Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of Murine Leukemia Virus-Based Vectors For More Effective Gene Therapy: Genetic Analysis Of Direct Repeat Deletions., Krista Anda Delviks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Retroviral vectors containing direct repeats of homologous sequences constitute a powerful in vivo model system to analyze reverse transcriptase (RT) template-switching events. Directly repeated sequences in retroviral genomes are unstable and frequently deleted from the final integrated provirus due to RT's low template affinity and processivity. We developed murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based self-inactivating and self-activating vectors containing 701-bp direct repeats composed of segments of the herpes simplex virus-1 thymidine kinase gene (HTK). After one cycle of retroviral replication, we demonstrated functional reconstitution of the HTK suicide gene at a frequency of 57% when the direct repeats were adjacent to one …

Cultivating Hallowed Ground: The Use Of Garden Imagery As A Contemporary Symbol Of The Sacred., Claudia Teresa Giannini

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

By engaging in the artistic processes of printmaking and photography, I am attempting to formulate visual images that evoke a sense of connection between human beings and the natural world. This thesis explores the way that I have incorporated ideas from the Deep Ecology movement in literature to create works of art that present a paradigm based on the interconnectedness of all life as opposed to the domination of nature by man. The focus of this examination was my own garden. The use of formal elements such as geometric forms, scale and repetition to convey the sacred aspects of this …

Improvement Of Instruction In Special Education: An Ethnographic Look., Wanda Lee Letendre

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to understand how a special education supervisor, four beginning special education teachers and their building principal experienced improvement of instruction. The study was conducted in four special education classrooms in a county with a school-aged population of approximately 14,000 students. The county was located in a rural, upper Southern state. Data were collected primarily from January through June of 1997. Using qualitative methodology, data were collected by use of participant observation, interviews, and analysis of documents pertinent to improvement of instruction. Field notes, transcripts, and pertinent information from documents were entered into Ethnograph software …

A Model For World Wide Web-Based Asynchronous Laboratory Learning In Engineering Education., Prashanth Kumar Salur

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

World Wide Web based Asynchronous Learning, a new concept in distance learning is gaining large scale acceptance among a number of universities and has become a basis for project work in various universities, colleges and even business enterprises. Asynchronous means that participants in a discussion need not engage in that discussion at the same time, a method to achieve high degree of interactivity among geographically separated learners independent of time or place. This project aims to develop such an Asynchronous Learning environment for laboratory learning containing interactive exercises with simulation experiences. Interactive exercises have been developed with multiple-choice questions and …

The Effects Of Teaching In A Professional Development School And The National Council Of Teachers Of Mathematics Professional Standards., Laora Dauberman Brizendine

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics presents a vision of what necessary components should be included in teaching mathematics to support the reforms presented in the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards . The six Professional Standards offer insight, guidance, and vignettes explaining how a mathematics teacher at the K–12 levels can and should guide their students in the attainment of mathematical power. The Holmes Group, a consortium of Deans from Colleges of Education within large research universities in the United States, has as its primary goal to reform teacher education programs as well as …

La Poesia De Lo Cotidiano: Tres Novelas De Jorge Luis Oviedo, Teresa De Jesus Cerrato

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Este trabajo analiza tres novelas de Jorge Luis Oviedo y su relación con la realidad cotidiana hondureña. El mismo incluye una discusión del papel del ambiente, los personajes y el lenguaje como reflejos de la realidad. Asimismo, se presenta una revisión histórica de la literatura hondureña y de los eventos históricos que han sido incorporados en los libros de Oviedo.

Bacterial Adherence To Orthodontic Brackets: An In Vitro Study., Lawrence Joseph Kalaskey Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Different orthodontic appliances possesses distinct surface characteristics that enhance bacterial colonization therefore, increasing the risk for caries. The objectives in this study were to evaluate three bracket types by first, to optimize two bacterial indicators strain concentrations and incubation times, and, second, to determine the differences in adherence to these brackets, in vitro. 54 metallic(M), polycarbonate(PC) and ceramic(C) brackets, respectively were used with Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and Lactobacilli casei (ATCC 393) as the bacteria. The indicator strains were incubated for 48-72hrs at 37C /CO2 then colony forming units(CFU’s) per ml. were counted in triplicates and measured by JSM-6400 S.E.M. …

The Development Of A Benchtop Composting Reactor For Bioremediation Of Pesticides., Christopher Edward Prigge

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There has been an increased interest in composting because of the benefits provided to both farmer and industry. These benefits include reductions in pesticides, water pollutants such as nitrogen in water runoff, volume reductions of manure and other waste products, a reduction in harmful pathogens, and cost reductions associated with normal disposal methods. With local, state, and national regulations becoming stricter on how waste is disposed of, it is obvious that composting is the best and most cost effective alternative. Once the compost is completely cured it can be sold to cover expenses of equipment, and laborers. Often, if done …

The Effect Of Argon Laser Irradiation On Etched And Pumiced Human Enamel: An In Vitro Study., John Robert Schouten

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Decalcification around orthodontic appliances is an ongoing problem during orthodontic treatment. Argon laser irradiation has been shown to decrease the solubility of enamel. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of argon laser irradiation on the solubility of etched and pumiced enamel. Twelve human third molar teeth were sliced into six 1mm sections, one section from each tooth was randomly assigned to one of 6 groups: I. No treatment, II. Argon laser irradiation at 120 J/cm2, III. Pumiced enamel, IV Pumiced enamel and laser irradiation, V. Pumiced and etched enamel, VI. Pumiced and etched enamel plus laser …

An Investigation Of Complex Formation By The Drosophila Circadian Clock Protein Double-Time And The Effects Of The Double-TimeS Mutation On Complex Formation., Madhavi Kalive

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The double-time ( dbt) gene in Drosophila encodes a protein (DBT) related to casein kinase I.This thesis examines whether DBT associates with other proteins besides PER, and whether the association of DBT might change as a function of time of day and genotype in vivo. DBT binds in vitro to several parts of PER and TIM, and to the N terminal of DBT. At all times of day in vivo, a significant fraction of DBT sediments with a molecular weight greater than that of its monomer. In dbtS flies, DBTS may associate more effectively than wild type DBT with other …

Pulmonary Response To Silica: Role Of Apoptosis., Fernando Antonio Suarez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Occupational exposure to crystalline silica has been associated with lung damage and fibrosis. Although previous studies have demonstrated that silica induces apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo, its role in the pathogenesis of silicosis remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to: 1) characterize silica-induced apoptosis in vitro; 2) establish a temporal relationship between silica exposure, the induction of apoptosis, and lung inflammation/damage; and 3) investigate the role of apoptosis in the differential susceptibilities of two mouse strains to silica. First, experiments were undertaken to characterize the apoptotic response of rat alveolar macrophages in vitro. Primary alveolar …

"No Matter Where You Go, There You Are" But How Do We Find You? Location Determination Technologies For Cellular Enhanced 9-1-1 Service., Wendy Sue Geary

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recently there has been an explosive growth in the use of cellular telephones. Many people purchase "cell phones" specifically for the safety factor, expecting the same type of Enhanced 911 service they receive from landline phones. However, the only 911 service currently available for cellular callers in most areas is Basic 911, which means that emergency response time may be less than optimal. A recent Federal Communications Commission regulation promotes the provision of Enhanced 911 service for wireless customers. A key component of this Enhanced service is "Automatic Location Information" ("ALI"), a computerized report of caller location that allows calls …

Developing Critical Consciousness: Representations Of Race And Gender In Two Afro-German Works., Maren Knebel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Eva Demski and Ika Hügel-Marshall are two contemporary women writers whose works contribute significantly to the Afro-German culture. Demski is a “white” German author who depicts in her novel the life of an Afro-German woman, Afra, as well as the life of her “white” daughter, Nivea. Hügel-Marshall, who was born in 1947 as the daughter of a German mother and an African-American father, depicts in her autobiography her own development from object to subject. This thesis demonstrates that both authors encourage a development of critical consciousness by creating written evidence of a shared Afro-German identity and by expressing the problems …

The Evolution Of Adult Literacy For Learners With Special Needs., Susie A. Huggins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis looks at the evolution of adult education over the last 340 years and includes a discussion on Moonlight Schools and Operation Alphabet. The educational abilities of men and women are discussed. The evolution of adult education is reviewed through the legislation that effected the school system. The history of Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) and the role of the Monongalia County LVA affiliate are reviewed. A survey of the MCLVA is conducted to research educational attainment of parents, adult learners and children of adult learners. Finally, the WV driver’s license exam process is reviewed. Many adult learners have …

An Investigation Of The Effects Of The Drosophila Circadian Clock Mutation Double-Time(S) On Double-Time Protein Levels, Nuclear Localization Of Per And Temperature Compensation., Shu Bao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The gene double-time (dbt) is a molecular component of the circadian clock. It encodes a protein kinase that is likely to be involved in the phosphorylation and degradation of period protein (PER). Immunoblot analysis with an antibody produced for this thesis showed that double-time protein (DBT) levels do not undergo a detectable circadian oscillation, and that the levels of DBT are comparable in a short-period mutation (dbtS ) and wild-type flies. Immunocytochemical detection of PER in head sections of dbtS and wild-type flies demonstrated that PER enters photoreceptor nuclei later and disappears sooner in dbtS than in wild type flies. …

I. Steroid Hormone Enrichment Of Brine Shrimp (Artemia Salina) Nauplii. Ii. Factors Associated With Acute Bacterial Infection That Limit Fertility., Amanda R. Barker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of incubation of Artemia nauplii with steroids prior to the first feeding instar II stage of Artemia development. Decapsulated Artemia cysts were incubated at a concentration of 3 g cysts/L in hatching media (1 L seawater at 1.030 SG, 0.08 g highly unsaturated fatty acid supplement) and either 20 mg 17β-estradiol (E2) or 17 αmethyldihydrotestosterone (MDHT) dissolved in 3 mL 70% ethyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol alone (control). Cysts were cultivated at 18-20° C for 24h. Nauplii were collected by filtering culture media, and were rinsed in 1 L fresh water. Artemia …

The Relative Efficacy Of Computer Assisted Instruction., Dane Edward Huxford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This manuscript examines the relative efficacy of computer assisted instruction (CAI). A review of literature is examined with regard to the positive and negative aspects of the use of CAI in the university classroom. An experimental design was outlined incorporating the use of 3 teachers instructing 3 separate sections of volunteer students on a topic. The design measured the differences between affective learning, cognitive learning and student perceptions of teacher nonverbal immediacy. Participants were randomly assigned to a class, which utilized either: lecture, handout or the use of CAI. Results showed significant differences between teachers and a slight difference in …

The Relationship Between The Principals' Preferred Leadership Styles And Levels Of Implementation Of Character Education Programs In Kanawha County Schools., Thomas Earl Williams

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study was conducted to determine if there was a relationship between the independent variable, leadership styles of Kanawha County Schools (KCS) principals, and the dependent variable of implementation levels of character education programs. The population of the study included all principals in KCS (n = 87). The sample used for the study also included all principals in KCS (n = 87). The instruments used for collection of data in the study included: (a) Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire-Self (LBDQ-Self), (b) Character Education Assessment Checklist (CEAC), and (c) Demographic Survey of KCS Principals. The instruments were completed by the respondents in …

The Effects Of The Malaysian Department Of Wildlife And National Parks' Environmental Education Program On The Environmental Knowledge And Attitudes Of 13-17 Year Old Students., Ebil Yusof

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study focused on the effects of the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Park's (DWNP) environmental education program on the environmental knowledge and attitudes of the secondary school students. Conducted between May 11, 1998 and August 11, 1998, this study was designed to reflect three objectives: (1) to determine the effect of participation in the DWNP's environmental education program on environmental knowledge and attitudes of 13-17 year old Malaysian students, (2) to identify demographic factors that contribute to the change of environmental knowledge and attitudes, and (3) to establish base line data for future evaluation of the effectiveness of …

The Bond Of An Enduring Relationship: United States-China Scientific Relations, 1949-1989., Yuegen Yu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Science has long been a principle driving force in United States-China relations. It has served as the lasting bond of the two countries, enduring but often turbulent relationship. This dissertation is a study of the development of United States scientific relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 1949 to 1989. Science was a key element in America's historical “special relationship” with China. The rich tradition of Sino-American scientific cooperation dated back to the 1840s. From the establishment of the PRC in 1949 to the Sino-American rapprochement in 1972, despite inactivity in scientific discourse between the two countries as …

The Implementation Of A Multicultural Strand In Selected Teacher Education Courses In A Monocultural Institution., Doris M. Nicholas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As the population of the United States becomes more racially and ethnically diverse the public school systems will be challenged with teaching students who are also diverse. While our classrooms are becoming more multicultural, our teaching force in becoming increasingly more white, female, and middle class. These changing demographics present specific challenges to teacher education programs that must prepare pre-service teachers to provide an education that is multicultural for all students. The goal of this study was to identify if and how multicultural education was being integrated into the teacher education program at a predominately White land grant Research One …

Effects Of Mutations On The Function And Assembly Of The Iron-Sulfur Protein Into The Cytochrome Bc(1) Complex Of Yeast Mitochondria., Victor Hosea Obungu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The iron-sulfur protein, a subunit of the bc1 complex, is encoded in the nucleus and subsequently imported into the mitochondria where it is assembled with the rest of the subunits into a functional cytochrome bc1 complex. The assembly of deletion mutants of the iron-sulfur protein into the bc1 complex has been investigated by immunoprecipitation by specific antisera against either the iron-sulfur protein or the intact bc1 complex. These studies have suggested that the iron-sulfur protein may be integrated into the bc1 complex of mitochondria through multiple interactions of different regions of the protein with other subunits of the bc1 complex …

The Immunology And Infection Of The Cystic Fibrosis Lung., Andrea Rene Drummond Massengale

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The leading cause of death among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is progressive lung disease characterized by an early, sustained inflammation, chronic infection by mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa, and subsequent bronchiectasis. The connection between defective CFTR and the apparent pathophysiology of the CF lung remains unclear. Understanding this connection is of critical importance in developing strategies that temper the respiratory inflammation in CF and prevent P. aeruginosa colonization of the airways. The goal of this dissertation was to provide new insight concerning the immunology and infection of the CF lung by investigating the following: (1) the effect of alginate on …

The Effects Of An Internet Skill-Building Module On Safety And Environmental Graduate Students' Internet Anxiety, Likelihood To Use The Internet, And Learning Internet/Intranet Content., David A. Ealy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The use of technology in training has grown a great deal over the past five years, and the tools have improved which has produced several changes in the way training is being designed and delivered. These delivery methods include the Internet, and electronic performance support systems. Today's trainers must possess a different set of skills needed to perform in an increasingly technological environment. At the present time, little research is available on the effects of Internet anxiety, and most of the related research revolves around computer anxiety. The study was designed to examine the effects of an Internet Skill-Building Module …

The Relationship Between Hypermedia Features And The Learning Style/Cognitive Control Of Hypermedia Developers., Jun Hu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the effect of learning style and cognitive control on hypermedia developers' perceptions and implementations of hypermedia features. The study reviewed the hypermedia features articulated by the 19 hypermedia developers in two graduate courses, as well as the implementation of those features in the final projects they produced. By using two sets of databases, those hypermedia features were categorized into 16 feature domains, and were then grouped by the developers' learning styles (diverger, assimilator, converger, and accommodator) and cognitive controls (field dependent, field mixed, and field independent). Comparisons were made on the features articulated and implemented by each …

The Utilization Of Electronically Disseminated Research In Academic Personnel Decisions., Sylvia Anne Hawranick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examined the current status and use of electronically disseminated research (EDR) in academic personnel decisions. The population included 236 institutions classified as Research 1 or 2, or Doctoral 1 or 2, according to the Carnegie Foundation's Classification. The Chief Academic Officer of each institution was identified as the contact person. A cover letter and survey were sent to each institution, and 100 institutions (44.1%) responded.

The data was analyzed by institution type, and the results were reported based on responses to each survey question. Key findings included:

1. Technology Usage: Over 97% of respondents had access to a …

A Comparison Of Cardiovascular Reactivity To Laboratory Stressors And Day-Night Blood Pressure Differences Assessed By 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring., Scott Lee Schauss

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to laboratory stressors and sleep-related blood pressure changes were compared in mild hypertensive (n = 23) and normotensive (n = 30) Caucasian men and women ranging from 30 to 67 years old. None of the participants had a history of cardiovascular disease and hypertensive patients were medication free at the time of cardiovascular reactivity assessment and 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure recording. Cardiovascular reactivity to mental arithmetic and a modified Digit Symbol task and sleep-related attenuations in blood pressure and heart rate were compared using standardized residual change scores. In general, correlations between laboratory assessed CVR and sleep-related …

Desire For Thinness And Desire For Health In Eighteen And Nineteen-Year-Old Females, Monica Gene Andis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Desire for thinness and desire for health were surveyed among eighteen and nineteen year old female adolescents in north-central West Virginia to determine the incidence of these motivations within this population and their relationship to unnecessary weight loss concerns, and dieting behaviors. Variables derived from body image satisfaction, self-esteem, socioeconomic status, religiosity, and food management behavior were examined for their ability to predict desire for thinness and health in subjects.;Using the statistical process of discriminate analysis, 51.6% of 345 subjects were correctly classified into groups desiring thinness and/or health. Only weight perception accuracy and food management group were found to …

Real-Time Multimedia-Based Education Through The Internet, Abhay Arun Bakshi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rapid advances in computer and communications technologies are challenging the American education systems to provide increased educational opportunities beyond the traditional geographic boundaries at a reasonable cost. Many educational institutions are answering this challenge by developing distance education programs. Distance education provides effective learning environment. An important requirement for effective distance education is the availability of continuous interactivity and immediate feedback. Over the Internet, synchronous sharing of multimedia content introduces unacceptable delays as network bandwidth is limited. In this thesis, the issue of Internet bandwidth is minimized and a novel system is developed for distance education using multimedia course …

Computational Modeling Of Brittle Impact Erosion Mechanisms, Shanmuga Sundaram Balasubramaniyam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Materials are subjected to an erosion-corrosion environment in a wide range of applications today. Elevated temperatures promote the formation of oxide layers in jet engines. In fluidized bed boilers, the bed materials and piping of slurries and caustic materials cause erosion and corrosion. The process of erosion-corrosion may result in material loss and damage. Proper analytical modeling of the erosion-corrosion processes validated by experiments is needed to estimate the extent of damage in the material.;Empirical relations are available in the literature for predicting the amount of material loss due to erosion. These are obtained by conducting large number of experiments. …