Digital Commons Network^™

Methods For The Analysis Of Developmental Respiration Patterns., Justin Tyler Peyton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis looks at the problem of developmental respiration in Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart from the biological and instrumental points of view and adapts mathematical and statistical tools in order to analyze the data gathered. The biological motivation and current state of research is given as well as instrumental considerations and problems in the measurement of carbon dioxide production. A wide set of mathematical and statistical tools are used to analyze the time series produced in the laboratory. The objective is to assemble a methodology for the production and analysis of data that can be used in further developmental respiration research.

Antigen Trafficking Within Chlamydia Trachomatis-Infected Polarized Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells., David Kelley Giles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chlamydia trachomatis serovars D-K are the leading cause of bacterially-acquired sexually transmitted infections in the United States. As an obligate intracellular pathogen, C. trachomatis infects columnar epithelial cells of the genital mucosae and can cause deleterious sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Several chlamydial antigens reach the host cell cytosol prior to the natural release of chlamydiae at the end of the developmental cycle. While some of these extra-inclusion antigens traffic to the host cell surface, others remain intracellular where they are proposed to influence vital host cell functions and antigen trafficking and presentation. The research …

Evaluating Satisfaction And Benefit Of Nutrition Counseling Provided By A Registered Dietitian Among Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy., Bethany A. Stuart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with cancer receiving radiation therapy were satisfied with the nutrition counseling they were receiving and if they obtained any benefit. Radiation increases the risk for side effects such as taste changes, chewing/swallowing problems, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. When these side effects are present, a decrease in food and fluid intake occurs, which leads to weight loss, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as decreased quality of life. Subjects were recruited from a regional cancer treatment facility and a survey was administered to those who met criteria. Subjects …

Predicting Behavior From Psychopathic And Antisocial Personality Traits In A Student Sample., Maryann Stone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Psychopathic personality is associated with a myriad of social and behavioral problems including violence, criminal activity, and overall failure to conform to social standards. In this study, psychopathic and antisocial personality traits are measured in a sample of college students via self-report surveys using questions derived from Hare's Psychopathic Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; 1991). Reliability and factor analyses were used to validate the inventory and create factor-based indices that were used to predict antisocial behavioral outcomes including violence, seeking revenge on persecutors, and suicidal ideation, in addition to other analogous and deviant behaviors. Findings showed a relationship between personality and behavior indicating …

Structural And Biochemical Investigation Of The Molecular Mechanisms Of Dna Response And Repair In Humans And Escherichia Coli., Steven Michael Shell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The genomes of all living cells are under constant attack from both endogenous and exogenous agents that damage DNA. In order to maintain genetic integrity a variety of response pathways have evolved to recognize and eliminate DNA damage. Replication protein A (RPA), the eukaryotic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein, is a required factor for all major DNA metabolisms. Although much work has been done to elucidate the nature of the interaction between RPA and ssDNA currently there is no structural information on how the full-length protein binds to ssDNA. This study presents a novel examination of the full nucleoprotein complex …

Academic Libraries As Feminine And Feminist Models Of Organization., Marie F. Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because academic libraries are primarily staffed by women and are relatively autonomous entities in colleges and universities, they offer a unique model of workplace gendering and feminism. This qualitative, ethnographic study examined 3 small college libraries in 3 regions of the United States and explored issues of bureaucracy and gendering in these libraries. Feminist challenges to bureaucracy emerged in the areas of hierarchy, division of labor, competition and collaboration, decision-making, and communication. Feminine practice in the libraries reflected private sphere attitudes toward work (values of community, emotionality, and caring) and an affirmation of feminine roles in the workplace. The organizational …

Gifted Education In Northeast Tennessee Public Schools: A Descriptive Study., Kathryn Ann Ross-Sisco

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine gifted education programs in public schools in Northeast Tennessee. There is a wide disparity among established gifted programs regarding the identification of the students, the eligibility of the students, and the services they receive. This disparity has led to varying levels of support and service for gifted children in Northeast Tennessee. A survey was developed and distributed to individuals who oversee the gifted department in their school system. Data were collected regarding gifted student identification processes, individual program requirements, funding of gifted programs, professional development, and advanced teacher training.

National research has …

Analysis Of The Role Of Bhlh/Pas Proteins In Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling, Edward J. Dougherty

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a basic helix-loop-helix PER/ARNT/SIM (bHLH-PAS) transcription factor that binds ligands typified by 2,3,7,8-tetracholordibenzo-p-dioxin, translocates to the nucleus, dimerizes with the aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT) and associates with specific cis xenobiotic response elements to activate transcription of genes involved with xenobiotic metabolism. AHR-mediated signal transduction has been evaluated thoroughly in the C57BL/6J mouse model system. This model system, however, may not be the most accurate model for human comparisons as the AHR^b-1 allele carried by C57BL/6J contains a point mutation that prematurely truncates the receptor at 805 amino acids, while the AHR^{b-2 …}

Effects Of Chlorothalonil (Ctn) And Butylated Hydroxy-Toluene (Bht) On Microbial Communities Involved In The Deterioration Of Wood Using Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-Rflp) Analyses, Grant Terral Kirker

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of an organic biocide (CTN) with and without coded antioxidant (BHT) on microbial communities in SYP were assessed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analyses in both field and accelerated decay laboratory studies. Ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ-C) was used as a positive control in the field study component, but not in the laboratory test. Field stakes were treated with 0.25 and 0.37% ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ-C), CTN (0.1 and 0.25%), CTN (0.1 and 0.25%) with 2% BHT added, 2% BHT alone, and controls were left untreated. In the field studies, preservative treatment slowed the initial colonization of …

Effects Of Individual And Combinatorial Electrolyte Solutions Comprised Of Various Carbohydrates, Salts, And Stimulants Injected Into Broiler Hatching Eggs On Subsequent Late Term Embryogenesis And Post Hatch Performance Through Tendays Of Age, Brenna Mariechen Mcgruder

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the effects of individual and combinatorial electrolyte solution comprised of carbohydrate, salt, and a stimulant injected into broiler hatching eggs on subsequent late term embryogenesis and post hatch performance up to D 10 were evaluated in separate trials. The effects of solution concentration and volume on embryo body weight and yolk reserves were likewise considered, and limited posthatch growth, body weight, and yolk sac effects of a compound electrolyte solution were evaluated. The individual and combinatorial effects of injected solutions were examined in an effort to yield the maximum physiological growth effects on embryogenesis from the metabolic …

Effects Of Imazapyr And Prescribed Fire On Vegetation And Bird Communities In Mid-Rotation Crp Pine Plantations Of Mississippi, Lindsey Rae Carpenter Singleton

Theses and Dissertations

Appropriate management of mid-rotation pine plantations can improve habitat for early successional and pine-grassland adapted avian species. I tested effects of Imazapyr selective herbicide and prescribed fire on plant and avian communities in thinned, mid-rotation pine stands contracted under the Conservation Reserve Program. Within 12 replicate sites, 2 8.1-ha plots were assigned either herbicide and prescribed fire treatment or control. I described components of vegetation structure and composition in 2006. I tested effects of herbicide and prescribed fire treatment on avian relative abundance, species richness, total avian conservation value, and density of select species during 2003 - 2006. Hardwood midstory …

Elemental Analysis Of Marksville-Style Prehistoric Ceramics From Mississippi And Alabama, Keith A. Baca

Theses and Dissertations

Distinctive Marksville-style pottery is characteristic of the Middle Woodland period (200 B.C. – A.D. 500) in the Lower Mississippi River Valley and adjacent regions. Marksville material is common in the Lower Mississippi Valley, and the scarcity of similar pottery in northeastern Mississippi and western Alabama has caused claims that Marksville pots were imported into those areas; however, they may have been locally made. To test these alternative possibilities, the elemental composition of some Marksville-style potsherds, other pottery, and clays from various archaeological sites spanning the above regions was characterized using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results show that the …

Electrophoretic And Static Light Scattering Measurements For Equine Serum Albumin, Sapna Bharat Patel

Theses and Dissertations

There have been numerous studies on measuring protein-protein interactions in solution using a variety of techniques including membrane osmometry, sedimentation, and static light scattering. Most of these techniques yield an osmotic second virial coefficient. The osmotic second virial coefficient has been shown to be an important parameter for protein crystallization. To date, there have been few fundamental theoretical studies of estimating second virial coefficient values using conventional models because of the diverse and complex nature of the potential of mean force. In the present study, the variation of equine serum albumin interactions was measured with respect to pH and sodium …

Development Of A Heterogeneously Catalyzed Chemical Process To Produce Biodiesel, Alok Kumar Singh

Theses and Dissertations

It is well known fact that energy is a big issue for this world and substantial amount of research is going on worldwide for alternative fuels that are environmentally friendly, especially because of the fact that crude petroleum reserves are dwindling. Also, research on alternative fuels is essential for increased energy security. Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic fuel. At present, when homogeneous catalysts are used, biodiesel is primarily produced in batch reactors in which the required energy is provided by heating accompanied by mechanical mixing. Alternatively, ultrasonic processing could be an effective way to attain required mixing while …

Discolorations In Southern Hardwood Logs: Biological And Non-Biological Staining Control Practices, Nathan Edward Irby

Theses and Dissertations

Discolorations in highly valued southern hardwood species have been a costly problem for the U.S. forest products industry since its beginning. Both microbial (fungi) and non-microbial (enzyme-mediated) sapstain problems are more prevalent in the southeast than in other regions, so preventive measure must be done to keep hardwood logs and lumber discolorationree. Six full-scale field trials were conducted along the Mississippi River from Yokena, MS to Ripley, TN between March to October 2007. The basis for the research was a belief that discolorations that affect southern hardwood logs can be controlled by various techniques such as log end coating, inventory …

Do Community Factors Influence Suicide?An Application Of Strucutral Pluralism Theory On Suicide Cases, Rosa Giovanna Nigro

Theses and Dissertations

Suicide and suicidal behavior affect individuals of all ages, genders, races and religious groups in all countries, representing an important social issue. The major risk factor associated with suicide is depression. However, in some instances, suicide is not preceded by warning signs of mental disorders. Variations in the sociopolitical structures in the communities in U.S. may hold the explanation of variations on suicide rates. The objective of this study is to understand how suicide relates with variations in the community structure. Some specific socio-structural elements of a community have the potential to protect against distress by protecting individuals’ socio-psychological health. …

Effects Of Body Mass, Physiographic Region, And Environmental Cues On Reproductive Timing In Deer, Michael Paul Dye

Theses and Dissertations

The reproductive timing and success of white-tailed deer are important to managers. I evaluated the reproductive variability of pen-raised deer and wild populations within Mississippi and investigated effects of age, body condition and moon phase on conception dates. I also examined the reproductive potential of doe fawns from 3 regions of Mississippi. Individual conception dates varied more than expected and were not related to moon phase. Age affected individual conception date, although the effect may have been confounded by estimated gestation length. Population level variation was less than reported and could not be explained by moon phase or late-winter body …

An Optical Fiber Sensor For The Determination Of Hydrogen Peroxide, Xueei Hu

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen peroxide is used in various fields, such as food preservative, bleaching, oxidizing, reducing, and chemical reaction reagents. However, inappropriate use may have harmful effects to human health or environment. A number of analytical methods have been developed for the determination of hydrogen peroxide. Herein is described the effort to develop an optical fiber chemical sensor based on the evanescence wave absorbance that can detect the presence of, and measure the concentration of, hydrogen peroxide. For the H2O2 optical fiber sensor, Nafion membrane was coated in the fiber optic. Titanium ions dispersed in a Nafion membrane can form a TiO-H2O2 …

Axial Pull-Out Strength Of 3.5 Cortical And 4.0 Cancellous Bone Screws Placed In Canine Proximal Tibias Using Manual And Power Tapping, Jennifer Lynn Demko

Theses and Dissertations

Many orthopedic conditions in dogs require the placement of bone screws in the proximal tibial metaphysis. Currently, both cortical and cancellous screws are used clinically depending on the surgeon’s preference; however, the ideal screw for use in the proximal tibia has not been determined. Currently, both the manual and power tapping techniques are used during surgical procedures of the proximal tibia in dogs. However, it is unknown if the use of power tapping when placing screws in the canine proximal tibial metaphysis affects screw purchase. Measurement of axial pull-out strength is traditionally used to evaluate and compare the holding power …

A Faunistic Survey Of Native Bees In The Mississippi Black Belt Prairie, Beverly A. Mcgee

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents the results of a bee survey (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in remnants of the Mississippi Black Belt Prairie, a unique physiographical region that is a threatened community covering 14,141 square kilometers in both Mississippi and Alabama. Sampling was performed with sweep nets and Malaise traps. A total of 151 visits were made to several prairie remnant areas during the years 1999 – 2001 with 92 Malaise trap samples. Historical bee collection data from these prairies were incorporated into this survey. A total of 6,140 specimens resulting in 107 species, 51 new state records and eight disjunct species were collected …

Exploratory Study Of The Caregivers' Perceived Barriers To Healthy Eating In The Mississippi Delta, Caroline Ruth Mccracken

Theses and Dissertations

The Mississippi Delta has been recognized for its poverty level and high rate of obesity. As an effort to combat the obesity issue while also considering the poverty issue of the population, a descriptive analysis was developed to understand what intervention might be beneficial. Focus groups were conducted to determine barriers to healthy eating behaviors for children, grades K-2. Focus groups (n=6) with parents or guardians of children from the six elementary schools in the Mississippi Delta were conducted in the Spring of 2007. The emergent themes included, perceived healthy foods, where diet information had been retrieved, and the efforts …

Exploring The Reliability And Validity Of The Human Spirituality Scale Scores With Older Adults In Independent Living Facilities, Charles Joseph Landrum

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to extend the findings of previous research about the construct of spirituality–as measured by the Human Spirituality Scale (HSS) developed by Wheat. To expand the research across the entire adult life span, the researcher pooled preexisting data (Wheat) from middle-aged adults with data he obtained from 236 older adults living in independent living facilities. He analyzed the pooled data from 502 adults, with an age range of 25 to 98. Using the pooled data set, the researcher divided the data into five age groupings. He conducted confirmatory factor analysis, of the model of spirituality developed by Wheat, …

Integrated Optical Fiber Laser Raman Sensor For Cryogenic Application, Appolinaire Tifang Luanje

Theses and Dissertations

An integrated fiber optical Raman sensor was designed for real-time, non –intrusive detection of liquid and gaseous mixtures at high pressure and high flow rates. The integrated sensor employs a high-power solid-state pumped Nd:YAG frequency doubled (532nm) laser (3W), a modified In Photonics Raman probe which has built-in Raman signal filter optics, and two high-resolution spectrometers and photomultiplier tubes (PMT) with selected bandpass filters to collect both N2 and O2 Raman signals. The detection unit was also integrated with Lab View software interfaced PMT modules for fast data acquisition.

Nmr Structure Calculation Of The Halophilic Binary Hvdhfr1:Folate Complex, Arezue Fatemeh Bekrai Boroujerdi

Theses and Dissertations

Dihydrofolate reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Haloferax volcanii is a “salt-loving” microorganism found in the Dead Sea. Such microorganisms have adapted to their extreme environments and now require extremely high salt concentrations to survive. The study of dihydrofolate reductase from Haloferax volcanii with the substrate folate bound, which is the focus of the work presented in this dissertation, offers further understanding of this adaptation. The effect that high salt concentration has on this enzyme is not fully understood; however, this dissertation includes the investigation of the structure of …

Snp Characterizaiton And Genetic And Molecular Analysis Of Mutants Affecting Fiber Development In Cotton, Chuanfu An

Theses and Dissertations

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the world’s leading textile fiber crop, and an important source of oil and protein. Insufficient candidate gene derived-markers suitable for genetic mapping and limited information on genes that control economically important traits are the major impediments to the genetic improvement of Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.). The objectives of this study were to develop a SNP marker discovery strategy in tetraploid cotton species, SNP characterization and marker development from fiber initiation and elongation related genes, chromosomal assignment of these genes by SNP marker-based deletion analysis or linkage mapping, and genetic and molecular analysis of mutants affecting …

Survivin And P53 Expression In Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Correlation With Prognosis, Heidi Huffman Rose

Theses and Dissertations

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most common oral neoplasm of cats, demonstrates aggressive local invasion and has a poor prognosis. In humans, mutation of the p53 gene, crucial in cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in damaged cells, is common in neoplasms. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis, is frequently overexpressed in many types of human cancer. Studies suggest that wild-type p53 inhibits survivin expression, while mutated p53 does not. The purposes of this study included immunohistochemical examination of survivin and p53 expression in feline oral SCC and determination of a correlation between p53 mutation and survivin overexpression, as well …

Salmonella Enterica Serovar Enteritidis Requires The Type Three Secretion System-1/2 To Invade/Survive In Chicken Oviduct Epithelial Cells And To Modulate Innate Immune Responses, Shuhui Li

Theses and Dissertations

Contaminated poultry and egg products are major sources of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. enteritidis, SE) infections in humans. Colonization of SE in chicken reproductive tract results in the production of contaminated commercial shell-eggs and fertilized hatchery eggs. The complex pathogen-host interactions during SE colonization of chicken reproductive tract are largely unknown. This study was aimed at determining the pathogenic roles of the type three secretion systems (TTSS-1 and TTSS-2) in SE infection of chicken oviduct epithelial cells (COEC). A series of SE strains carrying mutations in the genes encoding structure or effector proteins of TTSS-1 and TTSS-2 were constructed. …

Product Formulation And Sensory Acceptance Of Three Soy Concept Foods Utilizing Three Different Soy Derivatives, Aditya Samala

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop soy concept foods with potential marketability in the food industry for health conscious consumers. Fourteen commercial soy protein isolate samples were obtained from various processors. The flavor profiles of the soy protein isolates were evaluated by five expert panelists. The three soy protein isolate samples with the most acceptable flavor profiles were utilized for further analysis and the development of soy concept foods including cranberry nut soy pudding, two bean soy dip and a soy based meal replacer. Based on consumer acceptability studies, it appears that two bean soy dip may have …

Molecular Reprogramming In Bovine Embryos After Serial Somatic Cell Chromatin Transfer, Nelida Rodriguez-Osorio

Theses and Dissertations

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), commonly known as cloning, is the transfer of a somatic nucleus into an enucleated oocyte to produce a clone. The chromatin structure of somatic cells permits the expression of certain genes, while silencing the rest of the genome. The cytoplasm of oocytes can reprogram a somatic nucleus by reactivating the genes necessary for embryonic development and silencing the somatic genes. However, the low efficiency of SCNT indicates that successful nuclear reprogramming is a rare event. The objectives of this study were determine the extent of transcriptional reprogramming in bovine blastocysts produced by serial rounds of …

The Impact Of Teacher Characteristics On A Secondary Career And Technical Education Program In Mississippi, Robin Ann Parker

Theses and Dissertations

This research was conducted to determine if characteristics of teachers impact student learning in the secondary career and technical education Allied Health program area. This research was conducted for the following reasons: (a) to determine if teacher participation in professional learning opportunities impact student learning, (b) to determine if the use of curriculum and instruction resources impact student learning, (c) to determine if the implementation of researched-based teaching strategies impact student learning, and (d) to determine if other characteristics impact student learning. The data collected include responses from the fall 2007 MS-CPAS2 Allied Health student scores and survey responses from …