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Processing And Evaluation Of Long Fiber Thermoplastic Composite Plates For Internal Fixation, Paul Benjamin Warren Jan 2012

Processing And Evaluation Of Long Fiber Thermoplastic Composite Plates For Internal Fixation, Paul Benjamin Warren

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The metallic plates used in internal fracture fixation may have up to ten times the elastic modulus of normal bone tissue, causing stress shielding-induced osteopenia in healed bone that can lead to re-fracture after plate removal and prolonged and painful recovery. Thermoplastic polymer matrix composites reinforced with long carbon fiber are promising alternative materials for internal fixation plates because they may be produced with relative ease and be tailored to have specific mechanical properties, alleviating the stress shielding problem. Long carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (LCF PEEK) plates were produced using the extrusion / compression molding process. Static flexural testing determined that …


Biochemical And Cellular Mechanisms For The Antineoplastic Properties Of Sulindac, Jason Derek Whitt Jan 2012

Biochemical And Cellular Mechanisms For The Antineoplastic Properties Of Sulindac, Jason Derek Whitt

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ABSTRACT The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) sulindac has displayed the ability to inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and to increase the sensitivity of multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells to a wide variety of chemotherapeutic agents. The antineoplastic activity of sulindac has been attributed to inhibition of the prostaglandin producing enzyme COX-2, but the exact mechanism remains elusive and the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis can result in gastrointestinal, hepatic, and cardiovascular toxicities. Enzymatic, cellular, and imaging assays were used to identify mechanisms that could contribute to the antiproliferative and apoptotic activity of sulindac. Screening of more than 500 …


The Association Of Perceived Neighborhood Problems And Hypertension In The Jackson Heart Study, Corey Cortez Wiggins Jan 2012

The Association Of Perceived Neighborhood Problems And Hypertension In The Jackson Heart Study, Corey Cortez Wiggins

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in adults with a tremendous cost burden to the United States. Hypertension, a risk factor for CVD, affects approximately 65 million people in the United Sates and is a major cause of health disparities between African Americans and white Americans. Previous research suggests that environmental factors are likely to be important in shaping the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension. However, this research has been limited to the analysis of census and administrative data. Utilizing the Jackson Heart Study, a longitudinal cohort study aimed at investigating the causes of CVD …


The Characterization Of Gunshot Residue In Green Bullets Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Brittany Aho Phillips Jan 2012

The Characterization Of Gunshot Residue In Green Bullets Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Brittany Aho Phillips

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Gunshot residue (GSR) is often important in cases that involve firearms. Over the years, scientists have developed methods for detecting GSR on a shooter's hands, a victim, or any object that may have been within six feet of the firearm. However, when the weapon is more than six feet from the target, gun powder residue may not be present. The only residue that may be present is bullet wipe, material that is transferred from the surface of the bullet as it penetrates the target. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is used to identify the elemental composition of an unknown material. …


Development Of Electrospun Bone-Mimetic Matrices For Bone Regenerative Applications, Matthew Christopher Phipps Jan 2012

Development Of Electrospun Bone-Mimetic Matrices For Bone Regenerative Applications, Matthew Christopher Phipps

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Although bone has a dramatic capacity for regeneration, certain injuries and procedures present defects that are unable to heal properly, requiring surgical intervention to induce and support osteoregeneration. Our research group has hypothesized that the development of a biodegradable material that mimics the natural composition and architecture of bone extracellular matrix has the potential to provide therapeutic benefit to these patients. Utilizing a process known as electrospinning, our lab has developed a bone-mimetic matrix (BMM) consisting of composite nanofibers of the mechanically sta-ble polymer polycaprolactone (PCL), and the natural bone matrix molecules type-I colla-gen and hydroxyapatite nanocrystals (HA). We herein …


Regulation Of Paps Synthetase 2 By Tranforming Growth Factor-Beta And Its Role In The Maintenance Of Mouse Articular Cartilage, Girish Ramaswamy Jan 2012

Regulation Of Paps Synthetase 2 By Tranforming Growth Factor-Beta And Its Role In The Maintenance Of Mouse Articular Cartilage, Girish Ramaswamy

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Articular cartilage is a special type of hyaline cartilage present at the end of long bones and facilitates smooth functioning of joints and transfer of load. While most cartilage elements in the body are transient, articular cartilage is permanent and functions throughout life. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint degenerative disease and the leading cause of disability in the industrialized world. A multitude of factors including aging, orthopedic trauma, genetics etc. have been associated with OA. Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is a multifunctional polypeptide which plays an important role in chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation and synthesis of extracellular matrix. Previously, mice with …


Evaluating The Reproductive Ecology Of The Diamondback Terrapin In Alabama Salt Marshes: Implications For The Recovery Of A Depleted Species, Taylor Matthew Roberge Jan 2012

Evaluating The Reproductive Ecology Of The Diamondback Terrapin In Alabama Salt Marshes: Implications For The Recovery Of A Depleted Species, Taylor Matthew Roberge

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The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) was once an abundant and economically important species in the salt marshes of Alabama. A variety of threats have impacted this species over the past century, resulting in a drastic decline in the population. Diamondback terrapins are currently considered a "priority one species (highest conservation concern)" in Alabama. The largest nesting aggregation documented to date in Alabama is on the 1.8 km long shell-hash nesting beach bordering the western edge of Cedar Point Marsh (CPM). The current studies address several aspects of the reproductive ecology of the diamondback terrapin in Alabama. Nesting beach surveys were …


Mechanical Analysis Of Bacterial Nanocellulose For Biomedical Applications, Joseph Mathias Schwertz Jan 2012

Mechanical Analysis Of Bacterial Nanocellulose For Biomedical Applications, Joseph Mathias Schwertz

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Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a biopolymer that has been used in a variety of applications ranging from speaker diaphragms to biomedical products. Created by micro-organisms like Gluconacetobacter xylinus, BNC is composed of long cellulose fibers in a highly crystalline hydrogel. Recent interest in BNC based materials has led to the discov-ery of several cultivation and post-processing treatments that have enabled researchers to control the mechanical and structural properties of the hydrogel. Three BNC treatments were mechanically evaluated through tensile testing. Ten-sile tests were conducted using dogbone shape test strips and a video extensometer. Phys-ical compression of a BNC hydrogels not …


Stress And Job Performance: The Roles Of Salivary Cortisol And Social Support, Tracy Shamburger Jan 2012

Stress And Job Performance: The Roles Of Salivary Cortisol And Social Support, Tracy Shamburger

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Perceived stress may negatively affect job performance. Perceived stress is known to alter physiological responses, including cortisol response. Cortisol affects working memory and may explain how stress affects performance. Aeromedical crewmembers transport wounded soldiers in the austere aeromedical environment. The demands of the Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) may lead to stress and impact job performance. The AE training mission simulates real world operational missions and this setting was used to examine the effects of perceived stress on job performance among aeromedical crewmembers at different time points during the mission (Time 1- baseline, Time 2 - pre-flight, Time 3 - in-flight, Time …


Evaluating The Efficacy Of Radiofrequency Amplitude-Modulated Electromagnetic Fields As A Novel Treatment For Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Jacquelyn Winifred Zimmerman Jan 2012

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Radiofrequency Amplitude-Modulated Electromagnetic Fields As A Novel Treatment For Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Jacquelyn Winifred Zimmerman

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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in the US is dramatically increasing. Five-year survival has remained 3-5% for the past several decades, demonstrating urgent need for additional therapies. Intrabuccal administration of amplitude-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) is a novel, minimally invasive treatment modality. Clinical evidence demonstrates this treatment approach elicits therapeutic responses in cancer patients. In vitro we have described a phenotype in HCC cells following RF EMF exposure that included proliferative inhibition, modulation of gene expression, and disruption of the mitotic spindle. This phenotype was specific for HCC cells exposed to HCC-specific RF EMF. We have demonstrated similar efficacy in …


The Effects Of Stressors On Depressive Symptoms In A Sample Of Older Adults With Diabetes, Larita Clarice Jones Jan 2012

The Effects Of Stressors On Depressive Symptoms In A Sample Of Older Adults With Diabetes, Larita Clarice Jones

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Objectives: The authors investigated the relationship between various factors related to stress--demographic variables, comorbid health problems, cognitive function, and disease-related distress--and depressive symptoms. Method: The sample included 234 older adults (65 years or older) who had been diagnosed with diabetes. These individuals completed a telephone interview related to living with diabetes. Results: Results in the final model indicated that high levels of diabetes-related distress (B = .49, p < .0001), suffering a stroke (B = .20, p < .0001), and reporting neuropathy (B = .13, p =.0102) were each individually associated with a greater number of depressive symptoms. Results also suggest that diabetes-related distress acts as a mediator of the association between cognitive function and depressive symptoms. Discussion: Findings suggest that interventions targeted to help older adults properly manage their diabetes and reduce the likelihood of experiencing additional complications may lead to a cost-effective option for reducing depressive symptoms within this population.


Neighborhood Context And Birth Outcomes: Preconception Diet And Physical Activity Level As Intervening Behavioral Variables, Lee Anne Flagg Jan 2012

Neighborhood Context And Birth Outcomes: Preconception Diet And Physical Activity Level As Intervening Behavioral Variables, Lee Anne Flagg

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Using a human ecological model of health, preconception diet and physical activity level were hypothesized to mediate the association between neighborhood disadvantage and disorder and birth weight. It was also hypothesized that these factors would mediate the association between neighborhood disadvantage and disorder and preterm birth. Secondary data analyses were conducted using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The final analytic sample consisted of 523 adolescent and young adult mothers giving singleton live births between 1997 and 1998. The primary dependent variables were birth weight (grams) and gestational age (weeks). An index of various census tract-level indicators …


The Effects Of Mucoid Phenotype And Cftr Genotype On Pneumococcal Lung Disease And Biofilm Development, Evida Adiko Dennis Jan 2012

The Effects Of Mucoid Phenotype And Cftr Genotype On Pneumococcal Lung Disease And Biofilm Development, Evida Adiko Dennis

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Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is a respiratory pathogen and leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but its role in cystic fibrosis (CF) has not been well studied. While prospectively examining the incidence of SP infection, a high number of SP were recovered from the sputum of pediatric CF patients. The predominant serotypes identified were 3, 19A, and 19F. Serotype 3 was isolated more readily in CF patients than from patients without CF (P=0.0159). All serotype 3 isolates were mucoid and produced high levels of polysaccharide capsule compared to others in the collection. Mucoid bacteria, predominately Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are commonly associated …


Structural And Molecular Studies Of Nucleic Acid Chaperones, Lei Ding Jan 2012

Structural And Molecular Studies Of Nucleic Acid Chaperones, Lei Ding

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Nucleic acids are the storage of genetic information that needs to be expressed and inherited. As abundant cellular macromolecules they are also major players of a wide variety of biological processes. They usually undergo post-transcriptional modifications and/or fold into higher order structures in order to accomplish their distinct functions. Most biological events involving nucleic acids are achieved by proteins that interact with them. The functionality requires specific recognition of nucleic acids by proteins at molecular level. Nucleic acid chaperones are a group of nucleic acids binding proteins that associate with structured RNAs or DNAs and assist correct folding of their …


The Effect Of Liver X Receptor Α Deficiency In Skeletal Muscle On Lipid Content In Mice, Yishu Ding Jan 2012

The Effect Of Liver X Receptor Α Deficiency In Skeletal Muscle On Lipid Content In Mice, Yishu Ding

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Liver X receptors (LXRs) are important regulators of cholesterol, fatty acid, and glucose homeostasis. Many researchs focus on the liver, but tissue-specific roles of LXRs in other tissues remain elusive. Based on in vitro studies on cultured cells, the roles of LXRs in skeletal muscle have been proposed. Nevertheless, the in vivo roles of LXRs in skeletal muscle remain lacking. Skeletal muscle is an important insulin targeting tissue, which plays a key role in regulating insulin sensitivity. Abnormal lipid metabolism and homeostasis have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. To …


Modulation Of Autoimmune Diabetes By B Cells Specific For N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, Brian L. Dizon Jan 2012

Modulation Of Autoimmune Diabetes By B Cells Specific For N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, Brian L. Dizon

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Type I diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which ß cells are destroyed by the immune system; however, role of infections in type I diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis is unclear. Reports suggesting that childhood Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections protected against T1D prompted us to study how antibodies to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), which are induced by GAS infection, influenced T1D development. We found that GlcNAc-specific antibodies reacted with ß cell secretory granules, and neonatal NOD mice immunized with GAS or given GAS-immune sera were protected from spontaneous diabetes. Monoclonal GlcNAc-specific IgM blocked activation and effector responses to islet antigens by diabetogenic …


Engineering Of Pulsed Laser Deposited Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials In Controlled Atmospheres, Saulius Edmundas Drukteinis Jan 2012

Engineering Of Pulsed Laser Deposited Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials In Controlled Atmospheres, Saulius Edmundas Drukteinis

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Synthetic calcium phosphates (CAP) such as hydroxyapatite (HA) have been used as regenerative bone graft materials and also as thin films to improve the integration of biomedical implant devices within skeletal tissue. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) can deposit crystalline HA with significant adhesion on titanium biomaterials. However, there are PLD processing constraints due to the complex physical and chemical interactions occurring simultaneously during PLD, which influence ablation plume formation and development. In this investigation PLD CAP films were engineered with a focus on novel decoupling of partial pressure of H2O (g) (P(H2O)) from total background pressure, in combination with substrate …


Benefits And Barriers To Medically Supervised Pediatric Weight-Mangement Programs, Cindy Grimes-Robison Jan 2012

Benefits And Barriers To Medically Supervised Pediatric Weight-Mangement Programs, Cindy Grimes-Robison

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Abstract is in paper


A Minimally Invasive Multifunctional Nano-Enabled Approach For Selective Targeting, Imaging, And Near Infrared Photothermal Therapy Of Malignant Tumors, Hadiyah-Nicole Green Jan 2012

A Minimally Invasive Multifunctional Nano-Enabled Approach For Selective Targeting, Imaging, And Near Infrared Photothermal Therapy Of Malignant Tumors, Hadiyah-Nicole Green

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This dissertation describes how the mastery of active tumor targeting and subsequent tumor regression is a great challenge for cancer therapy. Near infrared (NIR) photothermal therapy (PTT) as a localized minimally invasive therapy utilizes nanoparticles (NPs) as a physical contrast agent. The NIR laser irradiation, transparent to normal tissue, overlaps with plasmon resonance absorption of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs convert the absorbed NIR light energy into thermal energy and cause localized destruction of surrounding tissue. To improve efficiency for targeting of AuNPs to malignant tumors, we developed a technique for conjugating gold nanoparticles to tumor-specific antibodies. We demonstrated that …


A Yeast Model For High Throughput Screening Of Gene-Gene Interactions Relevant To Cftrδf508 Protein Biogenesis, Jingyu Guo Jan 2012

A Yeast Model For High Throughput Screening Of Gene-Gene Interactions Relevant To Cftrδf508 Protein Biogenesis, Jingyu Guo

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Much remains unknown about gene interaction in the context of human disease. In cystic fibrosis (CF) a single mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR-deltaF508) accounts for most disease. In cell models, CFTR-deltaF508 causes defective protein biogenesis and degradation rather than proper trafficking to the plasma membrane where CFTR normally functions in ion transport. Numerous genes function in the biogenesis of CFTR and influence the fate of CFTR-deltaF508 in cell models. However it is not known whether natural genetic variation in such genes contributes to disease severity in patients. Moreover, there is no easy way to predict how …


Development And Content Validity Of The Military Concussion Readiness Inventory For Service Members, Michelle L. Gutierrez Jan 2012

Development And Content Validity Of The Military Concussion Readiness Inventory For Service Members, Michelle L. Gutierrez

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The aim of this study was to develop and establish content validity of a new questionnaire entitled the Military Concussion Readiness Inventory (MCRI). The MCRI was designed to identify functional impairments and predict readiness for return-to-duty in service members (SM) who experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) due to a blast. The items on the MCRI were linked to the The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) classifications. Nineteen male SM participated in a nominal group technique process to generate items for the MCRI. The items were classified according to the ICF before sending items to the Delphi …


Trajectories Of Depressive Symptoms And Illicit Drug Use: Longitudinal Temporal Associations And Comorbidity In A Community Sample Of Adults, Yulia Khodneva Jan 2012

Trajectories Of Depressive Symptoms And Illicit Drug Use: Longitudinal Temporal Associations And Comorbidity In A Community Sample Of Adults, Yulia Khodneva

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Cross-sectional studies of the community and treatment samples suggest substantial comorbidity between depression and illicit drug use disorders. Controversy exists whether such pattern of comorbidity is seen among drug using behaviors and depressive symptoms that fall short of the DSM-IV criteria for a clinical disorder. This dissertation research applied principles of the life course perspective and trajectory modeling to describe heterogeneity and comorbidity of subthreshold depressive symptoms with opioid, cocaine and amphetamine use in middle age. Secondary analysis of community-dwelling adults from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study was performed. The CARDIA cohort, N=5115 at inception …


Histomorphometry And Quantitative Analysis Of Longer-Term Implant Interfaces, Dave Darko Kojic Jan 2012

Histomorphometry And Quantitative Analysis Of Longer-Term Implant Interfaces, Dave Darko Kojic

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Objective: This investigation was to evaluate (>10 year) bone response around custom (HA plasma coated) dental implants and HA particulate. Materials and Methods: Three individual post mortem mandibular COI Implants with surrounding bone were processed at six transverse locations to obtain non-decalcified ground sections (20-80µm)(n=36) and stained initially with methylene blue/basic fuchsin. Slides were evaluated to select (n= 8) slides for regions of interest along the perimeter of the implant, using optical microscopy (Olympus BX51 microscope) with a Retiga EXi color digital camera (Olympus, Center Valley, PA) and Bioquant VR software (R&M Biometrics, Nashville, TN) at an original magnification …


An Exploration Of Factors Associated With Pre-Diabetes In The Reasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (Regards) Study Cohort, Loretta Taylor Lee Jan 2012

An Exploration Of Factors Associated With Pre-Diabetes In The Reasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (Regards) Study Cohort, Loretta Taylor Lee

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Pre-diabetes is a major contributor to increased morbidity and mortality in the US. Without proper and timely intervention the majority of individuals with pre-diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes. African Americans (AA) and people living in the Stroke Belt have increased odds of developing pre-diabetes compared to Whites and people living outside the Stroke Belt. While several covariates have been identified as contributors to the increased odds of pre-diabetes there is little consensus on which covariates may be responsible for the disparities of pre-diabetes. The reasons for disparities in pre-diabetes are complex and require further investigation. This study explored the …


The Role Of Cd11c+ Cells In Response To Ozone, Jeffrey David Brand Jan 2012

The Role Of Cd11c+ Cells In Response To Ozone, Jeffrey David Brand

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Environmental ozone exposure remains a major public health concern with over one-third of the United States population experiencing unhealthful levels. Epidemiological studies indicate exposure increases morbidity in those with pre-existing disease such as asthma, though the biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. CD11c+ cells within the respiratory tract include dendritic cells (DCs), which are the most efficient antigen presenters and play major roles controlling immune responses. In addition, DCs are thought necessary for asthma pathogenesis and exacerbation. Therefore the link between ozone associated asthma morbidity may be DCs. We hypothesize ozone exposure may site specifically alter DC phenotypes, numbers, …


Discovery And Characterization Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 11e Reveals A Novel Model Of Serotype Evolution, Juan Jose Calix Jan 2012

Discovery And Characterization Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 11e Reveals A Novel Model Of Serotype Evolution, Juan Jose Calix

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The facultative pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is capable of producing a polysaccharide (PS) capsule that prevents bacterial recognition and clearance by the host immune system. Over 90 antigenically distinct capsule serotypes have been identified. Because anti-capsule antibodies can mediate bacterial clearance, capsule diversity is critical to S. pneumoniae survival. However, the mechanisms of capsule evolution remain unclear. Due to the complex interaction of capsule synthesis (cps) genes, it is commonly thought that pneumococcal serotypes evolve once and that all clinically relevant serotypes are genetically derived from a single founding clone. In this dissertation we demonstrate a novel mechanism of capsule evolution …


Identification, Molecular Cloning And Characterization Of Transmitted/Founder Hiv-1 Subtype A, D And Ad Viruses And Envelope Glycoproteins, Joshua Baalwa Jan 2012

Identification, Molecular Cloning And Characterization Of Transmitted/Founder Hiv-1 Subtype A, D And Ad Viruses And Envelope Glycoproteins, Joshua Baalwa

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A precise molecular identification of transmitted/founder (T/F) HIV-1 genomes responsible for productive infection in humans can be an enabling strategy for elucidating mechanisms of virus transmission, immunopathogenesis and prevention. Previously, we reported a single genome sequencing approach, which when combined with a mathematical model of early random virus diversification, allowed for an unambiguous identification of T/F HIV-1 subtype B and C envelope (env) genes. Here, we apply this method to the identification and molecular cloning of full-length HIV-1 genomes and env genes of the less well-studied, but nonetheless important, HIV-1 subtypes A and D. Twelve subtype A (n=5), D (n=5) …


Examination Of Urban High School Dropouts With High Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Ronald Bayles Jan 2012

Examination Of Urban High School Dropouts With High Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Ronald Bayles

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The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of urban students in Central Alabama with high self-efficacy who have dropped out of school to pursue a GED. This study: (a) provided a platform that gave voice to students to share their lived experience as they made the decision to drop out of high school, (b) identified the character traits of students with high self-efficacy, and (c) revealed the essence of what motivated students to move to resilience after appearing to give up. A qualitative research design was used. The phenomenological approach provided the opportunity for participants to …


Sonication Treatment Of Diesel Fuel Laden Sump Water, Roxanne E. Bessette Jan 2012

Sonication Treatment Of Diesel Fuel Laden Sump Water, Roxanne E. Bessette

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Diesel engines are the work horses of industry and transportation. Pervasive diesel fuel use impacts stormwater, by increasing petroleum releases to surface waters. Sump containment of diesel-adulterated stormwater commonly keeps diesel from contacting surface waters. Once contained, the quandary lies in effective stormwater treatment that allows discharges within the local watershed. On-site treatment of diesel sump water ordinarily involves gravity oil-water separation technologies. These technologies' treatment times range from hours to days. Commonly, they cannot meet National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater discharge standards for oil and grease because they best remove `free' oil not commonly occurring emulsions. Oil-water …


Understanding The Mechanisms Underlying Pgc-1Α-Mediated Regulation Of Interneuron-Specific Genes, Ashruta Patel Jan 2012

Understanding The Mechanisms Underlying Pgc-1Α-Mediated Regulation Of Interneuron-Specific Genes, Ashruta Patel

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The expression of parvalbumin (Pvalb), a calcium buffering protein expressed in subsets of inhibitory neurons throughout the brain, is reduced in numerous psychiatric and neurological disorders, yet little is known about its transcriptional regulation. Previous work from the Cowell Lab has shown that the expression of Pvalb and other interneuron-specific genes in the mouse brain is dependent on the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator activated receptor coactivator 1α (PGC-1α ) and that overexpression of PGC-1α in neuroblastoma cells is sufficient to robustly induce Pvalb. The Cowell Lab determined that expression of Pvalb requires a region upstream of the human Pvalb transcription …