Synthesis of biodegradable hydrogel microparticles for vaccine protein delivery

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (p. 21).Soluble protein antigens used in vaccines have shown lower immune responses when compared with certain particulate forms of these same antigens. For example, it has been shown that micro- and nano-particle mediated delivery of protein antigen can use up to 100 times less protein and still produce an effective immune response [1]. In order to use this phenomenon to make vaccines more efficient, we need a biodegradable delivery particle. This thesis modifies a particle created by Jain et al., which consists of a polymer network surrounding and trapping a protein, by removing the non-degradable crosslinker used in the original particle design and replacing it with a poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate molecule attached to ovalbumin protein. When a dendritic cell degrades the particle, the ovalbumin protein will be degraded, as will the connections between the polymer network that holds the particle together [2]. The particles degraded to 56% of their original size in 3 days, while the non-degradable particle degraded to only 80% of its original size.by Kendall Werts.S.B

La Hermandad and Chicanas Organizing: The Community Rhetoric of the Comisión Femenil Mexicana Nacional

To address the need for situated accounts of community rhetoric, this article examines the legacy of the first Chicana feminist organization, the Comisión Femenil Mexicana Nacional (CFMN). The CFMN and their archival collection provide[d] Chicanas an education about how to interpret, be and act in the world. To invent a rhetorical identity, and an organization that makes change, the CFMN 1) invoked a remembering of a Chicana history of policy making to incite other Chicanas into political action, and 2) strategically drew on the use of the Chicana concept of “La Hermandad” to define a particular Chicana method of collectivity

Soluble levels of receptor for advanced glycation endproducts and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus: ACTG NWCS332.

The role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in HIV-related atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unclear. Both glycation and oxidation (HDLox) are major modifications of HDL that can alter its composition and function. Therefore, we explored the longitudinal association of HDLox with progression of glycation, as evaluated by measurement of circulating forms of receptor for AGE that predict morbidity (soluble Receptors for Advanced Glycation Endproducts [sRAGE], endogenous secretory Receptors for Advanced Glycation Endproducts [esRAGE]), in people with HIV-1 (PWH; HIV-1) and uninfected (HIV-1) individuals.We retrospectively assessed if levels of plasma sRAGE and esRAGE and HDL function (reduced antioxidant function is associated with increased HDL lipid hydroperoxide content; HDLox) in a subset of participants (n = 80) from a prospective 3-year study (AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5078). Primary outcomes were baseline and yearly rates of change over 96 of 144 weeks (Δ) in HDLox in HIV-1 versus uninfected HIV-1 controls (noted as HIV-1).Higher baseline levels of sRAGE in PWH on effective anti-retroviral therapy and with low CVD risk, but not in HIV-1 persons, were independently associated with higher HDLox. EsRAGE, but not sRAGE, had consistent inverse relationships with ΔHDLox in both HIV-1 and HIV-1 persons at baseline. In HIV-1 but not in HIV-1 persons, ΔHDLox had positive and inverse relationships with ΔRAGE and ΔesRAGE, respectively.Glycation and oxidation of HDL may contribute to impaired HDL function present in PWH

A study to ascertain what effect the study of homophones has on spelling achievement

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit

A study to ascertain what effect the study of homophones has on spelling achievement

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit

Winds of Worcester

This report outlines an extensive study done at Worcester Polytechnic Institute about the feasibility of a wind farm in Worcester County, MA. Technical aspects, potential locations, social implications, environmental impacts, political support and economic impacts are each comprehensively examined to determine whether a wind farm would be a possibility for this area. The report is concluded in a discussion on the tipping point of wind power both in Worcester and in the U.S