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Structural Investigations Of Retinoid X Receptor Transcriptional Activation By Anti-Cancer Rexinoids, Leeann J. Boerma Jan 2012

Structural Investigations Of Retinoid X Receptor Transcriptional Activation By Anti-Cancer Rexinoids, Leeann J. Boerma

All ETDs from UAB

Nuclear receptor (NR) protein retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a ligand-inducible transcription factor that binds retinoids for regulation of target genes. Agonist binding induces a major structural rearrangement in the ligand binding domain (LBD) and formation of the coactivator binding interface. RXR-signaling pathways control proliferation, differentiation, and growth in epithelial tissues. To understand how RXR agonists enhance signaling at the molecular level requires an understanding of how agonists induce structural and dynamical changes in the LBD to recruit coactivators for activation of anti-cancer relevant transcription. While most studies of NR activation center on the position of Helix 12 (H12)/activation function-2 …


The Role Of Primary Cilia In Articular Cartilage And Growth Plate, Ching-Fang Chang Jan 2012

The Role Of Primary Cilia In Articular Cartilage And Growth Plate, Ching-Fang Chang

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Primary cilia are now considered an important organelle required for many key steps during developmental processes including skeletal development. Articular cartilage and growth plate are two cartilage compartments whose functions are important postnatally. Articular cartilage is a think cartilage layer which serves as a cushion to protect the joint space, whereas growth plate is important for postnatal long bone growth. Both articular cartilage and growth plate need to be developed properly to ensure the normal bone function. Here, we show an important role of primary cilia in development of both articular cartilage and growth plate using genetic modified mouse model …


Measuring Disease Activity And Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In African-Americans With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ashutosh Tamhane Jan 2012

Measuring Disease Activity And Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In African-Americans With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ashutosh Tamhane

All ETDs from UAB

The aims of this project were to: 1) compare disease activity scores 28 joints (DAS28) based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) versus that based on C-reactive protein (CRP), and 2) describe prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and examine differences of CAM use stratified by disease duration and sex. This analysis included participants from the Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluation of African Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CLEAR) Registry. Using tender and swollen joint counts separate ESR-based and CRP-based DAS28 scores (DAS28-ESR3 and DAS28-CRP3) were calculated, as were DAS28-ESR4 and DAS28-CRP4, which included the patient¡¯s assessment of disease …


The Impact Of Community Health Centers On Prostate Cancer Screening Behaviors Of African American Males: A Mixed Methods Study, Michael C. Taylor Jan 2012

The Impact Of Community Health Centers On Prostate Cancer Screening Behaviors Of African American Males: A Mixed Methods Study, Michael C. Taylor

All ETDs from UAB

THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS ON PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING BEHAVIORS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES: A MIXED METHODS STUDY MICHAEL C. TAYLOR UAB SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR ABSTRACT Federally qualified community health centers have a significant impact upon uninsured and low income populations in the United States by providing low cost primary care and preventive services. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the impact of community health centers (CHCs) on African American males' prostate cancer screening behavior in a major Southern city. A sequential explanatory mixed method model was used to assess …


Three Dimensional Comparison Of Facial Morphology Of A Caucasian American Population And A Native Brazilian Population, William N. Turner Jan 2012

Three Dimensional Comparison Of Facial Morphology Of A Caucasian American Population And A Native Brazilian Population, William N. Turner

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The aim of this study was to assess the use of 3-dimensional facial averages in determining facial morphologic differences in a Caucasian North American population and a native Brazilian population. Methods and Materials: Three-dimensional images were acquired through a commercially available stereo-photogrammetric camera system (The 3dMDfaceTM system). A total of 200 images from two population groups (Caucasian American and Native Brazilian) were taken. Each image was acquired as a facial mesh and orientated along a triangulated axis. All facial images were overlaid and superimposed, using Rapid Form 6 software to create a composite facial average of one man and one …


Regulation Of Membrane Traffic By The Big2 Member Of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors, Jason Lowery Jan 2012

Regulation Of Membrane Traffic By The Big2 Member Of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors, Jason Lowery

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Vesicular transport is an essential cellular process that facilitates the movement of molecules within a cell. The importance of vesicular transport is highlighted by numerous human diseases that result from mutations affecting protein trafficking. The Brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (BIG2) has emerged as a key regulator of protein trafficking within the late secretory pathway, between the trans-Golgi Network (TGN) and endosomal compartments and within the recycling endosomal pathway. Mutations in BIG2 lead to Autosomal Recessive Periventricular Heterotopia with Microcephly (ARPHM), a disorder characterized by severe brain malformations. BIG2 stimulates nucleotide exchange of GDP for GTP on ADP-ribosylation …


Mechanism Of Nfi-C Functionin During Tooth Root Formation, Ejvis Lamani Jan 2012

Mechanism Of Nfi-C Functionin During Tooth Root Formation, Ejvis Lamani

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Currently, very little is known regarding tissue-specific gene regulation during the later stages of tooth development, especially those associated with root formation. Re-cent studies have identified nuclear factor I-C (NFI-C) as a critical factor for root for-mation in mammals. NFI-C functions as a cellular transcription factor and adenovirus DNA replication factor. Its role in root formation first became evident when Nfi-c null mice were shown to lack molar roots. A similar phenotype of incomplete or absent root formation is observed in patients with the autosomal dominant disease Radicular Dentin Dysplasia (RDD; MIM125400) also known as Rootless Teeth or Dentin Dysplasia …


Development Of An Adenoviral Vector Platform For Selective Gene Delivery To Neurons, Travis Benjamin Lewis Jan 2012

Development Of An Adenoviral Vector Platform For Selective Gene Delivery To Neurons, Travis Benjamin Lewis

All ETDs from UAB

Parkinson disease (PD) is a devastating movement disorder affecting between 500,000 and 1,000,000 individuals in the United States alone, and for which there is currently no cure. Therapies such as dopamine replacement help initially, but with disease progression these lose efficacy and do not alter the underlying degenerative process. Gene therapy is the delivery of exogenous genetic material to correct an underlying disorder. A major advantage of this approach is the ability to distribute potent therapies to specific targets over an extended duration, properties necessary for the treatment of progressive degenerative diseases such as PD. A number of clinical trials …


Regulation Of P27kip1 By Trip6 And Its Implications In Cancer Progression, Victor T G Lin Jan 2012

Regulation Of P27kip1 By Trip6 And Its Implications In Cancer Progression, Victor T G Lin

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TRIP6 is a focal adhesion molecule that functions as an adaptor protein to mediate diverse cellular functions, including motility and antiapoptotic signaling, through a wide variety of protein-protein interactions. We were able to characterize a novel interaction between TRIP6 and p27KIP1, a CDK inhibitor which can both suppress and promote tumorigenesis, depending on its regulation. TRIP6 expression specifically promotes the AKT-mediated phosphorylation of p27KIP1 at T157, which leads to its cytosolic retention, and accelerates the protein turnover rate of p27KIP1. We also found that phosphorylation of T157 by itself promotes cell motility and can be linked to the formation of …


Are Enabling Services In Federally Qualified Health Centers Associated With Women Receiving Prenatal Care In The First Trimester?, Forrest A. Daniels Jan 2012

Are Enabling Services In Federally Qualified Health Centers Associated With Women Receiving Prenatal Care In The First Trimester?, Forrest A. Daniels

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to examine whether enabling services in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) were associated with women receiving prenatal care services in the first trimester. The population for this study included FQHCs providing prenatal care services for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010. Data for this study were derived from two sources: Uniform Data System (UDS) and the Area Resource File (ARF). This study adopted the Andersen's (1973) Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. The study consisted of longitudinal panel data analysis. Univariate and bivariate statistics were calculated using PASW/SPSS statistical software, version 18. For the …


The Characteristics Of Soft Tissue Following Root Coverage Procedures With Two Types Of Acellular Dermal Matrix Allografts, Ramzi Abou Arraj Jan 2012

The Characteristics Of Soft Tissue Following Root Coverage Procedures With Two Types Of Acellular Dermal Matrix Allografts, Ramzi Abou Arraj

All ETDs from UAB

Acellular dermal matrix allograft (ADMA) has emerged as a reliable substitute for autogenous soft tissue grafts in the treatment of gingival recessions and lack of keratinized gingiva (KG). ADMA has been hypothesized to create a zone of "immobile tissue" extending apical to the mucogingival junction (MGJ). This project aims to investigate the presence of this zone associated with the use of a coronally advanced flap in combination with either AlloDerm® (ADMA A) or Puros Dermis® (ADMA B) for root coverage procedures. Twenty patients, each presenting with one Miller Class I or II recession defect, were randomized to receive either ADMA …


A Pilot Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis As A Clinical Assessment Tool Of Nutrition Status In Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients (The Beam Study [Bia Effectiveness As Assessment Tool For Gbm Patients]), Rebecca V. Barnhill Jan 2012

A Pilot Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis As A Clinical Assessment Tool Of Nutrition Status In Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients (The Beam Study [Bia Effectiveness As Assessment Tool For Gbm Patients]), Rebecca V. Barnhill

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Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare brain tumor, yet accounts for 80% of malignant brain tumors and has a five-year survival rate of < 5%. Few studies have evaluated nutrition recommendations and outcomes of this disease, including caloric needs. The purpose of this study was to find the best predictive equation for resting energy expenditure (REE) for GBM patients and evaluate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a clinical tool for estimating REE and fat free mass (FFM) of GBM patients. REE was measured with indirect calorimetry. FFM was measured with DXA and estimated with BIA. Published predictive equations for REE were calculated to compare to measured REE. Six equations used variables easily attained in a clinical setting and three used FFM. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the strength of the relationships between measured and predicted REE. Agreement between methods on the group level was assessed by comparing the group means of measured and predicted REE with paired t-tests. The Bland-Altman approach was used to find agreement between the methods on the individual level. Analysis included fifteen newly diagnosed GBM patients (7 male and 8 female; mean age 57.1±11.6 years) to evaluate equations using clinical variables and a subsample of eight to evaluate predictive equations using FFM. All the predictive equations overestimated measured REE. The Mifflin-St Jeor was the only equation using clinical variables which was not significantly different from measured REE (p=0.054) and had the lowest bias (73 kcal/day) and narrowest limits of agreement. Likewise, Cunningham and Wang equations using FFM from DXA were not significantly different from measured (p=0.261 and p=0.072, respectively). BIA overestimated FFM compared to DXA, 54.1 kg and 49.2 kg, respectively (p<0.001). More visits with both DXA and BIA measurements available are needed before predictive equations with clinical variables and predictive equations with FFM can be compared. Due to the ease of obtaining clinical variables and the low bias and narrow limits of agreement found for the Mifflin equation, at this time it appears to be the best predictive equation for individuals with GBM.


Myosin Ii Regulates Actin Dynamics Critical For Structural Plasticity And Fear Memory Formation, Cristin Gavin Jan 2012

Myosin Ii Regulates Actin Dynamics Critical For Structural Plasticity And Fear Memory Formation, Cristin Gavin

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Dynamic changes to the actin cytoskeleton are required for synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate filamentous actin (F-actin) dynamics during both activity-dependent synaptic potentiation and long-term memory encoding are poorly understood. Myosin II motor proteins are highly expressed in actin-rich growth structures in neurons, including dendritic spines. Recent work demonstrates that these molecular machines mobilize F-actin in response to synaptic stimulation and are required for memory encoding in CA1 hippocampus of rodents. The aims of this project were two-fold. First, we sought to establish if myosin II regulates actin filament polymerization necessary for structural …


Modulation Of Wzy-Dependent Capsule Production In Streptococcus Pneumoniae By The Phosphotyrosine-Specific Phosphatase Cpsb, Kimball Aaron Geno Jan 2012

Modulation Of Wzy-Dependent Capsule Production In Streptococcus Pneumoniae By The Phosphotyrosine-Specific Phosphatase Cpsb, Kimball Aaron Geno

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Biosynthesis of capsule polysaccharide in the Gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is regulated in part through the action of a phosphoregulatory system comprised of the products of the capsule biosynthetic operon genes cpsBCD. CpsC and CpsD together comprise an autophosphorylating tyrosine kinase whose homologs are implicated in chain length regulation in other systems in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. CpsB is the cognate phosphatase for the system. Unlike Gram-negative organisms, which use a low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase in phosphoregulation of capsule synthesis, Gram-positive organisms utilize a polymerase and histidinol phosphatase (PHP) superfamily phosphatase. Deletion of cpsB has resulted in conflicting …


A Histologic And Radiologic Analysis Of Bone Formation Under The Elevated Maxillary Sinus Using Venous Coagulum As The Sole Filling Material, Kathleen Ann Beaudry Jan 2012

A Histologic And Radiologic Analysis Of Bone Formation Under The Elevated Maxillary Sinus Using Venous Coagulum As The Sole Filling Material, Kathleen Ann Beaudry

All ETDs from UAB

Insufficient bone height is a common obstacle to placing dental implants in the posterior maxilla. Sinus lift procedures using various grafting materials have been shown to be a highly predictable way to increase bone height in the posterior maxilla (Jensen 1998). Given the wide range of materials that have proven successful in augmenting the sinus, the argument could be made that the presence of graft is not critical. Instead, the creation and maintenance of space, provided by two implants, along with the osteoinductive properties of the membrane, the periosteum, and growth factors provided by a blood clot are the only …


Characterizing The Transcriptional Complexity Of Pkhd1/Pkhd1, Ravindra Boddu Jan 2012

Characterizing The Transcriptional Complexity Of Pkhd1/Pkhd1, Ravindra Boddu

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Mutations in PKHD1 gene cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Our previous studies have shown that human PKHD1 and its mouse orthologue, Pkhd1, undergo an extensive pattern of alternative splicing. Pkhd1 is primarily expressed in renal and biliary tubular structures. Translation products of these alternative spliced transcripts are predicted to generate isoforms expressed in plasma membrane, primary cilium and cytoplasm. We have characterized the cyli mouse model of ARPKD and identified a frameshift mutation, c.7589delGGinsT, in Pkhd1 exon 48. In this thesis we have characterized the mouse Pkhd1cyli/cyli model (liver restricted phenotype) and evaluated the transcriptome in terms of alternative …


The Role Of C-Reactive Protein In Arthritic Disease, Nicholas Ryan Jones Jan 2012

The Role Of C-Reactive Protein In Arthritic Disease, Nicholas Ryan Jones

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C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein that is commonly used to evaluate systemic inflammation level. Blood CRP level also correlates very well with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease severity. However, CRP has many biological actions that lead one to suspect that it may be playing a role in the development or pathology of the disease. We have directly addressed whether this is the case by the use of novel mouse models (CRP deficiency or transgenic overexpression). We have shown that CRP positively affects collagen-induced arthritis development and progression. In order to thoroughly address the question, we have also reported …


Finding A Cure For Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (Veev) Infection: The Search For The Antiviral Genes And Vaccine Development., Svetlana Atasheva Jan 2012

Finding A Cure For Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (Veev) Infection: The Search For The Antiviral Genes And Vaccine Development., Svetlana Atasheva

All ETDs from UAB

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a re-emerging virus that causes a severe and often fatal disease in equids and humans. To date, despite a continuous public health threat, no vaccines or antiviral drugs against VEEV infection have been developed for human use. In this study we took advantage of accumulated knowledge of capsid protein function in viral replication, assembly and virus-host interactions. Besides being an integral part of the virion, capsid protein is the major determinant of VEEV pathogenesis. This protein is cytotoxic and induces cellular transcriptional shutoff as a countermeasure to the cellular antiviral response. We introduced targeted …


Effects Of Stress On Growth Hormone Receptor Signaling, Ryan Marshall Corrick Jan 2012

Effects Of Stress On Growth Hormone Receptor Signaling, Ryan Marshall Corrick

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Growth hormone (GH) regulates body composition via stimulation of protein synthesis and catabolism of adipose tissue, generally promoting maintenance of lean body mass. Following severe injury, GH resistance contributes to muscle protein wasting, adversely impacting morbidity and mortality. In this dissertation research, we sought to determine the mechanisms of GH resistance following injury. To accomplish this, we evaluated GH signaling in a mouse model of severe injury. In the first section of this thesis, we demonstrate severe impairments in hepatic GH signaling occurring in association with an apparent, hemorrhage-dependent cleavage of the GH receptor (GHR). In the second section, we …


Regulatory T Cells In The Fvb.Mdr1a-/- Model Of Colitis, Scott Tanner Jan 2012

Regulatory T Cells In The Fvb.Mdr1a-/- Model Of Colitis, Scott Tanner

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Regulatory T cells (Treg) are necessary for the maintenance of immune homeostasis, and have been implicated in several autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most murine studies focusing on the function of Tregs have been done on the C57BL/6 or BALB/c background, creating a bias towards these two strains. In addition, it has been shown that C57BL/6 and BALB/c Tregs function in different manners. To further investigate potential strain differences in Treg phenotype and function, we chose to analyze FVB/N Tregs. Several differences were observed, including de-creased FVB/N Treg suppression in a non-cell contact dependent manner, decreased FVB/N and …


Fat Distribution And Metabolic Health: The Effects Of Macronutrient Manipulation On Fat Distribution, Weight Loss, And Glucose Metabolism, Amy Miskimon Goss Jan 2012

Fat Distribution And Metabolic Health: The Effects Of Macronutrient Manipulation On Fat Distribution, Weight Loss, And Glucose Metabolism, Amy Miskimon Goss

All ETDs from UAB

Fat distribution pattern may contribute to risk of development of metabolic diseases such and type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the precise nature of the relationships between adipose tissue depots and metabolic health remains controversial. Additionally, further research is needed to identify optimal dietary approaches to reduce disease risk and visceral adiposity among overweight and obese individuals, who may already be on a trajectory for development of metabolic disease. Therefore, the goal of this project was to examine relationships of adipose tissue depots with insulin sensitivity, and then to determine if diets differing in CHO and fat content can …


The Role Of Cd11c+ Cells In Response To Ozone, Jeffrey David Brand Jan 2012

The Role Of Cd11c+ Cells In Response To Ozone, Jeffrey David Brand

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Environmental ozone exposure remains a major public health concern with over one-third of the United States population experiencing unhealthful levels. Epidemiological studies indicate exposure increases morbidity in those with pre-existing disease such as asthma, though the biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. CD11c+ cells within the respiratory tract include dendritic cells (DCs), which are the most efficient antigen presenters and play major roles controlling immune responses. In addition, DCs are thought necessary for asthma pathogenesis and exacerbation. Therefore the link between ozone associated asthma morbidity may be DCs. We hypothesize ozone exposure may site specifically alter DC phenotypes, numbers, …


Modulation Of Alpha-Synuclein Metabolism And Toxicity By Cathepsin D, Donna Marlana Crabtree Jan 2012

Modulation Of Alpha-Synuclein Metabolism And Toxicity By Cathepsin D, Donna Marlana Crabtree

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Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most commonly occurring neurodegenerative movement disorder, and aberrant accumulation of the protein α-synuclein is thought to be a major contributing factor in disease development. Dysfunction of the autophagy lysosome pathway (ALP) has been implicated in PD pathogenesis. Our lab and others have shown that the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D (CD) is an important regulator of α-synuclein degradation. The primary focus of this thesis is probing the structure/function dynamic that exists between α-synuclein and CD. We have found that lentiviral-mediated over expression of wild type CD (wtCD) leads to subtle alterations in the ALP in a …


Exploring Health Disparities For Children In The City Of Milwaukee, Mark Edwin Anderson Jan 2012

Exploring Health Disparities For Children In The City Of Milwaukee, Mark Edwin Anderson

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This study investigated whether school-based oral health programs as a public policy intervention increased dental sealant applications among children from low-income families and minorities in public schools in inner city Milwaukee. By using a difference-in-differences analysis, we examined pre-post time frames, 2001-2003 and 2008-2009, to determine sealant application usage in public schools in nine inner city Milwaukee zip codes after the intervention of a public policy initiative to expand school-based oral health programs with the expressed intent of increasing placement of dental sealants in children at high risk for dental decay and disease. Results of a binary logistic regression revealed …


Risk Factors For Stroke In Rural African Americans And Factors That Influence Exercise Behaviors To Reduce Stroke Risk, Dawn M. Aycock Jan 2012

Risk Factors For Stroke In Rural African Americans And Factors That Influence Exercise Behaviors To Reduce Stroke Risk, Dawn M. Aycock

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Stroke has increased among young adults, which is concerning for African Americans (AA) who tend to have stroke at an earlier age and an increased risk for mortality and severe disability. Rural dwellers lack resources which may increase their susceptibility to stroke. Regular exercise can reduce stroke; however, physical activity among AA is low. The purpose of this research was to use an Expanded Health Belief Model to examine perceived and actual stroke risk among rural AA 19 to 54 years of age and factors that influence exercise behaviors to reduce stroke risk. A cross-sectional correlational design was used. Participants …


Full Scale Calcium Bromide Injection With Subsequent Mercury Oxidation And Removal Within Wet Flue Gas Desulphurization System: Experience At A 700 Mw Coal-Fired Power Facility, Mark Simpson Berry Jan 2012

Full Scale Calcium Bromide Injection With Subsequent Mercury Oxidation And Removal Within Wet Flue Gas Desulphurization System: Experience At A 700 Mw Coal-Fired Power Facility, Mark Simpson Berry

All ETDs from UAB

The Environmental Protection Agency promulgated the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule, which requires that existing power plants reduce mercury emissions to meet an emission rate of 1.2 lb/TBtu on a 30-day rolling average and that new plants meet a 0.0002 lb/GWHr emission rate. This translates to mercury removals greater than 90% for existing units and greater than 99% for new units. Current state-of-the-art technology for the control of mercury emissions uses activated carbon injected upstream of a fabric filter, a costly proposition. For example, a fabric filter, if not already available, would require a $200M capital investment for a …


Serotonin Signaling In Angiogenesis, Ali Zamani Jan 2012

Serotonin Signaling In Angiogenesis, Ali Zamani

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Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a well-known "happy" neurotransmitter. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most prescribed class of antidepressant medications to raise the serotonin level in the brain. However, the majority of serotonin in the human body is present outside of the brain and stored in platelets in blood circulation. Blood coagulation is a common feature of malignant solid tumors and leads to significant serotonin release from activated platelets into tumor environment. Due to the unique feature of platelet in lacking nucleus, the impact of platelet and serotonin on cancer progression has been overlooked by studies focusing on cancer …


The Influence Of Growth Factors Applied During Socket Conversion, On The Incidence Of Spontaneous Early Dental Implant Exposure, Michael Anh Minh Nguyen Jan 2012

The Influence Of Growth Factors Applied During Socket Conversion, On The Incidence Of Spontaneous Early Dental Implant Exposure, Michael Anh Minh Nguyen

All ETDs from UAB

Spontaneous early exposure of a dental implant's cover screw can result in a nidus for plaque accumulation, which may result in inflammation, damage to the peri-implant mucosa, and possible peri-implant bone loss. This study aims to investigate the effect of the addition of growth factors, specifically recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor, and platelet-rich plasma, at the time of socket conversion, on the incidence of early implant exposures. This retrospective study utilized data from a study involving a total of 80 implants that were placed in 4 different types of sites (Groups 1,2,3, and 4). Group 1 sites were extraction sites …


Social Connectedness And Its Association With Violence Commission In Adolescents Living In Low-Income Inner-City Neighborhoods, Thomas Norton Creger Jan 2012

Social Connectedness And Its Association With Violence Commission In Adolescents Living In Low-Income Inner-City Neighborhoods, Thomas Norton Creger

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ABSTRACT For nearly two decades, violence has been viewed as a major public health issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4,141 young people between the ages of 10 and 19 were murdered in 2008, and over 480,238 young people were treated for violence-related injuries in U.S. emergency rooms that same year. That translates to an average of 11 young people murdered each day, and a daily average of 1,315 young people who sustained violence-related injuries so severe that they required treatment at a hospital. The purpose of this study was to test a multilevel model linking …


Regulation Of Neuronal Cell Death By Bh3-Only Proteins, Arindam P. Ghosh Jan 2012

Regulation Of Neuronal Cell Death By Bh3-Only Proteins, Arindam P. Ghosh

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Apoptosis in metazoan organisms plays critical roles in normal development, tissue homeostasis and immunity, and its disturbed regulation leads to many pathological states, including cancer, autoimmunity, infection and degenerative disorders. Apoptosis can be triggered by the engagement of `death receptors' of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family on the cell surface or by diverse intracellular signals that act upon the BCL2 (B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2) protein family, which controls the integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane through the complex interactions of family members. Both the pathways lead to cellular demolition by dedicated proteases termed caspases. Different BH3-only proteins (or combinations of …