Chronic pain is a major healthcare concern that directly affects over one hundred million people in the United States alone. While current treatment options like opioids and NSAIDs are effective, they are with significant drawbacks that prevent long term use. It is important to identify and understand new druggable targets for the treatment of pain. Recent findings have demonstrated substance P functions in the RVM to maintain hypersensitivity to noxious heat stimuli in models of persistent peripheral inflammatory injury in a manner dependent on presynaptic NMDA receptors. What remains unclear is how substance P assumes this pronociceptive role following peripheral inflammatory injury. The experiments detailed in this thesis investigated whether the levels and or release of substance P in the RVM was altered following peripheral inflammatory injury. The effect of peripheral inflammatory injury on levels of substance P in the RVM was tested at several time points. The data show that there were no changes in substance P levels in the ipsilateral or contralateral RVM of CFA injected rats compared to their saline controls at any of the time points tested. To assess whether changes in substance P levels occurred in a subset of neurons within the RVM, computer aided densitometry analysis was used to measure substance P immunoreactivity in sections from the RVM of rats treated with CFA or saline. Substance P immunoreactivity was increased in the ipsilateral RVM of the CFA group compared to the corresponding saline sections at the 4 day, but not the 2 week time point. No other changes were observed. Electron microscopy was used to demonstrate the presence of the NMDA receptor and substance P on the same axon terminals within the RVMs of rats treated with either CFA or saline. This colocalization is significant because it identifies NMDA receptors in position to regulate the release of substance P from axon terminals in the RVM. There were no obvious differences in the degree of colocalization between CFA and saline groups. Functional experiments were devised that tested whether substance P release (basal and evoked) in the RVM was increased following peripheral inflammatory injury, and whether said release was regulated by NMDA receptors. The data show that neither basal nor evoked (potassium or veratridine) release was increased following peripheral inflammatory injury. NMDA was able to facilitate the release of substance P in both the CFA and saline treatment groups, but the facilitation was not different between groups. In the absence of any depolarization stimulus, NMDA was unable to elicit any release of substance P beyond basal values. All told, the data show substance P levels in the RVM are not altered by peripheral inflammatory injury. Additionally, neither basal nor evoked release of substance P is altered by peripheral inflammatory injury. The data provide functional and anatomical evidence for modulation of substance P release by glutamate acting at presynaptic NMDA receptors, but do not support the idea of differential modulation of substance P release following peripheral inflammatory injury.

With over 2.3 million individuals in a states, federal prison and/or local jail, the United States has the largest prison population in the world. Ninety-five percent of all offenders incarcerated will return to society at some point in their lives; nevertheless, at least two-third recidivate within three years of their parole/post-release and return to prison. The high volume of offenders contributing to the crime rates, enormous prison growth and the budget needed for correctional operation, has led scholars, policymakers, and correctional officials, in addition to society as a whole, to give great attention in discovering and determining ways to break the repetitive cycle of incarceration and recidivism. Once an offender returns to society after incarceration, they face perplexing challenging barriers, and obstacles that impedes upon their ability to resist crime and complete parole supervision. For African American men, these challenging barriers and obstacles are exacerbated, because of their race and gender. Research shows that African American men are disproportionally represented, among the incarceration rates, prison population and are highly susceptible to factors that lead to recidivism. The purpose of this study sought to gain more in-depth understanding of former African American male offenders’ experiences and perceptions of resisting crime and completing parole/post-release supervision. In particular, this study used qualitative methods to interview six African American men, in order to determine the significant impact which social and personal factors led them to successful parole/post-release supervision completion. The results of this study indicated that African American male offenders have the ability to complete parole/post-release supervision, when provided the opportunity to gain employment, higher levels of education and vocational training, strong support from their family and friend, establish positive social networks, participate in rehabilitative programs. The research further revealed other contributing factors aids in their success as well.

Due to the increasing cost of soybean meal and concerns of excess N being excreted into the environment, new protein supplements have been developed. Two products that have shown potential in increasing N utilization efficiency are slow release urea (SRU; Optigen) and ruminal escape protein derived from yeast (YMP; DEMP). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of feeding these 2 supplements in high-forage [(54% of total dietary dry matter (DM)] dairy diets on nutrient utilization, feed efficiency, lactational performance of dairy cows, and their impacts on income-over feed costs. Twelve multiparous dairy cows were used in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square design with one square consisting of ruminally cannulated cows. Treatments included: 1) control, 2) SRU-supplemented total mixed ration (TMR, SRUT), 3) YMP-supplemented TMR (YMPT), and 4) SRU and YMP-supplemented TMR (SYT). The control consisted only of a mixture of soybean meal and canola meal (SBMCM) in a 50:50 ratio. The SRU and the YMP were supplemented at 0.49% and 1.15% DM, respectively. The experiment consisted of 4 periods lasting 28 d each (21 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling). Cows fed YMPT and SYT had decreased intake of DM, and all supplemented treatments had lower crude protein intake compared to those fed the control. Milk yield tended to have the greatest increase in YMPT compared with the control (41.1 vs. 39.7 kg/d) as well as a tendency for increased milk fat and protein yields. Feed efficiencies based on yields of milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk increased at 10-16% due to protein supplementation. Cows fed with protein supplements partitioned less energy toward body weight gain, but tended to partition more energy toward milk production. Efficiency of use of feed N to milk N increased by feeding SRUT and YMPT, and milk N-to-manure N ratio increased in YMPT. Cows fed SRUT or YMPT tended to improve income-over feed costs. Overall results from this experiment indicate that replacing SBMCM with SRU and YMP in high-forage dairy diets can be a good approach to enhance dairy profitability through improved nutrient utilization efficiencies by lactating dairy cows.

Hillsborough County, Florida is subject to a variety of natural and technological hazards, which have the potential to threaten both the population and the built environment. This research focuses on several natural hazards (coastal flooding, sink hole, and hurricane) and technological hazards (toxic transportation spills and toxic release from fixed storage facilities) and the population that is potentially exposed to these hazards. Social vulnerability for this population was determined using racial composition, gender, age and household rental/ownership status. Both social vulnerability and exposure to hazardous conditions occur as a continuum across geographical space. The determination of who is exposed; the extent of exposure; and the hazardousness of their environment; requires converting this continuum into discreet values. There is little agreement on how this should be accomplished. The goal of this project is to improve on this situation by developing a multiple hazard map and a social vulnerability map using the best available data with a focus on data integration. The resulting maps were used to determine the extent that the community of Hillsborough County is exposed to hazardous conditions and the social vulnerability of that exposed community. The impact of hazard analysis is dependant on the creation of the hazard map. The hazard map can be affected by application of weighting factors to the individual or groups of hazards. Weighted linear combinations were used to examine how the exposed population changes when different hazard models are used. A technique of cumulative frequency mapping was used to examine how the composition of the exposed population changed as the hazard scores increased. This was useful in visualizing that different vulnerable communities were not exposed to hazards equally. This technique will be useful for future vulnerability/hazard assessments. The results of this research show that the most vulnerable populations in Hillsborough County, Florida are not exposed to the most extreme hazards. Instead the preponderance of the population is moderately vulnerable and is exposed to moderate hazards. It is important to focus on this population to help prepare for and respond to hazardous events and to work toward diminishing their social vulnerability.

The breath figure method is a versatile and facile approach of generating ordered micro and nanoporous structures in polymeric materials. When a polymer solution (dissolved in a high vapor pressure organic solvent) is evaporated out in the presence of a moist air stream, the evaporative cooling effect causes the condensation and nucleation of water droplets onto the polymer solution surface. This leads to the formation of an imprinted porous structure upon removal of the residual solvent and water. The facile removal of the water droplet template leaving its structural imprint is a specifically appealing aspect of the breath figure film technology. The first part of the dissertation work involves the fabrication of drug loaded breath figure thin films and its utilization as a controlled drug release carrier and biomaterial scaffold. In a single fabrication step, single layer/multilayer porous thin films were designed and developed by combining the breath figure process and a modified spin or dip coating technique. Using biodegradable polymers such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), drug loaded films were fabricated onto FDA approved medical devices (the Glaucoma drainage device and the Surgical hernia mesh). The porosity of the films is in the range of 2-4 µm as characterized by scanning electron microscope. The drug coated medical implants were characterized for their surface and bulk morphology, the degradation rate of the film, drug release rate and cell cytotoxicity. The results suggest that the use of breath figure morphologies in biodegradable polymer films adds an additional level of control to drug release. In comparison to non-porous films, the breath figure films showed an increased degradation and enhanced drug release. Furthermore, the porous nature of the film was investigated as a biomaterial scaffold to construct three dimensional in vitro tissue model systems. The breath figure film with interconnected pores facilitates cell infiltration and tissue remodelling in vitro, suggesting its high potential in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. In the second part of the dissertation, the versatility of breath figure polymers was explored as a reverse template to create micropatterned soft materials. Unlike traditional lithographic masters, the breath figure assembly is a simple and cost-effective approach to create micro/nano sized “bead†like uniform patterns on the surface of hydrogels and biopolymers. By incorporating iron nanoparticles into the pores, this technique was extended to form hydrogels decorated with nanoparticles specifically in the pattern. The morphology features and the functional characteristics were demonstrated through scanning electron microscopy. The potential applications of these micro-fabricated materials in biosensors and cell culture substrates are outlined. / acase@tulane.edu

The wastewater treatment process has developed with the primary goals of protecting receiving water ecosystems and human health. Over time, there have been continuous innovations in process efficiencies, energy recovery, and nutrient removal. Wastewater offers opportunity for recovery of resources of various economic values, and recent research aims at process innovation to optimize resource recovery while still achieving the primary goals of the treatment process. The objective of this study is to assess the logistical and economic feasibility of recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus at two municipal treatment plants in the Tampa Bay area, one employing aerobic digestion and the other anaerobic digestion. The study is conducted using literature review of applicable processes, mass balance on the fate of nutrients (N and P) through the treatment plants and special attention to sludge handling. Based on the whole-plant mass balance conducted at the facilities, it is estimated that over 80% of the nutrient influent is routed to the solids handling side of the plant, warranting special attention to this area for nutrient recovery. Sludge digested through anaerobic and anaerobic processes have distinctly different characteristics and opportunities for resource recovery are specific to each process. Mass balances for nitrogen in the anaerobic digestion process show a high concentration of dissolved ammonia. The feasibility of struvite precipitation by addition of phosphate and magnesium compounds is evaluated through batch reaction using anaerobic sludge filtrate. Aerobic sludge contains most of the nutrient resources in the solid phase, ready for recovery if handled properly. Phosphorus release is a potential concern and specific phosphorus release rates are evaluated for a municipal scale aerobic digester.

The co-firing technology of coal with biomass has been implemented to enhance the usage of biomass in power generation, thus reducing the release of greenhouse gas emissions. This study deals with the fireside issues, namely ash-related issues that arise during co-combustion of coal and biomass takes place. Ash release from biomass can lead to ash deposition problems such as fouling and slagging on surfacesof power generation boilers. The scope of this work includes the development of a conceptual model that predicts the ash release behaviour and chemical composition of inorganics in coal and biomass when combusted. An advanced analytical method was developed and introduced in this work to determine the speciation of biomass.The method known as pH extraction analysis was used to determine the inorganic speciation in three biomass samples, namely wood chips, wood bark and straw. The speciation of biomass and coal was used as an input to the model to predict the behaviour and release of ash. It was found that the main gas phases during the combustion of biomass are KCl, NaCl, K2SO4 and Na2SO4. Gas-to-particle formation calculations were carried out to determine the chemical composition of coal andbiomass when cooling takes place in the boiler. The results obtained in this work can be used in future work to determine the ash deposition of coal and biomass in boilers.

Introduction: Embolic agents are used to block blood flow of hypervascular tumours, ultimately resulting in target tissue necrosis. However, this therapy is limited by the formation of new blood vessels within the tumour, a process known as angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis led to the discovery of anti-angiogenic factors, large molecular weight proteins that can block the angiogenic process. The aim of this research is development of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solutions that cross-link in situ to form a hydrogel that functions as an embolic agent for delivery of macromolecular drugs. Methods: PVA (14 kDa, 83% hydrolysed), functionalised by 7 acrylamide groups per chain, was used to prepare 10, 15, and 20wt% non-degradable hydrogels, cured by UV or redox initiation. Structural properties were characterised and the release of FITCDextran (20kDa) was quantified. Degradable networks were then prepared by attaching to PVA (83% and 98 % hydrolysed) ester linkages with an acrylate end group. The effect on degradation profiles was assessed by varying parameters such as macromer concentration, cross-linking density, polymer backbone and curing method. To further enhance the technology, radiopaque degradable PVA was synthesised, and degradation profiles were determined. Cell growth inhibition of modified PVA and degradable products were also investigated. Results: Redox initiation resulted in non-degradable PVA networks of well-controlled structural properties. Increasing the solid content from 10 to 20wt% prolonged the release time from few hours to ~ 2 days but had no effect on the percent release, with only a maximum release of 65% achieved. Ester attachment to the PVA allowed flexibility in designing networks of variable swelling behaviors and degradation times allowing ease of tailoring for specific clinical requirements. Synthesis of radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels was successful without affecting the polymer solubility in water or its ability to polymerize by redox. This suggested that this novel hydrogel is a potential liquid embolic with enhanced X-ray visibility. Degradable products had negligible cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Novel non-degradable and radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels cured by redox initiation were developed in this research. The developed PVA hydrogels showed characteristics in vitro that are desirable for the in vivo application as release systems for anti-angiogenic factors.

This research examines the factors that impact on a newly released male prisoner's ability to deal with relationship issues. Most prisoners, in South Australia, will be released to the community and of these very few will live in complete isolation from other human beings. Humans are dependent on other persons to full-fill a range of needs and this process is reciprocal. If skills are lost due to incarceration then both the prisoner and the community suffer. (Matthews 1999) Pre-release issues are important but the relationship issue permeates through all pre-release requirements. It can can impact on obtaining and retaining employment, maintaining personal relationships, getting social security, obtaining housing etc. This is a very important aspect of human existence but sometimes it is forgotten until it is a severe problem. (Weightman-Dobson 1995) / thesis (MSocialWork)--University of South Australia, 2001.

我政府為配合「振興經濟方案」的推動，刻正積極規劃釋出大量農地，以供工業、商業、住宅、公共設施等非農業部門使用。然農地乃一珍貴之自然資源，注重整體生產環境之維護，任何之變更轉用皆應謹慎衡量。本研究即以此為中心理念，分析目前我國農地釋出之決策程序是否合理及所面臨之問題，並以德國之經驗及相關機關訪談結果，綜合研擬改進方向與配合措施。茲扼要說明其內容如下： 　　第壹章、緒論。首先揭櫫本研究之動機與目的所在；其次陳述研究內容與方法；再界定本研究之範圍與限制，解釋農地釋出與決策程序所指為何，並繪製研究流程圖，以明瞭研究之理念與程序。 　　第貳章、理論基礎與文獻回顧。本研究以公共政策研究領域常見之理性決策理念與模型為理論基礎。並檢討回顧有關文獻，以指引本研究之研究方向。 　　第參章、我國農地釋出相關問題之探討。本研究之重點在於理性決策模型所設定之決策程序中，關於決策所需資料之建立及相關對策之擬定等是否理性客觀。藉由農地變更之概況及相關法規、政策等之檢討，發現農地變更或釋出時，乃以經濟及建設為主導，往往忽略農地非經濟層面之功能。 　　第肆章、中德農地釋出決策程序之比較分析。以上述為基礎，選取包括農地之功能定位、農地釋出之規劃機關與效果、農地釋出之法源依據、農地釋出參與過程等課題，作為中德比較之課題。發現德國視農地為一珍貴自然資源之定位、賦予地方規劃自主權、國土綜合開發法之明確規範、農業結構規劃資料之提供、決策過程兼顧各方意見（制衡原則）..等優點，實值得參酌。 　　第伍章、我國農地釋出決策程序改進方向之研擬。在建立決策所需資料方面，需調整農地之功能定位、建立整體農業現況調查及農業相關規劃之完整資訊..等；在擬定相關對策方面，應在國土綜合開發計畫法（草案）上訂定各種土地使用之基本原則..等。 　　第陸章、結論與建議。綜合各章節之探討，提出精簡之研究結論與建議事項。 / In order to evolve the economic growth the Government in Taiwan perform " Program of Economic Restoration" by releasing a remarkable amount of argricultural land to non-argricultural use to solve problems of high land price and land acquisition for private sector. But argricultural land means a very valu-able natural resource. It needs to be evaluated carefully when making a decision to convert argricultural land to non-argricultural use. This study intend to analyze the rationality and problems within the procedure of decision-making for "farml and release" in Taiwan and Germany, and propose policy recommenda-tion. This include the following contents: 　　Chapter1 lntroduction: To explain what are "farmland release" and "procedure of decision-making", and the restriction of this study. 　　Chapter2 Theoretical Basis and Literature Review : This study apply "Rational Decision Model" to the analysis of procedure of decision-making. 　　Chapter3 Problems on Farmland Release in Taiwan : Economic growth and development are emphasized in land-use. This cause the ignorance of the functions of argriculture land,especially the contribution on non-economic level. 　　Chapter4 A Comparative Analysis on The Procedure of Decision-Making for Farmland Releas in Taiwan and Germany : All persons or groups concerned play an active role in the procedure (top-down bottom-up procedure) in Germany..and so on. 　　Chapter5 The Recommendation on The Procedure of Decision-Making for Farmland Releas in Taiwan : The non-economic func-tions of farmland need to be emphasized in " Territorial Deve-lopment Planning Law" (draft)..and so on. 　　Chapter6 Conclusion: Making a comprehensive comment accord-ing to the contents above.