Digital Commons Network^™

Implementation Of Collaborative Problem-Based Learning In The Classroom: A Focus On Group Dynamics In Relation To Self-Esteem And Skill Acquisition Through The Generation Of A Web Page., Lynn Allison Dombrowski

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research was to provide information concerning group dynamics and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to school teachers and counselors to determine if student behaviors have any influence on acquiring skills and knowledge. In addition, self-esteem was measured and crossed with group dynamics. Prior to the research study, Consent and Assent Forms had to be signed by students and one parent or guardian. Students were provided an overview of the project including a packet of handouts which consisted of a project timeline of day to day activities, daily task assignments, and instructions on learning Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) and …

The Role Of Endothelin In Hexachloro-1,3-Butadiene-Induced Acute Renal Failure., Lara Kristen Dowland

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this research was to determine if endothelin is a mediator of hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (HCBD)-induced acute renal failure. The nephrotoxicity associated with HCBD is acute tubular necrosis (ATN). HCBD-induced ATN is characterized by a decrease in renal blood flow (RBF), mediating a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), polyuria, glucosuria, proteinuria and natriuresis. These effects on the kidney are mimicked by the endogenous peptide endothelin. Endothelin is produced by many different cell types and is the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor peptide identified to date. The renal vasculature is particularly sensitive to the vasoconstrictive action of endothelin. Endothelin causes …

Influence Of Two-Age And Clearcut Timber Management Practices On Songbird Abundance, Nest Success, And Invertebrate Biomass In West Virginia., Jeffrey Peter Duguay

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study was conducted in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia during the summers of 1995 and 1996 to assess the influence of two-age and clearcut timber management practices on breeding songbirds and invertebrates. Examination by guild (nesting, foraging, habitat, migratory) revealed little difference in breeding bird abundance among harvested and unharvested treatments, this is presumably due to the developmental stage of the harvested treatments (9-15-years post-harvest). Parasitism rates by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) were generally low (8.66%). Most parasitized nests, however, were associated with two-age stands or the uncut forest adjacent to these stands. Cowbirds appeared to use …

Preneoplastic And Neoplastic Potential Of Rat Tracheal Epithelial Cell Transformation Induced By Diesel Emission Particles 1-Nitropyrene And Dibenzo(A,I)Pyrene., Mang Xiang Ensell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cell transformation assays (by both in vitro and in vivo exposure) were used to study the potential pulmonary carcinogenesis of diesel emission particles (DEPs) and two diesel-related compounds, 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) and dibenzo(a,i)pyrene (DBP). An anchorage-independent growth and the tumorigenicity study in athymic nude mice were used to determine the neoplastic potential of the transformed RTE cell lines. Amplification of proto-oncogenes K-ras, c-jun, c-fos and c-myc was determined in the cell lines by differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results from transformation assays show that DEPs and 1-NP induced RTE cell transformation only via in vivo exposure, …

Cell-Specific Regulation Of Transcription Of The Malic Enzyme Gene. Characterization Of The Cis-Acting Elements That Modulate Nuclear T3 Receptor Activity., Xuexun Fang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stimulation of malic enzyme transcription by triiodothyronine (T3) is robust ({dollar}>{dollar}60-fold) in chick embryo hepatocytes, weak (5-fold) in chick embryo fibroblasts that stably overexpress the nuclear T3 receptor-{dollar}\\alpha,{dollar} and still weaker (1-fold) in chick embryo fibroblasts which contain nuclear T3 receptor levels that are similar to those of CEH. Directed by the DNase I hypersensitive regions in the malic enzyme gene, functional transfection and in vitro DNA-binding analyses were performed and four cis-acting elements were identified in the malic enzyme 5{dollar}\\sp\\prime{dollar}-flanking DNA. These four cis-acting elements confer differences in nuclear T3 receptor activity between chick embryo hepatocytes and chick …

Computer Programming: Science, Art, Or Both?, Sandra Trent Gum

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine if spatial intelligence contributes to a student's success in a computer science major or if mathematical-logical intelligence is sufficient data on which to base a prediction of success. The study was performed at a small university. The sample consisted of 15 computer science (CS) majors, enrolled in a computer science class, and 15 non-CS-majors, enrolled in a statistics class. Seven of the CS-majors were considered advanced and seven were considered less advanced. The independent measures were: the mathematics and the English scores from the ACT/SAT (CS-majors); a questionnaire to obtain personal information; …

Physical, Chemical, And Microbial Analysis Of Domestic Wastewater Treated By Small Constructed Wetlands Designed For Individual Households., Keith R. Hench

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many small communities located in rural areas of the United States lack adequate domestic wastewater treatment plants. Constructed wetlands are being promoted as low-cost, low-maintenance systems for treatment of domestic wastewater in areas where standard septic tanks fail. In order to evaluate the efficacy of small constructed wetlands, 20 small-scale wetlands mesocosms (100 gal each) containing five plant treatments (no plants/control, Typha, Scirpus, and Juncus monocultures, and all three species combined) were planted into pea gravel at either 18 or 24 inches in depth. Each mesocosm received 5 gal/day of primary-treated domestic sewage. Mesocosms were monitored on a monthly basis …

Research Experiences In Teacher Preparation: Effectiveness Of The Green Bank Preservice Teacher Enhancement Program., Debra A. Hemler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the preservice teacher component of the Research Experiences in Teacher Preparation (RETP) project aimed at enhancing teacher perceptions of the nature of science, science research, and science teaching. Data was collected for three preservice teacher groups during the three phases of the program: (I) a one week institute held at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia where teachers performed astronomy research using a 40 foot diameter radio telescope; (II) a secondary science methods course; and (III) student teaching placements. Four Likert-type instruments were developed and …

Examination Of A Cumulative Strategies Model For Drug Abuse Prevention: Risk Factor Reduction In High-Risk Children., Kimberly Ann Horn

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A Cumulative Strategies Model for drug abuse prevention employs a process by which two or more drug abuse prevention strategies are used conjointly, such that each strategy targets two or more factors that place children at high risk for drug abuse. This model was examined using an innovative multiple component program called CHOICES. CHOICES emphasizes the reduction of risk factors that are characteristic of a high risk population of children of alcoholics and predictive of drug abuse. Using a repeated measures multiple baseline design, the results of this study revealed that the Cumulative Strategies Model inherent to the CHOICES program …

Voluntary Agreements To Conserve Endangered Species On Private Land: Accommodating Local Interests With Trusting Relationships, Gregory T. Schildwachter

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

It Depends On Us : Building U.S.-Russian Citizen Partnerships For Environmental Protection, Olga Maiboroda

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Sagebrush (Artemisia Tridentata) Restoration In Altered Sage Grouse (Centrocercus Urophasianus) Habitat Of The Yakima Training Center In Central Washington, Margaret Ann Pounds

All Master's Theses

The restoration of sagebrush at the Yakima Training Center was studied because it was determined that military training was altering the condition of sage grouse habitat, potentially having a negative impact on the sage grouse population of the installation. The management of sage grouse and its habitat on YTC are a priority for the U.S. Army. The objectives of this study were to identify the issues relevant to sage grouse and the restoration of its habitat on the training facility, to investigate sagebrush restoration techniques, and to make management recommendations based upon this study. Results of this study indicate that …

Faculty Publications 1996, Lsu Health Sciences Center New Orleans

Historical Faculty Publications

This Faculty bibliography contains 734 publications.

Integrating Technology Education Concepts Into China's Educational System., Faxian Yang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The problem of this study was to develop a strategy for integrating technology education concepts within the Chinese mathematics and science curricula. The researcher used a case study as the basic methodology. It included three methods for collecting data: literature review, field study in junior and senior secondary schools in America and China, and interviews with experienced educators who were familiar with the status of technology education programs in the selected countries. The data came from the following areas: Japan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, China, and five states in the United States: Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York. The …

The Impact Of Good Father-Son Relationships On The Son's Development From Adolescent To Middle Age: A Qualitative Study., Wayne Francis Coombs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This is a qualitative study regarding the impact of good father-son relationships on the son's development between adolescence to middle age with a homogeneous group of middle-aged men. Literature regarding the study of father-son relationships is reviewed along with historical and current theoretical perspectives. The literature contains a great deal of information pertaining to poor father-son relationships and essentially no information regarding good relationships. The major focus of this study was then to identify the components of a good father-son relationship and describe the impact of these on the son's life. It was found that a "good enough" father-son relationship …

There Was Something In The Water: Parallels In Paradigms In English And Physics, 1880 To 1940., Tracy Joan Demars

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study posits that a paradigm is a shared vision of reality that governs how practitioners define and relate to the many and varied components that make up that reality. Using this definition, the author presents a visual model using concentric spheres of increasing abstraction that rearrange T. S. Kuhn's four components of a disciplinary matrix that he articulated in the 1969 Postscript to The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Based on this model and D'Amico's criteria for a coherent narrative, the study assesses the two primary paradigms, labeled the Object-Oriented paradigm and the Subject-Oriented paradigm, that existed in the fields …

Chromatin Structure Of Mag Gene Regulatory Region., Iwona Hirschler-Laszkiewicz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) plays an important role in myelinogenesis, nerve plasticity and nerve regeneration. Hence, knowledge of how this gene is regulated may be essential for developing clinical strategies, e.g., to promote regeneration in the injured spinal cord. We employed the primer extension technique for mapping MAG gene transcription start sites. The analysis revealed 13 transcription start sites spanning 72 bp. No canonical TATA box and no known transcription initiator (Inr) sequences that position transcription complex in other TATA-less promoters were found. The structure of chromatin associated with the MAG gene was analyzed using progressive micrococcal nuclease digestion of …

Perimenopause: A Phenomenological Study Of Women And Health Care Providers In Rural Areas., Patricia Ann Kraft

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Using a four step phenomenological approach for inquiry, the researcher explored and interpreted data obtained from the lived experiences of sixteen perimenopausal women and eight health care providers living in rural areas. A purposive sampling technique was utilized. Participation was on a voluntary basis. Data collection procedures included a face-to-face semi-structured taped interview and completion of a demographic questionnaire. Following analysis of the data, twenty-two common essences were identified from intuiting of the interview data. These essences were classified into six major themes which integrated all the realities of the participants. The findings of the study revealed six major themes …

The Effect Of Estrogen On The Transcriptional Regulation And The Chromatin Remodeling Of The Very Low Density Apolipoprotein Ii Gene., Elizabeth Mambo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The chicken very low density apolipoprotein II (apoVLDLII) gene encodes an egg yolk protein that is synthesized in the liver in response to estrogen. Regulation of this gene is mediated by the estrogen receptor via two estrogen response elements (EREs) located in the promoter. Following the administration of estrogen, there is a four hour lag period prior to the detection of apoVLDLII mRNA. To examine the events that occur during this lag period, in vivo footprinting and run-on transcription assays were performed. Time courses of the transcription of the apoVLDLII gene were done using the transcription run-on assay. The antisense …

Psychological Reactions Of Children Following Exposure To Motor Vehicle Accidents., Cheryl Annette Rode

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are one of the most common types of trauma experienced in this country. Recent studies have reported that approximately 30% to 50% of adult victims of MVAs experience severe and lingering distress following moderate to severe accidents. The present study examined the effects of MVAs on non-head-injured school-aged children. There were three main goals for the present study: (a) assess child MVA victims for general and accident-specific distress in comparison with a NonMVA sample, (b) assess the utility and initial reliability of a modified accident severity questionnaire, and (c) explore possible variables that might account for …

Comparison Of Male And Female Osteopathic Student Perceptions Of The Status Of Women In The Osteopathic Medical Education Environment., Carolyn Bailey Thompson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions held by female and male osteopathic students in regard to the status of women in the osteopathic medical education environment. Three general categories were examined: family/career conflict, professional representation, and gender discrimination. A sample of 576 students finishing their second year of education at five osteopathic medical schools in the United States was surveyed with a final return rate of 69.44%. Schools were selected by purposive sampling and data were analyzed using general linear models. The focus of the analysis was to compare the perceptions females and males reported regarding …

Imsa 1997 Profile, Office Of College And Academic Counseling

IMSA Profile

"IMSA is the nation's only three-year public residential educational program for students (grades 10-12) talented in mathematics and science and a founding member of the National Consortium for Specialized Schools of Science, Mathematics and Technology. IMSA is an educational laboratory for designing and testing innovative programs and methods to share with other teachers and schools in Illinois and beyond. The Academy's academic building includes state-of-the-art science, mathematics, computer, instructional technology and video production laboratories, an inventor's workshop and a telecommunications classroom."*

*Excerpt from the IMSA 1997 Profile

Assignment Of Fragile Site 8e (Fra8e) To Human Chromosome Band 8q24.11 Adjacent To The Hereditary Multiple Exostoses 1 Gene And Two Overlapping Langer-Giedion Syndrome Deletion Endpoints, April L. Hill, Y. Harada, E. Takahashi, J. Hou, M. J. Wagner, D. E. Wells

Biology Faculty Publications

The distamycin A inducible fragile site, FRA8E, Fra(8) (q24.11) has been previously mapped to 8q24.11, proximal to the MYC gene, by fluorescent in situ hybridization (Takahasi et al., 1991). This fragile site has been shown to be present in about 1 out of every 140 healthy Japanese individuals (Takahasi et al., 1988). To more precisely map FRA8E, we have used cosmids isolated from the Langer-Giedion chromosomal region (LGCR) for FISH analysis. Langer-Giedion syndrome (LGS) is a contiguous gene syndrome characterized by chromosome deletions in Sq24.11 (Ludecke et al., 1991). One of the genes known to be involved in the etiology …

Description Of Tadpoles Of Three Species Of Scinax (Anura: Hylidae), Rafael O. De Sá, Rocjard Wassersig, Arturo I. Kehr

Biology Faculty Publications

Larval morphological characteristics have been used to cluster species of Scinax in seven species groups and to support the monophyly of some of these groups. However, our present knowledge of Scinax tadpoles is incomplete; currently, tadpoles of only 21 of the approximately 80 recognized species have been described. Herein, we describe and illustrate the external morphology and oral disc characteristics of larval Scinax berthae, S. nebulosa, and S. boesemani. The presence of a "labial arm" supporting the P3 tooth row in S. boesemani, and its absence from S. nebulosa, is discussed in the light of our limited knowledge of tadpoles …

Introduction: The Hindu-Christian-Science Trialogue, Klaus K. Klostermaier

Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies

As an enthusiastic practitioner of Hindu-Christian dialogue in India in the sixties, I noted how frequently my Hindu dialogue partners resorted to modern science to make their points. They either drew parallels between ideas held by classical Indian authors and modern scientific findings, or they claimed "Vedic" origins for contemporary scientific or technical developments. More often than not they would perceive complete harmony between Vedanta and twentieth-century Western science, detailing how contemporary physics was supporting Advaita Vedanta or how Darwin's theory of evolution had been anticipated by Samkhya. Having had a lifelong interest in the sciences I found this turn …

Environmental Requirements For Sporocarp Germination In Marsileaceae, Kevin J. Kruep

Masters Theses

Experiments were conducted on sporocarps of Marsilea quadrifolia L. to determine whether temperature had any influence on the length of the reproductive period and initial sperm emergence from microgametophytes. Data were then compared to results of similar studies undertaken with the species M. vestita Hooker and Greville to determine whether there was any variation between them. A slight variation was recorded, ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours for initial emergence.

An additional set of experiments was performed with 58 year old sporocarps and approximately two-year-old sporocarps of M. quadrifolia. A difference of 2-6.5 hours for initial sperm emergence occurred between …

A Chemical Extraction Study Of Lead Contaminated Soil From Granite City, Il, Yan Zhang

Masters Theses

Granite City, IL, surface soil ( 0-10 cm ) contaminated with lead was studied by both single- and a four-step sequential chemical extraction procedures designed to establish the partitioning, mobility and availability of lead in soil. The five fractions corresponding to the selected extractants were exchangeable, carbonates-bound, Fe-Mn oxides bound, organic matter and residual. Lead contamination of the soil was determined as a function of particle size and soil depth.

The contaminated sample had the highest lead content of 573.1 mg/kg at the 4 cm soil depth level, and on average was about 8.8 times that of background soil. Most …

The Assessment Of Expertise: Transcending Construction, Randolph N. Jonakait

Articles & Chapters

No abstract provided.

Relationships Between Habitat Variables And Biotic Integrity Of The Embarras River Basin, Ann Marie Hogan

Masters Theses

In agricultural watersheds, channelization and the conversion of native vegetation into agricultural crops contribute to a loss or simplification of near-stream vegetation and a reduction in the complexity of the physical stream environment. Since changes to near-stream vegetation can have a significant effect on the stream biological community, this study investigated the relationship between a habitat quality index and stream fish assessment indices used to evaluate stream quality. Fish data and stream habitat quality data were collected from 13 sampling localities associated with the Embarras River basin. Habitat quality was measured using the Stream Habitat Assessment Procedure (SHAP), while stream …

The Effects Of Habitat Fragmentation And Factors Influencing Nest Box Use On The Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys Volans) In Southern Illinois, Catherine J. Woodworth

Masters Theses

I studied the effects of habitat :fragmentation on the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) in 30 forest fragments in southern Illinois. The fragments ranged in size from 6 ha to 5264 ha, and had varying degrees of isolation. I placed 10 nest boxes in each habitat fragment and checked them monthly. I captured southern flying squirrels in 24 of the 30 fragments, and found evidence of squirrels (i.e., nests and feeding stations) in 4 additional fragments. Thus, only 2 fragments did not show any evidence of squirrel use suggesting that the southern flying squirrel may not be particularly …