Digital Commons Network^™

Functional Characterization Of Mitogen-Dependent And Self-Perpetuating Nb2 Lymphoma Cell Lines, Charlotte Cockrell

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation involved the functional characterization of four Nb2 sub lines (Nb2-U- 17, Nb2-l l , SFJCD l , and D5) for their mitogenic and apoptotic responses to DEX ± PRL treatment. Many protein factors have been implicated to be crucial in controlling the apoptotic and mitogenic pathways. In conjunction with functional studies, an immunocytochemical investigation of four protein signals (NFKB, IKBa, STAT 5b, and the GR) was undertaken in an attempt to establish a relationship between the functional responsiveness of a given cell line and the concentration of a particular protein marker. Comparison of the functional data obtained for …

Studies On The Role Creb As A Mediator Of Neurotrophin-3 Actions In Oligodendrocytes, Jamie Richard Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

In the central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes (OLGs) are the cells responsible for producing the myelin membrane which allows for the saltatory conduction of neuronal impulses. We have previously shown that CREB (cAMP response element binding protein), a transcription factor that belongs to a large family bZip (basic leucine zipper) proteins, could be a mediator of neuronal signals that, coupled to different signal transduction pathways, may play different regulatory roles at specific stages of oligodendrocyte development. We have found before that, in committed OLGs, CREB activation by phosphorylation can be triggered by β-adrenergic stimulation and appears to play a role …

Isolated Ventricular Myocytes From Copper-Deficient Rat Hearts Exhibit Enhanced Contractile Function, Loren E. Wold

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Frequency And Severity Of Fatigue In Multiple Sclerosis In An Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic, Kathleen Schweitzer

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Removal Of Zinc And Nickel By Cladophora Parriaudii, Charles K. Adou

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Knowledge And Perception Of North Dakota Registered Nurses Concerning Hepatitis C, Margaret A. Gebhardt

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Biculturalism And Stress Among Northern Plains American Indian College Students, Nova M. Griffith

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Variable Level Variable Type Reflective Autonomy Model (Vlvtram) For Autonomy Derivation And Deliberation, David W. D Giese

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Perspectives Of Adult Siblings Of Former Pediatric Cancer Patients : Lifetime Impressions Of The Cancer Experience On The Sibling : An Exploratory Study, Paige E. Farris

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Parental Perceptions And Beliefs Of High Risk Behaviors Of Teens In A Rural Community, Nura Olson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Resiliency And The Chronically Ill Adolescent, Joanne M. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Mercury In Waterfowl From Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Grand Forks County, North Dakota, Melani L. Tescher

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Hyporheic Zone Processes Of A Northern Prairie Stream, David B. Rush

Theses and Dissertations

A hyporheic zone occurs beneath and adjacent to streams where surface water and groundwater mix. This zone is known to be a reservoir for solutes and a habitat for interstitial organisms. Hyporheic zone boundaries in the Tongue River, North Dakota, were investigated through examination of the physicochemical and biological gradients present in the stream channel and bank sediments. The effects of cattle grazing at the streamside interface of the riparian zone were also examined at two locations to determine land use impacts on the hyporheic zone.

Electrical conductivity (EC) and ammonium gradients were observed beneath the stream channel via nests …

Reclaiming A Sacred Domain: An Ethnographic Study Of Mormon Women Overcoming The Media-Supported Message Of Acceptable Birth Practice Through Giving Birth At Home, Celeste Elain Witt

Theses and Dissertations

This study ethnographically explores the experiences of 30 American Mormon women who chose to give birth at home, a practice which differs from the culturally expected birth practice supported by most media birth scenes. The dominant birth practice among American Mormon women aligns with the biomedical birth system nearly universally practiced in the United States.
Recent research indicates that the biomedical model is supported by most media portrayals of birth (Elson 1997b). Mormon women who had given birth at home with a midwife were located and invited to participate. A semi-structured interview guide was used to frame the research process. …

Impact Of A Summer Academic Enrichment Program On Minority Students' Career Choices, Virginia P. Blue

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Multicultural Competence Of Students In Communication Sciences And Disorders : A Replication Study, Joanne Chwajewski

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Women's Self Reported Determinates Of Use And Nonuse Of Hormonal Replacement Therapy, Kristin J. Olson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Study Of P53 Gain Of Function Mutations In P53-Null Astrocytes, Sang H. Choi

Theses and Dissertations

A number of recent studies suggest that expression of mutant p53 with mutations in certain codons show a gain of function and some of the characteristics of an oncoprotein. In order to study gain of function mutation and eliminate the potential of a dominant negative interaction with endogenous wild type p53 protein, p53 knockout mouse astrocytes were used. A retrovirus system was used to introduce mutant p53 genes into these p53-null astrocytes. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot experiments showed the expression of mutant p53 protein in these cells after infection with the mutant p53 retroviruses. Cell growth experiment did not …

Excisional Wound Healing And The Role Of Homeobox Genes, David Allen Lanning

Theses and Dissertations

The biochemical and physiologic mechanisms responsible for excisional wound contraction have been extensively studied but are not completely understood. Furthermore, the genes that regulate these processes are unknown. As a result, there are limited treatment options available for patients with diseases or conditions characterized by abnormal tissue contraction. In an attempt to improve our understanding of these mechanisms and identify some of the putative regulatory genes, we studied excisional wound healing in the mid-gestational fetal rabbit. These wounds normally do not contract nor are they associated with inflammation, fibrosis, or scar formation. However, we have been able to induce contraction, …

Outcomes Of Pregnancy In Women With Cystic Fibrosis, Bethany Jean Geldmaker

Theses and Dissertations

Medical advances in disease management has improved quality of life for women with cystic fibrosis (CF) and now enables them to consider pregnancy. The purpose of the study was to examine women's perceptions of how the demands of having CF influenced their ability to care for their children and continue to meet their own health needs. The study design was grounded theory methodology with a complementarity research technique to incorporate qualitative and quantitative data collection. Participants were 12 women recruited over the Internet and through an adult CF newsletter who completed questionnaires for demands of illness (DOlI) and self care …

Becoming Mormon Men: Male Rites Of Passage And The Rise Of Mormonism In Nineteenth-Century America, Bruce R. Lott

Theses and Dissertations

The evidence presented in this thesis supports a view of the first Mormon men as coming from the agrarian majority of early nineteenth-century American farmers and artisans who embraced a set of manly ideals that differed significantly, in many ways, from those embraced by their middle-class contemporaries. These men's life writings attest to boyhood experiences of working alongside their fathers as soon as they were physically able, and subsequently of acting as substitute farmers and breadwinners as well as being put out to work outside the direct supervision of their fathers. Such experiences enabled them to frequently follow in the …

The Perspectives Of Care And Justice And Their Influence On Clinician Conceptualization Of Client Anger., Dona Corcoran Zanotti

Theses and Dissertations

Anger is a dominant, but under-researched, emotion in our society. Mental health providers devote a considerable portion of their time to helping clients deal with anger. However, neither they nor researchers are able to say what treatment is most efficacious or for whom. Gender, age, and culture are all involved in the experience and expression of anger and how anger manifests itself differently among individuals, and possibly in how anger is interpreted by mental health providers. One way to better understand client anger and clinician's conceptualization of that anger is through the examination of anger narratives. This study examined anger …

Isolation And Identification Of Proteoglycans In Human Glenohumeral Joint Capsule., Susan Jeno

Theses and Dissertations

Characterization of the biochemical structure of cartilage and tendon has been a focus of research in recent decades, but little is known about joint capsules. Classified as dense irregular connective tissue, the extracellular matrix of joint capsules contains water, collagen, and non-collagenous macromolecules including proteoglycans (PGs), and glycoproteins, but specific biochemical composition of human glenohumeral joint capsule has not been elucidated. Structure and function are intimately related, therefore, understanding the structure of the capsule is essential to analysis of its function. The purpose of this research study was to isolate and characterize the PG content and relative proportion of each …

N-Acetyltransferase Genetic Polymorphisms And Breast Cancer Risk., Anne Carlson Deitz

Theses and Dissertations

Aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens found in cigarette smoke and well done meat require host-mediated metabolic activation before initiating tumors in target organs. The N-acetyltransferase isozymes, NAT1 and NAT2, catalyze the activation (O-acetylation) of aromatic and heterocyclic amines and also the deactivation (N-acetylation) of aromatic amines. Both NAT1 and NAT2 are subject to genetic polymorphisms. Using molecular epidemiological studies, in vitro studies in human mammary tissues, and a genetically defined rapid and slow acetylator congenic hamster model, we tested our hypothesis that rapid NAT1 and/or NAT2 acetylators are at an increased risk of breast cancer, especially those women exposed to …

Implementation Of Speech Recognition Software For Text Processing: An Exploratory Analysis, Sean P. Abell

Theses and Dissertations

The rationale behind implementing new information technologies is often to gain productivity improvements associated with the substitution of machinery for labor. However, the literature shows little direct evidence of a positive relationship between information technology investment and subsequent productivity benefits. This thesis reports on the examination into the productivity implications of implementing speech recognition software in a text processing environment. More specifically, research was conducted to compare text processing speeds and error rates using speech recognition software versus the keyboard and mouse. Of interest was the time required to input and proofread text processing tasks as well as the number …

The Effect Of Divalent Cations On The Prophenoloxidase Enzyme Cascade Activity In The Freshwater Crayfish Cambarus Latimanus, Hans Skailand Eikaas

Theses and Dissertations

The effect of divalent cations such as cadmium, calcium, copper, lead and magnesium upon the prophenoloxidase system (proPO) was studied in hemocytes of the crayfish Cambarus latimanus. It was demonstrated that cadmium, calcium, copper and lead increased proPO activity significantly, whereas magnesium had no statistically significant effect on the system. Also, the molecular weight of the proPO enzyme was estimated using SDS-PAGE and found to be approximately 76 kDa.

The Spiritual Dimension Of Social Work Practice In And Through Research, Education, And Life Experience, Pauline Kay Burthwick

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years there has been an effort to reintroduce religion and spirituality as tangible constructs into social work education and practice in an effort to incorporate all aspects of the client's system (biological, psychological, social, spiritual) and to understand and appreciate the client's diversity and potential strengths and resources. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of social work practitioners as it relates to their social work practice and to the education of future social workers.

This study was composed of two parts. The first was a secondary data …

Racial Encounters In The American Theatre: Whiteness And Eugene O'Neill, Blackness And August Wilson, C̦Iğdem Üsekes

Theses and Dissertations

Relatively few scholars have investigated racial representations in modern American drama. Even fewer scholars have undertaken to analyze depictions of whiteness in American letters, although “white studies” is slowly assuming legitimacy in the academy in the 1990s. “Racial Encounters in the American Theatre” therefore attempts to bridge this gap in literary and critical studies by examining the black portraiture of Eugene O'Neill and the white portraiture of August Wilson. The work of both playwrights attests to their deep and consistent involvement with their Racial Other, who resurfaces in play after play. Maintaining that the United States resembles a postcolonial society, …

Reverse Engineering Of Foreign Missiles Via Genetic Algorithm, Jon D. Wollam

Theses and Dissertations

One mission of the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC) is the reverse engineering of foreign missile weapon systems from incomplete observational data. In the past, intuition and repeated runs of a missile performance model were required to converge to a solution compatible with observed flight characteristics. This approach can be cumbersome and time consuming, as well as being subject to undesirable influences from the analyst's preconceptions and biases. An alternative approach has been created to apply genetic algorithm (GA) techniques to allow automation of the process, wider exploration of the design space, and more optimal solutions matching the observational data. …

An Environmental History Of The 19th Century Marquette Iron Range, Doug Ottke

Theses and Dissertations

The history of the Marquette Iron Range in the upper peninsula of Michigan is integrally linked to the environment. The natural features of the Marquette Range defined the mode of production on the Range, and conversely, as human systems became more adept in these modes of production they became the most important modifiers of the natural systems.

Settlement on the Marquette Iron Range was closely related to two factors of natural environment: the iron ore formations and the hardwood forest. The distribution of three iron ore formations—principally the Negaunee, but also the Bijiki and other Iron- formations within the Michigamme …