767 matches in the database.
These are records: 1 - 30.
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] … [26]
1.
Taamneh, Madhar Mohammad.
Long Term Monitoring and Evaluation of Drainable Bases at I-90 Test Road.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering, 2009, University of Akron
► It is a well recognized fact that pavements with poor subsurface drainage…
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▼ It is a well recognized fact that pavements with poor subsurface drainage properties prematurely exhibit distress and have higher life-cycle cost. Thus, providing adequate subsurface drainage in a pavement system to remove the infiltrated moisture in a timely manner is an important design consideration. Currently, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) accepts several types of materials specifications for use as drainable base materials. They are ODOT 307 (NJ, IA, and CE), ODOT 308 (asphalt treated), and ODOT 306 (cement treated). However, the effectiveness of these base materials in actual service has not been conclusively established in previous ODOT studies. Consequently, a research project, so-called ATB-90, was initiated in 2002 to provide additional data to assess the merits of the drainable bases in the asphalt pavement.
Advisors/Committee Members: Liang, Robert.
Subjects: Civil engineering
Keywords: Subsurface Drainage; Draibale Bases; Flexible Pavement
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2.
Tabaczynski, Tracy.
Grammatical Aspect in Children.
Degree: Master of Arts (MA), Psychology/Experimental, 2007, Bowling Green State University
► Verb aspect is a subtle feature of language usage and comprehension that…
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▼ Verb aspect is a subtle feature of language usage and comprehension that denotes a certain time frame within which an event occurs. Sensitivity to verb aspect may play a role in adult’s linguistic understanding by marking particular features of an event as salient. This study investigates whether verb aspect modulates both adults’ and children’s access to one particular event feature, the location at which the event occurs. English distinguishes between two aspects, the imperfective and the perfective. The imperfective aspect conveys that an event is ongoing, while perfective aspect conveys that an event is completed. Research with adults using semantic priming methods has shown that only verbs marked by imperfective aspect facilitate naming latencies for locations at which the events referred to by the verb typically occur. Verbs marked by perfective aspect do not result in such facilitation. This study extends previous research by replicating priming in adults for imperfective verb-location pairs using a modified, partly novel, stimuli set. By contrast, children aged 11-12 showed priming for locations following both imperfective and perfective verbs when tested with the same modified stimuli set.
Advisors/Committee Members: Hare, Mary.
Keywords: verb aspect; grammatical aspect; semantic priming; event representations; children; language
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3.
Tabak, Melanie Ann.
WEIGHT BASED STIGMA: THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED CONTROLLABILITY OF WEIGHT ON SOCIAL SUPPORT.
Degree: PHD, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychology, 2008, Kent State University
► TABAK, MELANIE A., Ph.D., December, 2008 PSYCHOLOGY WEIGHT BASED STIGMA: THE IMPACT…
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▼ TABAK, MELANIE A., Ph.D., December, 2008 PSYCHOLOGY WEIGHT BASED STIGMA: THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED CONTROLLABILITY OF WEIGHT ON SOCIAL SUPPORT (103 pp.) Director of Dissertation: Kristin D. Mickelson Although current society values equality, weight-related prejudice is prevalent and still seen as acceptable (Puhl and Brownell, 2006). One resource that could help negate the deleterious effects of stigma may be social support, a resource that suggests one is cared about and valued (Rodriguez and Cohen, 1998). Social support may benefit in two ways- it can buffer or moderate the relationship between stigma and health, and it may mediate the relationship between stigma and health. Both roles of social support will be examined in this dissertation. To my knowledge, only one study has examined the possibility that social support may act as a buffer in the weight-based stigma health relationship. Xie and colleagues (2005) found in their sample of Chinese youth that social support moderated the relationship between weight-based stigma and depressive symptoms. As for social support’s role as a mediator, although research suggests social support can function as a mediator (Kaniasty and Norris, 1993), this is the first study to examine this issue within the context of weight-based stigma and health, and analyses will be somewhat exploratory. While both functions of support may be beneficial, it is often reported that overweight and obese individuals do not receive adequate social support (Ali and Lindstrom, 2005). A large reason for these support deficits may be friends’/families’ perceptions of the controllability of weight. Research has shown thatindividuals that believe a person is responsible for their stigmatizing condition show less sympathy and less support may be provided (Seacat, Hirschman and Mickelson, 2007). To my knowledge, this dissertation is the first to examine this theory with friends and families perceptions of weight controllability. Integrating several literatures, I made several hypotheses. First, I hypothesized that perceived stigma would have a deleterious effect on mental and physical health. Second, I hypothesized that social support would buffer the relationship between stigma and mental/physical health. Finally, I hypothesized that perceived controllability of weight would impact perceived social support. 165 women enrolled in undergrad psychology courses completed the questionnaires. Results indicated that perceived stigma did not predict eating behaviors, exercise behaviors or depressive symptomatology. However, upon further investigation, I found that self-esteem (which was used as a control variable) may have been mediating the relationship between stigma and mental health. Results also indicated that emotional support from friends (but no other support) acted as a buffer in the relationship between stigma and depressive symptomatology (but no other outcomes). In regards to mediation, results indicated a marginal meditating effect of instrumental support from friends (but not family) in the relationship between perceived stigma and exercise (but not eating behaviors). Finally, contrary to hypotheses, family’s perceived controllability of weight was positively related to emotional and instrumental support from family, and friend’s perceived controllability of weight was positively related to instrumental support from friends. Results highlight family and friends’ role in the stigmatized individual’s life, and indicate that support from friends may be more salient for college-aged individuals than support from families. Further, results suggest that individuals perceive more support when they believe their family and friends perceive weight as controllable, suggesting that previous research regarding strangers may not extend to family/friends. Future research should examine the impact of controllability of weight from the perspective of the support providers.
Advisors/Committee Members: Mickelson, Kristin.
Subjects: Social psychology
Keywords: social support, stigma, controllability
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4.
Tabatabaian, Farnaz.
THE MEASUREMENT OF ENDOGENOUS mRNA EXPRESSION OF PLD ISOFORMS IN HL-60 CELLS USING QRT-PCR AND THE IMPACT OF THESE ISOFORMS ON GENE EXPRESSION OF mTOR AND S6K.
Degree: Master of Science (MS), Anatomy, 2006, Wright State University
► Phospholipase D (PLD) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond in…
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▼ Phospholipase D (PLD) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond in phosphatidylcholine, yielding choline and phosphatidic acid (PA). There are two main isoforms: PLD1 and PLD2, which share 50 % genetic homology. Both PLD isoforms are highly regulated by fatty acids, small GTPase proteins, protein kinase C, Ca2+, and phosphorylation. PLDs are involved in physiological and cellular signaling pathways, primarily through the production of the lipid second messengers PA and diacylglycedrol (DAG). While PA is involved in a variety of intracellular mechanisms, the role of PLD, independent of PA, in regulation of signaling protein kinases is not fully understood. This is particularly the case for the protein kinases mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal p70S6K. mTOR is a kinase, activated by growth factors and inhibited by rapamycin, that contributes to cell growth and proliferation. p70S6K, also a kinase, is a substrate of mTOR and catalyzes the phosphorylation of the S6 protein, a component of the eukaryotic ribosomal 40S subunit. P70S6K also plays a role in the regulation of cell growth. The objectives of the present study were to analyze: (a) if the expression of the PLD mRNA isoforms were subjected to regulation by the expression of members in other cell signaling pathways, namely mTOR and S6K, and (b) if such regulation should exist, how it might be modulated by granulocyte agonists, specifically chemoattractant agents Epithelial-neutrophil activating peptide (ENA-78), N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8). Using a variety of molecular methodologies, we were able to establish a working method for high-yield transfection of the human promyleocyitic leukemic (HL-60), a hematopoietic cell line that grows in cell culture in suspension. Real Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was optimized for the four genes of interest in this study: PLD1, PLD2, mTOR, S6K. Using qRT-PCR, we found that DMSO differentiated HL-60 cells (dHL-60) that express the neutrophilic phenotype, were able to respond to ENA-78, fMLP, and IL-8. Gene expression of PLD1, PLD2, mTOR and S6K increased in presence of ENA-78 and IL-8. On the other hand, fMLP increased gene expression of PLD2, mTOR and S6K, but not PLD1. Endogenous gene expression after silencing with specific, double strand, small interfering RNAs (si RNA) was also investigated. PLD1 RNA interference effectively silenced PLD1, but showed a small degree of non-specific silencing towards PLD2 as well. PLD2, mTOR and S6K were effectively silenced by RNA interference. Interestingly, the silencing of the latter genes was not rescued (brought back to basal levels) by fMLP or IL-8 induction. Further, a relationship between the PLD2 and the mTOR/S6K kinases was found, namely, that when either mTOR or S6K gene expression is silenced, PLD2 expression is dramatically potentiated. We propose that mTOR and S6K expression negatively regulate PLD2 gene expression, and this cannot be rescued by cell stimulation with chemoattractants. The mechanism by which RNA from a set of cell signaling molecules influence the expression of other genes is not addressed in this thesis, but several exploring possibilities are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gomez-Cambronero, Julian.
Subjects: Biology, Cell
Keywords: dHL-60 cells,Endogenous mRNA expression of PLD1, PLD2, mTOR, and S6K
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5.
Tabernik, Anna Maria Marlene.
A Two-Level Hierarchical Linear Model Analysis of the Relationship Between Sustained, Targeted Professional Development for Teachers and Student Achievement in Mathematics.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education, College of Education and Human Services, 2008, Cleveland State University
► A TWO-LEVEL HIERARCHICAL LINEAR MODEL ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINED, TARGETED…
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▼ A TWO-LEVEL HIERARCHICAL LINEAR MODEL ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINED, TARGETED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS ABSTRACT ANNA MARIA TABERNIK The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 put in place sweeping educational reforms targeted to raise school accountability for student achievement. Research has confirmed there is a distinct relationship between quality instruction and student learning, so one by-product of this reform movement is to provide every student with a high quality teacher, every year, in every classroom. This presents a challenge to school districts where teachers may not have the training and content knowledge necessary to raise the bar for students. Professional development has long been a routine service provided by school districts. In Ohio, however, with school funding dependent on property taxes determined by voter approval of school levies, budgets have gotten tighter. Therefore, districts are often forced to choose between funding professional development to improve student achievement and funding other basic programs. An analysis of variance and Level-2 hierarchical linear models were used to explore the relationship between teacher participation in targeted, sustained professional development in mathematics and student performance on the Ohio Achievement Test for Mathematics (OATM). Sixty-nine teachers were selected for this study from those who had participated in professional development through the SMART Consortium between June, 2004 and April, 2007. Over 4,100 OATM test histories were retrieved for students of the selected teachers. Results indicated there was a positive relationship between teacher participation in sustained, targeted professional development and student achievement on the OATM. Teacher participation in a minimum of 90 hours of professional development, years of experience, and certification in mathematics were all significant predictors of student performance on the 2007 OATM. Teacher participation in professional development and teacher certification in mathematics were associated with a narrowing of the gap between male and female students with regard to level of improvement in student performance on the OATM from 2006 to 2007. Finally, teacher background in mathematics was associated with a narrowing of the minority achievement gap with regard to level of improvement in scores over the two year period. Professional development, as shown in this study, can serve to enhance teacher characteristics, adding value to student learning and supporting increased student achievement.
Advisors/Committee Members: Williams, Paul.
Subjects: Education; Mathematics education; School administration; Teacher education
Keywords: Professional Development, Student Achievement in Mathematics, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, HLM
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6.
TABJULU, VAMSI K.
A Study of Circulation Patterns in Downtowns with reference to Cincinnati, OH.
Degree: MCP, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Community Planning, 2008, University of Cincinnati
► The importance of making Downtown Cincinnati a better place to work, live,…
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▼ The importance of making Downtown Cincinnati a better place to work, live, visit, and connect to uptown and other neighborhoods is getting stronger with every passing day. With various high-scale projects like the replacement of I-71/75 Brent Spence Bridge, and I-471 Corridor changes in the near future, the need to improve the circulation patterns of downtown Cincinnati is gaining prominence. This is a very dynamic time for downtown Cincinnati and its transportation system. The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) sponsored a study in 1999, the Central Area Loop Study, covering the freeway inner belt of the cities of Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington. With the ever changing needs and requirements of Cincinnati, a decade old study on Cincinnati downtown is mostly obsolete. The purpose of this thesis is to study the circulation patterns in downtown Cincinnati and come up with recommendations for a better street network, serving a multi-modal transportation network.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edelman, David.
Subjects: Transportation; Urban planning
Keywords: downtowns, circulation patterns, street typology
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7.
Taboada, Alvaro G.
The Impact of Changes in Bank Ownership Structure around the World.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Business Administration, 2008, Ohio State University
► Large scale bank privatizations over the last ten years have resulted in…
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▼ Large scale bank privatizations over the last ten years have resulted in vast changes in the ownership structure of banking sectors throughout the world. This dissertation explores both the macro and micro level effects of these changes in bank ownership structure. The first essay explores how changes in bank ownership structure affect capital allocation efficiency within countries. I find that the decline in government ownership of banks by itself does not have any impact on capital allocation efficiency; rather, what matters is whether foreigners or large domestic shareholders acquire the stakes relinquished by the government. Increases in domestic blockholder ownership of banks adversely affect the allocation of capital through increased lending activity to less productive industries, while increased foreign presence improves capital allocation efficiency by directing credit to more productive sectors and to industries that rely more on external financing. In the second essay I explore how changes in bank ownership structure affect the performance of individual banks and the banking sector. The primary contribution of this essay is to examine the role of large domestic blockholders on bank performance. I find that increases in large domestic blockholder ownership of banks are associated with poor subsequent performance in terms of asset quality, profitability, and bank value. In contrast, increases in foreign ownership lead to improvements in profitability and bank value, consistent with prior findings. Government ownership of banks continues to affect bank performance adversely. Finally, increased presence of large domestic blockholders in the banking sector has a positive spillover effect on banking sector asset quality and profitability, while increased foreign presence is no longer associated with improvements in the competitiveness of the banking sector, contrary to what prior studies have found.
Advisors/Committee Members: Karolyi, G. Andrew.
Subjects: Banking; Finance
Keywords: banking, bank ownership, capital allocation
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8.
Tadesse, Daniel Alemayehu.
Molecular Epidemiology Of Campylobacter And Yersinia Enterocolitica Isolates From Pigs Reared In Conventional And Antibiotic Free Farms From Different Geographic Regions.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, 2009, Ohio State University
► This dissertation is composed of four studies conducted in two predominant bacterial…
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▼ This dissertation is composed of four studies conducted in two predominant bacterial pathogens; Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica in swine production systems. The main scope was molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance. The first study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Campylobacter in two regions. A total of 838 fecal and 1173 carcass samples were examined. Campylobacter isolation was done following recommended protocol. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using agar dilution to a panel of six antimicrobials. The overall Campylobacter prevalence was 56.3%. We found Campylobacter prevalence of 58.9% and 53.7% among conventional and antimicrobial free farms respectively (p=0.24). There was no significant difference between region 1 (54.1%) and region 2 (58.2%) (p=0.92). Higher proportions of Campylobacter were resistant to tetracycline (64.5%) and erythromycin (47.9%). Resistance to chloramphenicol (4.4%), gentamicin (3.2%), nalidixic acid (23.5%) and ciprofloxacin (4.9%) were also detected. Thirty-seven out of 1257 Campylobacter coli (2.9%) were resistant to both erythromycin and ciprofloxacin, drugs of choice for human campylobacteriosis. High prevalence of Campylobacter coli and high proportion of resistance in both conventional and ABF systems, regardless of antimicrobial use status, was found. We also evaluated the contribution of point mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) of the gyrA gene to quinolone resistance. A total of eighty Campylobacter isolates were selected based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid. Of the 21 ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid resistant C. coli isolates, only six showed point mutations that resulted in Thr-86 to Ile (ACT to ATT) amino acid substitutions. These isolates had MICs > 4 μg/ml for ciprofloxacin and ≥ 128 μg/ml for nalidixic acid. No detectable gyrA mutation was detected among C. coli isolates with MIC ≤ 4 μg/ml to ciprofloxacin. The genotypic diversity of 99 C. coli isolates from different geographic regions, production systems and with different resistance patterns was also investigated by multilocus sequence typing method. A total of 50 different sequence types (ST), among which seven new ones, were identified. All STs belonged to ST-828 clonal complex with ST-828 putative founder ST. The most common ST was ST-854 (n=10) followed by ST-828 (n=5), ST-1096 (n=5) and ST-1100 (n=5). The C. coli population showed weak clonal structure with an IA of 0.46. Swine are recognized as a major reservoir and potential source of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica strains to humans. A total of 172 Y. enterocolitica were investigated to determine their pathogenic significance to humans. Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of the isolates were assessed using antibiogram, serogrouping and amplified fragment length polymorphism. Carriage of chromosomal and plasmid-borne virulence genes were investigated using PCR. More than two-thirds of Y. enterocolitica were pan-susceptible. The most predominant serotype was O:3 (43%). Twenty-two of 172 (12.8%) isolates were found to carry Yersinia adhesion A (yadA). Ail, ystA and ystB gene were detected in 36%, 77% and 26.2% of the strains, respectively. AFLP genotyping of isolates showed wide diversity and were grouped into nine clades.
Advisors/Committee Members: Gebreyes, Wondwossen.
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9.
Taekul, Charuwat.
Classification and revision of world species of the genus Fusicornia Risbec (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae).
Degree: Master of Science, Entomology, 2008, Ohio State University
► The genus Fusicornia Risbec(Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea, Platygastridae)is a widespread group in the Old…
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▼ The genus Fusicornia Risbec(Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea, Platygastridae)is a widespread group in the Old World, distributed from West Africa to Vanuatu. All scelionids are egg parasitoids of arthropods, but the host of Fusicornia is not yet known. The species concepts are revised and a key to world species is presented. The genus comprises 19 species of which 14 are new to science.This work is part of the Platygastroidea Planetary Biodiversity Inventory, and the collaborative taxonomic methods developed for this international project are outlined.
Advisors/Committee Members: Johnson, Norman F.
Subjects: Entomology
Keywords: Fusicornia, Platygastridae, Scelionidae, Platygastroidea
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10.
Taerakul, Panuwat.
Characterization of trace elements in dry flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering, 2005, Ohio State University
► This study investigates the amount, distribution, variation and fate of trace elements…
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▼ This study investigates the amount, distribution, variation and fate of trace elements in FGD by-product. Dry FGD by-product including lime spray dryer (LSD) ash have possible uses in agricultural and construction applications. However, the variability in the chemical properties, especially levels of trace elements, of LSD ash is a concern due to the possible release to the environment. Little variability over different time periods (e.g., daily to yearly) and little variability between samples collected from different particle collection hoppers were observed. Trace elements including As, Se, and Hg in LSD ash and in the leachate did not surpass limits for land application (EPA 503 Rule) or RCRA. Further study of LSD ash samples was conducted to examine the distribution of trace elements in different fractions. The results show that the concentration of As was consistently greater in the calcium-enriched fraction, while the Hg concentration was significant in all fractions. Specific surface area was found to be a factor controlling the levels of mercury in LSD ash fractions. Results suggest that As and Hg are stable in LSD ash due to high pH and significant amounts of Ca. However, when LSD is disposed in a landfill, dissolution of Ca may lower the pH and calcium concentration in the leachate which may facilitate the release of As and Hg. The study of trace elements in LSD ash was used as a base-line for investigating trace elements in dry FGD by-product collected from the Ohio State Carbonation and Ash Reactivation (OSCAR) process. The OSCAR process is a pilot-plant of a new dry FGD system used on a slip stream of flue gas from the McCracken Power Plant. Results suggest that OSCAR sorbents are effective for capturing trace elements, and the OSCAR cyclone samples can be beneficially reused.
Advisors/Committee Members: Walker, Harold Webb.
Subjects: Engineering, Environmental
Keywords: dry flue gas desulfurization by-product, trace elements, mercury, arsenic, selenium, leaching, unburned carbon
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12.
Tafen, De Nyago.
Topics in the Theory of Glasses.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Physics (Arts and Sciences), 2005, Ohio University
► In this work, we present the results of large scale computer simulations…
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▼ In this work, we present the results of large scale computer simulations using different approaches ranging from the usual quench from the melt to the building blocks method. We also present structural models of binary chalcogenide glasses, GeSe4, GeSe9, GeSe1.5, GeSe2 and SiSe2, amorphous silica and models of Ge-Se glasses heavily doped with Ag ((GeSe3)0.90Ag0.10, (GeSe3)0.85Ag0.15) through ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. GeSe4 and GeSe9 models are in good agreement with all the structural properties, vibrational properties and electronic density of states. The defect sites causing localization of electronic eigenstates in the band gap region are characterized. A detailed analysis of the atomic structure of these glasses shows that the Ge-centered tetrahedra are the predominant coordination motifs in g-GeSe4 and that the structure of g-GeSe9 consists of Se-chain segments which are cross-linked by Ge(Se1/2)4 tetrahedra. Having reliable models of (GeSe3)0.90Ag0.10 and (GeSe3)0.85Ag0.15, we study the dynamics of the network of these glasses with an emphasis on the Ag ions. We highlight the existence of trapping centers and explicitly illustrate the trapping and release process from thermal MD simulation. We show that first principles simulation is a powerful tool to reveal the motion of ions in glass. The models appear to be in excellent agreement with an array of experiments and should be useful for subsequent studies of these interesting materials. For certain binary IV-VI glasses, especially silica, we show that decoration of bond-centered column VI atoms on tetrahedral amorphous networks leads with appropriate re-scaling and relaxation to highly realistic models of IV-VI binary glasses. The models obtained present some additional features such as a proper asymptotic behavior in S(Q) for large Q. The method is used to produce other models such as GeSe2 and SiSe2. We also show that the combination of a reverse Monte Carlo approach with approximate first-principles molecular dynamics is effective for a challenging material g-GeSe2.
Advisors/Committee Members: Drabold, David.
Subjects: Physics, Condensed Matter
Keywords: Glasses; Diffusion; Electronic Structure; Decorative and relax; Modelin methods
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13.
TAFT, SARAH C.
ANTHRAX TOXIN: IMMUNITY AND RECEPTOR ACTIVITY.
Degree: PhD, Medicine : Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, 2007, University of Cincinnati
► Bacillus anthracis is a high priority biothreat agent because of two virulence…
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▼ Bacillus anthracis is a high priority biothreat agent because of two virulence factors, an anti-phagocytic capsule and an exotoxin, consisting of protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). These virulence factors inhibit the host immune responses, allowing the bacilli to rapidly multiply and overwhelm the host. While the capsule is nonimmunogenic, the PA component of anthrax toxin has been shown to induce a protective antibody response and is the main component of human anthrax vaccines, including the United States' anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA). This dissertation aimed to further characterize anthrax toxin activity, examine human antibody responses to AVA vaccination, and investigate the influence of toxin receptor type on susceptibility to anthrax toxin. Initial studies characterized the activity of LF and EF using the mouse J774A.1 cell line and examined if human antibody-mediated neutralization of toxin could be more efficiently assessed using human cells. A variety of human and animal cells lines, and human primary cells were examined for susceptibility to anthrax toxin. J774A.1 cells were the only cells found to be susceptible to LF-induced lysis, but all cells tested were susceptible to EF-induced increases in cAMP. The activity of LF and EF antibodies was also assessed utilizing the LF- and EF-susceptible J774A.1 cells. The results revealed that LF and EF antibodies do not significantly contribute to anthrax toxin neutralization in humans, and that antibodies to PA are sufficient to neutralize toxin activity. Lastly, the influence of receptor type on susceptibility to anthrax toxin components using Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), CHO cells lacking functional toxin receptors (CHO-R1.1), and CHO-R1.1 cells expressing the human forms of two PA receptors, TEM8 (CHO-TEM8) or CMG2 (CHO-CMG2) was examined. Unexpectedly, PA alone, previously believed to only mediate entry of LF or EF, was found to be toxic to CHO-TEM8 cells. CHO-TEM8 cells treated with PA alone displayed reduced cell growth and decreased metabolic activity. PA induced immediate cell swelling, and the cells became permeable to membrane-excluded dye, suggesting that PA-TEM8 binding leads to pore-formation on the cell surface. These unanticipated results reveal that PA alone might mediate toxic activity in disease.
Advisors/Committee Members: Weiss, Dr. Alison A.
Subjects: Biology, Microbiology
Keywords: Bacillus anthracis, anthrax toxin, AVA
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14.
Taherbhai, Fatimah.
Help Seeking in an Online Environment.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Instructional Technology (Education), 2005, Ohio University
► This qualitative case study examines the help seeking behaviors of 28 undergraduate…
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▼ This qualitative case study examines the help seeking behaviors of 28 undergraduate students. This research identifies: the type of help they seek, from whom they seek help, and when they seek help. This research also investigates: the relationship between self-esteem and help seeking in an online environment and the use of self-regulated learning strategies in an online learning environment. This research utilizes grounded theory as its theoretical framework. To investigate help seeking in an online environment, this study employed questionnaires, standardized tests, weekly journals, interviews, and focus groups. In terms of type of help sought, students in an online course seek executive help rather than instrumental help. It was also discovered that the majority of the students get frustrated with their inability to solve problems without help and assume that an online class is easier and less time-consuming. When examining from whom students seek help, the majority of the students appear to seek informal help from their friends, but formal help from their instructor. In terms of when students seek help, the findings suggest they seek help almost immediately. In investigating the relationship between self-esteem and help seeking in an online environment, the findings reveal that the majority of the students are correct in their self-analysis of their level of self-esteem. It was also discovered that the majority of the students, regardless of their level of self-esteem, are open to seeking help. This inquiry also reveals that students consider self-esteem a multidimensional construct (i.e., academic self-esteem versus social self-esteem). When examining the use of self-regulated learning strategies in an online learning environment, the findings reveal that only half the students use higher level learning strategies. In addition, this research suggests that the majority of the students use the same learning strategies in the online learning environment as in a face-to-face environment. In conclusion, future researchers need to: include collaborative activities in online learning to promote instrumental help seeking, take into account the fact that self-esteem is multidimensional, design activities that will lead to deep learning, and inform students of the role adjustments that the online students have to make.
Advisors/Committee Members: Franklin, Teresa.
Subjects: Education, Technology
Keywords: Help Seeking; Online; Educational Technology; Instruction; Online Learning; Web-Based Learning
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15.
Tahmahkera, Dustin.
Representations of Redface: Decolonizing the American Situation Comedy's "Indian".
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), American Culture Studies/Communication, 2007, Bowling Green State University
► This study critically analyzes the thematic development of representations of redface, or…
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▼ This study critically analyzes the thematic development of representations of redface, or of playing "Indian," by non-Native characters in live-action and animated American sitcoms. Predominantly White characters have played "Indian" to reeenact nostalgic colonialist versions of historical events, to gain fame and fortune deceptively, to be honorary members of a tribe, to acknowledge heritage through a distant "Indian" relative, and to be in "Indian" clubs. This dissertation also discusses the dehumanizing roles of rare on-screen "Indians" as cultureless dupes or subservient, vanishing Natives who legitimize and authenticate non-Indigenes' constructions of redface. Representations of redface in American sitcoms, from their appearance in the 1951 I Love Lucy "The Adagio" to the 2006 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody "Boston Tea Party," have largely defined the sitcom's "Indian." The result is a redface collective that emphasizes the recurring visibility of (mis)leading "Indian" players that represent, or stand in for, the mostly invisible Indigenes. American sitcoms have set forth a restricted logic on how "Indians" in comedic television should appear. In turn, this limited logic of the sitcom's "Indian" transmits a narrow, non-fully human view of real Indigenes to non-Indigenous and Indigenous audiences. A major objective of this study is to interrupt the perpetuation of "Indian" play by decolonizing the stereotypical, mythic, and fabricated representations of redface through decolonized viewing. As a media-focused area of decolonization that responds to media colonialism, decolonized viewing is a critical approach for Native and non-Native audiences to apply to their interpretations of American sitcoms. After explaining decolonized viewing in one chapter and applying it to the next three chapters of analyses, this study concludes with explaining the importance of shifting from the sitcom's "Indian" to the Indigenous sitcom, a crucial part of Indigenizing television.
Advisors/Committee Members: Dixon, Lynda.
Subjects: American Studies
Keywords: Decolonization; Native Americans; Situation Comedy; Sitcom; Television; Playing Indian; Representation; Redface; Decolonized Viewing; Brady Bunch
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16.
Tahmaseb, Kambiz.
Biochemical Characterization of hTRF1 and hTEP1, Two Proteins Involved in Telomere Maintenance.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biomedical Sciences PhD, 2007, Wright State University
► Telomeres are the structures that protect the ends of linear chromosomes from…
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▼ Telomeres are the structures that protect the ends of linear chromosomes from fusion and degradation. The telomere consists of tandem repeated DNA sequences that can range from hundreds of bases to kilo-bases depending on the organism. As the cells of an organism replicate their DNA, these repeats are lost due to the end replication problem, where the ends of linear DNA cannot be fully replicated. As the telomeres are shortened through each round of replication, they eventually reach a critical point. Once the telomeres are too short and the cell risks losing coding sequences, a signaling pathway is initiated that causes the cell to senesce. However, cells that require continuous replication (i.e., stem cells, germ cells, and cancer cells) require constant maintenance of their telomeres in order to not enter senescence. The majority of these cells use the multimeric protein telomerase and a host of other proteins to maintain the lengths of their chromosomes. Eukaryotic telomerase is a nucleo-protein complex consisting of the telomerase RNA (TR), telomere end reverse transcriptase (TERT), and telomerase associated protein 1 (TEP1). Furthermore, telomeric length is regulated by a host of telomeric binding proteins. This thesis focuses on two proteins important for human telomeric maintenance. The first is human TEP1 (hTEP1) which is a subunit of telomerase. This large protein contains the RNA binding domain that binds hTR. Though the RNA binding subunit of hTEP1 has been partially purified before, full-length hTEP1 has been refractory to biochemical analysis due to the inability to express and purify this large protein. Here we reveal the very first purification of full-length hTEP1. Furthermore, where the RNA binding domain of hTEP1 alone does not show specific interaction with hTR, we show that full-length hTEP1 binds hTR specifically. The second protein of interest in this thesis is the human telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (hTRF1). This protein is one of the telomeric binding proteins that plays a critical role in telomere structure and stability. hTRF1 is also important as a regulator of telomeric length. hTRF1 has been shown to bind telomeric DNA specifically and my data reveals details of this surprisingly complex interaction using a sensitive intrinsic fluorescence kinetic technique. Our results demonstrate that hTRF1 binds to both telomeric and non-telomeric DNA. However, hTRF1 exhibits different characteristics as it binds telomeric DNA and is able to distinguish between telomeric and non-telomeric tracts of DNA. This new information on these two key players in the maintenance of telomeres will help us further understand how these complex DNA ends are preserved in the cell. Through this knowledge, we can devise better tests in understanding how immortal cell lines, such as cancer cells, function and proliferate, making it possible to identify novel therapeutic targets to inhibit this process.
Advisors/Committee Members: Turchi, John J.
Subjects: Chemistry, Biochemistry
Keywords: Cancer; Fluorescence Quenching; Telomere; Telomerase; hTEP1; hTR; hTRF1
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17.
Takagi, Naomi Igarashi.
Flow theory: Conscious experience in expository argumentative writing.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, English, 2009, Case Western Reserve University
► In composition classrooms, the word “flow” is frequently used as shorthand for…
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▼ In composition classrooms, the word “flow” is frequently used as shorthand for good writing in students’ and teachers’ comments alike, but its state of affair rarely draws scholarly attention, leaving it ambiguous and impressionistic. This dissertation makes a preliminary attempt to define flow in written discourse especially from the perspective of consciousness. The relation between consciousness and discourse has already been established by the linguist Wallace Chafe who claims that “language is one of the most obvious products of the human mind” and explains the ways in which the nature of consciousness translates into discourse (1973, p. 261). According to Chafe, “flow” is one of such manifestations, and he describes it in terms of the three principles: topic hierarchy, the light subject constraint, and the one new idea constraint. His discussion of these principles, however, is mostly focused on natural spoken language; hence, this dissertation examines their applicability to expository writing, specifically written argument, a mode of writing widely taught in college composition. To that end, Chafe’s theory will be contextualized in the history of consciousness studies and examined in its connections to the work of William James, Bernard Baars, and Merlin Donald. Then, several modifications will be made to Chafe’s theory, including adoption of the clause as the carrier of a new idea and the Stasis as the organizational framework for argumentative writing. Subsequently, the relevance of flow theory will be explored with the use of a paragon argument by a professional writer as well as arguments composed by ESL students. Some of the key findings include that flow in argumentative writing is at least partially due to coordinated implementation of the three principles and that nonnative speakers of English tend to have difficulty with flow because they lack intuitive understanding of the ways in which consciousness manifests itself in English discourse. Finally, given the importance of flow theory for nonnative speakers of English, implications of adopting flow theory in ESL/EFL classrooms will be discussed. This dissertation will close by proposing future research projects such as expanding the existing flow theory and examining students’ cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds.
Advisors/Committee Members: Oakley, Todd.
Subjects: Composition
Keywords: consciousness, intonation units, flow, coherence, cohesion, argument, stasis theory, ESL/EFL writing
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18.
Takahashi, Kosei.
Greenspace Depletion in Tokyo, Japan.
Degree: Master of Science (MS), Environmental Studies (Arts and Sciences), 2008, Ohio University
► Tokyo, Japan, one of the fastest growing cities, has faced urbanization and…
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▼ Tokyo, Japan, one of the fastest growing cities, has faced urbanization and significant pressure from both the transportation network and the population. It is critical to understand the clear relationship between human activity and environmental effects. This study examines the time period between 1975 and 2005, and how Tokyo's greenspace has been depleted. This research project will examine whether major variables (town size, roads development, train and subway development, housing units, population, and people's in-migration) have a strong relationship with depletion of the greenspace. This research project includes a statistical analysis to test the relationship between each variable and greenspace lost. Road development and population had a significant relationship with respect to the greenspace lost. In order to preserve greenspace, in addition to the existing rooftop greenspace policy the city of Tokyo should implement new regulations in the future.
Advisors/Committee Members: Lein, James K.
Subjects: Environmental science; Geography; Landscaping; Urban planning
Keywords: Tokyo; greenspace; rooftop greenspace; urban development
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20.
Takeuchi, Mito.
A Case Study of “Othering” in Japanese Schools: Rhetoric and Reality.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Curriculum and Instruction Cultural Studies (Education), 2009, Ohio University
► The goal of the dissertation was to examine various diversity-related challenges domestic/indigenous…
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▼ The goal of the dissertation was to examine various diversity-related challenges domestic/indigenous minority and foreign students in Japanese junior high school encounter and to explore how the school provided for these students. One major problem in current Japanese schools is the gap between the homogeneous discourse embedded in the curriculum and multicultural realities that schools and communities are beginning to encounter with the increase in foreign residents. This study used a case study approach. The sources of data consisted of document analyses, classroom observations, and interviews. Two elementary schools and one JSL (Japanese as a Second Language) curriculum seminar were also selected to triangulate the data. Data were collected from mid-November, 2007, to early February, 2008. Content analyses were done with school-related documents and relevant national curriculum, teachers’ manuals, and textbooks. The most relevant subjects relating to diversity, namely social studies, a foreign language, and integrated studies, were selected as the focus. Classroom observations were done for a total of 58 periods in six different subject areas. Interviews covered 18 informants, including the school principal, teachers, a language counselor, students, and parents who provided personal stories related to multicultural experiences. All these data were analyzed inductively through the framework of the literature review and hegemony and social reproduction theories. My findings among others revealed that the homogeneous policies and provisions are hegemonic to “others,” including domestic /indigenous minority and foreign students, as a result of placing their history and culture at the periphery. By highlighting the distance between ethnic Japanese and “others,” the hegemony of ethnic Japanese is reproduced. On the other hand, the study also showed that social interaction can change ethnic Japanese students’ perception of “others” in a positive direction. Another way of alienation was the exclusion of foreign residents, in Article 26 of the Constitution of Japan. Teachers adopted double standards in managing truancy cases among Japanese and foreign students depicting strong influences from Article 26. Double standards also applied to school provisions for individualized instruction between special-needs Japanese students and foreign students because of this article of the constitution.
Advisors/Committee Members: Godwyll, Francis E.
Subjects: Bilingual education; Educational sociology; Minority and ethnic groups; Multicultural education; Social structure
Keywords: others; hegemony; Nihonjinron; junior high school education; case study; Japan
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21.
Talabere, Laurel Ratcliff.
The effects of an asthma education program on selected health behaviors of school-age children who have recently experienced an acute asthma episode.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, ED Physical Activities and Educational Services, 1990, Ohio State University
► The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an asthma education program on selected health behaviors of school-age children who recently experienced an acute asthma episode. Asthma, the leading cause of school absenteeism and a major source of disability in children, has increased in this age group in recent years. Furthermore, children in lower socioeconomic groups may be at increased risk for hospitalization due to irregular health care. A sample of 50 school-age children and their children, obtained from admission and emergency room rosters of a Children's Hospital, was randomly assigned to an experimental group to participate in an asthma education program or to a control group. The education consisted of two 1-hour teaching sessions with a format individualized to the needs of the child and parent. Hypotheses were tested to determine the effects of the program on seven variables: a) hospitalizations, b) emergency health care visits, c) school absences, d) altered breathing episodes, e) child's knowledge of asthma, f) child's attitude about asthma, and g) parent's perception of the child's asthma. Parents in both the experimental and control groups kept a 3-month diary to monitor the child's medication use, wheezing episodes, school absences, emergency care, and hospitalizations. The child's knowledge and attitudes about asthma and the parent's perceptions of the child's asthma were measured by paper-and-pencil instruments upon entry into the study and after completion of the 3-month diary. While keeping the diary, each parent received a reminder phone call every two weeks. Upon completion of the study, a specially designed T-shirt was given to each child, and each child and parent in the control group received a packet of teaching materials. The findings showed a significant decrease (p = .036) in emergency health care visits and a significant increase (p = .031) in the child's knowledge of asthma. The other variables changed in a positive direction but were not statistically significant. These findings were congruent with previous research in this area. The significance of this study lies in providing evidence that a targeted asthma education program may reduce the frequency of emergency care and increase the school-age child's knowledge of asthma.
Advisors/Committee Members: Chen, Jr., Moon S.
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22.
Talafous, Joseph.
Studies in computational biochemistry: Computer prediction of xenobiotic metabolism and the three-dimensional solution structure of residues 1-28 of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid beta-peptide.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry, 1995, Case Western Reserve University
► META is a new knowledge-based expert system that simulates the biotransformation and…
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▼ META is a new knowledge-based expert system that simulates the biotransformation and metabolism of xenobiotics. By application of a collection of rules which supply knowledge, the program recognizes key functional groups within the complete xenobiotic structure and substitutes them to predict possible metabolites. META employs established methodologies to predict lipophilicity, stability, and reactivity of the metabolites. A comprehensive knowledge base was constructed to model mammalian xenobiotic metabolism with META methodology by consulting experts in medicinal chemistry. Metabolic pathways are often experimentally observed to compete for substrates, which is modeled by the prioritization of the rules. The META-4 algorithm optimizes the prioritization knowledge base development. Another algorithm, called Graphsort, is used to assign a unique name to chemical entities that can be represented by graphs. Uniqueness is accomplished by canonical ordering of the nodes using novel node invariants based on distance distributions. The β-peptide is the major proteinaceous component of amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease. The three-dimensional solution structure of resid ues 1 to 28 of the amyloid β-peptide was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, distance geometry, and molecular dynamics techniques. The nuclear magnetic resonance data used to derive the structure consisted of nuclear Overhauser enhancements, vicinal coupling constants, and temperature coefficients of the amide-NH chemical shifts. In membrane-like media, the peptide folds to form a predominately α-helical structure with a bend centered at residue 12. There is strong backbone homology with mellitin and alamethicin, which may provide a structure-based explanation to the β-peptide ion-channeling and aggregation properties. The side-chains of histidine-13 and lysine-16 reside on the same face of the α-helix and their proximity may constitute a binding site for the heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The molecular details of this structure could assist in the design of rational treatments to curtail the binding of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, or inhibit an α-helix → β-sheet conversion that may occur during the early stages of amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease.
Advisors/Committee Members: Klopman, Gilles.
Keywords: computational biochemistry Computer prediction xenobiotic metabolism three-dimensional solution structure residues 1-28 of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid beta-peptide
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23.
Talarico, Alexander Phillip.
Myf5 Does Not Induce Apoptosis In Skeletal Myoblasts But Is Regulated By Oncogenic Ras Expression.
Degree: Master of Science in Biology, College of Science, 2009, Cleveland State University
► Skeletal myogenesis is initiated by a family of muscle regulatory factors (MRFs)…
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▼ Skeletal myogenesis is initiated by a family of muscle regulatory factors (MRFs) composed of the transcription factors MyoD, Myf5, MRF4, and myogenin. Of these, MyoD was the first discovered, is the most studied, and plays a well-characterized role in skeletal myoblast determination and differentiation. Our laboratory has also discovered that MyoD plays an important role in the apoptotic process that occurs in a subpopulation of myoblasts induced to differentiate. Expression of oncogenic Ras is known to inhibit myoblast differentiation and to decrease the expression of MyoD mRNA and protein. Our laboratory was the first to report that expression of oncogenic Ras also blocks the apoptotic process. While it is well known that MyoD and Myf5 function somewhat redundantly with respect to their role in the differentiation process, neither the role of Myf5 in the apoptotic process nor the regulation of Myf5 by oncogenic Ras has been investigated. Herein we report that, unlike MyoD, Myf5 is not sufficient to induce apoptosis. Further, like MyoD, Myf5 expression is decreased in both myoblasts and fibroblasts expressing oncogenic Ras. Additionally, we report that the mechanism of this inhibition is not a consequence of reducing Myf5 mRNA levels.
Advisors/Committee Members: Weyman, Crystal.
Subjects: Biology; Biomedical research
Keywords: Myf5; Skeletal Myogenesis; Apoptosis; Differentiation; Oncogenic Ras; Cancer
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24.
TALBERG, JONATHAN A.
A CONDUCTOR'S GUIDE TO LEONARD BERNSTEIN'S CHICHESTER PSALMS AND AN INTRODUCTION TO AND ANALYSIS OF LEONARD BERSTEIN'S MISSA BREVIS.
Degree: DMA, College-Conservatory of Music : Conducting, Choral Emphasis, 2004, University of Cincinnati
► This thesis examines two larger choral pieces by Leonard Bernstein, the Chichester…
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▼ This thesis examines two larger choral pieces by Leonard Bernstein, the Chichester Psalms and the Missa brevis, with the intention of helping conductors prepare and perform the works. The paper is written to aid choral professionals, whether they be university, college, or high school conductors, church musicians, symphonic chorus masters, or the music director of a professional ensemble. Included in the paper are: a discussion of the genesis and historical circumstances surrounding the composition of each work; an analysis of formal structures and key relationships for each movement; and suggestions for teaching and conducting the Chichester Psalms. In regard to the Chichester Psalms, the appropriate tempi, instrumentation, stage placement, and rehearsal techniques are discussed, as is the use of recordings by the composer as a study guide. The paper includes figures that illuminate the form of the individual movements of both works and give graphic representation to the written analysis. A selected bibliography and discography are included.
Advisors/Committee Members: Leman, Dr. John.
Subjects: Music
Keywords: Leonard Bernstein; Chichester Psalms; Missa Brevis; Choral Works
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26.
Talbott, Nancy R.
The Effect of the Weight, Location and Type of Backpack on Posture and Postural Stability of Children.
Degree: PhD, Medicine : Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2005, University of Cincinnati
► Because students stand and move with backpacks that may be heavy, posture…
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▼ Because students stand and move with backpacks that may be heavy, posture and balance may be altered. The purpose of this study was to determine if posture or postural stability change with backpack weight, the type of backpack worn or the location of the backpack on the spine. Forty healthy students ages 10 -14 years volunteered to participate. A force plate and a six camera motion analysis system were used to measure posture and postural balance during three types of tests: static, dynamic and fall forward. Static tests were performed without a backpack, and with three backpacks manufactured by different companies, each tested in two different locations (high on the back; low on the back) with three different loads (no weight; 10% of the bodyweight; 20% of the bodyweight). Dynamic and fall forward tests were performed without a backpack and with the three backpacks weighing 20% of the bodyweight which were worn high on the back. Results indicate that postural stability and body position while wearing a backpack weighing 20% of the body weight are significantly different from conditions is which no backpack or a backpack with 0 or 10% of the bodyweight is worn. Standing with a backpack weighing 20% of the bodyweight results in an anterior movement of the shoulder and head, an increase in the movement of the center of pressure and an anterior, superior movement of the center of gravity. The location of the backpack also significantly altered postural stability and posture. When the backpack was worn in the high position, postural stability, as indicated by decreased movement of the center of gravity within the base of support, was greater than the low position but the head was in a more anterior position. The type of backpack had no significant effect on postural stability or posture. In addition to the changes resulting from increase backpack weight and backpack location, the study found evidence that gender, body mass index and age may also alter stability and posture when wearing backpacks. These potentially at risk populations should be studied further to identify risks of injury and falls.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bhattacharya, Dr. Amit.
Keywords: Backpacks and Posture; Backpacks and Stability; Backpacks and Children
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28.
Talereja, Priya.
TRANSPORT PATHWAYS THROUGH HUMAN STRATUM CORNEUM: MICRO AND MACRO MEASUREMENTS.
Degree: MS, Pharmacy : Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2001, University of Cincinnati
► Detailed models of solute transport through the stratum corneum (SC) require an…
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▼ Detailed models of solute transport through the stratum corneum (SC) require an interpretation of apparent bulk diffusion coefficients in terms of microscopic and macroscopic transport properties. Modern microscopy techniques provide a tool for evaluating one key property-lipid pathway tortuosity-in more detail than previously possible. Part A of this thesis describes microscopic lipid pathway measurements on alkali expanded human SC stained with the lipid-soluble dyes methylene blue, Nile red, and oil red O. Excised skin stained with dansyl chloride, a reactive fluorescent dye that covalently labels proteins, was also studied. Brightfield, differential interference contrast (DIC), fluorescence and laser scanning confocal optics were employed to obtain two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. Quantitative assessment of the 2-D images from a small number of expanded SC samples led to an average lipid pathway tortuosity, (, of 3.7. This was corrected for the effect of alkaline to arrive at an average tortuosity, (0, of 17.3 for the membranes prior to swelling. The dansyl chloride study showed significant fluorescent intensity originating from within the corneocytes, suggesting their permeability to this dye in their native, unexpanded state. There is a lack of consensus among pharmaceuticals scientists regarding the nature of pathway followed by molecules as they cross skin and more basic work is needed in this area. Part B of the thesis describes an attempt to determine transport mechanism of the model compounds nicotinamide, testosterone, butyl nicotinate, and sucrose by means of uptake, desorption, and permeation studies in excised human skin. The transport parameters D (diffusion coefficient) and Kmv (partition coefficient) were calculated and compared for consistency between uptake-desorption and permeation experiments based on a homogenous membrane model. The calculated values of D and Kmv from the permeation studies for nicotinamide were not consistent with those from the desorption studies. Desorption studies yielded a lower value of D (6() and a higher value of Kmv (12() for nicotinamide in SC as compared to the permeation studies. The difference in D can be explained in terms of shunt pathways (holes, appendages) that affect the permeation experiment more than the desorption study. The difference in Kmv can be explained in terms of a multilamellar oil-water system with nicotinamide partitioning into the corneocytes. A study of the permeability of cultured skin to nicotinamide showed much higher flux values (250() than excised human SC, indicating a poorly developed barrier function. For the other compounds, homogenous membrane models cannot adequately explain the shapes of the curves or lack of consistency between penetration and uptake-desorption experiments. Metabolism and possible contribution of the hair follicles and sweat glands to solute permeation may be responsible for the complex behavior observed for the other compounds.
Advisors/Committee Members: Kasting, Gerald B.
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29.
Talerico, Cassandra.
Temporal Activation of the JAK-STAT Pathway in Relation to Cardiac Gene Expression in a Mouse Model of Cardiac Dysfunction.
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Regulatory Biology, College of Science, 2007, Cleveland State University
► Background: This project examined JAK-STAT pathway activation in two mouse models of…
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▼ Background: This project examined JAK-STAT pathway activation in two mouse models of cardiac hypertrophy: autoimmune myocarditis and pressure overload (PO). Methods: Myocarditis was induced with cardiac myosin; PO was induced by transverse aortic constriction. STAT1, 3, and 5 binding was assessed by gel shift. STATs, JAKs, SERCA2A, and calsequestrin (CSQ) were quantified. In myocarditis, P-STAT3 localization to cardiac myocyte nuclei was ascertained, and plasma IL-6 and ventricular ANF mRNA were analyzed. Results: In myocarditis, STAT3/3 and STAT1/1 activation, inflammation, increased ventricle weight (P < 0.0001), and ANF mRNA (P = 0.005) occurred on days 14, 21, and 28. In PO, activation appeared on day 7 and persisted to failure. P-STAT3 increased (myocarditis, P < 0.0001; pressure overload, P < 0.05). P-JAK1 increased in myocarditis on days 21 and 28 (P < 0.007). In PO, CSQ and SERCA2A levels did not differ, but in myocarditis CSQ decreased (P = 0.02). In myocarditis, a biphasic elevation in plasma IL-6 occurred (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Although JAK-STAT signaling is activated in both models, it occurs earlier in PO and persists to heart failure, whereas in myocarditis it declines to basal levels as inflammation and plasma IL-6 return to baseline.
Advisors/Committee Members: Moravec, Christine.
Keywords: Myocarditis; Heart Failure; JAK-STAT; STAT 3; Mycardium; Inflammantion
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30.
TALESARA, ANKIT.
SIMULATION/ANALYSIS OF MODULATION SCHEMES FOR UWB IN PRESENCE OF MULTIPATH AND MUI.
Degree: MS, Engineering : Electrical Engineering, 2003, University of Cincinnati
► Many wireless technologies exist today to support specific applications. Ultrawideband (UWB) fits…
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▼ Many wireless technologies exist today to support specific applications. Ultrawideband (UWB) fits into wireless personal area network (WPAN) category Communication over the indoor wireless channel is a technical challenge because it is varies from place to place and signal suffers from heavy multipath propagation. UWB systems operate in the power limited region and not in bandwidth limited region. This fundamental difference has significant impact on the design of modulation and coding techniques. We have compared the performance of two new modulation schemes, namely, time hopping - binary phase shift keying (TH-BPSK) and time hopping - binary phase shift keying - pulse position modulation (TH-BPSK-PPM) with the existing one time hopping - pulse position modulation (TH-PPM) over different channel models. The BER performance was analyzed for these modulation schemes in presence of MUI and multipath interference. Finally, conclusions are drawn and some future research directions are suggested.
Advisors/Committee Members: Caffery, Jr., Dr. James.
Keywords: UWB; ultra wideband; multipath; modulation
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