Digital Commons Network^™

Socioeconomic Patterning Of Obesity Among African American Women In The Jackson Heart Study, Tonya Moore

All ETDs from UAB

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to expand upon what has been observed in literature about obesity and its ties to socioeconomic status (SES) among African American Women (AAW) participants of the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). Methods: This secondary analysis was a sub-study of the JHS and focused on four SES variables: education, income, occupation and wealth; and five outcome variables: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Two analytic samples were created in order to examine data collected during Exam 1 (2000-2004) and Exam 2 (2005-2008). …

An Information Theoretical Modeling And Analysis Of Systems, Bunyamin Ozaydin

All ETDs from UAB

The growth of the service industry also comes with problems and complications because of its inherent error proneness. As the complexity of systems increases, whether the system of interest is a service product or a natural phenomenon, it only proves that there is always a need for improved modeling approaches. In this study, we approach systems from an information theoretical perspective. More specifically, we model systems by noisy communication channels and analyze them by a structure of relationships whose elements are commonly used analysis tools in science and engineering. We call this modeling approach and the structure of relationships it …

A Repeated Measures Quantitative Prospective Inquiry Into The Change In Medical Student Self-Reported Empathy In Clinical Rotations, Kristina T C Panizzi Woodley

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This dissertation study examined whether or not there were quantitative changes in medical student self-reported empathy scores over time and across gender within third- and fourth-year cohorts enrolled in an integrated curriculum at a Southeastern U.S. medical school. The dependent variable was quantitative empathy scores at time 1 and time 2 using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE, medical student S-Version). Primary independent variables were cohort year and gender. Variables of clinical campus site, rotation orientation category, and specialty interest orientation category were also explored. The study found that empathy increased for the third-year complete cohort but decreased for the …

Using Mouse Models To Investigate Ciliopathies, Raymond Carl Pasek

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Cilia and flagella are microtubule based organelles found on nearly every cell type in the mammalian body. Flagella have an essential role in sperm locomotion and reproduction, while motile cilia have a known role in fluid movement in the brain, lungs, and portions of the female reproductive tract. While the role of most primary cilia remained unknown for decades, they are now recognized as being essential to mammalian development, renal homeostasis, and satiety, just to name a few. Because of their widespread presence and importance, dysfunction of cilia and flagella can lead to a variety of human diseases, collectively referred …

Impact : Issue 1, Patients' Behbud Society

IMPACT – The Aga Khan University Hospital Archives

Content

- Message from the Chairman

- A fateful encounter that saved my life...

- Our commitment

- Our progress

- Our patients an programmes

Aga Khan University, Report 2012, Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Reports Archives

• Chancellor’s Message
• Chairman’s Message
• From the President
• Reflections of a Trustee
• The AKU World
• Overview: Shaping the Future
• Innovative Solutions in Unlikely Places
• Strong Mothers + Healthy Children = A Better World
• Education for Impact
• Acting on Our Values, Leading the Way
• In the Spotlight
• Executive Team
• University Governance
• University Numbers
• Financial Highlights
• Contact Us
• AKDN

Connectivity And Collaboration: The Use Of Blogs In First-Year Composition, Melissa Peterson

All ETDs from UAB

In this thesis, I discuss the nature of digital communication at a very broad level, examine the evolution and definition of "blogs," and consider ways that blogs can be used in educational settings to improve the understanding and application of rhetorical principles. Although digital media have resulted in a dramatic shift in the way messages are created, transmitted, and consumed, digital technologies need not be viewed with skepticism and alarm. While these technologies present new challenges and opportunities for communication, the changes are more of a gradual evolution than a sudden overhaul. Within digital media, blogs are an incredibly difficult …

Targeting Mitochondrial Function In Diabetic Nephropathy, Colin Reily

All ETDs from UAB

TARGETING MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY The incidence of diabetes has increased to epidemic proportions over the last 50 years, due to a complex interaction of lifestyle and dietary factors. Changes in physical activity, caloric intake, and the composition of foods consumed over the last century are thought to interact with metabolic syndrome prone subpopulations leading ultimately to diabetes. It is widely accepted that chronic hyperglycemia in the blood characterizes the diabetic condition. Since the discovery of insulin therapy in the first half of the 20th century, diabetics have extended their lifespan considerably, but at the cost of increased morbitity …

Molar Distalization To Resolve Class Ii Malocclusion: A Cephalometric Study Utilizing The Carriere Distalizer, Careybeth Hayes Rivers

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Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the short-term skeletal and dental effects that occur as a result of Class II malocclusion correction utilizing the Carrière Distalizer as compared to best-matched controls. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort cephalometric study using lateral cephalometric films of 25 (14 male, 11 female, average age 13y 6m) class II patients consecutively treated with the Carrière Distalizer compared with 36 (19 male, 17 female, 13y 2m) untreated class II control subjects from a historical database best-matched based upon age, sex and skeletal classifications. Pretreatment and posttreatment lateral head films were analyzed with …

Cystine/Glutamate Transporters As Prognostic & Therapeutic Markers Of Primary Brain Tumors, Stephanie Marie Robert

All ETDs from UAB

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the most prevalent and aggressive malignant brain tumors. Current treatment - a combination of radiation, chemotherapy and resection - has limited effectiveness and offers poor prognosis. In this study, we examined the roles of system xc- (SXC) and excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), which transport the amino acids cystine and glutamate, on tumor growth, neurotoxicity, and peritumoral seizure activity. Tissue micro-arrays from 45 patients were examined by immuno-histochemistry, comparing tumor-bearing tissue and adjacent normal brain. Using a novel flank tumor propagation technique, we chose 3 glioma samples with varying SXC and EAAT expression levels to study …

Factors Associated With Participant Retention In A Behavioral Weight Loss Study, Cathy C. Roche

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Participant retention in longitudinal research is gaining increasing attention. By identifying factors associated with participant retention, programs can be better designed to promote effective weight loss. This study examines factors associated with participant retention. The Anderson Behavioral Model provided the conceptual framework for the study. The sample consisted of secondary data abstracted from the research records of 316 participants in the University of Alabama at Birmingham cohort of the Look Action for Health in Diabetes (AHEAD) trial. The Look AHEAD trial is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the long-term effects of interventions aimed at producing weight loss in …

Staying Power: A Multiple Case Study Of Spirituality As A Factor Of Resiliencey In Female Public School Superintendents In The Southeastern Region Of The United States, Kimberly Williams

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This qualitative multiple case study explored female superintendents' experiences with spirituality as a factor of resiliency. A wide gap exists between the number of females and the number of males leading public school systems in America, and a high turnover rate exists for those leaders filling the superintendency. In an effort to increase the number of female superintendents and to equip them with the resources needed to have sustained leadership, focus needs to be placed on factors contributing to resiliency in leadership. Research has revealed spirituality as one factor impacting resilience in leadership. This study explored three female superintendents' perceptions …

Connexin 43 Remodeling Contribute To Slowed Conduction Velocity In An Irreversible Arrhythmogenic Canine Model Of Non-Ischemic Heart Failure, Jiajie Yan

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Heart failure is associated with a high mortality due to ventricular tachycardia leading to ventricular fibrillation that could arise from impaired conduction velocity. Myocardial conduction relies on intercellular coupling maintained primarily by the gap junction protein connexin43. The objective of this research is to assess the correlation between connexin43 remodeling and altered conduction in our novel irreversible and arrhythmogenic HF large animal model that mimics human heart failure. A novel heart failure canine model was established with combined strategy of creating aortic insufficiency and aortic constriction. We measured conduction velocity in heart failure and control left ventricular epicardium (n=5, 5) …

Effect Of Increasing Truck Weight On Bridges, Denson Yates

All ETDs from UAB

The issue of increasing the gross vehicle weight limit on the interstate highway system has been debated on the local and federal levels. The driving forces for and against this topic cover a broad spectra ranging from economic benefits to public safety. The University Transportation Center of Alabama is sponsoring this study assessing the force effect that bridges experience when travelled by vehicles with a 97,000-lb gross vehicle weight (GVW). The maximum internal shear and moment caused by two proposed trucks (97-S and 97-TRB) are compared to effects from three base models: design live loadings from the American Association of …

Studies In Public Health Systems And Services Research: Three Papers Examining The Market Environment, Quality Improvement, And Community Partnerships, Valerie A. Yeager

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation, comprised of three publishable manuscripts, addresses various identified gaps in the literature focused on public health systems and services research. Public health systems and services research includes studies that examine the organization, financing and delivery of public health services in communities, and the impact of these services on public health. Specifically, this dissertation focuses on three topics: (1) the measurement of the health care market environment of local public health departments, (2) community characteristics related to quality improvement strategies in local public health environments, and (3) the longitudinal changes in public health partnerships and how these partnerships relate …

Transcriptional Regulation Of Gfap, Sujeong Yeo

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Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an astrocytic intermediate filament protein whose levels are increased in response to CNS injuries. Aim one of my thesis is to find the regulatory elements of the GFAP promoter responsible for its expression properties using a transgenic approach, since previous studies showed inconsistent results between in vitro and in vivo approaches. Two contiguous DNA segments previously implicated in transcriptional control of the GFAP gene, the B region (bp -1612 to -1489), and the C1.1 and C1.2 regions (bp -1488 to -1399), were analyzed. Block mutation of each of 4 contiguous sequences together spanning the …

Fcrl5 Exerts Binary And Compartment-Specific Influence On Innate-Like B Cell Receptor Signaling, Zilu Zhu

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Innate-like splenic marginal zone (MZ) and peritoneal cavity (PEC)-derived B1 B lymphocytes are the major contributors to primary humoral responses and play an important role in connecting innate and adaptive immunity, but are known to significantly differ in their B cell receptor (BCR) signaling characteristics. In mice, FCRL5 is discretely expressed by innate-like MZ and B1 B cells and is furthermore equipped with cytoplasmic ITAM-like and ITIM elements, suggesting diverse signaling potential for it. Our results showed that FCRL5 markedly inhibited BCR-mediated activation in MZ B cells, but not in PEC B1 B cells. To characterize its signaling function, a …

The Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, And Thermal Stability Of Ternary Cr1-Xmoxny Thin-Films, Yujiao Zou

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The microstructure, thermal stability and mechanical properties of ternary chromium molybdenum nitride (Cr-Mo-N) films were studied. In this work, a series of Cr-Mo-N films with different Cr/Mo ratios were deposited on CoCrMo and silicon substrates at various deposition temperatures by using a dual rf-magnetron sputtering system with Cr and Mo targets and nitrogen as reactive gas. Thermal processing at temperatures up to 700°C in air and up to 800°C in microwave plasma with H2/N2 gas mixture were employed to evaluate the thermal stability of films. The films' microstructure was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The …

Clinical Evaluation Of Treatment Of White Spot Lesions With Icon, Candace A. Cronan

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Introduction: Despite an increased awareness by clinicians and their attempt to aid patients in the prevention of white spot lesions, enamel demineralization continues to be a problem associated with orthodontic treatment. Current treatment options for these unaesthetic scars on the teeth range from conservative options for remineralization such as the use of fluoride and CPP-ACP to more aggressive treatment involving loss of tooth structure with microabrasion or restorations. An innovative option for treatment has recently been introduced in the form of the infiltrant resin, Icon. Icon infiltration is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a dentist that is claimed to …

Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Natural Dentition, Ryan Jeffery Cox

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The purpose of this study was to determine if ultra short echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE-MRI) technology could be used to image teeth in orthodontics. The objectives of this study were to determine the accuracy and resolution of UTE-MRI on dental morphology and its application to the field of orthodontics with respect to appliance affect on morphology. Teeth were collected from the Orthodontic clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Institutional Review Board of the University of Alabama at Birmingham approved the study. High-resolution 3-Tesla UTE-MRI was preformed on sixty extracted human premolar teeth with fixed …

Analysis Of Ergothioneine Production In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Loni Ann Guidry

All ETDs from UAB

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis, currently infects more than two billion people worldwide. Mtb is a highly adaptable pathogen, capable of modifying its metabolism in response to its environment. We previously showed that Mtb WhiB3 is a redox-responsive regulator of core intermediary metabolism and lipid anabolism through which it maintains redox homeostasis. In this work, through the use of metabolomic analysis and a novel radioactive thin layer chromatography assay, we discovered that WhiB3 regulates the production of the intracellular thiol ergothioneine (ergo) when using immunomodulatory lipid precursors as the major carbon source. Our results suggest that this …

The Role Of Histone Methylation In The Medial Temporal Lobe During Long-Term Memory Formation, Swati Gupta

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Several studies have established the importance of epigenetic regulation of gene transcription in the brain during memory consolidation. Epigenetic mechanisms involve modifying the DNA or the associated histone proteins to determine the transcriptional outcome of a gene. The work encompassed in this dissertation serves as an initial investigation for the role of histone lysine methylation mechanisms in regulating gene activation and suppression in the medial temporal lobe that includes entorhinal cortex (EC), hippocampus, and amygdala during memory consolidation. To this end, we found that di-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2) which promotes gene suppression was specific to associative …

Neural Networks Involved In Eye Movements In Humans, Demet Gurler

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Saccades, smooth pursuit and vergence eye movements either shift or maintain gaze on objects of interest so that the image of the object is, respectively, either brought to, or maintained on the fovea for detailed analysis. To date, the neural substrates of these eye movements have been characterized individually using a variety of techniques including electrophysiology, positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) both in non-human primates (NHPs) and humans. The non-invasive nature of fMRI allows us to use the same tasks and techniques in both humans and nonhuman primates. The purpose of the present study was …

The Odyssey Of The Lotus: The Evolution And Journey Of Buddhism's Most Egalitarian Teaching From Asia To America, Samuel Dale Davis

All ETDs from UAB

Nichiren Buddhism, based on the teachings of the 13th century Buddhist sage Nichiren (1222-1282 CE), ultimately originating with the Lotus Sutra, came to the United States in the 1960s, primarily through the efforts of young Japanese women who married U.S. servicemen stationed in their native land following World War II. The women, converts to Nichiren Buddhism through the lay organization Soka Gakkai, managed by the late 1960s to attract thousands of young Americans to the practice. During the years that followed, thousands of Americans not directly connected with the counterculture also converted to Nichiren Buddhism. Buddhist ideas reverberated with some …

The Role Of Vpr-1 Msp Signaling In C. Elegans, Sung Min Han

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In C. elegans, the major sperm protein (MSP) is the most abundant protein in sperm and functions as an intracellular cytoskeleton protein and a secreted extracellular signal that induces oocyte maturation and sheath contraction. Evolutionarily, MSP domain-containing proteins originate from the VAPs (VAMP/synaptobrevin-associated proteins), which comprise a highly conserved protein family with an MSP domain at the N-terminus and a transmembrane domain at the C-terminus. I have been studying the signaling role of VAP MSP domains using the C. elegans model system. In collaboration with Hugo Bellen's lab at Baylor College of Medicine, we have shown that C. elegans, Drosophila, …

Diagnostic Classifications For Bipedal Locomotion, Lois Deming Hedman

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Background: Analysis of and intervention for movement dysfunction, especially walking dysfunction, is the central expertise of physical therapists (PTs). PTs are called to establish a diagnosis prior to making patient management decisions yet no valid classification system for walking exists. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if locomotor experts could arrive at consensus on the validity, mutual exclusivity and understandability of diagnostic classifications for bipedal locomotion. Methods: An electronic mail Delphi survey methodology was utilized. Experts were recruited purposefully through research and clinical leaders in the PT profession. Identified experts were then asked for their recommendations in …

High-Risk Human Papillomavirus And Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Among Foreign-Born Latinas At Colposcopy, Bertha Hidalgo

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Although the literature is quite extensive with regard to the human papillomavirus (HPV) among many racial/ethnic populations, there continues to be a paucity of information regarding the prevalence of HPV types as well as of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN among Latinas, specifically foreign-born Latinas. Some studies have reported prevalence of HPV among Latinas, but very few have differentiated between US- and foreign-born Latinas. This nuance is essential to understanding the true effect contributed by each group to HPV and CIN incidence and prevalence rates. Therefore, this dissertation aimed to assess differences in the prevalence of high- and low-risk types and …

Effect Of Childhood Obesity On Risk Of Pelvic Bone Fracture In Simulated Sideways Fall, Min-Heng Hsieh

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Since the number of obese children in the U.S. has been increasing, the question arises whether obese children could be at higher or lower risk compared to nonobese children. The objective of this research was to investigate the risk of pediatric pelvic bone fracture in sideways falls using computational modeling and simulation considering various levels of obesity. Two sets of models were developed and tested. The first set was body component models. Several 10-year-old pelvis-femur complex models were developed. The models included biological soft tissue layers to reflect various levels of obesity, and they were validated against published experimental data. …

Model System Using Controlled Receptor Expression For Molecular Ultrasound Imaging Applications, Reshu Saini

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Ultrasound is a noninvasive, inexpensive imaging modality used to characterize biological tissues. Targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging is an emerging preclinical strategy which uses contrast agents for characterization of biological processes on a molecular level. These microbubble agents are lipid shelled micron-sized particles that have the capability to be coated with ligands such as antibodies or small peptides in order to bind to their target receptors. Molecular ultrasound imaging, using these targeted contrast agents, allows for a quantitative assessment of molecular targets with a high sensitivity. Although this technique is in preclinical research, further advances in contrast agent design and potential …

Mitochondrial Morphology And Function In Neuronal Cells Under Stress, Lonnie Schneider

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Neurodegenerative disease encompasses a wide range of conditions and pathologies that can manifest at any age depending on the etiology. A major factor in both early onset and age-related neurodegeneration is mitochondrial dysfunction. To investigate how mitochondrial bioenergetics is affected by cellular stress, we used an in vitro culture system to examine mitochondrial function in response to oxidative stress. We also studied an in vivo model of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis to determine the impact of deficient autophagy-lysosomal activity on mitochondrial morphology, composition and function. In vitro we found that retinoic acid-induced differentiation of dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells exhibited increased mitochondrial …