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Role Of Hdacs And Sam In Interferon-Alpha Signaling And Epigenetic Regulation Of Anti-Hcv Gene Expression., Stephanie A. Mathews Dec 2011

Role Of Hdacs And Sam In Interferon-Alpha Signaling And Epigenetic Regulation Of Anti-Hcv Gene Expression., Stephanie A. Mathews

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease in the United States and is a huge burden on the US healthcare system. The FDA-approved traditional standard of care for HCV is pegylated interferon-alpha (lFNa) combined with ribavirin, which is effective in about 50% of patients. The molecular mechanisms involved in resistance to IFNa therapy remain unclear. Recent data strongly suggest that histone deacetylases (HDACs) and methylation play critical roles in the regulation of IFNa anti-HCV signaling and gene expression. The present work was carried out to elucidate the roles of HDACs and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) metabolism …

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The Effects Of Stereotype Disconfirming Information And Self-Disclosure On Stereotype Endorsement, Prejudice, And Social Tolerance Of Schizophrenia And Major Depressive Disorder., Nicole Leigh Meyer 1983- Dec 2011

The Effects Of Stereotype Disconfirming Information And Self-Disclosure On Stereotype Endorsement, Prejudice, And Social Tolerance Of Schizophrenia And Major Depressive Disorder., Nicole Leigh Meyer 1983-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study examined how Disclosure, Stereotype Disconfirming Information, and Stereotype Disconfirming Information and Disclosure Combined) influences an individual's stigma (stereotype endorsement, emotional reactions, and discrimination) against individuals with Schizophrenia and Depression. The results of this experiment suggest that both Stereotype Disconfirming Information and Disclosure are successful in reducing stereotypes, emotional reactions, and social distance in the context of an interpersonal encounter. Self-disclosure, however, is stronger in increasing Pity and decreasing the desire for Social Distance than Stereotype Disconfirming Information. The combination of Stereotype Disconfirming Information and Disclosure provided the strongest stigma reduction, suggesting that Disclosure can benefit from the …

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Structure-Based Design Of Inhibitors Of Cxcr4., Jason Bradley Meier 1980- Dec 2011

Structure-Based Design Of Inhibitors Of Cxcr4., Jason Bradley Meier 1980-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Metastasis is a complex process requiring directed migration of metastatic cells to favorable microenvironments. Increased CXCR4 expression has been implicated in more invasive, aggressive and metastatic tumor phenotypes and poor patient survival in twenty-three forms of cancer. CXCR4 has been linked to cancer metastasis and CXCR4 expression on the cell surface of tumor cells has been linked to increased migration and homing of neoplastic cells to sites where stromal cells express the chemokine CXCL 12 such as the lung and bone marrow. In this dissertation, we will utilize structure based drug design to identify inhibitors of CXCR4 targeting the extracellular …

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A Survey Study Comparing Adult Orthodontic Patient Quality Of Life Between Invisalign And Fixed Appliances., Keith Christopher Nicholson Dec 2011

A Survey Study Comparing Adult Orthodontic Patient Quality Of Life Between Invisalign And Fixed Appliances., Keith Christopher Nicholson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We aimed to examine differences in treatment impacts and quality of life between adult orthodontic patients with Invisalign and fixed appliances. Adults represent a burgeoning branch of orthodontics yet many prospective patients have been reluctant to pursue orthodontics due to concerns with treatment. It was hypothesized that removable aligners would be better tolerated by adult patients. Sixty-three adult patients (forty Invisalign, twenty-three fixed appliances) were recruited from private practice. The treatment groups were largely comparable although the braces group reported more frequent unplanned appointments and use of auxiliaries. The Invisalign group experienced less negative impacts and these differences were generally …

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Effects Of Environmental Pollution On Endothelial Progenitor Cells And Vascular Regeneration., Laura A. Wheat Nissley 1983- Dec 2011

Effects Of Environmental Pollution On Endothelial Progenitor Cells And Vascular Regeneration., Laura A. Wheat Nissley 1983-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Acrolein is a common pollutant present in ambient air, automobile exhaust, and tobacco smoke. Previous studies show that exposure to acrolein increases cardiovascular disease risk. To determine whether acrolein affect cardiovascular regeneration, we investigated the cardiovascular effects of inhaled acrolein. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to room air or acrolein (O.5, 1 or 5 ppm) for and the endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) level in peripheral blood (PB) was measured by flow cytometry. To examine the proliferative capacity of EPCs, bone marrow cells (BMCs) were cultured on fibronectin-coated slides. Brief exposure to acrolein (5 ppm, 6h) or 4 day (1 …

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Characterization Of The Ai-2-Dependent Quorum Sensing Pathway In Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans., Elizabeth A. Novak Dec 2011

Characterization Of The Ai-2-Dependent Quorum Sensing Pathway In Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans., Elizabeth A. Novak

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Quorum sensing in the oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is dependent upon the soluble signaling molecule AI-2, but it is not known how the initial detection of AI-2 is coupled to the downstream regulation of gene expression that confers complex phenotypes such as biofilm formation and iron acquisition. Here we show that expression of a two-component system encoded by qseBC is induced by AI-2 in A. actinomycetemcomitans and that induction of qseBC requires the AI-2 receptors, LsrB and/or RbsB. Inactivation of the sensor kinase gene qseC resulted in a significant reduction of in vitro biofilm growth and in vivo virulence using …

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Rational Design, Synthesis And Characterization Of Amide Functionalized Pyridine And Benzimidazole Transition Metal Complexes., Samuel S. K. Asem Dec 2011

Rational Design, Synthesis And Characterization Of Amide Functionalized Pyridine And Benzimidazole Transition Metal Complexes., Samuel S. K. Asem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study expands our efforts to make a new class of Pt (II) compounds analogous to cisplatin and its derivatives using sterically hindered ligands. Pt compounds in this series have been synthesized using specially designed pyridine and benzimidazole ligands. These heterocycles, amide functionalized at position 2 with aryl and alkyl pendants, rapidly change their mode of coordination depending on the pH of the medium. These ligands, synthesized using condensation chemistry, also coordinate to Co(II), Ni(H), Cu(lI), and Zn(1I) generally as anionic bis-chelates through the benzimidazole nitrogen and the carbonyl oxygen, creating a four-coordinate complex with the exception of an unusual …

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Towards An Improved Measure Of Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Motivation., Aaron W. Banister Dec 2011

Towards An Improved Measure Of Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Motivation., Aaron W. Banister

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Religious motivation is a construct that has been the focus of decades of research. The "Religious Orientation Scale" (ROS) and variations of it, including the "Age Universal Intrinsic-Extrinsic Scale-12" (AUIES-12), are the most commonly used measures of religious motivation. But from the initial use of these measures there has been questions concerning their theoretical foundation and scale reliabilities. The purpose of this dissertation was to 1) test the factor structure of the AUIES-12 and investigate its scale reliabilities; 2) investigate, through CFA, the factor structure of a new measure of religious motivation, the "Measure of Religious Motivation" (MRM), which introduces …

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Social-Emotional Behaviors In African-American Toddlers : The Role Of Risk And Protective Factors., Paulette Flores 1970- Dec 2011

Social-Emotional Behaviors In African-American Toddlers : The Role Of Risk And Protective Factors., Paulette Flores 1970-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The role of risk and protective factors in the family system on toddlers' social-emotional outcomes was examined by exploring the impact of depression and parenting strategies reported by female primary caregivers on toddlers' social-emotional competence and social-emotional problem behaviors. The goal of the research was to extend knowledge concerning how these risk and protective factors relate to social-emotional outcomes in an urban community sample of African-American families. Participants included 103 African-American women and toddlers. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined social-emotional problems and social-emotional competence. Results showed that female primary caregivers' depression and annual income were found to significantly predict ratings …

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Root Coverage Comparing Acellular Dermal Matrix To Connective Tissue Graft Using The Coronally Positioned Tunnel Technique., Marie-Eve Girouard Dec 2011

Root Coverage Comparing Acellular Dermal Matrix To Connective Tissue Graft Using The Coronally Positioned Tunnel Technique., Marie-Eve Girouard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aims. The primary aim of this randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial was to compare the percent root coverage obtained using acellular dermal matrix allograft and connective tissue graft using the coronally positioned tunnel technique 4 months postsurgically. Methods. Twenty-four patients with 1 site of 2: 3 mm Miller Class I or II recession were treated and followed for 4 months. Twelve patients received a coronally positioned tunnel plus ADM and were considered the test group. The positive control group consisted of 12 patients treated with a coronally positioned tunnel technique plus connective tissue graft and were considered the control group. …

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Functionalized Nanoparticles For Amf-Induced Gene And Drug Delivery., Souvik Biswas Dec 2011

Functionalized Nanoparticles For Amf-Induced Gene And Drug Delivery., Souvik Biswas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The properties and broad applications of nano-magnetic colloids have generated much interest in recent years. Specially, Fe304 nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention since their magnetic properties can be used for hyperthermia treatment or drug targeting. For example, enhanced levels of intracellular gene delivery can be achieved using Fe304 nano-vectors in the presence of an external magnetic field, a process known as 'magnetofection'. The low cytotoxicity, tunable particle size, ease of surface functionalization, and ability to generate thermal energy using an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) are properties have propelled Fe304 research to the forefront of nanoparticle research. …

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Traf6 Signaling In Skeletal Muscle Atrophy And Regeneration., Pradyut K. Paul Dec 2011

Traf6 Signaling In Skeletal Muscle Atrophy And Regeneration., Pradyut K. Paul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in our body that provides a structural framework and regulates important biological processes. It is also a primary reservoir of protein. Skeletal muscle maintains its structural and functional integrity by finely balancing the rates of protein synthesis and degradation. Skeletal muscle also has a very well defined regeneration program to cope with muscle injuries. A disruption in any of these delicately balanced intracellular mechanisms of skeletal muscle results in devastating conditions such as atrophies and chronic injuries. Majority of these debilitating conditions in skeletal muscle eventually lead to morbidity and increased mortality and …

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Regulation Of Morphogenesis By Ammonium Transporters In Ustilgo Maydis., Jinny A. Paul Dec 2011

Regulation Of Morphogenesis By Ammonium Transporters In Ustilgo Maydis., Jinny A. Paul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many species of fungi undergo a dimorphic transition to switch from a unicellular yeast-like growth form to a filamentous growth form. Ustilago maydis undergoes such a transition, in response to successful mating events and subsequent host cues, to form a filamentous pathogenic form. U maydis also undergoes haploid filamentous growth in response to several environmental cues including, but not limited to nutrient limitation, pH, lipids, among others. Ammonium transporter proteins (Amts) play an essential role in controlling the dimorphic transition in response to nutrient limitation, specifically nitrogen in the form of ammonium. I demonstrate a role for the U maydis …

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Annonacin In Asimina Triloba Fruit : Implications For Neurotoxicity., Lisa Fryman Potts Dec 2011

Annonacin In Asimina Triloba Fruit : Implications For Neurotoxicity., Lisa Fryman Potts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The acetogenin annonacin, from the tropical annonaceous plant Annona muricata, is a lipophilic, mitochondrial complex I inhibitor reported to be more toxic than rotenone to mesencephalic neurons. The temperate annonaceous plant Asimina tri/oba (pawpaw) is native to the Eastern United States and its products are available online. This study determined whether annonacin is in the pawpaw fruit pulp and whether it or the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract is toxic to cortical neurons and induces pathological changes in the microtubule associated protein tau. Pawpaw extract was prepared by pulp extraction with methanol and liquid-liquid partitioning with EtOAc. Annonacin was isolated …

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Ridge Preservation Comparing The Clinical And Histologic Healing Of A Demineralized Particulate Bone Allograft Vs. Mineralized Particulate Cancellous Allograft Using Barrier Membrane., Veneta Kotevska Dec 2011

Ridge Preservation Comparing The Clinical And Histologic Healing Of A Demineralized Particulate Bone Allograft Vs. Mineralized Particulate Cancellous Allograft Using Barrier Membrane., Veneta Kotevska

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aim. Differences in the healing of demineralized and mineralized allografts have been reported but their significance has not been evaluated in ridge preservation studies. The primary aims of this study were to compare ridge preservation using a mineralized cancellous allograft to a demineralized cortical allograft plus a PTFE barrier using clinical and histologic data to assess the outcomes. Methods. Twelve positive controls received an intrasocket mineralized cancellous particulate allograft (500-800 µm, Cancellous group) while twelve test patients received an intrasocket demineralized particulate allograft (250 to 710 µm, Demineralized group). All sites included in the study were covered with a PTFE …

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Examining Teachers' Perceptions Of Psychological Gender And Leadership Behavior Of Principals In Public Elementary Schools., Brittany D. Carpenter Dec 2011

Examining Teachers' Perceptions Of Psychological Gender And Leadership Behavior Of Principals In Public Elementary Schools., Brittany D. Carpenter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that various leadership styles have different impacts on leader outcomes such as satisfaction, extra effort, and effectiveness. Specifically, researchers have found that transformational leadership positively impacts follower perceptions of satisfaction, extra effort, and leader effectiveness (Avolio, Bass, & lung, 1995; Philbin, 1997; Yammarino, Spangler, & Bass, 1993). However, research has shown that not all leaders display transformational leadership. In fact, Eagly, Karau, & lohnson (1992) and their colleagues have shown transformational leadership in education to be linked to the extent to which male and female principals carry out their gender roles - referring to role congruity. Currently, …

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Tumor-Targeting Aptamers For The Treatment Of Prostate Cancer., Enid W. Choi Dec 2011

Tumor-Targeting Aptamers For The Treatment Of Prostate Cancer., Enid W. Choi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the most common type diagnosed among men in the United States. Random oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) libraries are used to generate DNA aptamers by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We explored the utility of guanine-rich libraries, and found that some had cancer-selective antiproliferative activity that generally correlated with G-quadruplex formation, nuclease resistance, and enhanced cellular uptake. We identified several proteins by mass spectrometry that bind to GC and cytosine ODNs. We compared the GT library with the classic random library for SELEX of whole prostate cancer cells and identified a new aptamer from the GT library …

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The Development Of Deviant Behavior In Adolescents : The Influence Of Student Characteristics And School Climate., Jessica Damron-Bell Dec 2011

The Development Of Deviant Behavior In Adolescents : The Influence Of Student Characteristics And School Climate., Jessica Damron-Bell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an investigation of the influence of individual characteristics and school climate on the participation in deviant behaviors. The literature review provides a review of adolescent development and theories that guide the understanding of the different social and environmental factors that influence an adolescent's participation in deviant behavior. Additionally, the impact of adolescent participation in deviant behavior will be reviewed. Using data gathered from Middle and High School students who completed surveys administered by a large, Midwestern, urban school district, the influence of gender, ethnicity, age, school level free/reduced lunch status, school level performance on standardized testing, and …

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Histone Deacetylase Inhibition-Mediated Cytotoxicity Of Oligodendrocytes., Toros Ali Dincman 1982- Dec 2011

Histone Deacetylase Inhibition-Mediated Cytotoxicity Of Oligodendrocytes., Toros Ali Dincman 1982-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies indicate post-translational deacetylation by members of the superfamily of histone deacetylase complexes (HDACs) is necessary for oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). However, it remains unknown if transient HDAC inhibition may promote OPC survival as has been shown in other cell types and neurological disease models. Chapter 2 demonstrates the development of a novel primary culture of OPCs from mouse pup cortices enriching the O4+ OPC population using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) technology. Once plated, OPCs were glial fibrillary acidic protein- (GFAP-), A2B5+, NG2+, and O4+. When induced to differentiate, mouse OPCs became either …

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Characterization Of Dna-Binding Proteins As Clinically Relevant Biomarkers Of Breast Cancer Behavior., Traci L. Kruer 1979- Dec 2011

Characterization Of Dna-Binding Proteins As Clinically Relevant Biomarkers Of Breast Cancer Behavior., Traci L. Kruer 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While investigating estrogen response element (ERE) binding properties of Era in de-identified human breast cancer extracts, additional proteins were observed that recognized ERE sequences (ERE-BP). In order to unravel the apparent role of these proteins, our goal was to compare properties of these novel ERE-BP with those of ERa, determine their identity and evaluate their clinical relevance in breast cancer behavior. ERE-BP were present in various tissue types including breast, ovarian, uterine and colon cancers and normal tissues. These proteins were present in both cytoplasm and nuclei although higher binding activities were detected in nuclear extracts. ERE-BP did not supershift …

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Searching For Novel Ligands For The Cannabinoid And Related Receptors., Pritesh Prakash Kumar 1986- Dec 2011

Searching For Novel Ligands For The Cannabinoid And Related Receptors., Pritesh Prakash Kumar 1986-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A cell-based, Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) method was optimized and used to test a library of 60 putative endocannabinoids for activity towards CB1 or CB2, and to test cannabinoid ligands and fatty acid amides for GPRl19 by measuring cAMP levels in this study. The Z' factors for the assay were greater than 0.5 for all three receptors and the assay was able to can tolerate up to 1% DMSO demonstrating a robust and suitable technology for screening. The known cannabinoid and GPRl19 agonists exhibited the rank order of potency expected for CB1/CB2/GPRl19. Our data demonstrate that none of the …

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An Evaluation Of Coating Material Dependent Toxicity Of Silver Nanoparticles, Thilini Upekshika Silva Dec 2011

An Evaluation Of Coating Material Dependent Toxicity Of Silver Nanoparticles, Thilini Upekshika Silva

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using numerous types of coating materials may exhibit different toxicity effects. The study evaluated coating material dependent toxicity by selecting 3 types of AgNP synthesis methods with different coating materials (citrate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and branched polyethyleneimine, coated AgNPs as citrate-AgNPs, PVP-AgNPs, and BPEI-AgNPs respectively). Two acute aquatic toxicity tests were performed; 48hr D. magna and MetPLATE E. coli toxicity tests. Significantly different toxicity effects were observed in D. magna test exhibiting lethal median concentrations (LC50) for citrate-AgNPs, PVP-AgNPs, and BPEI AgNPs respectively as, 2.7, 11.2, and 0.57μg/L. Median inhibitory concentrations (EC50) for MetPLATE tests were 1.27, …

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Entry-Level Student Affairs Administrators' Attitudes Toward Mental Illness In College Students., Jennifer A. Schum Dec 2011

Entry-Level Student Affairs Administrators' Attitudes Toward Mental Illness In College Students., Jennifer A. Schum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Calls for universities to better serve college students with mental illness have been growing. While a considerable literature base supports Corrigan's (2004) Social Cognitive Model of Mental Illness Stigma and the complex relationship among stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, limited research has been conducted examining university administrators on attitudes toward and knowledge of mental illness in college students. Participants of the current study were 206 entry-level student affairs professionals who completed an online, modified version of Becker, Martin, Wajeeh, Ward, and Shern's (2002) Mental Illness Awareness Survey. Simultaneous regression was used to determine the significance of seven demographic variables (gender, age, …

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Efficacy Of Child Parent Relationship Therapy For Caregivers Of Children With Attachment Problems., Margaret Sergeant Dec 2011

Efficacy Of Child Parent Relationship Therapy For Caregivers Of Children With Attachment Problems., Margaret Sergeant

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the effectiveness of Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), a lO-week group model of Filial Therapy (FT), with caregivers of children with attachment problems. CPRT is an evidence-based treatment which is designed to strengthen relationship between caregiver and child. Research suggests that improvements in the relationship lead to changes in behavior and emotional regulation. Therapists treating children with attachment problems at Seven Counties Services, Inc. were concerned about the lack of interventions for children with attachment problems. This study used a randomized pre-test, post-test waitlist control group design to evaluate the effectiveness of CPRT for caregivers of children …

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Embodied Consciousness In Non-Fiction Illness Narratives : A Phenomenological-Sociological Approach., Kathryn A. Jacobi Dec 2011

Embodied Consciousness In Non-Fiction Illness Narratives : A Phenomenological-Sociological Approach., Kathryn A. Jacobi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses a phenomenological and sociological lens to explore how non-fiction illness narratives help us understand how perception of the self is disrupted because of serious illness or injury. Specifically, I use the French philosopher, M. Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological thought concerning the body and the sociological perspective of medical sociologist, Arthur Frank and his types of narratives and how culture helps construct illness. I analyze the works of four different writers: Sarah Manguso, Oliver Sacks, Jean Dominique-Bauby, and Anatole Broyard. Chapter one serves as an introduction to the subject of illness writing and an overview of some of the material …

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Early Detection And Control Of Potential Pandemics., Shengpeng Jin Dec 2011

Early Detection And Control Of Potential Pandemics., Shengpeng Jin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Early information is crucial for policy makers and public health officials responsible for protecting the public from the virulent spread of contagious diseases. Current indicators of the spread of contagious outbreaks lag behind the actual spread of the epidemic, leaving no time for a planned response. The studies of Christakis et al. in 2010 have shown that social networks can provide more timely information for prediction. Our focus, however, is on the effective control of the spread of contagious outbreaks in their early stages. We do this by defining a more effective way to chart the spread of contagious outbreaks, …

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Narrative Comprehension Abilities Of Children From Low-Income Families : Role Of Temperament, Attention Skills, And Cognitive Engagement., Tara N. Weatherholt Dec 2011

Narrative Comprehension Abilities Of Children From Low-Income Families : Role Of Temperament, Attention Skills, And Cognitive Engagement., Tara N. Weatherholt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study investigated narrative comprehension ability in children from low-income families by examining the contributions of temperament, attention skills, and cognitive engagement. Research has identified narrative comprehension skills as significant for successful literacy outcomes, but few studies have examined the effect of individual level characteristics on comprehension ability. As reading and pre-reading skills in children from disadvantaged homes has been shown to be lower than that of children from more privileged backgrounds, it is critical to examine the factors that contribute to comprehension skills in this population. The current study focuses on the relationships among temperament, attention network skills, …

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Age-Associated Periodontal Bone Loss In Normal And Tlr2- Or Myd88-Deficient Mice., Paul A. Ciero 1986- Dec 2011

Age-Associated Periodontal Bone Loss In Normal And Tlr2- Or Myd88-Deficient Mice., Paul A. Ciero 1986-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Age-related alterations in innate immunity are poorly understood. The identification of those mechanisms, which are dysfunctional in old age, will shed light on potential therapeutic strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases prevalent in the elderly, such as periodontitis. Mice naturally develop chronic periodontitis as a function of age, which is characterized by periodontal bone loss. TLR2, a pattern-recognition receptor of leukocytes which mediates inflammatory responses in the periodontium, was expressed at higher levels in the gingivae of old mice (>18 months) compared with young mice (8 to 10 weeks). MyD88 is a signaling adaptor protein for TLR2 and other TLRs. …

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Theory Of Mind, Social Functioning, And Awareness Of Ability In Older Adults., Sarah Vedrody Rowe Dec 2011

Theory Of Mind, Social Functioning, And Awareness Of Ability In Older Adults., Sarah Vedrody Rowe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Declines in social resources and in the quality of interpersonal interactions have been observed in some older adults. Unawareness of ability is a clinical problem that has been found in some older adults with dementia, but has also been found in non-demented older adults, and the clinical correlates have not been reliably established. Theory of mind (ToM) is a social-cognitive construct that refers to the ability to infer the mental states of others and the self. ToM has been linked with social functioning and self-awareness, but few studies have examined these variables in older adults. The current study tested the …

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Using Principal Component Analysis For Early Fault Detection In Louisville Water Distribution System., Kevin M. Kastensmidt Dec 2011

Using Principal Component Analysis For Early Fault Detection In Louisville Water Distribution System., Kevin M. Kastensmidt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research dealt with the examination of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) information of a water distribution system through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA is a mathematical method to convert a set of possibly correlated data into a set of fewer variables called principal components. In a SCADA environment, possibly hundreds of data points such as booster pumps, storage tanks, pressure reducing valves, and others constantly provide operational statistics including water pressure, tank capacity, and more. This vast amount of data can be difficult to analyze in its entirety, especially to detect issues in the distribution system. PCA was …

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