Digital Commons Network^™

Commonwealth Times 2008-08-21

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Combs V. Homer Ctr Sch Dist

2008 Decisions

USDC for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Combs V. Homer Ctr Sch Dist

2008 Decisions

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of The Accuracy Of An Mcnpx-Based Monte Carlo Simulation Model For Predicting Three-Dimensional Absorbed Dose Distributions, U. Titt, N. Sahoo, X. Ding, Y. Zheng, W. D. Newhauser, X. R. Zhu, J. C. Polf, M. T. Gillin, R. Mohan

Faculty Publications

In recent years, the Monte Carlo method has been used in a large number of research studies in radiation therapy. For applications such as treatment planning, it is essential to validate the dosimetric accuracy of the Monte Carlo simulations in heterogeneous media. The AAPM Report no 105 addresses issues concerning clinical implementation of Monte Carlo based treatment planning for photon and electron beams, however for proton-therapy planning, such guidance is not yet available. Here we present the results of our validation of the Monte Carlo model of the double scattering system used at our Proton Therapy Center in Houston. In …

Dispersal Limitation And Climate-Related Environmental Gradients Structure Microcrustacean Composition In Freshwater Lakes, Ellesmere Island, Canada, Angela L. Strecker, Rebecca Milne, Shelley E. Arnott

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Dramatic environmental change is expected in the Arctic, yet little is known about the occurrence and community composition of microcrustaceans in Arctic lakes and how this will be influenced by future environmental change. We sampled and calculated relative abundances of microcrustacean species in 54 lakes on Ellesmere Island, Canada. New species records on Ellesmere Island included Daphnia umbra, Tachidius discipes, and Artemeopsis stefanssoni. Daphnia middendorffiana/tenebrosa was the most common taxon and often dominated microcrustacean assemblages, likely a result of its pigmentation, which offers resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Species richness was positively associated with nutrients, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), temperature, calcium, …

What If They Think I'M Crazy : Clinical Interventions To Help Adolescents Manage Stigma Following A Psychiatric Hospitalization, Megan L. Mckenna

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative empirical study explores how mental health professionals intervene to help adolescents manage stigma following a psychiatric hospitalization. Twelve clinicians from Northeast public school, state department of mental health, and psychiatric hospital settings were interviewed and asked a series of questions about how they support teens in combating social stigma as they return to their communities. Interview questions addressed a variety of issues pertaining to stigma, including exploring how mental health professionals support adolescents in managing the disclosure process, assessing what resources are particularly helpful for teens in this position, and addressing differences in marginalization based on the visibility …

Deconstructing White Privilege : Social Variables That May Affect White Males' Race Identity Development, Karen Christine Nelson

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This mixed method study explored aspects of White privilege that may affect White males' White racial identity development (WRID). Janet Helm's White Racial Identity Attitudes Scale was used along with nominal demographic information and five open-ended questions. WRID has been identified as an aspect of identity that determines one's ability to dismantle racism and internalize a positive White identity. This researcher did not hypothesize that specific demographic data would yield specific results; however, the literature implies that those with the multi agent status are less likely to develop a sophisticated White racial identity. Fifty-four White adult males were surveyed to …

Strengthening The Capacity Of Helping Professionals To Provide Psychosocial Support To Communities Affected By Armed Conflict : The Evaluation Of One Program, Arden Elise O'Donnell

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored the transferring of skills, knowledge, and awareness of trainees in a Training-of-Trainers program in Northern Uganda, which was aimed at strengthening the capacity of helping professionals to provide psychosocial support to communities affected by armed conflict. Through the examination of a series of questionnaires administered to the trainees, this paper assesses how the direct transfer of knowledge and skills changed to awareness for trainees over time. This study also addresses how these findings contribute to a greater understanding of the model as well as suggestions surrounding the implications of the transfer of the model across the fields …

Forget Me Not : A Retrospective, Exploratory Study Of Daughters Caring For A Mother With Alzheimer's Disease, Pamela Sloane Rich

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of daughters who were a caregiver to a mother with Alzheimer's disease. In particular, women were surveyed about their experiences surrounding relationships, grief and loss, difficulties and role reversal. Additionally, participants were asked about possible family conflict and positive experiences that occurred as a result of caring for one's mother. 11 women were interviewed for this qualitative study. Open-ended questions were used in order for participants to provide narrative, descriptive accounts of their caregiving experiences. Additionally, participants were given the opportunity to provide thoughts on experiences not addressed in the …

Biologically Relevant Multiple Sequence Alignment, Hyrum D. Carroll

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers use multiple sequence alignment algorithms to detect conserved regions in genetic sequences and to identify drug docking sites for drug development. In this dissertation, a novel algorithm is presented for using physicochemical properties to increase the accuracy of multiple sequence alignments. Secondary structures are also incorporated in the evaluation function. Additionally, the location of the secondary structures is assimilated into the function. Multiple properties are combined with weights, determined from prediction accuracies of protein secondary structures using artificial neural networks. A new metric, the PPD Score is developed, that captures the average change in physicochemical properties. Using the physicochemical …

Otter Realm, August 21, 2008, California State University, Monterey Bay

The Otter Realm

Big Sur Ashes Sprout New Life -- What's Happening in the Neighborhood -- New Announcement System Among Summer Upgrades -- New Library Enters Final Stages of Construction -- Monterey Airport Lets Students Fly -- CSUMB Makes the Grade, and Grabs Grant -- What Are You Doing? -- California State University Monterey Bay: Progressive University on a Legendary Campus -- A Worldly Experience for CSUMB -- Thirteenth Annual Reggaefest Returns to Monterey -- What You Otter Do! Aug 21-Sept 10 -- Monterey Bay's Hidden Gem -- Otter Sports Center Tightens and Tones -- Martin Masters Martial Arts -- New Coaches Find …

Distinct Contributions Of Model Masp1 And Masp2 Like Peptides To The Mechanical Properties Of Synthetic Major Ampullate Silk Fibers As Revealed In Silico, Amanda E. Brooks, Shane R. Nelson, Justin A. Jones, Courtney Koenig, Michael Hinman, Michael Hinman, Shane Stricker, Randolph V. Lewis

Biology Faculty Publications

All characterized major ampullate silks from orb-web weaving spiders are composites of primarily two different proteins: MaSp1 and MaSp2. The conserved association of MaSp1 and MaSp2 in these spider species, the highly conserved amino acid motifs, and variable ratios of MaSp1 to MaSp2 demonstrate the importance of both MaSp1 and MaSp2 to the strength and elasticity of the fiber. Computer simulated mechanical tests predicted differing roles for MaSp1 and MaSp2 in the mechanical properties of the fibers. Recombinant MaSp1 and MaSp2 proteins were blended and spun into fibers mimicking the computer-simulated conditions. Mechanical testing verified the differing roles of MaSp1 …

Using Simulation Optimization To Construct Efficient Screening Strategies For Cervical Cancer, Christodoulos Foufoulides

Theses and Dissertations

Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Because cervical cancer is usually asymptomatic until the disease is in its advanced stages, cervical screening is of central importance towards combating cervical cancer. Alternative screening strategies are evaluated from an economic point of view through cost-effectiveness analysis. In the literature however, studies perform cost-effectiveness analysis on a limited number of de facto or predetermined screening policies. At present, no attempt has been made to construct efficient screening strategies through optimization, before cost-effectiveness analysis is applied. In this study simulation optimization is used to construct efficient screening …

Flavonoids As Modulators Of Amyloid Precursor Protein Metabolism And Alzheimer Disease Pathology, Kavon Rezai-Zadeh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder pathologically characterized by deposition of ß-amyloid (Aß) peptides as plaques in the brain. Central to this AD pathology is mismetabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Recent studies suggest that flavonoids, a class of secondary plant metabolites, may be useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. The studies detailed herein, investigate the ability of two such classes of flavonoids, green tea derived catechins and 5,7-dihydroxyflavones, to modulate APP metabolism in "Swedish" mutant APP (APP_sw) models of AD. Studies showed that green tea derived (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) …

Quantitative Phase Imaging Microscopy With Multi-Wavelength Optical Phase Unwrapping, Nilanthi Warnasooriya

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a quantitative phase imaging microscopy technique that combines phase-shifting interferometry with multi-wavelength optical phase unwrapping. The technique consists of a Michelson-type interferometer illuminated with any of three types of light sources; light emitting diodes, laser diodes and a ring dye laser. Interference images are obtained by using a 4-frame phase shifting method, and are combined to calculate the phase of the object surface. The 2π ambiguities are removed by repeating the experiment combining two and three different wavelengths, which yields phase images of effective wavelength much longer than the original. The resulting image is a profile of …

New Functional Polymers For Alternative Energy Applications, Chulsung Bae

UNLV Renewable Energy Symposium

The 2008 UNLV Renewable Energy Symposium was presented by the Office of Strategic Energy Programs and co-sponsored by the Division of Research and Graduate Studies on August 20, 2008 on the UNLV campus.

The event focused on renewable energy production in Nevada, the US Southwest, and renewable research projects nationwide. It was a great opportunity for anyone working on renewable projects to collaborate with others in this field and exchange information. Over 230 individuals attended the event this year.

Volume 46, Number 1: August 20, 2008, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

Panic Attacks: Can They Really Be Stopped?, John C. Thomas

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Published in Christian Counseling Today magazine, this article addresses the nature and impact of panic attacks and how they can be addressed.

Perspectives On Using E-Journal Usage Statistics In A Serials Cancellation Project, Andrée J. Rathemacher, Michael C. Vocino

Technical Services Faculty Publications

This is the authors' manuscript of chapter 7 in the book Library Data: Empowering Practice and Persuasion, ed. Darby Orcutt, Libraries Unlimited, 2010. It is posted here with publisher permission.

Implementation Of Optical Spectra Calculations In Fireball: A Local-Orbital Density Functional Theory Approach, Ivan Grigoryevich Okhrimenko

Theses and Dissertations

We have expanded the capabilities of the ab initio tight-binding molecular dynamics package FIREBALL to include calculations of optical properties. Basic zero order approximation is based on transitions between Kohn-Sham states. Corrections for electron-electron interactions are based on time dependant density functional theory (TDDFT). Consistent with the FIREBALL approach, we use precalculated integrals and approximations to make the program faster.

Ecuador: Alcohol Production, Mark Latta, Nathan Wolff, Kyle Hilgefort

ETHOS Technical Reports

In many undeveloped regions of the world, cooking with solid fuels, such as wood, results in hazardous indoor air pollution. Exposure to pollutants such as CO, nitrous oxides, and carcinogens severely increases the risk of respiratory diseases like pneumonia and acute lower respiratory infections. One alternative clean-burning fuel source is ethanol. It was an initial goal to sustainably produced ethanol through the fermentation and micro-distillation of local sugarcane in the rural region of north central Ecuador to be used to fuel small stoves for cooking in homes. However, upon arrival in the rural regions of Ecuador it was determined that …

Parental Death : Grieving Loss Of Life While Sustaining A Relationship, Maisie Lasher Ketron

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This study explored how an adult whose parent died during childhood understands their ongoing relationship with that parent and whether rituals or practices are integral to observing that ongoing relationship. Psychodynamic theory first examined the grieving process as a linear, time-limited experience. The field of grief and bereavement studies has become polarized around traditional psychodynamic theorists who have examined pathological bereavement and post-modern continuing bonds theorists whose focus is the nature of the ongoing relationship to the deceased. There is limited research exploring bereavement in childhood and particularly the process of mourning and relating to the deceased parent over time. …

The Impact Of Race On The Decision-Making Process For Interracial Lesbian Couples Opting To Conceive Through Donor Insemination, Kendra Marie Koeplin

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this research study was to explore if and how race impacts interracial lesbian couples' decision-making process of conceiving through donor insemination. This exploratory mixed-methods study aims to contribute to a growing body of literature on lesbian donor insemination, while focusing on a population-interracial lesbian couples-that has been largely excluded from the research. The study's main areas of focus were derived from reviewing the peripheral literature. These areas of question included: the couple's individual demographics and racial background; the couples' decision-making process around who would be the biological mother; the influence of the non-biological mother's racial background on …

A Novel Method For Characterization Of Peripheral Nerve Fiber Size Distributions By Group Delay Measurements And Simulated Annealing Optimization, Robert B. Szlavik, Galen E. Turner, Iii

Biomedical Engineering

The ability to determine the characteristics of peripheral nerve fiber size distributions would provide additional information to clinicians for the diagnosis of specific pathologies of the peripheral nervous system. Investigation of these conditions, using electro-diagnostic techniques, is advantageous in the sense that such techniques tend to be minimally invasive yet provide valuable diagnostic information. One of the principal electro-diagnostic tools available to the clinician is the nerve conduction velocity test. While the peripheral nerve conduction velocity test can provide useful information to the clinician regarding the viability of the nerve under study, it is a single parameter test that yields …

Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase Isoforms Associated With Mitochondria In Rat And Human., Dean Allen Frolich

Theses and Dissertations

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDP kinases) are a family of enzymes that transfer the gamma-phosphate group from a NTP (nucleoside triphosphate) to a NDP (nucleoside diphosphate). The reaction follows a ping-pong mechanism in which the enzyme is transiently phosphorylated on a conserved histidine residue. In the cell, activity appears to be ubiquitous as it is associated with the cytosol, nucleus, mitochondria and plasma membrane. NDP kinase enzymatic activity has been demonstrated in a variety of tissues. The classical role proposed for NDP kinase in mitochondrial matrix is the transfer of a phosphoryl group from GTP (produced in the TCA cycle) to …

Development Of A Definition, Classification System, And Model For Cultural Geology., Lloyd W. Mitchell Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The concept for this study is based upon a personal interest by the author, an American Indian, in promoting cultural perspectives in undergraduate college teaching and learning environments. Most academicians recognize that merged fields can enhance undergraduate curricula. However, conflict may occur when instructors attempt to merge social science fields such as history or philosophy with geoscience fields such as mining and geomorphology. For example, ideologies of Earth structures derived from scientific methodologies may conflict with historical and spiritual understandings of Earth structures held by American Indians. Specifically, this study addresses the problem of how to combine cultural studies with …

Staphylococcus Aureus Pbp4 Is Essential For Β-Lactam Resistance In Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Strains, G Memmi, S R. Filipe, M G. Pinho, Z Fu, Ambrose Cheung

Dartmouth Scholarship

Recent cases of infections caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (CA-MRSA) strains in healthy individuals have raised concerns worldwide. CA-MRSA strains differ from hospital-acquired MRSAs by virtue of their genomic background and increased virulence in animal models.

National Clean Energy Panel Presentations

National Clean Energy Summit

Panel presentations, 206 PowerPoint slides

Characterization Of Escherichia Coli Populations From Gulls, Landfill Trash, And Wastewater Using Ribotyping, M. Nelson, Stephen H. Jones, C. Edwards, J. C. Ellis

Jackson Estuarine Laboratory

Due to their opportunistic and gregarious nature, gulls may be important reservoirs and vectors for anthropogenically derived fecal pathogens in coastal areas. We used ribotyping, a genotypic bacterial source tracking method, to compare populations of Escherichia coli among herring gulls Larus argentatus, great black-backed gulls L. marinus, wastewater, and landfill trash in New Hampshire and Maine, USA. Concentrations of E. coli in gull feces varied widely among individuals, but were generally high (6.0 × 101 to 2.5 × 109 g–1 wet weight). Of 39 E. coli isolates from L. argentatus, 67% had banding patterns that were ≥90% similar to those …

Understanding Animal Welfare, David Fraser

Assessment of Animal Welfare Collection

In debates about the welfare of animals, different people have tended to emphasize different concerns. Some emphasize the basic health and functioning of animals, especially freedom from disease and injury. Others emphasize the "affective states" of animals – states like pain, distress and pleasure that are experienced as positive or negative. Others emphasize the ability of animals to live reasonably natural lives by carrying out natural behaviour and having natural elements in their environment. These concerns constitute different criteria that people use to assess animal welfare. The criteria overlap substantially but are sufficiently independent that the single- minded pursuit of …