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Development And Evaluation Of Polymeric Implants Of Curcumin For Enhanced Chemopreventive Activity., Shyam Sunder Bansal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Curcumin, a plant derived compound has shown significant potency against various chronic diseases like cancer in cell culture and animal studies. However, the introduction of this compound into clinical setting is limited by its poor oral bioavailability and thereby requires high doses for efficacy. We hypothesized that localized/systemic delivery of curcumin by polymeric implants can improve its efficacy by bypassing the oral route and by restricting majority of the drug at the tumor site. Therefore, we developed a polymeric implantable drug delivery system using poly (E-caprolactone) as the polymer and optimized it with respect to polymer molecular weight, drug load …

Profile Of Systemic Treatment With The Antiviral Lectin Griffithsin In Guinea Pigs., Christopher Lynn Barton 1976-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Griffithsin (GRFT) is a carbohydrate binding protein derived from the red alga Griffithisia sp. that has been shown to effectively interfere with the cellular attachment and infectivity of a number of viruses, including HIV-1. However, it is currently unknown what impact systemic GRFT administration may have upon a biological system. For initial in vivo testing, we introduced GRFT into guinea pigs (Cavia Parcel/us) via subcutaneous injection. Based on histological, serological, and biochemical data derived from these experiments, GRFT is well tolerated and maintained at physiologically relevant concentrations while retaining its potent antiviral activity. Follow up in vitro testing included a …

Mechanistic Insights Into Copper-Induced Regression Of Heart Hypertrophy., Katherine Bourcy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have shown that copper (Cu) supplementation at physiologically relevant levels reverses cardiac myocyte hypertrophy induced by phenylephrine (PE), and that this effect was VEGF-dependent. Yet, the amount of VEGF in the media was unchanged. However, we observed that Cu caused an increase in the ratio of VEGFR-1:VEGFR-2 as well as an increase in PKG-1 activity. PKG-1 activity is associated with the regression of cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that VEGFR-1 is associated with PKG-1 and their association is involved in Cu induced regression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Human cardiac myocytes (HCM) in …

Prevention And Treatment Of Lung Cancer By Green Tea Polyphenols., Pengxiao Cao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) are gaining increasing attention because of their potential anti-tumor effects. However, poor oral bioavailability limits their efficacy in vivo. In this dissertation, two hypotheses were tested: 1) GTPs administered systemically by a sustained release system will circumvent the problem of limited bioavailability and lower the effective dose compared to the traditional oral route, and 2) adjuvant treatment of GTPs with a standard chemotherapeutic agent (e.g. cisplatin) will enhance efficacy of the therapeutic agent. In our lab, a polymeric implant delivery system was developed, in which GTPs were uniformly embedded within a polycaprolactone matrix to provide sustained …

3d Facial Shape Estimation From A Single Image Under Arbitrary Pose And Illumination., Ham Rara 1981-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Humans have the uncanny ability to perceive the world in three dimensions (3D), otherwise known as depth perception. The amazing thing about this ability to determine distances is that it depends only on a simple two-dimensional (2D) image in the retina. It is an interesting problem to explain and mimic this phenomenon of getting a three-dimensional perception of a scene from a flat 2D image of the retina. The main objective of this dissertation is the computational aspect of this human ability to reconstruct the world in 3D using only 2D images from the retina. Specifically, the goal of this …

Effect Of Complement C5a In Tumor Progression And The Local Tumor Microenvironment., Lacey Jo Gunn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Monoclonal antibodies directed toward tumor associated antigens are FDA approved anticancer reagents used commonly in the clinic. Administered antibodies initiate tumor cell death through several mechanisms. Improving immune mediated mechanisms, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) may improve treatment success. However, in many tumors, complement activation and propagation is limited by tumor cell overexpression of complement regulatory proteins (CRPs). Thus, introduction of complement components into the tumor, specifically anaphylatoxin C5a, may provide a key strategy to improve existing, approved anti-tumor treatment. Currently the role of C5a in the tumor remains unclear. The receptor for C5a, C5aR, is expressed …

Adenovirus-Induced Cyclin E Activates Cdk2 For Virus Replication., Pei-Hsin Cheng 1983-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Human adenoviruses (Ads) can infect and replicate in cells at different cell-cycle stages. Ads with the E1 B55K deletion preferentially replicate in cancer cells and cause oncolysis. Our laboratory has previously shown that the Ad E1 b gene is involved in induction of several cell-cycle regulative genes (Rao, X. et al. Virol. 350:418-28, 2006) and that cyclin E expression is required for efficient viral replication (Zheng, X. et al. J Viral 82:3415-27, 2008). In this study, we sought to investigate the interaction of cyclin E with its partner CDK2 in Ad-infected cells. We show four lines of evidence indicating the …

Expression Pattern Of Cd2ap In The Intact And Collaterally Sprouting Nervous System., Sarah Elizabeth Claypool Couch 1987-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collateral sprouting (CS) occurs when uninjured axons respond to denervated tissue surrounding the axon by growing branches of the axon to reinnervate the denervated zone. This process is signaled by factors released by the denervated tissue. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been shown to be required and sufficient for the initiation and maintenance of CS. Previous work showed CD2 associated protein (CD2AP) mRNA increased following a spared dermatome procedure to model collateral sprouting. CD2AP links the cytoskeleton to tyrosine kinase receptors such as TrkA (the NGF receptor), where it is involved in the cellular response to growth factor signaling. Here …

Image Registration And Visualization Of In Situ Gene Expression Images., Ernur Saka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the age of high-throughput molecular biology techniques, scientists have incorporated the methodology of in-situ hybridization to map spatial patterns of gene expression. In order to compare expression patterns within a common tissue structure, these images need to be "registered" or organized into a common coordinate system for alignment to a reference or atlas images. We use three different image registration methodologies (manual; correlation based; mutual information based) to determine the common coordinate system for the reference and in-situ hybridization images. All three methodologies are incorporated into a Matlab tool to visualize the results in a user friendly way and …

Generational Differences In Perceived Lip Protrusion Esthetics., David Butler 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Facial esthetics plays a major part in diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. One aspect of facial esthetics that orthodontist can drastically change, for better or worse, is that of lip position. What is considered esthetic, however, may vary from person to person based on a multitude of variables. Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that the esthetics of lip protrusion differs with age, with a younger layperson preferring a more protrusive lip position than an older person's ideal lip protrusion. Methods: 208 lay people, ages 12+, with no background in the dental field, were surveyed and asked to rank from …

Dna Polymerase Iota Promotes G2/M Checkpoint Activation And Genetic Stability After Uv-Induced Dna Damage., Lindsey Jay Stallons 1983-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Unrepaired DNA damage poses a serious threat to the genetic stability of a replicating cell. One mechanism of tolerating this damage is translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), in which an accessory polymerase synthesizes DNA directly across from a damaged template. TLS is carried out by polymerase ? (Pol ?), 1, K, and REV1 in the Y-family and Pol ? in the B-family. Pol ? has the well-characterized ability to perform accurate bypass of the most common UV-induced DNA lesion; loss of Pol ? results in hypermutability and severely increased risk of skin cancer. The high mutation frequency in Pol ?-deficient cells …

The Colorado Community Organizing Collaborative: A Critical Realist Case Study, Shawna M. Margesson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized the ontological and epistemological foundations of critical realism posed by Margaret Archer (2000) to deepen social work's understanding of collaboration. Through the use of Danermark et al.'s (2002) stages of explanatory research based on critical realism, the author found that agential and structural interactions of the Colorado Community Organizing Collaborative emerged. These findings illustrate that critical realism can be used in social work research to broaden the discipline's perception of human and environment. Archer's (2000) grounding of agency in three orders of reality, that practice is pivotal and morphogenesis is transformative aids in rediscovering how structure constrains …

Does Sabp2 Exist As A Dimer?, Mir Ashad Hossain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Salicylic acid binding protein 2 (SABP2) is one of the key enzymes in salicylic acid-dependent plant defense pathway. SABP2 is a 29 kDa protein present in extremely low abundance in plants and it catalyzes the conversion of signaling molecule methyl salicylate into salicylic acid. Although it has been shown that 6x His-tagged SABP2 over expressed in E. coli is a homodimer, its exact conformation in planta is still unknown. Therefore, we proposed to determine if SABP2 exist as a dimer and/or monomer under natural condition. To verify the exact conformation of native SABP2 protein in plant, SABP2 was purified from …

Using Simulation Techniques To Improve The Client Flow Of The Kentucky Cabinet For Health And Family Services., Russell Edward Harpring

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The client flow of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is a complex process that deals with a high volume of clients on any given beginning half of the month. A simulation model of an average busy day in the system was built using the Arena Simulation package. Methods for creating a simulation using Arena are included in this work. Statistics were generated from a number of different sources to create an accurate representation of the model. The simulation model shows long wait times for clients coming into the system to receive benefits. Working with a state budget …

Rpm And Flow Modulation For A Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device To Increase Vascular Pulsatility : A Computer Simulation, Mock Circulation, And In-Vivo Animal Study., Mickey S. Ising

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Continuous flow (CF) left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) support diminishes vascular pressure pulsatility. Despite its recent clinical success and reliability, CF LVAD support has been associated with adverse events including gastrointestinal bleeding, aortic valve insufficiency, and hemorrhagic strokes. To overcome these limitations, we have developed flow/RPM modulation algorithms to provide vascular pulsatility using a CF LVAD. Methods: The effects of timing and synchronizing the CF LVAD flow/RPM modulation to the native ventricle, modulation amplitude, and modulation widths were studied on the native ventricle and vasculature using computer simulation, mock loop, and animal model studies. A total of over 100 …

Feasibility Of Subcutaneous Ecg Leads For Synchronized Timing Of A Counterpulsation Device., Sean P. Warren

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Emerging circulatory support devices that operate in counterpulsation to the native heart require synchronized timing of device ejection and filling on a beat-to-beat basis with the native heart using a patient's ECG. Surface leads are commonly used for short-term patient monitoring but not appropriate for long-term use, and epicardial and non-thoracotomy leads increase the complexity of the device implant/explant procedures. Subcutaneous leads have been shown to be less susceptible to artifacts than surface leads, require less invasive surgery, and have recently been used successfully with a long-term subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The objective of this study was to develop subcutaneous …

Development Of Wearable Sensors For Body Joint Angle Measurement, Saba Bakhshi Khayani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development of three different methods for body joint angle measurement using wearable sensors. Continuous monitoring of patients' movements and activities has recently become one of the active research areas in the field of body sensor network and telehealth monitoring. For many medical and rehabilitation applications, a continuous monitor of the patients' daily activities at home without visiting the hospital is desirable. This type of monitoring is beneficial for the therapists and physicians as it does not require patients' physical presence. Traditionally, measuring the range of motion (ROM) is performed in hospitals by utilizing standard tools such …

Poetry And The Multiple Drafts Model: The Functional Similarity Of Cole Swensen's Verse And Human Consciousness, Connor Ryan Kreimeyer Fisher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This project compares the operational methods of three of Cole Swensen's books of poetry (Such Rich Hour, Try, and Goest) with ways in which the human mind and consciousness function. I use Daniel Dennett's Multiple Drafts Model of consciousness, as described in Consciousness Explained, alongside concepts presented in several other philosophical works (from both analytic and continental traditions), to demonstrate that significant similarities exist between the operations of poetry and consciousness in general, and that these operational similarities are especially noticeable in Swensen's work. This thesis examines several operational modes that are present within the …

Determination Of Selected Heavy Metals In Some Creeks In A Tennessee City., Ann Ejimole Item

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, and Pb were determined in six different creeks within a city in Tennessee using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Mean concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Fe in the sites examined reveal that they exceed the USEPA recommended limits. High concentrations of Cu (0.130 mg/L), Zn (13.7 mg/L), Ni (0.267 mg/L), and Cd (0.010 mg/L) were observed in site B and Fe (3.01 mg/L) in site E relative to other sites. The concentration of Pb (0.795 mg/l) was higher in site A. Higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe were detected in samples …

Four Generations Working Together In The Workforce And In Higher Education., Lisa Anne Speer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to help the reader hear and begin to understand each of the 4 generations, resulting in an awareness of how each generation perceived the world in general, and specifically its perception of work in an academic setting.

The researcher studied 4 participants currently or formerly involved in the higher education environment; each represented one of the 4 generations examined and was studied through stories, autobiography, notes, conversations, interviews, family stories, and life experiences. Today's American workforce is unique in that never before has there been such a diverse group of individuals working together. Research …

Eulogy., Megan Renee Levacy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The artist discusses the search for identity which underlies her Master of Fine Arts exhibition, Eulogy, hosted by the Carroll Reece Museum on the campus of East Tennessee Sate University, Johnson City, Tennessee, from March 8 to May 6, 2011. This exhibit contains works which explore the artist's relationship with the natural world, ornithology, philosophy, psychology, poetry, and related personal influences.

The artist's thesis work consists of paintings, drawings, and photographs. The artist references her own investigation of poetry, philosophy, psychology, and personal history which have shaped a private sense of awareness. Also reviewed are the influences of artists …

Fossil Peonies And Birds Master Of Arts In Studio Art Thesis., Jing Jing

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because of influences of Chinese flower-and-bird paintings, I created a series of fossil peonies and birds paintings. This paper describes the concept of this series, materials, creative process, cultural and contextual influences, and the artists who inspired my works. Several problems I encountered during the creative process were addressed and have been solved to my satisfaction. My concept was influenced by my desire to combine Western painting techniques with Eastern topic and style.

Flow Cytometric Analysis Of Crayfish Hemocytes., Sarah Kathryn Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Crayfish exhibit innate immune responses via hemocytes and their products. There are 3 hemocyte populations: hyaline cells, granular cells, and semigranular cells. Hemocytes from laboratory housed, untreated crayfish (normal crayfish) have been quantified on the basis of cell type, cell size, and cell granularity using Flow Cytometry. These data present the first overall picture of normal hemocytes from Red Swamp Crayfish with regard to cell type, cell size, and cell granularity and will serve as a baseline for all future studies in our lab. Experiments using crayfish injected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or crayfish saline alone showed …

Critical Thinking Skills As Related To University Students Gender And Academic Discipline., Brent Tyler Leach

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For a number of years the educational community has recognized the importance of teaching critical thinking skills to all students; however, a shift in educational pedagogy and philosophy has occurred. Through recent legislation the funding of educational institutions that demonstrate competencies and gains from standardized test scores has been mandated. Although performance measurement regarding the effectiveness of learning environments is useful, students must learn critical thinking skills to compete globally, problem solve effectively, self-actualize, preserve democracy, and promote human rights. The relationship between content and critical thinking presents a unique challenge in American education. This study examined the shift in …

Alternative Scheduling In The Middle School: Considering Circadian Rhythms., James Edward Carter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The passage of No Child Left Behind has increased the level of accountability for all educators. There are many factors that affect student achievement. One factor that may be overlooked is the schedule configuration of schools. Addressing student needs through scheduling options may assist school systems and students in performing at the level they are being held accountable.

The population for this study was students from a rural East Tennessee middle school with a population of approximately 700 students. The low socioeconomic students represent 68% of the school total enrollment while 18% of the students have an individual education plan …

The Nationalism Of Joachim Meyer: An Analysis Of German Pride In His Fighting Manual Of 1570., William Charles Adamson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work addresses the nationalistic elements in the 1570 work Kunst des Fechtens by Joachim Meyer of Strassburg. Meyer's teachings on the longsword are attached to the Swabian Johannes Liechtenauer and then transferred to the Italian rapier thus establishing Meyer as less concerned with nationalist purity as others of his century. His teachings are examined for their pleadings for moral conduct and the preservation of martial studies to the youth of Germany and the young Duke of Bavaria, Johann Casimir. Using modern examples alongside Meyer's writings the case is also made for the integration of nationalist sentiments, moral and ethical …

The Rage Of The Wolf: Metamorphosis And Identity In Medieval Werewolf Tales., Jessica Lynne Bettini

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The metamorphosis of man to beast has fascinated audiences for millennia. The werewolves of medieval literature were forced to conform to the Church's view of metamorphosis and, in so doing, transformed from bestial and savage to benevolent and rational. Analysis of Marie de France's Bisclavret, the anonymous Arthur and Gorlagon, the Irish tale The Crop-Eared Dog, and the French roman d'aventure Guillaume de Palerne reveals insight into medieval views of change, identity, and what it meant to exist in the medieval world. Each of these tales is told from the werewolf's point of view, and in each the …

Demography Of The Monocled Cobra (Naja Kaouthia) In The Central Region Of Thailand., Apinya Chaitae 1977-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Naja kaouthia is a significant species because it feeds primarily on agricultural pests, causes human mortality, and is commercially exploited. Understanding the life history and demography of harvested populations is essential to providing guidelines for proper management. This study was conducted within two rice fields in central Thailand. I found that all age classes of N. kaouthia primarily prey on rats. Prey size increases ontogenetically with snake size. Besides rats and mice, first year snakes feed on frogs. Adults add snakes, lizards, fish, birds, and bird's eggs. Young cobras grow significantly faster than older cobras and the growth rate did …

Exploitation Of Costimulatory Sa-4-1bbl In The Development Of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines., Abhishek K. Srivastava

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer accounts for nearly one-quarter of deaths in the United States, exceeded only by heart diseases. Despite the development of various strategies to treat cancer, it remains one of the most deadly diseases worldwide due to the limited effects of treatments available. The limited efficacy of these current treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are often due to their association with adverse side effects arising from lack of specificity for tumors, and most importantly their failure of eliminating residual and micro-metastatic tumors, which can lead to recurrences. Therefore, there is a dire need to develop tumor-specific therapies that …

Cardiac Abnormalities After Transaortic Constriction Are Worsened By Changing Glucose Metabolism And Benefited By Repair Of Mitochondrial Dna., Jianxun Wang 1969-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. During the development of heart failure, many cardiac parameters change at the same time including fuel metabolism, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Each of these changes occurs in the context of multiple other abnormalities in the failing heart. This complexity makes it difficult to discern the importance of each of these parameters. In this dissertation changes in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial DNA repair have been targeted separately and specifically in the heart to test their roles in heart failure independently. Abnormal glucose metabolism is always found in …