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University of Central Florida

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Theses/Dissertations

2016

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The Mauc Gene Encodes A Versatile Signal Sequence And Redox Protein That Can Be Utilized In Native And Non-Native Protein Expression And Electron Trnasfer Systems, Brian Dow Jan 2016

The Mauc Gene Encodes A Versatile Signal Sequence And Redox Protein That Can Be Utilized In Native And Non-Native Protein Expression And Electron Trnasfer Systems, Brian Dow

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The redox-active type 1 copper site of amicyanin is composed of a single copper ion that is coordinated by two histidines, a methionine, and a cysteine residue. This redox site has a potential of +265 mV at pH7.5. Over ten angstroms away from the copper site resides a tryptophan residue whose fluorescence is quenched by the copper. The effects of the tryptophan on the electron transfer (ET) properties were investigated by site-directed mutagenesis. Lessons learned about the hydrogen bonding network of amicyanin from the aforementioned study were attempted to be used as a model to increase the stability of another …


Mathematical Modeling Of Heart Rate Deflection Point In Relation To Respiratory Compensation And Treadmill Running Performance, Kayla Baker Jan 2016

Mathematical Modeling Of Heart Rate Deflection Point In Relation To Respiratory Compensation And Treadmill Running Performance, Kayla Baker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart rate deflection point (HRDP), identified as the second breakpoint in the "intensity / heart rate" relationship, is indicative of the anaerobic threshold (AT). This point can be determined via bi-segmental linear regression (2SEG) or through use of the maximal distance model (D-max); however, the relationship between these methods has yet to be investigated 2. Purpose: To compare the use of 2SEG and D-max methods to determine HRDP and to examine the relationship between these values with a metabolic threshold, respiratory compensation point (RCP), as well as running performance [5,000 meter treadmill time trial (5Ktime)]. Methods: Nineteen recreationally active men …


The Reproducibility And Validity Of Using The Dmax Method To Predict Physical Working Capacity At Fatigue Threshold, Joshua Riffe Jan 2016

The Reproducibility And Validity Of Using The Dmax Method To Predict Physical Working Capacity At Fatigue Threshold, Joshua Riffe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although the original (ORG) physical working capacity at fatigue threshold (PWCFT) assessment has demonstrated strong reliability and sensitivity to training and/or nutritional interventions, limitations may exist regarding the method of PWCFT estimation. However, a relatively new mathematical method, called Dmax, has been shown to be objective and reliable when estimating metabolic and neuromuscular fatigue thresholds. To date, however, no study has examined whether the Dmax method for estimating the work rate at PWCFT is similar to the ORG method. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Dmax-EMG method for estimating and tracking …


Evaluation Of Echogenicity Within And Between Ultrasonographic Images Of The Vastus Lateralis, Alyssa Varanoske Jan 2016

Evaluation Of Echogenicity Within And Between Ultrasonographic Images Of The Vastus Lateralis, Alyssa Varanoske

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the echo intensity (EI) values of different ultrasound (US) images of the vastus lateralis (VL) using panoramic imaging in the transverse plane (PTI) and still imaging in the longitudinal plane (SLI). Secondary purposes of this study were to examine VL homogeneity and to determine relationships between subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SubQ) adjacent to the muscle and EI. METHODS: Twenty-four recreationally trained collegiate males (20.2 ± 1.6 years; height: 178.1 ± 6.6 cm; weight: 82.2 ± 13.4 kg) participated in this investigation. EI, cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), and SubQ of …


Structural And Functional Characterization Of Enzymes Of A Novel Group Of Tryptophylquinone Cofactor Containing Oxidases, Esha Sehanobish Jan 2016

Structural And Functional Characterization Of Enzymes Of A Novel Group Of Tryptophylquinone Cofactor Containing Oxidases, Esha Sehanobish

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Protein-derived cofactors are redox and catalytic centers that are generally formed by the posttranslational modifications of one or more amino acids. An important class of these cofactors are the quinones derived from tyrosine and tryptophan. Amongst redox proteins, it has been known till now that oxidases either contain a flavin or a tyrosylquinone cofactor, whereas tryptophylquinone ones are present within the dehydrogenases. In recent times, oxidases from a marine bacterium, Marinomonas mediterranea, have been shown to possess the latter. This study involves the characterization of two such proteins, lysine-?-oxidase (LodA) and glycine oxidase (GoxA). They have been reported to contain …


An Evaluation Of Anxiety Following Substance Abuse Withdrawal And Assessment Of Somatic Treatments Presently Available With A Focus On Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, Janet Hutchison Jan 2016

An Evaluation Of Anxiety Following Substance Abuse Withdrawal And Assessment Of Somatic Treatments Presently Available With A Focus On Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, Janet Hutchison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Addictive disorders/substance use disorders (SUDS) affect almost everyone in the United States, either directly or indirectly. The cost of substance abuse to the social and economic structure in the United States is huge. Anxiety is one of the most frequently mentioned symptoms which lead to relapse during the early weeks of recovery due to neurohormonal changes in the limbic system as well as cortisol production which occur during this time. Present research in the treatment of anxiety in substance abuse and long term recovery is focused on genetics and pharmaceuticals, however most pharmaceuticals produce sedation. Additional therapies in early recovery, …


The Influence Of Perceived Organizational Support, Perceived Coworker Support & Debriefing On Work-Related Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, And Secondary Traumatic Stress In Florida Public Safety Personnel, Anastasia Miller Jan 2016

The Influence Of Perceived Organizational Support, Perceived Coworker Support & Debriefing On Work-Related Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, And Secondary Traumatic Stress In Florida Public Safety Personnel, Anastasia Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, and debriefing on the one hand, and compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress on the other hand in Florida law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and dispatch public safety workers. In order to explore the relationships between these constructs, the research questions examined the relationships of the work environment of Florida public safety by administering surveys gauging perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, psychological resilience, and debriefing activities that the personnel participate in. The Professional Quality of Life: Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion …


Role Of Klf8-Cxcr4 Signaling In Breast Cancer Metastasis, Debarati Mukherjee Jan 2016

Role Of Klf8-Cxcr4 Signaling In Breast Cancer Metastasis, Debarati Mukherjee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) has been strongly implicated in breast cancer metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study we report a novel signaling from KLF8 to C-X-C cytokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in breast cancer. Overexpression of KLF8 in MCF-10A cells induced CXCR4 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. This induction was well correlated with increased Boyden chamber migration, matrigel invasion and transendothelial migration (TEM) of the cells towards the ligand CXCL12. On the other hand, knockdown of KLF8 in MDA-MB-231 cells reduced CXCR4 expression associated with decreased cell migration, invasion and TEM towards CXCL12. …


Preschool Attendance: A Parental And Teacher Perspective Of Barriers And Behaviors Using Grounded Theory Research, Anne Meoli Jan 2016

Preschool Attendance: A Parental And Teacher Perspective Of Barriers And Behaviors Using Grounded Theory Research, Anne Meoli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Preschool children from single-parent households with lower socioeconomic status (SES) are absent from preschool at rates higher than any other group. Some children are chronically absent, missing more than 10% of the school year. The phenomenon of preschool attendance related to behaviors, practices, and parental decision making associated with health and illness in lower SES households has not been previously studied using grounded theory methodology. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore decision making related to supporting attendance in a preschool of 67 children (aged 3 to 4 years) with primarily low-income, single parents and preschool teachers …


Political, Economic, And Health Determinants Of Tuberculosis Incidence, Ashley Rutherford Jan 2016

Political, Economic, And Health Determinants Of Tuberculosis Incidence, Ashley Rutherford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The epidemiologic transition has shifted major causes of mortality from infectious disease to chronic disease; however, infectious diseases are again re-emerging as a major global concern (Diamond, 1997; Karlen, 1995; McNeil, 1976). This research aimed to identify potential areas of infectious disease influence that are not health-related in order to help governments and policymakers establish new policies, correct current policies, or further address these issues in order to effectively prevent and combat infectious disease. This study employed a retrospective, cross-sectional, non-experimental design via structural equation modeling (SEM) and examined tuberculosis incidence rates at the country-level. Secondary data from open-source, international …


Effects Of A 10-Week Introductory Judo Course On Postural Control During Reactionary Bilateral Gripping Task With Varied Stances And Lower Body Power Performance, Tyler Muddle Jan 2016

Effects Of A 10-Week Introductory Judo Course On Postural Control During Reactionary Bilateral Gripping Task With Varied Stances And Lower Body Power Performance, Tyler Muddle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is twofold: 1.) Examine the effects of 10-weeks of an introductory judo course on postural control during maximal bilateral isometric handgrip testing using different stance conditions and lower body power performance, and 2.) To analyze the relationship between maximal bilateral handgrip exertions on postural control during varied stance conditions. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active men and women divided into two an experimental group, (JDO) (n = 10; 21.70 ± 3.83 y; 169.91 ± 6.01 cm; 73.89 ± 12.10 kg; 19.01 ± 8.06% BF), and a control group, (CON) (n = 10; 21.50 ± 2.84 …


Perceived Readiness To Transition To Adult Health Care For Youth With Cystic Fibrosis And Congruence With Their Caregivers' Views, Valerie Lapp Jan 2016

Perceived Readiness To Transition To Adult Health Care For Youth With Cystic Fibrosis And Congruence With Their Caregivers' Views, Valerie Lapp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Youth with cystic fibrosis must gradually assume considerable self-care management skills in order to optimize longevity and quality of life, and healthcare providers and caregivers play a role in youth gradually assuming these skills. The purpose of this study was to determine how youth with cystic fibrosis perceive their self-care management skills required for transition to adult healthcare, the relationship between age and skill acquisition, youth and caregiver congruence on perceived transition readiness, and frequency of transition discussion with provider. In this descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design, 58 youth ages 14-22 rated their skill ability in managing cystic fibrosis using the …


Evaluating Moral Distress, Moral Distress Residue And Moral Courage In Oncology Nurses, Lolita Melhado Jan 2016

Evaluating Moral Distress, Moral Distress Residue And Moral Courage In Oncology Nurses, Lolita Melhado

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To examine relationships between moral distress, moral distress residue, and moral courage and to determine which nurse characteristics are predictive of moral distress and moral courage. Methods: The study used a mixed methods cross-sectional correlation design and qualitative content analysis to investigate oncology nurses' characteristics and relationships between moral distress, moral distress residue, and moral courage. A convenience sample of 187 oncology nurses working in inpatient and outpatient settings was recruited through the national Oncology Nursing Society in the Southeastern United States. Hamric's 21-item Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R) and Sekerka et al. 15-item Professional Moral Courage Scale (PMCS) supplemented …


Prehabilitation (Prehab): Prevention In Motion, Billie Russell Jan 2016

Prehabilitation (Prehab): Prevention In Motion, Billie Russell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. adults. It adds greater than $100 billion to U.S. health care costs annually. Rates of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden of the disease could be dramatically reduced with improvements in sedentary behaviors among adults with coronary artery disease (CAD). A regular commitment to moderate physical activity can reduce ischemic heart events up to 50%. Although the benefits of physical activity are well-known for individuals with coronary artery disease, an estimated 70% of this population remains relatively sedentary. Hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation programs are the single secondary prevention option offered to improve …


Biophysical Sources Of 1/F Noises In Neurological Tissue, Alan Paris Jan 2016

Biophysical Sources Of 1/F Noises In Neurological Tissue, Alan Paris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of random noise are a defining characteristic of neurological signals at all levels, from individual neurons up to electroencephalograms (EEG). These random signals degrade the performance of many methods of neuroengineering and medical neuroscience. Understanding this noise also is essential for applications such as real-time brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which must make accurate control decisions from very short data epochs. The major type of neurological noise is of the so-called 1/f-type, whose origins and statistical nature has remained unexplained for decades. This research provides the first simple explanation of 1/f-type neurological noise based on biophysical fundamentals. In addition, noise …


The Role Of Sod1 Acetylation In Neurodegeneration, Michael Kaliszewski Jan 2016

The Role Of Sod1 Acetylation In Neurodegeneration, Michael Kaliszewski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons. Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a cytoplasmic free radical scavenging enzyme, is mutated in familial ALS (fALS) and post-translational modification of the wild-type protein has been associated with sporadic ALS (sALS). Proteomic studies indicate that SOD1 is acetylated at Lys123; however, the role of this modification remains unknown. To investigate its function, we generated antibodies for Lys123-acetylated SOD1 (Ac-K123 SOD1). Sod1 deletion in Sod1-/- mice, K123 mutation, or preabsorption with Ac-K123 peptide suppressed immunoreactivity, confirming antibody specificity. In the normal central nervous system, Ac-K123 SOD1 maps to glutamatergic …