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Comparison of Antibody Responses to Myxoma Virus Inactivated Using Different Methods
No full textabstract: In this study, we investigated the inactivation of wild-type vMyx-GFP (MYXV) using different methods. Assays were performed in vitro to test the following inactivation methods: heat, longwave UV only, longwave UV with psoralen (P + LWUV), and psoralen (P) only. In vitro assays demonstrated that the psoralen alone treatment did not cause any inactivation. These results showed that effective inactivation using psoralen was likely reliant on subsequent UV irradiation, creating a synergistic effect. Additionally, the UV and P + LWUV treatment demonstrated inactivation of MYXV, although by different mechanisms, as the UV-only treated virus demonstrated background infection, while P + LWUV treated virus did not. In mice, P + LWUV and UV treatment of MYXV demonstrated to be effective inactivation methods and likely preserved the antigenic epitopes of MYXV, allowing for the production of neutralizing antibodies in mice. More research is recommended on the heat treatment of MYXV as neutralizing antibodies were not observed, possibly due to the treatment denaturing antigenic epitopes or needing more booster injections to reach the threshold antibody concentration for protection. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the intraperitoneal (IP) injection of inactivated MYXV was superior to the subcutaneous injection in eliciting a strong immune response. The increased neutralizing antibodies observed after IP injection could be due to the advantage that the IP route has of reaching lymphoid tissue faster. (abstract
Low-Cost PIV Experimentation for Undergraduate Fluid Dynamics Courses
No full textabstract: Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has become a cornerstone of modern experimental fluid mechanics due to its unique ability to resolve the entire instantaneous two-dimensional velocity field of an experimental flow. However, this methodology has historically been omitted from undergraduate curricula due to the significant cost of research-grade PIV systems and safety considerations stemming from the high-power Nd-YAG lasers typically implemented by PIV systems. In the following undergraduate thesis, a low-cost model of a PIV system is designed to be used within the context of an undergraduate fluid mechanics lab. The proposed system consists of a Hele-Shaw water tunnel, a high-power LED lighting source, and a modern smartphone camera. Additionally, a standalone application was developed to perform the necessary image processing as well as to perform Particle Streak Velocimetry (PSV) and PIV image analysis. Ultimately, the proposed system costs $229.33 and can replicate modern PIV techniques albeit for simple flow scenarios. (abstract
Links Between Adolescents’ and Parents’ Depressive Symptoms in Mexican-origin Families
No full textabstract: The present study examined associations between depressive symptoms among mothers, fathers, and adolescents and considered whether different associations emerged by parent and adolescent gender. In addition, the combination of maternal and paternal depressive symptoms was examined in relation to adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Participants were 246 families of Mexican-origin in two-parent households who resided in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Data were collected during home interviews at Time 1 and phone calls with adolescents at Time 2. Findings revealed concurrent bivariate associations between adolescents’ and mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms. Further, mothers’ depressive symptoms predicted increases in adolescents’ symptoms two years later. However, there were no significant gender differences, and the combination of mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms did not predict adolescents’ depressive symptoms. These findings contribute to understanding the interrelations between Mexican-origin mothers’, fathers’, and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. (abstract
The Forgotten: The DNC's Failure to Return to their Roots
No full textabstract: The contemporary Democratic Party has departed from their roots protecting working-class issues in favor of neoliberal ideology protecting the professional class; however, recent surges in progressive campaigns demonstrate the desire to move past this elitist ideology for New Deal-like policies, namely, young people. By utilizing the works of Thomas Frank and Anand Giridharadas to analyze the faults of the DNC, I then make case for the path forward that is more inclusive of young people and older members Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, and LGBTQ+ communities with progressive policies to "bringing the party home." (abstract
The Next Generation of Buyers: Gen Z’s Porn Usage & Its Effect on Demand for Sex Trafficking
No full textabstract: The effect that pornography has on demand for sex trafficking has yet to be thoroughy investigated. A confidential survey was constructed and opened exclusively to heterosexual English-speaking men who are currently living in the U.S. and between teh ages of 18 and 25. Results showed that men who have purchased sex are more likely to watch porn more often and for longer durations than men who do not report ever purchasing sex. Results also support that men who have purchased sex consume different kinds of porn than men who report never having purchased sex. Finally, results also suggest that men who have purchased sex are more likely to simultaneously report feelings of guilt and satisfaction after viewing pornography. As a whole, these results demonstrate a difference in porn consumption by men who have a history of purchasing sex. (abstract
Building a Web-Based Platform for Student Communication
No full textabstract: Arizona State course enrollment regularly reaches triple digits. Despite the large enrollment numbers, the level of communication among students remain relatively low. Students often create Discord servers to keep in touch with classmates, but this requires each individual student to track down the invite link. The purpose of this project is to create an inviting chat service for students with minimal barriers of entry. This website, https://gibbl.io, offers a chat room for every class at ASU, making it simple for students to maintain communication. (abstract
A Musical Tool for Practicing Rapid Chord Tone Enumeration
No full textabstract: My proposed project is an educational application that will seek to simplify the process of internalizing the chord symbols most commonly seen by those learning musical improvisation. The application will operate like a game, encouraging the user to identify chord tones within time limits and award points for successfully doing so. (abstract
Social Media Manipulation, How it Can Lead to a Divided Country, and Ways to Help
No full textabstract: This Thesis presentation and book review is on social media manipulation and the issue of media algorithms developing a close minded perspective in individuals. It discusses the mechanics of these algorithms, the definition of social media manipulation, and the neutral negative impacts on the polarization of our country. It also goes into detail on how I applied this research to design projects throughout 4th year of the Visual Communication Design Program. (abstract