Digital Commons Network^™

Role Of The Alzheimer's Amyloid Precursor Protein In High Fat Diet Induced Obesity And Regulating Macrophage Phenotype, Kendra L. Puig

Theses and Dissertations

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) derived amyloid beta peptides have been extensively investigated in Alzheimer's disease pathology of the brain. However, the function of full length APP in the central nervous system remains unclear. Even less is known about the behavior of this ubiquitously expressed protein and it metabolites outside of the central nervous system. Therefore, we sought to broaden our understanding of the expression and function of APP and its proteolytic fragments in specific non-neuronal tissues. Although the majority of research effort is currently focused on neuronal amyloid beta production and its effects on cells, prior work in our lab …

Historical Hydroclimatic Change At Theodore Roosevelt National Park: 1895 - 2011, Rhonda Jan Fietzek-Devries

Theses and Dissertations

Although numerous studies have examined hydroclimatic and climatic changes in our national parks, no previous studies have examined historical temperature, precipitation and hydroclimatic changes at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit). Documenting historical trends in temperature, precipitation and hydroclimatic variables is important for understanding present and future changes in vegetation and wildlife.

I used 117 (1895 - 2011) years of temperature and precipitation data obtained from the PRISM data network to construct the historical climatic water budget time series based upon the Thornthwaite water-budget model. Trend lines and descriptive statistics are used to analyze the monthly, seasonal and annual climatic …

Air Circulation Under Reduced Atmospheric Pressures, Lendell E. Hillhouse

Theses and Dissertations

The control of heat exchange is vital for plant life in off-world, low pressure,

greenhouses. The ability to control this process was limited by methodology and

technology. Mathematical models, based on classical mechanics are created to enhance

our control capabilities. Data is collected using various sensors placed inside the Low

Pressure Test Bed (LPTB) Chamber at Kennedy Space Center. Data from those sensors

became non-linear at various pressures below 25 kPa. We introduced mathematical

calibration corrections and found that sensor data linearity could be extended to a greater

range of pressures. These calibration corrections allow for sensor calibration corrections

in …

An Investigation Of Gender's Role In Three- And Four-Year-Old Children's Musical Play, Kari Jo O'Keefe

Theses and Dissertations

Young children engage in many activities, with play being the most prominent. Musical play occurs when children freely investigate sound through vocal, instrumental, or other means. Identifying the extent of musical play - and the role that gender plays in musical play - may provide important information about children's natural tendencies.

The purpose of this study was to investigate gender's role in three- and four-year-old children's musical play, and to investigate further the general nature of musical play. A grounded theory methodology was used, and data was gathered from field and individual child observations, and parent and preschool teacher surveys. …

Pregnancy, Sexism, And The Greek System, Taylor Marie Walkky

Theses and Dissertations

Both hostile and benevolent sexism have been found to correlate with attitudes related to pregnancy (Terrell et al, in prep). Benevolent and hostile sexism have both been shown to correlate with attitudes towards sorority members as well (Walkky, unpublished). The goal of the present study was to expand on the knowledge of how sexism relates to pregnancy attitudes, especially how it relates to sorority membership. Participants read a scenario about a college woman, who was either in a sorority or not, who had just discovered that she was pregnant. In the scenario, she chose to either end the pregnancy, continue …

Determination Of Optimum Polymer Dose For Grand Forks Wastewater Treatment Plant Lagoon Sludge Dewatering, Dipesh Das

Theses and Dissertations

The Grand Forks Waste Water Treatment Plant (GFWWTP) is currently sending its waste activated sludge (WAS) from the activated sludge treatment process to an existing on-site wastewater treatment lagoon which has been in operation since 2003. The plant produces approximately 65,000 gallons of WAS per day. Because of this high level of loading, the existing lagoon system is no longer considered as a treatment option for the produced sludge. The Plant Authority is trying to find a sustainable solution for sludge disposal and for this reason the GFWWTP is interested in introducing screw press system for the dewatering process. As …

Epigenetic Patterns: Process-Driven Or Sequence-Driven?, Amanda Gefroh

Theses and Dissertations

Some of the most rapidly-evolving fields of study in the medical and research communities presently are those which investigate our genetic code, the elements and factors that control the expression of our genetic code, as well as fields of study which analyze theories about an organisms' physiology and phenotype from the information that both of the previous topics concomitantly provide. The work of the Milavetz lab, among many others, is striving to fill the gaps in knowledge about epigenetic regulation of biological processes - here by using the well-suited model virus, Simian Virus 40. It has for some time now …

A Mass Spectrometry-Based Method For Quantification Of Human Metallothionein Isoforms And Usefulness In Biomarker Detection Of Cancers And Metal Toxicity, Aaron Andrew Mehus

Theses and Dissertations

Current methods for detecting metallothionein (MT) protein expression lack the specificity to distinguish between all twelve human isoforms. Each, however, can be distinguished by the masses of their acetylated, cysteine-rich, hydrophilic N-terminal tryptic peptides. These properties were exploited to develop a mass spectrometry-based method for their simultaneous quantification.

Human kidney HK-2 epithelial cells expressing recombinant MT-3 were grown in the presence or absence of cadmium. Cytosolic proteins were alkylated with 14N- or 15N-iodoacetamide and digested with trypsin. The N-terminal MT peptides were enriched by two-dimensional liquid chromatography and analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Relative expression was measured by combining 14N-labeled …

The Ecology Of Host-Seeking Mosquitoes Within The Red River Valley Of Central North Dakota, Joseph Orlo Mehus

Theses and Dissertations

Host-seeking mosquitoes are taxing for people and wildlife alike in the Red River Valley (RRV). During the summer massive numbers of mosquitoes swarm the RRV, yet little is known about the ecology and biology of the mosquito species that inhabit this area. This research will help to fill some of those knowledge gaps by studying the ecology of host seeking mosquitoes in the RRV.

Host-seeking mosquitoes were collected using CO₂-baited MMX^TM traps. Trapping was conducted in two very different rural settings within the RRV. One site, a 40-acre hardwood forest with closed canopy, the other a farmstead …

Epileptic Seizure Detection And Prediction From Electroencephalogram Using Neuro-Fuzzy Algorithms, Ahmed Fazle Rabbi

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents innovative approaches based on fuzzy logic in epileptic seizure detection and prediction from Electroencephalogram (EEG). The fuzzy rule-based algorithms were developed with the aim to improve quality of life of epilepsy patients by utilizing intelligent methods. An adaptive fuzzy logic system was developed to detect seizure onset in a patient specific way. Fuzzy if-then rules were developed to mimic the human reasoning and taking advantage of the combination in spatial-temporal domain. Fuzzy c-means clustering technique was utilized for optimizing the membership functions for varying patterns in the feature domain. In addition, application of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference …

Improving The Palmer Drought Severity Index By Incorporating Snow And Frozen Ground, Shaoyue Qiu

Theses and Dissertations

Drought causes extensive damage and affects a significant number of people. To quantify the severity of drought and to better monitor drought, drought indices are necessary. The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) has its advantages of comprehensive and taking the characteristics of drought into concern so that it was regarded as the milestone in the revolution of drought indices (Heim, 2002). The PDSI has been widely used, tested, and modified since its development in 1965. However, a commonly documented limitation to this index is the lack of consideration for snow and the treatment of ground status. In this study, a …

Wendell Berry's Philosophy Of Education: Lessons From Port William, Jane Margaret Schreck

Theses and Dissertations

In the midst of a proclaimed crisis in higher education, in the clamor and clamber to leverage technology for such innovations as mass open online courses and differentiated learning modules, in the speculative frenzy of preparing students for the careers of a fantasy future, and in the swirl of angst about funding accountability and economic relevance, Wendell Berry's philosophy of education declares that the essential element missing from most current discussions and considerations of education is love. As explained in his essays and revealed in his fiction and poetry, Berry's philosophy centers on love as the best animator of learning: …

Is There A Disconnect? Comparing North Dakota And National Geography Standards, Lori Jean Young

Theses and Dissertations

In 1994, Geography for Life was published. From this publication the national geography and state geography standards were developed. These national standards were the basis of the state standards.

North Dakota Studies is a Grade 9-12 course offered in North Dakota high schools. This course is offered under mandate in North Dakota high schools, so a broad range of data could be obtained by contacting those teachers.

Prior research has shown that students exposed to 3-D geographic technologies have better spatial abilities than students without a technologic background. A recent study showed that adults wanted to know more about geography …

Acetate Increases Brain Purine Metabolism And Glial Cell Culture Fatty Acid Content: Studies Investigating Glyceryl Triacetate's Therapeutic Mechanism Of Action, Dhaval Paresh Bhatt

Theses and Dissertations

Acetate supplementation is anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective in rat models of neuroinflammation and Lyme neuroborreliosis. Oral administration of glyceryl triacetate (GTA) is used to induce acetate supplementation in rodents, which increases plasma acetate and brain acetyl-CoA levels. Acetyl-CoA is a ubiquitous substrate for several biochemical pathways including carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Acetate increases the in vivo and in vitro acetylation-state of histones and is associated with altered cytokine balance. However, the effect that acetate supplementation has on brain purine and lipid content remains unknown. Since labeled-acetate is incorporated into the purine and lipid pools, we proposed that acetate supplementation by …

Characterization Of Phosphorus, Nitrogen, And Sulfur Concentrations In A Paired Disturbed And Natural Wetland In Northwest Minnesota, Nicolas Buer

Theses and Dissertations

A degraded wetland with a history of human-induced hydrologic alterations lies within northwestern Minnesota's Skull Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Although conservation practices have been enacted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), there remains interest in the wetland's potential for ecological restoration. Restoration should not be undertaken without an understanding of underlying factors leading to degradation. A paired study between the disturbed wetland at Skull Lake WMA and the relatively natural wetland in the nearby Caribou WMA was designed to help understand near surface pore water geochemistry in an effort to determine causes of degradation and the potential …

American Indian Law: A Discourse On Chthonic Law, Gregory Gagnon

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Dark Side Of Direct Democracy: Protecting Political Speech From The Use Of Slapps In North Dakota's Political Process, Brent Jaenicke

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Acoustic Qualities Of Embera Katío Stops, Gisella Teresa Greenfield Vélez

Theses and Dissertations

Embera Katío is a Chocó language of Colombia. This thesis presents the results of an acoustic analysis of the stops as produced by speakers from the departments of Córdoba and Antioquia. The analysis of the stops allows me to establish more conclusively their actual physical correlates and corresponding phonological categories.

Five male adult native speakers of Embera Katío were recorded on location. Each one pronounced sixty-one words in a constant sentential frame, five times each. The utterances were analyzed acoustically, measuring duration, formant onset time, pre-voicing, and burst.

Analysis of the data verifies that Embera Katío has three series of …

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Signaling In The Magnocellular Neurosecretory System : Mechanisms Of Neuronal Survival And Sprouting, Jason Michael Askvig

Theses and Dissertations

While it is well-known that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes the survival of a myriad of neuronal phenotypes, little is understood on the specific CNTF-induced neuroprotective mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS). Elucidation of these mechanisms may provide insight that would assist in the development of future therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the goal of my research is to determine the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of CNTF within the rat magnocellular neurosecretory system. The central hypothesis of my research is that CNTF acts as both a neuronal survival and sprouting factor for hypothalamic magnocellular neurons in vitro and in vivo. …

Volume 50, Number 12: November 07, 2012, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Arsenic, Cadmium And Neuron Specific Enolase (Enolase-2, Enolase-Gamma), Expression In Breast And Bladder Cancer, Maureen Achey Soh

Theses and Dissertations

Arsenic and cadmium (Cd+2) are well established environmental pollutants. Human exposure to arsenite (As+3) and Cd +2 have been associated with many types of cancers including skin, bladder, liver, prostate, stomach and lung. Epidemiological studies have associated Cd+2 exposure with breast cancer development while As +3 has not been directly associated with breast cancer development, although both As+3 and Cd+2 have been implicated in estrogen receptor mediated gene transcription and endocrine disruption. In the present study, the ability of both these heavy metals to transform the immortalized human breast epithelial (MCF-10A) cell line was examined. For this purpose, the MCF-10A …

Volume 50, Number 10: October 24, 2012, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Volume 50, Number 9: October 17, 2012, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Sterilization As An Alternative Deer Control Technique: A Review, Jason R. Boulanger, Paul D. Curtis, Evan G. Cooch, Anthony J. Denicola

Biology Faculty Publications

Burgeoning white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in suburban landscapes continue to impact communities and challenge natural resource managers. Increased deer-related damage to vegetation, ecosystems, and automobiles can exceed the tolerance of local stakeholders. We provide an overview of the potential efficacy of using surgical sterilization to help manage populations and conflicts associated with locally overabundant white-tailed deer populations. We review theoretical and fi eld studies pertaining to deer sterilization, and provide research priorities to help guide future sterilization efforts. Recent fi eld studies suggest that sterilization of female deer remains expensive, at approximately $1,000 per surgery. Sterilization may …

Virtual And Traditional Slides For Teaching Cellular Morphology To Medical Laboratory Science Undergraduates: A Comparative Study Of Performance Outcomes, Retention, And Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Brooke L. Solberg

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of massive retirement and educational program expense and closure, the field of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is facing a critical workforce shortage. Combatting this issue by increasing undergraduate class size is a difficult proposition due to the intense psychomotor curricular requirements of MLS programs. Technological advances in the realm of virtual microscopy, however, provide an opportunity to reach more students by delivering psychomotor components in less restrictive formats. The purpose of this study was to analyze pedagogical comparability of virtual slides and traditional slides regarding immediate and delayed performance, self-efficacy perceptions, student opinion, and faculty observations. Specifically, …

Keratin 6 As A Potential Biomarker Of Bladder Cancer Induced By Heavy Metals, Arsenic And Cadmium, Ling Cao

Theses and Dissertations

Arsenic and cadmium (Cd2+) are environmental carcinogens that have been implicated in the development of bladder cancer. However, there are no good in vitro model systems to study the development of bladder cancer caused by these carcinogens. Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that arsenite (As3+) and Cd2+ exposure can cause direct malignant transformation of an immortalized human urothelial cell line, the UROtsa. In the present study the repeatability of the transformation process was examined by isolating and characterizing 6 additional Cd2+- transformed lines and 5 additional As3+- transformed cell lines. All the transformed cell lines formed tumors when …

Post-Translational Regulation Of The Dopamine Transporter, Amy E. Moritz

Theses and Dissertations

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is an integral membrane phosphoprotein found on dopaminergic neurons that mediates the presynaptic reuptake of dopamine and is a site of action for psychostimulants. Numerous DAT functions including efflux, uptake activity, and surface expression are regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) through unknown mechanisms. Basal and PKC stimulated phosphorylation of DAT occurs on multiple serines in the distal N-terminus, but the exact sites modified and the kinases involved are unknown. To address these issues, we examined in vitro phosphorylation of a recombinant DAT N-terminal tail peptide (NDAT). We found that NDAT is phosphorylated at multiple sites …

Preemptive Ketamine Administration, Carisa Zarr

Theses and Dissertations

Optimal pain management for the surgical patient is challenging for anesthesia providers. Finding new and improved methods of relieving surgical pain and evolving new techniques is an area of much research. The concept of preemptive analgesia suggests that the best postoperative pain management begins preoperatively (Morgan, Mikhail, & Murray, 2009). Preemptive administration of analgesic medications is used to stop pain from starting by blocking the nervous system's usual response to pain. This preemptive approach is thought to prevent wind up after the noxious stimulus of a surgical incision and can help prevent heightened sensitivity and lasting pain after surgery

Ketamine …

Reference In Udi Narrative Discourse, Catherine Macleod

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines concepts of reference assignment as seen in a written collection of narrative texts from Udi, a Caucasian language from the Lezgian family. This study explores the linguistic factors that affect reference assignment in Udi narrative in terms of participants, props and time and locative phrases.

Reference assignment incorporates reference forms such as nouns, noun phrases, proper names and pronouns. All of these features aid in building the mental representation of the texts in the mind of the reader. Surface-level linguistic factors, such as cohesion, coherence, backgrounding, foregrounding and focus also interact with reference forms.

This paper incorporates …

Podcasting In Educational Settings: What Works Best?, Tzuhan Chen

Theses and Dissertations

This paper examined three major instructional technologies, generally associated with Web 2.0: wikis, blogs and podcasting. The main focus of the study is to explore the application, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages of podcasting, and in particular, its influence on teaching and learning. The study provided a comprehensive literature review, a report of the findings from interviews of three educators, and is followed by a discussion of the emergent themes and their relevance to literature review. The purpose of the study is to identify how to make best use of podcasts in educational settings. The findings of the study suggested that in …