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Higher Order Chromatin Degradation Induced By Hydrogen Peroxide In Glial Cells, Raymond Mouzannar Aug 2001

Higher Order Chromatin Degradation Induced By Hydrogen Peroxide In Glial Cells, Raymond Mouzannar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study addresses the genotoxicity of oxidative stress. We induced oxidative stress in cultured rat oligodendrocytes by exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Intact genomic DNA was isolated by agarose embedding and its fragmentation was assessed by field inversion gel electrophoresis (FIGE). To detect single strand fragmentations, the DNA was digested with S1 nuclease before FIGE. We found that the exposure of oligodendrocytes to pathological concentrations of H2O2, induces a rapid digestion of nuclear chromatin in a pattern consistent with higher order chromatin degradation (HOCD). HOCD, the hallmark of programmed cell death (PCD), proceeds through single strand scissions that accumulate at …

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Integrated Modulation Of Sympathetic Tone In The Microcirculation By Oxygen, Adenosine, And Nitric Oxide, Bryan Auston Sauls Aug 2001

Integrated Modulation Of Sympathetic Tone In The Microcirculation By Oxygen, Adenosine, And Nitric Oxide, Bryan Auston Sauls

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Despite a profound reduction in hemodynamic shear stress, a sustained release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) limits arteriolar constriction during periods of increased sympathetic nerve activity in the rat small intestine. In this project, we sought to test the hypothesis that adenosine, formed in response to a flow-dependent fall in local PO2, serves as the stimulus to preserve endothelial NO release under these conditions. Sympathetic nerve stimulation induced frequency-dependent arteriolar constrictions and a flow-dependent fall in local PO2. The arteriolar responses to nerve stimulation were enhanced after inhibition of NO synthase with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). Under a high (20%) O2 superfusate, …

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Factors Influencing Crosslink Formation In Muscle Tissue, Maricica Pacurari Aug 2001

Factors Influencing Crosslink Formation In Muscle Tissue, Maricica Pacurari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of the crosslink breaker ALT-711 on the concentration of soluble collagen, as well as its effectiveness on meat tenderness.;Final body weights were not affected by treatments. Muscle tenderness was higher (p < 0.05) for TB, SS, BF, ST, and LT (p < 0.10) for A-maturity animals compared to control and ALT-711 treated animals. No consistent ALT-711 effect on shear force measurements was found. Shear force increased linearly with age BF, R2 = 0.94; SM, R2 = 0.81; LL, R 2 = 0.77; SS, R2 = 0.63; LT, R2 = 0.32; TB, R2 = 0.37; ST, R2 = 0.40. Total collagen content was not different (p > 0.10) between A-maturity, control and ALT-711 treated animals. However, the concentration of soluble collagen was higher (P < 0.05) for A-maturity group. Insoluble collagen content was higher (p < 0.05) for longissimus thoracis, biceps femoris, and (p < 0.10) for supraspinatus of control animals. Muscle soluble collagen content decreased linearly as chronological age increased LT R2 = 0.98; LL R 2 = 0.92; TB R2 = 0.99; BF R2 = 0.99; ST R2 = 0.95; SM R2 = 0.99; SS R2 = 0.36. The soluble collagen percentage was higher for ALT-711 treated animals compared to control animals.;ALT-711 tended to increase muscle soluble collagen content of aged cattle. ALT-711 may be an effective age-related collagen crosslink breaker. However, ALT-711 may not be used to improve meat quality of aged cattle.

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Ante- And Post-Mortem Factors Affect Muscle Protein Functionality From Fish, Sitima Jittinandana Aug 2001

Ante- And Post-Mortem Factors Affect Muscle Protein Functionality From Fish, Sitima Jittinandana

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fillets were brined in 8.7 or 17.4% (w/v) sodium chloride solution, respectively, for 30, 60, 90, or 120 min at 3°C. Increased brine concentration decreased brined pH, myosin solubility, brined and cooked moisture content, and water activity, and increased fillet weight loss after brining, cook yield, actin solubility, water-phase salt content, and shear force. Brining time linearly increased myofibrillar protein solubility, fillet weight loss after brining, water-phase salt content, and cooked ash content and linearly decreased water activity and brined and cooked moisture content. An 8.7% (w/v) brine and 90-min brining time resulted in maximum texture …

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Effects Of Reinforcement Delays On Procrastination In Pigeons, Megan Elizabeth Meginley Aug 2001

Effects Of Reinforcement Delays On Procrastination In Pigeons, Megan Elizabeth Meginley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Procrastination has been defined as the choice of a larger, later work requirement over a smaller, sooner work requirement. In one experiment (Mazur, 1996), pigeons chose a later-onset work requirement over an earlier-onset work requirement when work requirements were identical and reinforcement was at an equal delay from the choice point. In Phase I of the present experiment, reinforcement was delivered to pigeons immediately upon completion of either an early- or a late-onset work requirement in the terminal links of a concurrent-chains schedule. The early-onset work requirement was preferred. This preference held in Phase 2, when a delay to reinforcement …

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Effect Of Concentrations Of Progesterone On Follicular Development And Fertility In Beef Cows, Jason Brian Candler Aug 2001

Effect Of Concentrations Of Progesterone On Follicular Development And Fertility In Beef Cows, Jason Brian Candler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of low ascending concentrations of progesterone on fertility in lactating beef cattle. Cows on the low ascending progesterone treatment received PGF2alpha from days 3 to 4 after estrus. All cows received PGF2alpha on day 9, and estradiol benzoate on day 11. Cows were inseminated artificially 12 hours after estrus. Concentrations of progesterone were lower in treated versus control cows. Pregnancy rate did not differ between treated and control cows. Pregnancy rate was greater in cows that ovulated a follicle from the right (78%) versus left (52%) ovary (p < 0.01). Low ascending progesterone early in the estrous cycle did not decrease fertility to the same extent seen with extended periods of low progesterone.

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Damage Mechanics Of Human Cortical Bone, Gagik Parsam Parsamian Aug 2001

Damage Mechanics Of Human Cortical Bone, Gagik Parsam Parsamian

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Skeletal fragility is an important orthopedic concern including the prevention of osteoporosis, long-term stability of prosthetic implants and stress fractures. Damage in human cortical bone has been implicated as a cause of increased fragility and is thought to initiate bone remodeling. Therefore, characterization of the mechanisms of damage initiation and accumulation in bone is challenging not only from the engineering prospective but also has a potential of revealing new insights in its physiology. The main objectives of this dissertation work were to study the early stages of damage development in human cortical bone and develop a constitutive formulation describing damage …

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Numerical Modeling Of Cold Flow And Hot Gas Desulfurization In A Circulating Fluidized Bed, Neeraj N. Pugalia Aug 2001

Numerical Modeling Of Cold Flow And Hot Gas Desulfurization In A Circulating Fluidized Bed, Neeraj N. Pugalia

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Section I. This work was carried out to understand the behavior of the solid and gas phases in a CFB riser. Only the riser is modeled as a straight pipe. A model with linear algebraic approximation to solids viscosity of the form, mus = 5.34epsilons, (epsilon s is the solids volume fraction) with an appropriate boundary condition at the wall obtained by approximate momentum balance solution at the wall to account for the solids recirculation is tested against experimental results. The work done was to predict the flow patterns in the CFB risers from available experimental data, including data from …

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Seasonal Plasticity Of A15 Dopaminergic Neurons In The Ewe, Van Lee Adams Aug 2001

Seasonal Plasticity Of A15 Dopaminergic Neurons In The Ewe, Van Lee Adams

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the ewe, anestrus is caused by increased sensitivity to E2 negative feedback that is mediated by A15 dopaminergic neurons that are only responsive to E2 in anestrus. Experiment 1, tested the hypothesis that synaptic input on A15 neurons varies with season by examining synapsin-positive close contacts on A15 cells using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The number of contacts on dendrites, but not somata, increased during anestrus. There were also corresponding changes in dendritic morphology including an increase in dendritic length, surface area, and number of bifurcations. Because thyroid hormones are necessary for the transition to anestrus, we next examined …

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Transport And Utilization Of Arginine And Arginine-Containing Peptides By Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Xiaodong Yang Aug 2001

Transport And Utilization Of Arginine And Arginine-Containing Peptides By Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Xiaodong Yang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Purpose. To demonstrate that alveolar macrophages (AM) from rats exhibit pepT1-like transporter for the uptake of small arginine-containing peptides (ACPs) and utilized these peptides as direct substrates for nitric oxide (NO) production.;Method. A HPLC assay was developed for quantitative measurement of Arg and ACPs in rat plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The uptake of small peptides by rat AM was evaluated using fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC)-labeled (*) peptides (Arg-Lys*, beta-Ala-Lys*, and Gly-Sar-Lys*), HPLC analysis of potential peptide degradation, and known inhibitors on arginine (Arg) and PepT1 transport. NO production by AM through Arg and ACPs was studied with and without …

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Development Of A Micro-Dilution Tunnel System For In-Use, On-Board Heavy-Duty Vehicle Particulate Matter Emissions Measurement, Emily Deanna Cirillo Aug 2001

Development Of A Micro-Dilution Tunnel System For In-Use, On-Board Heavy-Duty Vehicle Particulate Matter Emissions Measurement, Emily Deanna Cirillo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A novel portable particulate matter measuring system was designed, developed and qualified. The heavy-duty engine Federal Test Procedure (FTP) requires the use of a full-flow tunnel to measure particulate emissions from diesel fueled engines. However, a full-flow tunnel based constant volume sampler (CVS) system is not only expensive to build and maintain, it also requires a large work space. The portable micro-dilution system that could be used for measuring on-board, in-use emissions from heavy-duty vehicles would cost significantly less. The micro-dilution tunnel operates on the same principle as a full-flow dilution tunnel. The added advantage of the proposed design is …

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Functional Profiles Of Growth-Related Genes During Embryogenesis And Postnatal Development Of Chicken And Mouse Skeletal Muscle, Hakan Kocamis Aug 2001

Functional Profiles Of Growth-Related Genes During Embryogenesis And Postnatal Development Of Chicken And Mouse Skeletal Muscle, Hakan Kocamis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to measure myostatin, follistatin, activin-B gene expressions during chicken embryonic development. Strong myostatin expression was found in the early chicken embryos (E 0, E 1) and the developmental expression pattern of myostatin mRNA coincided with the periods of primary and secondary muscle fiber formation. Follistatin transcripts followed a linear expression pattern from E 0 to E 20, while activin-B had a quadratic pattern. The ontogeny of myostatin gene expression was nearly identical in satellite cells isolated from pectoralis major (PM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles of chicken. Activin-B mRNA level in PM satellite …

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Effects Of Three Clipping Managements On Growth And Production Of A Kentucky Bluegrass-Clover Sward, Beverly Ellen Sedon May 2001

Effects Of Three Clipping Managements On Growth And Production Of A Kentucky Bluegrass-Clover Sward, Beverly Ellen Sedon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The effect of three clipping managements on the growth and production of Kentucky bluegrass was investigated at the West Virginia University Livestock Farm. Herbage accumulation, botanical composition, leaf extension rate (LER), leaf appearance rate (LAR), and tiller density were observed. The sward was clipped to three heights, 2.5, 5.1, and 7.6 cm, from a recovery growth of 13 to 15 cm. Nitrogen was applied in split applications twice a year at three rates (0, 80, and 160 kg N ha-1). Herbage accumulation and growth rates were higher in 2000 than 1999. Rainfall was higher in 2000 than in 1999. Low …

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Genetic Evaluation Of Cytochrome P450 Expression In Smoking And Nonsmoking Women, Satya Vijayanand Vadlamuri May 2001

Genetic Evaluation Of Cytochrome P450 Expression In Smoking And Nonsmoking Women, Satya Vijayanand Vadlamuri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

1. Regiospecific expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in human uterus of nonsmokers. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of these isoforms in different regions of the human uterus. Expression was determined in the endometrium, endocervix and squamous (exocervix) regions from six nonsmoking women by using RT-PCR. The transcripts encoding for CYP1A1 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the squamous (exocervix) region compared to other areas. However the expression of CYP1B1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the endometrium. CYP1B1 expression appeared to be extremely low in a woman in the secretory stage of the menstrual phase, relative to the endometrium of the other patients who were all in the proliferative stage at hysterectomy. It appears that variability in the expression of these isoforms may be responsible for the differential susceptibility to cancer in women.;2. Influence of menstrual phase and smoking status on expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in different regions of the uterus. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of these isoforms in different regions of the uterus from smokers and nonsmokers. These results indicate that CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 are expressed variably in different regions of the human uterus. The expression of CYP1B1 may be susceptible both to hormonal control and cigarette smoking. The variability in the expression of these isoforms may be responsible for the differential susceptibility to cancer in some women.;3. The effect of menstrual phase on CYP3A expression in human endometrium. The CYP3A family consists of four closely related proteins. Of these, CYP3A3/4 is the most abundant P450 isoform and is responsible for metabolizing estrogen as well as a variety of therapeutic agents, whereas CYP3A7, the fetal liver form, is involved in the biosynthesis of estriol. The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression of these two major CYP3A isoforms in human uterine tissue during the proliferative (PROL) and secretory (SEC) phases of the menstrual cycle. Expression of CYP3A7 in endometrium appeared to be several fold higher (∼10-fold) in the proliferative phase compared to the secretory phase. CYP3A4 expression was comparable between the two phases of the menstrual cycle. The RTPCR results indicated differential expression of CYP3A7 in various phases of the menstrual cycle. These results indicate that CYP3A isoforms may be subject to hormonal regulation during the menstrual cycle in endometrium of premenopausal women. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

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English In The University Of Excellence, Joe Morris May 2001

English In The University Of Excellence, Joe Morris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

"The modern University," according to Bill Readings, "has had three ideas: the Kantian concept of reason, the Humboldtian idea of culture, and now the technobureaucratic notion of excellence." "Excellence" euphemistically describes the principle of the university as corporation, as geared toward revenue rather than ideology. This portrayal raises difficult questions for the humanities, as ideological domains. Taking Readings's The University in Ruins as a starting point, this study examines the English discipline within the "university of excellence," considering West Virginia University's department as a case study. It begins by charting the evolution of WVU's self-understanding, from an institution of culture …

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Using Virtual Reality For Requirements Validation, Dejan Desovski May 2001

Using Virtual Reality For Requirements Validation, Dejan Desovski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Failures of high consequence systems are intolerable. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of safety problems can be traced back to errors in the specification. An important problem that arises during validation is how to include a domain expert in this process. Although the domain experts have exclusive knowledge about the system operation, they may not understand formalisms used for system specification.;Essential type of "evidence" of the correctness of the formalization process must be provided by human-based calculation. Human calculation can be significantly amplified by shifting from symbolic representation to graphical representations. This, in turn, provides an environment for …

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Sensor Technology For The Breast Examination Training Instrument, Bratislav Matic May 2001

Sensor Technology For The Breast Examination Training Instrument, Bratislav Matic

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Latest medical research has shown high percentage of American women, diagnosed with breast cancer. If detected in its early stage, cancer can be treated successfully. Breast examination might be obtained through three procedures: breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. Project BETI was developed with idea of educating and training women and health care professionals in BSE. This instrument consists of a silicone breast model, tactile sensors and serial communication capability. Software was developed for a generic PC that supports an integrated system including: (1) an interactive video demonstrating BSE techniques, (2) a practical examination using the instrumented …

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Objective And Subjective Personality Characteristics Of Medical Students, Heather Anderson Meit May 2001

Objective And Subjective Personality Characteristics Of Medical Students, Heather Anderson Meit

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present study viewed personality characteristics of medical students using both objective (i.e., a valid and reliable psychological instrument) and subjective methods (i.e., medical students' self-ratings of how they viewed themselves and how they believed others viewed them). The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF, 5th Edition) and a researcher developed instrument, the Subjective Rating Form (SRF), were utilized in this study. Significant differences were found in 16PF scores from entry to medical school (Time 1) to exit from medical school (Time 2). Significant differences were also observed when SRF scores were compared between Self at Time 1 (retrospectively), Self at …

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Induction Of Fertile Estrus During Seasonal Anestrus In Ewes And Fall Born Ewe Lambs, Marlon Knights May 2001

Induction Of Fertile Estrus During Seasonal Anestrus In Ewes And Fall Born Ewe Lambs, Marlon Knights

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The quantity of progesterone (P4) delivered by a new P 4 releasing intravaginal insert (polycapralactone [PCL] insert), was inadequate to increase serum concentrations of P4 to that observed in cycling ewes during the luteal phase. Percentage of ewes in estrus was greater in P4 treated than in control ewes. Estrous response was greater after treatment with P4 for 5 than for 12 d. Progesterone increased the percentage of ewes lambing to both service periods by 20 percentage points. Prolificacy to the first service period in ewes treated with FSH was greater than the prolificacy in control and all ewes lambing …

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Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity In F344 Rats, Michael Douglas Taylor May 2001

Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity In F344 Rats, Michael Douglas Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Amiodarone (AD) is gaining support as a first-line antiarrhythmic drug despite its potentially fatal pulmonary toxicity involving inflammation and fibrosis. The goals of this study were to develop and characterize a rat model of amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT). A protocol was developed in which male F344 rats were instilled intratracheally (i.t.) with AD (6.25 mg/kg with a 3.125 mg/ml solution) in sterile water or the sterile water vehicle on days 0 and 2, a protocol that led to the development of pulmonary fibrosis on day 28 in the AD-treated animals. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) resulted in the increased recovery of alveolar …

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Sorption Of Lead And Arsenic On Soil Components And Effectiveness Of Phosphates For Remediating Lead And Arsenic Contaminated Soils, Harjinder Sandhu May 2001

Sorption Of Lead And Arsenic On Soil Components And Effectiveness Of Phosphates For Remediating Lead And Arsenic Contaminated Soils, Harjinder Sandhu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

High concentration of trace elements such as arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) represents one of the potentially costly threats to water and soil resources as well as serious threats to humans. Clay minerals are potential binding agents for pollutants due to their high cation exchange capacity and large surface area. Laboratory investigations were undertaken to evaluate the effect of Fe and Al hydrous oxide coatings on the sorption of Pb and As. Four clay minerals attapulgite, illite, kaolinite and montmorillonite with a range of surface characteristics were selected to investigate the Pb and As sorption. The minerals were coated with …

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Problem -Solving Communication Training And Behavioral Exchange For The Treatment Of Parent -Adolescent Conflict, Ethan Sage Long May 2001

Problem -Solving Communication Training And Behavioral Exchange For The Treatment Of Parent -Adolescent Conflict, Ethan Sage Long

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Elevated levels of parent-adolescent conflict have been associated with a number of adolescent problem behaviors. One treatment that appears to be effective in reducing family conflict is Problem Solving Communication Training (PSCT). Research has indicated that PSCT appears to be an effective and acceptable treatment program for reducing parent-adolescent conflict. However, researchers have suggested some possible limitations associated with PSCT treatment. Many of the identified limitations of PSCT potentially may be addressed with the inclusion of a Behavioral Exchange (BE) treatment component. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is provided by the documented success of Behavioral Marital Therapy, a treatment package that …

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Fourth Grade Elementary Students' Perception Of The Motivational Aspects Of Using Computers To Write In The "Student As Authors" Project, Karla Ribeiro De Assis May 2001

Fourth Grade Elementary Students' Perception Of The Motivational Aspects Of Using Computers To Write In The "Student As Authors" Project, Karla Ribeiro De Assis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to describe fourth grade elementary students' perception of the motivational aspects of using computers to write in the "Student as Authors" Project. The following questions were answered in this research: (a) how do fourth grade students perceive the importance of computers in the "Students as Authors" Project? (b) what are the motivational aspects of using a computer to write in the "Student as Authors" Project from fourth grade students' perspective? The researcher used questionnaire, and interviews as modes of data collection. This study indicates that students consider computer important in the "Student as Authors" …

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Fixed-Interval Performance As A Function Of Previous Temporal Discrimination Training, Stephanie Plyler Da Silva May 2001

Fixed-Interval Performance As A Function Of Previous Temporal Discrimination Training, Stephanie Plyler Da Silva

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This experiment assessed whether FI performance is influenced by prior exposure to a temporal discrimination procedure. Pigeons first were exposed to a two-key free-operant psychophysical procedure for two sessions per day. Each trial lasted 60 s and reinforcement was available according to a variable-interval 60-s schedule for pecking one key (Key 1) during the first part of the interval and pecking another key (Key 2) during the second part of the interval. In the Fixed session, reinforcement availability switched from Key 1 to Key 2 after 30 s; whereas, in the Variable session, reinforcement availability switched from Key 1 to …

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Generic Pronouns And Their Influence On The Speakers' Language Awareness, Maike Engelhardt May 2001

Generic Pronouns And Their Influence On The Speakers' Language Awareness, Maike Engelhardt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The English language is a genderless language in which nouns receive grammatical gender through natural gender assignment. The generic pronoun encoded in English is the pronoun he, which next to its secondary meaning of the generic also has the primary meaning of the third person masculine singular. Following the moderate version of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, English speaking societies may therefore be considered androcentric societies, since the unmarked use of the generic he makes everyone in this society male until explicitly proven otherwise. In this thesis I explore the history of the generic pronoun in English and offer suggestions for a …

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Mitigation Of Water Quality And Ecosystem Impacts Of Roadway Construction Through Retrospective Engineering Analyses, Jaime Monique Sayre May 2001

Mitigation Of Water Quality And Ecosystem Impacts Of Roadway Construction Through Retrospective Engineering Analyses, Jaime Monique Sayre

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

During the construction of a segment of Appalachian Corridor H between Buckhannon and Elkins, West Virginia, mine spoils and land use features related to historic mining were disturbed. An assessment of the water quality, benthic macro invertebrates, and fish populations was conducted to ascertain the condition of the water and to assess the biological productivity of Laurel Run, a tributary of the Tygart Valley River which runs parallel to Corridor H. The water quality and biological impairments were attributed to the ineffective vegetation of the spoils pile, which permitted water infiltration and thus, served as a source of metals and …

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Development Of An Apparatus To Quantify The Volitional Muscle Performance Of Rat Plantar Flexors In Vivo, Vineet Shastri May 2001

Development Of An Apparatus To Quantify The Volitional Muscle Performance Of Rat Plantar Flexors In Vivo, Vineet Shastri

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An in vivo animal model was developed to study the effects of voluntary eccentric, concentric, and isometric muscle actions and varying work-rest cycles on muscle performance, behavior, and histological and biochemical response. Using a custom-designed apparatus that was attached to a standard operant chamber, rats were operantly conditioned with food rewards to perform a voluntary lifting task to generate controlled movement of the plantar flexors. An opening in the front panel of the operant chamber allowed the rat to enter a Plexiglas tube that was mounted vertically to restrict the movement of the rat. A load cell was embedded in …

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Effects Of Nitrogen And Cutting Management On Root Growth And Productivity Of A Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis L.) And White Clover (Trifolium Repens L.) Pasture, Gina Marie Kertulis May 2001

Effects Of Nitrogen And Cutting Management On Root Growth And Productivity Of A Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis L.) And White Clover (Trifolium Repens L.) Pasture, Gina Marie Kertulis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nitrogen (N) and defoliation effects on productivity, root growth and soil nitrate (NO3-) in a Kentucky bluegrass and white clover pasture were examined. Nitrogen was applied annually in two equally split applications at rates of 0, 80 or 160 kg N ha -1. After reaching 12.7 cm, plants were cut to 2.5, 5.1 or 7.6 cm. Herbage was analyzed for yield, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. Root samples were divided into three depths: 0.0--5.1, 5.1--10.2 and 10.2--20.3 cm, and analyzed for volume, dry weight and length. Soil NO3- was measured. At the 2.5 cm cut …

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Attitudes, Knowledge, And Implementation Of Biotechnology And Agriscience By West Virginia Agricultural Education Teachers, Jason E. Hughes May 2001

Attitudes, Knowledge, And Implementation Of Biotechnology And Agriscience By West Virginia Agricultural Education Teachers, Jason E. Hughes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to provide information on the attitudes toward and knowledge level of biotechnology and agriscience as well as activities conducted which demonstrate implementation of biotechnology and agriscience by West Virginia Agricultural Education teachers.;Data was collected via a questionnaire. Knowledge level, teaching methods used, attitudes of the subject and teaching responsibilities, barriers to teaching, and preferred information sources of biotechnology and agriscience were the major parts. Demographics and level of science knowledge were other parts of the questionnaire.;A major finding of the study was that West Virginia agricultural education teachers possess a positive attitude towards biotechnology, …

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Unethical Practices In Exhibiting Animals As Observed By West Virginia Extension Agents And High School Agriculture Teachers, Jared Nathaniel Nestor May 2001

Unethical Practices In Exhibiting Animals As Observed By West Virginia Extension Agents And High School Agriculture Teachers, Jared Nathaniel Nestor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of unethical practices in exhibiting animals observed by West Virginia extension agents and high school teachers. A researcher-created demographic sheet and a fifty-eight-statement Lickert type questionnaire were sent to all extension agents and high school agriculture teachers in West Virginia (N = 154). Descriptive data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSSpc). Frequencies, t-values and means were used to describe and analyze the research results.;There are unethical practices in West Virginia concerning cruelty to animals but these practices are not a problem that has a high rate …

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