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2006

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Ramadan Fasting Induces Modifications Of Certain Serum Components In Obese Women With Type 2 Diabetes, Boumediene M. Khaled, Malika Bendahmane, Slimane Belbraouet Jan 2006

Ramadan Fasting Induces Modifications Of Certain Serum Components In Obese Women With Type 2 Diabetes, Boumediene M. Khaled, Malika Bendahmane, Slimane Belbraouet

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of fasting during Ramadan on certain serum components such as fasting serum glucose (FSG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high density lipoproteins (HDL-C), and low density lipoproteins (LDL-C) parameters in obese women patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted the study in Petit-Vichy Diabetology Center, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria from October 2003 to March 2004, on 60 obese outpatient women (BMI = 35.41 ± 3.64 kg/m2), aged 51 ± 10 years, who had diabetes for 5 ± 2.5 years. The patients followed no specific diet, on medications, and presenting no degenerative complications. We …


Clinical Spectrum Associated With Some Structural Cerebellar Abnormalities, Ghada M. Abdel-Salam, Marwa I. Shahab, Amany H. Galal, Ann A. Abdel-Kader, Ekram Fateen Jan 2006

Clinical Spectrum Associated With Some Structural Cerebellar Abnormalities, Ghada M. Abdel-Salam, Marwa I. Shahab, Amany H. Galal, Ann A. Abdel-Kader, Ekram Fateen

Neurosciences

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical, neuroimaging, cytogenetic, and biochemical studies obtained in 20 patients with different cerebellar structural abnormalities presenting at variable ages of onset with variable signs and symptoms. METHODS: These patients visited the Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt during the period from September 2002 to September 2003. All patients were subjected to complete personal and family history taking 3 generation family pedigree construction and full clinical examination, including complete eye evaluation. Metabolic screening, chromosomal examination and brain CT or MRI, or both, were also carried out. RESULTS: Patients with cerebellar structural abnormalities were broadly divided …


Theory Of Acquired Relative Sensitivity As The Sole Cause Of Mental Illness, Saba M. Shatila Jan 2006

Theory Of Acquired Relative Sensitivity As The Sole Cause Of Mental Illness, Saba M. Shatila

Neurosciences

No abstract provided.


Interactive 3d Multimedia Learning Tools In Biology / Chin Siaw Khim, Siaw Khim Chin Jan 2006

Interactive 3d Multimedia Learning Tools In Biology / Chin Siaw Khim, Siaw Khim Chin

Student Works (2000-2009)

An interactive 3D Multimedia Learning tool in Biology is an application system to assist users in the brand new learning style for biology. Combination of the virtual and multimedia in the system can bring out the clear explanation of processes and delivery the information. Besides that, the system enables users to interactive with the system to help them in the learning biology. The web-based application also encourage sharing knowledge through distance learning between the user. An interactive 3D Multimedia Learning tools in Biology mainly focus on Biology Cell topic with SPM syllabus. The target user for this system is mainly …


A Distributed Fuzzy Logic Controller For A Prosthetic Hand / Mohd Yazed Ahmad, Ahmad Mohd Yazed Jan 2006

A Distributed Fuzzy Logic Controller For A Prosthetic Hand / Mohd Yazed Ahmad, Ahmad Mohd Yazed

Student Works (2000-2009)

A Fuzzy Logic with distributed control monitoring (D S) sy tern i implemented to control multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) prosthetic fingers. Ther are four fingers with 3-DOF and a thumb with 4-DOF. Five identical microcontrollers programmed with Fuzzy Logic ontroller (FLC) and a ystem Handler are employed to control and monitor the fingers and the thumb to replicate the desired hand action of the grasp, the key pinch, the pulp to pulp pinch, the tripod pinch, and the open hand. Each finger is equipp d with position sensors at the pi ot joints and a tactile-pressure sensor at the fingertip. The …


Fall Survival Of American Woodcock In The Western Great Lakes Region, Eileen Johnston Oppelt Jan 2006

Fall Survival Of American Woodcock In The Western Great Lakes Region, Eileen Johnston Oppelt

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.


Longwood University Catalog 2006-2007, Longwood University Jan 2006

Longwood University Catalog 2006-2007, Longwood University

Undergraduate Catalogs

No abstract provided.


Groundwater Report 305b 2006, Tennessee. Department Of Environment And Conservation. Jan 2006

Groundwater Report 305b 2006, Tennessee. Department Of Environment And Conservation.

Groundwater Assessment

No abstract provided.


Social Capital, Health And Mental Health In African American Women, Cheryl Lynn Bennett Jan 2006

Social Capital, Health And Mental Health In African American Women, Cheryl Lynn Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

Cultural and social influences on mental and physical health are increasingly recognized by social science researchers. Researchers have found that specific, Afrocultural factors are related to the functioning of African Americans. The current research considered whether interdependence is especially salient for African American women since women and African Americans tend to define themselves within the context of social relationships. The study outlines processes affecting the mental and physical health of African American women including communalism, collective efficacy, and social capital. The also study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and both mental and physical health among African American women in …


The Effect And Chronic Acute Pre-Treatment With Methylphenidate On Recovery Of Cognitive Function Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury In Rats, Katharine Coryell Eakin Jan 2006

The Effect And Chronic Acute Pre-Treatment With Methylphenidate On Recovery Of Cognitive Function Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury In Rats, Katharine Coryell Eakin

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent and young adult males are at a higher risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the general population. Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also more prevalent for males in these age groups. The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate (MPH). Based on the increase in the number of new diagnoses of ADHD and the number of children who continue taking MPH into adulthood, it is important to evaluate how chronic or acute MPH administered prior to injury may influence recovery following TBI. In both studies, cognitive abilities of male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed …


Atm-Dependent Erk Signaling In Response To Dna Double Strand Breaks, Ashraf Khalil Jan 2006

Atm-Dependent Erk Signaling In Response To Dna Double Strand Breaks, Ashraf Khalil

Theses and Dissertations

Ionizing radiation (IR) triggers many signaling pathways stemming from DNA damage, and, independently, from extra-nuclear events. To generate radio-mimetic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) without and minimizing the effects on extra-nuclear radiation targets, human (p53+) glioma and carcinoma cells containing bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)- substituted DNA were treated with Hoechst 33258 followed by long wave-length UV (UV-A) (BrdU photolysis). BrdU photolysis resulted in well-controlled, dose-dependent generation of DSBs equivalent to 0.2 - 20 Gy of IR, as detected by pulse-field gel electrophoresis, accompanied by dose-dependent H2AX phosphorylation at ser-139 and ATM phosphorylation at ser-1981, indicating ATM activation. Furthermore, BrdU photolysis increased phosphorylation of …


Phospholipase A2 Induced Monocyte Chemotaxis To Apoptotic Cells, Kwasi Karikari Jan 2006

Phospholipase A2 Induced Monocyte Chemotaxis To Apoptotic Cells, Kwasi Karikari

Theses and Dissertations

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential in such processes as organ and tissue remodeling and maturation of hematopoietic cells. The clearance of apoptotic cells is essential to prevent autoimmune responses to sequestered antigens. This process is mediated by phagocytes of the monocyte lineage. Before phagocytosis can occur, macrophages must be recruited to the apoptotic cells through chemotaxis. Products of the reaction catalyzed by the phospholipases A2 (PLA2) have been shown to induce monocyte chemotaxis either directly or indirectly. Some investigators have implicated a cytosolic calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) in the production of these products during apoptosis. …


A Mass Spectrometry-Based Study Of Serum Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibition From Pesticide Exposure And Organophosphate Pesticide-Induced Proteome Alteration, Jinchun Sun Jan 2006

A Mass Spectrometry-Based Study Of Serum Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibition From Pesticide Exposure And Organophosphate Pesticide-Induced Proteome Alteration, Jinchun Sun

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Pesticides including organophosphates (OPs) and carbamates (CBs) are widelyused to control undesirable pests. These compounds are neurotoxic and inhibithydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase. Public healthconcerns have increased with the escalating usage of pesticides. Reliable monitoringprograms are required to detect and quantify pesticide exposure, as well as to promotean understanding of their neurotoxic properties. In this dissertation, both theanticholinergic (Part I) toxicity and neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells (Part II) ofpesticides were explored using mass spectrometry (MS). The high sensitivity andhigh-throughput of this technique renders it well-suited for proteomics analysis.Part I describes the study of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition resultingfrom OP …


Stature And Criminal Behavior, Rebecca J. Fish Jan 2006

Stature And Criminal Behavior, Rebecca J. Fish

Theses and Dissertations

Minorities are significantly overrepresented in America's prison population, and many studies have been conducted to determine possible causes for such a disparity. Few of these studies, however, have examined small stature as a potential contributor to criminal behavior. This study examines the relationship between criminal behavior and stature among American males. The heights, weights, stature scores (a function of the product of height and weight) and the body mass indices of criminals are examined as a whole, as well as by subgroup based on race, locality, and nature of the crime committed. The average weight of the male criminal population …


Assessing Epidermal Growth Factor Expression In The Rodent Hippocampus Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Janice Mabutas Daus Jan 2006

Assessing Epidermal Growth Factor Expression In The Rodent Hippocampus Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Janice Mabutas Daus

Theses and Dissertations

Hippocampal neurons are vulnerable to injury, as indicated by the prevalence of learning and memory deficits following traumatic brain injury. Research indicates that proliferation of neural precursor cells increases following brain injury, which implies that there is an endogenous response in the hippocampus to replenish neurons and restore cognitive function. Studies show that mitogenic growth factors may drive this proliferative response; one of which is epidermal growth factor. Because adults and the elderly manifest the most enduring deficits following TBI, it is critical to investigate how EGF expression following injury may relate to injury-induced cell proliferation and the degree of …


Investigations Into Social Game Theory, Stephen Bryce Harper Jan 2006

Investigations Into Social Game Theory, Stephen Bryce Harper

Theses and Dissertations

Investigations into Social Game Theory is a document that describes my two-year exploration of the ritual encapsulated in our societal framework. It discusses the thoughts and processes that accompanied the three bodies of work that led to the creation of my final thesis exhibition.


Monocyte Modulation Of Disease Pathogenesis And Progression In Localized Aggressive Periodontitis, Chu Ri Shin Jan 2006

Monocyte Modulation Of Disease Pathogenesis And Progression In Localized Aggressive Periodontitis, Chu Ri Shin

Theses and Dissertations

Localized Aggressive Periodontitis (LAgP) is an aggressive, early onset form of periodontitis characterized by a unique myeloid cell phenotype. In addition to its bacterial origin, the unique phenotype of the myeloid cell contributes to disease pathogenesis and progression through mechanisms mediating host inflammatory and immune responses. LAgP monocytes synthesize increased levels of the potent proinflammatory lipid mediator, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), preferentially differentiate into dendritic cells, and lead to increased IgG2 production. In addition, levels of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) have shown to be elevated in the gingival tissue and gingival crevicular fluid of subjects with periodontitis. The aim of this …


The Effect Of Silencing The Wilms' Tumor 1 Gene On The Radiation Sensitivity Of Glioblastoma Cells, Dana C. Chan Jan 2006

The Effect Of Silencing The Wilms' Tumor 1 Gene On The Radiation Sensitivity Of Glioblastoma Cells, Dana C. Chan

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastomas are among the most devastating of human cancers with a median survival of only 9-12 months. This type of brain tumor is incurable, largely due its remarkable proliferative capacity and resistance to current treatments. High levels of the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WTI) gene have been identified in glioblastomas, suggesting an oncogenic function. Moreover, known WT1 target genes have been implicated in resistance to radiation. To determine the role of WT1 in radiation resistance, two glioblastoma cell lines expressing WT1 were treated with siRNAs to silence this gene. Confirmation of WT1 knockdown was achieved through real-time PCR and Western blot. …


Serum Anti-Phosphorylcholine And Anti-Cardiolipin Concentrations Following Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing, Reve W. Chaston Jan 2006

Serum Anti-Phosphorylcholine And Anti-Cardiolipin Concentrations Following Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing, Reve W. Chaston

Theses and Dissertations

Atherosclerosis is an insidious disease with serious morbidity and mortality including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction. This condition is progressive and can start early in life eventually leading to large plaques and arterial occlusion. Two key components of this process are the immune system and lipids; in particular, LDL which accumulates within the arterial walls and macrophages which recognize and engulf oxidized-LDL (oxLDL) to form foam cells. Knowing that certain antibodies directed against bacterial antigens such as phosphorylcholine (PC) and cardiolipin (CL) show opsonizing cross-reactivity with oxLDL it can be proposed that there is a link between immune …


Phylogeography Of Marine Meiofaunal Nemerteans Of The Ototyphlonemertes Fila Species Complex, Alexander Tulchinsky Jan 2006

Phylogeography Of Marine Meiofaunal Nemerteans Of The Ototyphlonemertes Fila Species Complex, Alexander Tulchinsky

Theses and Dissertations

Morphological conservatism combined with intraspecific variability has obstructed studies of speciation and species boundaries among marine meiofauna. Ototyphlonemertes is a genus of meiofaunal nemerteans inhabiting the interstitial spaces of marine sediments. Its members lack pelagic larvae and dispersal potential is believed to be poor. A phylogeographic study of Ototyphlonemertes fila is presented using mitochondrial (cox3) and nuclear (ISSR) molecular markers. Deep genetic divergence (approximately 18% in cox3) was observed between sympatric mitochondrial lineages in Florida. This divergence was reflected in the nuclear marker as well, suggesting the presence of two cryptic species. The first contains Florida and New England populations …


Natural Selection, Jeffrey A. Vick Jan 2006

Natural Selection, Jeffrey A. Vick

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis work is about imagination. I use the collaborative efforts of the viewer's mind and my sculptures, or specimens, to make associations of real life animals. I feel this engages the viewer and in turn invites them to inspect the work on closer level. This is my ultimate goal in the work, to take hold of the viewer's curiosity and have them examine the work on a closer level.


Scaffold Permeability As A Means To Determine Fiber Diameter And Pore Size Of Electrospun Fibrinogen, Scott Allen Sell Jan 2006

Scaffold Permeability As A Means To Determine Fiber Diameter And Pore Size Of Electrospun Fibrinogen, Scott Allen Sell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to construct a flowmeter that could accurately measure the hydraulic permeability of electrospun fibrinogen scaffolds, providing insight into the transport properties of electrospun scaffolds while making the measurement of their topographical features (fiber and pore size) more accurate. Three different concentrations of fibrinogen were used (100, 120, and 150mg/ml) to create scaffolds with three different fiber diameters and pore sizes. The fiber diameters and pore sizes of the electrospun scaffolds were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and image analysis software. The permeability of each scaffold was measured and used to calculate permeability-based fiber diameters …


Acquisition And Retention Of Bacterial Spores (Bacillus Atrophaeus) By Eight Insect Species, Kieron Marie Torres Jan 2006

Acquisition And Retention Of Bacterial Spores (Bacillus Atrophaeus) By Eight Insect Species, Kieron Marie Torres

Theses and Dissertations

Acquisition and retention of spores of an anthrax surrogate, Bacillus atrophaeus Nakamura ("BG") were evaluated in eight insect species. Species included: house cricket (Acheta domesticus L.), German cockroach (Blatella germanica L.), common house fly (Musca domestics L.), blue bottle fly (Calliphora vomitoria L.), hairy rove beetle Creophilus maxillosus L.), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.), common paper wasps (Polistes exclamans exclamans Viereck), red paper wasps (Polistes Carolina L.), red harvester ant (Pogonymyrmex barbatus Smith). Individual insects were offered BG-treated food and sacrificed at specified time intervals following one, two or three meals. Resulting samples were surface-washed five consecutive times then homogenized …


Is Safe Haven Legislation An Efficacious Policy Response To Infant Abandonment: A Biopsychosocial Profile Of The Target Population, Stephanie Mayes Gruss Jan 2006

Is Safe Haven Legislation An Efficacious Policy Response To Infant Abandonment: A Biopsychosocial Profile Of The Target Population, Stephanie Mayes Gruss

Theses and Dissertations

This study represents an attempt to describe the extent and features of safe haven legislation in the United States, discuss implementation issues, and to examine if the legislation is reaching its intended target audience in order to answer the question, "Is safe haven legislation an efficacious response to infant abandonment?" Safe havens are designated locations where infants can be anonymously abandoned without fear of prosecution or incarceration. As of May of 2006, forty-seven states have passed such legislation, citing the need for an alternative to unsafe infant abandonment leading to an infant's death, and an alternative to infanticide (the killing …


The Post-9/11 Federal Homeland Security Paradigm And The Adoptive Capacity Of Public Administration Theory And Practice, Chaya Rani Jain Jan 2006

The Post-9/11 Federal Homeland Security Paradigm And The Adoptive Capacity Of Public Administration Theory And Practice, Chaya Rani Jain

Theses and Dissertations

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks redefined the federal approach to disaster planning. Prior to 9/11, disaster and emergency management meant preparedness for and response to natural and man-made emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, fires, and civil discord. The post-9/11 paradigm shift, a multi-pronged approach called "homeland security" strategy, now incorporates a multitude of man- and nature-made disasters to include border and transportation security; emergency preparedness, response and recovery against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats; as well as information analysis and infrastructure protection. These new priorities were communicated to the state and local governments. The purpose of this descriptive, …


Quantifying The Effects Of Correlated Covariates On Variable Importance Estimates From Random Forests, Ryan Vincent Kimes Jan 2006

Quantifying The Effects Of Correlated Covariates On Variable Importance Estimates From Random Forests, Ryan Vincent Kimes

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in computing technology have lead to the development of algorithmic modeling techniques. These methods can be used to analyze data which are difficult to analyze using traditional statistical models. This study examined the effectiveness of variable importance estimates from the random forest algorithm in identifying the true predictor among a large number of candidate predictors. A simulation study was conducted using twenty different levels of association among the independent variables and seven different levels of association between the true predictor and the response. We conclude that the random forest method is an effective classification tool when the goals …


Stretch-Dependant Tonic Force Maintenance In Rabbit Epigastric Artery, Krystina Michelle Berg Jan 2006

Stretch-Dependant Tonic Force Maintenance In Rabbit Epigastric Artery, Krystina Michelle Berg

Theses and Dissertations

The contractile state of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays a key role in blood pressure regulation. Abnormal VSM contractility characterizes hypertension and understanding the regulatory mechanisms of VSM may provide some insights to specific treatment of hypertension. Upon muscle stimulation, Ca2+, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, crossbridge cycling rates and force increase to high levels, but with time, force is maintained while all other parameters of muscle activation fall to low levels. Thus, contraction is divided temporally into early (phasic) and late (tonic) phases, as determined by the underlying regulatory mechanism. Muscles with more phasic characteristics have a higher peak …


Inhibition Of Margination And Diapedesis Of Neutrophils By Protein Synthesis Blockade, Phyllis V. Acquah Jan 2006

Inhibition Of Margination And Diapedesis Of Neutrophils By Protein Synthesis Blockade, Phyllis V. Acquah

Theses and Dissertations

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), an age-old clinical problem facing the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units of all health systems, is a common debilitating lung condition consequent upon severe systemic inflammation. Although several studies have gone into understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease thus making way for new advances in treatment strategies, there seems to be no known study tailored to its prevention. Neutrophil extravasation within the tissues during inflammation is the hallmark of this syndrome. Our study sought to block excessive neutrophil infiltration by inhibiting the biosynthesis of some essential proteins necessary for the process. In …


Use Of A Synthetic Substrate For Orthodontic Bond Strength Testing, Elijah B. Saikaly Jan 2006

Use Of A Synthetic Substrate For Orthodontic Bond Strength Testing, Elijah B. Saikaly

Theses and Dissertations

In vitro bond strength studies are of great importance and interest since they allow the prediction of clinical success of orthodontic adhesives. There are many studies that have investigated bond strength values of bonding systems. However, due to the variation in the materials and methods employed, it is very difficult and often impossible to make comparisons among data. The use of a substrate as an alternate to enamel for mechanical tests would minimize these variables and reduce the challenges faced with in vitro bond strength tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of Macor as a …


Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase Type-Ii Associates With Flightless-I To Influence Its Nuclear Localization, Matthew Edward Seward Jan 2006

Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase Type-Ii Associates With Flightless-I To Influence Its Nuclear Localization, Matthew Edward Seward

Theses and Dissertations

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type-II (CaMK-II) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase regulated by Ca2+ and Calmodulin. It is a highly conserved and broadly expressed enzyme and has a unique structure and dynamic regulation. It has the ability to remain active in the absence of Ca 2+ as a result of Ca2+ dependent autophosphorylation. CaMK-II phospliorylates proteins involved in neurotransmitter secretion, long term potentiation, cytoskeletal dynamics, gene transcription, and cell motility. To support existing and identify new intracellular roles of CaMK-II, potential binding partners were identified. This was accomplished by transfecting and purifying "FLAG-tagged" CaMK-II's (α, βE, δC, and δE). CaMK-II associated …