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Studies On Enzyme Functional Evolution In The Sabath Multigene Family Using Phylogenetic And Biochemical Approaches, Ruiqi Huang

Masters Theses

Gene duplication is believed to be the major source for providing genetic materials for the innovation and diversification of protein functions; natural selection and/or neutral drift then works on these genetic materials to guide their evolutionary directions. Here, I used the salicylic acid/benzoic acid/theobromine (SABATH) multigene family to study how natural selection acted on duplicated genes to prompt functional diversification. Members in this family methylate plant secondary metabolites by transferring the methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to the carboxyl group or ring nitrogen of the substrates. In the Apocynaceae and Solanaceae lineage of this family, I documented three putative gene …

Current Music Therapy Practice With Adolescents With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders In The United States: A Survey Of The Profession, Melinda K. Murray

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to survey Board Certified Music Therapists in the US to examine (a) the demographics of the music therapists working with this population in a non-school setting, (b) assessments used by the music therapists, (c) goals for clients, and (d) treatment methods used in the treatment of adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. The participants in this study were board certified music therapists working with emotional and/or behavioral impairments outside of the school setting. Of the total of 111 surveys sent to music therapists who possibly met the inclusion criteria, 27 were returned (N=27). The …

Hoodie Today, Gown Tomorrow: An Ideological Rhetorical Analysis Of Gender-Neutral Clothing, Meridith Irene Styer

Masters Theses

The fields of psychology and sociology have long understood the importance of clothing in self-formation, this study extrapolates this social-science understanding into the realm of rhetorical analysis. This study looks at gender-neutral clothing and its role in meaning making and self identification for women. With a rhetorical basis from Richards and Ogden, this research uses the feminist works of Brummett and Butler to uncover both the positive and negatives effects of gender-neutral clothing on a woman's self-identification and perceptions. Through the presentation of a diffuse narrative and evaluation of the same, gender-neutral clothing is read and decoded for meaning. This …

I'M Ok, You're Not: Assessing Variable Influence On Perceptions Of The Mentally Ill Among College Students, Phillip Wagner

Masters Theses

Due to the alarming level of stigma associated with individuals with a mental illness, this present study seeks to understand the variables that influence perceptions of the mentally ill. The research questions for this study are as follows: RQ1: What are the latitudes of acceptance, rejection and non-commitment that college students identify in their perceptions of the mental health community?, RQ2: Does gender influence college student perceptions of the mentally ill?, and RQ3: Does the level of religious involvement that college students identify correlate to their perceptions of the mentally ill? The 257 participants completed an online survey that assessed …

Attitudes And Perceptions Of Local Residents And Tourists Toward The Protected Area Of Retezat National Park, Romania, Andrea Blanka Szell

Masters Theses

Despite the fact that there has been a significant increase in interest in the sustainable management of protected areas (PAs), many of them still fail to meet conservation goals. Considering that the availability of financial resources and the general public's interest toward environmental conservation play such an important role in the successful performance of PAs, it is of great importance to investigate local residents' and visitors' attitudes and perceptions regarding PAs. This will help gain knowledge of the level of financial and social support they would be willing to give to environmental conservation in PAs. To elicit attitudes and perceptions, …

From A Rodent To A Rhetorician: An Ideological Analysis Of George Alexander Kennedy's Comparative Rhetoric, James Begley

Masters Theses

George Alexander Kennedy, a professor of classics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has given birth to a new understanding of rhetorical studies: he argues for the evolution of rhetoric from animals to humans. Using Sonja Foss's methodology of "ideological criticism," this thesis examined Kennedy's case as presented in his book, Comparative Rhetoric: an Historical and Cross-Cultural Introduction. This study discovered that the book was heavily influenced by a secular, pro-evolutionary ideology which dually contributed to its selective use of scientific evidences and production of inconsistent arguments. Evaluated on the basis of Biblical principles, this thesis concluded …

Influence Of American Media Upon Korean Broadcasting Culture - Analyzing 'American Idol' Vs. 'Superstar K Ii', Han Na Shin

Masters Theses

This study examines the influence of American media on Korean broadcasting culture, based on analysis of American Idol and SuperStar K Season II. Viewer ratings were analyzed to find out the popularity of American programs in South Korea. Web-based surveys and individual interviews were analyzed to figure out the difference between both programs and its influence upon Korean viewers. The result shows that American programs currently influence the Korean media and Korean viewers, and that influence is getting more produced. With those findings, the study concludes it affects Korean viewers and Korean society as well. Audition programs become one of …

Effects Of Ailanthus Altissima Soil Leachates On Nodulation And Expression Of Two Genes That Regulate Nodulation Of Trifolium Pratense, Jesse Michael Lincoln

Masters Theses

Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) is an invasive tree from China that has spread over much of North America. A number of characteristics contribute to its success, notably tolerance of nutrient-poor soils, rapid growth rates, prolific production of wind dispersed seeds, escape from predation, and the production of allelopathic compounds. That Ailanthus altissima frequently co-occurs with legumes in nutrient poor soils alludes to a possible relationship between Ailanthus altissima and nitrogen fixing legumes. Legumes increase the biospheres supply of bio-available nitrogen through facilitating the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen within structures on roots called nodules. Thus, increased nodulation of legumes caused by Ailanthus …

Automatic Atlas Based Analysis Of Radiotracer Uptake In Bones From Fused Nuclear Imaging/Ct Data Sets Of Mice, Jeffrey Lee Vanoss

Masters Theses

Preclinical in vivo imaging is a powerful tool used for a wide variety of biomedical research applications including oncology, cardiac disease, and neurological disease. Disease physiology can be imaged in vivo with molecular imaging such as PET and SPECT. Quality analysis of molecular in vivo images currently requires an expert technician. The feasibility of large preclinical molecular imaging studies is limited by the man hours required to process the overwhelming amount of data created from preclinical scans. Our proposed solution to the bottle neck of manual image analysis is to implement automation of preclinical molecular image analysis. The method described …

The Acute Responses Of Different-Sized Coronary Arteries To Testosterone, Sampath Madanu

Masters Theses

Coronary arteries supply blood to the myocardium. The blood flow within the coronary arteries is altered by various compounds produced within the body. Sex hormones such as testosterone are known to cause the relaxation of large coronary arteries. But the response to testosterone is greater in in vivo conditions compared to in vitro conditions. We hypothesize that the responses of LADs (left anterior descending arteries) and its side branches to testosterone are heterogeneous and testosterone-induced vasodilation is greater in its side branches. Therefore, our study was designed to determine the effect of testosterone in different-sized coronary arteries. LADs and one …

Development Of A Computer-Aided Detection (Cad) Tool For Contrast Micro Computed Tomography Imaging In Diagnosing Liver Metastases, Anderson Steadham Peck

Masters Theses

High morbidity of metastatic tumors in the liver has been observed in several different types of cancers. Liver failure from metastases is one of the primary causes of death in these patients. Effective treatments for liver metastases do not currently exist. However, new pharmaceutical treatments are being explored in a preclinical setting where the cancer and its treatments are designed in vitro and then studied in vivo in mice. Therefore, effective and accurate techniques for non-invasive imaging and analysis of liver metastases in mice are critical to the development of new treatments.

In-vivo micro CT imaging is not only one …

Force Sensing Of An Asymmetric Dielectric Barrier Discharge Using Mechanical Resonators, Mark Dawson Emanuel

Masters Theses

"Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators are of great interest in flow control research and application. DBD plasma actuators are low-cost, lightweight, high voltage devices that have the capability of generating small amounts of thrust on the order of a few tenths of a gram. The thrust is created by rapidly pulsing plasma discharges which correlate to the frequency of the applied alternating current waveform, in the low kilohertz range.

Plasma actuators experience a reactant force generated by the pulsed plasma charging and then expelling air away from the charged surface. This force fluctuates with time as the plasma is …

Optical Coherence Tomography For Biomedical Imaging, Edward Henry Pienkowski

Masters Theses

"Two projects are presented in this thesis; 1) a hollow core, concentrically symmetric beam splitting Michelson interferometric probe for optical coherence tomography and 2) the imaging of bioactive ceramic scaffolds using swept source optical coherence tomography. The key component of the interferometer is a compact, small diameter probe composed of a collimating lens, hollow core beam splitting tube, and a focusing lens intended to be used for endoscopic imaging. The beam splitting tube was created by sputter coating the distal endface of a finely polished thick wall capillary tube with a highly reflective gold layer. Part of the light travels …

The Role Of Vegetarian Options In Campus Dining: Acceptability Of Vegetarian Burgers, James D. Roche

Masters Theses

Although there are many healthy varieties of meats and sustainable methods of raising livestock, there are still environmental and health concerns regarding meat production and consumption. This study examines the acceptability of garden burgers as a replacement for beef burgers in a university dining center by comparing appearance, taste and overall acceptability of these two products. The study also looked to determine whether there were any differences in sensory ratings for the vegetarian burgers between different genders and participants with varying levels of exposure to vegetarian burgers.

Does Menu Labeling Effect [Sic] Consumer Choices?, Ashley R. Waters

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if patrons purchase fewer calories when calorie information was posted on fast food menus. Researchers also sought to explore how the factors of price, taste, and caloric content influenced purchase decisions. Additionally, to determine if certain groups utilize calorie labels more than others, researchers explored demographic factors like gender, age, and education level and other factors like frequency of fast food consumption and knowledge of daily caloric intake.

Physiochemical Characteristics Contributing To The Cytotoxicity Of Transition Metal Oxides, Chi-Heng Wu

Masters Theses

"In the past ten years nanotechnology has not only evolved to play a prominent role in our economy but also increased the concern over potential adverse effects caused by nanomaterials to human health and the environment. Nanotoxicity is to understand the nature and origin of the toxicity imposed by nanomaterials. Studies from our laboratory have shown that nanoparticle induces oxidative stress, perturbs calcium homeostasis, alter gene expression, and produces pro-inflammatory responses. We also identified a trend of toxicity: TiO₂ < Cr₂O₃ < Fe₂O₃ < Mn₂O₃ < NiO < ZnO < CuO. We then asked a question: what are physiochemical factors of transition metal nanoparticles that contributed to this increasing cytotoxicity. In this thesis I investigated the correlation between physicochemical properties and toxicity of the transition metal oxides in the 4th Period of the Periodic Table of Elements. Particle size, BET surface area, point of zero charge, metal dissolution, and degree of surface adsorption of transition metal oxide nanoparticles were measured. There were no increasing trends in both particle size and specific surface area. The point of zero charge showed an increasing trend as TiO₂ < Cr₂O₃ < Fe₂O₃ < NiO < CuO = ZnO < Mn₂O₃. The number of available binding sites of nanoparticle showed an increasing trend as Cr₂O₃ > ZnO > CuO > NiO > Fe₂O₃ > Mn₂O₃ > TiO₂. The degree of adsorption on the surface of nanoparticles showed an increasing trend with atomic …

The Value Of Student Services And Activities At A Large, Rural, Two-Year College In The Midwest, Andrea E. Bright

Masters Theses

In order to assist in the development and growth of students to reach their maximum potential research into what services and activities students perceive as valuable was conducted. The purpose was to explore student's relations between the perceived value of student services/activities and the knowledge, use, and value of student services and activities. The literature expresses that many factors affect a student's experience at college. Student involvement occurs through many facets, academics, socialization, and environment. Student satisfaction with these factors impact student success or failure. The research demonstrates that students need interactions with the college community in order to facilitate …

Coping Strategies In Parents Raising Children With Disabilities, Danielle Haaksma

Masters Theses

The current study examined how parents of children with disabilities use coping strategies to manage stress and mental health. A convenience sample of twenty-five parents completed a survey developed by the researcher. Findings showed that the coping strategies used the most included talking to family members, followed by purposeful planning, talking to friends outside the family and learning to accept the situation. In addition, the mothers in this sample used adaptive coping, talked to friends and utilized purposeful planning more often than the fathers did. Positive reinterpretation of the situation and escape avoidance were the only strategies that had a …

The Effects Of Body Positioning On Compliance Among Children, Andrea Merideth Delaney

Masters Theses

Noncompliance has significant implications for children in both home and educational settings. It can thwart learning and lead to increased levels of stress for parents. This study examined the effect of body positioning on the compliance rates of three children in the clinic setting. Results found that higher rates of compliance were experienced when caregivers issued commands in either the kneeling or bending positions rather than a standing position. For two of the three participants, a kneeling position yielded higher rates of compliance. No differences were seen pre- and post-intervention in regards to parenting style using the PAQ-R. Decreases in …

Demographics And Seasonal Abundance Of Sportfish In Three Thermal Habitats Of Coffeen Lake, Anthony Paul Porreca

Masters Theses

Power generating facilities across Illinois provide electricity to residents of the state, while at the same time offering desirable open water fishing lakes that can be used by anglers during the winter season when other reservoirs are not accessible. Coffeen Lake represents one of the best power cooling fisheries in the state and boasts both excellent largemouth bass and channel catfish populations. The reservoir supplies water to a power station with a generating capacity of 945 megawatts of electricity, with 73% of the surface water affected by heated discharge and a cooling loop covering 4.1 miles. Sampling sport fish species …

Population Demographics Of White Crappie In Three Illinois Reservoirs, Candice Marie Miller

Masters Theses

Crappie provide important sport-fisheries throughout the United States. Because of the propensity of this species to display growth stunting, an assessment of crappie population demographics is needed in Midwestern reservoirs. I assessed the population demographics of white crappie, Pomoxis annularis, in three Illinois reservoirs. Samples were collected by three-phase AC boat electrofishing. All crappie were weighed, measured, and the otolith and scale samples were removed for age estimation. Relative density, as measured by catch per unit of effort (CPUE; fish/hour), was different at Lake Mattoon (0.53±0.15), Lake Charleston Side Channel Reservoir (1.17±0.15), and Paradise Lake (1.04±0.18). Size structure of white …

Desiccation Tolerance In Insect Cells, John Marcus Anderson

Masters Theses

In anhydrobiotic animals a reoccurring strategy to survive water stress involves the accumulation of low molecular weight solutes (e.g., trehalose) and highly hydrophilic macromolecules [e.g., late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins]. We utilized two different water-stress models (spin-drying, and hyperosmotic dehydration) to investigate the impact of transgenic expression of a trehalose transporter [BT003466 (TRET)] and of a group 1 LEA protein [ACX81198 variant (LEA1)] on membrane integrity in cell lines from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-21) and Drosophila melanogaster (Kc167), respectively. Kc167 cells were challenged with sucrose or trehalose concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 mM supplemented in standard culture medium. Significant inhibition …

Feeding Behavior Of Nestling Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis) In East-Central Illinois, Amanda Lamb

Masters Theses

I observed feeding of nestlings in Eastern Bluebirds in nest boxes in east-central Illinois. Provisioning rate of males and females were compared and early observation periods (younger nestlings) were compared with late observation periods (older nestlings). I also compared the average food size brought to the nestlings by males and females and during early and late observations. No significant differences were found between average food sizes throughout the study. In addition, food size was not significantly correlated with mean nestling weights within a brood. However, males had significantly fewer confirmed feedings than females for the last observation period. In addition, …

The Toxicity Of Acetaminophen, Caffeine And Carbendazim In Earthworms (Eisenia Fetida), Matthew M. Bulman

Masters Theses

There has been a need for the assessment of ground water contamination risk on terrestrial organisms. One terrestrial organism, Eisenia fetida, was chosen as a test species and exposed to three common pharmaceutical and/or pesticide related contaminants: acetaminophen (CAS#103-90-2), caffeine (CAS#58-08-2) and carbendazim (CAS#10605-21-7), respectively. Levels of contamination varied from grams per liter to micrograms per liter (ppb) using distilled water as the solvent. Eisenia fetida was examined through a 28 day range/index toxicity test. A Benchmark Dose (BMD) dichotomous probit analysis, using a 95% confidence interval, was calculated for all three contaminants. All three contaminants were found to have …

Linking The Colonization Rate Of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (Vam) To Species Dynamics In Succession, Jie Luo

Masters Theses

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (YAM) are the most common mycorrhizal fungi that form symbiotic associations with plant species. They form hyphae, vesicles and arbuscules which expand root surface area and exchange nutrients within root cells. Greater abundance of YAM can result in more nutrient uptake and disease resistance to the host plant. While mycorrhizae are often important to the growth and reproduction of individual species, their role in regulating plant community dynamics is less clear. Previous research has shown that YAM are tightly related to plant traits such as relative growth rate, foliar N and P concentrations, and responses to soil …

The Effect Of The Power Balance Bracelet On Strength, Agility, Flexibility And Vertical Jump In Collegiate Male Athletes, Rusa Lea Reimnitz

Masters Theses

The Power Balance Bracelet is marketed as a way to increase an athlete's performance in strength, flexibility and balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Power Balance Bracelet manufacturer's claims. Twenty male Division I athletes from Eastern Illinois University performed four tests on three different dates. The first session was a control trial and the subsequent sessions were performed with either the Power Balance bracelet or the placebo bracelet. Treatment order was assigned randomly with one half performing with the Power Balance and one half performing with the placebo bracelet in the second and …

An Application Of Optical Tweezers, Patrick W. Swanson

Masters Theses

Oxycyte is a perfluorocarbon-based material that can mimic the oxygen carrying capabilities of hemoglobin and is in the testing stages of acting for use as a blood substitute. However, a problem associated with using Oxycyte as a blood substitute is that it clumps together too easily and does not coagulate. An approach for studying the problem uses optical tweezers to help model the forces between Oxycyte particles. Elements of optical tweezers, including laser beams, microscopes, and operation by trapping particles with light will be outlined. An experimental system created to study the forces between particles is presented. Experimental issues and …

Educational Technology: Podcasts, Vodcasts, And Blogs In The Science Classroom, Danielle N. Thompson

Masters Theses

Junior-level Chemistry students at De Soto High School, Missouri, were introduced to educational technology in the form of podcasts, vodcasts, and blogs to facilitate learning outside of the traditional four walls of the classroom. Educational technology was utilized to see if content knowledge could be delivered from the teacher to the students as well as from the students to the teacher. Students were surveyed eight weeks after educational technology was introduced in the classroom to see if participation, attitudes, and interests in science were influenced by the use of educational technology in addition to traditional pedagogical methods.

Effects Of Apolipoprotein E, Sex, And Estrogen On The Neuroplasticity Of Olfactory Receptor Neurons In Mice Following Olfactory Bulbectomy, John P. Boyce Iii

Masters Theses

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is well studied for its role in cholesterol transportation and metabolizing lipoproteins. ApoE is found in the olfactory system especially in the olfactory nerve and glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. Studies from our laboratory indicate that apoE is a required component for timely regeneration and olfactory receptor neuron maturation. The mechanism for which apoE contributes to neuron function and developing late onset Alzheimer's disease is still being studied. A mutant form of apoE (apoE 4) is believed to be a prominent genetic risk factor for this neurodegenerative disease. Over sixty percent of Alzheimer's disease patients in the …

Instructional Technology Resistance Levels Among University Faculty, Katie Glaze

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to contribute to a better understanding of resistance to instructional technology among university faculty. Siegel's (2008) Resistance to Instruction Technology questionnaire was employed to full-time faculty members working at a mid-west regional state university. Results from 226 respondents (37% of population) reported low levels of technology resistance. Further, respondents gave insight to their perceptions, attitudes, and actual use of instructional technology. Finally, recommendations for practitioners related resistance to instructional technology were discussed.