Digital Commons Network^™

25-Hydoxyvitamin D Levels Among Healthy Saudi Arabian Women, Haifa A. Al-Turki, Mir Sadat-Ali, Abdulmohsen H. Al-Elq, Fathma A. Al-Mulhim, Amein K. Al-Ali

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To assess the serum level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D 25OHD among healthy Saudi Arabian women living in the eastern province. METHODS: A cross-sectional randomized study was conducted between February 1st 2008 and May 31st 2008 at the King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 200 Saudi women between 25-35 years group 1 and women of >/=50 years group 2. Clinical examination, laboratory tests, a complete blood picture, serum calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and the serum levels of 25OHD levels were carried out. Data on lifestyle, dietary, and demographic questionnaires were collected. Vitamin D was defined …

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Of The Mesentery Associated With High Fever And Positive Widal Test, Camil J. Chouairy, Elie A. Bechara, Sleiman J. Gebran, Ramy H. Ghabril

Saudi Medical Journal

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is associated in 15-30% of cases with systemic symptomatology, such as prolonged fever, weight loss, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anemia, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis. We report the case of a 4-year-old Lebanese boy who presented with high-grade fever of long duration, and a single (unpaired) positive Widal agglutination test. Blood culture was negative. A diagnosis of typhoid fever was made. An abdominal (mesenteric) IMT was incidentally discovered, 30 days after the fever had appeared. After surgery, the fever disappeared immediately, and the ESR returned to normal. We strongly favor the possibility of a false positive Widal …

Emergency Cervical Cerclage. Does The Gestational Age Make A Difference?, Mamdoh A Eskandar

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Free Catecholamines In Urine By Tandem Affinity/Ion-Pair Chromatography And Flow Injection Analysis, David H. Thomas, Jay D. Taylor, Omar S. Barnaby, David S. Hage

David Hage Publications

Background—A system was developed for the simultaneous measurement in urine of free catecholamines (i.e., dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) and creatinine (i.e., an indicator of urine output and volume). This method was based on the use of tandem affinity/ion-pair HPLC and flow injection analysis.

Methods—The free catecholamines were extracted directly from urine by using an on-line phenylboronic acid affinity column. The extracted solutes were then separated and measured by ionpair chromatography followed by amperometric detection. Creatinine was measured by an on-line flow injection analysis system based on the Jaffe reaction, which analyzed creatinine as it eluted nonretained from the phenylboronic …

How Does A Riverine Setting Affect The Lifestyle Of Shellmound Builders In Brazil?, Sabine Eggers, C. C. Petronilho, K. Brandt, C. Jericó-Daminello, J. Filippini, Karl Reinhard

Karl Reinhard Publications

The contact of inland and coastal prehistoric groups in Brazil is believed to have been restricted to regions with no geographical barrier, as is the case in the Ribeira de Iguape valley. The inland osteological collection from the riverine shellmound Moraes (5800–4500 BP) represents a unique opportunity to test this assumption for this region. Despite cultural similarities between riverine and coastal shellmounds, important ecological and site distribution differences are expected to impact on lifestyle. The purpose of this study is thus to document and interpret health and lifestyle indicators in Moraes in comparison to coastal shellmound groups. Specifically we test …

Acceptance Of The Clark P. Read Mentor Award: Students, Opportunity, Serendipity, And W.B. Yeats: "Education Is Not The Filling Of A Pail; It Is The Lighting Of A Fire", Donald W. Duszynski

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Transcript of the speech given by Donald W. Duszynski, of the University of New Mexico, upon acceptance of the American Society of Parasitologists' Clark P. Read Mentor Award, 2008.

The Effect Of The Amide Substituent On The Biodistribution And Tolerance Of Lanthanide(Iii) Dota-Tetraamide Derivatives, Mark Woods, Peter Caravan, Carlos F.G.C. Geraldes, Matthew T. Greenfield, Garry Kiefer, Mai Lin, Kenneth Mcmillan, M. Isabel M. Prata, Ana C. Santos, Xiankai Sun, Jufeng Wang, Shanrong Zhang, Piyu Zhao, A. Dean Sherry

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objectives—Recent advances in the design of MRI contrast agents have rendered the lanthanide complexes of DOTA-tetraamide ligands of considerable interest, both as responsive MR agents and paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer agents. The potential utility of these complexes for in vivo applications is contingent upon them being well tolerated by the body. The purpose of this study was to examine how the nature of the amide substituent, and in particular its charge, affected the fate of these chelates postinjection.

Materials and Methods—Complexes of 6 DOTA-tetraamide ligands were prepared in which the nature of the amide substituent was systematically …

Application Of Structural Control For Civil Engineering Structures, Abdollah Shafieezadeh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study presents the application of control methods in seismic mitigation of structural responses. The study consists of two parts. In the first section, fractional order filters are utilized to enhance the performance of the conventional LQR method for optimal robust control of a simple civil structure. The introduced filters modify the state variables fed back to the constant gain controller. Four combinations of fractional order filter and LQR are considered and optimized based on a new performance criterion defined in the paper. Introducing fractional order filters is shown to improve the results considerably for both the artificially generated ground …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Lactose-Amines With Respect To Oil-In-Water Emulsion Stability, Nidhi Garg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Fatty amines (hexadecyl-amine) can be esterified to lactose via Schiff-base formation at temperatures of 60° C. Extending the time of the reaction results in a darker colored product due to the Maillard reaction. Due to the amphiphilic properties of the lactose-amines, the emulsion stabilization characteristics were investigated.

In this study, synthesis of lactose-amines was done at four different heating and cooling cycles from 4 to 24 hours. Lactose-amines processed for 24 hours and 12 hours of constant heating and cooling cycles are named as 24H and 12H, respectively. Lactose-amines 4H and 8H were processed for 4 and 8 hours of …

The Effect Of Teacher Education Level, Teaching Experience, And Teaching Behaviors On Student Science Achievement, Danhui Zhang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Previous literature leaves us unanswered questions about whether teaching behaviors mediate the relationship between teacher education level and experience with student science achievement. This study examined this question with 655 students from sixth to eighth grade and their 12 science teachers. Student science achievements were measured at the beginning and end of 2006-2007 school year. Given the cluster sampling of students nested in classrooms, which are nested in teachers, a two-level multilevel model was employed to disentangle the effects from teacher-level and student-level factors. Several findings were discovered in this study. Science teachers possessing of advanced degrees in science or …

Gene Expression Analysis Of Immobilized Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Ryan Michael Summers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Immobilization is an effective method to increase ethanol production, as proven by previous research. Results almost exclusively demonstrate an increase in ethanol production by and decrease in reproduction rate of immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Recently, research has been conducted to determine the cause of this change. The extreme variance in results due to lack of technology makes it difficult to determine the cellular changes induced by immobilization. With the advent of new technology, specifically gene expression analysis, the RNA content of cells can be easily and rapidly analyzed.

S. cerevisiae cells were immobilized in 3% (w/v) calcium alginate beads and …

Rank-Data Distribution Method (R-D Method) For Daily Time-Series Bayesian Networks And Total Maximum Daily Load Estimation, Joon-Hee Lee

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Daily time series-based models are required to estimate the higher frequency fluctuations of nutrient loads and concentrations. Some mechanistic mathematical models can provide daily time series outputs of nutrient concentrations but it is difficult to incorporate non-numerical data, such as management scenarios, to mechanistic mathematical models. Bayesian networks (BNs) were designed to accept and process inputs of varied types of both numerical and non-numerical inputs.

A Rank-Data distribution method (R-D method) was developed to provide large time series of daily predicted flows and Total Phosphorus (TP) loads to BNs driving daily time series estimates of T-P concentrations into Hyrum and …

Measuring And Modeling Of Plant Root Uptake Of Organic Chemicals, Erik Dettenmaier

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Determining the root uptake of xenobiotic organic chemicals into plants is critical for assessing the human and ecological health risks associated with the consumption of plants growing in contaminated environments. Root uptake of xenobiotic organics occurs passively in conjunction with transpiration and the transport from root to shoot is ultimately controlled by passage through one or more lipid root membranes. The transpiration stream concentration factor (TSCF), the ratio between the concentration of a chemical in the xylem to that in the solution used by the roots, is used to describe the relative ability of an organic chemical to be passively …

Particle Characterization And Concentration Using Aerodynamic Vectoring, Zac Humes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An experimental demonstration of a new, non-contact particle characterization technique called Aerodynamic Vectoring Particle Sorting (AVPS) is presented. AVPS uses secondary blowing and suction control flows-flows that are a fraction of the jet flow rate-to sharply change the direction of a planar, particle-laden jet. As the jet is vectored, particles present in the flow experience a resultant drag force, dependent upon their size, that balances inertia. Since this balance determines the particle's trajectory, vectoring the flow leads to a separation of particles downstream. This simple, low-pressure-drop sorting technique classifies particles with less risk of damage or contamination than currently available …

Combining Environmental History And Soil Phytolith Analysis At The City Of Rocks National Reserve: Developing New Methods In Historical Ecology, Lesley Morris

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Historical ecology is an emerging and interdisciplinary field that seeks to explain the changes in ecosystems over time through a synthesis of information derived from human records and biological data. The methods in historical ecology cover a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. However, methods for the more recent past (about 200 years) are largely limited to the human archive and dendrochronological evidence which can be subject to human bias, limited in spatial extent or not appropriate for non-forested systems. There is a need to explore new methods by which biological data can be used to understand historic vegetation …

Uptake And Release Kinetics Of Sulfolane By Cattail Plants, Tiffany Leo

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Sulfolane (tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide, C₄H₈O₂S) is a highly water-soluble, non-ionizable, organic compound used along with diisopropanolamine in the Sulfinol™️ process to remove hydrogen sulfide from natural gas. Sulfolane has been identified in wetland vegetation near a sour gas processing facility in Alberta, Canada, and extensive uptake of sulfolane by cattails has also been demonstrated in a laboratory environment. Consequently, it has been suggested that plants could play an important role in the natural attenuation of sulfolane in contaminated wetlands. This assumes that the sulfolane is metabolized and/or sequestered in the plant and not released back …

Integrating Surface And Sub Surface Flow Models Of Different Spatial And Temporal Scales Using Potential Coupling Interfaces, Alphonce Chenjerayi Guzha

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The main objective of this research was to develop and utilize a coupled surface water groundwater model to simulate hydrological responses of watersheds. This was achieved by coupling the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) groundwater flow model, MODFLOW, and the rainfall runoff model, TOPMODEL, in one case study and coupling MODFLOW with a networked version of TOPMODEL called TOPNET in another case study. The model coupling was achieved using the InCouple approach, which utilizes Potential Coupling Interfaces (PCIs) that are abstractions from model flow diagrams that expose only those aspects of a model relevant to coupling. Coupling the rainfall-runoff models to …

Camping: A Positive Developmental Context For Youth With Disabilities/Serious Illness, Christopher T. Troxell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The paper will examine how elements of youth development can enhance the camp experience, so that new camps for youth with disabilities and/or serious illness, such as Flying Horse Farms, can start with a solid knowledge base of what works and why it works. Also, even though the paper is geared toward these specific types of camps, part of its recommendation could be modified to fit the purpose of any camp.

The Environmental And Economic Benefits Of Highway Access Management: A Multivariate Analysis Using System Dynamics, Dan Andersen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Better management of highway operations can be achieved, in part, by controlling vehicular access to adjacent properties and cross streets. This tactic, referred to as access management, has proven safety and operational benefits. However, doubts remain regarding its environmental and economic benefits.

I hypothesize that one environmental indicator, carbon emissions, will decrease with proper access management. Controlling access increases the speed at which vehicles travel, improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. My hypothesis relative to financial impacts is that access management will neither help nor harm businesses. Controlling access can reduce travel time which has the effect of increasing …

Predicting Counseling Psychologists' Attitudes And Clinical Judgments With Respect To Older Adults, Jody K. Tomko

Dissertations

With an emphasis on developmental, strengths-based approaches, as well as a commitment to training multiculturally competent practitioners, the profession of counseling psychology and counseling psychologists are potentially equipped to help address the mental health needs of older adults. Amid projections that Baby Boomers will utilize mental health services at a higher rate than previous cohorts (Rosowsky, 2005), understanding the factors involved in preparing counseling psychologists to provide services to older adults is critical. Older adults, however, have not traditionally been a population served by psychologists (Laganà & Shanks, 2002). Further, possible factors involved in the training and experience of counseling …

Chapter 1. What Is Meritocracy?, Richard T. Longoria

Political Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Storage And Utilization Of Hexamerin Proteins In The Pitcher Plant Mosquito, Wyomyia Smithii, Gangadasu E.C.V. Reddy

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The acquisition of hexamerin proteins in the pitcher plant mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii shows a North-South cline in the southeastern United States. Adult female W. smithii in North Carolina are completely autogenous and larger in size (based on wing length). They are anautogenous in Florida and smaller in size. The adult females in Georgia are intermediate in size with both autogenous and anautogenous behavior. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE) of adult female Wyeomyia smithii revealed a specific temporal pattern of utilization of hexamerin proteins for egg protein, vitellogenin, synthesis. W. smithii from North Carolina utilize majority of stored …

Optimal Resource Management In The Presence Of A Deleterious Alien Species: A Stochastic Model For An Orchard, Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Peter Nijkamp

Articles

Various plants and resources such as orchards are vulnerable to the detrimental effects of successful invasions by alien animal or plant species. To outline an appropriate policy response, we first use renewal theory to construct a stochastic model of optimal orchard management in the presence of a deleterious alien species. Next, we derive the orchard manager’s long run expected cost (LREC) of orchard management per unit time. Finally, we show that when confronted with a successful biological invasion, the optimal number of trees that need to be removed and replanted in order to keep the orchard under study sustainable in …

Applications Of Asymmetric Allylation Reactions Towards Natural Product Synthesis, Philip R. Harsh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A short asymmetric synthesis of (R)-(+)-Goniothalamin oxide was developed and synthesized using a Leighton asymmetric allylation reaction and Grubbs ring-closing metathesis. (R)-(+)-Goniothalamin oxide is a styryl lactone that exhibits anti-cancer activity against a variety of cancer cell lines including MCF-7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231. The methododology of asymmetric allylation is also demonstrated on intermediates of RK-397, which is a 32-membered oxopolyene macrolide with anti-cancer activity.

Review Of Sacramental Commons: Christian Ecological Ethics By John Hart, Jame Schaefer

Theology Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Neuropsychiatric Features Of Parkinsonian Tauopathies And Alpha-Synucleinopathies., Megan Rayne Thompson 1985-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this thesis is to determine if neuropsychiatric features can differentiate parkinsonian patients with: tauopathies from those with alpha-synucleinopathies and explore caregiver distress. Three hundred and four patients (62 with tauopathies and 242 with alpha-synucleinopathies) diagnosed according to published diagnostic criteria were evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). To control for between-group differences a subsample of 235 patients were analyzed. Patients with tauopathies had significantly higher NPI total scores, more apathy, less hallucinations, lower MMSE scores and higher UPDRS scores than those with alpha-synucleinopathies. Hallucinations and delusions …

Redox-Regulated Ethylene Binding To A Rhenium-Thiolate Complex., Kagna Ouch 1983-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports the reactivity of the rhenium-thiolate complex, tris(2-diphenylphosphinobenzenethiolato)rhenium(III), [Re(DPPBT) 3 ] ( 1 ) and its oxidized derivatives with ethylene. The reactivity has been studied by electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and chemical methods. Based on the cyclic voltammetric data, ( 1 ) shows two reversible one electron oxidations and a single reduction. The three redox events are observed at potentials of 420, -340 and -1620 mV versus a ferrocene reference. The events span formal oxidation states from Re(II) to Re(V) although significant ligand participation in the redox events makes these formal assignments misleading with respect to the electronic structure of …

Altered Developmental Programming Of The Mouse Mammary Gland In Female Offspring Following Perinatal Dietary Exposures : A Systems-Biology Perspective., Caleb Deen Bastian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mishaps in prenatal development can influence mammary gland development and, ultimately, affect susceptibility to factors that cause breast cancer. This research was based on the underlying hypothesis that maternal dietary composition during pregnancy can alter developmental (fetal) programming of the mammary gland. We used a computational systems-biology approach and Bayesian-based stochastic search variable selection algorithm (SSVS) to identify differentially expressed genes and biological themes and pathways. Postnatal growth trajectories and gene expression in the mammary gland at 10-weeks of age in female mice were investigated following different maternal diet exposures during prenatal-lactational-early-juvenile development. This correlated a decrease in expression of …

Playing House., Tracey Bennett 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The role of mothers, the constitution of families, and the power of their stories are the bedrock of my thesis, which is the first 90 pages of a novel entitled Playing House . In it, I hope to investigate the denotation and connotation of the words mother and family , in order to investigate the tension between the two. I hope to complicate society's assumption that a womb makes a woman a mother, and the lack of one prohibits it. Many times, we are mothered by someone other than our biological mother--sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Sometimes to …

Op Art : Perceptions Of Reality., Christine Michelle Humphrey 1982-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis and exhibition examine the connection between neurobiology and Op Art. Neurobiological explanations of Op Art's effects are explored as a means to offer insight into the processes of the human mind and eye, and to provide explanations for the optical phenomena that were of interest to the Op artists. The initial chapter provides an overview of Op Art that is intended to offer the viewer a context for understanding the works. It also includes an explanation of the works included in the exhibition. The exhibition showcases examples of Op Art from the University of Louisville's collections as well …