An empirical approach towards the efficient and optimal production of influenza-neutralizing ovine polyclonal antibodies demonstrates that the novel adjuvant CoVaccine HT(TM) is functionally superior to Freund's adjuvant

Passive immunotherapies utilising polyclonal antibodies could have a valuable role in preventing and treating infectious diseases such as influenza, particularly in pandemic situations but also in immunocompromised populations such as the elderly, the chronically immunosuppressed, pregnant women, infants and those with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to optimise current methods used to generate ovine polyclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies to baculovirus-expressed recombinant influenza haemagglutinin from A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 H1N1 (PR8) were elicited in sheep using various immunisation regimens designed to investigate the priming immunisation route, adjuvant formulation, sheep age, and antigen dose, and to empirically ascertain which combination maximised antibody output. The novel adjuvant CoVaccine HT™ was compared to Freund’s adjuvant which is currently the adjuvant of choice for commercial production of ovine polyclonal Fab therapies. CoVaccine HT™ induced significantly higher titres of functional ovine anti-haemagglutinin IgG than Freund’s adjuvant but with fewer side effects, including reduced site reactions. Polyclonal hyperimmune sheep sera effectively neutralised influenza virus in vitro and, when given before or after influenza virus challenge, prevented the death of infected mice. Neither the age of the sheep nor the route of antigen administration appeared to influence antibody titre. Moreover, reducing the administrated dose of haemagglutinin antigen minimally affected antibody titre. Together, these results suggest a cost effective way of producing high and sustained yields of functional ovine polyclonal antibodies specifically for the prevention and treatment of globally significant diseases.Natalie E. Stevens, Cara K. Fraser, Mohammed Alsharifi, Michael P. Brown, Kerrilyn R. Diener, John D. Haybal

Liposomal Packaging Generates Wnt Protein with In Vivo Biological Activity

Wnt signals exercise strong cell-biological and regenerative effects of considerable therapeutic value. There are, however, no specific Wnt agonists and no method for in vivo delivery of purified Wnt proteins. Wnts contain lipid adducts that are required for activity and we exploited this lipophilicity by packaging purified Wnt3a protein into lipid vesicles. Rather than being encapsulated, Wnts are tethered to the liposomal surface, where they enhance and sustain Wnt signaling in vitro. Molecules that effectively antagonize soluble Wnt3a protein but are ineffective against the Wnt3a signal presented by a cell in a paracrine or autocrine manner are also unable to block liposomal Wnt3a activity, suggesting that liposomal packaging mimics the biological state of active Wnts. When delivered subcutaneously, Wnt3a liposomes induce hair follicle neogenesis, demonstrating their robust biological activity in a regenerative context

Sewer System Alternatives Evaluation for Potential Creswell Area Expansion in Harford County

Final project for ENCE422: Project Cost Accounting and Economics (Fall 2018). University of Maryland, College Park.This report summarizes the findings of the ENCE422 Fall 2018 class term project. Students were tasked with evaluating sewer system alternatives for the Creswell area expansion in Harford County. Student groups were to consider environmental impacts, community/social impacts, and perform financial analysis for the alternatives they chose to evaluate. This report extracts information from 14 separate team presentations and synthesizes it around the following structure; 1. Systems that Utilize Septic Tanks a. Traditional Septic System b. Orenco Effluent System c. Small Diameter Gravity Sewer System 2. System that Do Not Utilize Septic Tanks a. Traditional Gravity System b. Vacuum System c. Grinder Pump SystemHarford Count

Modeling the Microbial Fuel Cell : A Computer Simulation Using Stella

The microbial fuel cell utilizes the natural metabolic activity of microorganisms in the production of electrical current. This project developed a computer simulation of the standard fuel cell apparatus using Stella modeling software. The resultant model can be adapted to fit a wide range of variations in the standard fuel cell theme to allow for the prediction of the behavior of the fuel cell under different conditions. The model predicts the general biochemical responses of the microorganisms in the fuel cell and provides a means to track electron flow through a closed circuit approach to the fuel cell.

Impact damping applied to MDOF structures

Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to [email protected], referencing the URI of the item.Includes bibliographical references.Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.Not availabl

MCAS and the MBTI -- explorations.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) has caused a fiery debate among public school officials due to the fact that many students are at risk of failing this test.The MCAS takes effect starting this year as a high stakes state achievement test. It is supposed to improve standards and provide accountability tied to state-wide curriculums. Prior study of the SAT has revealed an "intuitive" advantage using MBTI data from the Worcester and Fitchburg public school systems. This study seeks to find a similar cognitive bias on the MCAS. Also, if there is a bias, is it the same size and strength involving the same variables? In this socio-economic context, there might be a consequence of the MCAS relating so highly to the SAT in what the exams tell you. Finally, the study seeks to help identify those students "at risk" of failing the MCAS given the findings of what it is correlated with

Comparative analysis of learning styles and MCAS scores in the Worcester and Fitchburg public school systems.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) has caused a fiery debate among public school officials due to the fact that many students are at risk of failing this test. The MCAS takes effect starting this year as a high stakes state achievement test. It is supposed to improve standards and provide accountability tied to statewide curriculums. Prior study of the SAT has revealed an "intuitive" advantage using MBTI data from the Worcester and Fitchburg public school systems. This study seeks to find a similar cognitive bias on the MCAS. Also, if there is a bias, is it the same size and strength involving the same variables? In this socio-economic context, there might be a consequence of the MCAS relating so highly to the SAT in what the exams tell you. Finally, the study seeks to help identify those students "at risk" of failing the MCAS given the findings about what it is correlated with