Digital Commons Network^™

Automated Methods For Fiber Diameter Measurement Of Fibrous Scaffolds, Anna Bulysheva

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this work was to develop an automated method of measuring fiber diameters of electrospun scaffolds from scanning electron microscopy images of these scaffolds. Several automated methods were developed and evaluated by comparison to known values and data obtained via the standard manual method. Simulated images with known diameters were used as test images to evaluate the accuracy of each measurement technique. Eight scanning electron microscopy images were also used for the evaluation of the automated methods compared to the standard manual method. All diameter measurements were made in pixels. Five new automated methods coded in MATLAB were …

Multidimensional Methods: Applications In Drug-Enzyme Intrinsic Clearance Determination And Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Peak Volume Determination, Dennis Thekkudan

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of the first project was to evaluate strategies for determining the in vitro intrinsic clearance (CLint) of dextrorphan (DR) as metabolized by the UGT2B7 enzyme to obtain dextrorphan glucuronide (DR-G). A direct injection liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was used to monitor products using the pseudo-first-order (PFO) model. Standard enzymatic incubations were also quantified using LC-MS. These data were fit utilizing both PFO and Michaelis-Menten (MM) models to determine estimates of kinetic parameters. The CLint was determined to be 0.28 (± 0.08) µL/min/mg protein for a baculovirus insect cell-expressed UGT2B7 enzyme. This is the first confirmation that dextrorphan …

Vitamin B6 Metabolism And Regulation Of Pyridoxal Kinase, Amit Gandhi

Theses and Dissertations

Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is the cofactor for over 140 vitamin B6 (PLP)-dependent enzymes that are involved in various metabolic and biosynthetic pathways. Pyridoxal kinase (PL kinase) and pyridoxine 5’-phosphate oxidase (PNP oxidase) are the two key enzymes that metabolize nutritional forms of vitamin B6, including pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), and pyridoxamine (PM) to the active cofactor form, PLP. Disruption of the PLP metabolic pathway due to mutations in PNP oxidase or PL kinase result in PLP deficiency, which is implicated in several neurological pathologies. Several ingested compounds are also known to result in PLP deficiency with concomitant neurotoxic effects. How …

Developing The Nomological Network Of Perceived Corporate Affinity For Technology: A Three Essay Dissertation, David Earl Fleming

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Technology is changing the face of both the sales and service domains. Honebein and Cammarano (2006) note that properly implemented self-service technologies serve dual purposes of decreasing firm overhead costs, while simultaneously engaging the customer in a way encourages the co-create of value for both parties. To get these benefits stakeholders must be willing to adopt and use the technologies that are available.

Traditionally, this has lead to the research question "How do firms do this?" However, according to a recent article by Woodall, Colby and Parasuraman (2007), consumers are now demanding more technology-based options and becoming more technologically savvy. …

Neophyte Qualitative Researcher Finding His Voice Through Qualitative Journeys, Matthew K. Robison

The Qualitative Report

If you are looking for a book written about the qualitative research experience, you can find it in Victor Minichiello and Jeffery A. Kottler’s (2010c) edited volume Qualitative Journeys: Student and Mentor Experiences with Research. For a neophyte qualitative researcher who is finding his voice as a budding qualitative scholar, this book serves as an inspiration. This easy-to-read book gives a firsthand look at what other new, and oftentimes struggling, qualitative researchers experienced as they began their research journeys. Overall, the book builds a sense of excitement and interest in the qualitative paradigm; and, after reading it, I am energized …

Lanthorn, Vol. 44, No. 29, December 7, 2009, Grand Valley State University

Volume 44, July 8, 2009 - June 10, 2010

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Organizational Supports And Youth Life Skill Development: Adult Volunteers As Mentors, Managers And “Mediators”, Kate Fogarty, Bryan Terry, Dale Pracht, Joy Jordan

Journal of Youth Development

A statewide community club evaluation (youth self-report), empirically testing a logic model of factors influencing youth life skill development is described. Results supported that the way adult volunteers manage and mentor youth and explained how 4-H program features (e.g., youth sense of belonging, safety, and support) influence life skill development. Youth engagement in activities was also linked with life skills and organizational supports were linked with youth engagement in the model. Future directions based on the findings to be discussed include: (1) examining volunteer competencies to build upon in training; (2) use of SEM to understand the larger picture of …

Noninvasive Estimation Of Pulmonary Artery Pressure Using Heart Sound Analysis, Aaron W. Dennis

Theses and Dissertations

Right-heart catheterization is the most accurate method for estimating pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). Because it is an invasive procedure it is expensive, exposes patients to the risk of infection, and is not suited for long-term monitoring situations. Medical researchers have shown that PAP influences the characteristics of heart sounds. This suggests that heart sound analysis is a potential noninvasive solution to the PAP estimation problem. This thesis describes the development of a prototype system, called PAPEr, which estimates PAP noninvasively using heart sound analysis. PAPEr uses patient data with machine learning algorithms to build models of how PAP affects heart …

Fused Visible And Infrared Video For Use In Wilderness Search And Rescue, Dennis Eggett, Michael A. Goodrich, Bryan S. Morse, Nathan Rasmussen

Faculty Publications

Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (mUAVs) have the potential to assist Wilderness Search and Rescue groups by providing a bird’s eye view of the search area. This paper proposes a method for augmenting visible-spectrum searching with infrared sensing in order to make use of thermal search clues. It details a method for combining the color and heat information from these two modalities into a single fused display to reduce needed screen space for remote field use. To align the video frames for fusion, a method for simultaneously pre-calibrating the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the cameras and their mount using a …

Slow Isoinertial Cervical Strength Training Does Not Alter Dynamic Stabilization Of The Head And Neck During A Standard Football Tackle, Peter J. Lisman

Open Access Dissertations

The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles are the primary dynamic stabilizers of the head and neck and likely attenuate head acceleration with direct and indirect impacts. Increasing the strength of the SCM and UT through cervical resistance training has been recommended to prevent concussions in football players. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an eight-week isoinertial cervical resistance training program on SCM and UT muscle activity (EMG) and kinematic responses of the head and neck during a standard football tackle in college-aged males. Sixteen college-aged males (21.6 ± 2.8 y, 94.6 ± 13.3 …

Nocturnal Fish Distribution, Feeding And Predation Risk In Relation To A Mangrove-Seagrass Ecotone, Neil Hammerschlag

Open Access Dissertations

The combined effects of food availability and predation risk on fish foraging behavior have been investigated via both laboratory and field experiments, primarily in temperate, freshwater systems and during daylight hours. In contrast, relatively little attention has been directed towards fish foraging decisions along subtropical shorelines, which serve as nursery grounds for a variety of economically important fishes, as well as at night, when many species emerge from refuges to feed. The mangrove-seagrass ecotone and adjacent seagrass beds constitute nocturnal feeding grounds for fish secondary-tertiary consumers. In subtropical Biscayne Bay, Florida (USA), I investigated the influences of food and risk …

A Pedagogical And Educational Examination Of The First Month At The Piano By Mana-Zucca, Laura Helene Keith

Open Access Dissertations

The First Month at the Piano by Mana-Zucca, published in 1935, is a pioneering piano method to be taught by rote, supporting sound before sight learning theories, to the pre-school student. It differs from the Suzuki method in that The First Month at the Piano uses short, repetitive patterns, intrinsic to the Edwin Gordon Music Learning Theory. The First Month at the Piano has been compared to educational theories and has been found to follow Lev Vygotsky's theory of scaffolding and Jerome Bruner's principles of structure, readiness for learning, and motivation. The First Month at the Piano has been shown …

Functional Deficits In Motor Terminals And Their Mitochondria In Mouse Models Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Khanh Tu Nguyen

Open Access Dissertations

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which the upper and lower motor neurons die. Most studies aimed at elucidating the cause of this disease have focused on the motor neuron cell body. However, recent work has suggested that the disease may begin in motor nerve terminals. The experiments described in Chapters 2-4 of this dissertation studied functional defects in motor nerve terminals of mice expressing mutant human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1-G93A, SOD1-G85R), models of familial ALS. In Chapter 2, the proximal hind limbs of SOD1-G93A mice were subjected to varying durations of a tourniquet-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury to …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - December 6, 2009, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the December 6, 2009 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler

Contents Include:

• USA Mourns Loss of Radiology Chair

Church Bulletin, December 6, 2009

Church Bulletin

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in Ottawa, Canada

Church Bulletin Finding Aid

Deafdigest: Blue Edition, December 6, 2009, Barry Strassler

DeafDigest Blue 2009

No abstract provided.

Handel's Messiah, Music Department

Concerts

Performed by the Eastern Symphony Chamber Orchestra, EIU Concert Choir and Collegium Musicum. Featuring Mark DeGoti (piccolo trumpet) and Baritone Jay Ivey. Conducted by Richard Robert Rossi.

12/06/2009 Obituary Records, Hawaii Obituaries

Obituaries

List of Obituaries for individuals who passed away on 12/06/2009. Scroll down to see the names and obituary description.

St. Mark’S Catholic Community Of The Deaf, December 6, 2009

Saint Mark's Catholic Community of the Deaf

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in Edmonton, Canada

Saint Mark's Catholic Community of the Deaf Finding Aid

Psu Bands, Pittsburg State University

Recital Booklets

A Community Christmas Concert featuring music by Smith, Shayne/Slechta, Long, Kopetz, Slechta, Beal/Boothe/Slechta, Reed, and Anderson at Memorial Auditorium at 3:00 PM

Deafdigest: Gold Edition, December 6, 2009, Barry Strassler

DeafDigest Gold 2009

No abstract provided.

The Faithful Flyer, 12-06-2009, University Of Dayton. Campus Ministry

Chapel Bulletins

No abstract provided.

Senior Recital, Carolyn Elizabeth Kelly

Printed Performance Programs (PDF Format)

No abstract provided.

Campus Weekly Crime Report For The Week Ending December 6, 2009, University Of South Florida St. Petersburg. University Police Services.

Crime Reports, Alerts, and Information

The weekly crime report for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg's campus for the week ending December 6, 2009.

Andress, Bruce K. (Fa 472), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 472. Project conducted by Andress concerning Wayman Hayes, a Bowling Green, Kentucky toymaker. Project includes some toys made by Hayes, patterns for the toys, as well as information about marketing them.

Brave New (Pedagogical) World: Participating In The Selection Of – And Actually Using – A New Course Management System, Amanda Izenstark

Public Services Faculty Presentations

When the University of Rhode Island was faced with the opportunity to upgrade the current course management system (CMS) or to select a new one, two librarians asked for a seat at the table. Once the decision was made, one librarian opted to dive into the new system and run a section of an online 3-credit Information Literacy class using the newly adopted technology. Both the librarian – the first instructor on campus to move an entire class into the system – and the students in the class became pioneers in a new pedagogical world. This paper presentation will describe …

St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church And Center For The Deaf Sunday Bulletin, December 6, 2009

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Center for the Deaf Sunday Bulletin

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in Landover Hills, MD

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Center for the Deaf Sunday Bulletin Finding Aid

Urinary Tract Infection Incidence In College Students, Salahaldein B. Alwindy

Baghdad Science Journal

Result of studying (61) urine samples collected from students department of Biology in the College of Education-Tikrit University and the people who hold signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections with those who do not have any signs or symptoms through a questionnaire has been with the collection of samples, and the total cases were infected (39 ) cases, a rate (63.9%) distributed (28) cases a female (68.2%) and male (11) cases event rate (55%), while the distribution of positive cases among age groups have emerged group (20-22 years) is the highest rate (56%) females. The results of urine cultures …

Pathological Study Of Aspergillus Fumigatus In Wild & Laboratory Rabbits In Baghdad City, Muna T. Al-Mossawei

Baghdad Science Journal

This study was designed to be isolate and identify the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus in wild male rabbits in Baghdad city from (Al Kezel and New Baghdad Markets). (50) Male wild rabbits were included in this study, the rabbits were randomly selected kept into animals house in college of vet. medicine in Baghdad University Eight sample were taken from each wild rabbits for fungal examination included (blood, liver, kidney, spleen, lung, intestine, skin scraping and cotton swabs (from mouth & rectum) the results revealed that 40% of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from blood and 20%from skin scraping. In experimental design,30 white swiss …

Effect The Combination Of Antibiotics On Clinical Isolates Of Staphylococcus Aureus, Issra Ali Zaidan, Abdul Kareem A. Al-Kazaz, Ali Sadique Mohammed

Baghdad Science Journal

Atotal of 75 different clinical samples were collected from different hospitals in Baghdad Biochemical and morphological characterization tests showed that forty isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus Antibiotic susceptibility tests of all isolates towards ten antibiotics were carried out and results showed that many isolates (97.5 %) were resistant to β-lactam antibiotic , 70 % were resistant to Tetracyclinee , 62.5% were resistant to co-trimoxazole , 60 % were resistant to ciprofloxacin , 55% were resistant both of chloramphenicol and erythromycin , 52.5% were resistant to gentamicin , 35% were resistant to rifampicin , 10% were resistant to vancomycin . …