Digital Commons Network^™

Strategies To Maximize Feed Quality And Poultry Performance, Kelley G. S. Wamsley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The majority of the research in this dissertation was conducted specifically to benefit a local turkey integrator, Virginia Poultry Grower's Cooperative, which has turkey growers in both West Virginia and Virginia. All of the research presented in this dissertation is applied in nature and may be directly implemented in the commercial poultry industry to improve production. Many commercial feed mills utilize low mixer-added fat (MAF) to increase ingredient binding opportunities and pellet quality, but this technique may decrease feed nutrient digestibility. In Chapter 2, two experiments were conducted in order to determine the best feed manufacture technique (MTECH) to maximize …

Onboard Parameter Identification For A Small Uav, Amanda K. Mcgrail

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One of the main research focus areas of the WVU Flight Control Systems Laboratory (FCSL) is the increase of flight safety through the implementation of fault tolerant control laws. For some fault tolerant flight control approaches with adaptive control laws, the availability of accurate post failure aircraft models improves performance. While look-up tables of aircraft models can be created for failure conditions, they may fail to account for all possible failure scenarios. Thus, a real-time parameter identification program eliminates the need to have predefined models for all potential failure scenarios. The goal of this research was to identify the dimensional …

Epipathogenesis Of Caries: Analyses Of Family Structure, Fear, And Fatalism Upon World Health Organization Decayed, Missing, And Filled Teeth Severity In Appalachia West Virginia And Pennsylvania, R. Constance Wiener

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Appalachian has many social, economic, and biologic factors impacting dental health over the life-course.;Purpose: This study examined dental caries experience and family structure, dental fear, and fatalism in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.;Method: Using a cross-sectional study design, 2002-2009 Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia data were analyzed utilizing the World Health Organization definitions for caries experience, dichotomized into low and high. Three groups were studied: 1) children, 11-13 years (N=237); 2) adolescents, 14-17 years (N=191); and 3) adults, 18 years and above (N=1125). For multivariable model development, generalized estimating equations with exchangeable working structures accounted for family clusters.;Results. For …

Development Of A Low-Cost Robotics Platform That Facilitates The Enhancement Of Microcomputer Structures And Interfacing Learning Objectives, Justin Ryan Morris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Robotics has become a common educational tool to teach basic concepts in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, world affairs, and much more. Programs such as For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics are demonstrating that the recipe for student inspiration and learning involves robotics, problem solving, teamwork, and friendly competition. The successes of FIRST robotics programs and results from universities that have integrated robotics platforms into their curriculum provide evidence that infusing robotics platforms and curriculum into engineering departments better their capabilities and increase attractiveness to current and future students. This effort details the design and development of …

Robust Deadbeat Controller Design Using Pso For Positioning A Permanent Magnet Stepper Motors, Hazem I.

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

This paper presents an application of a robust deadbeat controller for permanent magnet stepper motor. This approach has been considered in order to assure robust stability and performance (disturbance rejection, reference tracking) with the presence of system parameters uncertainty. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to tune the controller parameters by minimizing the cost function subject to H-infinity constraints. It is shown that the designed deadbeat controller presents simple, low order, and robust position control for a permanent magnet stepper motor. A two-phase motor is considered in this paper.

Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Manifestations Of Intraocular Lymphoma., Tin Yan Alvin Liu, Mohamed Ibrahim, Millena Bittencourt, Yasir J. Sepah, Diana V. Do, Quan Dong Nguyen

Journal Articles: Ophthalmology

PURPOSE: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare disease. The index report describes a patient with intraocular lymphoma secondary to recurrent PCNSL and corresponding retinal findings on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

METHODS: Case report.

RESULTS: OCT changes were documented and correlated with the clinical course of intraocular lymphoma progression in the index patient. The OCT changes, manifested as hyperreflective material accumulation in the intraretinal and subretinal pigment epithelial spaces, were caused by lymphomatous infiltration.

CONCLUSION: SD-OCT can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring the progression or regression of intraocular lymphoma with retinal involvement.

New Fusion Transcripts Identified In Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Hongxiu Wen, Yongjin Li, Sami N. Malek, Yeong C. Kim, Jia Xu, Pei Xian Chen, Fengxia Xiao, Xin Huang, Xianzheng Zhou, Zhenyu Xuan, Shiva Mankala, Guihua Hou, Janet D. Rowley, Michael Q. Zhang, San Ming Wang

Journal Articles: Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy

Genetic aberrations contribute to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, half of AML cases do not contain the well-known aberrations detectable mostly by cytogenetic analysis, and these cases are classified as normal karyotype AML. Different outcomes of normal karyotype AML suggest that this subgroup of AML could be genetically heterogeneous. But lack of genetic markers makes it difficult to further study this subgroup of AML. Using paired-end RNAseq method, we performed a transcriptome analysis in 45 AML cases including 29 normal karyotype AML, 8 abnormal karyotype AML and 8 AML without karyotype informaiton. Our study identified 134 fusion transcripts, all of …

Public Land Management Values: A Delphi Study Of Austrian And Pacific Northwest United States Recreation Resource Managers, Jessie Meybin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is a continuing global increase in recreational visitor use of public land. This rise in visitation can be a good thing if a proactive management plan utilizing strong methodology to anticipate impacts to an area and sustain its natural and social resources is in place. Although a wide spectrum of issues is presented to each management, few of the concepts are new to any of the administrators. With increasing duties, newly emerging concerns, and decreasing time, there is little room or patience for error concerning the implementation of any management derivatives or techniques. If the existing research on all …

Switchgrass Potential On Reclaimed Surface Mines For Biofuel Production In West Virginia, Michael A. Marra

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The high cost and environmental risks associated with non-renewable energy sources has caused an increased interest in, and development of renewable biofuels. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a warm season perennial grass, has been investigated as a source of biofuel feedstock due to its high biomass production on marginal soils, its tolerance of harsh growing conditions, and its ability to provide habitat for wildlife and soil conservation cover. West Virginia contains vast expanses of reclaimed surface mine lands and could potentially benefit from the production of switchgrass as a biofuel feedstock. Furthermore, switchgrass production could satisfy Surface Mining Reclamation and Control …

The Application Of Single Porosity Model To Predict The Performance Of The Low Permeability Naturally Fractured Formations, Martial Hermann Tchuindjang Yatchou

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Natural gas extraction from shale is currently an expensive endeavor due to the tight reservoir rock with nano-darcy permeability. New technology in the form of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracturing through the use of high pressure liquids) has overcome the flow capacity problem of shale to achieve economic production. The low permeability shale formations, such Marcellus Shale, contain a natural fracture system with extremely low permeability. The characteristics of the natural fracture system are non-existent; therefore the application of single porosity model to predict the production performance of the shale formations can reduce the need for detail fracture system …

Decentralized Synergetic Control Of Power Systems, Taoridi Ademoye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this dissertation is to design decentralized controllers to enhance the transient stability of power systems. Due to the nonlinearities and complexities of the system, nonlinear control design techniques are required to improve its dynamic performance. In this dissertation a synergetic control technique is being proposed to design supplementary controller that is added to the exciter of the generation unit of the system. Although this method has been previously applied to a Single Infinite Machine Bus (SMIB) system with high degree of success, it has not been employed to systems with multi machine. Also, the method has good …

Comparison Of Ltpp-Bind V3.1 And Mepdg For The Selection Of Binder Grades, Jennifer Bustos Rios

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Binders for five analysis locations and two pavement designs were selected using the LTPPBind V3.1 software. The recommended binders were then refined to meet realistic constraints of pavement construction in West Virginia. The performance of pavements with the selected binders, pavement structures and analysis locations was predicted using MEPDG. For the range of conditions evaluated in this study, the performance predictions of MEPDG were not sensitive to the binder selection. The materials models used in MEPDG for a Level 3 analysis were examined to assess why the predicted pavement performance was not sensitive to binder selection.

The Transcription Factor Grainyhead-Like 2 Is A Novel Suppressor Of The Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition, Benjamin Cieply

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that is essential for normal embryonic development as well as the healing of damaged adult tissues. In the context of cancer, oncogenic EMT induces enhanced invasion, survival and tumorigenicity which can promote disease progression and recurrence after therapy. Many factors that induce EMT during development and in culture are known and these include the transcription factors Twist, Snail1/2, ZEB1/2 and goosecoid. Transforming growth factor beta can induce EMT both in the contexts of wound healing and cancer, but some cell types are resistant to this stimulus. Furthermore, knowledge of factors which …

Assessing The Surface Water Quality Impacts Of Marcellus Shale Development In Whiteday Creek Watershed, West Virginia, D. Aaron Streets

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Shale gas development in Central Appalachia will likely increase economic activity and help meet future energy needs; however, there are concerns over potential impacts to water resources. This research assessed impacts of drilling for gas in the Marcellus shale in the White Day Creek watershed in northern West Virginia. A total of eight stream sites, located both upstream and downstream of three permitted gas wells, were monitored. Two of the permitted wells were in the development phase while the third was actively being drilled. Water samples were collected during the bi-weekly sampling and analyzed at the National Research Center of …

The Ozark Historical Review, V. 41, 2012 Entire_Issue

The Ozark Historical Review

No abstract provided.

N200 And P300 Evoked By Stimuli Straddling Category Boundary In Lexical Context, Ji Young Lee

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background and Objectives: Event-related potentials (ERPs) like N200 and P300 have been reported to reflect the categorical perception of speech. The purpose of the present study is to explore whether these ERP components reflect the influence of lexical context on categorical perception. Findings may provide evidence for bottom-up or top-down processing of speech. Methods: On a seven step series of the /bi/-/pi/ continuum, a two-forced choice labeling test was administered in two conditions: /bi/ context (e.g. bee sting) and /pi/ context (e.g. pea soup). From the labeling results, Stimulus 1which is a prototypical /bi/ was selected for standard stimuli, and …

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Threshold Sensing Controls Regulatory Pathways Facilitating Clinically Relevant Ex Vivo Expansion For Stem Cell Transplantation, Andrew D. Lasiter

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for transplantation has threefold importance: 1.) First, because of the rarity of stem cells there often isn’t a sufficient supply obtainable from common sources for larger children and adults. 2.) Secondly, patient morbidity and time to hematopoietic reconstitution following myeloablative preconditioning is improved by administering a larger pool of HSCs. 3.) Lastly, gene therapies for hematological diseases still require a robust supply of HSCs to offset varying degrees of inefficiency in vector mediated transfection protocols. These reasons, and others, have been an impetus for many discoveries made within four primary subdivisions …

In Vitro Staining Of Denture Liners And Potential For Color Correction Using Commonly Available Denture Cleansers, Russell D. Morrell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Background: Denture liners are routinely used as part of immediate denture therapy, following surgery involving edentulous tissues, and to improve the function and stability of existing removable prostheses. Appropriate application of denture liners can facilitate patient comfort during prolonged therapy and prior to placement of definitive restorations. However, concern has been raised regarding the susceptibility of common denture liners to agent-induced color change which, in turn, adversely impacts the esthetic appeal of the associated removable prosthesis.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the color stability of denture liners exposed to commonly encountered food stains and commonly used …

Mrp4 Is A Crucial Regulator Of Testosterone Biosynthesis, Jessica Ann Morgan

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The physiological role of multidrug resistance protein 4 (Mrp4) in the testes is unknown. It was discovered that Mrp4 is expressed primarily in mouse and human Leydig cells; however, there is no current evidence that Mrp4 regulates testosterone biosynthesis. The role of Mrp4 was investigated in Leydig cells where testosterone production is regulated by cAMP, an intracellular second messenger formed when the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (Lhr) is activated. As Mrp4 regulates cAMP, we compared testosterone levels in our Mrp4 WT and KO mice. Prepubertal KO mice had significantly reduced testicular testosterone, impaired gametogenesis, and disrupted cAMP homeostasis, resulting in …

Effect Of Compression Force On Agglomeration Of Micronized Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: Techniques To Prevent Api Agglomeration During Compression, Suresh Potharaju

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Micronization is one of the common processes for size reduction to increase surface area of poorly soluble Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient’s (API). This size reduction improves the dissolution rate and permeability thereby increasing the bioavailability for hydrophobic API’s.

Tablets and capsules are the most marketed and easy to manufacture solid dosage forms. During manufacturing of tablets, high compression forces are applied uniaxially on the powder bed to get a coherent consolidated compact with good tensile strength. So, diluents are required to mix with API’s and compress into tablets. When this mixture is compressed into tablets, there is a possibility of agglomeration …

The Health Of Rural Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Kimberly Y. Robitaille

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Introduction: Grandparents are becoming increasingly responsible for raising their grandchildren. Previous studies have noted physical and mental health limitations for custodial grandparents. Grandparents face numerous challenges in raising grandchildren and consequently, experience high stress levels. However, coping and social support have been found to mediate grandparent stress. Rural custodial grandparents have been an understudied population. Using the Stress Process Model, this study extends the knowledge of rural grandparents raising grandchildren by describing the relationships among physical and mental health, stressors, coping, and social supports for custodial grandparents living in Western Kentucky.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to examine …

The Role Of Bip Nucleotide Exchange Factor Sil1 In Immunoglobulin Biosynthesis, Tyler Sanford

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

BiP is an essential endoplasmic reticulum resident molecular chaperone of the HSP70 family that binds exposed hydrophobic regions of unfolded proteins. Substrates bound by BiP are protected from dangerous non-specific interaction with other unfolded proteins via their aggregation prone exposed hydrophobic regions, which are normally buried in the native state, and act as BiP binding targets. For these substrates to mature into the native state, BiP must be released. Like all HSP70 family members, cycles of BiP binding and release are nucleotide dependent and facilitated by two genres of cochaperones, HSP40s, and nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs). HSP40s function in stimulating …

An Innovative Testing Protocol To Study Foot And Ankle Kinetics During Early Stance Phase Of Gait, Thomas E. Stewart

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The objective of this study was to improve upon existing testing platform limitations with respect to foot and ankle mechanics in the sagittal plane during dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. The intent was to develop a multi-loading protocol that simulated aspects of early stance phase of walking gait. This data were used to evaluate the influence an Achilles load has on the kinematic profile of the ankle complex. Also, resulting kinematic profile data can be used to evaluate ligament/tendon effects, ankle arthroplasty, and various surgical techniques.

A pair of cadaveric human feet, from the same donor, 50 years of age were …

Dynamic Fiduciary Duties, Andrew S. Gold

Cardozo Law Review

This Article assesses a fundamental puzzle concerning directors' fiduciary duties. While courts have gradually refined the content of fiduciary duties, they have yet to determine which parties are the beneficiaries of these duties. In the standard Delaware pronouncement, directors owe their duties to "the corporation and its shareholders." Since the interests of the corporation and its shareholders will diverge in various settings, this is at best an indeterminate legal doctrine. The puzzle is that this indeterminacy remains an ongoing feature of the law, rather than a temporary area of uncertainty. Why don't the courts pick just the shareholders, or just …

A Power And A Duty: Prosecutorial Discretion And Obligation In United States Sentencing Guideline § 3e1.1(B), Laura Waters

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

A New Paradigm: Domicile As The Exclusive Basis For The Exercise Of General Jurisdiction Over Individual Defendants, Emily Eng

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

Order Without Judges: Customary Adjudication, Joseph Blocher

Duke Law Journal

Scholarship on custom and law has largely focused on the creation and enforcement of informal rules, demonstrating and in some cases endorsing the existence of "order without law." But creating and enforcing rules are only two of the three functions of governance, corresponding roughly with what in other contexts are called the legislative and executive branches. The third function—adjudication—has not played such a prominent role in the scholarly literature on informal governance. As one leading scholar puts it: "Custom has no constitution or judges." But if customs can be created and enforced by nonstate actors, why should scholars assume that …

Verification Of The Accuracy Of Electronic Mandibular Movement Recording Devices: : An In Vitro Investigation, Joshua Heath Balch

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

One goal of restorative dentistry is to truly capture maxillomandibular relationships that accurately reproduce mandibular border movements and that would prescribe the best occlusal interface. Registration of horizontal and sagittal movements of the patient allows maximum cusp height and fossae depth with proper placement of occlusal ridges and grooves. The goal is to develop an occlusion that is interference free and entails the concepts of organic occlusion. Methods to transfer patient information to a highly adjustable articulator include mechanical recorders, mechano-electronic recorders and optoelectronic recorders. The purpose of this study is to verify the accuracy of electronic mandibular movement recording …

Nanotherapies For Treating Prostate Cancer, Michael Danquah

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Current prostate cancer treatment remains ineffective primarily due to ineffectual therapeutic strategies and numerous tumor-associated physiological barriers which hinder efficacy of anticancer agents. Therefore, the focus of this study was to investigate a new combination therapy approach for treating prostate cancer and develop polymeric nanocarriers to facilitate anticancer drug and nucleic acid delivery.

It was hypothesized that simultaneously targeting androgen-androgen receptor (AR) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) signaling pathways would be effective in treating prostate cancer. The effect of bicalutamide (antiandrogen) and embelin (XIAP inhibitor) on the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo was …

The Effect Of Timbre And Vibrato On Vocal Pitch Matching Accuracy, Sirisha Duvvuru

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Research has shown that singers are better able to match pitch when the target stimulus has a timbre close to their own voice. This study seeks to answer the following questions: 1. Do classically trained female singers more accurately match pitch when the target stimulus is more similar to their own timbre? 2. Does the ability to match pitch vary with increasing pitch? 3. Does the ability to match pitch differ depending on whether the target stimulus is produced with or without vibrato? 4. Are mezzo sopranos less accurate than sopranos? Stimuli: Source signals were synthesized with a source slope …