Impact of Social Networks on the Spread of Disease

https://scholar.dsu.edu/research-symposium/1023/thumbnail.jp

Inducing Tumor Immunity through the Selective Engagement of Activating Fcγ Receptors on Dendritic Cells

Induction of tumor-specific immunity requires that dendritic cells (DCs) efficiently capture and present tumor antigens to result in the expansion and activation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells. The transition from antigen capture to T cell stimulation requires a maturation signal; in its absence tolerance, rather than immunity may develop. While immune complexes (ICs) are able to enhance antigen capture, they can be poor at inducing DC maturation, naive T cell activation and protective immunity. We now demonstrate that interfering with the inhibitory signal delivered by FcγRIIB on DCs converts ICs to potent maturation agents and results in T cell activation. Applying this approach to immunization with DCs pulsed ex-vivo with ICs, we have generated antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in vivo and achieved efficient protective immunity in a murine melanoma model. These data imply that ICs may normally function to maintain tolerance through the binding to inhibitory FcγRs on DCs, but they can be converted to potent immunogenic stimuli by selective engagement of activating FcγRs. This mechanism suggests a novel approach to the development of tumor vaccines

Forcing and Velocity Correlations in a Vibrated Granular Monolayer

The role of forcing on the dynamics of a vertically shaken granular monolayer is investigated. Using a flat plate, surprising negative velocity correlations are measured. A mechanism for this anti-correlation is proposed with support from both experimental results and molecular dynamics simulations. Using a rough plate, velocity correlations are positive, and the velocity distribution evolves from a gaussian at very low densities to a broader distribution at high densities. These results are interpreted as a balance between stochastic forcing, interparticle collisions, and friction with the plate.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Evaluating Implementation of Recognition-Based Incentive program (RBIP) During Service Learning Curriculum

Background Common Threads (CT), a student organization, produces crocheted sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness. Due to the extensive labor of the initiative, CT was motivated to encourage engagement of medical student volunteers beyond the curriculum-required minimum hours through a recognition-based incentive program (RBIP). Methods Students were presented with the opportunity by CT to receive the recognition title of “Community Change Partner”. In the Service Learning curriculum at WSUSOM, students are required to complete clinical and outreach service hours. CT offers students the opportunity to complete outreach hours by making sleeping mats out of recycled material. To receive the title, students had to obtain 375 points. Points were awarded based on relative time commitment and value. The RBIP was evaluated by comparing the number of completed mats, monthly volunteer hours, number of recognition certificates awarded, and volunteers engaging in work outside of events in the three months before and after implementation. Results Prior to the RBIP, CT supported 30.3 monthly volunteer hours, completed 2 mats, and had no engagement outside of events in three months. After the initiation of the RBIP, CT supported 43.6 monthly volunteer hours, completed 10 mats, had 11 people engage in work outside of events, and awarded 7 recognition certificates in three months. Conclusion After RBIP implementation, there was an increase in all evaluated areas, suggesting that the program successfully improved student engagement. Implementing recognition-based incentives is a powerful tool that organizations should use to improve impact and reach of initiatives serving Detroit’s vulnerable populations

Non-equilibrium two-phase coexistence in a confined granular layer

We report the observation of the homogenous nucleation of crystals in a dense layer of steel spheres confined between two horizontal plates vibrated vertically. Above a critical vibration amplitude, two-layer crystals with square symmetry were found to coexist in steady state with a surrounding granular liquid. By analogy to equilibrium hard sphere systems, the phase behavior can be explained through entropy maximization. However, dramatic non-equilibrium effects are present, including a significant difference in the granular temperatures of the two phases.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, RevTex4 forma

An Exploration of International Students’ Institutional Experiences at Cedarville University

The purpose of this study was to understand the institutional experience of international students on the campus of Cedarville University. The study utilized a phenomenological qualitative method with a sample of 18 students who represented 14 nations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed, and the following themes were found: perception of academic challenges, programs that have been helpful/unhelpful in their adjustment to life at the University, and changes they would make that would be helpful to them. Our findings suggested that international students found the academics of Cedarville University to be more challenging than they expected, but the professors were approachable. Programs such as Orientation for international students/missionary kids/third culture kids, the international student organization, and the campus academic enrichment center were helpful for them because they provided introductions to both international and American communities and one-on-one help with academics. Students suggested that help with applying to the university and for a visa along with help integrating into work life once they are here would be helpful changes for them. Students also suggested that it would be helpful for them if the university took action in promoting cultural awareness on campus

Identifying Antimicrobial Phytocompounds to Combat ISS Superbugs

The isolation, or creation, of novel antimicrobial agents is currently at the forefront of modern healthcare due to the stark decrease in antimicrobial drug development in recent years and due to the increasing rise of superbugs, or microorganisms that are resistant to more than one type of antimicrobial treatment, which are predicted by 2050 to cause 10 million deaths/year. In addition to being a terrestrial cause for concern, antimicrobial resistant microbes are also a threat to the health of the individuals on the International Space Station (ISS). According to recent studies, a diverse population of bacteria and fungi, including several opportunistic pathogens, have colonized the ISS, and many of these strains have been found to possess antimicrobial resistance genes. Therefore, our research is focused on testing bacterial and fungal pathogens that have been isolated from the ISS against methanolic extracts from different medicinal plants, such as Argemone mexicana and Curcuma longa. Additionally, from previous work in our lab (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249704), we have identified several antibacterial compounds in A. mexicana and are attempting to determine the distribution of these phytocompounds (berberine, chelerythrine, sanguinarine) in the plant using quantitative chemistry techniques. This work highlights the importance of plants as an invaluable pharmaceutical resource at a time when antimicrobial drug discovery has plateaued