Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparison Of Fish Community Structure In Relation To Habitat Variation In Three North Dakota Streams, David C. Dekrey

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Determinants Of Participation In The Ad Hoc Computer-Supported Workgroup, Nancy A. Floyd

Theses and Dissertations

The increase of end-user computing, including the use of computer-mediated communication systems (CMCS), is one of the most significant changes to occur in business information systems in recent years. Researchers suggest that changes in technology lead to changes in the way individuals think about work and how they perform it. An important question is how the use of CMCS is changing work and work relationships. This study considers a portion of this question; it asks "What makes individuals willing to participate in a computer-supported workgroup (CSWG)."

This study considered the relationship between three variables (sex, anonymity, and token status) and …

Trophic Ecology Of Native And Introduced Catfishes In The Tidal James River, Virginia, Louis Fairfax Chandler

Theses and Dissertations

Species introductions have been linked to the decline of native taxa, and in many cases have resulted in the elimination of native species in both terrestrial and aquatic systems throughout the United States. In aquatic systems, a particular threat is the introduction of large piscivorous fish that may alter the native fish community structure. For example, introductions of large ictalurids such as blue catfish, (lctalurus furcatus), and flathead catfish, (Pylodictus olivaris), into coastal Virginia rivers, including the James River twenty years ago have resulted in the establishment of these large, predatory fishes.

This study described the trophic ecology of four …

A Comparison Of The Viability Of Thistle Weevils From Fire Ant Suppressed Site To Weevils From A Site Where Fire Ants Were Not Suppressed, Mary T. Hodge

Theses and Dissertations

The thistle weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, was introduced to the United States as an agent of biological control for another non-native species, the musk thistle, Carduus nutans. Musk thistle are noxious weeds of pastures which reduce forage for grazing livestock. A high weevil population is necessary to achieve control of musk thistle. The study site is situated at the southernmost boundary of the invading thistle, the thistle weevil, and another invasive non-native, the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. The research compared the viability of R. conicus from a S. invicta suppressed site to the viability from a …

The Role Of Adrenomedullin In The Natriuretic Response To Acute And Chronic Salt Loading In The Rat, Michelle P. Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Biochemical Analysis Of Proteoglycans Synthesized By Bovine Retinal Pericytes In Culture, Lara Ashley Streng

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Adenosine 3', 5'-Cyclic Monophosphate Activation Of Islet Chloride Channels, Anjali Varandani

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to understand the regulation of islet Cl⁻ current by cAMP. This current, known as I_cl,islet flew is the first Cl⁻ channel current characterized in pancreatic �� cells. I_cl,islet has been hypothesized to modulate insulin secretion through changes in islet electrical activity. Both 5 ��M forskolin and 100 ��M IBMX (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine), agents that increase intracellular cAMP, were shown to activate an outwardly-rectifying ionic current in HIT cells that closely resembled I_cl,islet. The current was blocked when iodide was substituted for external Cl⁻ or when the Cl⁻ channel blocker niflumic acid was …

Changes In Gabaa̳ Receptor Expression And Alterations In Ca⁺⁺/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Ii Activity In A Hippocampal Neuronal Culture Model Of Epilepsy, Robert Eagan Blair

Theses and Dissertations

Expression levels of GABAA receptor subunits and activity of the Ca++ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) enzyme system were evaluated in an in vitro hippocampal neuronal culture model of epilepsy. Treatment of hippocampal neuronal cultures with Mg++-free media for 3 hours results in the induction of an enduring "epileptic" state as evidenced by the expression of spontaneous recurrent seizure (SRS) discharge. The induction of the SRS activity was shown to be a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, Ca++-dependent mechanism (Sombati and DeLorenzo, J Neurophys., 73 (4), 1995). Significant and long-lasting decreases in mRNA expression for the GABAA α2 and α5 …

Determination Of Rates And Patterns Of Recombination At The Maize Red Color (R1) Locus, William R. Dietrich

Theses and Dissertations

Homologous recombination has been studied in many plant and animal systems. In maize, most recombination occurs intragenically. The current study assessed the frequency and location of meiotic recombination at the maize red color (r1) gene. Three independent mutant (colorless seed) alleles derived from the colored seed allele, R-sc:124, were made heterozygous with the colored plant allele, r-r:n142. Each mutant resulted from the insertion of a Dissociation (Ds) transposable element into the 3' end of R-sc:124. In the presence of Activator (Ac), each Ds insertion allele (r-sc:mutables) produced spotted seeds and germinal reversion to fully colored seeds due to the vi …

Immunocytochemical Study Of Apoptosis Signaling In Nb2 Lymphoma Cells, Angelo P. Guanzon

Theses and Dissertations

In the absence of mitogen, administration of Dexamethasone (Dex) induces apoptosis, or programmed-cell death in the Nb2 lymphoma cell. Addition of prolactin (Prl), on the other hand, blocks this effect. As a model for apoptosis, we were able to investigate this Dex-Prl interaction by means of a morphological approach: one that could be visualized under a light microscope. This approach allowed us to achieve several aims. First, we were able to develop a method of cell quantification befitting a morphological study based upon the hemacytometer. Second, with Trypan Blue exclusion, we were able to verify Dex/Prl-responsiveness in the Nb2 cells. …

Heavy Metal Toxicity In Bioremediation: Microbial Cultures And Microscopy, Jason B. Goodbody

Theses and Dissertations

This research employed a variety of microscopy and spread plating techniques to observe the effects of heavy metal treatments on a toluene-selected bacterial population. Microbial colonies were cultured on spread plates and the resulting numbers were compared to respiration data. The mechanisms of reproduction were demonstrated to be more sensitive to metal treatments than were the mechanisms of respiration. Phase contrast, Gram stain, fluorescent microscopy, were used to compare and document a wide variety of bacteria resulting from different metal treatments as well as from environmental changes within the source bioreactor. The removal of sensitive bacteria and the selection of …

Evaluation Tool For Assessment Of Engaged Reading Time In Middle School Level Software, Rita Freeberg

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Tus Gene Divergense In The Enterobacteriaceae, Andrew F. Nilles

Theses and Dissertations

The Tus protein binds to nucleotide sequences called Ter sites to form protein-DNA complexes that arrest DNA replication in the terminus region of the E. coli chromosome. To determine if other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae also contain proteins that bind Ter sites, we tested cell extracts of Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella ozaenae, Yersinia enterocolitica, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia marcescens for Tcr-binding activity. The results indicate that all these bacteria have proteins that bind specifically to Ter sites. Using primers derived from the E. coli tus gene sequence, we amplified by PCR a DNA segment of the appropriate size from all …

Frontal Lobe Deficits In Domestic Violence Offenders, Margaret Donovan Westby

Theses and Dissertations

Functional frontal-lobe deficits were examined in 38 male batterers and 38 male non-batterers matched on age and education level. Dependent measures that examine frontal-lobe deficits including the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, and Trails B were used. The Crossing-off Test (a reaction time measure), the Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (SMAST), and the WAIS-R vocabulary subtest were used as moderator variables. Batterers scored lower on the vocabulary subtest and higher on the SMAST than did control participants. Controlling for vocabulary ability and SMAST scores, compared to controls, batterers took significantly longer to complete Trails B. However, the groups did …

Adolescent Depression In The Secondary School Setting: A Guide For Teachers?, Virginia Stauss

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Cercla-Based Decision Model To Support Remedy Selection For An Uncertain Volume Of Contaminants At A Doe Facility, Christine E. Kerschus

Theses and Dissertations

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) operated by the Department of Energy is challenged with selecting the appropriate remediation technology to cleanup contaminants at Waste Area Group (WAG) 6. This research utilizes value focused thinking and multi attribute preference theory concepts to produce a decision analysis model designed to aid the decision makers in their section process. The model is based on CERCLA's five primary balancing criteria, tailored specifically to WAG 6 and the contaminants of concern, utilizes expert opinion and the best available engineering, cost, and performance data, and accounts for uncertainty in contaminant volume. The model ranks 23 …

A System Dynamics Model Of The Bioavailability Of Metals In Constructed Wetland Sediment, Timothy S. Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Constructed wetlands used for storm water treatment accumulate metals primarily in their sediment. This sediment has the potential to produce toxic effects in benthic organisms at some period in time. Bioavailability of metals in sediment is directly linked to pore water metal activity. The mechanisms that influence pore water metal activity are included in physical, chemical, and biological processes. A system dynamics model was developed to represent these processes and the major influences affecting pore water metal activity in a treatment wetland receiving storm water influent. The model structure and behavior was tested and validated using several system dynamics validation …

Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis) Ecology And Demography In The North Dakota Badlands, Jerry J. Feist

Theses and Dissertations

The bighorn sheep (Oyis canadensis califomiana) in the North Dakota Badlands were studied in an effort to obtain baseline ecological data and examine the effects of human disturbance (primarily oil development) on their ranges, habitat use, movements and reproductive performance. The study was conducted from May and April, 1992 and 1993, respectively, through December of each year. Additionally, the summer of 1994 was used to complete habitat classification in the field.

Eight bighorn ewes were captured by helicopter and net-gun in each of 2 primary study areas (one highly impacted by oil development and the other less impacted) and fitted …

Four Girls Respond To Young Adult Horror Fiction, Betty Silliman

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study provides insight into the separate reading experience of four adolescent girls as each engaged in the reading and discussion of a popular, self-selected young adult horror novel. The analysis and interpretation of data focused on the appeal of texts and the sociological implications of the reading experience. While questions regarding the appeal of young adult horror fiction grew from work with adolescent female horror readers, the social dimension of the inquiry stemmed from concerns of critical literacy theorists with regard to the ideological content of texts and its potential to shape readers into accepting dominant views.

Data …

The Effects Of Attraction To Sexual Aggression: History Of Self-Reported Sexually Aggressive Behavior And Social Disinhibition On The Expression Of Sexually Aggressive Behavior In The Laboratory, Margo R. Norton

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual aggression, defined as an attempt, successful or unsuccessful, to coerce another into sexual acts (Malamuth, Sockloskic, Koss & Tanaka, 1991) may be thought of as a continuum of behaviors, which, at one extreme, is forcible rape. The importance of examining this entire set of related behaviors, and their “cultural normality”, according to feminist and sociocultural theorists has, in recent years, been highlighted in the literature (Burt, 1980; Malamuth, 1986; Malamuth & Dean, 1991). It has also been considered vital to examine the role that situational disinhibitors (i.c., alcohol/drug intoxication, aggressive pornography, momentary anger, the observed behavior of others) play …

Effects Of Expert Statement Validity Assessment Testimony On Lay Evaluations Of Children's Statements, Marcus Choi Tye

Theses and Dissertations

Research on memory and suggestibility in children continues to demonstrate circumstances under which children may not give accurate accounts of important events. In investigating and treating child sexual abuse, it is important to determine what has happened. Statement Validity Assessment is a witness credibility assessment technique developed by Udo Undeutsch which focuses on the reality of individual statements. It involves a special open-ended investigative interview, Criteria-Based Content Analysis, which searches for the presence of characteristics which indicate that a statement is based on an experienced event, and a Validity Checklist which examines alternate hypotheses. This technique has been widely used …

Ecology Of Bighorn Sheep In Relation To Habitat And Oil Development In The Little Missouri Badlands., Roger Sayre

Theses and Dissertations

I conducted field research on bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) in western North Dakota to evaluate their distribution, habitat use, activity patterns, and responses to disturbance. The study was conducted May-December from 1992-94, at Magpie Creek, an area with a high density of roads and oil wells, and Moody Plateau, with a low density of roads and oil wells.Radio-collared ewes (n = 8) at Magpie Creek used steep non-vegetated terrain more than available during summer, but less than available during fall. They used closed juniper areas less than available during summer and fall, but used disturbed habitats more than available …

Effects Of Choice Restriction On The Intrinsic Motivation To Produce Creative Products, Karen M. Suloff

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess whether choice restriction decreased intrinsic motivation for a task resulting in a less creative product. The study focused on two kindergarten classes in a half day school setting. The students were to make collages. The students were either given choice or no choice of materials when making their collage. The morning class was given choice of materials. They were allowed to freely choose what they wanted from the boxes of materials. The afternoon class was given no choice of materials. They were given materials chosen by the experimenter. Two weeks later the …

The Effect Of Coeducational And Same-Sex Cooperative Learning Groups On Achievement, Michelle L. Rodier

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of coeducational and same sex cooperative learning groups on the achievement of first grade students. It is hypothesized that the academic performance of students in all subject areas while participating in a "same-sex cooperative learning group" will exceed their performance in the "coeducational learning group." The subjects of this study were twenty-two first grade students from a southern New Jersey community. This study was divided into two experimental cycles – cycle A and cycle B. Cycle A included three weeks of coeducational cooperative learning groups and cycle B included three …

Divorce, Family, And The Effects Upon Children In Educational Settings, Michael W. Stuber

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Environmental Radon Decay Products In Neurological Diseased And Non-Diseased Brains, And Brains Of Cigarette Smokers., Hassaan Ahmad Alkhatib

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to measure alpha and beta emissions of $\sp{210}$Po (alpha emissions), $\sp{210}$Pb and $\sp{210}$Bi (beta emissions) from brain samples which were obtained at autopsy from persons who were clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), or Controls (no known neurological diseases) and cigarette smokers (SMK). The samples were digested, processed and analyzed for alpha and beta emissions.Measurement of alpha and beta radiation activity in tissues can be used to demonstrate prior exposure of tissues to environmental radioisotopes and/or their decay products. In the present study alpha emissions from brain tissues were measured with …

Measurement And Prediction Issues Regarding Job Satisfaction Among Rural Physician Assistants., Kyle John Muus

Theses and Dissertations

As increasing numbers of physicians are being trained in specialized medicine and health professional shortage areas remain a common occurrence in the United States, the roles of physician assistants (PAs) in health services provision have become increasingly important, especially in rural/underserved areas of the country. By all accounts, there is a shortage of PAs in the U.S., particularly in rural areas. In response to demand, the number of PAs is projected to increase more than 70% by the year 2000, from its 1993 figure of 24,800 to 42,700.Recruitment is a critical issue in providing adequate health services in rural areas, …

Poetry And Science-Symbiosis: Integrated Lessons At The Elementary Level., Lucia Ann Schroeder

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine what occurs when poetry reading and writing are integrated with constructivist methods for teaching science in fifth-grade classes. The perceptions and responses of the students and their teacher during and after the lessons were primary concerns.A synthesis of the major findings from the literature review indicated that scientists and poets share curiosity, wonder, and the abilities to observe carefully and create accurate descriptions. Process approaches and emphasis on constructivist learning were teaching methods common to both areas. Positive attitudes in the classroom and sharing of similar concepts and educational goals were factors …

Living A Job, Learning A Culture: A Study Of International Business Students In A Semester Abroad Program., Viann Pederson

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a description of student learning experiences in-country during a semester-long international business internship program in Mexico City. The research question for this study considers what constitutes learning from life-experience for undergraduate business majors in a foreign learning environment during a semester-long internship in a multinational corporation, a semester at a foreign university, and a home stay with a Mexican host family.The research for this study begins with a theoretical discussion of the role of experience in the curriculum, a review of national mandates for the incorporation of international education in the undergraduate curriculum, a review of current …

A Descriptive Survey Of Freshwater Unionidae Bivalves In Five Creeks Located In West Central Georgia, Rufus Carson Stringfellow

Theses and Dissertations

A descriptive survey of the West Georgia, Chattahoochee River drainage unionid bivalve fauna inhabiting Mountain Oak, Mulberry, Standing Boy, and Upatoi Creeks has been completed. The survey is intended to determine whether Unionidae populations remain extant in this portion of the Chattahoochee River drainage, and to estimate the abundance and distribution of species encountered. Accessibility sampling was employed; sites selected to be surveyed were usually located at a road bridge or some landmark easily identifiable for geographical positioning. Collecting methods included the use of a small rake in sandy or silty substrate, visual detection of siphons or trails in the …