Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of A Water Treatment Bmp On Nutrient Spiraling And Leaf Litter Breakdown In An Urban Stream, Megan Leclair Wheeler

Theses and Dissertations

Alterations to stream conditions caused by urbanization can compromise valuable ecosystem services, such as nutrient attenuation and carbon processing. A best management practice (BMP) water facility was installed to restore an impaired urban stream in Columbus, GA. This study was conducted to determine the effect of this BMP on nutrient spiraling and leaf litter decomposition in a 2 km stretch of Weracoba Creek. I hypothesized the BMP would (1) reduce leaf mass loss over time and (2) interfere with nutrient concentrations and uptake lengths. I characterized leaf litter decomposition using tulip tree leaves {Liriodendron tulipifera) in 1mm mesh bags deployed …

Applications Of The Bivariate Gamma Distribution In Nutritional Epidemiology And Medical Physics, Jolene Barker

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis the utility of a bivariate gamma distribution is explored. In the field of nutritional epidemiology a nutrition density transformation is used to reduce collinearity. This phenomenon will be shown to result due to the independent variables following a bivariate gamma model. In the field of radiation oncology paired comparison of variances is often performed. The bivariate gamma model is also appropriate for fitting correlated variances. A method for simulating bivariate gamma random variables is presented. This method is used to generate data from several bivariate gamma models and the asymptotic properties of a test statistic, suggested for …

Application Of Optimization Techniques To Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded Waveform Design, Todd W. Beard

Theses and Dissertations

A design process is demonstrated for a coexistent scenario containing Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded (SMSE) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) signals. Coexistent SMSE-DSSS designs are addressed under both perfect and imperfect DSSS code tracking conditions using a non-coherent delay-lock loop (DLL). Under both conditions, the number of SMSE subcarriers and subcarrier spacing are the optimization variables of interest. For perfect DLL code tracking conditions, the GA and RSM optimization processes are considered independently with the objective function being end-to-end DSSS bit error rate. A hybrid GA-RSM optimization process is used under more realistic imperfect DLL code tracking conditions. In …

The Quality Of Life Of Caregivers Of Children With Special Needs., Cindy Flom-Meland

Theses and Dissertations

Dealing with a long-term illness, traumatic injury, or a life altering accident or event can be very stressful for the person in those circumstances. It can also be very stressful for the family members and, specifically, the direct caregivers. Comparisons of psychosocial factors have been researched in families of children with special needs and families of children without special needs. Families of children with special needs have been found to have greater financial stress, interruption of family structure and routine, disruption of leisure activities, decreased time for social interaction, and poorer physical and mental health. At the current time within …

Faculty And Administrative Perceptions Of Professional Programs At Three Private Liberal Arts Colleges., Debra M. Grosz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine faculty and administrator perceptions of and attitudes toward professional degree programs at liberal arts institutions. Three upper-Midwestern, private, liberal arts colleges of similar size and religious affiliation were selected for the study. Qualitative research methods were used in this study. Data were collected from a series of 15 interviews with select faculty and administrators. Analysis of the data resulted in three categories. The first category, image, included two themes: Interviewees could define and state the purpose of liberal arts colleges, although there were significant differences among the responses; and interviewees knew …

Theoretical Study Of Compounds Containing Nitrogen In Or Near Strained Ring Structures., Rajeev Ramdatt Pandey

Theses and Dissertations

Ground and low-lying excited electronic states of difluorodiazirine (F 2CN2) were investigated using the recently revised variant of second-order Generalized Van Vleck Perturbation theory. It was shown that the CN2 ring is retained in all the low-lying excited states and that the compound is highly multireference in nature. The results are expected to be useful in describing the mechanism of the ultraviolet photolysis of this compound. Difluorophosphaazirine (F2CNP) is isovalent with F2CN 2 and presents useful similarities and differences. In mapping the potential energy surface of F2CNP, the geometrical parameters and harmonic vibration frequencies of six new local minima, besides …

Altered Vascular Function In A Rat Model Of Reduced Utero -Placental Perfusion., Cindy M. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to characterize vascular responsiveness and leptin signaling in small mesenteric and uterine arcuate arteries in a rat model of reduced uterine perfusion pressure. The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model was utilized to mimic the underlying pathology of preeclampsia. The uterine arteries and abdominal aortae of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically constricted on day 14 of gestation. Systolic blood pressure measurements were obtained before and during pregnancy using a tail cuff measuring system. Weight was measured with each blood pressure evaluation. The rats were euthanized on gestational day 20. Fetal number, fetal weight and placental …

Experimental Polychondritis: Induced Vs. Spontaneous., Jennifer L. Lamoureux

Theses and Dissertations

We demonstrate evidence supporting two independent hypotheses related to experimental polychondritis: (1) co-expression of a “nonpathogenic” HLA-DQ allele with a “pathogenic” allele results in enhanced susceptibility to disease; and (2) age related immunological changes allow for the spontaneous onset of disease. Relapsing polychondritis (RP), a human autoimmune disease of unknown etiology in which cartilaginous sites are destroyed by cyclic inflammatory episodes, occurs most commonly during middle age. Collagen-induced polychondritis (CIP) develops in heterologous type II collagen (CII) immunized young (6–8 wk old) mice expressing HLA-DQ6α8β transgenes (tg) regardless of gender, and mirrors clinical RP. Although both DQ6αβ8αβ tg and DQ6α8β …

Syntheses And Characterizations Of Bis(1°-Amino)-Cyclodiphosph(V)Azanes, Bis(Diazasilaphosphetidines), And Some Of Their Metal Complexes., Graham Russel Lief

Theses and Dissertations

Cyclodiphosph(V)azane ligands of the general formula [R(H)NE=P(μ-N tBu)2P=EN(H)R] where R = tBu, Ph, or Cy, and E = O, S, Se, or N-p-tolyl were synthesized and structurally characterized. Reaction of PCl3 and H2NtBu produced [ClP(μ-NtBu)2PCl]. Treatment of [ClP(μ-N tBu)2PCl] with LiN(H)R produced [R(H)NP(μ-Nt Bu)2PN(H)R] which was then oxidized using elemental sulfur and selenium, para-tolyl azide, and cumene hydroperoxide, generating ligands of general formula [R(H)NE=P(μ-NtBu) 2P=EN(H)R]. Treatment of [R(H)NE=P(μ-NtBu)2P=EN(H)R] with metal alkyls or amides produced complexes of the type {LnM[RNE=P(μ-N tBu)2P=ENR]MLn} and {LnM[RNE=P(μN tBu)2P=EN(H)R]} where M = Al, Zn, Zr, or Ti, and L = alkyl, amido, or THF ligands. Diphosphine …

Cervical Extracellular Matrix Changes Due To Parturition, Rhonda R. Schafer

Theses and Dissertations

Cervical ripening involves an active process of extracellular matrix remodeling to produce dramatic changes in the biomechanical properties of the cervix. Comparison of temporal changes in proteoglycan synthesis, glycosaminoglycan accumulation, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in rat cervices related to pregnancy will allow us to better understand the sequence of events that control cervical ripening. To maintain clinical relevance, we will compare the effects of clinically used cervical ripening agents on extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation using human cervical fibroblasts in vitro.

Sprague-Dawley rat cervices were radiolabeled in organ and extracted. Measurements of wet weight shows significant increases at gestational …

The Claustrum In Autism And Typically Developing Male Children: A Quantitative Mri Study, Warren B. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

The claustrum (Cl) is a subcortical gray-matter structure housed between the external capsule medially and the extreme capsule laterally. Due to its extensive reciprocal connections throughout the brain, it has been implicated in consciousness and other higher order functions including linking behavior and emotion. Such linkage may be important in understanding the neurobiology of autism since other cortical and subcortical regions including the spatially and ontologically related basal ganglia, as well as limbic structures, have been implicated in the disorder. Participants were males with autism (n=16) and typically developing (TD; n=14) matched for head circumference and age. The Cl and …

Can The Confluence Model Predict Female Sexual Aggression?, Nichole M. Clay-Valorio

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory investigation was to test the pathways of the Confluence Model of Sexual Aggression (Malamuth, Heavey & Linz, 1996) for prediction of self-reported female sexual aggression utilizing various computerized measures with college aged female participants (n = 104). The confluence model states that sexual aggression is the interactive result of two simultaneous pathways: hostile masculinity (and/or hostile femininity) and impersonal sex. It was hypothesized that a combination of either of the hostility pathways (feminine vs. masculine) and the impersonal sex pathway would predict sexual aggression. Modified versions of the Sexual Experiences Scale (SES), Coercive Sexuality Scale …

Application Of Shortest-Path Network Analysis To Identify Genes That Modulate Longevity In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Jr Managbanag

Theses and Dissertations

Shortest-path network analysis was employed to identify novel genes that modulate longevity in the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based upon a set of previously reported genes associated with increased life span, a shortest path network algorithm was applied to a pre-existing protein-protein interaction dataset in order to construct a shortest-path longevity network. To validate this network, the replicative aging potential of 88 single gene deletion strains corresponding to predicted components of the shortest path longevity network was determined. The 88 single-gene deletion strains identified by a network approach are significantly enriched for mutation conferring both increased and decreased replicative life …

Interoperability Measurement, Thomas C. Ford

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents an inaugural general method of measuring the collaborative and confrontational interoperability of a heterogeneous set of systems in the context of an operational process. The method is holistic, fundamental, flexible, and mathematical in nature and accommodates all types of systems and interoperations. The method relates the interoperability measurement to measures of operational effectiveness for confrontational operational processes. Extant leveling methods of describing interoperability are shown to be a special case of the more general method given in this research and the general interoperability measurement method is demonstrated through the presentation of coalition interoperability, suppression of enemy air …

Program Approach For Childheaded Households In Zambia, Samson Chama

Theses and Dissertations

Using an emergent design, this study developed a program approach for young people in the child headed households of Zambia. Phase I dealt with prior ethnography, Phase II focused on independent living services, and Phase III concerned translation to Zambia. A total of 36 participants from Richmond, consisting of 20 Richmond Department of Social Services workers and youth and 16 Africans, were recruited. Three major themes emerged: feasibility, content, and quality. Lessons learned about translational research highlight the need for uniformity in a cultural screen’s composition. This might enhance the richness of perspectives on young people. Lessons for the Department …

Biologically Relevant Multiple Sequence Alignment, Hyrum D. Carroll

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers use multiple sequence alignment algorithms to detect conserved regions in genetic sequences and to identify drug docking sites for drug development. In this dissertation, a novel algorithm is presented for using physicochemical properties to increase the accuracy of multiple sequence alignments. Secondary structures are also incorporated in the evaluation function. Additionally, the location of the secondary structures is assimilated into the function. Multiple properties are combined with weights, determined from prediction accuracies of protein secondary structures using artificial neural networks. A new metric, the PPD Score is developed, that captures the average change in physicochemical properties. Using the physicochemical …

Using Simulation Optimization To Construct Efficient Screening Strategies For Cervical Cancer, Christodoulos Foufoulides

Theses and Dissertations

Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Because cervical cancer is usually asymptomatic until the disease is in its advanced stages, cervical screening is of central importance towards combating cervical cancer. Alternative screening strategies are evaluated from an economic point of view through cost-effectiveness analysis. In the literature however, studies perform cost-effectiveness analysis on a limited number of de facto or predetermined screening policies. At present, no attempt has been made to construct efficient screening strategies through optimization, before cost-effectiveness analysis is applied. In this study simulation optimization is used to construct efficient screening …

Implementation Of Optical Spectra Calculations In Fireball: A Local-Orbital Density Functional Theory Approach, Ivan Grigoryevich Okhrimenko

Theses and Dissertations

We have expanded the capabilities of the ab initio tight-binding molecular dynamics package FIREBALL to include calculations of optical properties. Basic zero order approximation is based on transitions between Kohn-Sham states. Corrections for electron-electron interactions are based on time dependant density functional theory (TDDFT). Consistent with the FIREBALL approach, we use precalculated integrals and approximations to make the program faster.

Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase Isoforms Associated With Mitochondria In Rat And Human., Dean Allen Frolich

Theses and Dissertations

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDP kinases) are a family of enzymes that transfer the gamma-phosphate group from a NTP (nucleoside triphosphate) to a NDP (nucleoside diphosphate). The reaction follows a ping-pong mechanism in which the enzyme is transiently phosphorylated on a conserved histidine residue. In the cell, activity appears to be ubiquitous as it is associated with the cytosol, nucleus, mitochondria and plasma membrane. NDP kinase enzymatic activity has been demonstrated in a variety of tissues. The classical role proposed for NDP kinase in mitochondrial matrix is the transfer of a phosphoryl group from GTP (produced in the TCA cycle) to …

Development Of A Definition, Classification System, And Model For Cultural Geology., Lloyd W. Mitchell Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The concept for this study is based upon a personal interest by the author, an American Indian, in promoting cultural perspectives in undergraduate college teaching and learning environments. Most academicians recognize that merged fields can enhance undergraduate curricula. However, conflict may occur when instructors attempt to merge social science fields such as history or philosophy with geoscience fields such as mining and geomorphology. For example, ideologies of Earth structures derived from scientific methodologies may conflict with historical and spiritual understandings of Earth structures held by American Indians. Specifically, this study addresses the problem of how to combine cultural studies with …

Wnt5a Signaling Independently Of The Planar Cell Polarity Pathway Resulting In Convergent Extension And Neural Tube Closure During Vertebrate Development, Jared James Barrott

Theses and Dissertations

Vertebrate development is regulated by cellular communication by mechanisms of cell fate and cell behavior. These crucial mechanisms are regulated by cellular signaling and in the case of cell fate, cellular signaling results in transcription of developmentally important genes. Communication between cells can also result in regulation of cell behavior by acting on cytoskeletal elements rather than nuclear factors. One of the cellular signals that regulate both cell fate and cell behavior is the family of Wnt signaling molecules. Wnt5a is one of 19 Wnt molecules and has been previously demonstrated to play critical roles in many important processes in …

Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Phase Conjugation In Fiber Optic Waveguides, Steven M. Massey

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research effort was to demonstrate the path to continuous wave, coherent beam combination through stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugation in optical fiber. This work experimentally determined the fiber parameters necessary for phase conjugation in step-index optical fiber. Continuous wave phase conjugation using stimulated Brillouin scattering in step-index fibers was achieved for the first time with a fidelity of 0.8 and a threshold power of 16 W in a 15-m fiber with 0.13 NA. A fidelity of 0.8 was also achieved using 40 m of fiber with 0.06-NA and a threshold power of 15 W. The fidelity …

Determining The Role Of Wnt5a Signaling In Embryonic Limb Outgrowth Via Clonal Analysis, Whitney Herrod Sowby

Theses and Dissertations

The exact mechanisms that regulate limb outgrowth the mouse embryo are unknown. Although there are several models, we favor a hypothesis where cells become polarized by signals secreted from the AER which orient their cell migration and/or divisions causing limb outgrowth. Clonal analysis has provided a mechanism to study cell behavior. We have generated a targeting construct containing the Fgf8 inhibitor, Sprouty2, in order to generate mutant clones for behavioral analyses in the limb. In order to more effectively study clonal behavior we report the modification of a novel clonal analysis approach, exo-utero surgery. We have modified, enhanced and proven …

Effect Of A Common Senior -Year Program On Undergraduate Students From A Multi -Institution Higher Education Alliance., Susan Kuntz

Theses and Dissertations

A unique alliance has been formed among seven institutions of higher education in North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana to allow the institutions to retain their Clinical Laboratory Science programs. One institution, the University of North Dakota (UND), maintains program accreditation and provides the senior-year curriculum for all members of the alliance. The students from the institutions other than UND (host institutions) complete four prerequisite courses (parasitology, immunology, microbiology and hematology) prior to coming to the UND campus for the senior-year program. UND faculty noted a higher anxiety level and a difference in the knowledge base for the students from the …

Risky Behaviors Among University Students: The American College Health Survey 2000 And 2002 At The University Of North Dakota., Alan Allery

Theses and Dissertations

Health promotion professionals lack data regarding incidence and prevalence regarding risky behavior that University of North Dakota (UND) students engage in on a regular basis. Because of the lack of data and analysis, professionals were unable to develop a strategic plan that included science based interventions to reduce risky behavior and improve health status. The researcher used the health belief model as a theoretical framework for the study. A comparison of data from National College Health Surveys conducted at UND, in 2000 and 2002 to determine changes in behavior from 2000 to 2002. The results were also compared with a …

I. Thermodynamics And Magnetism Of Cu2ocl2 Ii. Repairs To Microcalorimeter The "2"S Are Subscripts, And The Second 2 Is Preceded By A Lower Case L, Not A One, Thomas J. Parry

Theses and Dissertations

Adiabatic calorimetry provides accurate and precise specific heat (Cp) data. From this data, thermodynamic functions may be calculated. Cu2OCl2, melanothallite, became of interest as part of a study of a particular thermochemical cycle. The experimental specific heat data and the calculated thermodynamic functions are reported here. Free energies of formation, calculated from the thermodynamic functions, suggest the particular cycle of interest with this compound as an intermediate is not feasible; uncertainty as to the accuracy of CuO and CuCl2 data used in the calculations indicate further study may be necessary. Upon collection of the specific heat data, an antiferromagnetic transition …

The Antioxidant Defense Network: Synergistic Combinations To Prevent Oxidative Damage, Amy Marie Clement

Theses and Dissertations

One of the matchless ironies of the human body is its requirement for the highly reactive oxygen molecule, which has been clearly implicated in many diseases and the aging processes. Oxidants produced by metabolic processes damage cells by starting chemical chain reactions including oxidation of DNA and proteins as well as lipid peroxidation. Damage to DNA can cause mutations and lead to cancer if not reversed by DNA repair mechanisms. Damage to proteins causes enzyme inhibition, denaturation and protein degradation. Lipid peroxidation can cause cell lysis as well as creating mutagenic and carcinogenic by-products. The human body contains antioxidants and …

Domain Duplication, Darwinian Selection, And The Origin Of The Globulin Seed Storage Proteins, Nathaniel S. Cannon

Theses and Dissertations

The seed storage globulins found among virtually all spermatophytes comprise a multi-gene family of proteins with ancient evolutionary origins. The two main groups of storage globulins include the legumins (11S) and vicilins (7S), both of which play a main role in protein deposition and storage in the seed endosperm. Composed of two cupin domains (bicupin), these proteins have been recently noted not only for their close structural relationships among the two subfamilies (7S and 11S) but also for their similarity to other proteins such as germin-like proteins (GLP's), bacterial oxalate decarboxylases, and other cupin containing proteins. Previous studies have investigated …

Ethnojournalism: A Hybrid Model Of Ethnography And Journalism To Create Culturally Diverse News Content, Valica Boudry

Theses and Dissertations

This research's purpose is twofold: to study a newsroom culture to see how news is constructed and to change the approach reporters take to constructing news using ethnojournalism, a hybrid model of ethnography and journalism. The core part of this research focuses on the training of reporters in the use of ethnographic techniques to use in newsgathering. The underlying reason was to see if the ethnojournalism approach would promote culturally diverse story selection and content in newspaper stories. This research addresses the issue that the dominant paradigm in journalism is not objective in the scientific sense of objectivity. It is …

Adrenergic Modulation Of Ca1 Neuron Activity, Kristin L. Hillman

Theses and Dissertations

Adrenergic receptors (ARs) represent a family of G protein-coupled receptors endogenously activated by norepinephrine and epinephrine. One area of the brain where AR activation modulates cellular activity is CA1 hippocampus, however it is not known which AR subtypes are specifically involved, nor the mechanism behind the AR-mediated changes in activity. The goal of this study was thus two-fold; (1) Identify the specific AR subtypes expressed in CA1, and (2) Identify the mechanism by which AR activation changes CA1 neuron excitability. I set forth the hypothesis that α1B-AR activation initiates phospholipase C (PLC) signaling in CA1 interneurons, causing them to depolarize …