Digital Commons Network^™

A Review Of Barriers To Biofuel Market Development In The United States, Karl R. Rábago

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

In recent years, biofuel markets have begun a resurgence. At one time, biofuels were the only way humanity obtained useful energy, but they were almost totally displaced by fossil fuels during the last century. Now, due to a range of drivers, they have begun a small but seemingly solid comeback. This Article reviews the remaining barriers to full commercial success for biofuels in the United States with an emphasis on transportation fuels. While recent success has been impressive, markets for transportation biofuels are hardly “self-sustaining” in the purest sense of the concept. The author does not seek to disparage the …

Family Context Of Children And Youths Experiencing Online Interpersonal Victimization, Brian Michael Hinchee

Master's Theses and Capstones

Internet victimization of children is a recent phenomenon that is now widely studied. The various predictors of Internet victimization have received less attention. My study measures Online Interpersonal Victimization, which includes harassment and sexual solicitations. I analyze victimization using the Family Context model and Routine Activities and Lifestyles Theory to examine how relationships with parents contribute to youth victimization.

This study uses 2005 data from the Youth Internet Safety Survey (YISS2), a nationally representative sample of youth Internet users and their parents. Survey participants (N=1500) were regular Internet users between the ages of 10 and 17. It was hypothesized that …

Role Stress, Role Resources, And Mental Health Outcomes Among Recreational Runners, Leslie Dillon

Master's Theses and Capstones

Research on the impact of multiple role management on mental health outcomes has yet to consider the implications of a recreational athlete role. Role Conflict theory predicts that incorporating this additional role would increase potential for stress manifested as a mental health problem. Role Expansion theory predicts the social qualities of this additional role can be helpful in buffering against stress. In an exploratory study, a sample of recreational runners from New England were recruited by email to complete an online survey that evaluated role resources, role stress, depression, and alcohol problems. Results show no significant relationships between role stress, …

Protistan Predation And Tce Biodegradation In A Fractured Rock Aquifer, Joseph J. Cunningham Iii.

Master's Theses and Capstones

Despite extensive research on the resources required to initiate dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE), slow rates and stalling continue to be observed in situ. The majority of research on biodegradation of TCE has focused resource availability, while predation is poorly understood. Predation has the potential to significantly alter bacterial abundance, and can play an important role in selecting what species are present, and determine if the community is capable of mineralizing TCE. The impact of protistan predation on TCE biodegradation rates, and occurrence and length of stalls was measured in this experiment. When protists were inhibited, TCE was mineralized. Protistan predation …

The Experimental Evolution Of Host Adaptation Of The Emerging Pathogen Burkholderia Cenocepacia, Crystal Nicole Ellis

Master's Theses and Capstones

I investigated the ability of Burkholderia cenocepacia, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, to adapt to a host. Studies have identified trade-offs associated with environmental adaptation, but few have investigated host adaptation. Consequently, I studied effects of adaptation by B. cenocepacia to onions (Allium cepa) on the ability to kill Caenorhabditis elegans. I hypothesized that adaptation to onions would reduce virulence in C. elegans. I evolved twelve populations of bacteria in onion tissue medium for 500 generations. Then, I quantified fitness differences between evolved and ancestral populations by direct competition, having developed molecular marking techniques to discriminate among competitors. Competitions revealed fitness …

Distribution And Feeding Behavior Of Early Life Stages Of The Northern Shrimp, Pandalus Borealis, In Relation To The Spring Phytoplankton Bloom In The Western Gulf Of Maine, Erin B. Hobbs

Master's Theses and Capstones

The northern shrimp Pandalus borealis is a commercially important crustacean found in the deep waters of western Gulf of Maine. In order to develop better fisheries management practices, it is essential to understand variability in P. borealis recruitment. Analysis of samples collected along a coastal transect (during 2005 and 2006), indicate cross-shore distribution of early planktonic larval stages is consistent with observed benthic distribution of ovigerous females. Timing of larval occurrence in relation to the spring phytoplankton bloom suggests that a match/mismatch with abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton prey may be a primary determinant of recruitment success. Among the potential …

Synthesis And Properties Of Poly(Itaconic Acid), Ming Cao

Master's Theses and Capstones

Previously, itaconic acid (IA) was known to be at best a difficult monomer to be polymerized. Here we report effective conditions for an easy polymerization of itaconic acid to high conversion and high molecular weight. tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide (tBHP) was used as an efficient initiator for solution polymerization of IA. Conversions higher than 90% can be reached in less than 1hr. Molecular weights of poly(itaconic acid) have been analyzed in GPC. The structure of PIA was studied by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR. The initiator concentration dependence and monomer concentration effect have been investigated.

Based on the polymerization process of itaconic acid, a simple …

Investigation Of The Sex Determination Mechanisms In Summer Flounder (Paralichthys Dentatus) And Black Sea Bass (Centropristis Striata), Heidi R. Colburn

Master's Theses and Capstones

In many cultured finfish species, sexually dimorphic growth is observed, therefore, understanding the mechanisms of differentiation in fishes is necessary for successful aquaculture. Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus ) and black sea bass (Centropristis striata) are good candidate species for aquaculture because they easily adapt to culture conditions and have high market value. The production of monosex populations is advantageous in species exhibiting sexually dimorphic growth rates. The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of the mechanisms involved in sex differentiation of summer flounder and black sea bass. In summer flounder, monosex female culture is beneficial because females …

An Investigation Of Recycled/Industrial Materials To Attenuate Hydrogen Sulfide Resulting From The Use Of Construction And Demolition Debris Fines, Kelly Ann Melendez Loaiza

Master's Theses and Capstones

One of the products of Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris recycling is C&D debris fines. C&D debris fines closely resemble soil. They may contain metal scraps, gypsum drywall, wood, soil, shingles, and concrete. Landfills have utilized C&D debris fines as alternative daily cover and/or shaping and grading material. The use of C&D debris fines has been linked to diffuse hydrogen sulfide emissions at landfills. Hydrogen sulfide emissions are not only a nuisance, but may pose a health hazard to landfill workers. This research investigates how recycled materials may be used to attenuate hydrogen sulfide emissions resulting from the use of …

Ecology, Distribution, Quantification, And Impact Of Introduced, Asian Porphyra Yezoensis F Yezoensis Ueda And Porphyra Yezoensis F Narawaensis A Miura In The Northwestern Atlantic, Jeremy C. Nettleton

Master's Theses and Capstones

Invasive species pose a threat to the balance of intertidal ecosystems. Recently, two forms of the non-native species, Porphyra yezoensis Ueda, were found at multiple sites between New York and Downcast Maine. A 2007 New England survey confirmed the presence of P. yezoensis f. yezoensis at nine sites, including two beyond its reported distribution. Porphyra yezoensis f narawaensis A. Miura was found at four sites in Long Island Sound. To assess the ecological impact of f. yezoensis and f. narawaensis on Northwest Atlantic macroalgal communities, monthly density and biomass data were gathered in 2008 from seven southern New England sites …

Molecular Targets Of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin (Tcdd) Within The Zebrafish Ovary: Insights Into Tcdd-Induced Endocrine Disruption And Reproductive Toxicity, Tisha C. King Heiden, Craig Struble, Matthew L. Rise, Martin J. Hessner, Reinhold J. Hutz, Michael J. Carvan Iii

Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

TCDD is a reproductive toxicant and endocrine disruptor, yet the mechanisms by which it causes these reproductive alterations are not fully understood. In order to provide additional insight into the molecular mechanisms that underlie TCDD's reproductive toxicity, we assessed TCDD-induced transcriptional changes in the ovary as they relate to previously described impacts on serum estradiol concentrations and altered follicular development in zebrafish. In silico computational approaches were used to correlate candidate regulatory motifs with observed changes in gene expression. Our data suggest that TCDD inhibits follicle maturation via attenuated gonadotropin responsiveness and/or depressed estradiol biosynthesis, and that interference of estrogen-regulated …

Tolfenamic Acid Interrupts The De Novo Synthesis Of Plaque-Forming Amyloid Beta Peptides: Implications For Alzheimers Disease, Lina I. Adwan

Open Access Master's Theses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) distresses the lives of millions of people around the world. Its costs were estimated to be at least 100 billion dollars each year (Fillit, 2000). And so far, no cure has been found to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are considered to be central in pathogenesis of AD. The plaques are mainly composed of aggregations of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides, which are generated upon the sequential cleavage of the larger amyloid precursor protein (APP) first by the enzyme β-secretase, and then by the enzyme γ-secretase. These plaques are one …

Exploring (Social) Class In The Classroom: The Case Of Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, Miriam A. Cherry

Pace Law Review

No abstract provided.

Feeding Mechanics Of A Trophic Generalist And A Specialist Shark Species: A Comparison Of Diet, Behavior And Function, Shannon Page Gerry

Open Access Dissertations

Ecomorphological studies investigate the relationship between the morphology of an organism and the environment. For feeding, this can be accomplished by a multi-level analysis of the diet, behavior and morphological function of the organism to predict the role of an organism with a community. Partitioning of resources within a community can often be determined by the degree of plasticity or degree of specialization used in resource acquisition by the members. This research studies the feeding ecology, behavior and function of a trophic generalist, spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias, and a trophic specialist, smooth-hounds Mustelus canis, from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island to …

Alzheimer's Disease (Ad) Like Pathology Following Developmental Lead Exposure In Primates And The Role Of Aging In Ad-Related Genes Regulation In Rodents And Primates, Jinfang Wu

Open Access Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative disease results in memory loss and dementia. The search for the etiology of sporadic AD focuses on environmental links and the role of aging. In manuscript 1, we validated our previous rodent model in primates by the following findings. (1) Developmental Pb exposure caused elevated AD-related APP, BACE1 and Sp1 mRNA expression as well as APP protein and amyloidogenic Aβ40 and Aβ42. (2) The molecular changes were accompanied by AD-like pathological changes in exposed monkey brains. (3) Pb exposure increased 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanine in the monkey brain. (4) DNA methyltransferase activity was suppressed in exposed …

Use Of Trees By The Texas Ratsnake (Elaphe Obsoleta) In Eastern Texas, Josh B. Pierce, Robert R. Fleet, Lance Mcbrayer, D. Craig Rudolph

Faculty Publications

We present information on the use of trees by Elaphe obsoleta (Texas Ratsnake) in a mesic pine-hardwood forest in eastern Texas. Using radiotelemetry, seven snakes (3 females, 4 males) were relocated a total of 363 times from April 2004 to May 2005, resulting in 201 unique locations. Snakes selected trees containing cavities and used hardwoods and snags for a combined 95% of arboreal locations. Texas Ratsnake arboreal activity peaked during July and August, well after the peak of avian breeding activity, suggesting arboreal activity involves factors other than avian predation.

Barrels And Bibles: Conflict And Compromise Between Whalemen And Missionaries In The Sandwich Island, 1820-1860, Shawn M. Edge

Open Access Master's Theses

This study analyzes the relationship between New England whalemen and American Protestant missionaries after each group traveled to the Sandwich Islands in the early nineteenth century. Arriving at virtually the same point in time, these two groups had very specific, but mutually irreconcilable goals in the islands. Whaling ships could be away from their home port for four years or more and created no shortage of weary sailors and battered gear. For whalemen, the Sandwich Islands were the locale where they restocked with supplies and reinvigorated their men with alcohol and women. Contrary to the debauchery sought by the whalemen …

Smoke-Free State Psychiatric Facility Grounds: Is Legislation Necessary And Appropriate To Remove Tobacco From These Treatment Settings?, Maureen Hackett M.D.

NYLS Law Review

No abstract provided.

The New York City Corporation Counsel: The Best Legal Job In America, Michael A. Cardozo

NYLS Law Review

No abstract provided.

From John F. Kennedy’S 1960 Campaign Speech To Christian Supremacy: Religion In Modern Presidential Politics, Stephen A. Newman

NYLS Law Review

No abstract provided.

Brain, Gender, Law: A Cautionary Tale, Carlin Meyer

NYLS Law Review

No abstract provided.

Topical Application Of Entry Inhibitors As "Virustats" To Prevent Sexual Transmission Of Hiv Infection., Michael M Lederman, Robin Jump, Heather A Pilch-Cooper, Michael Root, Scott F Sieg

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

With the continuing march of the AIDS epidemic and little hope for an effective vaccine in the near future, work to develop a topical strategy to prevent HIV infection is increasingly important. This stated, the track record of large scale "microbicide" trials has been disappointing with nonspecific inhibitors either failing to protect women from infection or even increasing HIV acquisition. Newer strategies that target directly the elements needed for viral entry into cells have shown promise in non-human primate models of HIV transmission and as these agents have not yet been broadly introduced in regions of highest HIV prevalence, they …

Graduate Catalog 2008-2009, University Of North Florida

UNF Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

No Place Like Home : Trans-Individuals' Search For Belonging In A Binary Gendered World, Leslie Catherine Kilpatrick

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Subjective gender experiences for post-operative trans-individuals were investigated in this study to empirically assess participants' current sense of a match or a lack of a match between their present biological sex and their gender identity. Survey Monkey, an internet site for collection and analysis of responses to survey questions, was used to gather demographic information from 18 respondents and to answer the study questions about post-surgical congruence or incongruence. The responses generated themes of belonging or lack of belonging that lumped together in three categories through which the data was analyzed: A) the individual's relationship to self, B) their relationship …

Primary Neuron/Astrocyte Co-Culture On Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films: A Template For Studying Astrocyte-Mediated Oxidative Stress In Neurons, Srivatsan Kidambi, Ilsoon Lee, Christina Chan

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

We engineered patterned co-cultures of primary neurons and astrocytes on polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films without the aid of adhesive proteins/ligands to study the oxidative stress mediated by astrocytes on neuronal cells. A number of studies have explored engineering co-culture of neurons and astrocytes predominantly using cell lines rather than primary cells owing to the difficulties involved in attaching primary cells onto synthetic surfaces. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of patterned co-culture of primary neurons and astrocytes for studying neuronal metabolism. In our study, we used synthetic polymers, namely poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) (PDAC) and sulfonated poly(styrene) (SPS) as the polycation …

Ecological Factors Determining Nesting Habitat For American Avocets, Landon R. Jones

Student Works

The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a large shorebird that breeds and congregates in open, shallow, saline wetlands (Robinson et al. 1997). Its long, curved bill is well adapted for stirring up and feeding on invertebrates from the benthos. Because they fill such a narrow habitat niche, the majority of avocets concentrate in the thousands to breed in a few hot spots such as Mono Lake in California, and the Great Salt Lake in Utah (Robinson et al. 1997). Avocets arrive at the Great Salt Lake in late March and nest from mid-April to mid-July (Sordahl 1981). They require 15-20 …

Posters On The Hill: A Unique Way To Present Undergraduate Research, Isabelle D. Cherney

Education Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Textbook Bundling : Is It Really Worth The Sum Of Its Parts, Kati Simmons

Honors Theses

Studies have been conducted examining the impact of commodity bundling on company profits and the premium prices charged for these bundles. With recent news of the skyrocketing costs of higher education, it is critical to highlight the specific effects of commodity bundling on the prices of textbooks. A study performed by the Government Accountability Office in 2005 cited that a main cause of increasing textbook prices is the recent inclusion of textbook supplements such as software and workbooks. This paper investigates the impact that different types of supplements have on the overall price paid for the bundle. Aggregate sales data …

Crisis Rhetoric : A Theory Of Communication In Times Of Crisis, Eric D. Loepp

Honors Theses

We conducted an experiment to assess the effect of presidential rhetoric in a time of crisis. Our study was based in part on terror management theory, which posits that subtle reminders of death (mortality salience) lead to increased support of leaders an authority figures. Subjects were randomly placed in either a mortality salient condition or control condition. We also composed two speeches - one charismatic and one non-charismatic - and subjects were randomly assigned to hear one of the two. Based on elements of terror management theory, we hypothesized that in a time of crisis the charismatic speech would be …

Modulation Of Fast-Inactivating Potassium Channels By Accessory Subunits And Fatty Acids : A Role For Calcium?, Michelle M. Drzewiecki

Honors Theses

Potassium channel interacting proteins (KChIPs) co-assemble with Kv4 a subunits to form native complexes that encode considerable components of neuronal somatodendritic A- type K+current (Is,J in neurons, and transient outward current (ho) in cardiac myocytes. The binding of KChIPs to the cytoplasmic N-termini of Kv4 a subunits enhances surface expression by facilitating intracellular trafficking, stimulates subunit assembly, and regulates the functional gating properties of Kv4 channels. KChIPs, like many other neuronal calcium sensor proteins, contain four EF-hand calcium binding sites; two of which (EF-3 and 4) have particularly high affinity for calcium. Because Ca2+ is an important signaling molecule for …