Biotechnology Commons^™

Cgrp Modulation Of Intracellular Calcium Levels In Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons And Glia, Nicole M. Nalley

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Elevated levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are implicated in migraine and TMD pathology, but its effects on the excitability state of Aδ and C-fiber neurons and glia have not been investigated. The goal of this study was to determine changes mediated by CGRP on intracellular calcium levels in trigeminal ganglion neurons and glia in response to depolarizing stimulation. Intracellular calcium levels were determined in Aδ and C-fiber neurons of primary trigeminal ganglion cultures obtained from neonatal Sprague Dawley rats using Fura-2 and fluorescent microscopy. Cells were left untreated or preincubated for 2 hours with CGRP, then incubated with the …

A Pyrrole Modified 3,4-Propylenedioxythiophene Conjugated Polymer As Hole Transport Layer For Efficient And Stable Perovskite Solar Cells, Yuanhao Tang, Ke Ma, Wenhao Shao, Yoon Ho Lee, Ashkan Abtahi, Jiaonan Sun, Hanjun Yang, Aidan H. Coffey, Harindi R. Atapattu, Mustafa Ahmed, Qixuan Hu, Wenzhan Xu, Raunak Dani, Limei Wang, Chenhui Zhu, Kenneth R. Graham, Jianguo Mei, Letian Dou

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Despite the outstanding electric properties and cost-effectiveness of poly- (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its derivatives, their performance as hole transport layer (HTL) materials in conventional perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has lagged behind that of widely used spirobifluorene-based molecules or poly(triaryl amine). This gap is mainly from their poor solubility and energy alignment mismatch. In this work, the design and synthesis of a pyrrole-modified HTL (PPr) based on 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) are presented for efficient and stable PSCs. As a result of the superior defects passivation ability, excellent contact with perovskite, enhanced hole extraction, and high hydrophobicity, the unencapsulated PPr-based PSCs showed the …

Editorial: A Decade Of Apasti – Advancing Regional Prosperity Through Science, Technology And Innovation, Basilios Tsikouras

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

A decade after its establishment, APASTI has emerged as a key regional mechanism for promoting science, technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable development, resilience, and shared prosperity in Southeast Asia. This editorial highlights the contributions of APASTI to policy alignment, knowledge exchange, research visibility, and collaborative network-building across ASEAN, while also acknowledging ongoing constraints related to governance, capacity, funding disparities, and uneven regional integration. It introduces a special issue of 14 papers published in AJSTD that collectively evaluate the implementation and impact of APASTI across diverse sectors, including geohazards, energy, materials, health, infrastructure, transport, and information systems. By positioning …

Ribomoe: An Application Of Mixture Of Experts On Artificial Riboswitch Classification, Hainian Audrey Long

Master's Projects

Urban water sewage is a potential health concern due to its possibility to spread contagious RNA viruses such as Coxsackievirus B3. However, detection of viral particles remains challenging because of low viral concentrations in wastewater and high mutation rates of the RNA virus. To address this, this study proposes a novel viral detection method using synthetic riboswitches that bind to the target virus and trigger a reporter gene, amplifying the detection signals. To support the design of effective riboswitches, we present a machine learning model for classifying riboswitch performance, integrating RNA sequence data with secondary structural features. This model used …

Optimization Of L-Citrulline Production In Corynebacterium Glutamicum, And The Effect Of The Human Small Intestine Environment, Simran S. Ghulldu

Honors Undergraduate Theses

L-citrulline is a crucial amino acid involved in nitric oxide production, which supports cardiovascular health, physical performance, and intestinal well-being. Nitric oxide deficiency is linked to conditions like hypertension, highlighting the need for efficient L-citrulline production. This study attempts to enhance L-citrulline synthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum, a bacterium widely used in industrial amino acid production, as well as test a The hypothesis is that overexpressing carAB, which encodes carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, will increase carbamoyl phosphate levels and boost L-citrulline production. Two C. glutamicum strains were used: a wild type and the CRBG strain, which has mutations that promote …

Investigating The Role Of Prostasin In Angiogenesis: A Chorioallantoic Membrane Model Approach, Zaima Aline

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Prostasin, also known as PRSS8 or CAP1, is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored extracellular serine protease involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Prostasin expression is observed during key phases of trophoblast invasion and placental development, critical steps in embryo implantation in Rhesus monkeys. This suggests a role for prostasin in extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue invasion, both essential for a healthy pregnancy. Moreover, prostasin appears vital for development as studies in mice show that a germline knockout of the gene leads to significant placental defects and eventual embryonic death, highlighting its importance in vascular and structural development within the placenta.

Building …

Unravelling The Role Of Two-Component Systems In Mycobacterium Abscessus, Andrea C. Molero Perez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is an emerging pathogen within the nontuberculous bacteria (NTM) which poses a threat due to its complex multi-drug resistance and opportunistic nature. It is predicted that only 45.6% of patients will have successful treatment, with immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients being the most threatened. Moreover, investigating new treatment approaches is key to responding to this public health issue. Two-component systems (TCS) are regulatory pathways that play a pivotal role in bacterial survival and virulence. These systems are composed of a sensor histidine kinase (HK) and cognate response regulator (RR) protein that senses environmental cues and triggers specific …

Inactivation Of Zika Virus With Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin, Cory R. Hewitt, Nicholas J. Wixon, Arthur Gallegos, You Zhou, Victor C. Huber, M. Scott. Killian

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Background/Objectives: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is associated with life-threatening diseases in humans. To date, there are no available FDA-approved therapies or vaccines for the specific treatment or prevention of ZIKV infection. Variation in the ZIKV envelope protein (Env), along with its complex quaternary structure, presents challenges to synthetic approaches for developing an effective vaccine and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). We hypothesized that beta-cyclodextrin (BCD) could be used to uniquely inactivate infectious ZIKV without disruption of Env.

Methods: ZIKV was propagated in Vero cells and admixed with BCD. The BCD-treated ZIKV was evaluated for infectivity using immunofluorescence and quantitative …

Microscopic Analysis Of Temperature Effects On Surface Colonization And Biofilm Morphology Of Salmonella Enterica, Zachariah Vice, You Zhou, Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Rong Wang

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Salmonella enterica represents a diverse group of pathogens commonly associated with food contamination including red meat. Even though pre- and post-harvest cleaning and sanitization procedures are widely implemented at meat processing plants to mitigate the hazard, S. enterica cells may escape the process by colonizing, on contact, surfaces in the form of a biofilm that functions as an aggregated microbial community to facilitate mutual protection, antimicrobial resistance, proliferation and dissemination. Biofilm development is a complex process that can be affected by a variety of factors including environmental temperature. We developed methods using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy with a …

Characterization Of Multispecies Microbial Communities At Beef And Pork Processing Plants And Their Impact On Pathogen Stress Tolerance, Rong Wang, Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Vignesh Palanisamy, You Zhou, Tatum Katz, Joseph M. Bosilevac

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica are major foodborne pathogens. Biofilm formation may potentially contribute to product contamination by these pathogens at meat processing facilities. Further, pathogen stress tolerance may vary significantly due to the interactions with the multispecies microbial community at meat plants, which may be affected by processing activity, animal species, and the local selective pressure caused by sanitization practices.

We characterized natural microorganisms collected from floor drains at various areas at three beef plants and two pork plants and analyzed their impact on pathogen sanitizer tolerance.

The pathogen strains were able to integrate efficiently into the multispecies …

Revolutionizing Grapevine Breeding Programs: A Mobile Genome Editing System For Perennial Crops, Bridget Bolt

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) faces unprecedented challenges from climate change, with up to 90% of current growing regions potentially becoming unsuitable for production within decades. Traditional breeding approaches require 25-30 years for variety development, creating a time constraint incompatible with the pace of environmental change. This research establishes the approach for a novel mobile RNA-based gene editing platform that addresses longstanding bottlenecks in grapevine improvement while preserving cultivar identity and reducing breeding timelines.

This research developed a three-component system for transgene-free gene editing in grapevine. First, a mobile CRISPR/Cas9 system was established using Agrobacterium rhizogenes transformation and the cut-and-dip …

The Influence Of The Digital Economy On The Ecological Environment And Its Sustainable Development, Xinpan Lyu, Jianhua Dai

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study aims to examine the impact of the digital economy on ecological sustainability and its development in China from 2000 to 2022. The study focuses on the role of innovation in the digital sector, where the adoption of big data technologies is considered, with reference to sustainable development, from an environmental perspective. A dynamic threshold model and, in particular, the Iterated Generalized Least Squares (IGLS) technique is used to analyze the given data.The research reveals a significant link between adopting digital technologies and managing environmental sustainability efficiently. To investigate the interconnection between the digital economy and ecological goals, it …

Multimodal Imaging Of Protein-Based Biomaterials For Delivering Chemo-Agent Cargo For Glioblastoma Treatment In A Murine Model, Orin Mishkit

Dissertations and Theses

Protein-based self-assembling biomaterials, known as Thermo-Responsive Assembled Proteins (TRAP), present meaningful potential as drug delivery carriers. These materials enable the controlled, slow release of poorly soluble chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin (Dox), while potentially reducing systemic off-target effects. In collaboration with multiple NYU labs, this study evaluated the efficacy of two TRAP variants—TRAP and F-TRAP—as drug delivery carriers in a xenograft mouse model of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of TRAP-loaded Dox (TRAP-DOX) to free Dox in achieving tumor extravasation and accumulation, facilitating sustained drug release. We hypothesized that the leaky vasculature of GBM …

Explorations Of Dna-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interactions To Develop Multiplexed Molecularly Specific Biosensors For Inflammation, Amelia K. Ryan

Dissertations and Theses

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) are central regulators of immune signaling and key biomarkers of disease, yet existing assays for their detection remain slow, invasive, and lack multiplexing ability. This dissertation advances the development of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) optical nanosensors capable of real-time, multiplexed, and molecularly specific cytokine detection through innovative use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interfaces.

First, an IL-6-specific DNA aptamer was employed as both a dispersing agent and recognition probe for SWCNT fluorescence sensing. Sequence modifications, including anchor domains, truncations, and thermally induced refolding, were systematically tested to optimize sensitivity and selectivity. The …

Leukocyte Infiltration Profiles At The Site Of Intradermal Injection Of Silikon-1000 In Scleroderma-Prone Ucd200/206 And Healthy White Leghorn Chickens, Katee L. Johnson, Jossie M. Santamaria, Chrysta N. Beck, Gisela F. Erf

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Intradermal injections of silicone-based fillers for the face and body may cause chronic inflammation and fibrotic reactions in some individuals. Chickens from the UCD 200/206 White Leghorn (WL) line spontaneously develop a fibrotic autoimmune disease known as scleroderma/systemic sclerosis (SSc). Using the SSc-prone UCD and healthy WL chickens, a longitudinal study was conducted to examine the cellular inflammatory responses to intradermal (i.d.) injections of sterile SILIKON-1000. Specifically, the pulp (a skin derivative) of growing feathers (GFs) was i.d. injected with sterile SILIKON-1000 or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as injection control (8 and 3 birds/line, respectively; 10 µL/GF; 20 GFs/bird). Two GFs …

Optimization Of Transformation And Regeneration In The Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus), Sara M. Kilar

Masters Theses

In addition to their value as prized ornamentals, sunflowers are important crop species due to the nutritional value and high oil content of the seeds. Sunflower oil is a significant contributor to global seed oil production, which can be used as a food additive and cooking agent as well as a raw material for biodiesel production. While traditional breeding efforts have led to the development of many unique cultivars, genetically modified variations have proven more difficult due to the recalcitrance of sunflower plants to genetic transformation. As a result, facile and efficient transformation methods for sunflowers have the potential to …

Evaluation Of The Dnazyme Gr5 For The Determination Of Lead Speciation In Natural Waters, Gaganprit Gill

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis explores the development and application of a DNAzyme-based biosensor designed to detect labile metal species in environmental samples. Real time and on-site monitoring of labile metal fractions would make a valuable contribution to environmental management, as these fractions are the most bioavailable and pose significant toxicity risks to aquatic organisms. Conventional methods for detecting labile metals, while effective, are often burdened by high costs, complexity, and lengthy processing times, making them less ideal for rapid and widespread environmental assessments.

The first manuscript of this thesis (chapter 2) establishes the fundamental capabilities of the Pb²⁺-specific DNAzyme GR5 …

Intelligent Biology And Medicine: Accelerating Innovative Computational Approaches, Fuhai Li, Li Liu, Kai Wang, Xiaoming Liu, Zhongming Zhao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In this editorial, we summarize the 2023 International Conference on Intelligent Biology and Medicine (ICIBM 2023) conference which was held on July 16-19, 2023 in Tampa, Florida, USA. We then briefly describe the nine research articles included in this special issue. ICIBM 2023 scientific program included four tutorials and workshops, four keynote lectures, four eminent scholars' presentations, 11 concurrent scientific sessions, and a poster session. We had total of 88 scientific oral presentations, including 62 regular oral presentations and 26 flash talks, as well as 46 poster presentations. The topics of these presentations covered artificial intelligence (AI), data sciences, bioinformatics, …

Impact Of Color, Shape, And Typeface On Visual Attention: An Eye Tracking Study On Brand Logo, Suzayana Rosidah, Fransiskus Xaverius Ivan, Suatmi Murnani, Hafzatin Nurlatifa, Kristian Adi Nugraha, Sunu Wibirama

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

In numerous cases, companies undertake logo redesigns to enhance brand perception. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of each element of the redesigned logo on visual attention and brand perception. To address this research gap, we collected data from eye tracking and self-report questionnaires of 30 participants during exposure to the old and new logos of a prominent bookstore in Indonesia. The results of the questionnaires revealed a significant relationship between the responses concerning color, shape, typeface, and those pertaining to visual attention (p < 0.05). Most participants were able to grasp the value of creativity, flexibility, progress, change, and strength in the new logo shape. The results of eye tracking show that color was the most influential factor that attracted visual attention in old (F(1.5, 43.4) = 14.905, p < 0.05) and new logos (F(1.7, 50) = 34.757, p < 0.05). This study suggests that companies should selectively choose a color scheme of a logo that better attracts the attention of consumers. In addition, our finding is promising as a practical guide for similar research, as well as a case study on how logo redesign affects brand perception and visual attention.

Minimizing Cpu Utilization For Job Scheduling Problems By The Advanced Round Robin Method: A Pragmatic Perspective, Haribhau R Bhapkar, Pankaj R Chandre, Parikshit Mahalle

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

CPU scheduling issues include minimizing waiting time for processes, ensuring fairness in resource allocation, and optimizing throughput. Balancing these objectives can be challenging, as improving one aspect may negatively impact another, making it essential to design efficient scheduling algorithms. This work presents an innovative approach to enhance CPU utilization through the development of a Result-Based Round Robin Scheduling Algorithm. Traditional Round Robin Scheduling methods often face challenges in efficiently allocating CPU time, leading to suboptimal system performance. In response to these limitations, the proposed method introduces a result-oriented strategy that dynamically adjusts time quantum allocations based on the execution progress …

Regulation Of Haemodynamic Variables By Laguerre Polynomials Based Model Predictive Control., Sai Sandeep Boda, Hiren Kumar G. Patel, Khyati D. Mistry

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Purpose: Cardiac output (CO) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) are two haemodynamic variables that need regulation in clinical situations, particularly in post-cardiac surgery patients. As it is difficult for clinical personnel to monitor continuously, automatic drug infusion to regulate MAP and CO is recommended and essential in the medical environment. Methods: Two input and two output patient model was used in this work to study the variation of haemodynamic variables in response to the infusion of Dopamine (DP) and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) drugs. Model predictive control (MPC) algorithm was exercised here as it was a well-established technique to regulate output …

From Theory To Practice: Simulating Zero Trust Architecture With Python For Cybersecurity, Pankaj R. Chandre, Bhagyashree D. Shendkar, Sulochana Sagar Madachane, Nikita Kulkarni, Sayalee Deshmukh

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The increasing complexity and frequency of cyber threats have necessitated the adoption of advanced security models, such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). ZTA runs on the tenet that no entity whether inside or outside the network should be trusted by default, in contrast to conventional perimeter-based security solutions. This paper describes a thorough method for simulating and implementing Zero Trust Architecture in Python. We examine the essential elements and procedures of ZTA, such as identity verification, access control, and continuous monitoring, through a thorough analysis and step-by-step manual. The simulation shows how ZTA works to ensure strong network security and …

Distance Metric Learning Techniques For The Performance Improvement Of Ml-Knn And Ranking-Svm-Based Multi-Label Pattern Classification, Shajee Mohan B. S., Sneha S Mohan

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

A multi-label pattern classification system tries to predict the set of class labels of a test example by learning from the training examples with the relevant label sets. Classification that involve datasets having multiple labels found immense of applications in pattern analysis tasks involving image, music and video. A test sample can be labeled to indicate different objects, people, music categories or concepts. Classification problems involving data having multiple labels, have to consider training dataset associated with variety of labels. Multi-label extensions of popular algorithms, kNN and Support Vector Machine (SVM) called Multi-label kNN (ML-kNN) and Ranking-SVM are commonly used …

Solid Waste Management Strategies In Coastal Areas Affected By Seawater Flood Disaster, Adib Khoirul Anas, Maryono Maryono, Hartuti Purnaweni

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Solid waste in areas affected by seawater floods must be handled specifically because people often dispose of solid waste on flooded land. This research aims to identify the performance of the community to manage solid waste and solid waste management strategy, solid waste measurement using SNI method 19-3964-1994. Analysis of land affected by seawater floods shows that 12 villages are flooded. Communities in coastal areas are not optimal in managing solid waste because the government has never given directions to manage solid waste in a good way, the facilities and marketing are inadequate so that solid waste is often not …

Neuro-Symbolic Ai: A Future Of Tomorrow, Pankaj Chandre, Parikshit Mahalle, Gitanjali Shinde, Bhagyashree Shendkar, Shraddha Kashid

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Neuro-Symbolic AI: A Future of Tomorrow" explores the convergence of neural learning and symbolic reasoning to advance artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Symbolic reasoning makes use of knowledge representation techniques and rule-based systems, whereas neural learning analyzes data using deep learning models. AI becomes more adept at fusing data-driven insights with deductive reasoning when these methods are integrated using hybrid models and differentiable reasoning techniques. Applications show enhanced diagnostic precision and decision-making skills in a variety of industries, including robotics, healthcare, and finance. To promote responsible AI development, regulatory frameworks and ethical principles address issues like bias and transparency. Future paths …

Exploring Dynamics And Effective Strategies For Tidal Flood Risk Reduction In Indonesia's Coastal Cities, Satria Yudha Adhitama, Diana Puspitasari, Lucia Sandra Budiman, Azis Musthofa

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Indonesia’s coastal regions have distinct charateristics. However, nearly all of these coastal regions are vulnerable to tidal floods. The purpose of this study is to determine the features of coastal regions in Indonesia that have been damaged by tidal floods, as well as the actions implemented to mitigate disaster risk. Thus study takes a qualitiative method with explanatory analysis. The Island Spatial Planning is used to classify Indonesia’s archipelagic regions.An urban area vulnerable to tidal flood was selected from each archipelagic region. The characteristics of coastal regions affected by tidal flood were identified by the tidal flood characteristics, coastal physiography. …

Wind Speed Forecasting: A Comparative Study Of Decomposition Techniques, Manisha Galphade, V.B. Nikam, Nilkamal More, Biplab Banerjee, Arvind W. Kiwelekar, Priyanka Sharma

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Renewable energy is sourced from natural resources that are continually available. Wind energy is a main category of renewable energy, which largely depends on wind speed. Accurate wind speed forecasting is essential for incorporating renewable energy into the electrical grid. Moreover, it is crucial to ensure the safety of wind turbines by anticipating extreme weather conditions and implementing necessary precautions. Predicting wind speed presents several challenges because of dynamic and complex nature of atmospheric conditions. Traditional methods for wind speed forecasting, such as statistical models and basic physical approaches, often face limitations in accuracy, flexibility, and handling of complex data …

Improving Ethanol Purity By Methanol Adsorption Using Mcm-41: A Study Of Kinetics And Thermodynamics For Industrial Applications, Ali A. Yahya, Nisreen S. Ali, Basma B. Hameed, Talib M. Albayati, Issam K. Salih, Riyadh S. Almukhtar, Narges Elmi Fard

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

One of the by-products of the fermentation process that produces ethanol, which is mostly utilized in industry and food, is methanol. For methanol adsorption in batch operations, mixed amines modified (MCM-41) was utilized. A batch adsorption technique loaded with MCM-41 sorbent was used in the study to separate methanol from ethanol. This study used methanol at varying initial concentrations (40-80 mg/L). As a result, the effect of temperature, duration of adsorption, amount of adsorbent and initial concentration of pollutant in the field of ethanol alcohol purification using MCM-41 was investigated through the adsorption mechanism. In addition, first and pseudo-second order …

Snake Optimization Algorithm For Fractional Order Controller In Three-Area Load Frequency Regulation, Shubra Goel, Omveer Singh

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The transition toward renewable energy-dominated power systems have accentuated the intricacies of frequency control, necessitating advanced regulatory mechanisms. This investigation articulates a tri-zonal frequency stabilization approach, employing a hybridized controller that synergizes Fuzzy Fractional-Order PI and Tilt-Integral-Derivative methodologies. The uniqueness of this approach is further amplified by the deployment of the Snake Optimization algorithm for precise parameter tuning. Set within a conventional grid topology integrated with assorted renewable energy sources, the study evaluates the controller’s adaptability and resilience through a series of comprehensive scenario-based analyses.

Quality And Safety Analysis Of Integrated Bus Services And Feeder Transport In Surabaya, Indonesia, Desrina Yusi Irawati, Agrienta Bellanov, Armadeo Ruben Canariesa

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The Surabaya city government has developed public transportation through integrated bus services and feeder transport. These transportation systems include Trans Semanggi, Suroboyo Bus, and Wira Wiri Surabaya. The challenge facing these transportation programs is the low level of public participation in using public transportation. This research aims to provide a comprehensive investigation of the perceived service quality of integrated public transportation in Surabaya by combining the RESCA and SERVQUAL frameworks. The study contributes by highlighting service quality gaps across five customized dimensions and offering practical insights to improve user satisfaction and increase public transport usage. Each RESCA dimension incorporates RATER …