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Kinematic Analysis Of Treadmill Walking In Normal And Contused Mice Using The Treadscan System., Jason Beare 1980-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Activity-based rehabilitation is important for clinically treating spinal cord injury (SCI). Advances in SCI research are dependent on quality animal models, which rely on our ability to detect functional differences in animals following injury. The purpose of this study is to analyze the gait of normal and contusion-injured mice using the TreadScan® system. TreadScan® utilizes a transparent treadmill belt and a high-speed camera to capture the footprints of animals and automatically analyze gait characteristics. Adult female C57B1/6 mice were gentled and introduced to the treadmill. Animals received either a standardized mild or moderate contusion injury or a sham injury. TreadScan® …

Ridge Preservation Comparing A Flap Vs. A Flapless Technique Using A Demineralized Bone Matrix Allograft Plus Mineralized Particulate Allograft And Covered With A Calcium Sulfate Barrier., Trever L. Siu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aims . The primary aim of this study is to compare the clinical and histologic results of a flap vs. a flapless technique of ridge preservation after 4 months of healing. Both groups received an intrasocket graft of demineralized bone matrix mixed with mineralized particulate allograft that was covered with a calcium sulfate barrier. Methods . Twelve test patients received ridge preservation using the flapless technique while 12 positive control patients were treated with a flap technique. All sockets were grafted with a mixture of demineralized bone matrix and a mineralized particulate allograft. Following tooth extraction horizontal ridge dimensions were …

Anxiety Disorders In Children With Williams Syndrome, Their Mothers, And Their Siblings : Implications For The Etiology Of Anxiety Disorders., Ovsanna Leyfer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of anxiety disorders. Williams syndrome (WS), a genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 7q11.23 and associated with increased prevalence of anxiety disorders relative to the general population and other genetic disorders associated with intellectual disability, can be used in the search for susceptibility genes for anxiety disorders. This study examines the prevalence of anxiety disorders in children with WS, their mothers, and their siblings as well as predictors of anxiety in these groups, in order to facilitate the use of WS in studies of genetics of anxiety disorders. Anxiety …

An Analysis Of Nicotine Exacerbation Of Reductions In Ppi In A Rodent Model Of Schizophrenia., Amanda Marie Maple

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is an operational measure of sensorimotor gating and is known to be reduced when the dopamine D² receptor is activated. We used a rodent model of psychosis in which increases in dopamine D_{2 receptor sensitivity are produced through neonatal quinpirole (a dopamine D2 / D3 agonist) treatment to rats. Rats were administered quinpirole (1mg/kg) or saline from postnatal day (P) 1-21. Rats were raised to adulthood and tested on PPI. Results showed that neonatal quinpirole treatment produced a significant reduction in PPI, and nicotine exacerbated this reduction. This reduction was partially blocked by …}

The Long Term Effect Of Time-Memory On Forager Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera) Recruitment., Matthew Walter Otto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Experiments were performed to determine the influence of the honey bee time-memory on a forager bee's sensitivity to recruitment. Two groups of foragers from one colony were trained to separate food stations at the same restricted time of day for several consecutive days. Feeding then was canceled at one station but continued for four more days at the other. Bees with more days of training at a non-productive source were significantly less likely than foragers with less training to be recruited to an alternative food source presented at the same time of day. Furthermore, the ability of a forager to …

A Study Of The Evolving Practices Of Reading First Reading Coaches In Virginia., Shelia Denise Sargent-Martin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore and document the various roles of Virginia's Reading First reading coaches. The goal of Reading First is to ensure that all students learn to read at grade level or above by the end of third grade. Because of No Child Left Behind legislation and the mandates set forth by Reading First, reading coaches are in demand. In order to gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of reading coaches, this study was based on qualitative methodology. Specifically, the data collection consisted of a self-administered survey sent to Virginia's 95 Reading …

Getting Warmer., Jessica Elizabeth Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is in support of the exhibition entitled Getting Warmer, on display in Slocumb Galleries at East Tennessee State University from March 19 to March 23, 2007. The exhibition represents an exploration in the medium of fibers, incorporating digitally printed photographs on fabric and quilted structures. The collage of photographic textures and the stitched lines of machine embroidery reflect the artist's interest in the formal qualities of mapmaking and topography. Conceptually, the work is concerned with the idea of material as landscape and artwork as personal geography. This thesis addresses the artistic and cultural influences, the artistic process …

T-Cell Dysfunction By Hcv Core Protein Involves Pd-1/Pd-L1 Signaling., Billy Ellis King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 1989 the hepatitis C virus was identified as a significant cause of post-transfusion hepatitis. Nearly two decades later there is still no vaccine, inadequate treatment options, and limited understanding of how the virus establishes chronicity in the majority of the people it infects. Recent reports suggest that the interaction of a negative co-stimulatory pathway mediated by PD-1 and PDL-1 is associated with persistent viral infection. The role, if any, that PD-1/PDL-1 has in HCV infection is unknown. In this study we report that PD-1 is upregulated in T-cells from persons with chronic HCV infection when compared to healthy donors. …

Nicotine Sensitization In A Rodent Model Of Schizophrenia: A Comparison Of Adolescents, Adults, And Neurotrophic Factors., Marla Kay Perna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The behavioral effects of nicotine on locomotor activity in a rodent model of psychosis were analyzed. This model is based on neonatal quinpriole treatment (a dopamine D2/D3 agonist) which causes increased D2 receptor sensitivity, a phenomenon known as D2 priming that is common in schizophrenia. D2-primed adolescent rats did not demonstrate nicotine-induced hypoactivity early in training, and males demonstrated more rapid sensitization to nicotine as compared to controls administered nicotine. D2-primed females administered nicotine demonstrated increased stereotypic behavior. D2-primed adult rats given nicotine demonstrated significantly more robust sensitization to nicotine than controls given nicotine. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was analyzed …

Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma In Jefferson And Mccracken Counties, Kentucky: Gender Differences In Survival., Jasneet Aneja

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bronchioalveolar carcinoma (BAC), a rare lung cancer, is more common in women, has a high proportion of non-smokers, and better survival, especially in women, than other lung cancers. Study subjects were 83 BAC patients from two Kentucky counties. Mean survival differences were compared by selected variables. The results showed better survival for females (6.5 years) than males (3.0 years, p-value 0.02); for urban (4.3 years) compared to rural residents (2.6 years, p-value 0.04); and for females with history of hysterectomy (5.1 years) compared to females without such history (3.3 years, p-value 0.02); the last finding supports a hormonal role in …

Reversed-Phase Hplc Determination Of Cholesterol In Food Items., David Christian Essaka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cholesterol is a fat-like molecule found among lipids in animal (including human) tissues. It is needed for maintaining good health. However, health issues have been raised because of the strong correlation between high levels of cholesterol in the body and cardiovascular disease. An HPLC method for quantitative determination of cholesterol in foods is presented. This involves a C-18 stationary phase using a 70:30 methanol: 2-propanol mobile phase with an UV detector set at 212 nm. The method showed linearity in the range 5.0 to 100.0 μg/mL and also good reproducibility with relative standard deviation of 4.22%, 2.71%, 4.8%, and 3.7% …

Teaching Probability And Statistics To English Language Learners In Grade Five., Mary Jo Johnson Neal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An increasing number of English Language Learners enrolling in the Washington County Virginia Public School System during the past several years prompted the idea of this thesis. These students are currently mainstreamed in the regular academic classroom. Adapting to their needs is a new challenge in education for teachers in Southwest Virginia. This thesis offers an opportunity for teachers to prepare for a multicultural classroom setting providing English Language Learners with learning strategies necessary to gain confidence in their mathematical ability and academic success in the areas of probability and statistics. Lesson plans have been specifically designed emphasizing teaching strategies, …

A Study Of The Effects Of Pet Ownership On Mental Health Among Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens In Northeast Tennessee., E. Marie Southerland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between pet ownership, attachment, and psychological health among community-dwelling senior citizens and evaluated the impact of the placement of an aquarium into a regional senior center. General health, depression, social support, pet attitudes, pet attachment, pet relationships, and attitudes about the aquarium were assessed among 104 members of a senior center.

Symptoms of depression were identified in 17.3% of the participants. Pets were a significant form of social support and attachment to pet owners. No significant relationship was observed between pet ownership, pet attachment, and psychological health. Positive health effects were reported among participants …

Tolerance: Challenge, Perception, And Social Stigmas Defined Through Visual Communications., Ursula Moore Bryant

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My explorations and journey through life have led me to discover a connection in my work and responsibility as a visual communicator. My objective of communicating challenge, perception, and social stigmas through informed stories of individual lives is to provoke questions and spark moments of awareness in viewers. With this supporting manuscript, I hope to inform about my motivations through time including my personal, artistic, and historical influences. I will define graphic design as a fine art through the evaluation of artistic movements. I also intend to discuss design as a language and build a case for social awareness. Evaluating …

Wellness Program Effect On The Health Parameters Of Female Employees Aged 25 To 60 Years Of Age Targeting Physical Activity And Nutrition Therapy., Adrienne J. Poag

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine if the health parameters of female employees would improve, as measured in the posttest data, following the completion of a 12-week employee wellness program. The participants included 17 female employees from the Carter County Health Department located in Elizabethton, Tennessee. The principle investigator assessed the changes in the pretests and posttests and analyzed the data using SPSS. The results showed on average an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and in the number of days exercised per week as well as improved diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels. The employees who experienced …

Catalysis., Mary Barton Nees

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The artist discusses the process of discovery that led to her Master of Fine Arts exhibition at Slocumb Galleries, East Tennessee State University, from March 19 to 23, 2007. Investigations in printmaking, mixed media, and symbol are highlighted. The work for the thesis show consists of nineteen, 30" hand pulled works on paper. All works are oriented vertically and floated in the frame. Of this collection, thirteen are monotypes, four are collographs, and one is a collage. Insertions include intaglio, brayer marking, encaustic wax, paper, oil paint, pen, and sumi ink. Topics included are the artist's thinking into the nature …

Examination Of Microsporidia Spore Adherence And Host Cell Infection In Vitro., Timothy Robert Southern

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that cause severe disease in immunocompromised humans. While albendazole is the treatment of choice, no therapy exists that effectively treats all forms or causes of human microsporidiosis. Recent studies show that the microsporidian Encephalitozoon intestinalis binds glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) associated with the host cell surface, and that the divalent cations manganese (Mn²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) augment spore adherence to host cells by activating a constituent on the spore surface. These studies also illustrate a direct relationship between spore adherence and host cell infection; inhibition of spore adherence leads to reduced host cell …

Use Of Web-Based Technology To Enhance Instruction Of Virginia's Seventh And Eighth Grade Geometry Standards Of Learning., Lisa Ann Fields

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to develop web-based modules for enhancing instruction of the geometry sections of the Virginia Standards of Learning in the seventh and eighth grades. While all of Virginia's seventh and eighth grade Standards of Learning strands are certainly worthy of these types of modules, geometry appeals to me most because of the vast amount of web-based resources that will be valuable when organized into modules. It is my hope that teachers of these grades will find this useful in their instruction of geometry.

Non-Redundant And Critical Roles For Leukotriene B4 Receptors Blt1 And Blt2 In Mouse Models Of Inflammatory Arthritis., Steven Mathis 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inflammation is now recognized as an important factor in several age-related diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. In each case, sub-clinical chronic inflammation occurs over years and leads to progressive destruction of the tissue until the symptoms become clinically apparent. Eicosanoids such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes play an important role in inflammation. Among these, leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) has had a long history of being associated with numerous inflammatory diseases. A high affinity receptor for LTB 4 , LTB 4 receptor 1 (BLT 1) has been well-characterized in human and murine tissues. While the molecular …

Regulation Of Nuclear Respiratory Factor-1 Expression By 17beta-Estradiol : A New Mechanism For Coordinating Mitochondrial Gene Expression., Kathleen Annmarie Mattingly 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The mechanisms by which estrogens regulate mitochondrial activity are not completely understood. Chronic treatment of ovariectomized rats with estradiol (E 2 ) increased the amount of Nuclear Respiratory Factor-1 (NRF-1) protein in cerebral blood vessels. NRF-1 is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes including mitochondrial transcription factor A ( TFAM , which, in turn, controls transcription of the mitochondrial genome. Here, I tested the hypothesis that E 2 increases NRF-1 transcription through a genomic activation of estrogen receptor (ER) resulting in a coordinate increase in nuclear- and mitochondrial- encoded genes, mitochondrial respiratory activity, and mitochondrial …

Participation Of Mouse Dna Polymerases Iota, Eta, And Rev1 In Translesion Synthesis Of Carcinogen Induced Dna Adducts And Carcinogenesis., Chad Aaron Dumstorf 1977-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis indicate that most mutations are dependent on the activity of translesion synthesis DNA polymerases. The impact of reducing the level of these polymerases on mutagenesis and carcinogenesis in mouse models is poorly defined. Using knock out strategies we were able to remove polymerase eta (pol ç), and polymerase iota (pol é) and pol eta/pol iota from the mouse and lower REV1 in the mouse lung. This dissertation reports the changes in UV-induced carcinogenesis and mutagenesis that were observed. Mutagenesis data in pol iota deficient cells clearly indicate pol iota as a …

An Exploration Of Defensive Pessimism, Explanatory Style, And Expectations In Relation To The Academic Performance Of College And University Students., Scott Richard Berry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have studied the concepts of optimism and pessimism as traits, expectations, strategies, and styles of explaining outcomes. Explanatory style and the strategy of defensive pessimism are two of these areas. In general, optimistic explanatory style has been associated with better outcomes including academic performance. Some studies have found that pessimistic explanatory style has been associated with better academic outcomes. One suggestion in the literature was that defensive pessimism might explain the cases where pessimistic explanatory style is associated with better academic outcomes. To evaluate this explanation, the Academic Attributional Style Questionnaire (AASQ, Revised Defensive Pessimism Questionnaire (DPQ), and Brief …

Zen In The Craft Of Acting., Patti Lynn Heying 1962-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In fulfillment of the thesis project requirement for the Master of Fine Arts Degree at the University of Louisville, I portrayed the role of Paulina in William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. The production was directed by Dennis Krausnick, co-founder of Shakespeare and Company in Lennox, Massachusetts. This document explores the nature of zen in acting: a euphoric, heightened state of awareness sometimes achieved during a performance. I will examine how the rehearsal process for this particular play prepared the cast to better achieve moments of zen. I will also describe how to apply these same tactics to other plays in …

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Maternal And Cord Blood Plasma., Paula G. Radmacher 1951-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are chemicals generated from the incomplete combustion of organic materials, including tobacco smoke. Some PAH are known to be mutagenic and carcinogenic in humans, and of concern for the fetus when women smoke during pregnancy. Known consequences of smoking during pregnancy include low birth weight and preterm delivery. It is unknown if PAH are related to these outcomes. This pilot study was designed to measure concentrations of 3 PAH (anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene and 1-hydroxypyrene) in paired maternal and cord blood samples as well as any correlations between the two matrices. Plasma cotinine was used as a biomarker …

Transnational Advocacy Networks In The International System : Lessons From Ecuador., Isabella Marie Christensen 1977-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The transnational advocacy campaign against Ecuador's second oil-transporting pipeline, the Oleoducto de Crudo Pesado, had no impact on that state's endorsement of the project and only a negligible effect on related social and environmental policies. This outcome is at odds with the theoretical formulation advanced by Keck and Sikkink which holds that certain transnational advocacy campaigns can act as agents of state-level policy changes. While Keck and Sikkink locate causal variables of campaign outcome on the levels of the campaign and the state, the Oleoducto de Crudo Pesado case signals the need to further incorporate international-level analysis and to investigate …

Violence And Horror : The Anti-Technology Of Subjectivity., Christopher William Curry 1973-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is about graphic representations of violence and subjectivity. Simply stated, the violence in many recent horror films is motivated by a nihilism resulting from frustration with the inadequacy of contemporary subjectivity. I want to explore the potential such representations have for providing a means of radically undermining the contemporary category of subjectivity. This subversion is due to what I call the inverted mirror stage effect in combination with a particular dislocation of the audience that is associated with the spectacle of violence displayed in contemporary, or postmodern, horror films. My theoretical approach is a cultural materialist psychoanalytic one …

Deploying A Secure Windows Operating System And Applications., Russell Slater Miles 1982-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many businesses have poor IT infrastructure and are in need of a major overhaul. University of Louisville Properties (ULP), in particular, needed the ability to share files between staff, backup data, secure data, and eliminate viruses and malware. Along those lines, ULP was looking for a secure, stable, reliable, and most importantly, a costeffective Microsoft solution to their IT woes. For consistency and reliability, a Symantec Ghost image was created of such a system. This system was created using Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Office 2003, Symantec Client Security, and Microsoft Sysprep. The image was deployed to all ULP computers, creating …

Investigation Of Head And Neck Injury Risk Associated With Short-Distance Falls In 12 Month Old Children., Angela J. Knight

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of severe head and neck injury in short distance falls for a 12-month-old child. A series of free falls and falls from standing were experimentally simulated using an instrumented anthropomorphic test device (ATD) representing a 12-month-old child. Three different falls heights, five different impact surfaces, and two levels of joint stiffness were tested to determine their effect on injury risk. Linear head accelerations were measured and angular head accelerations were calculated using the base of the neck as the pivot point. Head Injury Criteria (HIC) values and impact durations were …

Trihalomethane Formation Potential In Two Kentucky Reservoirs., Richard Scott Pirkle 1980-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Water treatment facilities strive to provide potable drinking water to the community which they service. The most common way of insuring drinkable water that is free of pathogens is water chlorination, but this can lead to the production of carcinogenic disinfection byproducts. This study looks at two drinking water reservoirs that have known United States Environmental Protection Agency minimum contaminant level violations of trihalomethanes (THMs), a disinfection byproduct. Physical and chemical parameters of the two lakes were measured over the course of 13 months and analyses indicated that nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus, along with temperature and pH, played a …

Identification Of Genes Encoding Acyl-Coa Reductases And Aldehyde Reductases In Mycobacterial Genome By Characterization Of The Reductases Expressed In E. Coli, Harminder Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been long known to produce wax esters. However, the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis have not been identified. Here we report the identification of Rv3391 and Rv1543 as genes that encode fatty acyl-CoA reductases and Rv1544 as one that encodes an aldehyde reductase. When expressed in E.coli, the products of Rv3391 and Rv1543 catalyzed reduction of fatty acyl-CoA to fatty alcohol with the corresponding aldehyde as an intermediate with an optimal pH of 7.0. Both enzymes showed a strong preference for NADPH over NADH as a reductant. Apparent Km for NADPH was 38 [micro]M for Rv3391 product …