Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Discrimination Of Mild Cognitive Impairment And Alzheimer's Disease Using Transfer Entropy Measures Of Scalp Eeg, Joseph Mcbride, Xiaopeng Zhao, Nancy Munro, Gregory Jicha, Charles Smith, Yang Jiang

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurological condition related to early stages of dementia including Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigates the potential of measures of transfer entropy in scalp EEG for effectively discriminating between normal aging, MCI, and AD participants. Resting EEG records from 48 age-matched participants (mean age 75.7 years)-15 normal controls, 16 MCI, and 17 early AD-are examined. The mean temporal delays corresponding to peaks in inter-regional transfer entropy are computed and used as features to discriminate between the three groups of participants. Three-way classification schemes based on binary support vector machine models demonstrate overall discrimination accuracies …

Authors Alliance: A Force To Promote Authorship For Public Good, Michael Wolfe, Adrian K. Ho

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Life-Cycle Cost Analysis Of Reinforced Concrete Bridges Rehabilitated With Cfrp, Jeffrey L. Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

The deterioration of highway bridges and structures and the cost of repairing, rehabilitating, or replacing deteriorated structures is a major issue for bridge owners. An aging infrastructure as well as the need to upgrade structural capacity for heavier trucks adds to problem. Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is a useful tool for determining when the deployment of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite components is an economically viable alternative for rehabilitating deteriorated concrete bridges.

The use of LCCA in bridge design and rehabilitation has been limited. The use of LCCA for bridges on a project level basis has often been limited to the …

Leadership Training For A Diverse World: A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Three Interventions With Fraternity And Sorority Leaders, Kirsten A. Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Lesbian and gay college students face heterosexist and homophobic attitudes and behaviors from their heterosexual peers (Burn, 2000; Fine, 2011; Franklin, 2000; Rankin, 2003; Silverschanz, Cortina, Konik, & Magley, 2008; Woodford, Howell, Silverschanz, & Yu, 2012; & Yost & Gilmore, 2011). Greek fraternity and sorority organizations can contribute to and influence the heterosexist and homophobic climate on college campuses. Greek organizations offer leadership opportunities, community engagement, and a sense of belonging, but these organizations can also perpetuate a climate of hostility and rejection of lesbian and gay peers (Case, 1996; Case, Hesp, & Eberly, 2005; DeSantis, 2007; Rankin et al., …

Examining The Neuroprotective Properties Of 3-Dimethoxybenzylidene-Anabasine (Dmxb-A) In A Third Trimester Chronic Ethanol Exposure Model In Rats, Logan J. Fields

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Excitotoxicity caused by ethanol (ETOH) withdrawal (EWD) is highly detrimental to the developing brain. Targeting this excitotoxicity has been shown to be a promising approach for improving outcome following developmental ETOH exposure. Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), in the central nervous system can be protective against EWD. We examined the ability of DMXB-A, a α₇ nAChR agonist, to reduce neurotoxicity caused by EWD in the hippocampus. To test this, an organotypic hippocampal slice culture was used. Slices were exposed to ETOH (100mM) or control medium. After 10 days, the slices were treated with DMXB-A (1, 3, or 10uM) …

Housing And The Macroeconomy, Emily Corinne Marshall

Theses and Dissertations--Economics

This dissertation studies the impact of several different housing market features on the macroeconomy.

Chapter 1 augments the New-Keynesian model with collateral constraints to incorporate long-term debt in order to examine the interaction between multi-period loans, leverage, and indeterminacy. Allowing firms to borrow heavily against commercial housing by increasing the loan-to-value ratio from 0.01 to 0.90 reduces the level of steady state output approximately 3.19% and decreases social welfare. In contrast, increasing the debt limit of households increases steady state output by 2.72%. Social welfare is maximized under a utilitiarian function when households can borrow at a loan-to-value ratio of …

The Impact Of Education Cascading Through The Economy, Center For Business And Economic Research, Gatton College Of Business And Economics, University Of Kentucky

CBER Infographic Posters

Research confirms what common sense suggests, higher levels of education are associated with better economic outcomes like higher wages and lower unemployment. And by improving health, increasing technology use, expanding volunteerism, and reducing public assistance, higher education levels have long-lasting effects on the economy. Eighty years ago, Kentucky's per capita personal income was just over 50% of the U.S. average; today it is just over 80%. Kentucky's educational position has improved significantly over the last twenty-five years, but the state still lags the U.S. in college attainment (23% compared to 30%) and academic achievement gaps continue to mute overall educational …

Kentucky Annual Economic Report 2015, Christopher R. Bollinger, William H. Hoyt, David Blackwell, Michael T. Childress, James M. Sharpe

Kentucky Annual Economic Report

No abstract provided.

2015 Constitution Day Essay Contest: 1st Place, Thomas Phillips Iii

Constitution Day Essay Contest

No abstract provided.

Safety Concerns, Fear And Precautionary Behavior Among College Women: An Exploratory Examination Of Two Measures Of Residency, Adam J. Pritchard, Carol E. Jordan, Pamela Wilcox

Office for Policy Studies on Violence Against Women Publications

This study examines the impact of two distinct measures of residency on college women's perceptions of safety, fear of crime and precautionary behaviors within both on-campus and off-campus areas. A student's current residency either on- or off-campus and a student's prior residency in a metropolitan, micropolitan or rural county prior to college are compared across these three aspects of campus safety. Current residency is found to be significantly related to a student's perceptions of safety in off-campus areas around campus, as well as the likelihood of engaging in precautionary behaviors such as avoiding specific locations on campus or carrying or …

Who’S Following Twitter? Coverage Of The Microblogging Phenomenon By U.S. Cable News Networks, Deborah S. Chung, Mina Tsay-Vogel, Yung Soo Kim

Journalism and Media Faculty Publications

Through data captured in a digital content analysis (DCA) lab, we examine coverage of Twitter across three 24-hour U.S. cable news channels: CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC. This investigation tracked Twitter coverage from its initial stage, followed by its rise to a massively used tool and its subsequent diffusion into society, evident through its plateauing coverage. News stories covering Twitter, as it penetrated into society, were more likely to use benefit/gain frames when discussing the technology, highlighting its positive social, communicative, political, and participatory impact. Benefit frames were also likely to associate Twitter with journalism. Patterns …

The Perceptions, Knowledge, Benefits And Barriers Of Hispanics Regarding The Dietary Guidelines For Americans, Luisyana De Amor Gamboa

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Hispanics are the largest minority group in the U.S. and by the year 2060 the number of Hispanics is projected to double. They are disproportionately affected by obesity and chronic diseases which translate into decreased quality of life, loss of work opportunities and perceptions of injustice for the Hispanic population. The Dietary Guidelines (DG) provide information to help Americans make healthy food and physical activity choices and if followed can be a means of reducing the health disparity gap. However, culturally relevant recommendations specific to Hispanics’ health and nutritional habits are often lacking. The purpose of this study was …

Dissociable Roles Of Dopamine And Serotonin Transporter Function In A Rat Model Of Negative Urgency, Justin R. Yates, Mahesh Darna, Cassandra D. Gipson, Linda P. Dwoskin, Michael T. Bardo

Psychology Faculty Publications

Negative urgency is a facet of impulsivity that reflects mood-based rash action and is associated with various maladaptive behaviors in humans. However, the underlying neural mechanisms of negative urgency are not fully understood. Several brain regions within the mesocorticolimbic pathway, as well as the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), have been implicated in impulsivity. Extracellular DA and 5-HT concentrations are regulated by DA transporters (DAT) and 5-HT transporters (SERT); thus, these transporters may be important molecular mechanisms underlying individual differences in negative urgency. The current study employed a reward omission task to model negative urgency in rats. During reward …

Gabapentin Alleviates Affective Pain After Traumatic Nerve Injury, Ryan B. Griggs, Michael T. Bardo, Bradley K. Taylor

Psychology Faculty Publications

Gabapentin reduces behavioral signs of stimulus-evoked allodynia and hyperalgesia in preclinical studies of traumatic nerve injury, but its effects on more clinically relevant measures of stimulus-independent pain are unclear. To address this gap, we determined whether gabapentin would relieve affective pain after spared nerve injury (SNI). Twelve days after sham or SNI surgery, we administered gabapentin over three consecutive conditioning days and then evaluated conditioned place preference. Gabapentin produced conditioned place preference and reversed mechanical hypersensitivity in SNI but not sham rats at a dose (100 mg/kg) that did not change open-field activity. These results show for the first time …

R-Bpidi, An Α6Β2* Nicotinic Receptor Antagonist, Decreases Nicotine-Evoked Dopamine Release And Nicotine Reinforcement, Joshua S. Beckmann, Andrew C. Meyer, Marharyta Pivavarchyk, David B. Horton, Guangrong Zheng, Andrew M. Smith, Thomas E. Wooters, J. Michael Mcintosh, Peter A. Crooks, Michael T. Bardo, Linda P. Dwoskin

Psychology Faculty Publications

α6β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed by dopaminergic neurons mediate nicotine-evoked dopamine (DA) release and nicotine reinforcement. α6β2* antagonists inhibit these effects of nicotine, such that α6β2* receptors serve as therapeutic targets for nicotine addiction. The present research assessed the neuropharmacology of 1,10-bis(3-methyl-5,6-dihydropyridin-1(2H)-yl)decane (r-bPiDI), a novel small-molecule, tertiary amino analog of its parent compound, N,N-decane-1,10-diyl-bis-3-picolinium diiodide (bPiDI). bPiDI was previously shown to inhibit both nicotine-evoked DA release and the reinforcing effects of nicotine. In the current study, r-bPiDI inhibition of [³H]nicotine and [³H]methyllycaconitine binding sites was evaluated to assess interaction with the recognition binding sites on …

Laki Verbal Morphosyntax, Sedigheh Moradi

Theses and Dissertations--Linguistics

Most western Iranian languages, despite their broad differences, show a common quality when it comes to the verbal agreement of past transitive verbs. Dabir-moghaddam (2013) and Haig (2008) discuss it as a grammaticalized split-agreement to encode S, A, and P, which is sensitive to tense and transitivity, and uses split-ergative constructions for its past transitive verbs. Laki shows vestiges of the same kind of verb-agreement ergativity (Comrie 1978) by using a mixture of affixes and clitics for subject and object marking.

In this thesis, I investigate how the different classes of verbs show agreement using four distinct property classes. Considering …

Time Is On My Side: Harnessing The Power Of Automation For Efficient Archival Workflows, Sarah Dorpinghaus, Heather Fox

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Internet Reviews: Open Access Institutional Repositories, Jennifer A. Bartlett

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Introduction, James M. Donovan

Law Faculty Books and Chapters

The Chosen People, John Allegro’s attempt to uncover the historical sources for the world’s enduring anti-Semitism, bears the marks of his wish to appeal to two disparate readerships. Allegro’s fluent command of the relevant primary literature is more than sufficient reason for his arguments to be taken seriously. He knows whereof he speaks. He spins the details, however, into a story more akin to a gripping potboiler of palace intrigue and political machination than to a dry recitation of long-forgotten events. Relying upon in-text citations, Allegro was scolded by reviewers for eschewing the fully footnoted scholarly apparatus usually found …

A Model Modality: Assessing The Educational Integrity Of The Blended Basic Course, Michael G. Strawser

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The creation of a hybrid/blended basic course aligns with university goals and may increase viable curricular options for student success. If universities offer hybrid courses, they ought to do so based on data-driven evidence confirming that face-to-face (F2F) and hybrid courses are comparable. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the learning outcome achievement of students enrolled in a blended (hybrid) version of the basic course. More specifically, a comparative analysis of student affective, cognitive, and behavioral learning outcome achievement in face-to-face sections and hybrid sections was conducted. This study also examined affect for course delivery format for …

Transforming Teachers: Exploring Changing Perceptions Through Participation In A Professional Development Program, Taylor Brashear

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Communication across the curriculum (CXC) programs are becoming increasingly common as institutions of higher learning recognize the need for improving communication skills in college students. Consequently, the University of Kentucky (UK) is piloting Presentation U, a multimodal communication across the curriculum (MCXC) program. This study examines the degree to which the Faculty Fellows program succeeds in helping faculty across the university integrate effective communication instruction and assignments into their courses. For this study, all faculty members participating in cohort #2 of the program responded to surveys and wrote reflection papers regarding their experiences. Their responses were analyzed and conclusions drawn. …

Relax And Log On Facebook: Examining Students’ Use Of Facebook To Relieve Academic Stress Through Perceived Social Support, Tamika Tompoulidis

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

College students often times experience academic stress, whether it is due to homework, exams, GPA requirement, or even adapting to the college environment. Social support has been known to reduce stress levels and affect psychological well-being. Social support can also be prevalent on social media sites, such as Facebook. Facebook users can communicate with friends near and far and find the needed support during times of stress. While college students are active Facebook users, little research has examined whether Facebook affects academic stress levels. This study examined if college students use Facebook to gain social support for stress above and …

Adolescent Perceptions Of Nutrition: Identifying Memorable Messages, Audrey S. Bachman

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Research is necessary to uncover ways to improve adolescent nutrition and reduce obesity rates, particularly in the Appalachian region, which has high rates of food insecurity and adolescent obesity. The current study examines rural cultural norms about food, memorable messages adolescents received about nutrition, and the sources of identified memorable messages. Adolescents shared memorable messages during comprehensive, semi-structured, small group interviews in which participants revealed their individual experiences. Thematic framework analysis is used to present the range and nature of memorable messages about nutrition and to develop strategies for future health campaigns and interventions. This qualitative method of sequential inductive …

Parents' Expressed Educational Dissent In Middle School Education Systems, Marjorie M. Buckner

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Hoy and Miskel (2008) and Weick (1976) conceptualize schools as organizational systems of which parents comprise part of the organization. Specifically, parent involvement includes such behaviors as assisting students with homework, participating in policy decisions, and providing feedback (Barge & Loges, 2003). Parent involvement is largely championed in K12 education and particularly in middle schools (e.g., Coalition of Essential Schools, 1993; Texas Education Agency, 1991). In fact, both parents and teachers value building positive parent-teacher relationships (Kalin & Steh, 2010) and may communicate regarding a variety of topics including student academic performance, classroom behavior, preparation, hostile peer interactions, and health …

Aggression Predictors In Video Games: Is Catharsis To Blame?, Robert Craig Vaughn

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The majority of research tends to focus on the effects of violent video games, and as a result the motivations to play games are understudied. This study used the uses and gratifications theory as a framework for investigating game player’s motivation to play video games for the purpose of catharsis. This study also proposed that in-game variables, such as level of difficulty and content of the video game, all be investigated to see the effects they have on the achievement of catharsis or the development of aggression through other mediating variables such as enjoyment, control, and frustration with the game. …

College Students’ Use Of Social Media To Communicate About Alcohol And Drinking Behaviors, Jenna E. Reno

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Social networking sites (SNSs) are an increasingly popular channel for communication among college students. Often students disclose more freely via social networking sites than they would in other situations. These disclosures commonly include information about engaging in risky health behaviors (e.g., binge drinking). Study 1 examined students’ impression management goals and self-presentation tactics specifically related to self-disclosures of drinking behavior on SNSs. Findings suggest that students use differing self-presentation tactics across various SNSs in order to achieve their impression management goals and to avoid consequences associated with disclosing about risky health behaviors to certain audiences. Study 2 sought to develop …

Examining Peer Perceptions Of Humorous Communication In The College Classroom, David Chanson Davenport

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The majority of instructional communication literature has historically focused on the positive outcomes of incorporating humor into the classroom. However, despite the clearly documented instructional benefits of humorous communication, the literature tends to focus solely on instructor-enacted humor. However, humor is not a homogenous concept; therefore, it is imperative to examine it from a number of contexts, including student-enacted humor. Although the Instructional Humor Processing Theory (IHPT) has made a number of theoretical advances in exploring humorous communication in the classroom, it still lacks adequate explanatory power, particularly when examining student-enacted humor. Thus, four expansions to IHPT …

Investigating The Effects And Persuasive Mechanisms Of Expository And Narrative Hpv Vaccine Messages, Adam J. Parrish

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects and persuasive mechanisms of expository and narrative HPV vaccine messages targeted toward young men. The researcher used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HPV facts for men as a framework for the expository message condition. He also created two similar but distinct narratives that focused on HPV and men. The first narrative was informed by narrative persuasion studies in the social sciences and was labeled the academic narrative. The second narrative incorporated important elements of storytelling from literary theory and was labeled the classic narrative. A comparison condition, which …

“It’S A Very Tricky Communication Situation": A Comprehensive Investigation Of End-Of-Life Family Caregiver Communication Burden, Sara Lynn Shaunfield

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Family caregivers encounter immense negative consequences including decreased quality of life and increased rates of morbidity and mortality that stem from physical burdens, emotional distress, depression, social isolation, and loss of financial security. Although communication is an important aspect of caregiving, communication tasks are reportedly difficult for end-of-life family caregivers. The goal of this study was to explore the variety of communication stressors experienced by end-of-life family caregivers to gain insight into the communication tasks caregivers perceive as most difficult and the reasons why.

Qualitative data was achieved through in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 40 caregivers currently providing care for a …

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Of Division I Collegiate Football And Volleyball Players Pre- And Post-Deregulation Of Snacks By The Ncaa, Emily Ludwig

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The deregulation of snacks by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) permits institutions to provide enhanced snacks incidental to participation. Athletes may now have the opportunity to improve their diet quality. The purpose of this research was to assess the consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as body composition of Division I collegiate athletes. The sample included 19 American football players and 8 volleyball players. Paired t-tests were performed to compare fruit intake, vegetable intake, and body fat percentage pre- and post-deregulation of snacks. Linear regression models were used to determine correlations between change in fruit intake and change …