Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Baseline Composite Score Differences Among Student Athletes, Kerry Schutte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ImPACT aims to measure neurocognitive functioning in student athletes. Many schools administer preseason ImPACT assessments to determine athletes’ baseline functioning. Follow-up ImPACT assessments are administered to athletes who sustain concussions to compare their pre- and post-injury functioning. Normative data may be used in place of individualized baseline scores if athletes were not administered baseline assessments. At the inception of this study, normative datasets consisted of scores from typically developing athletes. However, research suggests athletes of varying gender and exceptionality statuses perform differently on baseline ImPACT assessments. In particular, differences were found among male and female athletes as well as …

Using An Extended Broken Symmetry Approximation To Characterize Structure And Spectroscopic Properties Of 2fe-2s Clusters, Ashlyn M. Koval

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Iron-sulfur proteins perform a wide variety of biological functions that assist in mediating protein function via electron transfer reactions. The Rieske and mitoNEET iron-sulfur clusters have been shown to undergo proton coupled electron transfer facilitated by a histidine ligand. The protonation state of the histidine residue is key to understanding the mechanism of proton coupled electron transfer. This work reports a study of the 2Fe-2S ferredoxin, Rieske, and mitoNEET clusters using the extended broken symmetry approximation. Calculations were performed on the ferredoxin cluster to establish appropriate methodologies. Calculations were then performed for Rieske and mitoNEET clusters to suggest experiments capable …

Dual Inhibition Of The Pi3k/Akt And Mek5/Erk5 Pathways For The Treatment Of Breast Cancer, Thomas Douglas Wright

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease state with several challenging frontiers. In particular, aberrations in the Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways have been linked to increased breast cancer proliferation and survival. It has been proposed that these survival characteristics are enhanced through compensatory signaling and crosstalk mechanisms. New evidence suggests that MEK5/ERK5, a member of the MAPK family, is a crucial component in the proliferation and survival of several aggressive cancers. We hypothesize that inhibiting both PI3K/Akt and MEK5/ERK5 pathways will decrease cell viability while maintaining limited collateral toxicity. In this study, we examined the effects …

Kink In Flux: Bdsm Theory And Sexual Praxis, Celeste Pietrusza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The opening decades of the 21^st century have seen a veritable explosion of representations of bondage, discipline and sadomasochism (BDSM) and kink practices in mainstream media and American culture. Along with this, empirical researchers working in sexuality studies continue to show, contrary to the history of stigmatizing accounts in the history of clinical psychology, no evidence of increased pathology and, in some studies, better outcomes on measures of mental health.

Given the legacy of psychoanalysis in foregrounding considerations of sadomasochism and sexuality for the human psyche, it seems particularly well positioned to approach the complexities of dynamic fantasies involved …

Triple Functionalization Of Titanium Aluminum Vanadium For Orthopedic Implant Applications, Ashley Blystone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Orthopedic implant surgeries are on the rise in the United States, with well over a million surgeries performed annually. Common materials used for these applications include titanium and its alloy, titanium aluminum vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V). Ti-6Al-4V is chosen for this application due to its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. However, Ti-6Al-4V does not support osseointegration and is susceptible to bacterial colonization. Therefore, these implants suffer from aseptic loosening and infection, necessitating removal and replacement. Revision surgery and treatment is financially burdensome and taxing on the patient. Current approaches focus on modifying the surface of Ti-6Al-4V through a variety of means to …

Reclaiming Embodiment: An Existential-Phenomenological Exploration Of Women’S Tattoos, Ashley Gill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a phenomenological research study about the lived experiences of women who elected to get tattoos in the last five years. Due to historical and present discourses on female embodiment and persistent stigmas and pathologies often associated with tattoos, I sought to generate meaningful knowledge about the lived experiences of women who have voluntarily chosen this form of body modification. I conducted phenomenological research interviews with nine participants about personal meanings, decision making processes, and lived experiences of embodiment (capturing existential themes of lived body, spatiality, relationality, and time) before and after tattooing. I applied thematic interpretation of …

The Role Of A Permeable Sand Column In Modifying Tidal Creek Geochemistry And Land-Derived Inputs To The Coastal Ocean, Nicholas Anthony Legut

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impairment of regional water quality in Long Bay is an episodic occurrence that has been documented for over a decade. According to one explanation, the occurrence of these events is hypothesized to be the combination of local, terrestrially derived inputs and water-column stratification in the nearshore zone. A portion of these inputs may discharge as surface run-off through estuaries ending in sandy transitional environments termed "swashes". An investigation into the fate of land-derived materials through swashes utilize a linear conservative mixing model to describe the non-conservative behavior of materials in the overlying water and pore-water. This model relies on …

Osmoregulation And Salinity Preference In Juvenile Sandbar Sharks (Carcharhinus Plumbeus) In Winyah Bay, Sc, Usa, Jessica Wingar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Juvenile sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) have been caught in salinities ranging from 7 – 40. In Winyah Bay, a partially mixed estuary in Northeast SC, juvenile sandbar sharks tidally alternate between higher tides in middle bay and lower tides in lower bay. To assess salinity preference and duration in eight acoustically-tagged juvenile sandbar sharks in different salinities, acoustic receivers with salinity loggers were placed throughout Winyah Bay. Juvenile sandbar sharks were caught in salinities from 17.2 to 36.1 and acoustic detections were recorded from 11.5 to 24.7 by salinity loggers in middle bay. Smaller juvenile sandbar sharks used lower salinities, …

Aerobic Photolysis Mecbl: Structure And Electronic Properties Of Cbl-O-O-Ch3 Intermediate., Aida Bazarganpour

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The photolysis of methylcobalamin (coenzyme B₁₂) results in homolytic cleavage of the Co-C bond, forming cob(II)alamin and the Co(II)/CH₃ radical pair (RP) which further react with O₂ to form the intermediate (R-O-O-Cbl) that involves in the aerobic photolysis. It has been suggested that the key intermediate (R-O-O-Cbl) involves in aerobic photolysis is the insertion of O₂ between the Co-C bond. Clearly, the exposure of light is needed to induce the activation Co-C bond for generating the Co(II)/CH₃ radical pair (RP). The intermediate (R-O-O-Cbl) undergoes further decomposition to aldehyde as the final product of aerobic …

Ensuring A Holistic And Quality Education For Every Child: A Phenomenological Inquiry Of Principals’ Transformational Leadership, Elijah Granger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have not fully examined how school leaders impact the teaching and learning environment when working toward generating students’ academic success. Balyer (2012) called for more work on understanding the transformational leadership behaviors that create conditions conducive to generating student achievement within educational accountability. Therefore, the purpose of this phenomenological inquiry is to explore the lived experiences of principals and their perceptions concerning the state accountability system and how it may impact their transformational efforts in ensuring a holistic and quality education for every child. The phenomenological inquiry will yield the opportunity to compare administrators’ in-depth perceptions of the accountability …

Soil Amelioration And Plant Establishment On Sodium Affected Soils On Galveston Island, Texas, Elaine Harris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The storm surge from Hurricane Ike in 2008 inundated much of Galveston Island, Texas, causing lasting below-ground impacts in the form of elevated soil sodium (Na+) concentrations. The Na+ initially killed much of the vegetation on the Island and its persistence in soils and groundwater slowed revegetation with some species. Soil amelioration techniques aimed at reducing soil Na+ concentrations were evaluated on an area affected by the storm surge. The treatments were: constructed raised beds composed of uncontaminated soil, incorporation of organic mulch, gypsum application, and combinations of these treatments. Inputs of Na+ from sea-spray aerosols were also quantified using …

Visual Opsin Diversity In Anurans, Leah Perez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Among major vertebrate groups, anurans are understudied with regards to their visual systems and how they function. This study sampled North American anurans representing diverse evolutionary and life histories and which likely possess visual systems adapted to meet different ecological needs. Using standard molecular techniques, sequences were obtained for four opsins—the protein component of visual pigments—expressed in anuran retinas. Amino acid sequences of the genes RH1, LWS, SWS1, and SWS2 were compared across taxa to identify variable sites, as such variation can shift the spectral sensitivity of visual pigments and thus alter dim-light and color vision. Some of the amino …

Individual Eeg Asymmetry As A Predictor Of Hydration Status During Exercise In The Heat, Ayano Katayama

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hydration behavior varies among individuals; continuous and correct fluid consumption behavior prevents decreased physical performance and severe dehydration, especially during extended exercise and hot environments. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine individual frontal alpha electroencephalographic asymmetry index (FAI) score in eu-hydrated, hypo-hydrated, and exercise in well-trained men and assess if there is a correlation between FAI score and individual ad libitum fluid consumption behavior. Subjects were kinesiology major college students ranging from 21 to 29 years of age. Subjects were categorized either approach group (n = 8) with resting FAI score more than 0 or avoidance …

Comparison Of The Survival And Growth Of West Gulf Coastal Plain Pine In East Texas, Jamie Hooker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

West Gulf Coastal Plain provenance loblolly (Pinus taeda L.), longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.), shortleaf (Pinus echinata Mill.), and slash pines (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) were planted in East Texas to compare initial growth and survival. Containerized seedlings were planted in December 2015 on three study sites in Shelby, Houston, and Cherokee counties using a randomized complete block design. Seedlings were measured in January-February 2016 and again January-February 2017, January 2018, and January 2019. Three years after planting, survival was best (76.4%) in Houston County and was lowest in Cherokee County (26.4). Damage by Texas leafcutter ants (Atta …

Designing And Sample Size Calculation In Presence Of Heterogeneity In Biological Studies Involving High-Throughput Data., Sudhir Srivastava

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The designing and determination of sample size are important for conducting high-throughput biological experiments such as proteomics experiments and RNA-Seq expression studies, thus leading to better understanding of complex mechanisms underlying various biological processes. The variations in the biological data or technical approaches to data collection lead to heterogeneity for the samples under study. We critically worked on the issues of technical and biological heterogeneity. The quantitative measurements based on liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) often suffer from the problem of missing values (MVs) and data heterogeneity. We considered a proteomics data set generated from human kidney …

Characterizing The Role Of Extracellular Matrix In Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Metastasis Using A 3d Microenvironment Mimetic In-Vitro Culture System., Douglas John Owulaku Saforo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in the United States and worldwide. Five-year survival rates for non-small cell lung carcinoma patients have not improved in decades, and a majority of patients succumb to metastasis. Identification of therapeutic targets for metastatic disease is essential for the development of novel therapies. However, current 2-dimensional (2D) in vitro models are not reflective of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are inadequate in identifying therapeutic targets. We adapted a 3-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro model to a hypoxic incubator to approximate physiological hypoxia of the TME in a microenvironment …

A Distinct Pattern Of Sterile Inflammation Induced By Zinc Oxide Nanowires., Ruqaih Salem Alghsham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in nanotechnology. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) become an increasingly important area in nanotechnology. Recent developments in ENMs have drawn commercial and research attention in many areas such as agriculture, medicine, and Industry. High-aspect ratio zinc oxide nanowires (ZnONWs) have become one of the most significant ENMs due to their remarkable physical properties which makes them useful in a wide-range of applications. However, questions have been raised about ZnONW safety uses and biological consequences. In this dissertation, we investigated the inflammatory potential of ZnONWs in mouse models. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to ZnONW …

Transforming Moss P. Patens With Lignin Peroxidase Through Heterologous Protein Expression., Jesse Lee Rozsa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lignin peroxidase is an enzyme secreted by white-rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Our laboratory is attempting to produce several lignin degrading enzymes in our protein expression system that utilizes the moss, Physcomitrella patens. During our experiments we discovered that this particular species of fungus produces altered splicing variants that are not represented in the previously reported reference sequence. Despite several attempts to produce a positive transformant containing a desired transgene encoding; lignin peroxidase, production of the proper construct eluded our efforts, possibly due to toxic effects associated with lignin peroxidase expression. Our laboratory has created a stepping stone for other laboratories …

Plant Protein Prenylation In Environmental Responses And Protein Production., Parul Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lipid post-translational modifications enhance a protein’s interaction with membranes and other proteins. In this dissertation, I studied a recently identified Arabidopsis gene, PROTEIN PRENYLTRANSFERASE ALPHA SUBUNIT-LIKE (PPAL), by mapping a second-site mutation that rescues the original mutation phenotype and could be an additional factor involved in sugar homeostasis/sensing. I found that mutant phenotype associated with suppressor line was too weak and variable to consistently score, which resulted in not finding any linked markers. I also generated crosses between ppal-1 and ABA biosynthesis and signal transduction mutants to find any possible connection between these pathways and PPAL. By …

Functional Opponency In Working Memory Capacity Predicts Cognitive Flexibility In Problem Solving., Charles A. Van Stockum Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive flexibility is a hallmark of individuals with higher working memory capacity (WMC). Yet, research demonstrates that higher WMC individuals are sometimes more likely to adopt rigid problem-solving approaches. The present research examines a novel account for these contradictory findings—that different WMC mechanisms interact in ways that both support and constrain cognitive flexibility. Across three studies, participants completed the water jug task—a problem-solving task requiring them to first establish and then break mental set using a complex strategy. Participants then completed measures targeting three WMC mechanisms: attention control, primary memory, and secondary memory. Study 1 demonstrated that primary memory and …

Exploring Individual And Dyadic Associations Of Dispositional Mindfulness As An Ameliorative Factor Of Anxiety And Roommate Satisfaction Among Undergraduate Roommates., Kala Phillips

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For many young adults, the college experience is stressful and the adjustment to college life can present many unique challenges. Up to one-half of undergraduates report anxiety, with prevalence rates that appear to be on the rise. Social transitions, such as living with a roommate, can also present challenges. The current study explored dispositional mindfulness, a capacity for attending to present-moment experiences, as a potential ameliorative factor of anxiety and roommate satisfaction. Dyadic associations of dispositional mindfulness were also explored among roommate dyads. Fifty undergraduate roommate dyads (N=100) provided self-report measures of demographics, dispositional mindfulness, anxiety, and three facets of …

Characterization Of A More Clinically Relevant Human Leukemia Xenograft Model To Examine Perturbation Of Met/Sam Metabolism As A Novel Therapeutic Paradigm For Mll-R Leukemia In Vivo., Aditya Barve

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a heterogeneous clonal disorder characterized by an accumulation of malignant myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow (BM), hindering normal hematopoiesis. AML exhibits dramatic heterogeneity in terms of cytogenetics, morphology, and chemotherapeutic sensitivity. Therefore, the investigation of novel, efficacious AML therapeutics will require advanced preclinical in vivo model systems, capable of recapitulating patient specific disease heterogeneity, and induction chemotherapy outcomes. A major focus and eventual outcome of this work was the establishment and development of a more clinically relevant mouse xenograft model of patient AML, that efficiently harbors patient derived xenografts (PDXs), and unlike more prevalent …

Emotion Regulation Is Associated With Peer Victimization Among Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder., Nicholas D. Fogleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience higher rates of peer victimization relative to unaffected peers; however, debate remains as to whether core symptoms of ADHD—inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity—are responsible for increased rates of peer victimization among children with ADHD. Given emotion regulation deficits co-occur among children with ADHD, and are often associated with increased peer victimization experiences, the current study examined the role of emotion regulation in peer victimization among children with ADHD. Methods: Forty-nine children (ages 10-15 years) diagnosed with ADHD and their parents completed measures of emotion regulation and peer victimization. Children also completed a laboratory-based peer …

Novel Bayesian Methodology In Multivariate Problems., Debamita Kundu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation involves developing novel Bayesian methodology for multivariate problems. In particular, it focuses on two contexts: shrinkage based variable selection in multivariate regression and simultaneous covariance estimation of multiple groups. Both these projects are centered around fully Bayesian inference schemes based on hierarchical modeling to capture context-specific features of the data and the development of computationally efficient estimation algorithm. Variable selection over a potentially large set of covariates in a linear model is quite popular. In the Bayesian context, common prior choices can lead to a posterior expectation of the regression coefficients that is a sparse (or nearly sparse) …

Queering Black Greek-Lettered Fraternities, Masculinity And Manhood : A Queer Of Color Critique Of Institutionality In Higher Education., Antron Demel Mahoney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Drawing heavily on Roderick Ferguson’s (2012) theory of institutionality, this dissertation constructs a counter-historical genealogy of racialized gender in higher education and U.S. society through the formation of black Greek-lettered fraternities. Ferguson argues that with the insurgence of minority resistance globally and domestically during the mid-twentieth century, hegemonic power took a new form. Instead of rejecting minority difference, power’s new network attempted to work through and with minority difference in an effort to absorb and restrict these radical formations within state, capital and academy frameworks—producing narrow or one-dimensional minority subjectivities. Established at the turn of the twentieth century, black Greek-lettered …

The Conceptualization Of The Positive Cognitive Triad And Associations With Depressive Symptoms In Adolescents., Caroline M. Pittard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Depressive symptoms during adolescence have been found to be associated with negative outcomes such as decreased academic performance, absenteeism, substance abuse, and poor physical health. The positive cognitive triad has been considered to be a protective factor against adolescent depressive symptoms. The positive cognitive triad is made up of three subfactors of cognitions, specifically, positive cognitions about the self, the world, and the future. This dissertation examined the various conceptualizations of the positive cognitive triad and their relation to depressive symptoms. These conceptualizations included considering the positive cognitive triad as a single overall protective factor (additive model), as multiple possible …

Improving Flow-Induced Hemolysis Prediction Models., Mohammad Mohaghegh Faghih

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Partial or complete failure of red blood cell membrane, also known as hemolysis, is a persistent issue with almost all blood contacting devices. Many experimental and theoretical contributions over the last few decades have increased insight into the mechanisms of mechanical hemolysis in both laminar and turbulent flow regimes, with the ultimate goal of developing a comprehensive, mechanistic and universal hemolysis prediction model. My research is broadly divided into two sections: theoretical/analytical/Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses and experimental tests. The first part of my research revolved entirely around analyzing the simplest and most popular hemolysis model, commonly called as the …

Allee Effects Introduced By Density Dependent Phenology., Timothy James Pervenecki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We consider both the nonspatial model and spatial model of a species that gives birth to eggs at the end of the year. It is assumed that the timing of emergence from eggs is controled by phenology, which is density dependent. In general, the solution maps for our models are implicit; When the solution map is explicit, it is extremely complex and it is easier to work with the implicit map. We derive integral conditions for which the nonspatial model exhibits strong Allee effect. We also provide a necessary condition and a sufficient condition for the existence of positive equilibrium …

Predicting Residency Match Outcomes For Fourth-Year Medical Students., Jacob Shreffler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An important goal for undergraduate medical education program leaders is to prepare their medical students to successfully match during the National Residency Match Program (Gauer & Jackson, 2017). Due to the recent increase in applications submitted during the residency process, it is critical for medical education programs to better understand the factors and attributes of those medical students who are successfully matching (Liang, Curtin, Signer, & Sawoia, 2017). As there is a larger number of medical students now enrolled than positions available for residency, the number of unmatched seniors is expected to rise (Bumsted, Schenider, & Deiorio, 2017). Additionally, the …

Cognitive Satellite Communications And Representation Learning For Streaming And Complex Graphs., Wenqi Liu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation includes two topics. The first topic studies a promising dynamic spectrum access algorithm (DSA) that improves the throughput of satellite communication (SATCOM) under the uncertainty. The other topic investigates distributed representation learning for streaming and complex networks. DSA allows a secondary user to access the spectrum that are not occupied by primary users. However, uncertainty in SATCOM causes more spectrum sensing errors. In this dissertation, the uncertainty has been addressed by formulating a DSA decision-making process as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) model to optimally determine which channels to sense and access. Large-scale networks have attracted …