary practices: An adult decision with complex consequences; (3) Exclusive education: Who is left out and why in early childhood settings; and (4) Resistance as a tool for inclusion. Through a Disability Critical Race Theory framework, this …

Development Of A Novel Autoantibody Panel For Prostate Cancer Detection Based On Immunoproteomic Profiling And Cancer Driver Genes, Cuipeng Qiu

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer in males with 1.47 million new cases and 396,700 deaths worldwide in 2022. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among males in the United States with over 35,000 estimated deaths in 2024. PCa is a type of indolent cancer that can progress to an advanced metastatic castration-resistant (mCRPC) stage if not detected and treated early. Screening precancerous lesions or early tumor detection is an effective strategy to reduce the mortality of cancer. Despite the development of effective screening methods, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, the specificity …

Novel Therapuetic Approaches For Chagas Disease, Juan Carlos Silva

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. This disease is considered one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTD), and it is estimated that 6 to 8 million people worldwide are diagnosed with CD. In the United States, Chagas infection is not reported in all states; however, most reported CD cases are chronic infections. Chagas infection is characterized by two phases: an acute and a chronic phase. Until this present moment, no prophylactic or therapeutic human vaccine is available. However, in a recent study in a murine model, our group showed that the synthetic 20-merpeptide (DAENPGGEVFNDNKKGLSRV) …

Drivers Of Variability In Surf Zone Habitat Use By Sandy Beach Fish: Unwitting Citizen Scientists Reveal Detailed Spatiotemporal Patterns, Ryan Hepburn, Tim Scott, Sam Prodger, Benjamin J. Ciotti

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Surf zones of sandy beaches are among the most heavily impacted aquatic ecosystems, yet are of criticalecological importance for inshore fish and fisheries. Knowledge of the drivers of fish habitat use in surf zones isneeded across broad scales to advise conservation and fisheries management, but sampling capabilities can belimited in spatio-temporal extent and resolution. The lesser weever Echiichthys vipera is a small, benthic,venomous fish that dominates surf zone fish assemblages in Northwest Europe and inflicts painful stings onbeachgoers. This study capitalises on an extensive record of E. vipera sting incidents to characterise variations insurf zone habitat use in relation to …

Ai Regulation Has Its Own Alignment Problem: The Technical And Institutional Feasibility Of Disclosure, Registration, Licensing, And Auditing, Neel Guha, Christie M. Lawrence, Lindsey A. Gailmard, Kit T. Rodolfa, Faiz Surani, Rishi Bommasani, Inioluwa Deborah Raji, Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Colleen Honigsberg, Percy Liang, Daniel E. Ho

Faculty Scholarship

Calls for regulating artificial intelligence (“AI”) are widespread, but there remains little consensus on both the specific harms that regulation can and should address and the appropriate regulatory actions to take. Computer scientists propose technical solutions that may be infeasible or illegal; lawyers propose regulation that may be technically impossible; and commentators propose policies that may backfire. AI regulation, in that sense, has its own alignment problem, in which proposed interventions are often misaligned with societal values.This Article assesses the alignment and technical and institutional feasibility of four dominant proposals for AI regulation in the United States: disclosure, registration, licensing, …

Analysis Of Microbiome In Various Human Medical Conditions Using Next-Generation Sequencing Of The 16s Rrna Gene, Pallavi Sharma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies of human microbiomics, spanning diverse anatomical sites, offer a unique perspective into the complex microbial communities within the body. Influenced by age, gender, and disease, it mirrors broader microbial ecosystems. This study specifically delves into the ocular and gastrointestinal tract microbiome, comparing its composition in 43 healthy and diseased patients using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We identified a rich microbial landscape, identifying over 338 bacterial taxa. Notably, Acinetobacter, Cutibacterium, Acidovorax and Herbaspirillum were prevalent in the ocular samples and Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Anaerostipes were mostly prevalent in gut samples. Moreover, dry eye disease conditions were characterized by …

Investigating The Perceived Invisibility Of The Black Woman Leader In Fortune 500 Companies: Understanding Career Pathways Based On Insight And Intersectionality, Shana Jones Yarberry

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There is a gap in the literature when examining the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. There is additional distance when evaluating the impact each intersection has on the career development of Black Women (BW) in Fortune 500 companies. The purpose of this study was to use a qualitative approach to investigate how the intersectionality of race, gender, and class impact the career advancement of BW while also identifying perceived barriers, historical patterns of career movement, and organizational efforts to support the ascension of BW in senior leadership. The Systems Theory Framework of Career Development and Intersectionality Theory were examined …

Emotional Intelligence And Self-Direction Orientation: An Examination Of Non-Academic Factors In Post-Pandemic Community College Students In Kansas And Missouri, Ashley Rader

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Post-pandemic learners face academic and non-academic challenges due the educational disruption caused by the COVID-19 virus. ACT college admissions test scores dropped to a 30-year low in 2023, falling the most significantly and rapidly during and after the pandemic (ACT, 2023) and recovery from these childhood and adolescent learning deficits has not been seen to date (Betthäuser et al., 2023). Research on non-academic factors, not as widely studied as academic factors, is crucial to understand where these learners’ deficits further lie. Two of those factors – emotional intelligence and self-direction orientation – were the key concepts of interest in this …