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Demographic Response Of American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius L.) To Climate Change, Sara Souther Jan 2011

Demographic Response Of American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius L.) To Climate Change, Sara Souther

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ecological response to recent climate change has been documented for a multitude of species worldwide. Climate models predict further increases in temperature, as much as 8 times the degree of warming that has already occurred. Given observations of species response to contemporary climate change and the unprecedented degree of warming expected over the next century, climate change will no doubt determine future ecosystem composition and affect global species diversity. In order to prevent loss of biodiversity, it is necessary to understand and accurately project species' response to climate, and to identify species that are vulnerable to climate change driven extinctions. …

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Ubps Unraveled: Genetic Characterization Of Three Ubiquitin Specific Protease Subfamilies In Arabidopsis Thaliana., Crystal M. Goldyn Jan 2011

Ubps Unraveled: Genetic Characterization Of Three Ubiquitin Specific Protease Subfamilies In Arabidopsis Thaliana., Crystal M. Goldyn

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the function of three ubiquitin specific protease subfamilies (UBP15-19, UBP12/13 and UBP3/4) in Arabidopsis thaliana via reverse genetic analysis. In the investigation of the UBP15-19 subfamily, T-DNA insertion lines were utilized to determine phenotypic characteristics compared to wild-type individuals, such as reduced inflorescence, leaf, flower and silique size. Phenotypic alterations were also detected that affected development and reproduction. A phylogenetic analysis of this subfamily uncovered three subgroups in the monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, but a single group in the mosses suggested that subgroup evolution began prior to the separation of dicots and monocots but following the divergence …

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Investigation Of Particulate Matter Size Distribution And Concentration During Low Temperature Combustion, Ramamoorthy Balakrishnan Jan 2011

Investigation Of Particulate Matter Size Distribution And Concentration During Low Temperature Combustion, Ramamoorthy Balakrishnan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stringent emissions regulations imposed by US EPA on diesel engine manufacturers have shifted the focus towards development and implementation of in-cylinder emissions reduction strategies. In order to simultaneously achieve low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, along with high thermal efficiencies, advanced combustion concepts, such as low temperature combustion (LTC), have been identified as promising approaches. Furthermore, fuel properties, such as cetane number (CN) have been known to critically affect the combustion process and hence exhaust emissions.;The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of LTC on PM size distribution and number concentration for …

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Variances In Diurnal Fatigue Patterns And Mood Among Postpartum Women, Amanda L. Mcbean Jan 2011

Variances In Diurnal Fatigue Patterns And Mood Among Postpartum Women, Amanda L. Mcbean

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Postpartum women have highly disrupted sleep and many experience a disruption in their circadian rhythm during this time. They are also susceptible to mood disruptions during the postpartum period. While mood disruption may be a result of sleep disruption, there are not many data to support a link between circadian rhythm disruption and mood among healthy postpartum women. This study sought to fill that gap. Participants were a convenience sample of 71 women from a larger study. The total sample was 26.4 (SD = 4.0) years old, had a mean annual income of {dollar}51,000 (SD = {dollar}35,000), and had 15.7 …

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Understanding Transnational Advocacy Groups: A Case Study Of The Effectiveness Of The Committee To Protect Journalists In The Promotion Of Press Freedom In The Philippines, Mayuri Mukherjee Jan 2011

Understanding Transnational Advocacy Groups: A Case Study Of The Effectiveness Of The Committee To Protect Journalists In The Promotion Of Press Freedom In The Philippines, Mayuri Mukherjee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Given the increasingly crucial role of the media in forming popular opinion, policymaking and the conduct of democratic institutions, there has been a severe, often lethal, backlash against individuals who exercise this power through their craft. This study examines the effectiveness of international advocacy groups in protecting journalists and promoting press freedom through a case study of the Committee to Protect Journalists, a non-governmental international advocacy group, in getting justice for killed journalists in the Philippines -- one of the world's most deadliest places for journalists. The study attempts to provide a detailed insight into how transnational advocacy groups work …

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Role Of Inhibition In Binaural Processing, Jesse M. Thompson Jan 2011

Role Of Inhibition In Binaural Processing, Jesse M. Thompson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The medial and lateral superior olives (MSO, LSO) are the lowest order cell groups in the mammalian auditory circuit to receive massive binaural input. The MSO functions in part to encode interaural time differences (ITD), the predominant cue for localization of low frequency sounds. Binaural inputs to the MSO consist of excitatory projections from the cochlear nuclei (CN) and inhibitory projections from both the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body (LNTB). The interaction of excitatory and inhibitory currents within an MSO cell's soma and dendrites over the backdrop of its intrinsic ionic …

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Treatment Techniques For Edema Reduction During The Acute Stage Of The Inflammatory Cycle: A Systematic Review, Adam D. Graham Jan 2011

Treatment Techniques For Edema Reduction During The Acute Stage Of The Inflammatory Cycle: A Systematic Review, Adam D. Graham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objective. To evaluate the methodological quality of edema reduction during acute injury studies found in the current literature. Data sources. Pubmed (1951--2010), MEDLINE, ScienceDirect (1995--2010), CINAHL with Full Text (1982--2010), SPORTDiscus Full Text (1800--2010), MDConsult (1980--2010), Science Direct (1940--2010), Google Scholar were searched using the terms lymphatic system, edema reduction, inflammation process individually. Second, the term lymphatic system was combined with each of the following words: injury, acute, treatment, edema, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, compression, deep oscillation and Kinesio Tape. Third, citations were cross referenced from studies to include literature not found in the original search. Study selection. Studies were included …

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Role And Contribution Of A2 Adenosine Receptors In The Regulation Of Coronary Flow, Maryam Sharifi Sanjani Jan 2011

Role And Contribution Of A2 Adenosine Receptors In The Regulation Of Coronary Flow, Maryam Sharifi Sanjani

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One out of three individuals suffer from one form of cardiovascular disease, out of which, about 6,000,000 individuals suffer from coronary heart disease. Adenosine has long been known to play a role in coronary flow (CF) regulation; however, the individual role of A2A and A2B adenosine receptors (AR) and their contribution is yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pharmacology of both A2 ARs in coronary arteries (CAs), in addition, to identifying their role in reactive hyperemia, and their signaling mechanisms. We hypothesized that A2 ARs mediate an increase in CF, in addition, …

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Insight Into The Cellular Alterations Required For Establishing Opportunistic Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infections, Dacie R. Bridge Jan 2011

Insight Into The Cellular Alterations Required For Establishing Opportunistic Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infections, Dacie R. Bridge

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is responsible for causing disease of high morbidity and mortality in individuals who are immunocompromised, suffer from damaged epithelial barriers, and who have cystic fibrosis. However, the underlying host cell compromise that allows the establishment of Pa infections remains unknown and is of importance to the development of novel strategies that interrupt Pa infections. The type III secretion system (T3S) allows the direct translocation of bacterial effectors into the host cell cytosol, and in this study was used first, to identify host cell properties involved in the initiation of Pa infections, and then …

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New Methodologies For In Vitro Analysis Of Binding And Functional Activity Of Sigma Receptor Ligands, James A. Fishback Jan 2011

New Methodologies For In Vitro Analysis Of Binding And Functional Activity Of Sigma Receptor Ligands, James A. Fishback

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sigma receptors represent a promising drug development target for a number of therapeutic indications including cancer, depression, psychostimulant abuse and stroke. To date, two subtypes of sigma receptors have been identified; sigma1 and sigma2. Their respective roles in normal physiology and in disease processes are a subject of ongoing studies. Consequently, the discovery and development of subtype specific agonist and antagonist ligands remains a key research goal. To date, no in vitro functional assay suitable for routine screening of putative sigma ligands has been reported. As a result, radioligand binding assays are used as a primary screen. Therefore, to support …

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Bioscience Laboratory: Online And Face-To-Face Laboratory Experiences In Requisite Biosciences For Nursing At A Community College, Deborah K. Folger Jan 2011

Bioscience Laboratory: Online And Face-To-Face Laboratory Experiences In Requisite Biosciences For Nursing At A Community College, Deborah K. Folger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to analyze student perceptions of the online and face-to-face bioscience laboratory experiences in Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology. The study took place at a community college in a rural geographic area and data were collected from associate degree seeking first and second year nursing students via a survey questionnaire and student focus groups in addition to archival enrollment and graduate data. The research study was guided by the following questions: What are nursing student perceptions concerning the impact of Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology bioscience laboratory experiences on the transfer of knowledge to nursing …

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Effects Of Acute And Repeated Administration Of Diazepam On Delay Discounting In Lewis And Fischer 344 Rats, Sally L. Huskinson Jan 2011

Effects Of Acute And Repeated Administration Of Diazepam On Delay Discounting In Lewis And Fischer 344 Rats, Sally L. Huskinson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Impulsive choice is often examined using a delay-discounting procedure where choice is between two reinforcers of different magnitudes presented at varying delays. Individual discounting rates can be influenced by many factors including strain differences and drug effects. Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rats have behavioral and neurochemical differences relevant to delay discounting and were used to examine effects of acute and repeated diazepam administration on impulsive choice. Consistent with previous literature, larger-reinforcer choice decreased as a function of increasing delays for all rats, and steeper discounting functions occurred for LEW relative to F344 rats. Acute and repeated diazepam administration …

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Vegetative Compatibility In Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Sonia Purin Jan 2011

Vegetative Compatibility In Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Sonia Purin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The process of anastomosis promotes interconnectivity between hyphal branches during formation of a mycelial network and between fungal colonies. Self anastomosis involves fusion within a mycelium from a germinating spore, and this process is common in all species of fungi. Non-self anastomosis involves fusion between hyphae from different spores or colonies and allows lateral gene transfer, but this process is much rarer. Anastomosis in Ascomycota is well studied, but little is known for asexual arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in Glomeromycota. Because AMF are obligate symbionts in plant roots, studies have focused on anastomosis in asymbiotic hyphae of germinating spores. To …

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Assessments Of Marketing And Management Practices Of Appalachian Hardwood Sawmills, David Bradley Summerfield Jan 2011

Assessments Of Marketing And Management Practices Of Appalachian Hardwood Sawmills, David Bradley Summerfield

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A mail survey was conducted in the fall of 2010 to investigate the profitability aspects of the Appalachian hardwood sawmills. Specifically, the survey focused on changes in production, employment, marketing, export and energy efficiency practices between 2008 and 2010. The majority of the respondents used circle-saw headrigs (57%) and the remaining (43%) used bandsaw headrigs. The results indicated that employees in the Appalachian region had decreased by 28.88 percent while production decreased by 26 percent. Among responding sawmills, the number of employees decreased significantly since the economic downturn (p=0.0267) although four survey respondents reported hiring new employees. The most employment …

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Phosphodiesterase-4 In The Brain: Effects Of Pharmacological Inhibition And Mutation Of Disc1, Lan Xiao Jan 2011

Phosphodiesterase-4 In The Brain: Effects Of Pharmacological Inhibition And Mutation Of Disc1, Lan Xiao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The effects of treatment with PDE4 inhibitors on cAMP/pCREB signaling, hippocampal neurogenesis and immobility in forced-swim test and the effects of DISC1 mutation on cAMP/pCREB signaling, PDE4 subtypes and PDE4 activity and high-affinity rolipram binding state were determined. Acute treatment with PDE4 inhibitors increased cAMP and pCREB transiently, as determined by ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. Repeated treatment with PDE4 inhibitors for 16 days produced antidepressant-like effect as evidence by decreased immobility in forced-swim test, increased cAMP/pCREB signaling and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis. PDE4 inhibitors which preferentially interact with the high-affinity rolipram binding state, such as rolipram and piclamilast, produced greater …

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Formulating A Conceptual Framework To Understand Native American Perceptions Of Place And Identity: A Temporal Examination Of The Spatio-Social Effects Of Uneven Development Through Accumulation By Dispossession, Denyse Wyskup Jan 2011

Formulating A Conceptual Framework To Understand Native American Perceptions Of Place And Identity: A Temporal Examination Of The Spatio-Social Effects Of Uneven Development Through Accumulation By Dispossession, Denyse Wyskup

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research dialectically conceptualizes how capitalist uneven development and subsequent occurrences has shaped, and continues to shape, Native American perceptions of place and identity. Specifically, this research focuses on accumulation by dispossession, a key component of uneven development, and the spatio-historic effects this form of dispossession has had on Native American lifeworlds. This research focuses primarily upon federal legislation in the form of treaties, acts, and court rulings as the predominant component sustaining accumulation by dispossession and, in turn, perpetuating uneven development within Native American communities. In order to more holistically conceptualize the impacts of accumulation by dispossession three Native …

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Concurrent Uptake Of Lead, Zinc, Cadmium And Copper And Health Risk Assessments In A Smelter Contaminated Soil., Mimi Roy Jan 2011

Concurrent Uptake Of Lead, Zinc, Cadmium And Copper And Health Risk Assessments In A Smelter Contaminated Soil., Mimi Roy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study area for this research was a smelter contaminated site in Harrison County, West Virginia. Soils in this site had elevated levels of lead, zinc, cadmium and copper. A multi-step chemical extraction study showed that zinc and cadmium were the most plant available elements while for Pb more than 75% was associated with the residual phase. Standard addition experiments showed readsorption rates less than 25 % for Pb and Cd, and less than 50% for Zn and Cu. Some common garden and residential plants were grown initially to study metal uptake in tissues. Radish, carrot, and chicory showed the …

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Microrna Regulation Of Kruppel-Like Factor 4 In Breast Cancer., Chen-Chung Lin Jan 2011

Microrna Regulation Of Kruppel-Like Factor 4 In Breast Cancer., Chen-Chung Lin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor regulating cell growth and differentiation. In normal tissues, Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is typically expressed in post-mitotic epithelial cells and functions in epithelial cell differentiation. However, in the premalignant dysplastic lesions and invasive cancers of specific human tumor types such as skin cancer and breast cancer, KLF4 mRNA and protein are upregulated in proliferating cells. When KLF4 misexpressed in the basal keratinocytes of mouse skin, KLF4 can rapidly induce neoplastic progression to squamous cell carcinoma-like lesions. Consistent with its preferential expression in post-mitotic cells in vivo, KLF4 is likewise induced upon growth-arrest …

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Work Adjustment Of Survivors Of Tbi: Subjective Reporting And Indicators Of Work Status., Laura Kay Artman Jan 2011

Work Adjustment Of Survivors Of Tbi: Subjective Reporting And Indicators Of Work Status., Laura Kay Artman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the use of self-reported functional limitations to indicate employment status of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors after returning to work. This study used data from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) to examine the utility of self-reported functional limitations in indicating the work status of survivors of TBI. The first research question concerned the most common functional limitation reported by survivors of TBI. The second question asked which functional limitations, if any, could correctly classify the work status of TBI survivors. Results of binary logistic regression suggested that the presence of medical symptoms and emotional dysregulation were reliably …

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Engaging The Virtual Landscape: Toward An Experiential Approach To Exploring Place Through A Spatial Experience Engine, Susan J. Bergeron Jan 2011

Engaging The Virtual Landscape: Toward An Experiential Approach To Exploring Place Through A Spatial Experience Engine, Susan J. Bergeron

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other geospatial technologies in historical inquiry and the humanities has led to a number of projects that are exploring digital representations of past landscapes and places as platforms for synthesizing and representing historical and geographic information. Recent advancements in geovisualization, immersive environments, and virtual reality offer the opportunity to generate digital representations of cultural and physical landscapes, and embed those virtual landscapes with information and knowledge from multiple GIS sources. The development of these technologies and their application to historical research has opened up new opportunities to synthesize historical records from disparate …

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Role Of "Caax" Protein Processing In The Retina, Jeffrey Rowan Christiansen Jan 2011

Role Of "Caax" Protein Processing In The Retina, Jeffrey Rowan Christiansen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Prenylation is a posttranslational modification which adds a lipid, either a farnesyl or geranylgeranyl group, to the C-terminal cysteine of proteins ending in a "CAAX" motif. Two additional steps referred to as "CAAX" protein processing follow prenylation. First, the terminal three amino acids are cleaved by the endoprotease RAS converting enzyme1 (RCE1), then isoprenylcysteine methyltransferase (ICMT) adds a methyl group to the cysteine. While it is clear that the addition of the prenyl group is required for the association of proteins with membranes, the function of proteolysis and methylation is not obvious. Two lines of evidence suggest a critical role …

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Mechano-Enzymatic Pretreatment Of Lignocellulosic Biomass, Bibu Philip George Jan 2011

Mechano-Enzymatic Pretreatment Of Lignocellulosic Biomass, Bibu Philip George

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recalcitrance of lignocellulosic cell wall is a major hurdle that needs to be disrupted for biochemical refinery to be successful. Pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials play a key role for the conversion of lignocellulosic feed stocks to fermentable sugars. At present, various pretreatment technologies mainly achieved by empirical methods are available for the production of sugars from lignocellulosic polysaccharides. These methods depend largely upon the "demolition" of the cell wall by strong chemicals or using high energy input. As a result, these processes release "smaller compounds" as by-products or end products which inhibits downstream fermentation of monomeric sugars.;This project is a …

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Influencing Kidney Health And Function In Young Female Rats Through Dietary Alterations, Joseph Christopher Gigliotti Jan 2011

Influencing Kidney Health And Function In Young Female Rats Through Dietary Alterations, Joseph Christopher Gigliotti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The occurrence of kidney failure in the US has drastically increased over the past decade. The decline in health associated with chronic kidney disease can be prevented if detected early in disease progression. However, substantial damage has often occurred before detection of renal disease is possible. Therefore, disease prevention (as in all diseases) is the optimal treatment.;In regards to the kidneys, dietary habits can have a profound influence on the function and overall kidney health. This is particularly evident in female rats due to their susceptibility to diet induced renal disease. In female rats, the initiation of chronic kidney disease …

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Diet Induced Alterations And Distribution Of Indices Of Lysine Catabolism, Stephanie K. Gatrell Jan 2011

Diet Induced Alterations And Distribution Of Indices Of Lysine Catabolism, Stephanie K. Gatrell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Lysine is thought to be oxidized primarily by lysine alpha-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) and saccharopine dehydrogenase (SDH), which are restricted to the mitochondrial matrix. Lysine is presumably transported through the plasma membrane by isoforms(s) of a cationic amino acid transporter (CAT). Although the mechanism(s) of lysine transport through the inner mitochondrial membrane is not known, it is presumptively transported by one or both mitochondrial "ornithine transporters" (ORC-1/ORC-2). Tissue distribution of LKR and the mechanism(s) responsible for alterations in hepatic lysine catabolism in swine are unclear. Also, the roles of the alternative pathways of lysine degradation, the L-amino acid oxidase-dependent (LAAO), in …

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Feeding Behavior Of Podisus Maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Implications For Mass Rearing And Biological Control, Sudan Gyawaly Jan 2011

Feeding Behavior Of Podisus Maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Implications For Mass Rearing And Biological Control, Sudan Gyawaly

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a generalist predator feeding on more than 70 different insect species. P. maculiventris is noted for its potential for augmentative release against coleopteran and lepidopteran larvae. Successful mass rearing and determination of potential prey of a biological control agent are crucial factors that need consideration for success of a biological control agent in augmentative biological control. Firstly, study was conducted to investigate feeding behavior of P. maculiventris using yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Using different life stages of T. molitor that P. maculiventris could potentially feed on in mass rearing …

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Understanding The Role Of Ascorbic Acid And Gdp-Mannose Pyrophosphorylase Affecting Ammonium Sensitivity, Genome Stability And Flowering Time In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Chase F. Kempinski Jan 2011

Understanding The Role Of Ascorbic Acid And Gdp-Mannose Pyrophosphorylase Affecting Ammonium Sensitivity, Genome Stability And Flowering Time In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Chase F. Kempinski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

L-ascorbic acid is an important antioxidant in both plants and animals. In plants, it is important for detoxifying reactive oxygen species that are produced during photosynthesis and cellular metabolism. It also contributes to several facets of plant growth as an enzyme cofactor, signaling molecule, and a precursor to several other metabolites. It has been implicated in the control of flowering time and senescence as well as several other growth processes largely through work with the ascorbic acid-deficient vtc mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. Biochemical and genetic experiments have identified several pathways contributing to ascorbic acid biosynthesis, with the D-mannose/L-galactose pathway predominantly …

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The Effect Of Dietary Inclusion Of Conjugated Linoleic Acid In Finishing Hog Feed On Sensory Characteristics And Storage Quality Indicators Of Pork Loin, Kaitlin Hope Maditz Jan 2011

The Effect Of Dietary Inclusion Of Conjugated Linoleic Acid In Finishing Hog Feed On Sensory Characteristics And Storage Quality Indicators Of Pork Loin, Kaitlin Hope Maditz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Marbling in meat occurs when fat is distributed throughout the skeletal muscle and is visually apparent by light streaks of fat that look like a marble pattern. It is associated with increased quality, tenderness, and likeability. Incorporating dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) into finishing hog feed increases intramuscular fat and decrease backfat in harvested pigs; therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if inclusion of CLA in pig feed would increase intramuscular marbling and consumer likeability without compromising storage stability. Twenty pigs were housed in ten pens (2 pigs per pen) and fed either 1% Soybean oil or …

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Contraceptive Effect Of A Vaccine Targeting Leukemia Inhibitory Factor That Is Vital For Implantation, Angela Rae Lemons Jan 2011

Contraceptive Effect Of A Vaccine Targeting Leukemia Inhibitory Factor That Is Vital For Implantation, Angela Rae Lemons

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Immunomodulation at the fetal-maternal interface is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Several interleukins have been shown to be key in this process. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of the interleukin-6 family of proteins, is vital for blastocyst implantation in both humans and mice. LIF is expressed by the uterine epithelium and stromal cells surrounding the blastocyst prior to implantation and acts via binding to the LIF receptor expressed on the endometrium. This study investigates the contraceptive effect of a vaccine prepared with peptides derived from LIF and LIF receptor in the murine model. The vaccine was …

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Drug-Drug Interactions: A Machine Learning Approach, William Wireko Mensah Jan 2011

Drug-Drug Interactions: A Machine Learning Approach, William Wireko Mensah

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Automatic detection of drug-drug interaction (DDI) is a difficult problem in pharmaco-surveillance. Recent practice for in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction studies have been based on carefully selected drug characteristics such as their pharmacological effects, and on drug-target networks, in order to identify and comprehend anomalies in a drug's biochemical function upon co-administration.;In this work, we present a novel DDI prediction framework that combines several drug-attribute similarity measures to construct a feature space from which we train three machine learning algorithms: Support Vector Machine (SVM), J48 Decision Tree and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) using a partially supervised classification algorithm …

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Ash Removal From Low Rank Coal, Deepankar Virendra Sharma Jan 2011

Ash Removal From Low Rank Coal, Deepankar Virendra Sharma

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The work presented here is concerned with cleaning of low rank coals such as Texas lignite. As a result, Jewett Texas lignite was cleaned from 28% ash by weight to 8.5%. In the first part of the thesis, it is proved that conventional cleaning techniques used for bituminous and sub-bituminous having pyritic impurities does not work for cleaning lignite coal because of different coal chemistry and the presence of clay impurities. Hence after trying conventional processes, there was a need for a new technique capable of removing clay from low rank coals.;Micronized coal, obtained from DevourX LLC, proved to be …

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