Digital Commons Network^™

Brief Therapy For Traumatized Children, Lisa Marie Linning

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Traumatic child maltreatment can negatively impact every developmental domain of a child, when left untreated. Thus, child psychologists have recognized a critical need for treatment and prevention strategies to circumvent the negative trajectories that can develop after traumatic events. Brief Therapy for Traumatized Children (BTTC) was developed to treat traumatized youth in shelter care. Treatment components included psychoeducation, building effective coping strategies, boundary setting, anxiety management skills, challenging cognitive distortions, development of trauma narrative and journaling. One hundred-forty-seven participants from a children's shelter in Las Vegas, NV, aged 12--17 years, were voluntarily recruited and assessed for trauma symptoms. Data from …

Cognitive Heterogeneity In Murderers, Erin Warnick

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

It has long been recognized that damage to one or more brain regions can produce antisocial and aggressive behavior. Unfortunately, however, attempts to develop a replicable neurocognitive profile that characterize serious forms of criminality have been relatively unsuccessful. Evidence of cognitive heterogeneity in violent offender populations may indicate different biobehavioral subtypes underling this complex multidetermined behavior. These subtypes may interact with other clinical and environmental vulnerabilities. In the current study, cluster analytic techniques were applied to a sample of 55 homicide offenders. Using select Halstead-Reitan and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) variables four distinct cognitive clusters were derived and externally …

Comparative Phylogeography Of Pine -Oak Birds, Garth Michael Spellman

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Pine and oak (pine-oak hereafter) woodlands are some of the most widespread floral communities in North America. They are distributed across the continent at mid-latitudes, but do exist as far north as British Columbia and as far south as Nicaragua. They are also disjunct habitats with distinct regional species assemblages (Eastern North America, Rocky Mountain/Great Basin, Californian, Sierra Nevada/Cascades, and Mexican/Central American [Madrean] assemblages). The division of pine-oak forests into specific regional communities should be reflected by patterns of faunal diversity, if the fauna that inhabit these forests evolved in situ over time in pine-oak forests. In fact this is …

The Dynamics Of Nonviolence In The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, Michael Doc Howard

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Palestinian/Israeli conflict is one of the most challenging political puzzles of the modern era. Although this is a bold assertion, the influence of this one conflict on the politics of the Middle Eastern region and on the politics of the new millennium is overwhelming. Hence, figuring out how to solve the puzzle, or more realistically, contributing to movements towards a resolution is paramount. This thesis seeks to assist in the scholarship dedicated to achieving this end. It does so from a unique perspective; The thesis contends through a normative argument that a shift in Palestinian strategy, from violence to …

On Using Block Principal Component Analysis For Reducing Gene-Expression Data Dimensions, Sang Hee Lee

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Since a microarray gene expression database contains a large number of variables and a relatively small number of samples, using and analyzing the databases require an intense, large-dimension computation method. Principal component analysis (PCA) is a useful tool to reduce the number of dimensions, and therefore, the complexity. PCA allows us to analyze the gene expression database with a relatively small data dimension without losing relevant information and increases the analytic visibility of the data. The initial computation using PCA, however, involves calculating a high-dimension covariance or correlation matrix and requires time and hardware resources which are limited in most …

Dorsal And Pectoral Fin Control Of A Biorobotic Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Mukund Narasimhan

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This thesis involves an in-depth research on the maneuvering of bio-robotic autonomous undersea vehicles (BAUVs) using bio-mimetic swimming mechanisms. Motivation was derived from the amazing flexibility and agility the fish inherit with the help of their pectoral and dorsal fins; In the first part of the thesis, control of BAUVs using dorsal fins is considered. The force produced by the cambering of the dorsal fins is used for control. An indirect adaptive controller is designed for depth tracking along constant trajectories even when the system parameters are not known. Next, for following time-varying trajectories, an adaptive control system for yaw …

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Inhibits Interleukin-1beta Stimulated Release Of Interleukin-6 From Rat C6 Glioma Cells: In Vitro Evidence For A Role Of P38 Map Kinase, Raghuram Royyuru

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

We investigated the pathway of IL-1beta stimulated IL-6 release and the involvement of different MAPK's effectors. We used three different MAPK inhibitors SB203580 for p38, SP600125 for JNK, and PD98059 for ERK kinases. We described the role of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABAB receptor in the inhibition of IL-1beta signal transduction; Bioassay results suggest that SB203580 inhibited IL-6 release while the other two MAPK inhibitors had no effect. It also suggested GABA inhibits the IL-1beta stimulated release of IL-6. By Western analysis we found that IL-1beta activated p38 MAPK time dependent fashion and we saw a maximum stimulation occurred at …

Effects Of Attentional Focus On Kinematics And Muscle Activation Patterns As A Function Of Expertise, Tiffany L Zachry

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

It has been demonstrated that for motor tasks, an external focus of attention can yield better results than an internal focus of attention. To be more specific, focusing on the effect of the movements seems to be more beneficial to performance and learning than focusing on the movements themselves (for a review, see Wulf & Prinz, 2001). To explain this phenomenon, Wulf, McNevin, and Shea (2001) proposed that an internal focus of attention is less effective because concentrating on the movements interferes with the motor system's attempt to naturally self-organize, the "constrained-action hypothesis." The purpose of this study was to …

Thermal Comfort In Office Buildings, Lalith Sandeep Annavarapu

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Department of Energy (DOE), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other government agencies and professional associations which are interested in to the building industry have initiated policies and developed methods to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Policies and methods designed to reduce energy usage in buildings have had significant impacts on building performance characteristics and indoor air quality and environmental conditions. These include ventilation and space conditioning, temperature and humidity control, acoustics, occupant perception, worker productivity, and other related factors. An integrated protocol consisting of appropriate engineering measurements and related occupant surveys is developed …

Performance Analysis Of Error Detection And Correction Code For Wireless Sensor Networks, Gopinath Balakrishnan

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Recent advances in wireless communications and electronics have enabled the development of low-cost, low-power, self-organizational, multifunctional wireless sensor networks. Wireless sensor networks can be applied to a wide range of application areas including heath, military and homeland security, environment, industry and commercial, and home. A typical wireless sensor network consists of one or more sink nodes and a large number of sensor nodes scattered in a sensor field. Each of these sensor nodes is capable to collect the data and relay the data back to the sink through a multi-hop architecture. The key challenge in sensor networks is to overcome …

Enhancing Collaborative Argumentation In An Online Environment, Jennifer Dawn Golanics

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Studies indicate that collaborative argumentation can aid students' understanding and improve their problem-solving skills. This study used the online environment WebCT to explore the improvement of argumentation through goal instruction. In previous studies of collaborative argumentation using WebCT, small groups of students discussed controversial questions. Some groups were given a general goal to persuade, but others were given an elaborated goal to generate reasons and evidence. The effect that the elaborated goal had compared to the general goal was analyzed. This study replicated those previous studies, with some alterations. The goal was to evaluate two interventions designed to increase argument …

Analysis Of Fatty Acids In Soil And Sediments, Deepika P Panawennage

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Fatty acids are one of the most important classes of naturally occurring organic compounds. Various organisms have distinctive fatty acid profiles. Therefore analyzing fatty acids present in soil and sediments can provide important information on sources of origin of the organic matter; Analysis of fatty acids by gas chromatography requires derivatization to produce a derivative volatile enough for gas chromatography followed by mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis. In this work conventional acid catalyzed derivatization methods and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) chemopyrolysis methods were examined and compared. Results obtained for Lake Mead sediments show the variation of fatty acids profile with depth, which …

Metallurgical And Corrosion Characterization Of Structural Materials For S-I Cycle, Radhakrishnan Santhanakrishnan

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Tensile testing involving Alloy C-22 and Nb1Zr exhibited reduced strength with increasing temperature within a range relevant to the Hlx decomposition process. A reduction in failure strain was however, noted, at 100°C possibly due to dynamic strain aging effect. Even though the ductility parameters were not influenced by the change in temperature in stress-corrosion-cracking (SCC) testing in an acidic solution the true in this alloy was reduced appreciably. Nb1Zr did not exhibit any failure stress conventional SCC pattern. The critical potentials for localized corrosion in both alloys became more active at higher temperatures. No cracking was observed with C-ring and …

Study On Immobilizing Radionuclides In Apatite-Based Host Phase Materials, Gunanda Weduge Chinthaka Silva

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Fluorapatite is well known for its properties such as high thermal stability, chemical durability and its resistibility to radiation damage. These properties have been taken into account when it was considered as waste form material for fluoride salts like Cs, Sr and rare earths. The research as described in this thesis was carried out in order to determine the feasibility of incorporating other elements into fluorapatite as surrogate for nuclear waste without affecting any of its properties, especially the thermal stability. The aim was to accomplish incorporations in a way so that some of the calcium ions in the fluorapatite …

Conceptual Modeling And Analysis Of A Solar Receiver For Thermochemical Hydrogen Generation, Derek Satoru Taguchi

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize the way we live our everyday lives in the near future. With the global demand for oil increasing and pumping capabilities running at, or almost at full capacity, the world will eventually have to turn to alternative energy sources to satisfy the need for fuel in the near future; The processes involved in designing a system capable of hydrogen production include many different components. For the generation of hydrogen through a solar process, one of these components is the design and analysis of the solar receiver. The solar receiver is the component of the …

Population Ecology Of White-Tailed Deer In The Drift Prairie-Coteau Of North Dakota, Jason R. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Correlation Of Genetics And Structure In Escherichia Coli Secy Complex, Deepika Kanupuru

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Avian And Vegetative Diversity Of Restored And Natural Basin Wetlands In East Central North Dakota, Blane A. Klemek

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Assessing “Discover Mojave” Instrument Development And Analysis, Lori Olafson, Gregory Schraw, Jeanne A. Klockow

Reports (DM)

We developed a comprehensive assessment plan and tested the curriculum to determine whether hands-on outdoor recreation events promote knowledge, attitudes, and performance among at-risk urban children. Knowledge, attitude, and performance assessments were developed, refined and conducted through various stages based on cultural and language barriers as well a variety of age groups participating within the events. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and performance increased substantially as a result of participating in the outdoor recreation events. We conclude that the implementation and assessment of the program is strong. We also make several recommendations for future programs.

Education About The Environment Discover Mojave Programs, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI Education)

Increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action” (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978)

Anion And Cation-Yield Spectroscopy Of Core-Excited Sf6, Maria Novella Piancastelli, Wayne C. Stolte, Renaud Guillemin, A. Wolska, M. M. Sant'anna, Dennis W. Lindle

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

We report an extensive study on total and partial-ion-yield spectroscopy around both the S 2p and F 1s thresholds in SF₆. All positive and negative single-ion channels have been measured. Below the F 1s threshold we detect a large variation in relative intensity of the resonant structures according to the specific channel monitored, indicating selective fragmentation. Above threshold, at variance with previous cases described by us, we detect high-intensity structures related to shape resonances not only in the cation channels but also for the anions. We discuss the applicability and limits of a model we …

Unlv Magazine, Lori Bachand, Regina Barcolas, Barbara Cloud, Holly Ivy De Vore, Gian Galassi, Cayrn Key, Jennifer Robison, Gillian Silver, Jason Vaughan, John F. Gallagher, Cate Weeks, Diane Russell

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Water Element Of The Las Vegas 2020 Master Plan, City Of Las Vegas, Nevada

Publications (WR)

Development in the city of Las Vegas is guided by the goals, objectives and policies outlined in the 2020 Master Plan, and elements of the Plan such as the Public Safety Element, which contain goals and policies designed to protect and enhance groundwater drainage. Additionally, the city of Las Vegas Strategic Plan has the following goals, strategies, and performance measures: Goal: Encourage conservation and optimization of natural resources. Strategy: Identify appropriate water conservation strategies and priorities. Strategy: Explore best development and urban design practices for environmental stewardship, energy and water conservation, and efficient use of the land. Performance Measure: Adoption …

2005- 2008 Unlv Mcnair Journal, Valerie Avery, Shana Bachus, Karmen K. Boehlke, Andrea Flores, Alden Kelly, Erick Lopez, Carol Preussler, Heather Shay, Ava Bookatz, Shaun Elsasser, Veronica Hicks, Shaida A. Jetha, Anthony Quinn, Thurithabhani Seneviratne, Teddy Boado Sim Jr., Liza Ward, Amris Henry-Rodgers, Jacquelynn Kaaa-Logan, Jason Orozco, Juan C. Plata, Bonnie Bartlett, Kathleen Bell, Vacheral M. Carter, Nydia Diaz, Kimberly Hackstock, Julio A. Luna, Charles Mao, Sandra Ramos, Precious Rideout, Benjamin Lee Watrous, Chet R. Whitley

McNair Journal

Journal articles based on research conducted by undergraduate students in the McNair Scholars Program

Table of Contents

Biography of Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Statements:

Dr. Neal J. Smatresk, UNLV President

Dr. Juanita P. Fain, Vice President of Student Affairs

Dr. William W. Sullivan, Associate Vice President for Retention and Outreach

Mr. Keith Rogers, Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach

McNair Scholars Institute Staff

Fecal Pellet Deposition And Disappearance Rates For Snowshoe Hares Near Seeley Lake Montana, Pilar T. Rivera

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

The Pollen Burden: Nomadic Communion With Landscape, Sacha N. Pealer

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Interactions Between The Invasive Plant Centaurea Maculosa And Ant Communities In Savannas In Western Montana, Joseph M. Jensen

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Success Of Swift Fox Reintroductions On The Blackfeet Indian Reservation Montana, David E. Ausband

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Then And Now: Blackfeet Subsistence And Glacier National Park, Charlie Presti

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying 6-Hydroxydopamine And Ethanol-Induced Neurotoxicity, Gang Chen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ethanol and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a Parkinson's disease (PD) mimetic, are two toxins to the cerebellum. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying their neurotoxicities. The work in chapter 2 of this thesis focused on 6-OHDA-induced neurodegeneration. Previous studies indicate that impaired function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), commonly referred to as ER stress, is an important factor in the neuropathology of a wide variety of neurological disorders. This study demonstrated that 6-OHDA evoked ER-stress and led to apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line and cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Furthermore, GSK3beta played a crucial role in mediating 6-OHDA's neurotoxicity. …