SACM - United States of America
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Item Restricted THE ANTIM ICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF COMMIPHORA MOLM OL (MYRRHA) EXTRACT(Long Island University, 0019-07-15) Alenezi, Tahrir; Bhattacharjee, MrinalThe Commiphoramolmol (myrrha) has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries in different cultures. An ethanol extract o f myrrha was evaporated under vacuum to obtain an oil. A 20% solution o f this oil in ethanol was used to determine antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, the Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli, MVlONal, and fungi, (yeast), Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The MIC forÆ’. coli and S. aureus were determined on phosphate buffer since the oil did not show antibiotic activity on growing cells. The MIC o f myrrha oil in phosphate buffer for E. coli was 0.56% (5.6 mg/ml) and for S. aureus was 0.1% (1 mg/ml). However, the oil could be used to kill cells in a nutrient-rich medium provided growth o f the bacteria is first stopped using a bacteriostatic antibiotic such as Chloramphenicol. The results show that chloramphenicol enhanced the antimicrobial activity o f myrrha oil. Zone o f inhibition test shows myrrha extract has antibacterial property against S. aureus. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of myrrha extract was prodigious since most o f the cells were killed in 10 minutes at a dose o f 0.05% (0.5 mg/ml) o f myrrha extract. Repeated attempts to obtain an E. coli or S. aureus strain that is resistant to myrrha oil were unsuccessful. A possible explanation o f this can be that myrrha oil is a membrane acting antibiotic. In conclusion, the results o f this study suggest that myrrha extract could be a prom ising antibacterial and antifungal drug.34 0Item Restricted The Role of Angiopoietin-Like 4 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Dissemination(University of Maryland, 0022-07-19) Hefni, Eman; Montaner, SilviaDysregulation of cellular signaling and behavior are instrumental in promoting tumor cell metabolism, proliferation, tissue invasion and metastasis. Extensive investigations in human cancer development have identified various of these alterations within tumors and their microenvironments that have helped guide the direction of drug development in cancer. Different types of molecular-based therapies for this disease are designed to modulate or interact with cell surface receptors (monoclonal antibodies), intracellular cascades (small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors) as well as microenvironment components related to the functionality of the extracellular matrix, tumor vasculature and immune response. To design these cancer molecular-based therapies, an improved understanding of the molecular underpinnings leading to tumor formation and growth is essential. The overall aim of our investigation is the identification of the molecular mechanisms associated with the induction of tumor cell migration and proliferation induced by Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), a pro-tumorigenic and pro- angiogenic factor, in head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC accounts for approximately 900,000 cases and over 400,000 deaths annually, with around 54,000 new cases and 11,000 deaths per year in the United States. Unfortunately, the clinical management of this tumor remains challenging and there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic alternatives. Our studies, divided into two research aims, use in vitro cell- based models together with signal transduction and cell and molecular biology methods. Our results demonstrate that: 1) ANGPTL4 is upregulated in human-derived dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs) and HNSCC cell lines, but not in normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs), suggesting an early and sustained role for ANGPTL4 in disease progression. ANGPTL4 is a molecular marker in biopsies from patients with mild-moderate or moderate oral epithelial dysplasia, primary HNSCC and metastatic HNSCC. ANGPTL4 is necessary and sufficient to promote cell migration in DOKs and HNSCCs lines. Binding of ANGPTL4 to neuropilin-1 (NRP1) leads to paxillin (PXN) phosphorylation and cell migration in an ABL1-dependent manner, exposing the ANGPTL4/NRP1/ABL1/PXN cascade as a vulnerable target for HNSCC treatment. 2) Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)- and Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1)-mediated pathways cooperate in the upregulation of ANGPTL4 in normal and dysplastic oral keratinocytes and HNSCC cells. Besides EGF, the EGF ligand, amphiregulin leads to an increase in ANGPTL4 and is upregulated in HNSCC lesions. ANGPTL4 activates the HNSCC molecular markers p38 MAPK, AKT and mTOR in NOKs; these kinases may act as potential intracellular regulators of the autocrine signals and paracrine secretions that ANGPTL4 activates to promote HNSCC tumorigenesis. Collectively, our findings are clinically relevant and suggest that ANGPTL4 and its associated signaling molecules are potential therapeutic targets in HNSCC clinical management.14 0Item Restricted Unhealed Wounds: From Complex Trauma Exposure to Wellbeing and the Role of Coping(0023-07-23) Alsubaie, Mohammed; Bentley, JacobComplex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) emerged as a theoretical construct reflecting symptoms beyond our current conceptualization of posttraumatic stress. Research examining its validity is still ongoing and cross-cultural research on the matter is emerging. An important risk factor to developing cPTSD is the experience of complex trauma, which constitutes experiences that reflect interpersonal violations of bodily boundary and integrity or betrayal (e.g., sexual assault and emotional abuse). There is still a gap in the literature linking complex trauma exposure to wellbeing or positive functioning in general. Survivors’ style of coping with trauma might influence later adjustment. With a sample of trauma survivors from Saudi Arabia, the present study evaluated the construct validity of cPTSD as well as examined the relationship between complex trauma and wellbeing as moderated by styles of coping. Results showed that all conceptualizations of complex trauma significantly predicted decreased wellbeing, but that such associations were not moderated by active nor passive style of coping. Factor and network analyses provided evidence for the construct validity of cPTSD, with the 6 first-order correlated factors model representing the best fit for the data, χ2 (155) = 431.373, p < .001, CFI = .941, TLI = .928, RMSEA = .064, 90% CI [.057, .071], SRMR = .041. Exploratory network analyses yielded 4-factor solutions distinguishing boundaries between PTSD, disturbance in self-organization (DSO), depression, and anxiety. Collectively, these findings call for systemic efforts to help increase access to well-researched and effective interventions as well as provide suggestions for central symptoms in these networks, and offer practitioners evidence for cPTSD validity and an assessment tool to utilize in Arabic.27 0Item Restricted Treatment Quality, Duration and Accuracy with LightForce™ 3D-Printed Custom Brackets and Clear Aligners(Unviversity at Buffalo, 0095-06) Hamiduddin, Aliyyah; Al-Jewair, Thikriat; Aszkler, Robert; Warunek, StephenIntroduction: New custom 3D-printed bracket workflows have emerged during the past few years. LightForceTM (LF, Burlington, MA) is a custom 3D-printed labial bracket that is indirectly bonded to teeth. The manufacturer claims that they are precise in delivering tooth movement, accurate in bracket placement, efficient in clinic visits. Clear Aligners (CA) have been utilized more commonly in clinical practice with similar claims to 3D-printed brackets in terms of its precision, accuracy, and efficiency. In Addition, CAs are more esthetic, better in oral hygiene maintenance, less susceptible to white spot lesions compared to fixed orthodontic brackets, however, they have some drawbacks such as patients’ compliance is required in wearing their aligners, the main movement produced is tipping and the predictability of controlled tipping ≤ 50% of the required tooth movement. To our knowledge, the treatment quality, duration, and accuracy of LF customized 3-D printed brackets in comparison to CAs has not been investigated in the literature Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the treatment quality, duration and accuracy of LF bracket system and CA therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study of patients presenting for comprehensive orthodontic treatment with either LF or CAs (Invisalign®, San Jose, CA) in one private practice. A total of 70 subjects were included (37 in the LF group and 33 in the CA group). The mean age at the start of the treatment was 13.42 ± 1.09 in LF group and 15.8 ± 3.36 in the CA group. Pre- and post-comprehensive treatment records were compared. Treatment quality was evaluated on post-treatment 3-D printed models and panoramic radiographs using the ABO Cast-Radiograph evaluation (C-R Eval) grading system. Treatment duration was compared between the groups in months. Treatment accuracy was evaluated by comparing the predicted (TP) and the achieved (T1) arch width changes at the canine, first premolar and first molar between the groups. Results: The total C-R Eval score was 35.08 ± 9.99 in the LF group and 32.55 ± 8.85 in the CA group. The scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.503). The treatment duration was 15.89 ± 3.49 in the LF and 14.39 ± 4.69 in the CA group and the difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.138). There was significant difference between LF and CA groups in TP-T1 of the maxillary inter- canine width (LF= 0.87, CA=0.23, P= 0.013) Conclusion: Treatment quality and duration were comparable between LF and CAs in mild to moderate crowding cases. CAs demonstrated accuracy in archwidth predictions, whereas LF showed accuracy in predicting maxillary inter-canine width, mandibular intermolar and inter-premolar widths. CAs showed higher accuracy in the prediction of maxillary inter-canine width than LF.55 0Item Restricted IQGAP1 IS A NOVEL EFFECTOR OF GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE RECEPTOR SIGNALING(Saudi Digital Library, 0100-12-17) Alqahatni, Huda; Amberg, GregoryStimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors on the surface of anterior pituitary gonadotrope cells is a key signaling event for the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. One important downstream component of GnRH receptor signaling is the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), which is essential for the production of the gonadotropin luteinizing hormone. Evidence suggests that GnRH receptors reside in low-density plasma membrane domains where they participate in multiprotein signaling complexes. Here, we used quantitative proteomics to identify proteins associated with low-density plasma membrane domains and to measure changes in their relative abundance in these domains in response to GnRH. Using αT3-1 gonadotropes, we identified 537 proteins in detergent-free subcellular fractions containing low-density plasma membranes. SILAC (stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture), in combination with mass spectrometry, demonstrated that GnRH, within 10 min, altered the association of 87 proteins with this plasma membrane fraction. Ontology analysis revealed that GnRH promoted an enrichment of actin cytoskeletal and adherent junction-related proteins, including the molecular scaffold IQGAP1 and the small GTPase Rac1. Subsequent investigation revealed that the association between Rac1 and IQGAP1 increased with GnRH receptor stimulation and that GnRH increased Rac1 activity. Demonstrating functional relevance, inhibiting Rac1 reduced GnRH-dependent ERK activation. Our data reveals an upstream activation of signaling and structural molecules, including Ca2+, CDC42 and Rac1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and β-catenin. We also identified interactions between the scaffold protein IQGAP1 and these molecules, indicating that IQGAP1 is a fundamental regulator of GnRH-dependent signaling in gonadotropes. Furthermore, our data shows that IQGAP1 has a transcriptional regulatory role in gonadotropes treated with GnRH. In sum, these data indicate that IQGAP1 complexed with Rac1 modulates ERK activity and, as such, serves as an essential effector in modulating cell polarity and cell-cell contacts in gonadotropes. Altogether, our proteomics data show that acute stimulation of GnRH receptors (3 nM for 10 min) alters the PAM fraction abundance of proteins, such as IQGAP1, mechanistically linked to gonadotrope activation.5 0Item Restricted OPTIMAL DESIGN OF DECENTRALIZED LARGE-SCALE SYSTEMS WITH LOW SENSITIVITY TO NON-LINEARITY(1987-12-13) Alshaban, Esmail Mohammed; Lu, TianshiThe optimal design of complex systems with low sensitivity to nonlinear subsystems is an important problem in engineering and science. When talking about non-linearity, linearization of non-linear control systems is an important technique used in control engineering to analyze the behavior of complex nonlinear systems. The process involves approximating a nonlinear system around an operating point by a linear system that can be analyzed using conventional linear control theory. This technique is particularly useful in control system design since it allows the use of well-established techniques such as state feedback, and linear quadratic regulator (LQR) to design controllers for nonlinear systems. Linearization is a powerful tool that can help researchers understand the behavior of nonlinear systems and design effective control strategies to achieve desired performance objectives. This paper proposes the single perturbation method as a model reduction technique to reduce the order of the system. The singular perturbation approach identifies the slow and fast dynamics of a complex system and develops reduced-order models that represent the system’s core characteristics. The reduced-order models are then used to design optimal controllers for the complex system that are insensitive to the nonlinear subsystems. Game theory is a branch of mathematics that looks at how people make strategic decisions when the results of their choices depend on the decisions made by others. It can be used in a lot of different ways in control systems, especially in the design of systems with more than one person making decisions and interacting with each other. Game theory may be used to control systems to evaluate agent behavior and create controller designs that maximize system performance. The reduced order model was optimized using Nash strategy of game theory.25 0Item Restricted PRONOUNS FUNCTIONING AS SYNTACTIC HEADS IN EQUATIVE AND PREDICATIVE CONSTRUCTIONS IN ARABIC. A MINIMALIST PERSPECTIVE.(University of Arizona, 2014) Asiri, Ibrahim; Karimi, SiminThis dissertation explores pronouns which, I argue, function as syntactic heads in Arabic. Specifically, the concentration of this work is based on equative copular and verbless constructions and on predicative copular and verbless constructions. I refer to the pronominal syntactic heads which occur in predicative and equative constructions as PRON, pronsupport, pronQuestion. All of them take the form of nominative subject pronouns, while each one has its own properties, function and distinctive syntactic location where it is Merged. PRON is only licit with equative sentences but illicit with predicative ones. It is optional, can co-occur with the copula, and its person feature is always default third-person. I argue that pronsupport is generated in T head to support the negative particle /ma/ ‘not’ which cannot stand by itself as a single word at Spell-Out. This pronominal head is obligatory in both equative and predicative constructions. Moreover, it does not occur with the copula, and it agrees with the subject in all the -features. Finally, I discuss the function of pronQuestion which is to form yes/no interrogative sentences. It is generated in the Focus head, and it agrees with the full DP subject in all the -features. However, if the subject is a pronoun, either pronQuestion is not pronounced or its agreement with the subject is suspended. The fact that all the pronominal heads (i.e., PRON, pronsupport and pronQuestion) can appear together in one construction supports the claim that they are distinct from each other. My main proposal is that the structures of equative and predicative constructions are different from each other. I propose that in the case of the predicative constructions, the lexical predicates NP, AP or PP are specified with a lexical semantic property feature. This semantic property feature undergoes transfer to the functional Pred head, endowed with a semantic function. The nature of this semantic function is to predicate a property of some entity to produce a proposition. Therefore, the DP in Spec-PredP is shared between a lexical predicate (i.e., NP, AP, or PP) which provides the semantic property feature, on the one hand, and a functional head (i.e., Pred head) that turns such semantic property feature into a propositional function that must have an argument DP of type entity to form the proposition. With respect to the structure of the equative constructions, I propose that they consist of two DPs which are symmetrically Merged to make a small clause. Such two DPs are composed of two co-referential features in their D heads. Finally, the case system in these constructions is puzzling for which I provide a solution to explain their idiosyncratic properties.9 0Item Restricted The Interaction Between Hydroxyapatite and Citric Acid(The Catholic University of America, 2014) Alhubaysh, Abeer Abdullah; Wilson, OttoHydroxyapatite (HAp) [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] is an inorganic compound which has similar chemical composition as bone and citric acid (CA) [C6H8O7 ] is an weak organic acid. In this work the complex (HAp-CA) formed by their interaction is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Zeta potential (ZP) measurement as a function of pH of the complex solution. The results of XRD analysis have revealed a monoclinic pattern of the HAp-CA complex with the most pronounced diffraction line, observed at a 2θ of 32.179°. In ZP measurement experiments, the isoelectric point (IEP) for the complex was found to be 1.6 which is well shifted from that of HAp alone (IEP for HAp = 6.5, measured in several previous studies). Also the measured values of ZP in acid medium was found to be higher than that in alkaline medium due to particle size reduction of HAp with increased concentration of CA. The present study can be potentially applied in cancer therapies and drug deliveries.8 0Item Restricted SIMILARITY ANALYSIS OF THE ONE-DIMENSIONAL FOKKER-PLANCK EQUATION(2014-05-07) Alsafri, Areej; Zakeri,AliThe goal of this study is to investigate the conditions under which the Fokker Planck equation assumes closed form solutions. The Fokker-Planck equation arises in the study of fluctuations in physical and biological systems. This equation has been subject of several recent studies. We have analyzed the existence of solutions of this equation analytically and have established results using various invariant approaches. For example, we have employed a group of stretching transformations that keeps the original equation invariant under this group actions. This resulted in obtaining a class of closed form solutions. Then we analyzed the conditions under which a Clarkson-Kruskal type similarity functional form would result in closed form solutions. The importance of this type of solutions relies on the fact that they can be used as a test functional tool in checking the accuracy of numerical algorithms. General form of such class of solutions is obtained and several specific examples of this class is discussed. In addition, a general group invariant approach is investigated.24 0Item Restricted The Effects Of Cold And Freezing Temperatures On The Blood Brain Barrier And Aquaporin 1, 4, And 9 Expression In Cope’S Gray Treefrog, Hyla Chrysoscelis(Saudi Digital Library, 2016) Felemban, Dalal; Goldstein, DavidFelemban, Dalal. M.S. Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 2016. The Effects of Cold and Freezing Temperatures on The Blood Brain Barrier and Aquaporin 1, 4, and 9 Expression in Cope’s Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis. In sub-freezing temperatures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma within the brain of freeze-tolerant gray treefrogs, Hyla chrysoscelis, are likely to freeze. We hypothesized that this would challenge blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and volume regulation for cells in the brain. Our first hypothesis, tested as cerebral Evans blue permeability, was not supported; BBB integrity appeared uncompromised by cold. Our second hypothesis, tested as changing expression of aquaporin (AQP) proteins, was partially supported. Whole-brain expression (Western blot) of AQP1 and AQP4 were unchanged by cold conditions, but AQP9 expression increased in thawed animals. AQP1 was found (immunohistochemistry) in ependymal cells, endothelial cells, neurons, and astrocytes, AQP4 and AQP9 in neurons and astrocytes. Cell localizations of AQPs were not changed by thermal conditions, but cold conditions did enhance immunofluorescence intensity. The brain of gray treefrogs is protected from damage during freezing. Changing expression of AQPs may protect cells during cold-induced osmotic challenges.12 0Item Restricted THE ANTIPROLIFERA TIVE AND APOPTOTIC EFFECTS OF ANNONA MURICATA EXTRACT ON PROSTATE CANCER CELLS(Saudi Digital Library, 2016-03-15) Bogis, Ahlam Mukhtar; Pino-Figueroa, AlejandroAnnona muricata (AM), a tropical evergreen tree, also known as graviola, guanabana or soursop, belongs to the custard apple tree family known as the Annonaceae. It has become known as a "cancer killer" due to its ability to reduce the proliferation of 12 different types of tumors, including breast, prostate, lung, colon and pancreatic cancers. The major phytochemical compounds that have been identified in AM are cyclic hexapeptides and annonaceous acetogenins (AAGs). The AAGs have been reported to have promising anticancer activities in multidrug resistant cancers (MOR). 10• 11 The structures of AA Gs are comprised of adjacent tetrahydrofuranic rings flanked by hydroxyl groups and tetrahydropyranic rings or epoxides. In previous studies AA Gs have been demonstrated to inhibit the ubiquinone-linked NADH oxidase that is constitutively overexpressed in the membranes of cancer cells, but which is only transiently expressed in normal cells. This event could potentially activate the apoptotic cascade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of the AM extracts on prostate cancer cells (PC3). The PC3 cells were treated with methanol extract (ME), aqueous fraction (WF), and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of AM (l-100 μg/mL). A cell viability assay utilizing 3-( 4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5- (3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-( 4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) was performed to evaluate the antiproliferative effects. The results demonstrated that EAF results in a significant reduction in cell viability after 24 h (ICso 14.02 ± 1.14 μg/mL). Caspase 3/7 activities were also tested to verify activation of caspases. The activities of caspase 3/7 were significantly elevated 3 h after treatment with IO μg/mL of EAF. Furthermore, PC3 cells exposed to EAF were tested for Bcl-2 and Bax, the regulatory proteins involved in apoptosis, by Western Blot. EAF caused a significant reduction in the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 but had no effect on the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bax. Moreover, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was significantly increased after PC3 cells were treated with 30 μg/mL of EAF. These results suggested that the EAF reduces cell proliferation and/or causes cell death in PC3 cells by the induction of apoptosis. Further studies will confirm the application of these plant constituents in cancer therapy.19 0Item Restricted Assessment of the Dentin Bond Strength Values of Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Restorative Material using Different In Vitro Test Methods(Carolina Digital Repository, 2016-05) Kensara, Anmar; Ko, Ching-Chang; Boushell, LeeObjective: To assess whether the in vitro dentin bond strength values of a resin modified glass ionomer restorative material (RMGI) are affected by different in vitro test methods. Methods: Mid-depth occlusal dentin of 36-extracted human third molars free of defects was exposed and finished with wet 600-grit silicon carbide paper for 10s. A commercially-available RMGI (Fuji II LC, GC America) was applied to all specimens according to manufacturer’s instructions, after which specimens were stored in 100% humidity at 37 °C for 24 h. Specimens were then randomly divided into three different test groups (n=12): shear bond strength (SBS), microtensile bond strength (μTBS), and four-point bending bond strength (4PBBS). Specimens were loaded to failure using universal testing machines and test-specific parameters: Instron for SBS and 4PBBS tests, EZ-Test for the μTBS test. The mode of bond failure (adhesive, cohesive or mixed) was qualitatively assessed with optical stereomicroscopy. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between bond strength values for the different test methods (p<0.05). The mean bond strength values (± SD, in MPa) were 15.7 (±7.1) for SBS, 9.7 (±5.3) for μTBS and 37.3 (±12.8) for 4PBBS. With respect to the mode of failure, most SBS failures were adhesive in nature (83%), while the majority of μTBS and 4PBBS failures were mixed (69% and 47% respectively). Several μTBS and 4PBBS specimens failed during processing (before testing). Conclusion: The in vitro dentin bond strength values of a resin-modified glass ionomer material are greatly affected by the test method. The mode of bond failure is also affected by test method. The SBS test method demonstrated the highest percentage of adhesive failure and proved to be less technique sensitive. The majority of μTBS and 4PBBS failures were mixed. Use of the μTBS and 4PBBS may not be optimal laboratory test methods for comparison of the relative bond strength of RMGI materials to dentin. Use of the SBS test may allow more controlled comparison of the adhesive dentin bond among various RMGI formulations, whether already commercially available or under development.24 0Item Restricted Improve the Education System in Saudi Arabia(2017) Bakry, Dana Sami; Galloway, ArnoldEducation should always evolve as society develops further into the future, and its education system should evolve also. Education is the foundation upon which a society develops because it teaches our future generations. Education is vital, especially for our young children: any civilization's most precious resource. Education always needs to improve to stay competitive with international rivals. I provide a proposal to develop a suitable solution to the crises in the educational process. As a researcher, I seek to examine the important social benefit the proposal seeks to accomplish in Saudi Arabia. I provide a proposal to develop a suitable solution to this crisis. As systems engineers, I focus on defining customer (students and family) needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, and then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem.44 0Item Restricted RECENT ADVANCES IN HETARYNE CHEMISTRY. EFFORTS TOWARD THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SINGLE PLATFORM FOR THE GENERATION OF 4,5-, 5,6-, AND 6,7-INDOLE ARYNES.(University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2017) Albader, Zainab; Buszek, KeithIn the beginning of 2007, indole arynes and their cycloaddition chemistry were discovered by Buszek laboratories. Since then, indole arynes and their cycloaddition chemistry have demonstrated their value in the construction of biologically active natural products, such as trikentrins and herbindoles. In addition to the tremendous value of indole aryne cycloaddition chemistry in natural products total synthesis, this chemistry has successfully contributed to library development and drug discovery fields. Taking advantage of the relative electronegativity of fluorine atoms, we proposed four polyfluoroindole scaffolds that could potentially generate the all three indole arynes, namely, 4,5-, 5,6-, and 6,7-indole arynes, from a single platform through a combination of dehydrohalogenation and metal halogen exchange chemistry. In these efforts, a practical and efficient synthetic scheme was constructed via the Fischer indole reaction in order to design the four trifluoroindoles from the corresponding trifluoroanilines - a single platform to generate the three indole arynes. This efficient Fischer indole synthetic scheme was used after earlier attempts with a previous and longer synthetic route to produce 4,6,7-trifluoro-1H-indole from 2,4,5-trifluoroaniline was unsuccessful. In spite of the fact that we were not able to obtain the desired compound through this previous synthesis, unexpected results were produced (i.e., diazo-oxides compounds). The four trifluoroindole systems, namely, 4,5,6-trifluoro-3-phenyl-1H-indole, 4,5,7- trifluoro-3-phenyl-1H-indole, 4,6,7-trifluoro-3-phenyl-1H-indole, and 5,6,7- trifluoro-3-phenyl-1H-indole, have now been synthesized via the Fischer indole reaction from the commercially available triflouroanilines in two-step synthesis. Calculated acidities of the four trifluoroindole systems were performed in the gas phase, which indicated the possibility of generation indole arynes from these scaffolds. By comparing proton chemical shifts of trifluoroindole and tribromoindole sets to indole itself, proton chemical shifts of trifluoroindole scaffolds shifted upfield whereas proton chemical shifts of tribromoindole shifted further downfield. Interestingly, this can indicate that in trifluoroindole systems, fluorine atoms shield the protons whereas in tribromoindole systems, bromine atoms deshield the protons. Two systems namely, 4,5,6-trifluoro-1-methyl-3-phenyl-1H-indole and 5,6-difluoro-1-R-3-phenyl-1H-indole were proposed as a potential “universal” indole aryne generating platform.23 0Item Restricted EPIGENETIC AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL DYNAMIC IN PERIODONTAL DISEASE(University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2017-03-19) Hefni, Eman; Barros, SilvanaObjectives: Several studies have shown the involvement of epigenetics with periodontal disease. Since functional dissociation of Paracellular permeability is expected during bacterial infection, we hypothesize that the methylation of host oral epithelial DNA represents an important element in the disruption of barrier function and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. With this In vitro study, we aimed to assess whether there is altered epithelial permeability measuring trans epithelial resistance after Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Campylobacter rectus (C. rectus) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) infection. Plakophilin2 (PKP2) methylation status and expression levels were also investigated. In addition, investigate the potential effects of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors on epithelial barrier function in response to infection with periodontal pathogen in human gingival epithelial cells. Methods: Primary human gingival epithelial cells (HGEPs) were stimulated with P. gingivalis, strain, C. rectus and F. nucleatum (MOI 50) either in the presence or absence of DNMT inhibitors (10 μM of RG108 or EGCG). CellTiter-Blue® Cell Viability Assay (Promega) was used to determine an optimum cell density and maximum inhibitor concentration at which cell viability is maintained. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) at various time points were performed using an EVOM® electrical resistance system. DNA methylation was quantified by PCR using EpiTect Methyl II PCR Primer Assays for PKP2. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed using PKP2 antibody and analysis performed using Zeiss710 confocal microscope. Results: Exposure of HGEPs to P. gingivalis resulted in decreased TER (P=<0.001) associated with increased cell permeability. Methylation assays showed increased methylation levels of the PKP2 in comparison to non-infected controls (P=<0.001) and an associated PKP2 down-regulation (P=<0.005). For infected cells treated with DNMT inhibitors, PKP2 mRNA expression was increased (P=<0.001) and TER values similar to non-infected cells. Comparatively, immunofluorescent staining of the PKP2 protein showed reduced protein expression in infected cells not treated with DNMT inhibitors. Conclusion: DNA methylation levels of PKP2 can affect epithelial barrier function potentially conferring increased susceptibility to infection. DNMT inhibitors can affect cell adhesion dissociation in response to infection minimizing the disturbance to the barrier function.12 0Item Restricted Exercise and Stress among Graduate Students(University of Central Oklahoma, 2017-05-09) Aljuaid, Hana; Dentlinger, Nancy; Arnold, Barbra; Smith, KathlynnGiven the stressful nature of graduate students’ schedules, it is necessary to explore both how stress affects their lives and how it can be mitigated. Exercise has been empirically qualified as a positive coping mechanism against stress, citing improved physiological and emotional benefits. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between how often graduate students exercise and their score on the Benefits/Barriers Scale [EBBS]. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Results were gathered using an online questionnaire, then analyzed using Pearson’s correlation method to determine whether there was a relationship between how often graduate students exercised and their score on the Benefits/Barriers Scale [EBBS]. The findings obtained in this study, through statistical calculations reveal that exercising and stress are correlated to each other. Considering the effects, it imposes on university graduate students, the results indicated that correlation between exercise and stress is inverse, which implies that with better exercising habits, the stress level among these students decreases. This in turn enhances their psychological as well as physical health outcomes over the period of time.27 0Item Restricted ECG CLASSIFICATION USING NEURAL NETWORK(University of Bridgeport, 2018) Alhassani, Ahmad; Faezipour, MiadAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the biomedical signals that is considered a very useful approach to providing information about heart problems. This thesis has been done to contribute to making machines of observation of hearts have more ability for making accurate and fast diagnosis so that life of more patients might be saved. Physios Bank was the source of our dataset. It has many real examples of heart diseases that we can choose for our studies. In this research, there are five heart cases that were used for this research, normal N, atrial premature beat PAC, premature ventricular contraction PVC, left bundle branch block beat LBBB, and right bundle branch block beat RBBB. Classifying these five cases with a high efficiency and accuracy using neural network is our final goal. To achieve this goal, ECG signals must go through specific procedures or steps. The first procedure was ECG signal preprocessing. This step has three sup steps, signal filtering, signal detrending, and signal smoothing. The second procedure is extracting features of ECG signals. The forth one is classifying ECG signals using neural network. Finally, the results of NN will be saved for future purposes. Our system was implemented by using MATLAB because it is a very powerful software for signal processing and signal analysis. Our research was ended with some good achievements and optimizations. For example, discovering good techniques for filtering, finding new way for features extraction, building one neural network to classify multiple heart diseases, and making a high accuracy with 96.88% percent.65 0Item Restricted IMPACT OF LACK OF SOCAIL SUPPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN UNITED STATE(Clark Atlanta University Conceptual Paper Deposited In The Whitney M. Young, Jr., School Of Social Work, 2018) Aljuaid, Asma Mubarak M; Jin, Seok WonThrough a comprehensive systemic review of the literature, this study showed the links between a lack of social support and both increased depression and declines in academic achievement among international students. The study identifies factors that create a lack social support among international students, who confront acculturation conflicts which lead to depression. Also, they have unique challenges, such as difficulties with English, struggles with academic courses, and a lack of resources, and they face cultural, social, and environmental pressures. They lack the support of a society that they comprehended, and international students who received social support achieved higher grade point averages. International students also faced substantially higher academic stress than native U.S. students did.29 0Item Restricted EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION ON EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG IMMIGRANT FAMILIES AND THEIR CHILDREN(Clark Atlanta University, 2018) Algthami, Souzan; Jin, Seok WonThis study focused on the effect of immigration to the United States on educational achievement and mental health among families and their children and analyzed the impact on immigrant children concerning their academic performance in new school environments. It showed various mental psychological issues like anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and suicidal thoughts. Findings in the literature affirm that the language and acculturation barriers are compounded with social and peer concerns, and learning-behavioral challenges to create “gaps” in the performance of immigrant children.28 0Item Restricted Is Short-passing Ability Related To Anxiety And Self-confidence In Division III Collegiate Soccer Players?(Marywood University, 2018-05-01) Bila, Mohammed; Levine, Alan M.; DellaValle, DianeCompetitive soccer players are required to perform various physiological movements including short passing under the stressful conditions of a match. Individual self-confidence and ability to perform under pressure may have an impact on a successful match outcome. Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between short-passing ability and anxiety and self-confidence among collegiate male and female soccer players. Methods: Participants included 17 Division III collegiate soccer players (19 ± 1.1 years, 65% female) who completed the following questionnaires on a computer to assess competitive anxiety and self-confidence: The Illinois Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R), Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), and Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory (TSCI). Soccer skills were then assessed indoors as measured by total time on Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), which consisted of 16 short passes completed as fast as possible. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlations. Results: Mean short-pass total time was 55.7 ±12.0 seconds. We observed positive relationships between SCAT and LSPT total time (rs= 0.5, p= 0.04) and CSAI-2R and LSPT total time (rs= 0.5, p= 0.04): as anxiety increased, so did total time on the passing tests. Additionally, a strong negative relationship was found between TSCI and LSPT total time (rs= -0.68, p= 0.004) as self-confidence increased, total time on the passing test decreased. Conclusions: Increased anxiety and decreased confidence lead to poorer short-passing performance in collegiate soccer players. Coaches should consider interventions to decrease anxiety and improve self-confidence in preparation for soccer competition.42 0