3D datasets acquire great importance in the context of medical imaging. In this thesis we survey and enhance solutions to problems inherently associated with 3D datasets-processing time,noise and visualization. Efforts include development of a tool kit to provide a multi-threaded processing platform to cut processing time, produce real time visualization...
Organismal development requires a precisely orchestrated transcriptional program to correctly deploy genetic information into the genome. This process requires sophisticated gene regulatory networks at multiple spatial and temporal levels from early embryonic development to adult physiological conditions. Molecular differences that define cell types are set up during the pattern formation...
Background: Heart morphogenesis involves chamber formation followed by septation. Septation is the remodeling of the heart from a single channel peristaltic pump to a two channel pump with one-way valves. Several transcription factors have been implicated in the development of congenital cardiac defects. The paired-like homeodomain transcription factor Pitx2 has...
This research investigates the role of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the life experiences of University Student-Athletes. This qualitative study employs a naturalistic and grounded paradigm in an effort to capture the essence of these experiences. Participants are four student-athletes from Oregon State University who play intercollegiate athletics in the Pac-10...
Skin is the largest organ in the body that protects the organism from environmental, chemical and physical traumas of each passing day. The protective skin epidermal permeability barrier (EPB) is formed within the exterior layers of the epidermis, which are regularly sloughed off and repopulated by movement of inner cells....
Cells of the ventrolateral dermomyotome delaminate and migrate into the limb buds where they give rise to all muscles of the limbs. The migratory cells proliferate and form myoblasts, which withdraw from the cell cycle to become terminally differentiated myocytes. The regulatory mechanisms that control the later steps of this...
Homeodomain transcription factors control developmental processes. They pattern body formation, specify cell lineages and switch the onset of gene regulatory cascades. Pitx2, a bicoid-related homeodomain transcription factor, is asymmetrically expressed in the left lateral plate mesoderm and mesoderm-derived tissues. Pitx2 null mice are characterized by failure of body wall closure,...
The purpose of this study was to examine the problem solving processes of
Thai gifted students when they solved non-routine mathematical problems. The
research questions guiding the study were: (1) What is the nature of the problem
solving processes that Thai gifted students use as they engage in solving non-routine...
Fungi have long been used for discovery of new chemical scaffolds. In the clinical setting, the fungal natural products penicillin, statins, and cyclosporine have revolutionized medicine to treat diseases and infections. In the environment, fungal natural products have been used as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to protect crops, livestock, and...
During the beginning of the postpartum period, 80 to 100% of lactating dairy cows have bacterial contamination within their uteri. Presence of uterine bacteria may contribute to increased number of days open and services per conception within these cows. Expulsion of uterine contamination is crucial for uterine involution and reproductive...