The presence of an increased accumulation of intraabdominal fat (IAF) has been linked to dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia, which precede the development of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). It has been shown that IAF begins depostition during childhood. Human studies suggest that regular endurance exercise, that does...
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen that affects millions of people worldwide via ocular or reproductive tract infection. Despite obvious differences in site of infection, there has been shown to be high levels of sequence conservation across C. trachomatis. This high level of sequence conservation is hindered with a...
In recent years, tsunami events have caused great devastation and loss of life around the globe. The coast of Oregon is highly vulnerable to a nearfield tsunami event caused by a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, yet lacks a clear plan for evacuation and disaster mitigation. Vertical evacuation is a proposed...
Chlamydia is an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes a variety of disease in animals and humans worldwide. Veterinary chlamydial pathogens can lead to chronic infections and serious consequences that result in millions of dollars of losses in animals and resources in the agricultural industry in countries that rear ruminants....
The chlamydiae are a family of obligate intracellular bacteria that have a unique bi-phasic developmental cycle, unique cellular properties, and a unique set of challenges to studying its biology. While genetic manipulation is becoming routine in Chlamydia, there are significant challenges to working with this intracellular parasite. The body of...
RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) has rapidly become the de facto technique in transcriptome studies. However, established statistical methods for analyzing experimental and observational microarray studies need to be revised or completely re-invented to accommodate RNA-Seq data's unique characteristics. In this dissertation, we focus on statistical analyses performed at two particular stages in...
The majority of low-rise residential structures in the U.S. are constructed with wood. Wood-based composites are primary building materials in these structures, used as structural sheathing, joists, and beam components. Wood composites are susceptible to degradation upon exposure to high levels of moisture. Moisture durability is routinely assessed with accelerated...
Interfirm comparisons are used internationally to provide productivity
measurement systems. These systems indicate changes in productivity.
The development of interfirm comparisons in Britain,
Australia, and Canada is discussed. Interfirm comparisons have also
been conducted in the United States under the auspices of various
trade associations. However, in the United States...
Throughout the course of this thesis, I argue that the prose of David Foster Wallace, specifically his posthumously published novel The Pale King, inhabits a middle ground between universal sincerity and the particularized authenticity of postmodern irony. I examine Lionel Trilling's definitions of sincerity and authenticity before moving toward an...
Numerous diseases and injuries can limit a person's ability to perform everyday tasks -- things like getting dressed, bathing, and eating. Anything that requires physical activity can be affected; even simple things like turning on the lights can become difficult or impossible. Until recently, the only way for a person...