Vitamin E was first described in 1922 as an unknown factor required for impregnated rats to carry their offspring to term. In fact, when vitamin E was chemically characterized it was given the name "tocopherol" derived from the Greek: tokos = childbirth; phero = to bear; and –ol, indicating an...
The primary goal of my study was to evaluate the effects of high dietary vitamin E on the rodent skeleton. The outcomes from my study assess the impact of high intakes of vitamin E and increased concentrations of its metabolite, carboxy ethyl hydroxy chromanol (CEHC), on bone turnover and skeletal...
In rats, sesame lignans increase plasma γ-tocopherol concentrations and inhibit γ-tocopherol degradation to its metabolite γ-carboxyethylhydroxychroman (γ-CEHC). To test if sesame lignan consumption inhibits γ- tocopherol metabolism in humans, muffins prepared with either corn oil (control) or sesame oil and an equimolar mixture of deuterium labeled d6-α- and d2-γ- tocopheryl...
Selenoprotein W (SeW) is a protein whose function is unknown, but potentially plays a vital role in calcium metabolism, as an indirect link has been established with white muscle disease (WMD). White muscle disease occurs in selenium deficient animals, and is characterized by the precipitation of calcium in muscle, leading...
The primary goal of my studies was to elucidate the mechanisms for the well-recognized interaction between two nutrients, vitamins E and K. The outcomes from my studies assess mechanisms for adverse effects of vitamin E and provide novel information on mechanisms for vitamin K homeostasis. These findings will provide information...
Shrub-steppe ecosystems of western North America provide habitat for many wildlife species, are important components of public and private rangelands, and offer recreational opportunities for millions of people. They are some of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the United States and have been altered by human activities such as livestock...
Arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids required for proper embryonic development, specifically neurodevelopment. However, little is known regarding their conversion to other metabolites during embryogenesis. The oxidation of ARA gives rise to the biologically active eicosanoids and the oxidation of DHA gives rise to the...
The purpose of this study is to examine the rhetorical efforts of President George W. Bush in defending his administration's warrantless wiretapping program. Specifically, the study attempts to determine the president's underlying motives when he defended the National Security Agency in a December 2005 radio address by applying Kenneth Burke's...
Materials with a strong spin Hall effect and Rashba-Edelstein effect have the potential to improve the efficiency of solid-state magnetic memory technologies and other magnetic logic devices. Heavy metals have been identified as having these properties, including the beta crystal phase of tungsten. In this work, we determine the strength...
Since 2007, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) sales in the U.S. have surpassed those of tobacco cigarettes. This is due, in part, to manufacturer’s claims that they are a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes. However, formaldehyde, acrolein, and diacetyl have been detected in e-cigarettes and public knowledge of e-cigarette composition and potential...