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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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The Utilization Of Adventure Based Programming To Foster Posttraumatic Growth Within A Veteran Population: A Mixed Methods Study, Joseph A. Wassif Jan 2014

The Utilization Of Adventure Based Programming To Foster Posttraumatic Growth Within A Veteran Population: A Mixed Methods Study, Joseph A. Wassif

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is a lack of research exploring interventions that promote posttraumatic growth with veterans. The current project represents a first attempt to explore posttraumatic growth among veterans who participate in a strength-based program specifically designed for the healthy reintegration and socialization of returning members of the armed services. Through the use of a mixed methods approach, I hoped to show that veterans would report increases in posttraumatic growth following participation in an Outward Bound Veterans Program. Veterans that completed the program were compared to a waitlist control, which consisted of other military personnel that had signed up for, but had …


Feasibility Of Hydrogen Peroxide Production From Wastewater Treatment Using Bioelectrochemical Systems, Chenjie Wu Jan 2014

Feasibility Of Hydrogen Peroxide Production From Wastewater Treatment Using Bioelectrochemical Systems, Chenjie Wu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent developments of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) have shown promising advancements in applying these innovative technologies for municipal wastewater treatment. These systems promise several distinct energy and environmental benefits over the existing activated sludge processes including electricity conservation and production, less biological sludge production, significant reduction in greenhouse gas emission, and potential useful chemical production from wastewater treatment. The goal of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of using a two-chambered BES to generate an environmental friendly oxidizer, hydrogen peroxide, from wastewater treatment. Five research objectives were proposed to achieve the research goal by filling several identified knowledge gaps: 1) …


Plasmonic Gold Nanohole Arrays For Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering, Peng Zheng Jan 2014

Plasmonic Gold Nanohole Arrays For Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering, Peng Zheng

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Localized and periodic optical modes co-exist in plasmonic nanohole arrays leading to a unique mix of optical properties. In this thesis, a simultaneous experimental and theoretical investigation is used to investigate the origin of each optical mode, explaining the mix between extraordinary optical transmission, enhanced absorption, and local electromagnetic field concentration. Additionally, the hole array diameter, film thickness, and periodicity are systematically varied to explore the tuning and cross over between the multiple optical modes. The nanohole array to nanotriangle array transition is investigated, showing how the localized surface plasmon resonance evolves into the periodic surface plasmon polariton mode. These …


Exploring The Mechanism Of Shp2 And Egfr/Her2 Cooperation In Breast Cancer Cell Signaling, Zachary Raymond Hartman Dec 2013

Exploring The Mechanism Of Shp2 And Egfr/Her2 Cooperation In Breast Cancer Cell Signaling, Zachary Raymond Hartman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) has been established as a critical mediator of cancer-related cell signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases like EGFR and HER2. As such, targeting of SHP2 is being recognized as a potentially viable therapeutic option in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers. In this report, I employed molecular and cellular biology techniques to further elucidate the role of SHP2 downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases in breast cancer cell lines. In this way, I was able to contribute knowledge to how SHP2 controls triple-negative cell motility. In addition, the mechanism of SHP2 control of …


Development Of Methods For The Detection Of Chemical And Biological Warfare Agents, Megan Rea Dejesus Dec 2013

Development Of Methods For The Detection Of Chemical And Biological Warfare Agents, Megan Rea Dejesus

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation sought to find conditions that enabled the characterization of weapons of mass destruction, be that chemical, explosives, or biological, and find unique ion signals for those materials. Chapter 2 examines how to improve the analytical capability of the pulsed glow discharge through an increased understanding of the ionization processes inherent to the technique. Results of a parametric evaluation of ionization processes in the plasma demonstrated that within the glow discharge ion source there are conditions that can be determined which will enhance the signal of the analytical ion. A key innovation was the determination, that in constant power …


Amine Nucleophilic Addition To Nitro-Alkene As A New Reaction Mode For The Synthesis Of N-Heterocycles, Lekh Nath Sharma Gautam Dec 2013

Amine Nucleophilic Addition To Nitro-Alkene As A New Reaction Mode For The Synthesis Of N-Heterocycles, Lekh Nath Sharma Gautam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Amine Nucleophilic Addition to Nitro-alkene as a New Reaction Mode for the Synthesis of N-heterocycles: An efficient stereoselective synthesis of polycyclic lactams has been developed using Michael addition of conjugated amino-esters to nitro-alkenes. Using acyclic and cyclic aminoesters, this method provided a promising approach to the synthesis of bicyclic and tricyclic lactam core (5,5; 6,5; 5,5,5; 5,6,5; 6,5,5; 6,6,5 etc) in moderate to excellent yield (up to 95%) and excellent diastereoselectivities (up to 99:1 dr). The key steps in this asymmetric synthesis include a heteroatom Michael-Michael addition followed by reductive amidation to gamma-lactams. Lactam cores are biologically active broad spectrum …


Using Bio-Chars As Potential Catalysts For Upgrading Wood Pyrolysis Vapors, Wenjia Jin Dec 2013

Using Bio-Chars As Potential Catalysts For Upgrading Wood Pyrolysis Vapors, Wenjia Jin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pyrolysis is a promising thermochemical conversion method to process lignocellulosic biomass to produce bio-oil that can be further refined into chemicals and fuels compatible with current petrochemical fuels. However, bio-oils are highly reactive and unstable and therefore must be refined immediately, thereby reducing process sustainability. Catalytic modifications of pyrolysis vapors have been researched to improve bio-oil stability. However, using traditional highly active petroleum refining cracking catalysts for catalytic pyrolysis has shown some negative results, for example, increasing bio-oil moisture content and reducing its calorific value. Therefore, this project aims at understanding decomposition behavior of wood components, its chemical constituent polymers …


Mixing Biometric Data For Generating Joint Identities And Preserving Privacy, Asem A. Othman Dec 2013

Mixing Biometric Data For Generating Joint Identities And Preserving Privacy, Asem A. Othman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Biometrics is the science of automatically recognizing individuals by utilizing biological traits such as fingerprints, face, iris and voice. A classical biometric system digitizes the human body and uses this digitized identity for human recognition. In this work, we introduce the concept of mixing biometrics. Mixing biometrics refers to the process of generating a new biometric image by fusing images of different fingers, different faces, or different irises. The resultant mixed image can be used directly in the feature extraction and matching stages of an existing biometric system. In this regard, we design and systematically evaluate novel methods for generating …


The Role Of Neurokinin B In The Regulation Of The Preovulatory Lh Surge In Ewes, Katrina L. Porter Dec 2013

The Role Of Neurokinin B In The Regulation Of The Preovulatory Lh Surge In Ewes, Katrina L. Porter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Hypothalamic input is vital to the regulation of reproductive function. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is secreted by hypothalamic GnRH neurons into the hypophysial portal circulation. When GnRH reaches the anterior pituitary, it stimulates gonadotropes to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) into the systemic circulation, ultimately leading to ovulation. GnRH/LH secretion occurs in two different patterns: pulsatile or surge. Pulsatile GnRH release is governed by estradiol (E2) negative feedback while surge release is the result of E2 positive feedback. However, GnRH neurons lack the alpha isoform of the estrogen receptor, indicating that E2 feedback on GnRH release is indirect. Other hypothalamic neurons that …


The West Virginia Friends Of Firewood Network: Engaging With And Exploring The Practices Of Firewood Producers, Elizabeth Basham Dec 2013

The West Virginia Friends Of Firewood Network: Engaging With And Exploring The Practices Of Firewood Producers, Elizabeth Basham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Firewood is the oldest source of energy for cooking and home heating and remains a primary heating source for half of the world's population, yet the industry remains relatively undocumented and immature both in developing and technologically advanced countries. Firewood is an environmentally friendly and renewable resource that is becoming popular once again in U.S. homes, 2.5 million of which utilize it as a primary heating source. However, firewood is also a proven vector for invasive insects and pathogens that are threatening the health of U.S. forests. In order to address the increasing trend of firewood use and prevent further …


Determining A Total Dissolved Solids Release Index From Overburden In Appalachian Coal Fields, Jessica L. Odenheimer Dec 2013

Determining A Total Dissolved Solids Release Index From Overburden In Appalachian Coal Fields, Jessica L. Odenheimer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Appalachian coal industry has been very successful in developing technologies to identify, handle, treat and isolate potentially acid-forming overburden materials at coal mines in the region. However, the techniques to predict acid mine drainage potential may not adequately predict the release of total dissolved solids (TDS). High concentrations of TDS have been linked to a decrease in survival of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Our objective was to determine the effect of different solutions on overburden dissolution, and to develop a TDS release index. Forty-one overburden samples were collected from surface mines in West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky. Samples were grinded to …


Quantification Of Acid Loads And Delineation Of Hydrochemical Facies At A Phreatic Mine Spoil Aquifer, Mitchell A. Mcadoo Dec 2013

Quantification Of Acid Loads And Delineation Of Hydrochemical Facies At A Phreatic Mine Spoil Aquifer, Mitchell A. Mcadoo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acid mine drainage geochemistry and in situ alkaline injection were investigated at the DLM coal mine, Alton West Virginia. These included spatial and temporal investigations into hydrochemical controls that were initiated with reclamation efforts. Approaches included the delineation of hydrochemical facies and analysis of time series data to develop a methodology for estimating acid loads.;Results of agglomerative hierarchical clustering were mapped to demonstrate spatial variations in response to reclamation efforts over time. Spatial patterns were determined and indicate that aquifer chemistry continued to evolve during the study period. Results confirmed that injection of alkalinity into the aquifer effected acid producing …


Evaluation Of Arsenic And Selenium Quantitation In Marcellus Shales And Flowback Saline Waters Using Thiol Cotton Fibre-Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy And Diffusive Gradient In Thin Film Techniques, Ronald S. Balaba Dec 2013

Evaluation Of Arsenic And Selenium Quantitation In Marcellus Shales And Flowback Saline Waters Using Thiol Cotton Fibre-Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy And Diffusive Gradient In Thin Film Techniques, Ronald S. Balaba

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Trace levels of arsenic and selenium can be toxic to living organisms yet their quantitation in high ionic strength or high salinity aqueous media is difficult due to the matrix interferences which can either suppress or enhance the analyte signal. The objective of this proposed study has been to apply and/or modify inexpensive, simple, and interference-free analytical methods for the sub-ppb to ppb quantification of both inorganic and bioavailable arsenic and selenium fractions in highly saline/salty waters such as flowback wastewater produced from natural gas well drilling sites in the Marcellus shale and/or simulated or artificial high-salinity prepared from deionized …


Liquid Chromatography -- Tandem Mass Spectrometry Techniques For Drugs Of Abuse As Applied To Bacterial And Forensic Toxicology, Stephanie Marie Martindale Dec 2013

Liquid Chromatography -- Tandem Mass Spectrometry Techniques For Drugs Of Abuse As Applied To Bacterial And Forensic Toxicology, Stephanie Marie Martindale

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ability of bacterial species to transform complex chemical substances has been well documented. Some of these species are native to the human gastrointestinal tract and play an active role in the postmortem decomposition process. These species have potential to cause biotransformations that affect compound-to-metabolite ratios within the human body, especially after death. Postmortem changes such as these have rarely been evaluated or taken into consideration but they have potential to supply valuable information, especially concerning compound identification and confirmation.;The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Clostridium perfringens on drugs of …


Red-Headed Woodpecker Habitat Selection And Breeding Ecology On Fort Drum Military Installation, New York, Jacob L. Berl Dec 2013

Red-Headed Woodpecker Habitat Selection And Breeding Ecology On Fort Drum Military Installation, New York, Jacob L. Berl

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) populations have declined range-wide over the past 40 years, although the causal mechanisms implicated in the observed declines remain poorly understood. Population decline has been most severe at the periphery of their range, particularly in the northeastern United States, coinciding with a region where there is little information regarding red-headed woodpecker habitat use or demography. A detailed knowledge of habitat requirements and population dynamics is prerequisite for the effective conservation and management of imperiled wildlife populations, and this knowledge gap likely precludes informed management decisions for red-headed woodpeckers in the northeastern portion of their range. In …


Numerical And Experimental Study On The Ability Of Dynamic Roughness To Alter The Development Of A Leading Edge Vortex, Christopher D. Griffin Dec 2013

Numerical And Experimental Study On The Ability Of Dynamic Roughness To Alter The Development Of A Leading Edge Vortex, Christopher D. Griffin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dynamic stall is an unsteady aerodynamic phenomenon garnering much research interest because it occurs in a variety of applications. For example, dynamic stall is known to occur on helicopter rotor blades, wind turbines, high maneuvering military aircraft, and flapping wings. Dynamic stall occurs when an aerodynamic lifting device, such as an airfoil, wing, or turbomachine blade, undergoes a rapid pitching motion. It also occurs on lifting devices that are impulsively started at high angles of attack. Dynamic stall can "delay" aerodynamic stall to angles of attack that are significantly beyond the static stall angle of attack.;During dynamic stall a large …


Human Metrology For Person Classification And Recognition, Deng Cao Dec 2013

Human Metrology For Person Classification And Recognition, Deng Cao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Human metrological features generally refers to geometric measurements extracted from humans, such as height, chest circumference or foot length. Human metrology provides an important soft biometric that can be used in challenging situations, such as person classification and recognition at a distance, where hard biometric traits such as fingerprints and iris information cannot easily be acquired. In this work, we first study the question of predictability and correlation in human metrology. We show that partial or available measurements can be used to predict other missing measurements. We then investigate the use of human metrology for the prediction of other soft …


Improving Opportunities For Small Flock Egg Production And Proper Evaluation Of Glucanase For Commercial Poultry, Angela Elsie Lamp Dec 2013

Improving Opportunities For Small Flock Egg Production And Proper Evaluation Of Glucanase For Commercial Poultry, Angela Elsie Lamp

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Consumers of pastured hen eggs have justified paying an associated premium price because they perceive animal welfare, sustainability, and nutrition are enhanced compared to conventionally produced eggs. The objective of Study 1 (Chapter 2) was to implement practical management strategies to increase eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) composition of eggs (Experiment 1) and to determine if the same diet formulation would produce an enhanced EPA and DHA egg composition and effect hen health when pasture access and hen breed varied (Experiment 2). For Experiment 1, four dietary treatments were utilized: 1) Basal, 2) Basal + 0.5% Sardine …


Altered Hemodynamic Control In The Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation In The Metabolic Syndrome: The Emergence Of A New Attractor, Joshua Thomas Butcher Dec 2013

Altered Hemodynamic Control In The Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation In The Metabolic Syndrome: The Emergence Of A New Attractor, Joshua Thomas Butcher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Peripheral vascular disease is a pathological disease state whereby the peripheral vascular system becomes progressively limited in its ability to adequately perfuse extremities despite increases in metabolic demand. One of the primary risk factors for development of peripheral disease is the Metabolic Syndrome. It is the presentation of three simultaneous comorbidities, with obesity being the most common denominator in most metabolic syndrome patients, but also including a pro-inflammatory state, pro-oxidant state, pro-thrombotic state, increased blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia, or insulin resistance. Currently, the population of the United States is approximately 75% overweight, obese, or extremely obese and the prevalence of …


Development Of A 16s Rrna Gene Sequence As A Biomarker Specific To The Gastrointestinal Tract And Feces Of Swine Based On Suppressive Subtractive Hybridization, Autumn Sayre Dec 2013

Development Of A 16s Rrna Gene Sequence As A Biomarker Specific To The Gastrointestinal Tract And Feces Of Swine Based On Suppressive Subtractive Hybridization, Autumn Sayre

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fecal contamination of water bodies causes environmental issues and human health risks. Swine are a major contributor of fecal inputs to environmental waters due to their importance in American agriculture. Water quality currently is regulated using fecal coliforms, which have natural reservoirs in the environment and may not correlate with pathogens. In recent years there has been a shift towards microbial source tracking (MST). MST employs microbiological, genotypic, phenotypic and chemical methods to determine the source of fecal pollution in water bodies. Previous studies aimed at developing swine fecal biomarkers have had limited success. The overall objective of this research …


Differences In Interpersonal Problems Among Bereaved Vs. Non-Bereaved College Students: The Impact Of Loneliness And Social Inhibition, Adam M. Moller Dec 2013

Differences In Interpersonal Problems Among Bereaved Vs. Non-Bereaved College Students: The Impact Of Loneliness And Social Inhibition, Adam M. Moller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study explored the differences in loneliness and social inhibition between parentally bereaved and non-bereaved college students. Participants from West Virginia and Montana State universities were recruited through flyers, newspaper advertisements, and Craigslist.com. Those who volunteered were directed to a website to complete an online survey that included basic demographic information, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Socially Inhibited subscale of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-64. Bereavement status (bereaved vs. non-bereaved) and gender of participant (male vs. female) were the independent variables in the study. Loneliness and social inhibition were the dependent variables. A MANOVA was conducted to explore the …


The Effects Of Artificial Photoperiod On Age At Puberty In Fall-Born Ewe Lambs, Matthew Lewis Deacon Dec 2013

The Effects Of Artificial Photoperiod On Age At Puberty In Fall-Born Ewe Lambs, Matthew Lewis Deacon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A study, conducted in two replicates, examined the effects of an artificial photoperiod on puberty in fall-born ewe lambs. Replicate I was initiated in December 2011 with prepubertal Dorset ewe lambs (n = 44). Replicate II was initiated beginning in December 2012 and included prepubertal Dorset, Suffolk x Dorset and Texel x Dorset ewe lambs (n = 52). All lambs were weighed at the initiation of each replicate and randomized to one of two treatments, control or treated, based on age, weight, breed and type of birth and rearing. Control ewe lambs were housed in a barn with exposure to …


Microbial Genome Evolution Due To Multifaceted Symbiosis Within The Tsetse Fly (Diptera: Glossinidae), Anna Kathleen Snyder Dec 2013

Microbial Genome Evolution Due To Multifaceted Symbiosis Within The Tsetse Fly (Diptera: Glossinidae), Anna Kathleen Snyder

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Microbes are capable of rapid genetic modification, enabling the habitation of a wide field of niches, including forming interdependent associations with macroscopic hosts. While ancient multipartite mutualisms have been shown to involve metabolic complementation, little is known concerning the early genomic adaptations leading towards co-residence within a novel host. The overall objective of this research is to gain insight on genome evolution resulting from symbiosis, particularly by examining bacteria with varying levels of host dependency and times of establishment. The tsetse fly (Diptera: Glossinidae) serves as a relatively simple model system to investigate evolutionary aspects of symbiosis, while also maintaining …


Relationships Between Recreational User Perceptions And The Biological Condition Of West Virginia Watersheds, Jennie M. Franks Dec 2013

Relationships Between Recreational User Perceptions And The Biological Condition Of West Virginia Watersheds, Jennie M. Franks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Limitations in bioassessments of stream condition should be recognized and a need exists to broaden our approach to identify and solve knowledge gaps in scientific data. Combining collection methods based upon biological data and social perceptions may provide an effective way to identify gaps and involve local stakeholders in river conservation strategies. Our research objectives were to: 1- describe recreational users and their perceptions of water quality; 2- quantify relationships between recreational user perceptions and biological condition; 3- examine if perceptions vary spatially across watersheds; and 4- determine if recreational users' values and perceptions can be used to complement bioassessment …


Using A Three-Dimensional Model To Understand Age Differences In The Framing Effect, Tara E. Karns Dec 2013

Using A Three-Dimensional Model To Understand Age Differences In The Framing Effect, Tara E. Karns

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study used a between-subjects design with three instruction conditions to investigate susceptibility to the framing effect among younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Participants were instructed to pay attention to the facts and numbers, to use their gut feelings, or to use their previous experiences to respond to two decision-making scenarios pertaining to treatment for lung cancer and a vaccination for a flu virus. Results revealed that, overall, the framing effect was present in the lung cancer scenario, but not the flu scenario. Instruction condition and age did not affect susceptibility to the framing effect; however, a frame by …


Grazing Impacts On Sediment Production And Runoff From Single And Mixed Species Grazing, Brittany Parks Dec 2013

Grazing Impacts On Sediment Production And Runoff From Single And Mixed Species Grazing, Brittany Parks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With growing human populations, we need to produce more food. Food production requires growing crops and raising livestock with existing and suitable land resources, potentially causing nutrient (phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N)) pollution. For purposes of this study, the runoff potential for the mixed and single species grassland grazing will be examined. Mixed species grazing refers to cattle and sheep grazing concurrently in the same area; while single species grazing refers to cattle grazing alone. Understanding the environmental effects of mixed grazing as compared to a single species grazing systems will help to improve farming and agricultural practices that increase …


A Base Modulated Synthesis Of Indoles And Quinolines, An Expedient Synthesis Of Salviadione, And Chemoselective Couplings En Route To Indoles And Pyrroloindoles, Matthew Marshall Cummings Dec 2013

A Base Modulated Synthesis Of Indoles And Quinolines, An Expedient Synthesis Of Salviadione, And Chemoselective Couplings En Route To Indoles And Pyrroloindoles, Matthew Marshall Cummings

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Palladium-catalyzed reductive N-heteroannulation of ortho-nitrostyrenes has become a synthetically useful method for the construction of indoles and indole-based heterocycles. Soderberg's elaboration of this methodology has been utilized in the synthesis of indoles and quinolines from a common precursor. The same protocol has also been employed in the synthesis of the indole alkaloid Salviadione. A systematic investigation of chemoselectivity in Kosugi-Migita-Stille coupling reactions provided the basis for the synthesis of isomeric pyrroloindoles through palladium-catalyzed reductive double N-heteroannulation of dinitro-dialkenyl benzenes.


Association Of Individual And Combined Metabolic Risk Factors With Cancer, Ruchi Bhandari Dec 2013

Association Of Individual And Combined Metabolic Risk Factors With Cancer, Ruchi Bhandari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The prevalence of metabolic risk factors (MRFs), individually and in the aggregate, is growing rapidly. There is limited biologic and epidemiologic evidence indicating an association between MRFs and cancer. The goal of this dissertation was to examine the association between individual and combined MRFs with subsequent risk of overall and site-specific cancers of the breast, digestive system, and lung.;Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis on the association between metabolic syndrome (a cluster of MRFs) and breast cancer was conducted. In addition, associations between MRFs and risk of overall and site-specific cancers were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression …


Colorectal Cancer Disease In Appalachia: Symptom Interpretation And Cancer Worry Predictors, Omar F.S. Attarabeen Aug 2013

Colorectal Cancer Disease In Appalachia: Symptom Interpretation And Cancer Worry Predictors, Omar F.S. Attarabeen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the Appalachian region, many cultural, religious, and psychological factors have been identified to affect health. These factors are expected to play a role in health disparities, such as higher rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. Appalachia-specific factors such as geographic isolationism, poverty, and Appalachian stereotypes have been reported to negatively affect preventive health care including CRC screening. Although previous research has investigating the impact of some of these Appalachia-specific factors on seeking health care, impact of symptom interpretation and psychological states of the Appalachian population on health care seeking behavior needs to be clarified. The objective of …


Formulation And Evaluation Of A Novel Irrigant For The Disinfection Of Root Canals Using A Candida Albicans Biofilm Model, Dustin S. Reynolds Aug 2013

Formulation And Evaluation Of A Novel Irrigant For The Disinfection Of Root Canals Using A Candida Albicans Biofilm Model, Dustin S. Reynolds

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An important goal of root canal therapy is elimination of microorganisms which are usually organized into a biofilm phenotype. Irrigants play an indispensable role in areas inaccessible to mechanical instrumentation. In this study, a novel endodontic irrigant was formulated composed of a penetrating solvent, 70% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with a 1:1 molar ratio of an antibiotic (Clindamycin HCl) and antifungal agent (Nystatin). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) stability tests were conducted to prove the mixture was chemically stable. This study compared different concentrations of the novel irrigant to 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) using a C. albicans biofilm model. Furthermore, it …