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Maldi-Tof Ms Data Processing Using Wavelets, Splines And Clustering Techniques., Shuo Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mass Spectrometry, especially matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time of flight (TOF), is emerging as a leading technique in the proteomics revolution. It can be used to find disease-related protein patterns in mixtures of proteins derived from easily obtained samples. In this paper, a novel algorithm for MALDI-TOF MS data processing is developed. The software design includes the application of splines for data smoothing and baseline correction, wavelets for adaptive denoising, multivariable statistics techniques such as clustering analysis, and signal processing techniques to evaluate the complicated biological signals. A MatLab implementation shows the processing steps consecutively including step-interval unification, adaptive …

Dose-Dependent Effects Of Salmon Calcitonin On Bone Turnover In Ovariectomized Rats., Beatrice H. Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, osteoporosis results in about 1.5 million annual fractures, costing approximately $15 billion. Calcitonin is safe and effective in slowing osteoporotic bone loss, but its effect is transient. The current studies were designed to explore the dose-dependent effects of salmon calcitonin on bone turnover in ovariectomized rats and to determine if the decrease in therapeutic effectiveness of calcitonin demonstrated over time with higher doses is due to oversuppression of bone turnover. Doses of 5, 15, & 50 IU/kg BW/day of calcitonin were compared to placebo in 12-week-old ovariectomized and sham-ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats for 24 weeks. The spinal …

Psychosocial Antecedents Of Sex Offender Criminality And Violence., Sonia Marie Perry Mills 1965-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sexual abuse and sexual violence perpetrated against women and children in the United States are social problems that need to be addressed. The United States is one of the most sexually violent societies in the world, having one of the highest rates of any industrialized country of rape and sexual violence (Stewart, 2002). Although any type of sexual victimization is problematic, sexual violence in particular can have particularly devastating effects for the victim. We urgently need to know why some adults sexually abuse and assault (Cannon, 2001). Examination of the psychosocial antecedents of sex offender criminality and violence will add …

Some Social Considerations In The Female Portraits Of Palma Vecchio., Sarah Elizabeth Fruehling 1977-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an investigation into the world of sixteenth-century Venice, encompassing a group of female portraits by artist Palma Vecchio. I utilized many primary and secondary sources concerning Renaissance society, including several which discussed the roles of women during the Renaissance. This thesis is divided into four chapters that discuss the purpose and evolution of the female portrait, ideal poetic beauty, and the authority the courtesan carried in both the poetry and the painting in Venice. Chapter one covers a short history of the portrait as well as an investigation of how the female portrait evolved from the profile …

The Role Of Nuclear Factors Of Activated T-Cells (Nfat) In Neuronal Death., Agata M. Habas 1976-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT) is a calcium-responsive transcription factor that orchestrates immune response and cardiovascular development. NFAT is also present in neurons and glia from the Central Nervous System (CNS) where it participates in calcium signaling. In physiological conditions, neuronal NFAT may contribute to the plasticity-related transcriptional regulation. On the other hand, excessive activation of calcium signaling and the subsequent overactivation of NFAT may contribute to neuronal death. To explore the possibility of NFAT-involvement in neuronal death I have determined which components of NFAT signaling are expressed in cultured rat hippocampal or cortical neurons. I found the presence …

Human Visual Processing Of Orientation In Broad Stimuli., Bruce C. Hansen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently our lab has shown that with broadband stimuli (either visual noise or natural scenes), performance for detecting oriented content is worst at horizontal, best at the obliques, and intermediate at vertical orientations--an anisotropy (termed the "horizontal effect") quite different from the well-known "oblique effect" (worst performance obliques) obtained with simple line or grating stimuli. This horizontal effect can be explained by a proposed anisotropic normalization model that operates at the level of striate cortex by implementing the known numerical biases of striate neurons preferring different orientations as well as the strength of those responses from neurons tuned to similar …

Probing The Properties Of The Second Coordination Sphere Of Biologically Relevant Metal Complexes Using Amide Function., Lionel E. Cheruzel 1976-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation deals with various imidazole compounds with emphasis on hydrogen bond interactions and weaker intermolecular forces. New amide functionalized polyimidazole metal binding pockets are able to form intramolecular six-membered hydrogen bonded rings with apical ligands bonded to the metal. The design of such ligands has been successful in the stabilization and characterization of mononuclear Cu-OH and Cu-OOH species. The end-on Cu-OOH species was characterized by UV-visible(band at 365 nm with e = 1500 M-1cm-1), EPR, ESI-MS and Raman spectroscopy (vO-O = 854 cm-1 which shifts by 46 cm-1 upon 18O substitution). Simple imidazole ligands were synthesized by general Mannich-type …

Genome-Wide Analysis Of Gene Expression Changes In Drosophila Melanogaster With Variable Sensitivity To Mptp, Xinyu Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) treated mice and monkeys have been widely used as models for the study of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The similarities between the toxic action of MPTP in PD animal models and the occurrence of dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration in human mutant a-synuclein transgenic fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) suggested that the fruit fly may share the same toxic response to MPTP as primates and planaria. We have hypothesized that relative sensitivity to MPTP in the fruit fly may represent a correlate to genetic predisposition to developing PD in human. Using the MPTP survival test for selection of insensitive flies and …

Developing A Database For Genbank Information., Nathan Mann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The thesis project, Gene Database, was done to create a way for the bioinformatics research group at the University of Louisville to have access to GenBank EST information in the form of a database. This database allows for a programmable front end to be used to conduct further research with the use of EST information. The database backend used is Oracle and was populated through a custom Java program. The loader was created in lieu of using Oracle's SQL*Loader because of the limitations in SQL*Loader. Previous ways of accessing the GenBank information included downloading the compressed files and using them …

Papain: A Novel Urine Adulterant., David Burrows

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The estimated number of employees in the United Stated screened annually for illicit drugs is approximately 20 million, with marijuana being the most frequently abused drug. Urine adulterants provide an opportunity for illicit drug users to obtain a false negative result on commonly used primary drug screening methods such as the Fluorescence Polarized Immunoassay (FPIA) technique. Typical chemical adulterants such as nitrites are easily detected or render the urine specimen invalid as defined in the proposed federal guidelines for specimen validity testing based on creatinine, specific gravity and pH. Papain is a cysteine protease with intrinsic ester hydrolysis capability. The …

Building A Model Of Campus Diversity: An Organization-As-The-Individual Based Approach, Ian Spencer Ray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diversity is a vital concept when engaging with modern social science research and among higher education practitioners. Despite the pervasive discourse surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, quantification of diversity remains a challenge across the social sciences. This study proposes a new conceptual framework, applies the framework to the quantification of diversity and measurement of its impacts. Further, this study demonstrates the robustness of the new conceptual framework alongside the positive impacts of diversity on institutional outcomes.

The Organization-As-The-Individual (OATI) framework arises from an integration of the social and biological sciences. The framework argues that humans, as biological organisms, …

Examining Multisystem Coordination In Response To Stressors In Early Childhood, Tiffany Phu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a set of two studies that investigate linkages between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) in response to a stressor paradigm among young children experiencing low-income. Contextual/child factors that shape multisystem physiologic coordination were also examined. A novel application of structural equation modeling was used to model sample-by-sample linkages between salivary analytes that indexed HPA axis and SNS functioning (respectively, salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase [sAA]). The preschoolers in Study 1 showed linkages between salivary cortisol and sAA across a novel research visit at their childcare center that included a stressor paradigm. Child …

Perceived Barriers To The Implementation Of Web Enhancement Of Courses By Full-Time Tennessee Board Of Regents Faculty., Thomas Barron Wallace Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine faculty reluctance to providing students with access to course resources via the Internet. The study explored known barriers to the use of technology and the Internet within educational settings and provided opportunity for new barriers to be presented. Personal and professional demographic factors were collected to determine if certain characteristics were identifiable as predictors to web enhancement.

An online survey was designed to collect data to address research questions in the study. The survey consisted of 48 questions, including areas for comments and remarks from faculty members. One thousand two (1002) faculty, …

Perceptions Of Stakeholders In The Pi Beta Phi Elementary School Parks As Classrooms Program., Johnny Michael Henry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the fall of 1991, Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in partnership with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, began development and implementation of a Parks As Classrooms curriculum that encompassed all nine-grade levels of the K-8 school. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the Parks As Classrooms program and how it impacts the students and the community.

Multiple means of data collection were necessary in order for valid assessment to take place. First, interviews were conducted with principle stakeholders. Observations of field trips were done. These data were imported into NUD^*IST …

The Force Is With You: Dylan Thomas's Force As It Exists In His Poetry And Drama., Josh Archer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Dylan Thomas's poetry, he refers to an inexorable, amoral force that exists within the universe. This force exists in all things, yet cannot be manipulated. His first collection, 18 Poems, serves as the premier source for defining and understanding the existence of this force. Two poems in particular, "A Process in the Weather of the Heart" and "The Force that Through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower," provide the most comprehensive examination of the force. However, his idea of the force is not confined to his poetry. During the last years of his life, he completed a play …

Characterization Of A Catechol-Type Siderophore And The Detection Of A Possible Outer Membrane Receptor Protein From Rhizobium Leguminosarum Strain Iari 312., Brianne Lee Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many gram-negative bacteria produce and secrete siderophores under iron-deficient conditions. Siderophores are low molecular weight compounds (600-1500 Daltons), which chelate ferric iron with an extremely high affinity, and the complex is actively transported across the outer and inner membranes of gram-negative bacteria. There are two main classes of siderophores: catechol and hydroxamate. Catechol-type siderophores chelate ferric iron via hydroxyl groups, and hydroxamate-type siderophores chelate ferric iron via a carbonyl group with an adjacent nitrogen. Rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen symbiotically in leguminous plants using the iron-containing enzyme nitrogenase. To satisfy their iron requirements, many rhizobia are known to produce siderophores. Rhizobium …

Nongenomic Effects Of Estrogens On Epithelial Chloride Secretion., Sabyasachi Moulik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The human colonic cell line T84, a model for studying epithelial chloride secretion and cystic fibrosis chloride channel (CFTR) function, was used to investigate the regulatory role of estrogens in transepithelial ion transport. Estrogens and other steroid hormones do not stimulate chloride secretion by themselves. However, 17 β-estradiol (17β-E2) rapidly (within seconds to minutes) potentiates carbachol- and thapsigargin-stimulated chloride secretion measured as short circuit current in voltage-clamped T84 monolayer cultures. The cholinergic agonist carbachol and the SR Ca²⁺ ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin stimulate chloride secretion by elevating intracellular calcium. 17α-estradiol, a stereoisomer that does not activate nuclear estrogen receptors, is …

Nucleation And Growth Studies Of Crystalline Carbon Phases At Nanoscale., Radhika C. Mani 1978-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the nucleation and early stage growth of crystals from the vapor phase is important for realizing large-area single-crystal quality films, controlled synthesis of nanocrystals, and the possible discovery of new phases of materials. Carbon provides the most interesting system because all its known crystalline phases (diamond, graphite and carbon nanotubes) are technologically important materials. Hence, this dissertation is focused on studying the nucleation and growth of carbon phases synthesized from the vapor phase. Nucleation experiments were performed in a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor, and the resulting carbon nanocrystals were analyzed primarily using electron nanodiffraction and Raman …

The Effects Of A Multimodality Approach On Sentence Production Using Response Elaboration Training With A Reading Component On Aphasic Patients., Sara E. Mccarthy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The effects of a multimodality treatment were investigated using a single subject experimental design across behaviors in two patients with different severity levels of Broca's aphasia. We hypothesized that Response Elaboration Training and an oral reading task would improve accuracy of sentence production, information content, and mean length of utterance. Results indicated that this treatment approach elicited significant improvement in the accuracy of sentence production and information content in the participant with very mild Broca's aphasia. Furthermore, the participant with severe Broca's aphasia demonstrated a very significant improvement in information content and mean length of utterance. The improvements support the …

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.

Resiliency Factors Associated With Adaptive Conflict Tactics., Jacquelyn Leanne Driggers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined witnessing domestic violence as a child as a predictor of violent conflict tactics in adult dating relationships. A supportive sibling and a close relationship with the mother were examined as resiliency factors. Participants were 129 men and 256 women enrolled in classes at East Tennessee State University. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, a mother-father conflict resolution form of the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS), The Parent-Child Relationship Survey (PCRS), The Index of Brother and Sister Relations, and a revised form of the CTS that assessed violence in the participants' dating relationship. Analysis of variance was conducted to assess …

The Magnolia Warbler Dendroica Magnolia On Unaka Mountain, Unicoi County, Tn: Possible Breeding And Habitat Analysis., Kevin Patrick Elam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The chief purpose of this study is to provide information on the habitat and breeding information of Magnolia Warblers on Unaka Mountain. Magnolia Warblers breed in Canada and the Northeastern United States. There are no current breeding records for this species in Tennessee.

For the habitat analysis, trees were identified on individual subplots. Shrubs were analyzed using the point-intercept method. Most of the major tree and shrub species were different than those found in Maine, which is a major breeding region for this species. Therefore, it's the structure of the habitat that is important for nesting. Fledglings were seen, giving …

Isomerization, Reactivity, And Structural Study Of A Thioperoxide-Bridged Dimolybdenum(V) Dimer., Chi Minh Tuong 1971-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The synthesis of the methyl thioperoxide-bridged dimolybdenum(V) dimer, [Mo2(NTo)2(S2P(OEt)2)2S(O2CMe)(SOMe)], was improved and the compound was structurally characterized by crystallography. The compound proved to be very stable to light and heat. The possibility of photolytic or thermolytic rearrangement of the methyl thioperoxide ligand ( -S-O-R) to a methyl sulfinyl ligand ( -S(=O)R) was investigated. These studies showed that the methyl thioperoxide compound did not produce the desired sulfinyl isomer. The photolyses produced mainly a derivative of the methyl thioperoxide compound, where a hydroxo bridge is thought to have replaced the acetate bridge. Minor products formed in general agreement with the photolysis …

Cephalogram Pseudo-Color And Emboss Enhancements : Anatomical Landmark Clarity In Photostimuable Phosphor Cephalometrics., Ryan B. Wiesemann 1977-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To evaluate baseline and 3 different image enhancements for the detection of landmarks and overall perceived quality in photostimuable phosphor cephalograms. Methods: DenOptix images of 48 patients (plus 12 repeats) were presented randomly to 10 observers who rated 11 anatomic landmarks and overall appearance (1 = poor; 2 = satisfactory; 3 = excellent). Equal numbers of 16-bit images with single peak (SP) 16-bit double peak (DP) histograms and 8-bit images were included. Enhancements used were: (1)emboss; (2)pseudocolor; and (3)emboss-pseudocolor. The Friedman Test with Wilcoxon post hoc analysis was applied. Results and conclusion: The results support the use of emboss …

Development Of Ozone Forecast Models For Selected Kentucky Metropolitan Areas., Yiqiu Lin 1971-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ground-level ozone forecast models were developed for the following middle and small metropolitan areas in Kentucky: Ashland, Bowling Green, Owensboro, and Paducah. These models were nonlinear regression models, based on models previously developed for Louisville and Lexington. For each of the four cities, the mean absolute errors (MAE) for the model estimates, based on the 1998-2002 model-fitted data sets, were less than 7.7 ppb; the MAE/O3 were less than 12.7%. The models could explain at least 66% of the variance of the daily peak ozone. On average, the errors of the model were within +/- 15.0 ppb on 88% of …

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 …

The Current Crisis In Orthodontic Education : The Residents' Perspective., Matthew Kawabori Bruner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to identify orthodontic residents' demographic trends, goals for the future, and perspectives on training. A 26-item survey, conducted at the Graduate Orthodontic Residency Program, in August 2003, was distributed to residents representing 51 of the 58 orthodontic programs in the U.S. Questionnaires were sent to 5 programs not attending GORP. Of the 380 questionnaires distributed at the meeting, 295 were returned, while 35 of 50 mailed questionnaires were returned. Total response rate was 77%. Clinical education was the most important factor when choosing a residency. Residents' future plans were to publish their research, earn …

A Clinical Comparison Of Decalcification Following Orthodontic Treatment Using Composite Resin And Reinforced Modified Glass Ionomer Cements., Jennifer L. Butterfoss 1976-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background and significance: Even with the advent of direct bonding, decalcification remains a problem in orthodontics today. Glass ionomer cements have been used in dentistry for fluoride release for years and may have beneficial use in orthodontics to reduce decalcification. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the incidence in decalcification between orthodontic patients bonded with either composite resin or resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cements. Varying levels of hygiene and treatment time were also evaluated. Methods: Intraoral pre-treatment and post-treatment photographs from patients bonded with either RMGI or composite resin were evaluated for changes in decalcification. Patients were treated by …