Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of Eif2be And Its Interaction With Rgs2, William H. Xue

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

RGS2 is a GTPase accelerating protein for Gαq and its expression can be upregulated in response to different types of stress. We recently showed that RGS2 can bind to the translation initiation factor, eIF2Bε, and decrease global protein synthesis. The objective of this study is to characterize the RGS2 binding domain of eIF2Bε, and investigate the functional consequences as a result of their interaction. To identify the RGS2 binding domain of eIF2Bε, I generated various truncated eIF2Be-GST fusion proteins and used them in an in vitro pulldown assay. The results of my study revealed that the binding domain lies within …

Political Judgement, Freedom Of Thought, And Standardized Testing: A Critical Enquiry, Matthew Edward Schuler

Dissertations

The practice of “standardized” testing has been embedded in United States federal education policy since at least the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. First and foremost, for a test to be “standardized” the knowledge tested must be assumed to be “true”—universally accepted as being outside the bounds of values. This enquiry recognizes that the primary purpose of American public education has been to prepare students for the fundamental political office of citizen. Citizens must ideally be able to make informed political judgements utilizing the full spectrum of thought—knowledge in its broadest sense including knowledge unbounded …

A Study Of Potential Risk Factors Of Depression Among Latina Breast Cancer Survivors, Claudia Ximena Aguado Loi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Women with breast cancer commonly experience depression. However, this condition often goes unrecognized, undertreated, and understudied, especially in ethnic minorities. If left untreated, co-existing depression in women with cancer can complicate cancer treatment, lead to poor treatment adherence for both conditions, and decrease survival. These negative consequences are considerably higher among Latinas. With the growing number of Latinos and diversity within the Latino community, the literature has identified the need to disaggregate Latinos by region of origin. Unfortunately, few studies account for these differences and no study to date has examined risk factors of depression among Latinas diagnosed with breast …

Hierarchy Of Supramolecular Synthons In The Of Design Multi-Component Crystals, Padmini Kavuru

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Most of the biological systems in nature are sustained by molecular self-assemblies which are the finest examples of supramolecular architectures. Non-covalent interactions are key concepts which govern these molecular assemblies. Inspired by these examples crystal engineering emerged as an important tool in supramolecular chemistry which aids in the invention of new molecular structures with desired properties. Understanding of how the molecules interact at the molecular levels enables one to rationally design novel solid forms with modulated physicochemical properties. This feature of crystal engineering has heightened its position in materials chemistry and is currently one of the most well studied fields …

Exploring Intelligibility In Tracheoesophageal Speech: A Descriptive Analysis, Lindsay E. Sleeth

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Despite literature that suggests tracheoesophageal (TE) voice restoration to have the highest intelligibility of the three alaryngeal modes of speech, previous studies have shown that TE speech is less intelligible than “normal” speech. It is important to understand where problems related to intelligibility currently exist in order for members of the rehabilitation team to provide the best therapy/prostheses to each individual using TE speech as a mode of communication. This study evaluated the intelligibility of 15 male and female tracheoesophageal speakers. Eighteen normal-hearing, naive, young adult listeners assessed digital voice samples of 15 adult male and female TE speakers. Listeners …

The Measurement Of Physical Activity And Self-Efficacy In Adolescents: Prospects, Problems, And Future Directions, Nerissa J. Campbell

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The objective of this dissertation was to address salient conceptual and measurement issues related to physical activity and self-efficacy in adolescents. Building upon previous physical activity device validation studies, Study 1 investigated the measurement of agreement between the Actiheart (a combined heart rate monitor and accelerometer device) and doubly labeled water (DLW) for estimating free-living physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in a sample of adolescents. The Actiheart was found to overestimate PAEE compared to DLW by a mean difference of 9.80 kcal∙kg^-1∙d^-1 (95% limits of agreement: -21.22 to 1.72 kcal∙kg^-1∙d^-1). The Actiheart was …

Oral History Heirlooms: Vitality And Substance In Learning, Arlene Abate Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

The major problem confronting educators is incorporating a simple, profitable, stimulating, and integrated learning technique in the classroom that motivates students, internalizes lessons, and produces active, enriched learners. This thesis demonstrates that the oral history genre is the viable solution. Nine planned project stages guide educators in establishing a new dimension of knowledge for students where interviews and research combine living memories with documented resources to create and preserve personalized history. The author obtained information through personal interviews with family members from the descendents of Vito Antonio Mevoli, Filomena (Onorato) Mevoli, Dominick Abate, and Catherine (Lorusso) Abate and researched data …

Detecting Vegetation Recovery Patterns After Hurricanes In South Florida Using Ndvi Time Series, Yu Wang

Open Access Theses

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is one of the most widely used vegetation indexes to measure and monitor plant growth, vegetation cover, and biomass production. A variety of different multispectral satellite systems could provide NDVI time series to examine the long-term vegetation process patterns. The effects of hurricanes on forested ecosystems can range from very minor defoliation of only a few trees to catastrophic blow-down of whole forest. During 2005, two hurricanes hit South Florida, Hurricane Katrina on Aug 25th and Hurricane Wilma on Oct. 24th. Several studies have evaluated the impact of hurricanes on mangroves, but relatively few …

A Case Study Of Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station: Perception And Power In Environmental Assessment, Tara E. Dolan

Open Access Theses

The Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station (TPNGS) is a nuclear power plant situated on the shores of Biscayne Bay, FL. The fringing mangrove shoreline of Biscayne Bay provides essential habitat for a variety of ecologically and commercially important species of fish. There is concern among stakeholders that proposed expansion at TPNGS may pose environmental risks. The goal of this thesis was to investigate current status of knowledge of environmental risk to the nearshore fish communities inhabiting the mangroves adjacent to TPNGS. Specific objectives included: 1) examining perception of environmental risk from TPNGS by stakeholder groups in the environmental regulatory arena; …

Morality And Contentious Politics In Latin America: Abortion And Lgbt Rights In Argentina And Mexico, Ana P. Morgenstern

Open Access Dissertations

This study analyzes the factors that have facilitated or hindered liberalization of abortion and same-sex marriage in Argentina and Mexico. In particular, this project will examine the argument that differences in mobilization strategies, available resources, contrasts in framing and patterns of alliances in the political system have played fundamental roles in shaping divergent policy outcomes on these controversial social issues. Against the backdrop of democratization, changes in institutional configurations, and the rising acceptance of sexuality in the context of universal human rights, these policy issues are subject to the contingencies of contentious politics. The argument is twofold: First, international norm …

Analysis Of Periapical Biopsies Submitted For Histopathological Evaluation: A Retrospective Study, Abdullah I. Alqaied

Master's Theses

Apical periodontitis is the most common pathological process in the periapical region. Disciplined clinical and radiographic evaluations and appropriate diagnostic tests can detect lesions related to apical periodontitis. Aside from this, lesions mimicking pulp-related pathology but unrelated to pulpal infection and necrosis are occasionally discovered in the periapical region. The objective of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine the prevalence of diverse periapically located pathological entities, and (2) to apply that information to evaluate the rationale for routine submission of surgically obtained tissue for histological examination and diagnosis. Methods: A 5-year retrospective analysis of pathology reports from the UCONN …

Solution Of The Decay Equation Of The Three Natural Decay Series- Numerical Method, Bimal Kumar Rai

University Departments

No abstract provided.

Solution Of The Decay Equation Of The Three Natural Decay Series- Analytical Method, Rashmi Nayak S

University Departments

No abstract provided.

Alpha Decay Half-Lives, Devaraja H. M

University Departments

No abstract provided.

Essays On Short Selling Regulations, Chinmay Jain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are four essays in this dissertation. The first essay provides a detailed historical account of the evolution of short selling regulations and trading practices during both normal and crises periods. The second essay focuses on short selling Rule 201. We are unable to document any clear benefits of SEC Rule 201 in ensuring fair valuations and price stability, promoting higher liquidity and execution quality, or preventing a sudden flash crash or prolonged market crises. In the third essay, we examine various short selling regulatory frameworks ranging from total bans on the one extreme to unrestricted free play on the …

Spread Option Pricing With Stochastic Interest Rate, Yi Luo

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, we investigate the spread option pricing problem with stochastic interest rate. First, we will review the basic concept and theories of stochastic calculus, give an introduction of spread options and provide some examples of spread options in different markets. We will also review the market efficiency theory, arbitrage and assumptions that are commonly used in mathematical finance. In Chapter 3, we will review existing spread pricing models and term-structure models such as Vasicek Mode, and the Heath-Jarrow-Morton framework. In Chapter 4, we will use the martingale approach to derive a partial differential equation for the price of …

Development And Comparison Of Risk-Adjusted Models To Benchmark Antibiotic Use In The University Healthsystem Consortium Hospitals, Omar Moh'd Musa Ibrahim

Theses and Dissertations

Background. Infectious diseases societies recommend that hospitals risk-adjust their antimicrobial use before comparing it to their peers, a process called benchmarking. The purpose of this investigation is to apply and compare 3 risk-adjustment procedures for benchmarking hospital antibacterial consumption (AbC). Two standardization of rates procedures, direct and indirect standardization, are compared with one another as well as with regression modeling. Methods. Total aggregate adult AbC for 52 systemic antibacterial agents was measured in 70 hospitals that subscribed to the University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Resource Manager database in 2009 and expressed as days of therapy (DOTs) per either 1000 patients days …

Lateral Violence: An Education Module, Amos M. Schonrock

Theses and Graduate Projects

Nursing is a very diverse, fast-paced, and demanding profession. The aspects of perioperative nursing are further influenced by the multidisciplined professions that take part in the team-focused approach to patient care. One facet that grossly affects the team approach to patient care in the perioperative setting is lateral violence. The focus of this project is to develop an education module to address lateral violence in the perioperative setting, Travelbee's human-to-human relationship theory provides the framework for this project. Additional topics examined are basic concepts of lateral violence and the ramifications on the patient and nursing professionals. Information revealed in the …

Mass Spectrometry-Based Strategies For Protein Biophysics: Effects Of Modification, Structure, And Interactions, Richard Yu-Cheng Huang

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Two important biophysical characteristics of proteins, their interaction with ligands and their post-translational modifications, modulate various biological processes including signal transduction, chemical synthesis, and cell function. Protein-ligand interactions include the interactions with protein, peptide, DNA, and metal. Characterization of the physical properties of these interactions: binding interfaces, binding affinities, and the protein conformational changes due to the binding) is essential in understanding the mechanism of related diseases and, more importantly, in future drug design.

Mass spectrometry, with its own revolution and improvement, becomes a powerful tool in protein and peptide analysis. In this thesis, we applied two mass spectrometry-based strategies, …

Coaching For Nursing Success For The First Year Generation Y Nurse, Lindsey Worden

Theses and Graduate Projects

The nursing profession has experienced recent challenges that involve an increase in high acuity patients and expected practice requirements, which can lead to high stress and increased demands on hospital nurses. Learning how to juggle these challenges to provide the highest quality of nursing care takes practice and guidance. The purpose of this project is to design a coaching program and metaphor to provide support and enhance the practice of first year nurses belonging to Generation Y. Utilization of a coach would occur during the first year of practice on an inpatient medical unit. Key concepts of Margaret Newman's Theory …

The Product Issues Tracking System: An Educational Module For Staff Nurses, Jane Torzewski

Theses and Graduate Projects

An event reporting system that is intended for the documentation and reporting of near-miss events involving defective medical devices is an important component of a healthcare facilities' safety culture and enables the staff to exercise a stewardship role focused on reducing healthcare costs. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota does have an internal near-miss documentation system in place to report near-miss events that arise from the discovery and removal of a medical device that is defective before potential harm can occur. This documentation and reporting is termed The Product Issue Tracking System (PITS). Education for staff nurses, which instructs on …

Tyrosine Phosphorylation Of P68 Rna Helicase Promotes Metastasis In Colon Cancer Progression, Chia Yi Liu

Biology Dissertations

The initiation of cancer metastasis usually requires Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), by which tumor cells lose cell-cell interactions and gain the ability of migration and invasion. Previous study demonstrated that p68 RNA helicase, a prototypical member of the DEAD-box RNA helicases, functions as a mediator to promote platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced EMT through facilitating nuclear translocation of β-catenin in colon cancer cells. In this context, p68 RNA helicase was found to be phosphorylated at the tyrosine 593 residue (referred as phosphor-p68) by c-Abl kinase, and this phosphorylation is required for the activation of β-catenin signaling and the consequent EMT. The phosphor-p68 …

Assessment Of The Oxbow Morphology Of The Caloosahatchee River And Its Evolution Over Time: A Case Study In South Florida, Chloe Delhomme

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Caloosahatchee River, located in Southern Florida, was originally a meandering and relatively shallow river. During the 1920s, the Caloosahatchee River was channelized and became the C-43 canal. The channelization has significantly impacted the river ecosystem, particularly the oxbows. The oxbows are the U-shaped water bodies on each side of the river channel, which are the remnant bends of the original river. To understand how anthropogenic influence affects hydrologic systems, the proposed case study was designed to assess the geomorphic changes of the oxbows of the Caloosahatchee River, Florida. Understanding and documenting the evolution of river morphology is becoming increasingly …

Disability Resources In New Jersey And Delaware Colleges And Universities, Samantha Mock

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate disability resources available in New Jersey and Delaware Colleges (n= 22) by surveying each school's Disabilities Department. The hypothesis of this study was there exists little consistency between colleges and universities in terms of accommodations provided between institutions, within the schools surveyed in New Jersey and Delaware. To come to this conclusion, a survey was mailed to New Jersey and Delaware Colleges and Universities asking what accommodations they provide from the accommodations listed on the survey. Results indicated that each school that participated in the study offered different accommodations, proving the hypothesis …

The Role Of Micrornas In Cyclooxygenase-2 Mediated Breast Cancer Progression, Leanna R. Dunn

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

We had shown that overexpression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in human, as well as murine breast cancer cells promotes tumor progression and metastasis by multiple mechanisms: host immune cell inactivation and stimulation of cancer cell migration, invasion, tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, which support blood- borne and lymph-borne metastasis. Most of these events resulted from the activation of the prostanoid receptor EP4 by endogenous PGE2. Recently, by stable transfection of COX-2 cDNA into a non-metastatic COX-2 negative human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, we showed that COX-2 induces all the phenotypic properties of stem-like or “tumor initiating cells” (TICs) in MCF-7-COX-2 cells, …

The Relationship Between Predation Pressure, Demography And Genetic Diversity In Song Sparrow (Melospiza Melodia) Populations, Michelle E. Bondy

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

While the impacts of predators on prey demography are well studied, relatively few studies have explored how predators affect the population genetics of prey. I investigated the effects of predation pressure on genetic diversity and genetic similarity in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and the demographic mechanisms (births, deaths and dispersal) that may drive this relationship. I compared genetic diversity and genetic similarity (measured at 13 neutral microsatellite loci) between landscapes (island and mainland), and between populations within each landscape. In every comparison, sparrows inhabiting the landscape or population with higher nest predation were more related to one another, and …

Investigation Of In-Vivo Hindfoot And Orthotic Interactions Using Bi-Planar X-Ray Fluoroscopy, Kristen M. Bushey

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

A markerless RSA method was used to determine the effect of orthotics on the normal, pes planus and pes cavus populations. Computed tomography (CT) was used to create bone models that were imported into the virtual environment. Joint coordinate systems were developed to measure kinematic changes in the hindfoot during weight-bearing gait and quiet standing. The objectives of this thesis were to (1) implement a fluoroscopy-based markerless RSA system on the foot, (2) determine the effect of various orthotics at midstance of fully weight-bearing dynamic gait, and (3) determine the effect of orthotics as measured using three different techniques. Every …

Growing Our Own: A Proposal For The Development Of A Nurse Mentoring Program, Dawn M. Zeches

Theses and Graduate Projects

The process of mentoring is not a new concept in the world of business or in the world of health care. Mentoring has been implemented in many organizations and disciplines throughout the world and has been shown to yield many benefits including employee satisfaction, personal and professional growth, and organizational loyalty. This paper proposes a process to develop a nurse mentoring program for the Department of Nursing at Mayo Clinic. Highlights of the benefits that can be realized with the implementation of a nurse mentoring program, supporting literature and research, and challenges and barriers encountered when developing this proposal will …

Meaningful Pattern Recognition And Leadership, Quinn Bissonette

Theses and Graduate Projects

Leadership is more impactful and inspiring when leaders authentically engage individuals. Insights from research support leadership authenticity, transformational leadership, and the importance of meaningful recognition. Nursing theory and caring science value the worth of recognition. A conceptual model combining nursing theory with leadership theory creates a stimulating practice model to generate successful transformational leadership and promote self actualization. The use of Newman's (2008) nursing theory of health as an expanding consciousness, in this conceptual model, validates the role of nursing in leadership and the unique contributions it can afford to leadership application.

Performance Characteristics Of Lithium Coin Cells For Use In Wireless Sensing Systems, Yin Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the pulsed discharge behavior of low-rate lithium coin cells in wireless sensing systems is critical to prolong the operating life and/or reduce the size of battery-powered WSs. This dissertation presents the battery transient analysis for a sensor duty cycle, experimental studies for sustained pulse discharge cycling, and investigation on recharge strategies for a battery/power harvesting hybrid system for WSs. The transient behavior of the lithium coin cells during pulse discharge and subsequent relaxation was investigated with single-pulse experiments and theoretical analysis. The voltage response for a pulsed discharge had two parts: a region of rapid voltage change and a …