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The Ecology Of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes And Their Antagonists On Golf Course Greens Turf In Southern New England, Katerina Serlemitsos Jordan

Open Access Dissertations

A two-year survey was conducted to determine the ecology of plant-parasitic nematodes and their antagonists on golf course greens turf in southern New England. Soil samples were collected from three greens each at 38 golf courses, for a total of 114 samples. Samples were collected in May, July, and September of each year. Nematodes were extracted from soil samples, identified to genus and counted. Genus diversity and seasonal fluctuation of nematode populations, both within each season and between the two sampling years, were analyzed. Additionally, data on soil physical and chemical properties, as well as management practices on each golf …

Interactive Manipulation Of 3d Scene Projections, Department Of Computer Science Engineering Washington University In St. Louis

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Linear perspective is a good approximation to the format in which the human visual system conveys 3D scene information to the brain. Artists expressing 3D scenes, however, create nonlinear projections that balance their linear perspective view of a scene with elements of aesthetic style, layout and relative importance of scene objects. Manipulating the many parameters of a linear perspective camera to achieve a desired view is not easy. Controlling and combining mul-tiple such cameras to specify a nonlinear projection is an even more cumbersome task. This paper presents a direct interface, where an artist manipulates in 2D the desired projection …

Interleukin-10 Receptor Dysfunction In Peritoneal Macrophages By Toll-Like Receptor Ligands, Surjya Bhattacharyya

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic cytokine which limits inflammatory responses by balancing the hosts immune response against infection. Mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that recognize specific molecular pattens on microbial pathogens and activate intracellular signaling via the transcription factors NF-B and IRF-3. In this study we evaluate the contribution of the TLR ligands Poly I:C, Pam3CSK4, LPS and LTA to IL-10 receptor dysfunction in murine peritoneal macrophages (PM). We examine how these ligands are able to alter IL-10 mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and CCR5 gene expression in PM. The ability of Poly I:C and Pam3CSK4 to alter the …

Investigating Treatment Windows For Effective And Environmentally Sound Herbicide Applications For Controlling Tree-Of-Heaven, William E. Eck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This paper discusses three research studies, each investigating a different treatment window for controlling tree-of-heaven using effective and environmentally sound herbicide applications. In the first study, efficacy of the herbicides triclopyr and imazapyr was tested using injection and basal bark treatment methods. In the second study, efficacy of triclopyr with different levels of imazapyr was tested using the basal bark treatment method. In the third study, weekly timing of chemical controls was investigated. Our study yielded a recommendation to treat tree-of-heaven with a low volume basal spray of Garlon 4 in a non-aromatic penetrating oil when growth is maximized in …

Pharmaceutical Performance Testing Of Commercially Available Calcium Supplements, Jianqing Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In our research, the quality of a number of calcium supplements was evaluated by their physical properties, disintegration and dissolution profiles. Physical tests and disintegration did show a pH sensitivity. Disintegration confirmed the good uniformity of the products. In the USP required dissolution test, most of the products did not achieve acceptable drug release in the specified time period. While formulation factors and the salt form of calcium supplements can to some extent affect their dissolution pattern, it was ultimately considered that the failure may be related to the poor solubility of the calcium salts.;Based on the results and the …

Desarrollo De Una Escuela De Discipulado En La Iglesia Del SéPtimo DíA De Chino, California, Misael De La Cruz

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The biblical concept of discipleship consists in training and equipping people so they can become responsible Christians. The idea of equipping church members for the ministry appears often in the New Testament. According to Paul, the work of equipping is a joint effort between the Deity and the Christian leader: “And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph 4:11, 12, NIV). The word “equipping” comes from the Greek katartizo, which means to prepare, equip, or perfect, as translated in other Bible …

Development Of An Evangelism Model For The Silver Springs Shores Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Creaton Leopold Francis

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

From 1994 to 2003, the Silver Springs Shores Seventh-day Adventist Church in Florida had difficulty attracting and retaining members despite yearly evangelistic crusades and other efforts at soul winning. The purpose of this project was to develop and introduce a plan designed in response to this challenge, one tailored toward the specific needs of the Silver Springs Shores Church.

Method

In order to develop a model that would specifically address the needs of Silver Springs Shores Seventh-day Adventist Church, a thorough demographic study of the local community was conducted. The project entailed a feasibility study of the community and …

A Pilot Grief Ministry Program To Equip Grief Ministry Facilitators In The Local Adventist Churches, Joyce Marie Hatchett

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

There is a need for a visible and effective Seventh-day Adventist Grief Ministry Training Program that is theologically sound and culturally sensitive that will serve the bereavement needs of both the local Seventh-day Adventist congregation(s) and others in the community.

Method

For this study, I used formative evaluation, sometimes referred to as pilot testing. Formative Evaluation has two goals: (1) To gain understanding through observation and soliciting responses of participants concerning how the curriculum and instructional processes might be improved; and (2) to develop strategies for improving the curriculum and instructional process. This pilot training program was held September …

Developing A Deeper Understanding Of God: A Strategy For Revitalizing The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Croatia, Miroslav Didara

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Adventism in Croatia will soon celebrate its one hundredth anniversary. The church is becoming increasingly traditional and formal. Baptisms have been in decline for the last ten years. Gradually the less important issues such as life style, worship style, music, and food have become a focus. It seems that many members have lost sight of what genuine Christianity is all about, not knowing the difference between form and meanings and unconsciously moving towards formalism and legalism. Therefore, there is a need for personal and corporate spiritual renewal which can only come through a deeper understanding of God and by …

The Rhetoric And Philosophy Of Early American Discourse 1767-1801: Toward A Theory Of Common Sense, James Cianciola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

What are the rhetorical and philosophical implications of common sense in colonial America during the time immediately preceding, during, and following the American Revolution? A study of seminal texts from the Classical era, the Enlightenment, and the American Revolution will reveal the uses of common sense as rhetorical invention in each historical period. This study will also identify the various philosophies of common sense at play in the second half of the 18th century in order to better understand their influence upon the construction of early American rhetoric. While segments of postmodern rhetorical theories challenge or reject the presuppositions of …

Phylogenetic Investigations Of The Genus Cyprinella Based On Mitochondrial Dna Sequence Data, Tiffani Crum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The genus Cyprinella is a highly diverse and widely distributed assemblage of freshwater fish. Members of this genus are commonly referred to as minnows and their similar appearances have led to numerous classification problems. Only recently has Cyprinella been elevated to generic status and many relationships within the genus are only beginning to be understood. To investigate the monophyly of Cyprinella leedsi, a species of Cyprinella with a highly disjunct distribution, and to develop a molecular method for tracking hybridization events between the invasive red shiner (C. lutrensis) and other southeastern Cyprinella species, the mtDNA tRNA Pro gene, the control …

Primary Fatty Acid Amides In Mammalian Tissues: Isolation And Analysis By Hptlc And Spe In Conjunction With Gc/Ms, Tamanna Sultana

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Primary fatty acid amides (PFAM's) are a novel class of bio-active lipids present in mammals in trace level. Selective isolation of PFAM's from lipid extracts is crucial for obtaining them in pure and concentrated form for interference-free instrumental detection and analysis. Synthesis of these commercially unavailable lipids is also important for method development and quantitative analysis by instrumental means. In this study a wide variety of long chain saturated and unsaturated primary fatty acid amides were synthesized and characterized. This list includes the positional and geometrical isomers of naturally abundant PFAM's. Two isotopically enriched PFAM's were also synthesized which are …

Structural Determinants For Substrate And Inhibitor Recognition By The Dopamine Transporter, Okechukwu T. Ukairo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A long-standing postulate holds that cocaine inhibits DAT-mediated dopamine transport via competition with dopamine for formation of an ionic bond with the DAT transmembrane 1 aspartic acid residue 79. A recent study from our laboratory indicated that mutation of this aspartate to glutamate (D79E) had little or no effect on dopamine affinity or dopamine uptake inhibition potencies for WIN35,428 and cocaine, and decreased WIN35,428 affinity by only 3 fold (Wang et al., 2003). The study cast doubt on the requirement of a dopamine-D79 ion pair, but did not address whether the residue plays a role in recognizing the cocaine pharmacophore. …

Nymphal Rnai: Systemic Rnai Mediated Gene Knockdown In Juvenile Grasshopper, Ying Dong, Markus Friedrich

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Grasshopper serves as important model system in neuroscience, development and evolution. Representatives of this primitive insect group are also highly relevant targets of pest control efforts. Unfortunately, the lack of genetics or gene specific molecular manipulation imposes major limitations to the study of grasshopper biology.

Results

We investigated whether juvenile instars of the grasshopper species Schistocerca americana are conducive to gene silencing via the systemic RNAi pathway. Injection of dsRNA corresponding to the eye colour gene vermilion into first instar nymphs triggered suppression of ommochrome formation in the eye lasting through two instars equivalent to 10–14 days in …

The Role Of Aromatase Inhibitors In Ameliorating Deleterious Effects Of Ovarian Stimulation On Outcome Of Infertility Treatment, Mohamed Fm Mitwally, Robert F. Casper, Michael P. Diamond

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Clinical utilization of ovulation stimulation to facilitate the ability of a couple to conceive has not only provided a valuable therapeutic approach, but has also yielded extensive information on the physiology of ovarian follicular recruitment, endometrial receptivity and early embryo competency. One of the consequences of the use of fertility enhancing agents for ovarian stimulation has been the creation of a hyperestrogenic state, which may influence each of these parameters. Use of aromatase inhibitors reduces hyperestrogenism inevitably attained during ovarian stimulation. In addition, the adjunct use of aromatase inhibitors during ovarian stimulation reduces amount of gonadotropins required for optimum …

Gene Expression Profiling Revealed Novel Mechanism Of Action Of Taxotere And Furtulon In Prostate Cancer Cells, Yiwei Li, Maha Hussain, Sarah H. Sarkar, James Eliason, Ran Li, Fazlul H. Sarkar

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Both Taxotere and Capecitabine have shown anti-cancer activity against various cancers including prostate cancer. In combination, Taxotere plus Capecitabine has demonstrated higher anti-cancer activity in advanced breast cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of Taxotere and Capecitabine have not been fully elucidated in prostate cancer.

Methods

The total RNA from PC3 and LNCaP prostate cells untreated and treated with 2 nM Taxotere, 110 μM Furtulon (active metabolite of Capecitabine), or 1 nM Taxotere plus 50 μM Furtulon for 6, 36, and 72 hours, was subjected to Affymetrix Human Genome U133A Array analysis. Real-time PCR and Western Blot …

Sequential Super-Stereotypy Of An Instinctive Fixed Action Pattern In Hyper-Dopaminergic Mutant Mice: A Model Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Tourette's, Kent C. Berridge, J Wayne Aldridge, Kimberly R. Houchard, Xiaoxi Zhuang

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Excessive sequential stereotypy of behavioral patterns (sequential super-stereotypy) in Tourette's syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is thought to involve dysfunction in nigrostriatal dopamine systems. In sequential super-stereotypy, patients become trapped in overly rigid sequential patterns of action, language, or thought. Some instinctive behavioral patterns of animals, such as the syntactic grooming chain pattern of rodents, have sufficiently complex and stereotyped serial structure to detect potential production of overly-rigid sequential patterns. A syntactic grooming chain is a fixed action pattern that serially links up to 25 grooming movements into 4 predictable phases that follow 1 syntactic rule. New …

Women's Voice, January/February 2005, Women's, Gender, And Sexuality Studies Program

Women's Voice (1991-2006)

No abstract provided.

Communication Between Multiple Robots, Crystal Piper

Senior Seminars

No abstract provided.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa 1244 Piliation: Environmental Signals And Regulation, Dana Furst

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1244 pili on the bacterial surface is dependent upon the growth environment. Quantitative western immunoblot analysis showed that an agar plate promoted surface expression of pili, whereas bacterial cells grown in liquid broth lacked similar appendages. Hyperexpression of the pilA gene increased piliation in broth cells but not to the extent of plate cells. Real-time RT-PCR indicated that the pilA gene has the potential to be regulated posttranscriptionally, regardless of the growth environment.

The P. aeruginosa 1244 pilin glycan and lipopolysaccharide O-antigen are synthesized via the same biosynthetic pathway. Rabbits immunized with LPS-free pili produced …

Questioning The Rhetorical Eclipse Of Philosophical Leisure: Ad Colloquium Conferendum, Annette M. Holba

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Human communication in our postmodern era has degenerated into phatic communication. Phatic communication, appropriate in some circumstances, used unreflectively limits the ability for the development of healthy, idea-laden conversation. The phatic nature of communication represents a loss of human interest in human communication. Philosophical leisure can help to recapture the element of human interest in conversation, which recuperates an over-abundance of phaticity in human communication. Recuperation of communication occurs when ideas drive conversation. Philosophical leisure can help human beings to find substance for those ideas. This study considers how philosophical leisure can enrich human communication.

Development And Optimization Of Integrated Microwave Enhanced Extraction As A Sample Preparation Technique: Environmental, Clinical And Green Chemistry Applications, Sejal Iyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Authors describe the development of a novel technique, Integrated Microwave Extraction (IME), an enhancement for Microwave Assisted Solvent Extraction (MASE). Solvents are optimized for chemistry and microwave absorption is modified using secondary microwave absorbers enabling traditional solvent applications. The salient features of IME are its equipment integration and secondary heating technology, which are aimed at overcoming deficiencies of MASE. Comparative studies of IME with traditional extraction techniques were carried out. IME will thus prove to be a time saving method with the added advantages of being economical, safe and environmentally friendly process. The data indicates equivalent recoveries for both classes …

Kidney Development In Eleutherodactylus Coqui With Relation To Edema Syndrome, Seung Yun Lee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Vertebrates develop embryonic kidneys before the final adult kidney. Particularly for organisms with aquatic larvae such as frogs, the first embryonic kidney, the pronephros is essential for the larvae's survival. Those larvae with defective or without pronephroi exhibited pronounced edema. Edema is severe swelling of a body part as a result of fluid retention. To date, although the embryonic kidneys have been extensively studied in various model organisms, it has not been studied in Eleutherodactylus coqui. E. coqui is a direct developing frog and lacks a tadpole phase in its life cycle. I examined the kidney development in E. coqui …

The Role Of The Pseudomonas Aeruginosa 1244 Pilin Glycan In Virulence, Jennifer Roguskie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The pili of P. aeruginosa 1244 are involved in a post-translational modification in which an acidic carbohydrate moiety structurally similar to the lipopolysaccahride (LPS) O-antigen is covalently attached to the pilin protein. It has been shown that this associated glycan is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the pilus. Because of its prime location along the pilus, experiments were conducted to determine if the pilin glycan contributed to the virulence of P. aeruginosa. Initial studies involved the assessment of LD50 values to demonstrate that acquisition of the exoU gene increased the virulence of PA1244. Interestingly, the LD50 studies suggested …

Expresson Of The Endodermal Marker, Ecsox17, During Embryogenesis Of The Direct Developing Frog, Eleutherodactylus Coqui, Srikanth Singamsetty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the model amphibian, Xenopus laevis, the HMG box transcription factor, Sox17, is expressed throughout the vegetal region that forms the endoderm. It is both necessary and sufficient for the endoderm formation. In order to study endoderm formation in the direct developing frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, its Sox17 orthologue EcSox17 was cloned by Sean Willamson. To look at the expression of EcSox17, I designed primers and did RT-PCR on whole embryos. EcSox17 was expressed from cleavage to hatching of free-living froglet. EcSox17 RNA was present in the ovaries, an expression which has not been reported in any other vertebrate. Whole mount …

Migrant Mobilization: Factors Contributing To The Success Of The Coalition Of Immokaleee Workers, Jane Walsh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

What factors have facilitated the success of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)? This is the key question that this study attempts to answer. The answer to this question can provide valuable lessons for other farmworker organizations and unions. Social movement literature emphasizes 1) effective leadership; 2) collective identity; 3) the strategic use of various sources of power; 4) conscience constituency involvement; and 5) political opportunities as factors necessary for mobilization. I have used these five factors to analyze the success of the CIW.

The design of this research study includes both participant-observation and in-depth interviews. Subjects for in-person interviews …

Childhood Fire-Setting: A Contextual Understanding, Andrew Ward

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous research on fire-setting has been either totally theoretical or has been based on limited contact with individuals who set the fires. This dissertation accessed fire-setting through interviews with three male adults who set fires as children. Background information was acquired from the participants to construct the context in which each instance of fire-setting occurred. The purpose of this project was to understand each individual's life as a child in relation to his fire-setting behavior.

The initial goal of this project was to gain access to the actual experience of setting a fire; however, this proved to be an elusive …

Whiteness And The Return Of The "Black Body", George Yancy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation project is to theorize and understand Black embodiment within the context of white hegemony, that is, within the context of a white racist anti-Black world. I theorize the Black body as a site of lived historicity vis-á-vis whiteness as the transcendental signified or as that which takes itself to be "unconditioned." I theorize how the Black body, under the power of the white gaze, which is linked to cultural, symbolic, and material power, undergoes what I refer to as a "phenomenological return." Examples were taken from the work of Ralph Ellsion, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B Du …

Sandspur, Vol 112, No 15, 2005, Rollins College

The Rollins Sandspur

Rollins College student newspaper, written by the students and published at Rollins College. The Sandspur started as a literary journal.

Lordship And Coinage In Empúries (Ca. 1080 – Ca. 1140), Stephen P. Bensch

History Faculty Works

No abstract provided.