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Factors Affecting The Transfer Of Basic Combat Skills Training In The Air Force, Rodney E. Mccraine

Theses and Dissertations

During Operations ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF), many Airmen in support career fields were deployed to hostile environments like Afghanistan and Iraq. Deployments of this nature are a departure from normal Air Force operations where support personnel are normally far from the front lines of battle. The purpose of this research was to understand the factors that affect the transfer of basic combat skills training from the classroom to the battlefield. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer five research questions addressing the current combat skills training requirements, the perceived training transfer of basic combat skills, the factors that …

Vulnerabilities To Depression, Anxiety And Interpersonal Problems: The Role Of Parental Styles, Schemas And Coping Styles, Daniel Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive theory proposes that maladaptive schemas influence the development of anxious and depressive symptoms and early parental experiences have been proposed to influence schema development. In this current study, measures of depressive and anxious pathology, parenting styles, coping styles and interpersonal problems were administered to 224 undergraduate students. The main purpose the study was to test the cognitive model and the hypothesis that early maladaptive schemas (EMS) as defined by Young (1994) mediate the relationship between parenting styles and anxious and depressive pathology. Results indicated that EMSs do play an important mediational role in relationship to both anxious and depressive …

Measurement, Characterization, And Source Apportionment Of The Major Chemical Components Of Fine Particulate Material, Including Semi-Volatile Species, Brett D. Grover

Theses and Dissertations

The promulgation of revised standards for atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) by the US EPA has sparked renewed interest in the ability to accurately measure and characterize suspended atmospheric particulate matter. Semi-volatile material (SVM), consisting of ammonium nitrate and semi-volatile organic material (SVOM), is not accurately measured by EPA accepted methods such as the Federal reference method (FRM) or Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM). However, SVM is often a major fraction of urban aerosols. Recent advances in atmospheric sampling instrumentation allowed for the semi-continuous characterization of urban PM2.5, including SVM. The Filter Dynamic Measurement System (FDMS) was shown to measure total …

Characterization, Functionalization And Applications Of Alkyl Monolayers On Silicon Surfaces, Guilin Jiang

Theses and Dissertations

Investigations were performed on the stability, mechanism of formation and an application of alkyl monolayers chemomechanically prepared on silicon surfaces. A new method of surface modification, laser-activation modification of surfaces (LAMS), and multivariate analyses of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) images of LAMS spots were also reported. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and other data show that alkyl monolayers prepared by scribing silicon under 1-iodoalkanes and 1-alkenes were stable over extended periods of time to air, water, a boiling acid and Al Ka X-rays. The stability is attributed to direct Si-C bonding in the monolayers. The observation that the oxygen …

Remote Terrain Navigation For Unmanned Air Vehicles, Stephen R. Griffiths

Theses and Dissertations

There are many applications for which small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs) are well suited, including surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue, convoy support, and short-range low-altitude perimeter patrol missions. As technologies for microcontrollers and small sensors have improved, so have the capabilities of SUAVs. These improvements in SUAV performance increase the possibility for hazardous missions through mountainous and urban terrain in the successful completion of many of these missions. The focus of this research was on remote terrain navigation and the issues faced when dealing with limited onboard processing and limited payload and power capabilities. Additional challenges associated with canyon and …

Fuel-Nox Formation During Low-Grade Fuel Combustion In A Swirling-Flow Burner, Chunyang Wu

Theses and Dissertations

Insufficient knowledge of fireside behavior in the near-burner region during biomass combustion is one of major factors preventing widespread use of this renewable fuel in pulverized coal power plants. The current research is aimed to investigate the impact of biomass cofiring on NO formation in the near-burner region through interpretation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions and data collected from a series of biomass tests in a pilot-scale (0.2 MW), swirling flow burner. Two-dimensional gas species mole fraction data were collected with state-of-theart instruments from nine experiments, composing one herbaceous biomass (straw), one woody biomass (sawdust), a low sulfur sub-bituminous …

Characterization Of The Role Of Sox9 In Cartilage-Specific Gene Regulation, Mary Ann Genzer

Theses and Dissertations

Although advances have been made toward understanding the complex mechanisms that regulate the process of DNA transcription, the specific mechanisms of activation for many individual genes remain unknown. In this study, we focus on the role the transcription factor SOX9 plays in activating cartilage-specific genes, specifically Col9a1 and Cartilage Link Protein (CRTL1). Previously, enhancers of these genes containing single SOX9 binding sites were shown to be activated through SOX9 binding. However, the hypothesis was made that in cartilage-specific genes dimeric SOX9, as opposed to monomeric SOX9, is necessary for activation. We identified a putative binding site adjacent to each of …

Finite Element Analysis Of Bjork-Shiley Convexo-Concave Heart Valve, Srinivas Avasarala

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Modeling Groundwater Denitrification By Ferrous Iron Using Phreeqc, Tedros Tesfay

Theses and Dissertations

Nitrate is one of the most common groundwater contaminants, and ingesting it leads to potential health risks. Denitrification, the only effective process to eliminate nitrate, is limited by the abundance of biologically available electron donors. Thus, understanding the natural denitrification capacity of aquifers, through the analysis of all the major electron donors, is essential.

A better way to estimate groundwater denitrification reactions is to compute the mass balance of the redox sensitive species. The University of North Dakota (UND) denitrification team installed mesocosms (ISMs) to understand the fate of nitrate in field conditions. Accordingly, the team has shown the significant …

Rodent Malaria : Population Dynamics Of Early Sporogonic Development With The Mosequito Vector, Anopheles Stephensi, S K. Poudel

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Soldiers And Stereotypes : The Cultural Construction Of Americans, Arabs, And Neo-Imperialism, Kathleen Vacek

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Why Use Geospatial Technologies In K-12 Education? : An Analysis Of Implementation From Spatial, Social, And Pedagogical Perspectives, Penny D. Pettit

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Models Of Forgiveness And Adult Romantic Attachment In Ended Relationships: Forgiveness Over Time, Kathryn Louise Cooke

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined models of self and other as they relate to attachment, forgiveness, emotional and cognitive reactions to a breakup, relationship variables, and positive and negative feelings toward the self and former partner after a romantic relationship is ended. This study also tested how these variables change over time. Data were collected over a period of five weeks from 130 undergraduates who had experienced a breakup within the two weeks prior to beginning the study. Data were analyzed with a series of univariate and multivariate analyses of variance. Results found that there were differences in how participants reacted to …

Social Capital, Health And Mental Health In African American Women, Cheryl Lynn Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

Cultural and social influences on mental and physical health are increasingly recognized by social science researchers. Researchers have found that specific, Afrocultural factors are related to the functioning of African Americans. The current research considered whether interdependence is especially salient for African American women since women and African Americans tend to define themselves within the context of social relationships. The study outlines processes affecting the mental and physical health of African American women including communalism, collective efficacy, and social capital. The also study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and both mental and physical health among African American women in …

The Effect And Chronic Acute Pre-Treatment With Methylphenidate On Recovery Of Cognitive Function Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury In Rats, Katharine Coryell Eakin

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent and young adult males are at a higher risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the general population. Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also more prevalent for males in these age groups. The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate (MPH). Based on the increase in the number of new diagnoses of ADHD and the number of children who continue taking MPH into adulthood, it is important to evaluate how chronic or acute MPH administered prior to injury may influence recovery following TBI. In both studies, cognitive abilities of male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed …

Atm-Dependent Erk Signaling In Response To Dna Double Strand Breaks, Ashraf Khalil

Theses and Dissertations

Ionizing radiation (IR) triggers many signaling pathways stemming from DNA damage, and, independently, from extra-nuclear events. To generate radio-mimetic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) without and minimizing the effects on extra-nuclear radiation targets, human (p53+) glioma and carcinoma cells containing bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)- substituted DNA were treated with Hoechst 33258 followed by long wave-length UV (UV-A) (BrdU photolysis). BrdU photolysis resulted in well-controlled, dose-dependent generation of DSBs equivalent to 0.2 - 20 Gy of IR, as detected by pulse-field gel electrophoresis, accompanied by dose-dependent H2AX phosphorylation at ser-139 and ATM phosphorylation at ser-1981, indicating ATM activation. Furthermore, BrdU photolysis increased phosphorylation of …

Phospholipase A2 Induced Monocyte Chemotaxis To Apoptotic Cells, Kwasi Karikari

Theses and Dissertations

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential in such processes as organ and tissue remodeling and maturation of hematopoietic cells. The clearance of apoptotic cells is essential to prevent autoimmune responses to sequestered antigens. This process is mediated by phagocytes of the monocyte lineage. Before phagocytosis can occur, macrophages must be recruited to the apoptotic cells through chemotaxis. Products of the reaction catalyzed by the phospholipases A2 (PLA2) have been shown to induce monocyte chemotaxis either directly or indirectly. Some investigators have implicated a cytosolic calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) in the production of these products during apoptosis. …

Stature And Criminal Behavior, Rebecca J. Fish

Theses and Dissertations

Minorities are significantly overrepresented in America's prison population, and many studies have been conducted to determine possible causes for such a disparity. Few of these studies, however, have examined small stature as a potential contributor to criminal behavior. This study examines the relationship between criminal behavior and stature among American males. The heights, weights, stature scores (a function of the product of height and weight) and the body mass indices of criminals are examined as a whole, as well as by subgroup based on race, locality, and nature of the crime committed. The average weight of the male criminal population …

Assessing Epidermal Growth Factor Expression In The Rodent Hippocampus Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Janice Mabutas Daus

Theses and Dissertations

Hippocampal neurons are vulnerable to injury, as indicated by the prevalence of learning and memory deficits following traumatic brain injury. Research indicates that proliferation of neural precursor cells increases following brain injury, which implies that there is an endogenous response in the hippocampus to replenish neurons and restore cognitive function. Studies show that mitogenic growth factors may drive this proliferative response; one of which is epidermal growth factor. Because adults and the elderly manifest the most enduring deficits following TBI, it is critical to investigate how EGF expression following injury may relate to injury-induced cell proliferation and the degree of …

Investigations Into Social Game Theory, Stephen Bryce Harper

Theses and Dissertations

Investigations into Social Game Theory is a document that describes my two-year exploration of the ritual encapsulated in our societal framework. It discusses the thoughts and processes that accompanied the three bodies of work that led to the creation of my final thesis exhibition.

Monocyte Modulation Of Disease Pathogenesis And Progression In Localized Aggressive Periodontitis, Chu Ri Shin

Theses and Dissertations

Localized Aggressive Periodontitis (LAgP) is an aggressive, early onset form of periodontitis characterized by a unique myeloid cell phenotype. In addition to its bacterial origin, the unique phenotype of the myeloid cell contributes to disease pathogenesis and progression through mechanisms mediating host inflammatory and immune responses. LAgP monocytes synthesize increased levels of the potent proinflammatory lipid mediator, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), preferentially differentiate into dendritic cells, and lead to increased IgG2 production. In addition, levels of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) have shown to be elevated in the gingival tissue and gingival crevicular fluid of subjects with periodontitis. The aim of this …

The Effect Of Silencing The Wilms' Tumor 1 Gene On The Radiation Sensitivity Of Glioblastoma Cells, Dana C. Chan

Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastomas are among the most devastating of human cancers with a median survival of only 9-12 months. This type of brain tumor is incurable, largely due its remarkable proliferative capacity and resistance to current treatments. High levels of the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WTI) gene have been identified in glioblastomas, suggesting an oncogenic function. Moreover, known WT1 target genes have been implicated in resistance to radiation. To determine the role of WT1 in radiation resistance, two glioblastoma cell lines expressing WT1 were treated with siRNAs to silence this gene. Confirmation of WT1 knockdown was achieved through real-time PCR and Western blot. …

Serum Anti-Phosphorylcholine And Anti-Cardiolipin Concentrations Following Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing, Reve W. Chaston

Theses and Dissertations

Atherosclerosis is an insidious disease with serious morbidity and mortality including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction. This condition is progressive and can start early in life eventually leading to large plaques and arterial occlusion. Two key components of this process are the immune system and lipids; in particular, LDL which accumulates within the arterial walls and macrophages which recognize and engulf oxidized-LDL (oxLDL) to form foam cells. Knowing that certain antibodies directed against bacterial antigens such as phosphorylcholine (PC) and cardiolipin (CL) show opsonizing cross-reactivity with oxLDL it can be proposed that there is a link between immune …

Phylogeography Of Marine Meiofaunal Nemerteans Of The Ototyphlonemertes Fila Species Complex, Alexander Tulchinsky

Theses and Dissertations

Morphological conservatism combined with intraspecific variability has obstructed studies of speciation and species boundaries among marine meiofauna. Ototyphlonemertes is a genus of meiofaunal nemerteans inhabiting the interstitial spaces of marine sediments. Its members lack pelagic larvae and dispersal potential is believed to be poor. A phylogeographic study of Ototyphlonemertes fila is presented using mitochondrial (cox3) and nuclear (ISSR) molecular markers. Deep genetic divergence (approximately 18% in cox3) was observed between sympatric mitochondrial lineages in Florida. This divergence was reflected in the nuclear marker as well, suggesting the presence of two cryptic species. The first contains Florida and New England populations …

Natural Selection, Jeffrey A. Vick

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis work is about imagination. I use the collaborative efforts of the viewer's mind and my sculptures, or specimens, to make associations of real life animals. I feel this engages the viewer and in turn invites them to inspect the work on closer level. This is my ultimate goal in the work, to take hold of the viewer's curiosity and have them examine the work on a closer level.

Scaffold Permeability As A Means To Determine Fiber Diameter And Pore Size Of Electrospun Fibrinogen, Scott Allen Sell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to construct a flowmeter that could accurately measure the hydraulic permeability of electrospun fibrinogen scaffolds, providing insight into the transport properties of electrospun scaffolds while making the measurement of their topographical features (fiber and pore size) more accurate. Three different concentrations of fibrinogen were used (100, 120, and 150mg/ml) to create scaffolds with three different fiber diameters and pore sizes. The fiber diameters and pore sizes of the electrospun scaffolds were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and image analysis software. The permeability of each scaffold was measured and used to calculate permeability-based fiber diameters …

Acquisition And Retention Of Bacterial Spores (Bacillus Atrophaeus) By Eight Insect Species, Kieron Marie Torres

Theses and Dissertations

Acquisition and retention of spores of an anthrax surrogate, Bacillus atrophaeus Nakamura ("BG") were evaluated in eight insect species. Species included: house cricket (Acheta domesticus L.), German cockroach (Blatella germanica L.), common house fly (Musca domestics L.), blue bottle fly (Calliphora vomitoria L.), hairy rove beetle Creophilus maxillosus L.), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.), common paper wasps (Polistes exclamans exclamans Viereck), red paper wasps (Polistes Carolina L.), red harvester ant (Pogonymyrmex barbatus Smith). Individual insects were offered BG-treated food and sacrificed at specified time intervals following one, two or three meals. Resulting samples were surface-washed five consecutive times then homogenized …

Is Safe Haven Legislation An Efficacious Policy Response To Infant Abandonment: A Biopsychosocial Profile Of The Target Population, Stephanie Mayes Gruss

Theses and Dissertations

This study represents an attempt to describe the extent and features of safe haven legislation in the United States, discuss implementation issues, and to examine if the legislation is reaching its intended target audience in order to answer the question, "Is safe haven legislation an efficacious response to infant abandonment?" Safe havens are designated locations where infants can be anonymously abandoned without fear of prosecution or incarceration. As of May of 2006, forty-seven states have passed such legislation, citing the need for an alternative to unsafe infant abandonment leading to an infant's death, and an alternative to infanticide (the killing …

The Post-9/11 Federal Homeland Security Paradigm And The Adoptive Capacity Of Public Administration Theory And Practice, Chaya Rani Jain

Theses and Dissertations

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks redefined the federal approach to disaster planning. Prior to 9/11, disaster and emergency management meant preparedness for and response to natural and man-made emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, fires, and civil discord. The post-9/11 paradigm shift, a multi-pronged approach called "homeland security" strategy, now incorporates a multitude of man- and nature-made disasters to include border and transportation security; emergency preparedness, response and recovery against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats; as well as information analysis and infrastructure protection. These new priorities were communicated to the state and local governments. The purpose of this descriptive, …

Quantifying The Effects Of Correlated Covariates On Variable Importance Estimates From Random Forests, Ryan Vincent Kimes

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in computing technology have lead to the development of algorithmic modeling techniques. These methods can be used to analyze data which are difficult to analyze using traditional statistical models. This study examined the effectiveness of variable importance estimates from the random forest algorithm in identifying the true predictor among a large number of candidate predictors. A simulation study was conducted using twenty different levels of association among the independent variables and seven different levels of association between the true predictor and the response. We conclude that the random forest method is an effective classification tool when the goals …