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2015

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The Root Of Sustainability: Investigating The Relationship Between Medicinal Plant Conservation And Surface Mining In Appalachia, Jessica B. Turner Jan 2015

The Root Of Sustainability: Investigating The Relationship Between Medicinal Plant Conservation And Surface Mining In Appalachia, Jessica B. Turner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Since European colonization, Appalachian culture has been based on resource extraction, such as coal mining, timbering, and Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) harvest. Surface mining degrades forest habitat for medicinal plants, especially the habitat for the internationally valuable medicinal herb, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), and the NTFP culture associated with this plant. The relationship between medicinal plant conservation and surface mining must be studied with a non- traditional, multi-faceted approach: culturally, economically, and ecologically. (1) Using community-based participatory surveys, I determined how ginseng harvesters and non- harvesters in West Virginia communities view the relationship between surface mining and ginseng harvest. …

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Utilizing Early Cellular Changes To Explore Biological Responses To Individual Chemical And Mixture Exposures, Julie Anne Vrana Jan 2015

Utilizing Early Cellular Changes To Explore Biological Responses To Individual Chemical And Mixture Exposures, Julie Anne Vrana

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Humans are continuously exposed to a vast number of chemicals, whether it be from the air we breathe, the water we drink, or the medications we take daily. Early cellular changes after exposure to chemical insult, both individual chemicals and mixtures (two or more chemicals) thereof, can offer a wealth of information about cellular adaptation (e.g., cell death or survival decision processes). From this understanding, better prediction models for chemical risk assessment, such as toxicity or carcinogenicity, can be elucidated. Further, these prediction models can greatly improve the large backlog of chemicals waiting to be evaluated for potential adverse effects. …

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Antimicrobial Effectiveness Of Citrus Essential Oils And Organic Acids Against Salmonella And Listeria Monocytogenes, Karina Walker Jan 2015

Antimicrobial Effectiveness Of Citrus Essential Oils And Organic Acids Against Salmonella And Listeria Monocytogenes, Karina Walker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The development of natural antimicrobials for foods is of increasing interest as consumers' desire for more natural foods continues to rise. Organic acids and citrus essential oils (EOs) are natural, generally regarded as safe substances that are known to possess antimicrobial properties. In-vitro tests of natural antimicrobials against a range of bacteria are required in order to determine their feasibility for food applications. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of citrus essential oils and organic acids against Salmonella Baildon, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and three strains of Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19115, ATCC 15313, …

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Attenuation Of Spatial Memory Impairment In A Tau Mouse Model Of Alzheimer's Disease With Riluzole, Daniel S. Weitzner Jan 2015

Attenuation Of Spatial Memory Impairment In A Tau Mouse Model Of Alzheimer's Disease With Riluzole, Daniel S. Weitzner

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Individuals at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) often demonstrate hyperactivity in areas of the memory network, such as the hippocampus, prior to AD diagnosis. Evidence suggests that this hyperactivity might be a contributing factor to the development of AD. Tau, a protein responsible for binding and maintaining microtubules, has been implicated as a factor in hyperactivity, potentially through its alterations in glutamate signaling. Glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is essential for learning and memory. However, excess glutamate that accumulates in the synapse can lead to neuron loss and eventual behavioral impairments. Recently, our lab …

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Facial Image Analysis For Body Mass Index, Makeup And Identity, Lingyun Wen Jan 2015

Facial Image Analysis For Body Mass Index, Makeup And Identity, Lingyun Wen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The principal aim of facial image analysis in computer vision is to extract valuable information(e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, and identity) by interpreting perceived electronic signals from face images. In this dissertation, we develop facial image analysis systems for body mass index (BMI) prediction, makeup detection, as well as facial identity with makeup changes and BMI variations.;BMI is a commonly used measure of body fatness. In the first part of this thesis, we study BMI related topics. At first, we develop a computational method to predict BMI information from face images automatically. We formulate the BMI prediction from facial features as …

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Investigating College Evolution Instruction: Current Practices And How They Can Be Improved To Overcome Student Barriers To Acceptance, Nicholas Adam Wilbur Jan 2015

Investigating College Evolution Instruction: Current Practices And How They Can Be Improved To Overcome Student Barriers To Acceptance, Nicholas Adam Wilbur

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The United States is ranked very low in acceptance of evolution when compared to other countries of similar socioeconomic status. The resistance to evolution extends to high school students and teachers, where much research has been performed on the topic of evolution education and the context is well understood. The initial goal of my thesis research was to establish a context for evolution education at the post-secondary level, which was accomplished by performing a national survey of evolution instructors. Although there was great variation among high school teachers, college instructors were surprisingly consistent in their training, methodology and personal views. …

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Factors Affecting Turnover As Perceived By County Agents Who Voluntarily Left The West Virginia University Extension Service, Michael B. Withrow Jan 2015

Factors Affecting Turnover As Perceived By County Agents Who Voluntarily Left The West Virginia University Extension Service, Michael B. Withrow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This descriptive survey study sought to identify factors that influenced West Virginia University County Extension Agents to voluntarily leave the organization. The population consisted of 31 individuals who had left the Extension Service from 2009-2014. A survey which was composed of four main question sets was mailed to the identified population.;Questions focused on the constructs of organizational factors, job related factors, personal factors, and demographics. Data were collected and analyzed to identify contributing factors in each of the constructs. The study found that a major factor that contributes to agents leaving Extension was having other priorities in the individuals' life. …

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Mapping And Modeling Soil Organic Carbon In The Eastern Allegheny Plateau And Mountains Using Legacy Data, Katey M. Yoast Jan 2015

Mapping And Modeling Soil Organic Carbon In The Eastern Allegheny Plateau And Mountains Using Legacy Data, Katey M. Yoast

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The deeply dissected topography and diverse climate of the Eastern Allegheny Plateau and Mountains (Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 127) create challenges for dynamicpedoecological modeling needed for ecosystem management adaptation to a changing climate. The spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC), one of the most dynamic soil properties, has been previously estimated and mapped using the State Soil Geographical Database (STATSGO2) and the more detailed Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) for MLRA 127, estimating mean SOC to a depth of 1 m to be 2.60 and 4.40 kg m-2, respectively. Previous studies have shown that these approximations underestimate true …

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Decellularized Matrix And Cartilage Regeneration: A Focus On Developing A Matrix With Anti-Inflammation And Micromechanical Properties, Ying Zhang Jan 2015

Decellularized Matrix And Cartilage Regeneration: A Focus On Developing A Matrix With Anti-Inflammation And Micromechanical Properties, Ying Zhang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is predicted to be the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide by the year 2020. Stem cell-based therapy is a promising biological approach for the treatment of cartilage defects. However, adult stem cells tend to become replicatively senescent when they are expanded on conventional plastic flasks. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) provides an expansion system to rejuvenate and maintain the chondrogenic phenotype of stem cells for cartilage repair. In addition, joints with cartilage defects normally have inflammation to some extent; several stimuli, such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1), reportedly induce apoptosis of chondrocytes. The tolerance of …

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Cellulose Based Materials As A Template For The Synthesis Of Copper Nanoparticles For Antimicrobial Applications, Tuhua Zhong Jan 2015

Cellulose Based Materials As A Template For The Synthesis Of Copper Nanoparticles For Antimicrobial Applications, Tuhua Zhong

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Copper has been used as a broad-spectrum biocide for centuries, showing effective antimicrobial performance against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Among various forms of copper, copper nanoparticles is attracting particular attention because of its high surface area and crystal morphology that will enhance copper antimicrobial properties. However, the high tendency of copper particles to aggregate at a nanoscale remains as a drawback for the development of copper-based nanostructured products. In this research, cellulose-based materials were utilized as a template and stabilizer for copper nanoparticles, and the resulting hybrid material was used as bi-functional material in thermoplastic resins improving the final antimicrobial …

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Optimization Of Pulsed-Vacuum Osmotic Dehydration Of Blueberries, Alexandra Marie Smith Jan 2015

Optimization Of Pulsed-Vacuum Osmotic Dehydration Of Blueberries, Alexandra Marie Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fruit drying is energy intensive (thermal efficiency 25-50%). However, improved efficiency is possible if phase change during the process is minimized. To minimize phase change and simultaneously increase product yield and quality, osmotic dehydration and pulsed-vacuum osmotic dehydration can be applied to maximize water removal before final drying. The objective of this study was to characterize the effect of vacuum, osmotic solution temperature and concentration, and treatment duration on blueberry mass transfer. Frozen blueberries were exposed to 2 temperatures (25 or 50°C), 2 sugar solution concentrations (45 or 65°Brix), 2 vacuum treatments (no vacuum or 50 mbar), and 3 duration …

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Saprophytic Colonization And Sporulation Of Virulent And Hypovirulent Cryphonectria Parasitica On American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) And Scarlet Oak (Quercus Coccinea), Eric Shelton Goddard Jan 2015

Saprophytic Colonization And Sporulation Of Virulent And Hypovirulent Cryphonectria Parasitica On American Chestnut (Castanea Dentata) And Scarlet Oak (Quercus Coccinea), Eric Shelton Goddard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Colonization and sporulation (stroma production) of virulent (V) and hypovirulent (HV) Cryphonectria parasitica, were evaluated on two hosts to better understand the saprophytic stage of the fungus and its ability to produce HV inoculum. Both the V and HV C. parasitica strains were isolated from an existing chestnut orchard at the test site. Castanea dentata (American chestnut) and Quercus coccinea (scarlet oak) were used as test hosts. Sixty centimeter long stems of both species were cut from saplings and placed as pairs in three-layer, triangular stacks. Each stack was wound inoculated with either V, HV or water agar (control) inoculum. …

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Water, Bison, And Horses: Natural Resources And Their Impacts On Native Raids And Relations In Late, Spanish Colonial New Mexico, Dori L. Gorczyca Jan 2015

Water, Bison, And Horses: Natural Resources And Their Impacts On Native Raids And Relations In Late, Spanish Colonial New Mexico, Dori L. Gorczyca

The Gettysburg Historical Journal

During the Spanish colonial period in New Mexico’s history, the area became a place where cultural, social, and economic mixing of various Native American groups and Spanish settlers frequently occurred. Certain peoples, such as the Pueblo, lived in an agrarian society and worked in close proximity to the Spanish. Other peoples, such as the Comanche, Apache, and Navajo, developed hostile relationships with these foreigners, and their raids on the Spanish, Pueblo, and each other changed the dynamic of their settlements. Sources from Spanish and Church officials, along with travel logs, discuss the effects of natural resources, such as water and …

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Discovery Of A Novel Oocyte-Specific Krab-Containing Zinc Finger Protein Required For Early Embryogenesis In Cattle, Jacqelyn M. Hand Jan 2015

Discovery Of A Novel Oocyte-Specific Krab-Containing Zinc Finger Protein Required For Early Embryogenesis In Cattle, Jacqelyn M. Hand

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Much of the loss of potential offspring in cattle is concentrated in the early embryonic period. Maternal mRNAs that accumulate in the oocyte during oogenesis have important functional roles during the initial stages of embryonic development, before embryonic genome activation. It is well regarded that the oocyte plays an active role in regulation of key aspects of the reproductive process required for fertility. What is more, oocyte-specific transcription factors seem to be the controlling feature influencing germ cell success throughout oogenesis, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Of the remarkably diverse array of transcription factors encoded by mammalian genomes, about two-thirds …

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A Feasibility Analysis For The Development Of A Facility Utilizing Olive Oil Mill Production Waste As A Carbon Substrate In Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production In Morocco, Catherine Hansen Jan 2015

A Feasibility Analysis For The Development Of A Facility Utilizing Olive Oil Mill Production Waste As A Carbon Substrate In Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production In Morocco, Catherine Hansen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis presents a market study and economic feasibility analysis on developing a facility utilizing olive oil production waste as a carbon substrate in polyhydroxyalkanoate production. Three underlying questions will be explored within this thesis: (1) Can olive oil mill effluents be utilized to produce an environmentally friendly polyhydroxyalkanoate bio-plastic?;, (2) Is there potential for the bio-plastic polyhydroxyalkanoate to enter Morocco's plastic market?;, (3) Is it likely that a bio-plastic facility utilizing olive oil mill production waste to create polyhydroxyalkanoate would have long term profitability? This research provides a pathway toward a new solution to a pervasive environmental concern facing …

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The Assessment Of Instruments For Detecting Surface Water Spills And A Three-Dimensional Model Of The Elk River Spill, Aubrey E. Harris Jan 2015

The Assessment Of Instruments For Detecting Surface Water Spills And A Three-Dimensional Model Of The Elk River Spill, Aubrey E. Harris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Source water protection has been an increasing area of concern due to the risks associated with chemical storage and oil and gas operations. To better identify and mitigate risk, models and tools are needed to evaluate the dispersion of pollutants in possible spill scenarios. This information may be used to determine the placement of in-stream water quality monitoring instruments and to develop early-warning systems and emergency plans.;In this work, two approaches of applying chemical dispersion models are described: one to determine the necessary concentration to generate a signal from in-stream measurements; and second to demonstrate, in a numerical three-dimensional model, …

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Evaluation Of Age, Growth And Diet Of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) In Cheat Lake, West Virginia, Corbin D. Hilling Jan 2015

Evaluation Of Age, Growth And Diet Of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) In Cheat Lake, West Virginia, Corbin D. Hilling

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis describes population characteristics of Channel Catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) in Cheat Lake, West Virginia in two chapters. The first chapter is comprised of a literature review on the ecology, diet and growth of Channel Catfish, as well as the influence of water level fluctuations on biota. The second chapter examines the age, growth and fall diet of Channel Catfish in Cheat Lake, West Virginia. Acidification has historically impaired Cheat Lake's fish community, but recent mitigation efforts within the Cheat River watershed have improved water quality and species richness. Presently, Channel Catfish are abundant and attain desirable sizes for …

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Effects Of Protein Supplementation On Parasitism And Growth In Grazing Lambs, Crista Crawford Jan 2015

Effects Of Protein Supplementation On Parasitism And Growth In Grazing Lambs, Crista Crawford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Controlling gastrointestinal nematode infection of sheep has become a challenge resulting from reduced anthelmintic efficacy. Previous data have indicated that grazing lambs supplemented with a 16% CP ration at 1% BW maintained growth comparable to lambs given anthelmintic despite greater infection. Thus the objective of the following studies was to determine the effects of bypass protein on fecal egg count reduction and post weaning growth in parasitized, grazing lambs. Experiment one utilized spring-born Suffolk crossbred lambs separated into 3 supplement groups: alfalfa pellets (AFP) (15% CP), corn and soybean meal (CSM) (19% CP) and corn, soybean meal and fish meal …

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How Are The Dimensions Of Technology, Culture, Kinship, And Economics And The Experience Of Stress Described By African American Students Who Gained Weight During Their Freshman Year In College?, Shavon Darden Jan 2015

How Are The Dimensions Of Technology, Culture, Kinship, And Economics And The Experience Of Stress Described By African American Students Who Gained Weight During Their Freshman Year In College?, Shavon Darden

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

African American college students are gaining weight at a pace faster than other ethnic groups yet research on this population is lacking. Exploration of freshman weight gain through the cultural lens of an African American student may provide a better understanding of this event. The research question for this study was, "How are the dimensions of technology, culture, kinship, economics, and the experience of stress described by African American students who gained weight during their freshman year in college?." Using Leininger's Cultural Care Theory and Sunrise Model as study frameworks, a qualitative study involving face-to-face interviews was conducted with directed …

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Amphibian Metamorphosis In Created And Natural Wetlands, Lauren A. Mcpherson Jan 2015

Amphibian Metamorphosis In Created And Natural Wetlands, Lauren A. Mcpherson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Functional assessment of created wetlands is an important factor in monitoring the success of wetland mitigation projects. Determining the ability of a created wetland to replace lost wildlife habitat and to support productive wildlife populations should be a priority in the assessment of created wetland success. We used a mesocosm design featuring water collected from 3 created wetlands and 3 natural wetlands in West Virginia to evaluate how the water quality from the 2 wetland types were able to support metamorphosis in larval spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) and wood frogs ( Rana sylvatica). Spring peepers displayed similar metamorphosis rates in …

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Development And Evaluation Of An Objective Method For Forensic Examination Of Human Head Hairs Using Texture-Based Image Analysis, Allyce S. Mcwhorter Jan 2015

Development And Evaluation Of An Objective Method For Forensic Examination Of Human Head Hairs Using Texture-Based Image Analysis, Allyce S. Mcwhorter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In response to criticism of traditional forensic methods of human head hair examination, the goal of this study was to develop and evaluate an objective method using texture-based image analysis. 120 individuals, including 20 from six different maternal groups, were sampled and their hairs evaluated using the developed method. Different variables were evaluated to develop the most efficient method to increase intra/inter ratio, as well as the percentage of well-classified hairs. The variables included different microscope systems, objective lenses, number of hairs examined per individual, hair shaft regions, focus methods, and normalization filter techniques. Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of …

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Sexual Assault On The College Campus: A Partial Test Of Male Peer Support Theory, Falak Ojjeh Jan 2015

Sexual Assault On The College Campus: A Partial Test Of Male Peer Support Theory, Falak Ojjeh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Researchers have identified a number of variables that influence sexual assault on college campuses; peer influence being one of them. According to the sexual assault literature, more than a quarter of victims of sexual assault report their offender was a fraternity member. Additionally, the literature shows that in many sexual assault cases, both the victim and the offender were intoxicated. In applying Walter DeKeseredy's theory of Male Peer Support -- all-male groups that legitimate women abuse -- to on-campus fraternity organizations, this study examines the link is between the drinking and rape cultures promoted by fraternities, specifically, the use of …

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A Phenomenological Study Of Living With Excess Facial Hair For African-American Women, Courtney M. Pate Jan 2015

A Phenomenological Study Of Living With Excess Facial Hair For African-American Women, Courtney M. Pate

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Excess facial hair is a characteristic of hirsutism. Excess facial hair can alter a woman's presentation of self in living day-to-day. Research is sparse in the realm of studying women who do not suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome, who have excess facial hair. Women of varying racial backgrounds are also underrepresented in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to explore the structure of meaning of living with excess facial hair for African-American women. The stories of eight women were gathered and analyzed using van Manen's phenomenological approach and middle range story theory. As a result of this …

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Effect Of Time Of Pgf2alpha Application On Reproductive Outcome In Ewes, Callayn Danae Paul Jan 2015

Effect Of Time Of Pgf2alpha Application On Reproductive Outcome In Ewes, Callayn Danae Paul

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Traditionally, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) has been included in short-term progesterone-based estrous synchronization (STPBES) protocols but its inclusion has been associated with a reduction in fertility at the synchronized estrus. Also, previous studies have shown that there are differences in the endocrine status and follicular dynamics of ewes at different stages of the estrous cycle, although effects have not been sufficiently evaluated regarding the reproductive outcomes when luteolysis is induced on different days of the cycle. To evaluate the effect of time of application of PGF2alpha relative to the progesterone treatment on fertility, ewes (N=442) from 4 farms located in WV …

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Evaluation Of An Evidence-Based Breastfeeding Education Program For Pediatric And Women's Health Care Providers, Family Practice Residents, Medical Students, And Physician Assistant Students, Alissa Terry Parker Jan 2015

Evaluation Of An Evidence-Based Breastfeeding Education Program For Pediatric And Women's Health Care Providers, Family Practice Residents, Medical Students, And Physician Assistant Students, Alissa Terry Parker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background.;Every year approximately {dollar}13 billion are spent and an estimated 900 infant lives are lost in the United States as a result of infants not exclusively receiving breast milk for the first six months of life. Many health care providers lack knowledge and supportive skills regarding basic breastfeeding management. However, the results of several research studies indicate that health care providers who provide support and who are knowledgeable in breastfeeding management can improve the breastfeeding rates of the maternal-infant dyads that they serve. An evidence-based breastfeeding educational program can significantly increase the breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of health care providers.;Objectives.;The …

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Kriging-Based Design Of Experiments For Multi-Source Exposure-Response Studies In Nanotoxicology, Ying Pei Jan 2015

Kriging-Based Design Of Experiments For Multi-Source Exposure-Response Studies In Nanotoxicology, Ying Pei

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One of the major challenges with toxicology studies of nanomaterials (NMs), compared to traditional materials or chemicals, lies in the large NM variety (or sources) caused by their various physico-chemical properties. How to efficiently design multi-source biological experiments for the toxicity characterization of NMs in terms of their exposure-response profiles? This work intends to address this question by a two-stage experimental design procedure, which is developed based on the statistical model, stochastic kriging with qualitative factors (SKQ). With a given experimental budget, the SKQ-based design method aims at achieving the highest-quality SKQ, which synergistically models the exposure-response data from multiple …

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Role Of Stem-Like Cells In Carbon Nanotube-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis, Amruta Manke Jan 2015

Role Of Stem-Like Cells In Carbon Nanotube-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis, Amruta Manke

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent studies have shown that pulmonary exposure to (CNT) results in rapid and progressive interstitial lung fibrosis in animals without causing persistent lung inflammation, which is normally associated with other known fibrogenic agents. This unusual fibrogenic effect of CNT raises important health issues since the exposure could result in deadly and incurable lung fibrosis. Accumulating evidence indicates the fibrogenic potential of carbon nanotubes, however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly addressed. Recent studies have demonstrated the pathogenic role of mesenchymal stem cells in pulmonary fibrosis that differentiate into myofibroblasts and contribute to disease progression. Understanding the molecular/cellular basis of these fibrosis-associated …

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Role Of Multi-Site Phosphorylation In Regulation Of E(Spl) M8 Activity During Drosophila Neurogenesis, Mohna Bandyopadhyay Jan 2015

Role Of Multi-Site Phosphorylation In Regulation Of E(Spl) M8 Activity During Drosophila Neurogenesis, Mohna Bandyopadhyay

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that regulates cell-fate determination at various stages of development in invertebrate and vertebrate species. The Notch pathway mediates juxtacrine signaling through a process termed as lateral inhibition by which two equipotent cells adopt distinct cell fates. The functions of Notch have been exceptionally well analyzed during neurogenesis in Drosophila, particularly during eye and mechanosensory bristle morphogenesis. At the onset of neurogenesis, proneural bHLH activators encoded by atonal (ato) or the achaete-scute complex (ASC) is expressed in groups of cells, called proneural clusters (PNCs) in the eye and the bristle tissue respectively. From each …

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A Journey In Magic And Realism Performing The Role Of Titania From William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Mya Brown Jan 2015

A Journey In Magic And Realism Performing The Role Of Titania From William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Mya Brown

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This document consists of a detailed account of my process in developing my thesis role and the pedagogical experiences which have contributed to my artistry. The purpose of this thesis role was to allow exploration of the character Titania, from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Titania was an interesting character to portray due to the fact that I had previously performed this role. My study consisted of applying acting methodology to Shakespeare's play in order to realistically present a fresh characterization of the role. A detailed interpretation of the text along with the engagement of my imagination provided the …

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The Modeling And Stability Analysis Of Humans Balancing An Inverted Pendulum, Yaohui Ding Jan 2015

The Modeling And Stability Analysis Of Humans Balancing An Inverted Pendulum, Yaohui Ding

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The control of an inverted pendulum is a classical problem in dynamics and control theory. Without active control, the inverted pendulum by itself is inherently unstable, thus serving as an ideal platform for control algorithms design and testing. This study utilizes an inverted pendulum setup to investigate the characteristics of manual control in executing a single-axial compensatory task. An inverted pendulum with sliding base on a single-axial rail was built for this purpose. Human subjects were asked to stabilize the pendulum by sliding the base on the rail. To mathematically quantify the characteristics of human manual control, a quasi-linear lead-lag …

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