Digital Commons Network^™

Cognitive Functioning In Multiple Sclerosis: An Investigation Of The Utility Of A Computerized Cognitive Testing System, Stephanie Patrice Mclaughlin

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this study was to assess cognitive functioning in participants with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) using the MicroCog and to compare their performance to that of a demographically matched, healthy control group. It was hypothesized that as a group, participants with RRMS would have worse cognitive function than healthy controls on all Level 1, 2, and 3 Index scores of the MicroCog. Twenty-six participants with RRMS and twenty-nine sex and education matched healthy controls were administered the MicroCog (Standard Form) along with measures of depression and clinical status, and paper-pencil tests of processing speed (Symbol Digit …

The Influence Of Client General Anxiety And Attachment Anxiety Onalliance Development In Couple Therapy, Erica Leigh Delgado

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the intake levels of client general anxiety and attachment anxiety andthe relationship of these levels to changes in therapy alliance across the first four couple therapysessions. Participants were 165 couples in a treatment-as-usual setting. Dyadic growth curvemodeling was used to determine whether couple ratings of therapeutic alliance changed overtime and explored the influence of general anxiety and attachment anxiety on therapeutic alliancedevelopment. Results showed that the alliance increased over the first four therapy sessions.Additionally, female alliance ratings across time were positively associated with female generalanxiety and negatively associated with male attachment anxiety. Results also showed that maleattachment …

Marginalized Sexuality And Masculinity: An Ethnographic Exploration Of Adolescent Homophobic Language In A Rural High School, Benjamin M. Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have examined homophobic language (HL) with both qualitative and quantitative methods and have studied HL's relationship to multiple factors such as sexual prejudice, masculinity, and religiosity. However, our understanding of this language, while expanding, is still limited because the meaning of this evolving language varies depending on the context in which the language is used. In order to get a more in-depth and current understanding of this language, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 males who were high school seniors. I also conducted 102 hours of observations in their high school. I analyzed the interviews and observations with a …

Gas Phase Structure Characterization Using Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry, Anupriya Anupriya

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) based techniques to study the impact of molecular structure on conformation and binding energetics. A novel method to determine collison cross sectional areas using FTICR (CRAFTI), initially developed by the Dearden lab, was applied to study the conformations of molecular systems with unique structural attributes in an attempt to explore the molecular range of CRAFTI. The systems chosen for CRAFTI studies include crown-ether alkylammonium complexes and biogenic amino acids. The results were found to be consistent with expected behavior, and strongly correlated with experimental measurements made using ion mobility …

Moral Values In Moral Psychology? A Textual Analysis, Shannon Starks

Theses and Dissertations

What values, if any, is moral psychology based on with regard to what humans should be like? While the value-free ideal of science requires at least the bracketing of values in regards to the conducting of research and influence on its results, this investigation takes seriously the concerns of leading social psychologists that biases may influence the subdiscipline. Textual analyses of moral psychology's literature involving content analysis of codes and cultural discourse analysis of value themes illuminate values involving moral problems and moral goods that may inherently influence research at various levels. It is proposed that values are impossible to …

Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Of Bmpr1b, Paulo Andre Machicao Tello

Theses and Dissertations

Methods for preparing an array of potential small molecule inhibitors of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor 1b (BMPR1b) are described. Target molecules were prepared from two general classes: (1) N9-aryl-N6-ureidoadenines, and (2) dicarbamyl iodoacetamides. Recent data from the Peterson lab indicated that both classes might bind to BMPR1b and thus inhibit this key receptor. Docking studies performed using Sureflex Dock suggested the N9-aryl-N6-ureidoadenines would bind to the active site of BMPR1b. In addition antiproliferative activities of dicarbamyl iodoacetamides previously synthesized in the Peterson lab pointed to this moiety as an attractive target for structure activity relationship (SAR) development. Compounds were prepared …

Surface Cooling Due To Precipitation In The Tropics, Camila Gomes Martins Ramos

Theses and Dissertations

Precipitation is an important component of the global hydrological cycle. It affects the upper ocean salinity by adding freshwater to the ocean. In addition, precipitation plays a role in cooling the ocean and land surfaces, when the temperature of the raindrops is lower than the temperature of the surface. However, the surface cooling due to precipitation (QP) remains an overlooked feature and is not included in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models. One might expect that heavy precipitation events may lead to large QP, which can impact the surface temperature, surface energy balance, and local- to regional-scale circulations. …

Embracing Multiplicity: Autobiographical Personae In Ruth Hall, Gina Marie Schneck

Theses and Dissertations

Sara Payson Willis Eldredge Farrington Parton, more famously known as the elusive Fanny Fern, employs three autobiographical personae mediated by fiction in her debut novel, Ruth Hall: (1) Ruth Hall, the novel's protagonist; (2) Floy, the fictional Ruth's pseudonym; and (3) Fanny Fern, Parton's real-life pseudonym and the name under which Ruth Hall was published. Together these personae assert a fragmented presence that incorporates various voices and lives, allowing for exploration, growth, and interactivity.Philippe Lejeune's autobiographical contract outlines three specific guidelines for autobiography—that it be a narrative, that it explore personal history, and that it link author and protagonist. Ruth …

Anal Fin Pigmentation In Brachyrhaphis Fishes Is Not Used For Sexual Mimicry, Kandace Mary Hugentobler

Theses and Dissertations

Pigmentation patterns can be used as a communication signal in a variety of taxa, and can convey information relative to sexual selection, dominance, and species identification. Pigmentation is also sometimes used in mimicry to deceive the signal receiver into thinking the signaler is something other than itself. Mimicry can occur in several contexts, including sexual interactions, where one sex mimics another. There are relatively few examples of species with females that mimic males. Proposed hypotheses to explain female mimicry of males are that mimicry is used to reduce male harassment or that mimicry is used to display dominance over other …

A High School Biology Teacher's Development Through A New Teaching Assignment Coupled With Teacher-Led Professional Development, Lorien Young Francis

Theses and Dissertations

This self-study examined the learning that emerged from a change in teaching assignment coupled with self-initiated, teacher-led professional development in order to understand a high school science teacher's development as a teacher. The two participants in the study were the teacher/researcher, an experienced high school biology teacher who was taking up a new assignment teaching biotechnology, an advanced science course; and a first-year teacher assigned to teach biotechnology, who served as collaborator in the professional development and critical friend in the study. In order to uncover the teacher/researcher's learning and thinking, self-study of teaching practice methodology most clearly met the …

The Activity Of Alkaline Glutaraldehyde Against Bacterial Endospores And Select Non-Enveloped Viruses, Justen Thalmus Despain

Theses and Dissertations

Alkaline glutaraldehyde (GTA) has been used as a high level chemical disinfectant and sterilant for many years and is known to kill a broad spectrum of organisms ranging from vegetative eukaryotes to bacterial endospores. Although the mechanism of sporicidal action has been studied on numerous occasions, GTA's exact mechanism(s) of action are still debated. In addition to the uncertainty of GTA's mechanism(s) of action, GTA has also shown significant variability in the time required to kill endospores and naked viruses. A better knowledge of the lethal mechanism(s) of GTA is needed to understand this discrepancy in kill times for GTA …

Phycotoxin Loads In Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) From The Indian River Lagoon Estuary System And Coastal Altlantic Waters, Florida: 2002-2011, Jeremy Alan Browning

Theses and Dissertations

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are dramatic increases of algae that produce phycotoxins, and these toxins lead to subsequent neurological dysfunction with symptomatic illness leading, in extreme cases, to mass mortalities of marine mammals. This presents a conservation challenge since the frequency and severity of HABs are increasing on a global scale. Two HAB species that impact marine mammals residing in and utilizing an eastern Florida estuary and surrounding coastal Atlantic waters are Karenia brevis (K. brevis) and Pyrodinium bahamense (Pyrodinium); these HAB species produce the neurotoxins brevetoxin (PbTx) and saxitoxin (STX), respectively. These toxins are present at times in high …

Quantum Dot Metrics For Preparative Chemistry And Fluorescence Applications, Yi Shen

Theses and Dissertations

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are considered to be a promising candidate for bio-imaging and solar cells because of their extraordinary photo-physical properties. The ultimate goal of this dissertation is to design a reliable matrix and a reproducible method to prepare QDs-based biocompatible probe for fluorescence applications. Synthesis of quantum dots requires a large amount of ligands to improve the stability at high temperature. However, for further application and surface modification of QDs, excess ligands must be removed. In this dissertation, I will first describe using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as a media to purify different types of QDs. A …

Examining The Effect Of Feminist Self-Labeling And Feminist Perspectives On Young Adults' Self-Efficacy, Tiffany L. Rogers

Theses and Dissertations

The current study utilized data from young adults (undergraduate and graduate students) in order to examine the effect of feminist self-identification (as measured by the Self-Identification as a Feminist Scale) and feminist perspectives (as measured by the Feminist Perspectives Scale—Short Form) on self-efficacy (as measured by General Self-Efficacy Scale total scores). Additionally, this study examined the relationship between demographics (i.e., gender, race) and outcome variables of interest (i.e., feminist self-identification, feminist perspectives, self-efficacy). Participants included 305 individuals who are at least 18 years old and enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at the University of South Carolina. Multiple regression assessed …

Interactions Between Hiv-1 Tat And Tumor Suppressor P53, Kristen Lane Spotts

Theses and Dissertations

The most well studied cancer-related gene in history, p53, is responsible for protecting the integrity of the genome. A variety of different stresses are detected by p53 and its regulators, allowing for numerous post-translational modifications that activate p53. After activation p53 can then regulate transcription of a myriad downstream targets, resulting in either cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. One of the stress signals that activates p53 is viral infection in part through the induction of type-1 interferon. However some viruses, like the DNA tumor viruses have evolved factors capable of binding to p53 and inhibiting its ability to regulate its …

Lebanon's Shouf Biosphere Reserve: A Protected Area And Sport Hunting, Robert Watkins Bowdoin Greeley

Theses and Dissertations

Fortress conservation, the act of setting aside for conservation goals and protecting them through sanction, coercion, and violence, towards local users has became the paradigmatic understanding of how protected areas are created and maintained. The fortress conservation critique is marked by a preoccupation with the negative livelihood impacts of these areas, portrays animosity and social conflict between local users and the protected areas, is primarily concerned with national parks and clearly defined protected areas, and places state power at the center of the creation and maintenance of protected areas. This dissertation takes the tenants of fortress conservation to task by …

Cultural Perceptions Of Chikungunya In The Dominican Republic, James Preston Kerns

Theses and Dissertations

Chikungunya (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus that recently (2013) entered the Western hemisphere and tore through the Caribbean and most of Latin America. The symptoms include rash, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fever. In many cases, sufferers report persistent arthralgia long after the actual viral infection has subsided. There are a variety of misperceptions about CHIKV, which directly impact public health efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence of the disease. Understanding the epidemic spread of CHIKV in the DR and the growth of misconceptions about the origin, severity, cause, and treatment of the disease requires a perspective that encompasses …

Vitamin D And Stress Fractures In Collegiate And Professional Athletes, Christian Michael Askew

Theses and Dissertations

An important aspect of orthopedics and sports medicine is to provide quality care and oversight for the overall health and wellbeing of athletes. Research in these fields aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of sport-induced injuries in order to improve treatment plans and prevent future complications. Overuse bone stress injuries are prominent among elite athletes and can cause detrimental setbacks to training and performance. Thus, prevention of these injuries is of primary concern. Vitamin D has been known to play an integral role in skeletal metabolism. Current research suggests vitamin D status may be indicative of bone density, structural integrity, …

Exploring Undergraduate Students' Information Seeking Motivation: A Self-Determination Perspective, Ana Dubnjakovic

Theses and Dissertations

Human motivation is a widely debated construct in psychology and many disciplines in social science as well as education and health sciences have adopted various psychological theories in an effort to understand motivational forces behind many human activities from dieting (e.g., Schelling, Munsch and Margraf, 2011), psychotherapy (e.g., Martens, 2010) and academic achievement (e.g., Artino, Holmboe and Durning, 2012) to political participation (e.g., Hersh, 2012). Case (2012) devotes an entire chapter in his seminal text on information behavior to an overview of what he calls a “motivational puzzle” tying it to information need as the predominantly discussed dimension of motivation …

Chlor-Amidine, A Novel Pad Inhibitor, As An Effective Drug For The Treatment Of Ulcerative Colitis And Prevention Of Colorectal Cancer, Erin Witalison

Theses and Dissertations

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the quality of life of millions of patients worldwide. This disease is associated with inflammation and ulceration of the colonic epithelium, leading to an increased risk for the development of UC-associated colorectal cancer (CRC). Current UC medications are designed to manage the symptoms and induce remission; however, several challenges are faced with current treatment options. 5-aminosalicyclic acid and corticosteroids have few side effects, but have limited efficacy and often the disease becomes refractory. Biologics are introduced after initial treatments fail, but serious side effects are often associated with these …

Individual Movement Rates Are Sufficient To Determine And Maintain Dynamic Spatial Positioning Within Uca Pugilator Herds, Eilea R. Knotts

Theses and Dissertations

Spatial location within aggregations (i.e. periphery, central) is of biological significance to gregarious animals. Because these positions are a potential consequence of consistent individual behavioral differences, or personality, a better understanding of potential mechanisms concerning personality is central to predicting an individuals’ location. To determine the effects of individual personality on the dynamic spatial positioning of Uca pugilator while herding, field data collection and agent-based modeling were employed. Individuals were assayed to establish their personalities and returned to the field for observation as a means of identifying location preference within selfish herds. There was a significant difference between the extreme …

Effects Of Cortisol Stress Response Patterns On Autism Related Behaviors In Young Adult Males With Fragile X Syndrome And Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sara M. Matherly

Theses and Dissertations

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in social interactions (reduced eye contact, topic preoccupation, and social withdrawal) and maladaptive behaviors of anxiety, social withdrawal, and restricted interests (Kau, Tierney, Bukelis, Stump, Kates, Trescher et al., 2004). Prior research with individuals who have FXS has indicated that problem behaviors (i.e. social withdrawal and inattention) were correlated with abnormal activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA; Hessl, et. al., 2002); however, very few studies have investigated physiological patterns and associations with social dysfunction and restricted and repetitive behaviors for individuals with idiopathic ASD. The present study …

Transcriptional And Post-Transcriptional Regulation Of Nrf2 In The Heart By The Deubiquitinase Cyld, Bryan J. Mathis

Theses and Dissertations

The cylindromatosis (CYLD) is a K63-linked deubiquitinase (DUB) that has been linked to the regulation of multiple physiological or pathological processes, such as neural development, inflammation and fibrosis. However, a novel paradigm for CYLD has been recently postulated; namely that of CYLD as a mediator of cardiac disease. Nuclear factor, erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master antioxidant transcription factor, has been shown to suppress cardiac pathological remodeling and dysfunction via downregulation of reactive oxygen species formation (ROS). It is normally regulated by Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1). However, the regulatory link between CYLD and Nrf2 in the diseased …

Structural And Functional Studies Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide And Streptolysin S Biosynthesis Proteins From Streptococcus Pyogenes, William T. Booth

Theses and Dissertations

Invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Strep (GAS), results in approximately 600,000 deaths annually. With evidence of antibiotic-resistant strains of this bacterium on the rise, there is a need for the identification of new drug targets to control these infections. In our approach we target the quinolinate-salvage pathway (QSP) and the streptolysin S (SLS) biosynthesis pathway. The QSP provides a secondary pathway for NAD+ biosynthesis within this organism; the SLS pathway leads to the formation of a quorum sensing molecule (SLS). We hypothesize that inhibition of the pathways will lead to GAS cell death or …

Metafiction In Mourning: The Intersections Of Gender Performance And Postdictatorial Memory In Novels By Luisa Valenzuela, Clarice Lispector, And Diamela Eltit, Jennifer L. Slobodian

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to build on two major theoretical fields, feminism and postdictatorial memory, in the context of Latin American women’s writing. The development of Latin American feminism has run concurrently with the broader feminist movements of the 20th century, but has been shaped by the particularities and diversity of the region. Specific concerns relating to postcoloniality, religion, and nation have caused theorists like Debra A. Castillo to discuss Latin American feminism on its own, focusing on the inherent privileging of praxis over theory and the necessary pastiche of local and international theories. The development of Latin …

Genetic Counseling For Alcohol Use Disorder: Assessment Of Need In Affected And At-Risk Populations, Fayth Michelle Kalb

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly heritable, yet there has been no investigation regarding the possible benefits of genetic counseling for AUD. This study assessed the beliefs individuals with and at risk for AUD have regarding recurrence risk and etiology of AUD, how the presence of the condition in themselves or their family history has affected their lifestyle decisions, and potential benefit from AUD genetic counseling. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed through social media to support groups for AUD inviting adults 18 years and older with a personal or family history of AUD. Results: Of the 122 individuals …

The Undiagnosed Patient And The Diagnostic Odyssey: Current Genetic Counseling Practices And Perspectives, Amelia Cordell Wardyn

Theses and Dissertations

Patients seen in genetics clinics often endure a diagnostic odyssey in their search for answers for their medical symptoms. This time is not only challenging for patients and their families, but also for the genetic counselors who are trying to help the patients. Previous research has shown that parents of children with undiagnosed medical disorders have specific goals and reasons for wanting to find a diagnosis, and there are many difficulties faced by these parents. Genetic counselors often serve as a prominent figure during the diagnostic odyssey, but little known research has assessed the current practices of and impact that …

Conversations About Sexuality On A Public University Campus: Exploring Perspectives From Campus Ministry Leaders And Students, Charis Rebecca Davidson

Theses and Dissertations

Since the 1800s, religious organizations have been a presence on public universities. However, there is limited research on the influence these organizations may have on student health communication and behaviors. Prior research on campus ministries has focused primarily on the culture of individual organizations. In this study, researchers explored the goals and experiences of USC leaders related to communication around sexuality with their students, as well as student perceptions of these messages, and how students incorporate religious messages about sexuality into their lives. The present study had four aims:

1. Assess whether students participating in campus ministries at USC differ …

The Artificial Creation Of Life And What It Means To Be Human, Caroline Mosser

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is focused on the literary representations of the artificial creation of (human) life. This project is based on the belief that advances in bio-technologies have the potential to challenge core values of society and that literature offers a space to identify and address them before their actual appearance. While the texts studied do not provide actual answers to extremely complex moral questions, they offer a starting point for reflection. They question our morality in many ways, especially because they force us to think about who and what we are as human beings. This project is a study of …

Enabling Studies To Optimize Biomaterials For The Treatment Of Myocardial Infarction, Eva Adriana Romito

Theses and Dissertations

The canonical mechanism of wound healing is disrupted following a myocardial infarction (MI), manifesting as an unregulated response that negatively impacts left ventricular (LV) function. This mechanism, termed post-MI remodeling, culminates in an outcome that favors progression to a systolic heart failure state and death for the patient. Therapeutic approaches following the occurrence of a MI are designed to modulate the natural remodeling process and mitigate the loss of cardiac function. The mechanics and structure of the healing infarct have been the focus of numerous pre-clinical and clinical investigations, leading to the impending clinical introduction of material injections as a …