Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Theses and Dissertations

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 16261 - 16290 of 19640

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Inhibition Of Margination And Diapedesis Of Neutrophils By Protein Synthesis Blockade, Phyllis V. Acquah Jan 2006

Inhibition Of Margination And Diapedesis Of Neutrophils By Protein Synthesis Blockade, Phyllis V. Acquah

Theses and Dissertations

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), an age-old clinical problem facing the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units of all health systems, is a common debilitating lung condition consequent upon severe systemic inflammation. Although several studies have gone into understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease thus making way for new advances in treatment strategies, there seems to be no known study tailored to its prevention. Neutrophil extravasation within the tissues during inflammation is the hallmark of this syndrome. Our study sought to block excessive neutrophil infiltration by inhibiting the biosynthesis of some essential proteins necessary for the process. In …


Use Of A Synthetic Substrate For Orthodontic Bond Strength Testing, Elijah B. Saikaly Jan 2006

Use Of A Synthetic Substrate For Orthodontic Bond Strength Testing, Elijah B. Saikaly

Theses and Dissertations

In vitro bond strength studies are of great importance and interest since they allow the prediction of clinical success of orthodontic adhesives. There are many studies that have investigated bond strength values of bonding systems. However, due to the variation in the materials and methods employed, it is very difficult and often impossible to make comparisons among data. The use of a substrate as an alternate to enamel for mechanical tests would minimize these variables and reduce the challenges faced with in vitro bond strength tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of Macor as a …


Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase Type-Ii Associates With Flightless-I To Influence Its Nuclear Localization, Matthew Edward Seward Jan 2006

Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase Type-Ii Associates With Flightless-I To Influence Its Nuclear Localization, Matthew Edward Seward

Theses and Dissertations

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type-II (CaMK-II) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase regulated by Ca2+ and Calmodulin. It is a highly conserved and broadly expressed enzyme and has a unique structure and dynamic regulation. It has the ability to remain active in the absence of Ca 2+ as a result of Ca2+ dependent autophosphorylation. CaMK-II phospliorylates proteins involved in neurotransmitter secretion, long term potentiation, cytoskeletal dynamics, gene transcription, and cell motility. To support existing and identify new intracellular roles of CaMK-II, potential binding partners were identified. This was accomplished by transfecting and purifying "FLAG-tagged" CaMK-II's (α, βE, δC, and δE). CaMK-II associated …


Novel Characteristics Of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages And Human Macrophage-Like Cells, George Tharwat Georges Jan 2006

Novel Characteristics Of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages And Human Macrophage-Like Cells, George Tharwat Georges

Theses and Dissertations

These studies provide evidence for novel properties of macrophages derived from bone marrow stem cells. In study 1, treatment of activated mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) with either catecholamine synthesis inhibitors (α-methyl-para-tyrosine and fusaric acid) or the β2 adrenergic receptor antagonist ICI 118,551 demonstrated that BMM produce catecholamines. The catecholamines modulated macrophage cytokine production through autocrine actions on adrenergic receptors. In study II, undifferentiated human bone marrow cells were incubated in 30% mouse L929 fibroblast conditioned medium and generated adherent cells within three days. The cells were clearly identifiable as macrophages based on surface proteins and phagocytic activity but produced …


Determination Of The Band Gap Bowing Parameter Of A1xga1-Xn With Contactless Electroreflectance, Laura C. Mcglinchey Jan 2006

Determination Of The Band Gap Bowing Parameter Of A1xga1-Xn With Contactless Electroreflectance, Laura C. Mcglinchey

Theses and Dissertations

Contactless electroreflectance (CER), a modulation spectroscopy (MS) technique, has been used to study the A and C exciton transitions in A1xGa1-xN layers for a composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.48 at room temperature. Taking the entire composition range (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) into account by incorporating a previously reported band gap energy for AlN, the dependence of the A-exciton transition on composition showed a downward bowing from linearity. A bowing parameter of b = 1.7 eV was found. Analysis of the lower composition range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.48 resulted in a linear fit, as did the …


The Expression And Function Of Wilms' Tumor 1 In Malignant Glioma, Aaron J. Clark Jan 2006

The Expression And Function Of Wilms' Tumor 1 In Malignant Glioma, Aaron J. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

The Wilms' tumor 1 gene is overexpressed in many types of cancer and is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. In vitro studies in non-glioma cells types have demonstrated that WTl plays a role in increased proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and increased cellular invasion. We aimed to thoroughly characterize the expression pattern of Wilms' tumor 1 in human malignant glioma and discern its function in this complex disease process. We screened a large sample of established human malignant glioma cell lines and glioma tissue specimens of all grades for WT1 expression. The majority of cell lines and …


Accelerating Whole-Cell Biocatalysis By Enhancing Outer Membrane Permeability, Ye Ni Jan 2006

Accelerating Whole-Cell Biocatalysis By Enhancing Outer Membrane Permeability, Ye Ni

Theses and Dissertations

Whole-cell biocatalysts are preferred in many biocatalysis applications. However, cell envelope often represents a formidable permeability barrier. As a result, reactions catalyzed by whole-cells are reportedly orders of magnitude slower than those of by their free enzyme counterparts. The present research addresses this critical issue by using membrane engineering approaches. Two E. coli strains with genetically altered outer membrane structures were used in the study, a lipopolysaccarides (LPS) mutant SM101 and a Braun's lipoprotein mutant E609L. The effects of outer membrane mutation on the permeability of substrates differing substantially in size and hydrophobicity were investigated by combining the mutant cells …


Autocrine Effects Of Catecholamines On Macrophage Release Of Interleukin-6 (Il-6), Shaunta D. Poe Jan 2006

Autocrine Effects Of Catecholamines On Macrophage Release Of Interleukin-6 (Il-6), Shaunta D. Poe

Theses and Dissertations

Effects of norepinephrine (NE) on macrophage cytokine release are complex because the cells have both α2 and β2 adrenergic receptors, which mediate opposing actions. Furthermore, β2-adrenergic agonists are reported to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on interleukin-6 (IL-6). This study was designed to clarify the autocrine role of macrophage-derived NE on IL-6 production in activated peritoneal macrophages. Effects of NE on IL-6 production in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell-line also were investigated. Treatment of activated peritoneal macrophages with endotoxin, the α2-adrenergic antagonists yohimbine or RS79948 revealed that the α2-adrenergic receptor mediates a stimulatory autocrine action of catecholamines on IL-6 production. …


Intercultural Communication Competence In Long-Duration Spaceflight Crew Interactions, Pratibha Kumar Jan 2006

Intercultural Communication Competence In Long-Duration Spaceflight Crew Interactions, Pratibha Kumar

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Effectiveness Of An Incentive Program At Increasing The Amount Of Physical Activity Of Its Participants, Kari B. Mellone Jan 2006

The Effectiveness Of An Incentive Program At Increasing The Amount Of Physical Activity Of Its Participants, Kari B. Mellone

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Last Prejudice : Characterization Of Fat Women In The Entertainment Industry, Kelly Dianna Macleod Jan 2006

The Last Prejudice : Characterization Of Fat Women In The Entertainment Industry, Kelly Dianna Macleod

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Synthesis Of A New Photoremovable Protecting Group For Carboxylic Acids And A New Photoacid Generator, Walters N. Atemnkeng Jan 2006

Synthesis Of A New Photoremovable Protecting Group For Carboxylic Acids And A New Photoacid Generator, Walters N. Atemnkeng

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


A Study Of Relationships Between Tropical Thunderstorm Properties And Corresponding Anvil Cloud Characteristics, Christopher J. Theisen Jan 2006

A Study Of Relationships Between Tropical Thunderstorm Properties And Corresponding Anvil Cloud Characteristics, Christopher J. Theisen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Ecological Effects Of Wild Pigs (Sus Scrofa) In California's Oak Woodland Ecosystems, Alexis R. Grinde Jan 2006

Ecological Effects Of Wild Pigs (Sus Scrofa) In California's Oak Woodland Ecosystems, Alexis R. Grinde

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Impact Of Habitat Fragmentation And The Surrounding Landscape On Insect Communities In Prairie Patches, Sarah K. Fischer Jan 2006

The Impact Of Habitat Fragmentation And The Surrounding Landscape On Insect Communities In Prairie Patches, Sarah K. Fischer

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Using Stakeholder Comments To Inform Further Development Of The North Dakota Child Welfare System Of Care, Jennifer Ann Boeckel Jan 2006

Using Stakeholder Comments To Inform Further Development Of The North Dakota Child Welfare System Of Care, Jennifer Ann Boeckel

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Potential For Microfilarial Enhancement Of West Nile Virus Transmission To Occur In The Red River Valley Of North Dakota And Minnesota, Christina M. Brewer Jan 2006

The Potential For Microfilarial Enhancement Of West Nile Virus Transmission To Occur In The Red River Valley Of North Dakota And Minnesota, Christina M. Brewer

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Remote Sensing Assessment Of Widespread Saltcedar (Tamarix Spp.) Infestation And Biological Control In Northwest Nevada, Charles Conrad Geraci Jan 2006

Remote Sensing Assessment Of Widespread Saltcedar (Tamarix Spp.) Infestation And Biological Control In Northwest Nevada, Charles Conrad Geraci

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Behaviors Of The Home Health Nurse Towards The Patient And Influence On Medication Compliance, Rhoda A. Owens Jan 2006

The Behaviors Of The Home Health Nurse Towards The Patient And Influence On Medication Compliance, Rhoda A. Owens

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Pro-Ana Movement : A Qualitative Look At The Positive And Negative Functions Of One Website, Angela M. Marquart Jan 2006

The Pro-Ana Movement : A Qualitative Look At The Positive And Negative Functions Of One Website, Angela M. Marquart

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Jimmy Hit His First Home Run, Eileen N. Rafferty Jan 2006

Jimmy Hit His First Home Run, Eileen N. Rafferty

Theses and Dissertations

This document begins with the end of a life and ends with the beginning of hope. It is a brief description of the artist's history, artistic and literary influences, and subsequent works produced during graduate school, specifically Dichotomy, Swan Dive, and Jimmy Hit His First Home Run. Topics discussed include Human Physiology, Transference, Buddhism, and Bubbles. This document was created in Microsoft Word 2004 for Mac, Version 11.2.


Functional Consequences Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Over-Expression In Human Gliomas, Emily Mullet Jan 2006

Functional Consequences Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Over-Expression In Human Gliomas, Emily Mullet

Theses and Dissertations

Malignant brain tumors are among the deadliest of human cancers. Despit recent advancements in conventional therapies, glioblastomas remain incurable, largel y due to their ability to invade surrounding tissue. Matrix metalloproteinases are thought to contribute to the invaseive phenotype of human gliomas. Absent in normal brain, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) has been shown to be present in gliomas, and in particular in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). To begin to examine the role of MMP-1 in these tumore, two human glioma cell lines were stably transfected with MMP-1 cDNA. Confirmation of MMP-1 over-expression in these cells was achieved through real-time PCR and Western …


The Effect Of Adding Drag-Reducing Polymers To Resuscitation Fluid During Hemorrhagic Shock On Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation, Geoffrey C. Alexander Jan 2006

The Effect Of Adding Drag-Reducing Polymers To Resuscitation Fluid During Hemorrhagic Shock On Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation, Geoffrey C. Alexander

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have shown an increase in survival when a minute amount of drag-reducing polymers were added to a resuscitation fluid. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of adding a minute amount of the drag-reducing polymer polyethylene glycol to a resuscitation fluid, on the microcirculation of skeletal muscle during a volume-controlled hemorrhage model. The spinotrapezius muscle in twelve male Sprague Dawley rats was exteriorized for microvascular measurements of the arterioles. The diameters of the three levels of arterioles, interstitial fluid PO2, and RBC velocity in the feed arteriole were measured. Flow in the feed arteriole was …


The Ins And Outs Of School Provider Literature: A Multi-Year Content Analysis On Lgbt Youth, Caitlin Conor Ryan Jan 2006

The Ins And Outs Of School Provider Literature: A Multi-Year Content Analysis On Lgbt Youth, Caitlin Conor Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

This study is based on a content analysis of two primary sources: 1) literature published on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth in professional journals for school providers (school counselors, nurses, psychologists and social workers) over more than a 30-year period; and 2) materials developed for school providers on LGBT youth by states with laws, regulations and professional policies related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity in schools. Fifteen professional journals were identified that serve as primary and secondary journals for school providers. A total of 41 articles were published in these journals on LGBT youth between 1937 and …


Psychology And The Theatre: A Qualitative Experiment In Actor Training, Megan Rebecca Brown Jan 2006

Psychology And The Theatre: A Qualitative Experiment In Actor Training, Megan Rebecca Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Psychology and theatre have a remarkable amount in common. In using the basic concepts and theories of psychology, actors can develop more concrete, logical approaches to characters. This thesis is a summation of the course I developed, "Psychology and the Theatre," which was an attempt to teach students introductory psychology and then experiment with translating those concepts to character analysis and stage performance. Students were taught eight units of psychology: Sensation, Perception, and Memory; Learning; Motivation and Emotion; Development; Freud and Psychodynamic Approaches to Personality; Adlerian Individual Psychology; Love and Social Cognition; and Psychological Disorders. Students were given reading quizzes …


Novel Cancer Therapeutics, The Generation Of Ros, And Cell Survival, Clint Mitchell Jan 2006

Novel Cancer Therapeutics, The Generation Of Ros, And Cell Survival, Clint Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

The impact of Ad.mda-7 on the survival of renal cell carcinoma lines (RCC), primary renal epithelial cells, glioblastoma multiforme lines (GBM), and primary rodent astrocytes is unknown. The present studies examine whether the GST fusion protein, GST-MDA-7, and the adenovirus, Ad.mda-7, altered the growth and survival of the A498 and UOK121N RCC lines or radiosensitized GBM, respectively. Due to previous findings that the RCC lines, but not primary renal epithelial cells, were resistant to type 5 adenoviral infection, we used purified GST-MDA-7 protein to show that GST-MDA-7, but not GST, caused a dose-dependent reduction in A498 and UOK121N proliferation but …


Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed - Polymerase Chain Reaction Evaluation And Optimization To Improve Downstream Forensic Str Analysis Of Low Quality/Low Quantity Dna, Lindsay Paige Thompson Jan 2006

Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed - Polymerase Chain Reaction Evaluation And Optimization To Improve Downstream Forensic Str Analysis Of Low Quality/Low Quantity Dna, Lindsay Paige Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

When forensic biological samples yield low quality/low quantity DNA, thecurrent STR analysis methods do not generate acceptable profiles. Whole genomeamplification can be used to pre-amplify the entire genome for downstream analyses. A commercially available kit for DOP-PCR, a form of WGA, is currently being used in the clinical for downstream single locus targets. Forensic analyses utilize a multiplex amplification. This study determined that the "home brew" created by our lab performs the same as the commercially available kit. Future optimization studies of DOP-PCR can utilize this "home brew". Additionally, this research determined that a 10 second increase in electrokinetic injection …


Sinking Poor Decision-Making With Best Practices: A Case Study Of Artificial Reef Decision-Making In The Florida Keys, Thomas Wayne Williams Jan 2006

Sinking Poor Decision-Making With Best Practices: A Case Study Of Artificial Reef Decision-Making In The Florida Keys, Thomas Wayne Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The natural reefs of the world are experiencing higher use and pressures, resulting in anthropogenic impacts that are deteriorating many coral stands and creating poor water quality. The Florida Keys rely primarily on the reef system that surrounds the archipelago for their socioeconomic health and successful future. The Florida Keys shares the symbiotic relationship of the terrestrial and marine realms with many other states and countries and the experience of higher demand on the resource. Artificial reefs could provide a substitute to the natural reefs for commercial and recreational users. An increased demand for derelict vessels of the U.S. Navy …


Removal Of Hydrogen Sulfide From Biomass Derived Producer Gas Using Activated Carbon Based Adsorption, Prasanna Seshadri Jan 2006

Removal Of Hydrogen Sulfide From Biomass Derived Producer Gas Using Activated Carbon Based Adsorption, Prasanna Seshadri

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Creatine Protects Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protein Tat-Induced Neurotoxicity Through Mitochondial [Sic] Mechanisms, Patrick Stevens Jan 2006

Creatine Protects Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protein Tat-Induced Neurotoxicity Through Mitochondial [Sic] Mechanisms, Patrick Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.