Digital Commons Network^™

Morphological Deformities As Biomarkers In Fish From Contaminated Rivers In Taiwan, Peter Lin Sun, William E. Hawkins, Robin M. Overstreet, Nancy J. Brown-Peterson

Faculty Publications

Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) were collected seasonally from four contaminated rivers in southwestern Taiwan for studies of morphological deformities that could be used as biomarkers of contamination. Morphological deformities found in tilapia were separated into 15 categories. Overall, the prevalence of deformities such as split fins, lower lip extension and gill deformities were significantly related to various water quality parameters, including low DO and high ammonium, lead and zinc concentrations. The persistence of tilapia in polluted waters and the development of a suite of morphological deformities suggest that tilapia can be used as sentinels of non-point source pollution in rivers.

Mapping The Global Landscape In Women's Diasporic Writing, Martha Addante

Dissertations

As a contribution to the theory of cognitive mapping, the dissertation examines the ways in which contemporary novels by women writers of diasporic literature offer new conceptual maps of the present global space. This study argues there is a need for alternative mapping strategies that locate the female diasporic subject within the new global political economy. Fredric Jameson's theory of cognitive mapping and Arjun Appadurai's model of global flows provide a useful framework for mapping global space, yet each must be filtered through a feminist critique and modified by a feminist politics. Ultimately, the dissertation argues for a feminist theory …

From Picture To Word To The World: A Multimodal, Cultural Studies Approach To Teaching Graphic Novels In The English Classroom, Shannon Renee Mortimore

Dissertations

Sequential narratives such as comics, graphic novels and Manga (Japanese-style comics) have long been popular in youth culture. Recent attention has shifted to the potential of utilizing these alternative texts in the secondary classroom, yet very little information for English teachers exists regarding how to engage students in close, careful, and culturally informed analysis of these works. While there is a long tradition of thoughtful analytical teaching about literary texts, when it comes to the study of various media with strong image content, language arts teachers often may not know how to proceed. Indeed, preconceptions about the legitimacy of comics …

Continuity In Iranian Leadership Legitimization: Farr-I Izadi, Shi’Ism, And Vilayet-I Faqih, Tamara C. Mackenthun

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The ancient Iranian belief in a mythological force that God bestows on kings in the form of a mystical light that validates their rule, the farr-ī īzadī, has persisted in Iran for millennia, and continues to influence Iranian concepts of leadership legitimization. The Islamic conquerors who overthrew Iran’s Sassanian Empire in the seventh century adapted this myth of Iranian sacral kingship to Islamic political culture, and used it to build a distinct Iranian Islamic political identity that persisted through centuries of regime changes. Iran’s Shi’i Muslims drew upon the concept of farr-i izadi in both of Iran’s twentieth century revolutions, …

Pandemic Flu Planning In Africa: Thoughts From A Nigerian Case Study, Cheryl Loeb, Lynn Mcgrath, Sudhir Devalia

Defense and Technology Papers

This paper discusses the Avian Influenza/Pandemic Influenza Policy Planning workshop held in Nigeria in June 2007, the objective of which was assisting selected Nigerian officials in evaluating their nation’s pandemic response plan.

Exposure To Ultraviolet Radiation Causes Proteomic Changes In Embryos Of The Purple Sea Urchin, Strongylocentrotus Purpuratus, Joseph Paul Campanale

Master's Theses

The amount of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 290-400 nm) reaching Earth’s surface is increasing due to ozone depletion and global climate change. Embryos of the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, provide an ideal system for examining how UVR affects developing marine organisms and cells in general. To model the protein-mediated cell cycle response to UV-irradiation, six batches of S. purpuratus embryos were exposed to UVR, monitored for delays in the first mitotic division and examined for global proteomic changes. Embryos from each batch were exposed to or protected from artificial UVR for 25 or 60 min. Embryos treated with …

Developing A Labor Epidural Information Course For First Time Mothers, Philip Roylance

Theses and Dissertations

In the field of anesthesia, an epidural is the most common fonn of analgesia for laboring mothers. Legally, in order for an anesthesia provider to place an epidural, the parturient must be educated regarding this form of analgesia. Most anesthesia providers do educate their patients regarding epidurals. However, several problems arise with current procedures including a majority of the education taking place while the mother is in labor and being provided by someone other than anesthesia personnel. These problems pose questions such as: (A) ls this the most efficacious time to educate expecting mothers, (B) Does the parturient truly understanding …

An Efficacy Study Of School Based Social Interventions Administered To Students With Autism, Carmine Peluso

Education Doctoral

In an effort to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2000 (IDEA, 2004), schools are moving toward full inclusion in classrooms to offer students with disabilities the least restrictive environment. This has led to an influx of students on the spectrum of autism in general education classrooms at the middle school level. Students on the spectrum of autism are receiving social interventions as indicated on their Individualized Education Plan. There has been no use of consistent measures to establish if social interventions are effective and generalizable. A study consisting of 7 middle school students in a suburban school …

Classifying The Fire Regime Condition Class For Upland Oak-Hickory Forests, Paul David Tikusis

Theses

Several reports of widespread establishment of mesophytic vegetation within oak-hickory upland forests have been documented throughout the Central Hardwoods Region. Previous studies suggest deviations from historic disturbance regimes may be a primary driver of vegetation change, necessitating the use of Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) guidelines to measure changes in forest structure. Current parameters of forest structure and fuel loading were assessed within mature oak-hickory uplands throughout the ecological subsections of the Shawnee National Forest, including the Greater Shawnee Hills, Lesser Shawnee Hills, Cretaceous Hills, and the Illinois Ozarks. Present species importance values and forest structure were compared with reference …

Rapid Evolution Of Sex-Pheromone-Producing Enzyme In Drosophila, Troy R. Shirangi, Héloïse D. Dufour, Thomas M. Williams, Sean B. Carroll

Biology Faculty Publications

A wide range of organisms use sex pheromones to communicate with each other and to identify appropriate mating partners. While the evolution of chemical communication has been suggested to cause sexual isolation and speciation, the mechanisms that govern evolutionary transitions in sex pheromone production are poorly understood. Here, we decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid evolution in the expression of a gene involved in sex pheromone production in Drosophilid flies. Long-chain cuticular hydrocarbons (e.g., dienes) are produced female-specifically, notably via the activity of the desaturase DESAT-F, and are potent pheromones for male courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. We …

Towards Biomimetic Ceramic Coatings: Cellular Aspects Of Oyster Shell Biomineralization, Mary Beth Johnstone, Karolyn Hansen, Neeraj V. Gohad, Douglas C. Hansen, Andrew S. Mount

Biology Faculty Publications

Abstract of Technical Paper Presented at the 101^st Annual Meeting National Shellfisheries Association Savannah, Georgia March 22–26, 2009

Assessment Of Oyster Shell Structural Properties For The Development Of 'Green' Composite Materials, Yuhchae Yoon, Andrew S. Mount, Douglas C. Hansen, Karolyn Hansen

Biology Faculty Publications

Abstract of Technical Paper Presented at the 101^st Annual Meeting National Shellfisheries Association Savannah, Georgia March 22–26, 2009

Promoting Social And Emotional Learning In Second Grade Students: A Study Of The Strong Start Curriculum, Paul Caldarella, Lynnette Christensen, Thomas J. Kramer, Kalli Kronmiller

Faculty Publications

The promotion of social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools may help prevent emotional and behavioral problems of students. This study evaluated the effects of a SEL curriculum, Strong Start, on the social-emotional competence of 26 second grade students, using a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design. Results revealed statistically significant and meaningful improvements in teacher ratings of students’ internalizing and peer-related prosocial behaviors, particularly for students at greater risk. Conversely, control group students experienced significant worsening of internalizing behaviors and decreased levels of peer-related prosocial behaviors. No changes were reported in externalizing behaviors for either group. Treatment integrity and social …

Ridge Preservation Comparing The Clinical And Histologic Healing Of A Mineralized Particulate Allograft With A Nonporous Ptfe Membrane Vs. Mineralized Particulate Xenograft With A Collagen Plug Membrane., Jason A. Witonsky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aim. To compare two techniques of ridge preservation using a cancellous mineralized particulate xenograft plus a collagen plug to a cortical mineralized particulate allograft plus a PTFE membrane using ridge dimension data to assess the outcome. Methods. Twenty-eight total patients were seen in the Graduate Periodontics Clinic at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Fourteen positive controls received a mineralized particulate xenograft (0.25 to 1.00 mm) covered by a collagen plug using a full-thickness flap technique (Plug group). Fourteen test patients received an intrasocket mineralized cortical particulate allograft (500 to 800 µm) covered with a nonporous PTFE membrane also …

I Contemplate A Tree... And The Environment, Jimmy Ha

Shabbat Shalom: A Journal for Jewish-Christian Reconciliation

No abstract provided.

Doing Shavuot, Tiago Arrais

Shabbat Shalom: A Journal for Jewish-Christian Reconciliation

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Physical Activity And Nutrient Intake On The Risk Of Hip Fracture : Results From The Adventist Health Study-2, Wen-Ling Liao

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This is a two year of follow up study of Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2). We assessed the association between physical activity, nutrient intake and risk of hip fracture among peri- and post menopausal Caucasian women using unconditional logistic regression models. All subjects completed a lifestyle questionnaire which including information of physical activity and frequency and portion size of food intake at enrollment into the study (2002-2007). The “Bi-Annual Hospitalization History” questionnaire which included a question about hip fractures due to minor trauma/falls was sent to subjects approximately two years after enrollment, with a response rat of 82.84%. In this cohort, …

The Effects Of Dietary N-3 Polyunsaturated Fat From Plant Versus Marine Sources On Bochemical Markers Of Bone Turnover In Healthy Adults, Lan Nguyen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: To investigate the effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fat from plant versus marine sources on biochemical markers of bone turnover.

Design: Both studies were controlled, single blind, randomized trials using Latin-square crossover designs.

Subjects/Methods:Twenty-five (12 females and 13 males) and 24 (9 females and 15 males) healthy participants completed the Fish-Walnut Study and the Omega-3 Study, respectively. The Fish-Walnut Study included three diets: [1] control, [2] ALA-rich diet (1.5 oz of walnuts/day, 6 times/week), and [3] EPA/DHA-rich diet (8 oz of salmon/week). The Omega-3 Study included four diets: [1] control, [2] ALA-rich diet (42-49 g flaxseed oil/wk; lOg …

Volume 16, Number 1 (Summer 2009), Peace And Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies

No abstract provided.

Detection Of Protease-Resistant Cervid Prion Protein In Water From A Cwd-Endemic Area, T. A. Nichols, Bruce Pulford, A. Christy Wyckoff, Crystal Meyerett, Brady Michel, Kevin Gertig, Edward A. Hoover, Jean E. Jewell, Glenn C. Telling, Mark D. Zabel

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is the only known transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting free-ranging wildlife. Although the exact mode of natural transmission remains unknown, substantial evidence suggests that prions can persist in the environment, implicating components thereof as potential prion reservoirs and transmission vehicles. CWD-positive animals may contribute to environmental prion load via decomposing carcasses and biological materials including saliva, blood, urine and feces. Sensitivity limitations of conventional assays hamper evaluation of environmental prion loads in soil and water. Here we show the ability of serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification (sPMCA) to amplify a 1.3 x 10^-7 dilution of CWD-infected …

Common Regional Pests Of Western Australia, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

Western Australia is free from many exotic animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds that are present elsewhere in Australia. However, the state does have some unwanted intruders. Of these, many are declared plants or declared animals which, for the sake of convenience, we collectively call declared pests.

A Brief Sketch Of Urama Grammar With Special Consideration Of Particles Marking Agency, Aspect, And Modality, Janessa L. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Urama is a Kiwai language spoken by the Urama people of Papua New Guinea. Very little has been published in the Kiwai language family and although Urama has been mentioned in a few papers nothing focusing on the Urama language has been published.

This thesis presents a brief grammar sketch outlining key grammar features. It describes 1) basic word order, 2) nouns, 3) verbs, 4) postpositions, 5) clausal relations and 6) some problematic particles. The particles addressed mark agency, aspect and modality.

The first particle is ro, an agent marker occurring mainly on the subjects of transitive verbs Its …

Palembangese In Print: An Nls Look At Literacies, Linguacies, Communicacies, And Culturacies In South Sumatra, Jacob M. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

People have been interacting with print in the South Sumatran city of Palembang for well over a millennium. Most of this literate activity has been carried out in languages other than the vernacular. Even now, the vast majority of print in the public realm in Palembang is in Indonesian, English, Arabic, and Chinese. And yet there are examples of the local language, Baso Pelembang, in print. This thesis looks for reasons behind these variations from the norm.

After exploring the perspective offered by the New Literacy Studies (NLS), this paper builds upon the foundation provided by these works. Through …

Perceptions Of Ethical Practices In Youth Livestock Shows, Sharon J. Ankrom

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study was designed to evaluate the perceptions of 4-H and FFA youth and their parents of the ethical nature of practices used in livestock shows. A questionnaire was designed to determine the ethical perceptions of 23 commonly used livestock practices. A purposeful population consisted of 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. A total of 109 youth and 67 adults were included in the survey. Overall the population perceived the 23 practices unethical. This study found significant differences existed between whether or not participants attended an ethics training course, gender and age. Participants that attended and …

Habitat Selection And Predation Risk In Larval Lampreys, Dustin M. Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis examines habitat preference and the influence of habitat on predation of larvae (ammocoetes) of the least brook lamprey (Lampetra aepyptera). The thesis comprises three chapters: (1) an introduction and literature review on the general life history of lampreys and on studies related to ammocoetes and their habitat, (2) an experimental study of habitat preference in ammocoetes of the least brook lamprey, and (3) an experimental study of the relationship between habitat availability and predation risk in ammocoetes. For the first study, we quantified substrate selection in small (< 50 mm) and large (100-150 mm) ammocoetes of the least brook lamprey. In aquaria, ammocoetes were given a choice to burrow into six equally-available substrate types: small gravel (2.36-4.75 mm), coarse sand (0.5-1.4 mm), fine sand (0.125-0.5 mm), organic debris (approximately 70% decomposing leaves and stems, 15% silt, and 15% sand), an even mixture of silt, clay, and fine sand, and silt/clay (< 0.063 mm). Fine sand was selected with a significantly higher probability than any other substrate. In the second study, we experimentally examined the influence of habitat availability on predation risk of ammocoetes. Ammocoetes were placed in aquaria containing a predator species (yellow bullhead, Ameiurus natalis) and one of 3 substrates: fine sand (0.125-0.5 mm), coarse sand (0.5-1.4 mm), or silt/clay (<0.063 mm). Use of the three substrate types was based on a previous experiment where fine sand was determined to be the preferred benthic habitat of least brook lamprey. Based on 10 trials with each habitat type, survival of ammocoetes was highest in aquaria with fine sand (mean = 80%), and lower in those with coarse sand (mean = 58%) and silt/clay (mean = 4%). The results of both studies conducted indicate that populations of least brook lamprey ammocoetes may be limited by the availability of fine sand habitat. The first study indicated that least brook lamprey ammocoetes are habitat specialists, preferring substrates composed primarily of fine sand. The second study showed that the availability of fine sand habitat may influence the predation risk of ammocoetes, as ammocoete survival from predation was highest in fine sand, and lower in other substrates.

Mechanisms Of Iron Reduction And Phosphorus Solubilization In An Intermittently Wet Pasture Soil, Jared L. Wilmoth

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Microbial Fe-reduction in pasture soils may be of agronomic importance, because it has been shown to influence P cycling. The present study investigated the behavior of Fe and P in an intermittently wet, Appalachian pasture soil during a 42 day anaerobic incubation. Native humic acid (HA) extracted from the sampling location and anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid (AQDS) were used in the experiment to determine their electron-mediating effects on Fe(III) reduction and P solubilization over time. Extracted HA and the International Humic Substance Society (IHSS) Elliott Soil HA standard were compared using 13C-NMR, FT-IR, SEM, and CHNS analysis. Soil samples treated with 1.24 …

Acoustic Plethysmograph For Measuring Pulmonary Function In Mice, Jeffrey S. Reynolds

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The traditional whole body plethysmograph (WBP) relies on pressure changes induced by a freely respiring animal inside a chamber. This pressure is a combination of a thermo-hygrometric effect (proportional to tidal volume) and a gas compression effect (related to lung mechanics). In order to measure either tidal volume or lung mechanics, it must be assumed that the other component is negligible. In this research, an acoustic WBP was developed that is capable of measuring the thoracic volume change of a mouse independent of the thermohygrometric effect. This allows independent measurement of tidal volume and specific airway resistance.;In the first phase …

Unlocking Doors For The Locked-Out: How Can Community Colleges Help To Demolish Barriers, Build Bridges, And Transition Male Ex-Offenders Into The Workforce, Jeannette Collins-Molden

Dissertations

Over 670,000 adult prisoners were released in 2004. It is estimated that by 2010 over 1.2 million inmates will be released annually. The purpose of this study was to explore (a) barriers that male ex-offenders encounter in their pursuit of entering the workforce and (b) various types of education and support services that community colleges could provide in order to assist this marginalized population in overcoming these barriers. This qualitative case study was conducted at a community college offering programs that attracted a population of at least 50% male ex-offenders. Six male ex-offender students, four of the case study institution …

The Holmesian Bad Man’S First Critic, Douglas G. Baird

Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series

No abstract provided.

The Unbounded Home, Property Values Beyond Property Lines, Lee Anne Fennell

Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series

No abstract provided.