Digital Commons Network^™

Trapped In Endoderm-1 Reveals A Novel Role For Fruitless In Drosophila Melanogaster Courtship, Peter Luu

Master's Theses

Understanding how genes can direct behaviors has been a prevailing goal of neuroscience. Courtship in D. melanogaster is a complex yet stereotyped array of behaviors established by sex-specific genetic pathways mediated by sensory inputs by the nervous system. However, much remains to be discovered about the neurobiological and molecular mechanisms that regulate this complex set of behaviors. We have identified a group of cells expressing Trapped in endoderm 1 (Tre1) in which male Fruitless proteins are required to reduce the speed of courtship initiation. Tre1 encodes a G-protein-coupled receptor required for establishment of cell polarity and cell migration and has …

Cux2-Positive Radial Glial Cells Generate Diverse Subtypes Of Neocortical Projection Neurons And Macroglia, Ton Dan Nguyen

Master's Theses

The mammalian neocortex is 6-layered structure that develops in an “inside-out” manner, with cells of the deep layers (Layers 5-6) born first. Cells of the superficial outer layers (Layers 2-4) are generated subsequently and must migrate past older born cells to their final laminar position. Pioneering transplant studies suggested a progressive lineage restriction model, which posits that early neural stem cells (or radial glial cells, RGCs) are multipotent and sequentially generate different types of cortical neurons based on birthdate. Recently published work from Franco et al. (2012) argues against this paradigm, and proposes the existence of a subclass of neural …

Living Between Borders: Transnational Marriage And Us Resettlement Patterns In Sudanese Refugee Populations, Deirdre Patterson

Master's Theses

Many South Sudanese refugees who have resettled in the USA have actively sought to maintain their unique cultural identity while simultaneously working to integrate into American society through the pursuit of formal higher education and successful careers. One of the most interesting developments within this population is the establishment and maintenance of transna- tional families. The process for marriage is economically tiresome and, due to strict immigration policies, often compels family members to live transnational lives. Systems of transnational mar- riage—often arranged by families—and married life allow Sudanese refugees living in the USA to continue important cultural practices, speak their …

The Shojo Within The Work Of Aida Makoto: Japanese Identity Since The 1980s, Laurel Rose Hartman

Master's Theses

The work of Japanese contemporary artist Aida Makoto (1965-) has been shown internationally in major art institutions, yet there is little English-language art historical scholarship on him. While a contemporary of internationally-acclaimed Japanese artists Murakami Takashi and Nara Yoshitomo, Aida has neither gained their level of international recognition or respect. To date, Aida’s work has been consistently labeled as otaku or subcultural art, and this label fosters exotic and juvenile notions about the artist’s heavy engagement with Japanese animation, film and manga (Japanese comic book) culture. In addition to this critical devaluation, Aida’s explicit and deliberately shocking compositions seemingly serve …

Wilderness State Park Volunteers: A Qualitative Case Study Of Meaning And Sustainability, Christina A. Peterson

Master's Theses

In an increasingly urbanized world, parks, open space and wilderness areas are vitally important to human well-being. California State Parks provide people with the ability to connect with nature and engage in outdoor recreation. Moreover, these parks protect natural and cultural resources and preserve biodiversity. California State Parks are underfunded and rely on volunteers to support essential park services. The Wilderness State Park Uniformed Volunteer Program provides essential recreation, resource protection, and biodiversity services. In order to determine the elements of the volunteering experience that contribute to a strong sense of volunteer identity and meaning, a qualitative case study was …

The Influence Of Resting Blood Pressure On Muscle Strength In Healthy Adults, Adam R. Blanchard

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Replication-Inducible Recombinant Vaccinia Virus System To Conditionally Transcribe The Entire Human Rhinovirus C Genome, Zhixin Jing

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Impact Of Breastfeeding Cessation On The Reported Incidence Of Diarrhea In Infants Between The Ages Of 7 To 12 Months: A Secondary Data Analysis, Ana Francisca Diallo

Master's Theses

Background: Diarrheal diseases remain a major cause of childhood morbidity in the United States. Optimal breastfeeding has been identified as one of the most effective measure to prevent diarrheal diseases in childhood.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of breastfeeding duration during the first 6 months on the incidence of diarrhea in infants between 7 and 12 months in the United States.

Method: A secondary data analysis was performed using mothers and infants participating in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (2005-2007).

Results: Compared to those who breastfed for 6 months or more, infants who discontinued breastfeeding between 0 …

Computational Design Of Ceramic Bone Scaffolds Fabricated Via Direct Ink Writing, Jeffrey Roberge

Master's Theses

Bone scaffold porosity and stiffness play a critical role in the success of critical-size bone defect rehabilitation. In this work, we present a computational procedure to design ceramic bone scaffolds to provide adequate mechanical support and foster bone healing. The scaffolds considered in our study consist of a lattice of curved rods fabricated via direct ink writing. We develop cellular solids models of the scaffold's effective elastic constants as functions of its geometric parameters, up to some unknown coefficients. To determine numeric values for these coefficients, we execute a computational design of experiments whereby effective elastic properties are obtained using …

Post-Liquefaction Residual Strength Assessment Of The Las Palmas, Chile Tailings Failure, Tristan Reyes Gebhart

Master's Theses

Assessment of post-liquefaction residual strength is needed for the development of empirically-based, predictive correlations for earthquake engineering design. Previous practice commonly assigned negligible strengths to liquefied materials for engineering analysis, producing overly-conservative designs. Increasingly available case history data, and improved analytical tools have allowed for more accurate and less overly-conservative estimation of soil residual strength, improving empirical predictive models. This study provides a new case history to the limited suite of (approximately 30) liquefaction failure case histories available for post-liquefaction in-situ strength predictive correlations.

This case history documents the Las Palmas gold mine tailings dam failure, resulting from seismic-induced liquefaction …

Physically Effective Fiber Threshold, Apparent Digestibility, And Novel Fecal Microbiome Identification Of The Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys Pardalis), Breanna Paige Modica

Master's Theses

Particle size distribution of diet, feces, and change from diet to feces, as well as apparent digestibility (aDig, %) of selected nutrients, and novel fecal microbiome identification of mature female leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis, n = 16) fed exclusively one of three, nutritionally complete, pelleted diets were evaluated in a blind, complete randomized design study. Two diets included insoluble fiber (powdered cellulose) consisting of either 2.0 mm or 0.2 mm length. Insoluble fiber provides nutritional and physical benefits to both the animal host and the microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble fiber length was used as a …

A 3-D Multiplex Paper-Microfluidic Platform, Mitchell Patrick Young

Master's Theses

3-D paper-based microfluidic devices (micoPADs) are small and portable devices made out of paper that offer a promising platform for diagnostic applications outside of a laboratory. These devices are easy to use, low cost, require no power source, and capable of detecting multiple targets simultaneously. The work in this thesis demonstrated the ability of a 3-D paper-microfluidic platform to simultaneously detect 5 targets. Rubber cord stock was used in conjunction with an acrylic housing unit to apply pressure along the edge of the channel. The indirect pressure application was successful in promoting vertical fluid flow between layers. Average channel development …

Gender In 17th Century Southern New England, Megan K. Willison

Master's Theses

This thesis, written in the form of two broadly related articles, aims to address questions related to topics of gender, identity, cultural change and continuity, and the materiality of social institutions. Each article investigates how artifacts, as physical objects unintentionally or purposefully discarded, represent and reflect human behavior, societal ideologies, and cultural infrastructures. Using primary sources, archaeological evidence, and linguistic data, each article proposes that certain artifact classes are representative of larger societal ideals and cultural mores, such as gender systems and ways of defining one's gender identity. The first article studies these topics through the analysis of funerary remains …

The Receptacular Nectar Tubes Of Pelargonium (Geraniaceae): A Study Of Development, Length Variation, And Histology, Timothy Tsai

Master's Theses

The nectaries of Pelargonium are unusual in the Geraniaceae in that the flowers only have one deep dorsal tube as opposed to five shallow canals. The genus is also known for having great length variation in nectar tubes, variation that has been suggested to play an important role in the diversification of this genus. Interpretations of Pelargonium nectaries contradict each other as some describe the nectar tube as an adnate sepal spur while others describe it as an hypanthial tube as a result of an elongate receptacle. In addition, the developmental basis of differing nectar tube lengths is unknown.

SEM …

Ecological Risks And Benefits From The Novel Crop Camelina Sativa (L.) Crantz (Camelina), Richard C. Rizzitello

Master's Theses

It is important to fully understand the ecological implications of introducing new crop species and genetic traits because of potential hazards such as changes in native plant populations or the establishment of aggressive weeds. Conversely, the introduction of new crops and traits could provide ecological benefits such as providing pollen and nectar forage for pollinators. Camelina sativa (camelina or false flax) is an oilseed crop that is being genetically engineered (GE) for the production of biofuel, bioplastics, and dietary supplements for humans and animals. Relatively little scientific information exists about camelina cultivation, reproductive biology, and ecology. The primary research goals …

Association Of The Dietary Inflammatory Index With Metabolic Syndrome In The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2006), Genevieve C. Caron

Master's Theses

Metabolic syndrome currently affects one third of adults in the U.S. and has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases that pose a burden to the nation. ^1,2 In the nationally representative NHANES dataset (2001-2006), dietary inflammatory index scores were found to significantly predict metabolic syndrome outcome among individuals above the age of 50 (OR=1.088; 95% CI=1.014-1.167; p=0.0184). Individuals older than 50 years of age who consume diets very high inflammatory properties were found to be 2.14 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome than those who consume a diet with very low inflammatory properties. This study supports the …

Chemosensory Function In Chronic Smokers: Findings From Nhanes 2011-2014 And An E-Cigarette Intervention, Sarah-Grace Glennon

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Perceived Self-Efficacy And Financial Incentives: Factors Affecting Health Behavior And Body Weight In Individuals With Overweight And Obesity, Julia Ann Simon

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Micro-Grid Reliability Modeling And Analysis Approaches, Xiaofang Shi

Master's Theses

Micro-grids are becoming of more interest worldwide to achieve reliable electrical energy infrastructure during natural hazards and catastrophic situations due to their ability to operate in both grid-connected and islanded modes. They typically include distributed generation resources that could provide heat and electricity and are expected to have significant clean energy penetration.

Micro-grid system reliability is critical for system design and maintenance since it is commonly used as a backup power system especially during the main grid blackouts or failures. The study of micro-grid reliability can give system designers, operators, and customers potential failure modes of its subsystems and components …

A Physiologically Motivated Approach To The Classification Of Natural Sounds Using High Order Sound Statistics, Brian B. Bishop

Master's Theses

The ability of humans and animals to classify sounds into behaviorally relevant categories is an ongoing field of study in auditory neuroscience and psychophysics. We employed a physiologically motivated signal processing scheme to extract time-varying statistics from a large database of real sounds. Our hypothesis is that two sound statistics, intensity and contrast, will be sufficient to classify broad categories of sounds using a naïve Bayesian classifier. We seek to evaluate this hypothesis, determine to what extent these two time-varying statistics can be used to classify sounds and to evaluate the limitations of the technique. The sounds themselves were organized …

Inducing Emotional Response In Interactive Media, Keenan M. Reimer

Master's Theses

Video games, and entertainment media have been developed for many years, and eliciting emotional experiences is an integral part of that process. Producing and editing game content in order to affect desired emotional experiences can be expensive and cumbersome to developers. This paper presents a study intended to show that such experiences can be affected with simple after-the-fact audio-visual effects. As subjects of the study, participants experience three different emotional states, fear, peace, and none, over three rounds and in three different game environments. They are given a simple narrative in each environment that directs them to gather various objects. …

The Effects Of 4-Nonylphenol On The Immune Response Of The Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea Gigas, Following Bacterial Infection (Vibrio Campbellii), Courtney Hart

Master's Theses

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that can interfere with hormone signaling pathways and are now recognized as pervasive in estuarine and marine waters. One prevalent EDC in California’s coastal waters is the xenoestrogen 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), which has been shown to impair reproduction, development, growth, and in some cases immune function of marine invertebrates. To further investigate effects of 4-NP on marine invertebrate immune function we measured total hemocyte counts (THC), relative transcript abundance of immune-relevant genes, and lysozyme activity in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) following bacterial infection. To quantify these effects we exposed oysters to dissolved phase …

Effects Of Experimental Noise Exposure On Songbird Nesting Behaviors And Nest Success, Tracy I. Mulholland

Master's Theses

Anthropogenic noise is an increasingly prevalent global disturbance. Animals that rely on the acoustical environment, such as songbirds, are especially vulnerable to these sounds. Traffic noise, in particular, overlaps with the frequency range of songbirds, creating masking effects. We investigated the effects of chronic traffic noise on provisioning behaviors and breeding success of nesting western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) and ash-throated flycatchers (Myiarchus cinerascens). Because anthropogenic noise exposure has the potential to interrupt parent-offspring communication and alter vigilance behaviors, we predicted that traffic noise would lead to changes in provisioning behaviors, such as fewer visits to the …

The Preservation And Protection Of Native Biodiversity In The Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Complex, Lindsey M. Whitaker, Matthew Ritter, Scott J. Steinmaus, Jonathan Hall

Master's Theses

The Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Complex (GNDC) is located within the California Floristic Province, a biodiversity hotspot characterized by high rates of endemism and exceptional loss of habitat. In 1980, the US Fish and Wildlife Service described the GNDC as, “the most unique and fragile ecosystem in the State of California,” and ranked it first on a list of 49 habitat areas needing state protection. It is the largest coastal dune area in California and it is one of the last remaining, relatively intact ecosystems of its type and size in the western United States. The growing recognition of species decline …

The Proteomic Response Of Gill Tissue In Tidally And Subtidally-Acclimated California Mussels, Mytilus Californianus, To Acute Emersion-Induced Anoxia, Aubrie N. Fowler, Lars Tomanek

Master's Theses

Intertidal mussels regularly experience emersion-induced anoxia, in contrast to normoxic conditions experienced during submersion. We therefore hypothesized that acclimation to a tidal rhythm, as opposed to a rhythm of constant submersion, preconditions the proteome of the California mussel, Mytilus californianus, to respond differently to emersion-induced anoxia. Following acclimation, mussels either continued to receive the acclimation conditions (control) or were exposed to 100% nitrogengas (anoxia) during aerial emersion. We collected gill tissue for subsequent analysis of protein abundance with 2D gel electrophoresis and protein identification with tandem mass spectrometry. Relative to subtidally-acclimated mussels, tidally-acclimated mussels showed a greater propensity to …

Effects Of Fire On Soil Co₂ Efflux In A Mature Longleaf Pine Forest, Knox Lemee Flowers

Master's Theses

This study was conducted from 2012-2013 in a 96 year old longleaf pine at the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center located Lamar County, MS. Measurements of soil CO₂ efflux (i.e., soil respiration or SR) rates (µmol m^-2 sec^-1) were taken across 8 field plots (4 burned, 4 unburned) before and after a prescribed fire on that occurred in May, 2012. These measurements were taken over diurnal cycles using a LICOR LI-8100A automated soil gas flux system with long term chambers. SR rates and soil temperature measurements were collected during 3 sampling periods in 2012 and 1 sampling period …

Being With Bees: An Anthropological Study On Human-Animal Relations In Southern Beekeeping, Kori Nadine Armstrong

Master's Theses

This thesis investigates the complex and dynamic communicative relationship between beekeepers and their managed honey bee colonies, providing insight into the relationship between bees, their stewards, and the interface between nature and culture. It also helps unravel the ways in which this interspecies relationship changes a beekeepers’ perception of what it means to be human. Data collection features extensive participant observation with 21 semi-structured interviews with Southern beekeepers.

The interrelationship between communication and interaction, as well as diverse ways in which messages and cues manifest in the bee yard are explored through olfactory, optical, touch, and mechanical modalities. Variables including …

"Too Big To Swallow All At Once": Consumption And Posthuman Healing In Ceremony And House Made Of Dawn, Matthew Thomas Craft

Master's Theses

This project examines the roles of animals and animal figures in the Native American novels House Made of Dawn (1968)by N. Scott Momaday and Ceremony (1977) by Leslie Marmon Silko. Both novelists consistently evoke animal imagery within their respective texts often pairing this imagery alongside symbolic and metaphorical depictions of cannibalistic identity violence. Through the use of posthuman and postcolonial methodologies and ideas, I contend that the pairing of these two distinct types of imagery that both Momaday and Silko intentionally align the animal figures with premodern, indigenous belief systems while the cannibalistic violence is more often envisioned as …

Development Of Genomic Resources For The Evaluation Of Red Snapper, An Emerging Species Candidate For Marine Aquaculture And Stock Enhancement, Adrienne Elise Norrell

Master's Theses

The northern red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a highly targeted reef fish candidate for marine aquaculture and stock enhancement in the southern United States. This work aimed to develop genomic resources for the genetic management of aquaculture programs and to investigate population structure using high-throughput sequencing technologies. Eighty-four new microsatellite markers were developed through screening of Illumina paired-end sequencing reads. Microsatellite loci and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) generated through Restriction Site Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing were assayed in 5 outbred full-sib families to construct a high-density linkage map of the red snapper genome. The map consists of 7,964 …

The Poet's Corpus: Memory And Monumentality In Wilfred Owen's "The Show", Charles Hunter Joplin

Master's Theses

Wilfred Owen is widely recognized to be the greatest English “trench poet” of the First World War. His posthumously published war poems sculpt a nightmarish vision of trench warfare, one which enables Western audiences to consider the suffering of the English soldiers and the brutality of modern warfare nearly a century after the armistice. However, critical readings of Owen’s canonized corpus, including “The Show” (1917, 1918), only focus on their hellish imagery. I will add to these readings by demonstrating that “The Show” is primarily concerned with the limitations of lyric poetry, the monumentality of poetic composition, and the difficulties …