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Systemic Levels Of G-Csf And Il-6 Determine The Angiogenic Potential Of Bone Marrow Resident Monocytes, Alyssa Gregory

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of hematopoietic cell-based therapies in promoting therapeutic angiogenesis for a wide variety of vascular syndromes, however the cell populations responsible and the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Using a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia, we previously showed that an adoptive transfer of donor monocytes significantly enhanced revascularization. Monocytes are a widely heterogeneous cell population and differences in the ability of various monocyte subsets to mediate revascularization have not been previously investigated. Using the hindlimb ischemia model we demonstrate that an adoptive transfer of inflammatory: CX3CR loGr-1+), but not resident: CX3CR1hiGr-1-) monocytes, significantly enhances revascularization …

Aerosol Filtration And Separation, Tachih Hsiao

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Aerosol Filtration and Separation by Ta-Chih Hsiao Doctor of Philosophy in Energy, Environmental, & Chemical Engineering Washington University in St. Louis, 2009 Professor Da-Ren Chen, Advisor Particle control technologies are essential in many manufacturing industries: chemical, electronic, mineral, and food and beverages) as well as in pollution abatement and environmental control: for example, clean rooms and post processing of power plant emissions). A variety of particle control technologies using different physical forces and various collection substrates have been developed over the last 100 or so years. Among these technologies, filtration is known as the most economical …

Getting Out Of Wonderland: Elizabeth Bishop, Sylvia Plath, Adrienne Rich, And Anne Sexton, Jessica Mccort

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

This project examines the appropriation of children's literature, particularly Grimm's and Andersen's fairy tales and Lewis Carroll's Alice books, by Elizabeth Bishop, Sylvia Plath, Adrienne Rich, and Anne Sexton. Influenced by the cultural fixation on the child and the increasing popularity of Freudian discourse in American culture, the rise of confessional poetry, and second-wave feminist interest in female socialization, Bishop, Plath, Rich, and Sexton pursued in their poetry and prose an investigation of self and social formation that was simultaneously rooted in the public exhumation of the personal past and the personalized exploration of the dominant narratives of girlhood purveyed …

Taking The Edge Off: The Role Of Stressful Events And Perceived Stress On Alcohol Use And Problems Among Older Adults, Paul Sacco

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Alcohol misuse by older adults is a significant public health concern and is projected to worsen with the aging of the "baby boom" generation. To help understand the nature of older adult alcoholism, it is crucial to investigate factors such as stress that may influence consumption and problem use among older adults. Findings are mixed on the role of stress and coping in alcohol use, and studies comparing the role of stress and coping in alcohol use on different age groups are rare. Therefore, this study had the following aims: 1) To test a stress and coping model of current …

The Effect Of Limb Movement On The Lumbopelvic Region In People With Low Back Pain, Sara Scholtes

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Low back pain: LBP) affects up to 80% of the population at some point in their lifetime. Several models have been proposed to explain the persistent and recurrent course of LBP. In particular, the Movement System Impairment model proposes that lumbopelvic motion that begins soon after the start of an active movement is important to LBP because of its potential contribution to increased frequency of lumbopelvic motion across the day. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine aspects of this model, focusing specifically on lumbopelvic motion during limb movements. In Chapter 2, we examine whether men and women with …

Oxygen-Enhanced Combustion: Theory And Applications, Scott Skeen

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

In the broadest sense, oxygen-enhanced combustion: OEC) refers to the use of oxygen to improve combustion and/or process characteristics. When a stream of oxygen is available, a wide range of flame configurations is possible. This work considers two specific configurations of OEC and is divided into two parts. In Part I, fundamental experimental and numerical flame studies explore the combustion of gaseous fuel/inert mixtures in oxygen-enriched air or pure oxygen under well-defined conditions. Part II targets a more practical application by considering the combustion of solid fuels in a variety of oxygen/carbon dioxide mixing scenarios. For gaseous non-premixed flames, combining …

Health Service Utilization Among Chinese, Filipino, And Asian Indian Older Adults In The United States, Jing Tan

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The United States is becoming more ethnically diverse, with a rapidly growing Asian population. At the same time, the graying of America brings with it special consideration for America's ethnic minorities. The current research on service utilization among Asian American older adults is very limited. The purposes of this study are:: 1) to describe and compare health service needs and health insurance coverage among Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian older adults;: 2) to use modified Andersen's behavior model to identify what predisposing factors, enabling factors, need factors, and immigrant-related factors are associated with health service utilization; and: 3) to test …

Metal Oxide Semiconductors For Solar Energy Harvesting, Elijah Thimsen

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The correlation between energy consumption and human development illustrates the importance of this societal resource. We will consume more energy in the future. In light of issues with the status quo, such as climate change, long-term supply and security, solar energy is an attractive source. It is plentiful, virtually inexhaustible, and can provide more than enough energy to power society. However, the issue with producing electricity and fuels from solar energy is that it is expensive, primarily from the materials: silicon) used in building the cells. Metal oxide semiconductors are an attractive class of materials that are extremely low cost …

Electrocardiographic Consequences Of Electrical And Anatomical Remodeling In Diabetic And Obese Humans, Shuli Wang

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Background. Diabetes and obesity are two major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Both can cause changes due to cardiac sources in body-surface potentials: BSPs), that is, in electrocardiograms: ECGs). By identifying the major effects of diabetes and obesity on BSPs, we hope to reveal the electrical phenotype of diabetes in body-surface ECGs in the presence of obesity. Methods. A Bidomain Platform was constructed to link heart-surface transmembrane potentials: TMPs) and BSPs. The Forward-Problem Module of the platform calculates BSPs from a bidomain-model of myocyte TMPs and torso anatomy. The platform also contains a Cardio-myocyte TMP Estimation Module in which an …

Hiv-1 Envelope-Induced Signaling Mediates Actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangements Necessary For Fusion And Entry, Brooke Harmon

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1: HIV-1) initiates infection by direct fusion of the virus membrane with the plasma membrane of the target cell. This fusion event is a multi-step process mediated by the envelope: Env) surface subunit gp120 and the transmembrane subunit gp41 which anchors gp120 into the viral membrane. First the surface subunit gp120 binds to the primary receptor CD4. This interaction promotes actin cytoskeletal rearrangements in the target membrane that bring the chemokine coreceptor, CCR5 or CXCR4, into close proximity for binding and induces conformational changes in gp120 that allow it to couple to the coreceptor. Formation of the …

Characterization Of Ligand-Induced Conformational Changes In The Egf Receptor, Katherine Yang

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION Characterization of ligand-induced conformational changes in the EGF receptor by Katherine S. Yang Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry Washington University in St. Louis, 2009 Professor Linda Pike, Chairperson The epidermal growth factor: EGF) receptor is a classical receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation in response to growth factor stimulation. Crystal structures of the EGF receptor suggest that its activation is associated with extensive conformational changes in both the extracellular and intracellular domains. However, evidence of these structural dynamics in intact cells has been lacking. This thesis describes the characterization of …

Batf Regulates Previously Unknown Ap-1 Target Genes To Control Th17 Differentiation, Barbara Schraml

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Activator protein 1: AP-1) transcription factors are dimers of Jun, Fos, musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma: MAF) and activating transcription factor: ATF) family proteins that are characterized by a basic region and a leucine zipper domain. While many AP-1 proteins also contain defined transcriptional activation domains: TADs), some consist only of a basic region and leucine zipper and are thought to function as inhibitors of AP-1 activity. We found that the AP-1 protein Batf, which lacks a TAD, is highly expressed in T helper cells compared to various other immune cells and tissues. IL-17-producing T helper: TH17) cells are a CD4+ T cell …

Meta-Analysis For Functions Of Heterogeneous Multivariate Effect Sizes, Adam Hafdahl

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

No abstract provided.

A Thesis Towards Development Of An Occupational Therapy Game System For Stroke Patients, Emily Yang

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Persons who have suffered from stroke participate in occupational therapy to help recover occupational functionality, but therapy is expensive and maximal recovery often depends on repetitive, tedious exercises to be done by patients both in therapy sessions and on their own. Often patients do not have the resources or motivation to complete the treatment required to give them the best results. This thesis is presented as part of a larger project in which we aim to enable occupational therapists to use the Looking Glass programming environment to create computer games for their patients that can be played inexpensively and effectively, …

Identity Development Of Latino Gay Men, Manuel Montoya Tajon

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Much has been written on gay identity development and ethnic identity, but research conducted that examines the cross-section of both identities is very limited. Several theories have been proposed which detail gay and lesbian identity development, which involve a conversion of attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavior from a dominant heterosexual culture to those of the minority gay and lesbian culture. Likewise, ethnic identity models propose similar stage sequential processes and conversion from a dominant Anglo culture to those of a minority ethnic culture. Both the ethnic and gay identity development models function and are based on two dichotomous variables (e.g., …

Mentoring Apprentice Music Therapists For Peace And Social Justice Through Community Music Therapy: An Arts-Based Study, Guylaine Vaillancourt

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Community music therapy (CoMT) is a creative approach that liberates expressions, giving voice to groups of individuals of all age, status, and race who contribute, in their own way, to build a better society. In this dissertation, I intend to reveal some of the critical themes in the experiences and relationships that apprentice music therapists have with community music therapy, peace, social justice, leadership, and mentorship. Individual interviews were conducted with apprentice music therapists who participated in a co-researchers’ group experience using arts-based research (ABR) and participatory action research (PAR). Principles and foundations for a future model of practice in …

Contextual Leadership: The Social Construction Of Leadership In A Comprehensive Healthcare System, Mark J. Moir

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Healthcare is a complex and dynamic environment containing a plurality of social forces and perspectives that shape the organizational culture and the nature of the leadership. As leadership is a social phenomenon, it is important to understand the complex social processes that mediate our perceptions and that in turn influence processes of leader attribution. The central purpose of this study has been to illuminate the nature of culturally specific processes that emerge within a specific organizational setting and that fuel leader attribution and the social construction of leadership. Accordingly, this qualitative study has developed a Grounded Theory utilizing Situational Analysis …

Educating Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisors: A Grounded Theory Study Of Supervisory Wisdom, Judith R. Ragsdale

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an 80 year old education modality that provides professional education for students of pastoral care. Supervision is central to the CPE process. Pastoral supervisors in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) have done little writing about their work educating Students in Supervisory Education (SSEs). The purpose of this dissertation is to identify and interview those practitioners in ACPE who have been identified by their peers as excellent in practice, and to cull their wisdom by listening to and categorizing their experience of supervising SSEs. The research question to the supervisors was: What is your …

The Leader's Experience Of Relational Leadership: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Leadership As Friendship, Deborah A. Fredericks

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

There are many ways to lead others, all of which involve a relationship among parties. However, the heartbeat of leadership may be a leader's relational sensibility. This research explored the leader's experience of relational leadership and the extent to which the metaphor of leadership as friendship described its qualities. It also explored whether actual friendship between leaders and followers was possible with this form of leadership. The topic of relational leadership was approached through a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology to explore the lived experiences of six women leaders. Their experience of relational leadership and the degree to which the metaphor of …

Public Service Employees' Experiences In Communities Of Practice, Michael Clifford Shoop

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Communities of Practice (CoPs) have become a widely used method to enhance knowledge management, knowledge transfer, innovation and learning in large, complex organizations. Since first introduced by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger in their 1991 book, Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation, the concept has been widely discussed in the private, public and educational sectors. Much of the literature has focused on either the abstract, theoretical underpinnings or the structural elements of CoPs with little attention paid to the actual experience of individual participants in CoPs - in effect reflecting the perspectives of the architects and builders of a home but …

Detection Of Numerous Verotoxigenic E. Coli Serotypes, With Multiple Antibiotic Resistance From Cattle Faeces And Soil, L. Scott, P. Mcgee, Ciara Walsh, Seamus Fanning, T. Sweeney, J. Blanco, M. Karczmarczyk, B. Earley, N. Leonard, J.J. Sheridan

Articles

Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) belong to a diverse range of serotypes. Serotypes O157 and O26 are predominately identified in VTEC-associated disease in Europe, however due to difficulty in detection little is known about the epidemiology of non-O157 serotypes. This study reports the identification of 7 VTEC serotypes from cattle faeces and soil. Cattle faeces samples (n = 128) were taken from animals in 6 different farms, with soil samples (n = 20) obtained from 1 farm. After sample incubation in modified tryptone soy broth (mTSB) supplemented with streptomycin sulphate samples were plated onto sorbitol MacConkey (SMAC) also supplemented …

Childhood Nature Contact And Its Effect On Adult Coping Skills, Mary-Jeanne Raleigh

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Reported anxiety levels continue to rise, in conjunction with a decrease in the depth and breath of coping strategies reported in college populations throughout the United States (Arthur, 1998; Twenge, 2000). Emotional management skills begin development in middle childhood (8-12yrs) and transition into adult coping skills in early adulthood (18-24yrs) (Seifert, 2000). The uses of natural restorative environments for coping may be reinforced during developmental phases in which coping skills are being learned. The development of coping strategies incorporating the use of natural restorative environments maybe contingent on early exposure to the qualities of natural restorative space found in routine …

Toward A More Wholly Communion: Cultivating Ecological Enlightenment And Sustainable Action In Christians, Cary Hauptman Gaunt

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Increasingly, environmental, scientific, and religious organizations and leaders are calling for people of faith to wake up to the global climate and other environmental crises and step up their ecological responsibility by leading more sustainable lives. Yet only a few seem to hear the calls and even fewer are responding in substantive ways. Many have commented on the gap between the religious theory for environmental care and the actual practice of living ecologically sustainable lives. Exploring how to bridge this gap is increasingly important as environmental regulatory, policy, and technology efforts fall short of goals and environmental professionals, including regulators, …

How Hospital Environmental Managers Learn Compliance: A Learning Process Model, Victoria Anne Jas

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Recent national media coverage of hospital mismanagement of hazardous materialsand waste has brought the practices of all hospitals into public scrutiny. Many people are amazed to learn that there is no national training or accreditation program for environmental management in hospitals. Hospitals are held to the same standards for hazardous materials management as are corporations in the industrial sector. Rural hospitals are particularly challenged because they have few resources. Overall, small hospitals need much improvement, but there are also examples of where individuals have done exemplary innovative work in improving environmental management. In this study I investigated the challenge rural …

An Analysis Of The Current United States And State Of Washington's Mental Health Policies Serving Children And Families, Maile M. Bay

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Due to continued fragmentation and gaps in mental health services and the increase in the prevalence of mental health problems for children, youth, and their families, these populations remain underserved. In 2003, the federal New Freedom Commission (Commission) responded by publishing policies to address these concerns. As directed in 2005, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded planning incentive grants to states to transform their delivery of care.

The study reviewed the federal policy, specifically the recommendations of the Commission’s Subcommittee on Children and Families, and Washington State’s policy and implementation actions of its five-year SAMHSA incentive …

Flame, Furnace, Fuel: Creating Kansas City In The Nineteenth Century, Twyla Dell

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Though this work is a fuel and energy history of Kansas City from 1820 to 1920, it also provides a tool to describe and analyze fuel and energy transitions. The four parts follow the rise and fall of wood, coal and oil as their use grows to a peak and, in the case of wood, declines. The founding and growth of Kansas City as an “instant city” that grew from zero population to over three hundred twenty thousand in a hundred years embodies the increased use of fuels and energy in an urban setting and serves as a case study. …

A Search For Meaning: The Family’S Response To Serious Mental Illness, Katherine Marie Burrelsman

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

It is a commonly held belief that it is inherent in human nature to strive for coherence and meaning in the midst of adversity. Whether this is short or long term, for immediate or prolonged functioning, we all strive to put experiences within events into a framework that enables us to develop a sense of order leading to acceptance and resolution. Therefore, each individual within a family system may develop a hypothesis in order to make a modicum of sense of what can appear to be an impossible situation. The participants involved in this study were individuals with relatives suffering …

A Meta-Analytical Study Of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Symptomology And Comorbidity, April Walter

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

A meta-analysis approach was employed to research the symptomatology andcomorbidity of pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). This approach was chosen due to the wide range of previously published research results and the limited size of the populations investigated. Database searches of peer-reviewed empirical research identified 861 journal articles published on the topic of pediatric bipolar disorder over the last 49 years. Fifty-four articles, with a total subject pool of 10,318, met specific inclusion criteria, which included being a quantitative study using standardized mean difference, correlation coefficient, or odds-ratio statistics. Fifteen separate meta-analyses were used to determine specificity regarding: differences reported in …

Antimicrobial Activity Of Plant Essential Oils Using Food Model Media: Efficacy, Synergistic Potential And Interaction With Food Components, Jorge Gutierrez, Catherine Barry-Ryan, Paula Bourke

Articles

The aim of this study was to optimise the antimicrobial efficacy of plant essential oils (EOs) for control of Listeria spp. and spoilage bacteria using food model media based on lettuce, meat and milk. The EOs evaluated were lemon balm, marjoram, oregano and thyme and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined against Enterobacter spp., Listeria spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. using the agar dilution method and/or the absorbance based microplate assay. MICs were significantly lower in lettuce and beef media than in TSB. Listeria strains were more sensitive than spoilage bacteria, and oregano and thyme were the most …

Historical Review Of Elk-Agriculture Conflicts In And Around Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada, Ryan K. Brook

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Conflicts between elk (Cervus elaphus) and farmers have been occurring since the 1880s when agriculture began around what is now Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP). Initially, the conflicts were related to low elk numbers caused primarily by unregulated harvest of elk. The creation of RMNP in 1930 and the associated ban on hunting allowed elk numbers to reach critically high levels. Since farming began, elk have been associated with considerable damage to fences and crops around RMNP, with annual damage often >$240,000. Hunting on agricultural lands has been the most common approach to mitigating elk impacts, despite its …