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African American Grandmothers Providing Extensive Care To Their Grandchildren: Socio-Demographic And Health Determinants Of Life Satisfaction, Dorothy Smith-Ruiz

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The article explores the relationships between grandmothers' socioeconomic and health characteristics in relation to life satisfaction. Reasons for caregiving, assumption of the caregiver role, and grandmothers'attitudes and experiences in custodial caregiving were discussed qualitatively from data gathered in detailed interviews of a convenience sample of 99 custodial African American grandmothers caringf or one or more grandchildreny ounger than 18 in North Carolina. Most grandmothers in this sample reported mixed feelings toward custodial caregiving, both as a burden as well as a blessing. They also reported a weak support system and relied on their faith more than family and friends to …

A Boiling Pot Of Animosity Or An Alliance Of Kindred Spirits? Exploring Connections Between Native Americans And African Americans, Hilary N. Weaver

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The relationship between indigenous people and people of African heritage in the United States is a long and complex one. An examination of historical and contemporary connections between indigenous persons and African Americans not only clarifies complex and frequently overlooked parts of American history but sets the stage for examining future possibilities. It is useful for helping professionals to understand these relationships since this history may serve as the basis for positive connections or animosities between clients and professionals. This article begins with a discussion of selected historical intersections between these populations that highlight the complex and varied nature of …

Modeling The Relationship Between Air Quality And Intelligent Transportation System (Its) With Artificial Neural Networks., Dinesh Kumar Gupta 1965-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Environmental or air quality impacts of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are very difficult to measure. Some researchers have attempted to quantify the effects of individual ITS application on emissions; yet, the effects of ITS as a whole on ambient air quality have not been investigated. The objective of this research was to model the relationship between ITS and ambient air quality. The multiple Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) training with the data yielded a model for predicting the air quality. In addition, the ANN made the measurement of the effect of ITS on air quality possible. Data pertaining to sixty US …

The Role Of Hsp90 In Pc-12 Cell Survival., Christina Blume Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) regulates physiologically and pathological cellular processes, by binding and stabilizing kinases involved in basal cellular functions and in cellular responses to stress, respectively. I hypothesize that Hsp90 binding to kinases Akt and Raf-l and to co-chaperone Cdc37 and Akt-dependent phosphorylation of Hsp90 regulate PC-12 cell survival. Hsp90 binding was inhibited using the classical Hsp90 inhibitor, Geldanamycin (GA). Disruption of Hsp90 binding by GA correlated with similar cell death at normoxia (RA) and at 0.1 % O2 sustained hypoxia (SH), suggesting that Hsp90 binding plays a role in cell survival. Indeed, GA cytotoxicity is …

College Adjustment And The Shy Student, Jessie Abudu

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The study was conducted to examine the correlation between shyness and college adjustment. To make the determination, the Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS) (1981) was used to identify shyness, while the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) (Baker and Siryk, 1989) was utilized in assessing college adjustment. While the shyness scale assessed shyness as a single construct, the college adaptation scale assessed college adjustment in terms of academic adjustment, social adjustment, personal-emotional adjustment, and college attachment. The data of 90 students in a general psychology class in a Mid-Western college with a total student population of approximately 6,800 …

The Role Of Gtp In Transient Splitting Of 70s Ribosomes By Rrf (Ribosome Recycling Factor) And Ef-G (Elongation Factor G)., Go Hirokawa, Nobuhiro Iwakura, Akira Kaji, Hideko Kaji

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Ribosome recycling factor (RRF), elongation factor G (EF-G) and GTP split 70S ribosomes into subunits. Here, we demonstrated that the splitting was transient and the exhaustion of GTP resulted in re-association of the split subunits into 70S ribosomes unless IF3 (initiation factor 3) was present. However, the splitting was observed with sucrose density gradient centrifugation (SDGC) without IF3 if RRF, EF-G and GTP were present in the SDGC buffer. The splitting of 70S ribosomes causes the decrease of light scattering by ribosomes. Kinetic constants obtained from the light scattering studies are sufficient to account for the splitting of 70S ribosomes …

Geographic Variation In Malarial Parasite Lineages In The Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis Trichas), K. M. Pagenkopp, John Klicka, K. L. Durrant, J. C. Garvin, R. C. Fleischer

Ornithology Program (HRC)

Our current understanding of migration routes of many birds is limited and researchers have employed various methods to determine migratory patterns. Recently, parasites have been used to track migratory birds. The objective of this study was to determine whether haemosporidian parasite lineages detect significant geographic structure in common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas). We examined liver tissue or blood from 552 birds sampled from multiple locations throughout the continental United States, southern Canada, and the Bahamas. We found a 52.7% overall prevalence of haematozoan infection. We identified 86.1% of these infections to genus: 81% were Plasmodium; 5% were Haemoproteus …

Ibsen’S Female Characters In Captivity: An Exploration Of Literature And Performance, Christina K. Forshey

Senior Honors Theses

In Henrik Ibsen’s plays, A Doll’s House, The Wild Duck, The Lady from the Sea, and Hedda Gabler, the theme of captivity is demonstrated in the female protagonists Nora, Hedvig, Ellida, and Hedda. The theme of captivity also serves as a performance guide for the portrayal of these characters. Ibsen’s female protagonists are in bondage to an object or person that manipulates the character’s mental and emotional senses. The character’s inner captivity reaches a climax where a decision must be made to abolish the chains of captivity or forever remain enslaved. Since the nineteenth century, the actor has greatly benefitted …

University Students' Perceptions Of Their Parents' Childrearing Styles Associated With Their Inclinations To Become Parents, Judi Mccracken

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Researchers have associated Diane Baumrind's parenting styles (Baumrind, 1967; Baumrind, 1966; Baumrind, 1968; Baumrind, 1971) with countless outcomes among children, adolescents, and adults. However, few, if any, have investigated an age group's perceptions of their childrearing compared with their inclination to become parents. This study examined 67 West Virginia University students' responses to the Adapted Parenting Attribute Questionnaire (APAQ) completed by Child Development and Family Studies majors in 2007. The purpose was to determine patterns of perceptions in guardians' parenting styles, then compare the participants' inclinations to become parents and their rankings of importance (low, medium, or high; low and …

New Yoga Studio Encourages Positive Impact On Community Through Communication And Leadership, Shauna Stelzer

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which a well-attended Yoga studio can inspire health, wellness and the desire to contribute to one’s community. Members of the community who have been attending Yoga for varying amounts of time were given the opportunity to comment on their experiences and their heightened communication abilities with community members as a result of their attendance in Yoga classes. Additionally, studio owners gave their thoughts and opinions on the businesses in their community, as well as expressed their beliefs and knowledge of transformations that they have witnessed in the community because …

Block Scheduling In High School Mathematics: Effect On Algebra Ii End-Of-Course Grades And Act Assessment Mathematics Scores, Gayle Hawkins Hughes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a statistical difference between end-of-course grades in Algebra II at three high schools in northeast Tennessee and mathematics content scores on the ACT Assessment at the same three high schools, by comparing a one-semester accelerated (4x4) block schedule, a two-semester accelerated (4x4) block schedule, and a traditional year-long schedule. The purpose was also to determine if a relationship exists between Algebra II grades and ACT Assessment mathematics content scores for all students and for each school, and to determine if a statistically significant difference occurred in the number of …

Hemodynamics Of Intracranial Aneurysms: Factors That May Influence Occurrence, Francisco Adolfo Pino Romainville

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The formation and growth of intracranial aneurysms are partly attributed to various hemodynamic factors, such as the wall shear stress and pressure. However, the exact nature of the hemodynamic variables responsible for triggering aneurismal growth is still unknown. The conclusions drawn by various studies in this regard are found to be speculative and sometimes ambiguous. This issue is further investigated in the present work using some new insight gained from passive scalar dispersion in the blood flow for realistic aneurysm geometries. Intracranial aneurysms are best visualized using selective catheter angiogram technique where a contrast agent added to the blood flow …

A Systematic Approach To History Matching Cbm Production On A Complex Reservoir For A Pilot Test In Marshall County, Wv, Us, Cesar A. Silva Molero

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Effective history matching of a simulation model with real data from the field requires the resolution of three outstanding issues. First, a conflict may exist between the production data and the existing geological model built from static information. Second, during model updates, geological consistency must be maintained by honoring the prior geologic information. Third, uncertainties related to mechanical and operational issues must be taken into account.;The objective of this study is to build a realistic simulation model able to predict future behavior of a complex CBM reservoir for a CO2 sequestration pilot project in Marshall County, WV by using a …

Interactions Between Teachers And Students In Four Co -Taught, Inclusive, Middle School Classrooms, Nancy G. Burton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Co-teaching in inclusive, content classrooms is becoming increasingly more popular as schools work toward the inclusion of significantly more students with special learning needs in the general education environment. Inherent in every classroom environment is the expectation of teacher-student interactions. It is often the relationship between the teacher and the student that provides opportunities for student achievement and success. The daily interactions that occur between teachers and their students set the tone for the successes and failures that may be realized as a result. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to explore and identify both the context and frequency …

Effects Of The Antimicrobial Agent Triclosan On Bacterial Resistance To Disinfection In Wastewater Treatment Processes, Meilin Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

2-(2,5-Dichlorophenoxy)-5-chlorophenol or Triclosan is a widely used antimicrobial agent included in a multitude of products, such as soap, toothpaste, and personal care products.;The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of Triclosan on the resistance of activated sludge bacteria to conventional disinfection processes applied in wastewater treatment processes, such as chlorination and UV.;Specific Aim 1. A complex bacterial community collected from an active sludge was acclimated over several sub-cultures in the presence of different concentrations of Triclosan (from 0.0 to 20 mg L-1) and then exposed to sub-lethal doses of chlorine and UV irradiation. Determination of bacterial viability …

Biogeography-Based Optimization, Daniel J. Simon

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Biogeography is the study of the geographical distribution of biological organisms. Mathematical equations that govern the distribution of organisms were first discovered and developed during the 1960s. The mindset of the engineer is that we can learn from nature. This motivates the application of biogeography to optimization problems. Just as the mathematics of biological genetics inspired the development of genetic algorithms (GAs), and the mathematics of biological neurons inspired the development of artificial neural networks, this paper considers the mathematics of biogeography as the basis for the development of a new field: biogeography-based optimization (BBO). We discuss natural biogeography and …

Retinoid X Receptor And Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Agonists Cooperate To Inhibit Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Expression, Peter S. Burrage, Adam C. Schmucker, Yanqing Ren, Michael B. Sporn, Constance E. Brinckerhoff

Dartmouth Scholarship

We recently described the ability of retinoid X receptor (RXR) ligand LG100268 (LG268) to inhibit interleukin-1-beta (IL-1-β)-driven matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-13 gene expression in SW-1353 chondrosarcoma cells. Other investigators have demonstrated similar effects in chondrocytes treated with rosiglitazone, a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), for which RXR is an obligate dimerization partner. The goals of this study were to evaluate the inhibition of IL-1--induced expression of MMP-1andMMP-13 by combinatorial treatment with RXR and PPAR  ligands and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of this inhibition.

Circuit Modules For Six-Port Reflectometer On Chip, Chaojiang Li

All Theses

Broadband signal generator is an indispensable module for broadband Six-Port Reflectometer (SPR). To integrate a whole SPR system on a chip, the source must be compact. In this thesis, a three-stage voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), using two parallel weak invertor-chain oscillators and sense amplifiers, is proposed and designed in a 0.13 µm CMOS process. These two parallel weak inverter-chain oscillators extend the low frequency operating range and the sense amplifiers expand the high frequency operation. The measurement results show that the oscillator can be tuned from 430 MHz to 12 GHz, which satisfies the targeted SPR operating frequency range.
In order …

Fuel Dynamics Across Southern Appalachian Landscapes, Horace Gambrell

All Theses

Although there have been several individual studies measuring hardwood fuels, across the central Hardwood Region and southern Appalachian Mountains, little is known of how hardwood fuels are distributed across the landscape. Understanding this distribution is essential for fire management planning. Previous studies suggest that the decay rate of litter and fine woody fuel is greater on mesic sites as compared to dryer sites. In the southern Appalachian Mountains, northeast facing slopes and protected bottoms are generally the more mesic sites, while southwest facing slopes and exposed ridge tops receive sunlight for longer periods and should be more xeric.
The objectives …

Laboratory Study Of Responses Of Anuran Amphibians To Roundup¨ Exposures: Experimental Design And Role Of Sediment, Latice Fuentes

All Theses

The contribution of incidental exposures of Roundup¨ herbicide to amphibian declines can be evaluated with carefully designed laboratory tests. Sensitive, sentinel species of larval anurans were exposed to two formulations: the original formulation of Roundup¨ and Roundup WeatherMax¨ in 96-hour acute, aqueous and water-sediment tests. An experimental design was developed that considered and held constant relevant laboratory conditions which produced precise, replicable data. Experimental design factors decreased variability and increased precision by considering and incorporating the following: 1) range-finding tests; 2) reference toxicity tests; 3) the relative sensitivity of the species tested; 4) differences in formulation; 5) the number of …

Solarization Effects On Chemical Properties Of Soils Under Kudu (Pueraria Montana) Invasion, Nicole Gilbert

All Theses

Solarization is an effective method for managing small areas with kudzu (Pueraria montana) invasions that may alter soil chemical properties. Conducted from 2005 to 2007 at the Clemson University Experimental Forest in Clemson, South Carolina on a Cecil clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult), this study compares soil chemical properties under thermally-treated and non-treated plots at different depths invaded by Kudzu.
The experimental factors of treatment and depth were arranged in a factorial treatment design with 15 treatments arranged in a split plot design. The five thermal treatments were the whole plot factors which were arranged in a randomized …

From The Gilded Ghetto To Hollywood: Bruce Lee, Kung Fu, And The Evolution Of Chinese America, Darcy Coover

All Theses

As has been true for most groups of immigrants arriving in the United States, the Chinese have undergone a wide-ranging, and at times rapid, transformation in the eyes of mainstream America. No other ethnic or racial group in American history has been so singled out for immigration regulation as have the Chinese--the Exclusion Act, passed in 1882, still represents the only time that a particular ethnic group was selected for immigration restriction. While an analysis of the legal history of the era reveals the various restrictions faced by Chinese immigrants in terms of the state, a look at American popular …

The Effect Of Montmorillonite Nanoclay On Mechanical And Barrier Properties Of Mung Bean Starch Films, Bianca Stiller

All Theses

Starch is an interesting biodegradable polymer due to its excellent film forming properties, availability, and low cost. On the other hand, starch films are often limited by their poor mechanical properties, and water resistance. The addition of montmorillonite clays have improved these properties in both petroleum and biodegradable films.
The objective of the research was to determine the effect of montmorillonite clay on the mechanical and barrier properties on mung bean starch films.
The addition of 5% clay yielded the optimum balance between mechanical and barrier properties of these composite films with improved tensile strength (TS) of 20.8763± 0.789 MPa, …

Early Predictors Of Downward Assimilation In Contemporary Immigration, Katie Holmes

All Theses

Abstract: In this paper, I focus on the assimilative paths of second- generation immigrants using data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study. Primarily my goal is to determine early factors that put these youth at risk of downward assimilation. I use incarceration (in early adulthood) as a conservative measure for downward assimilation. While I recognize that this, in actuality, underestimates the extent of downward assimilation, I feel that it is the most efficient theoretical measure because of its extreme negative, long-term occupational, economic, and social effects. I use logistic regression to analyze a number of independent variables in my …

Revision Of East Palearctic Apatania (Trichoptera: Apataniidae), Suvdtsetseg Chuluunbat

All Theses

The East Palearctic genus Apatania Kolenati includes 34 species. Thirty-two of these have been described as adults and the other 2 are known only in the larval life stage. Immature stages of most species are not yet known.
A morphological study of these species suggested that 2 of the nominal species are synonyms of other species, reducing the number of valid East Palearctic Apatania species to 30. A phylogeny and classification of the reviewed 30 species is provided for this work. My work does not support Schmid's (1953) groupings of Apatania species. Although recognition of homologues was problematic among the …

Examination Of Pre-Diabetes And Diabetes Perceptions And Knowledge Using Focus Groups, Caroline Carter

All Theses

A review of worksite interventions revealed the scarcity of worksite interventions for the prevention of chronic diseases for which research data has been collected. Pre-diabetes is a condition that has been identified as an emerging chronic disease threat which is deserving of immediate attention as it precedes type 2 diabetes and it is becoming more common in the United States. The number of individuals with pre-diabetes has been estimated to be 54 million. As the worksite setting provides easy access to a large adult population it was chosen for this research study. A thorough review of prior worksite interventions was …

Effective Intervention Approaches For Increased Student Achievement With At-Risk Middle School Students: Voices From Parents, Susan J. Peets

Dissertations

Parent involvement is closely linked to student achievement. Research suggests that students, families, and schools benefit from active participation by families in the process of educating children. Many parents provide a broad range of support to their children, although, currently no common agreement on the most effective forms of parent support exists.

This study focused on the gap in the literature as to the needs of middle school at-risk students' parents. Qualitative methods were used to explore how parents of twelve at-risk middle school students (identified by low academic achievement scores of reading at least one year below grade level …

Economic Analysis Of Adoption Of Water-Saving Land Improvements In Northern China, Xuanwen Wang

All Dissertations

Determinants for farmers' choice of water-saving land improvements in Northern China are analyzed with a sample survey of 401 villages. The analysis focuses on two aspects of adoption, whether or not to adopt and if a technology is adopted, how much land to which to apply the technology. In the first stage, 'whether to adopt', multinomial logit models are applied to analyze the discrete choice of alternative land improvement strategies. In the second stage of adoption, 'how much to adopt', both sample selection models and OLS models are utilized to measure the adoption extent of field leveling, use of borders, …

Characterization Of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Mechanical And Frictional Properties Using Atomic Force Microscopy, Jason Hemmer

All Dissertations

A working hypothesis within the Laboratory of Vascular Research is that mechanical loading on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), especially due to solid contact from endovascular devices, contributes to the development of restenosis. In order to better understand the role of mechanical loading on VSMCs in vascular disease development, it is imperative to understand the mechanical properties of VSMCs themselves. To measure the viscoelastic and frictional properties of living VSMCs in an in vitro setting, an atomic force microscope (AFM) was utilized, thereby allowing for mechanical testing of living cells in a fluid environment. In the first phase of research, …

Biology And Ecology Of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus Palmeri), Prashant Jha

All Dissertations

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) is a troublesome weed of crops in southeastern United States. This research highlights studies on the biology and ecology of Palmer amaranth. Following dispersal in fall, Palmer amaranth seeds require high mean temperatures of 25 to 40 C for germination, which is not likely to occur in South Carolina until the following spring. With dormancy reduction over winter, seeds can germinate at high temperatures (≥25 C) and thermal amplitudes of 15 C during late spring (May) in the presence of light. A majority (>90%) of the non-dormant population in the soil seedbank emerge …