Oxylipins are a class of bioactive lipid metabolites derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) via enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways. In order to elucidate their overall biological effects, the knowledge of the entire oxylipin profile is needed as oxylipins can have similar or opposing effects in regard to inflammatory events. Their...
I have participated in a drug discovery program designed to screen marine algae for
inhibitors of cancer-related enzymes, antitumor compounds, antiinflammatory substances,
and other agents of potential pharmaceutical utility. Over 1,500 lipid and aqueous extracts
of marine plants and animals were surveyed for biomedical potential. Assays designed to
screen extracts...
This thesis presents mechanics and dynamics of Low Frequency Vibration Assisted Turning (LFV-T). First, a mechanistic model for analytical cutting force and specific cutting energy prediction is presented. Kinematics of the process is used to analyze the cut surface topography and derive the uncut chip thickness variation for various modulation...
Following surveys of seaweeds in Oregon and the Caribbean, four algal species were selected for study on the basis of their crude extract biological activity or thin-layer chromatographic characteristics. Extracts were fractionated by normal phase chromatography, including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Derivatives (methyl esters, acetates, and benzoates) of natural...
Arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids required for proper embryonic development, specifically neurodevelopment. However, little is known regarding their conversion to other metabolites during embryogenesis. The oxidation of ARA gives rise to the biologically active eicosanoids and the oxidation of DHA gives rise to the...
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether
the beneficial effects which the consumption of fish oil
imparts on hemostatic function can be modified by the level
of dietary selenium. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed for
eight weeks semipurified diets containing 7% corn oil (by
weight) or 5.5%...
Honey bees are vital for our food production and ecosystem due to their critical pollination services. The beekeepers in the United States and worldwide have reported significant colony losses for over fifteen years. Several stressors are implicated in these colony declines, including parasites, diseases, poor nutrition, and pesticide exposure. There...
Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a serious pest in soft and stone fruit industries worldwide. The unique serrated ovipositor of female Drosophila suzukii allowed the species to reproduce in intact, ripening fruit before the harvest. Current control methods rely heavily on insecticide application, only becoming less profitable due to the...
In the presence of internal or external stressors, the body requires sources of energy that aide cells to combat inflammation. Fatty acids are an important source of energy and are vital components of cell membranes. Dietary fatty acids (n-6 and n-3) are of importance in immune function because they are...
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has recently been described as a novel therapeutic target, given the potent suppression of multiple immune-mediated diseases following activation by the prototypic ligand, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In the parent-into-F1 graft-versus-host (GVH) model, suppression of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response is associated with the presence of CD25⁺CTLA-4⁺IL-10⁺Foxp3[superscript...