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The Roles Of Pancreatic Beta Cell Antioxidants In Islet Transplantation And Type 1 Diabetes., Xiaoyan Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pancreatic beta cells are extremely vulnerable to destruction by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). In type 1 diabetes and islet transplantation ROS are thought to be involved in the loss of beta cells. To test the role of antioxidant in islet transplantation. In our lab we have determined that transgenic overexpression of the antioxidant protein metallothionein (MT) in pancreatic beta cells provides broad resistance to oxidative stress by scavenging most kinds of ROS. A direct test of hypoxia/reperfusion sensitivity was shown that MT markedly reduced ROS production and improved islet cell survival. Furthermore, in both syngeneic transplantation and allotransplantation, MT islets …

Beguiling Beginnings And Dialectical Salvaging : The Presidential Inaugural Speech And African-American Leaders' Speeches., Jacqueline Elaine Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores how presidential inaugural speeches reflect the overarching mindset of the government, and how, in the postmodern era, this mindset manifests the same sort of African American erasure that has existed since Middle Passage. In addition, I explore the rhetorical engagement black leaders use to respond to, prevent, or to circumvent this erasure. This dissertation examines presidential inaugural speeches, during the Civil Rights and Black Power eras, from the Kennedy administration to President Lyndon Baines Johnson, to prove that, most times, this type of speech is little more than epideictic formality in regards to black interests, and, perhaps, …

3d Animation: Creating An Experiential Environment., Dorai Raj Arjunan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a supporting paper for three of my 3D animations created and presented for a Master of Fine Arts graduate exhibition. It discusses how the two realms of graphic design and 3D animation helped me to develop my heuristic techniques of creating animations. Using the three animations as examples, I make an attempt to explain how linear and figurative images influence each other in the creative process of creature/character development. I also discuss the various influences and cumulative explorations behind the imageries of animation. A brief discussion about Asian Indian aesthetic concepts and the general methodology of creating …

Non-Specific Stress Indicators And Growth Efficiency In The Archaic And Mississippian At The Perry Site (1 Lu25) In Northwestern Alabama, Robin Wiebe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Porotic hyperostosis, linear enamel hypoplasias and adult stature are all nonspecific indicators of stress. When studied together, they provide an understanding of the long-term survival of periods of stress occurring in varying stages of the life of an individual. Because the Perry Site contains both Archaic and Mississippian components, it provides a unique opportunity to examine not only how these indicators interact, but also how interactions may change across time and subsistence base. Most studies show increases in frequency of porotic hyperostosis and linear enamel hypoplasias and a decrease in adult stature with a shift to agriculture. The Perry material …

A Durkheimian Sociobiology?, Jason Oliver Dixon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As conceived by Durkheim, social facts set parameters on what is of sociological interest, and subsequently how social phenomena are explained. This thesis reworks this theoretical concept to allow for biological explanations of some social phenomena. It by no means, asserts that all social phenomena can be explained by biology, but it recognizes that biological explanations of human behavior are available and are of sociological interest. The argument agrees with the main thrust of Durkheim's defense of social facts, but his critique of utility, while insightful, is considered unnecessary to negate individual causality.

Coming Home, Staying Put, And Learning To Fiddle: Heroism And Place In Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain., Heather Rhea Gilreath

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In his novel Cold Mountain, Charles Frazier weaves an intricate web of human stories, all converging to make a memorable statement about love, war, life, and death. This study examines these stories and the mythological, literary, and folk models Frazier employs, and in some cases revises, to tell them. The first chapter explores how Frazier recreates Odysseus in Inman, his main male character, to depict the psychological trauma inflicted by war. The second chapter focuses on Ada, Inman’s pre-war sweetheart, and Ruby, a girl with whom Ada bonds, as challenges to the male pastoral tradition. Ruby’s father Stobrod as trickster, …

Participatory Action Research With Adults With Mental Retardation : "Oh My God. Look Out World.", Rita Marie Valade

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a participatory action research project with adults with mental retardation who reside in Louisville, Kentucky. It explores some of the history and ideologies that frequently have hindered persons with mental retardation from being regarded by others as unique individuals with various abilities. It investigates dynamics of social ostracism and the resultant silence, inclusive of the social work profession's relative absence in the field of mental retardation. Furthermore, it explores various aspects of research with persons with disabilities, and with persons with mental retardation in particular. While there have been multiple studies about persons with mental retardation, very …

Dhea Action Is Mediated By Multiple Receptors And Metabolites., Kristy K. Michael Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a C-19 adrenal steroid and the most abundant circulating hormone in humans. Since circulating levels decline in late adulthood, treatment of humans with DHEA has been suggested to have beneficial health effects. Although the mechanism of action is unknown, DHEA may be metabolized to active metabolites that exert their physiological effects by receptor-mediated processes and cell signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanistic processes of DHEA action. Since DHEA may exert its pleotropic effects by being metabolized to biologically active species, a GC/MS method was developed to quantify the liver microsomal metabolism …

Frequency Of Rad Diagnosis And Attachment Disorder In Community Mental Health Agency Clients., Paula S. Morgan 1958-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Attachment Disorder (AD) in children has been characterized by particularly alarming behaviors, yet the identification of this disorder for clinicians in community mental health agencies is problematic. The only available diagnosis that addresses attachment problems is the DSM-IV diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a diagnosis that does not include the more severely disturbed behaviors that have been associated with attachment-disordered children. This dissertation examined the frequency with which CMHA child clients were diagnosed with RAD, as well as the actual occurrence of attachment problems and Attachment Disorder as measured by the Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire (RADA). The Personality Inventory …

Child Maltreatment Assessment And Recidivism : A Study Of Kentucky Child Protective Services., Helen Katherine Mudd

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative dissertation examines risk assessment and recidivism of child maltreatment to determine the relationship between child protective services provided by the Kentucky Department of Protection and Permanency and risk of harm. A chart review of existing data on 3,235 closed Kentucky child protective services cases provides information about the quality of service provided to families, the reduction of risk of maltreatment assessed in the family, and the rate of recidivism following case closure. This dissertation examines the usefulness of the Continuous Quality Assessment tool (CQA) and its effectiveness in assessing risk. The CQA is an assessment tool that is …

Employees' Perceptions Of Barriers In E-Learning : The Relationship Among Barriers, Demographics, And E-Learning Self-Efficacy., Penina Mungania 1974-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this empirical study was to examine the types of e-learning barriers and to establish the nature of relationships among (a) barriers perceived by employee e-learners in the process of starting, continuing, and completing online training; (b) demographic variables; (c) background characteristics; and (d) e-learning self-efficacy. The population was comprised of employees (N = 4807; n = 865) who had participated in Web-based training delivered 100 percent online. Convenient samples of employees were drawn from seven organizations representing (a) IT Manufacturing, (b) Oil Exploration & Manufacturing, (c) Public School District, (d) Health insurance, (e) Wholesale Distribution, (f) IT …

A Human Narrative In The Metopes From The Temple Of Zeus At Olympia., Amanda Beth Crecelius Ott 1980-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Built during the Early Classical period, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia and its sculptural program presented many new ideas in Greek society. I will argue that the Temple, in particular its metopes depicting the twelve Labors of Herakles, exemplified the humanization of the Greek hero and illustrated the increasingly personal nature of Greek religion following the Persian War. I will first discuss the history of Olympia and the Altis, especially in relation to the celebration of the Olympic Games. I will then describe the Temple of Zeus and its sculptural program. The sculptures, in particular the metopes, will be …

The City As A Point Of Transition In The Lives Of Esmeralda Santiago And Judith Ortiz Cofer., Monica Michelle Joiner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

United States capitalist development efforts, known as Operation Bootstrap, created an economic need for Puerto Ricans. Two authors, Esmeralda Santiago and Judith Ortiz Cofer, are both women of Puerto Rican decent who lived through this historic period.This thesis examines the lives of both "puertorriquenas" and their experiences in the cities of Paterson, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York respectively. Becoming a woman in an urban environment stands as a unifying experience of both Ortiz Cofer and Santiago. Chapter one examines trauma as a normal part of the urban experience. Chapter two focuses on bilingual and bicultural identity and its use …

The Role Of The Toll-Like Receptor Pathway In Susceptibility To Inflammatory Bowel Disease., Nigel Crawford 1974-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is subdivided into Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and indeterminate colitis (IC). Epidemiological studies have proven that genetic variation increases susceptibility to IBD, with multiple abnormal genes combined with environmental factors being responsible for disease development. Characterization of these susceptibility genes remains of critical importance to improving understanding of IBD pathogenesis. The overall aim of this study is to discover new IBD susceptibility genes. The initial approach was to study a number of previously described IBD susceptibility loci through characterization of peak LOD score short tandem repeat markers using …

The Transcriptional Repressor Protein Growth Factor Independence-1b In T Lymphopoiesis., Loretta L. Doan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

T lymphopoiesis has been an intense focus of immunological research since the discovery of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and T cell mediated transplant rejection. Additionally, researchers have long appreciated the role of T cells, and their development, in autoimmune disorders. Interest in this field has increased upon the realization that many leukemic oncoproteins are the very factors that control normal T cell development. Thus, the transcriptional networks that drive the function and development of T lymphocytes are closely linked with disease states.Growth Factor Independence 1 (GFI1) and GFI1B are two very similar transcriptional repressor oncoproteins that are encoded by …

Psychological Stress During Exercise : Stress Hormone Responses And Immune Function, Michael Weldy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Certain professions involve duties that are physically and psychologically stressful. Physical stress alone and psychological stress alone are associated with increases in cardiorespiratory and stress hormone levels. Elevations in stress hormones, catecholamines and cortisol, are related to changes in blood lymphocyte populations. In particular, elevations in cortisol are related to reductions in helper T cells, helper T cell to cytotoxic T cell ratio, and natural killer cells. While numerous studies have investigated effects of physical and psychological stress alone, the effects of psychological stress during exercise has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to describe catecholamine and …

A Model Racing Plant : Founding And Economic History Of Keeneland Racetrack., Scott A. Carmony 1967-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an economic and historical examination of Keeneland racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. The material commences with a historical overview of the role of sport and recreational activities in the United States. Putting sport and leisure activity in the context of mirroring changes in society is the focus of the section. Furthermore, this material explores the general sporting environment in United States history, moves to horseracing's place within that history, then concludes with the scope of the horse and horseracing in Kentucky, and particularly, the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky. The following material focuses on the unique and remarkable …

The Visual Perception Of Distance In Action Space., Bing Wu 1973-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work examines our perception of distance within "action space" (about 2m ~ 30m), an ability that is important for various actions. Two general problems are addressed: what information can be used to judge distance accurately and how is it processed? The dissertation is in two parts. The first part considers the "what" question. Subjects' distance judgment was examined in real, altered and virtual environments by using perceptual tasks or actions to assess the role of a variety of intrinsic and environmental depth cues. The findings show that the perception of angular declination, or height in the visual field, is …

The Relationship Of Stress Levels To Wellness Practices Among Community College Presidents., Eva Charlotte Ratliff Dawson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the variety and level of wellness practices of community college presidents and the relationship of these practices to the stress levels of this group. Additionally, relaxation activities and the feelings, characteristics, and symptoms associated with stress were considered. Items measuring each of these variables, isolated from the literature and tested in a pilot sample, were combined into an electronic instrument, Stress Levels and Wellness Practices Measurement for Community College Presidents.

The design of the study was ex post facto/correlational. The population of the study was American community college presidents. A stratified …

Population Size And Movements Of Spotted Salamanders At South Holston Dam, Sullivan County, Tennessee., Eric Alexander Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the Southern Appalachians, there are growing concerns about Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) due to habitat destruction and the uncertain future of their forested riparian habitat. In this study, I establish baseline data of a population of Spotted Salamanders so future monitoring of this population can be performed. The study site is located in northeastern Tennessee, just east of the city of Bristol. It is a vernal pond at the Osceola Island Recreation Area one mile below the South Holston Dam on Holston View Dam road. A drift fence was established completely around the perimeter of the vernal …

An Enhanced Dialogic Reading Approach To Facilitate Typically Developing Pre-School Children's Emergent Literacy Skills., Sheri E. Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated an enhanced dialogic reading (DR) approach in facilitating emergent literacy skills in typically developing preschool children. Eight children from a Title One preschool and their parents participated in five weekly 90-minute training sessions that focused on phonological awareness, print awareness, and alphabet knowledge. First order effects were examined in parent questioning and interaction behaviors on pre- and post-training videotapes. Second order effects were examined in the children's outcomes from pre- to posttesting of preliteracy, speech, and language skills. Results indicated that parents made significant increases in their initiations and responses and a significant decrease in their Mean …

Nutritional Content Of Supplemental Food Baskets Distributed By Charitable Agencies In Northeast Tennessee., Lillian Khalili Aliata

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the nutritional needs of high-risk community members are met by supplemental food baskets distributed by charitable groups in northeast Tennessee. Hunger is a real problem among the area's elderly population, as 14.3% of the populations live at or below the poverty level. Data were collected using observation interviews at the food bank. A nutrient analysis tool was used to analyze the nutrient content of food items in a standard food basket. The findings were compared to the recommended dietary allowance for the elderly population. The supplemental food basket was adequate in …

Contexts For Facilitating Emergent Literacy In Typically Developing Preschoolers., Karen Nicole Wilhjelm

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there is an additive benefit in training Emergent Literacy (EL) skills with typically developing preschoolers using a combined intervention approach, Dialogic Reading (DR) plus classroom Phonological Awareness (CL), than a single intervention approach providing only DR training.

The study consisted of 8 preschoolers (5 DR+CL, 3 DR). The classroom PA training was conducted 3 times a week for 5 weeks for 20 minutes, using play-based activities. The DR training programs were held once a week for 5 weeks for 90 minutes teaching strategies that could be used in the home environment. …

Power And Perfection In Karen Finley's The Constant State Of Desire: Creating A New Discourse., Melissa D. Greenwood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Karen Finley's The Constant State of Desire merits attention because it acknowledges modern language's inability to represent the suffering of victims and creates awareness of our personal involvement in constructing gendered identities. Finley expresses her abhorrence of the desire for power and perfection by asserting that power is secured in American culture through physical and economic domination. In addition, the pursuit of perfection is engrained in one's psyche through media images and habituated behaviors. Finley does not offer a new language through which to communicate suffering, but she draws the reader's attention to the inadequacies of psychological and cultural rhetoric, …

The Use Of Rotation Model Sunday School., Heather Renee Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As outlined in this paper, Rotation Model (RM) Sunday school employs early childhood education practices. This study investigates the attitudes of parents, children's Sunday school leaders, and children in RM Sunday school compared to those in Non-Rotation Model (NRM) Sunday school. The purpose of the study was to determine if the attitudes of children and adults involved in RM were more positive than children and adults not participating in the model. Thirteen churches in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia participated in the study. Surveys rating attitudes toward Sunday school were completed by 100 children and 63 adults. Results showed no …

Alternative Creatures For An Alternative Space: A Process Of Evolution., Celia Tucker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the nature of the way body language and movement is perceived in the context of abstracted sculptures. The way these abstracted sculptures become creatures and the evolution thereof. It also explores the ways that concepts are altered in response to different media, evolving yet further.

Wrestling With Father Shakespeare: Contemporary Revisions Of King Lear And The Tempest., Erin Melinda Denise Presley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Shakespeare’s The Tempest and King Lear, the relationship between the father and his children affects the progression and outcome of events. Goneril and Regan oppose Lear after Cordelia’s untimely rebellion and disownment. In The Tempest, Caliban desires to overthrow Prospero for freedom. Similarly, the appropriative offspring also exhibit rebellious “children” challenging authority. In Jane Smiley’s revision of King Lear and Aimé Césaire’s rewriting of The Tempest, defiance renders the children fatherless. In Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Ariel initially disregards her father but ultimately accepts his rule. In Gloria Naylor’s Mama Day, the text itself becomes an orphan as the …

Aftermath, Emily Frances Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My work is an attempt to express some of the deepest emotions held within myself; truths that seem to flow straight from my unconscious to the surface through forms that are raw, powerful, ambiguous, mysterious, emotional, and pure. In my paintings, I am dealing with the aftermath of rape.

In my paintings, I combine content with complex studio processes by using the figure, limited watercolor palette, expressive mark making, and a distressed surface.

Confronting Manhood: The Struggle Of Male Characters In The Fiction Of Ernest J. Gaines., Katie Fay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the African-American author Ernest Gaines's three works The Sky is Gray, In My Father's House, and A Lesson before Dying as examples of oppressed manhood, and the gradual acceptance of the characteristics of manhood in Black males. Chapter One focuses on The Sky Is Gray and follows the young hero as he makes his transition from child to a young man understanding manhood. The second chapter looks at In My Father's House, exploring the relationship between father and son. Due to his father's abandonment, the son never learns what it means to be a …

A Church Crisis: A Rhetorical Criticism Of Communication Arguments From Proponents Of Both Sides Of The Homosexual Movement In The Christian Church, Garland Brent Wallace

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The increased levels of homosexual discussion in mainstream media culture have aroused opinion diversity in both secular and religious circles. The case of Bishop Gene Robinson has brought the issue of homosexuality in the priesthood to the forefront. However, the main issue does not rest on the issue of homosexuality but rather on the inspiration, validity, and authority of the Bible as scripture. After the evaluation of two pieces of rhetoric, including an interview given by Bishop Gene Robinson on a local radio broadcast and a speech given by B. L. Mauser concerning homosexuality as sin, Kenneth Burke's pentad will …