Digital Commons Network^™

Where's My Daddy? Effects Of Fatherlessness On Women's Relational Communication, Latoya Marie Jackson

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis research was to understand the relationship between father absence and women's communication styles in romantic heterosexual relationships under social cognitive theory. Two studies were conducted using a multi-method research approach in order to triangulate the results. Seven fatherless women were interviewed to arrive at a better understanding of how father absence informed their romantic relational experiences. Specifically, the topics of relationship roles, self-disclosure, expression, and self-silencing in romantic relationships were examined in the interviews. Participants reflected on what growing up fatherless meant to them and whether or not this had any influence on the role …

Trophic Interactions Among Chlorostoma Brunnea, Macrocystis Pyrifera, And Fungi, Selena Mcmillan

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how one of the most abundant kelp forest herbivores in central California, the trochid snail Chlorostoma brunnea, affects the productivity and survivorship of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera within central California. The effects of this turban snail species were investigated using experimental field manipulations of snail abundance on Macrocystis sporophytes and supplementary laboratory experiments. Experimental field manipulation of C. brunnea densities (0-450 snails per sporophyte) revealed an overcompensation of growth by Macrocystis in response to moderate snail densities. This finding is consistent with a terrestrial growth premise, the Grazing Optimization Hypothesis. …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Silica Hydride-Based Fluorinated Stationary Phases, Kavita Vipool Prajapati

Master's Theses

Silica-based fluorinated bonded stationary phases have shown enhanced selectivity with altered elution orders for molecules differing in hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity in comparison with C8 and C18 reversed phase columns. Hence, two novel silica hydride-based fluorinated bonded phases have been synthesized using a hydrosilation

procedure to exploit fluorine-based unique selectivity for polar basic metabolites. Bonded moieties have been characterized by elemental and spectral analyses. Silica hydride-based aqueous normal phase (ANP) chromatography has retention behavior similar to normal phase chromatography, except for the use of water as a part of the binary solvent (>60 % acetonitrile : water). In ANP, a …

Difference And Accommodation In Visigothic Gaul And Spain, Craig H. Schamp

Master's Theses

This thesis examines primary sources in fifth- and sixth-century Gaul and Spain and finds a surprising lack of concern for ethnicity. Authors in the fifth century expressed concern for the sanctity and safety of the church, their patria, and themselves, but seldom mention any issues that could be related to ethnicity. Even the Arian Christianity of the Goths seems to be of little or no concern. This changes in the middle of the sixth century, when Arian Christianity becomes an overarching issue in Visigothic history. The sources portray nearly every political concern in the second half of the sixth century …

Aquatic Ecology Of San Felipe Lake, San Benito County, California, Julie Renee Casagrande

Master's Theses

This two-year study examined San Felipe Lake environmental factors and food-web relationships. The lake is shallow, warm, productive, and generally well-mixed. High turbidity resulted from wind mixing of bottom sediments, carp feeding activity, and plankton blooms and excluded submerged aquatic plants. Emergent vegetation was restricted by cattle grazing. Summer temperatures reached 26-28°C throughout the water column, and dissolved oxygen was occasionally low on the bottom overnight and during windless daytime periods. Phytoplankton, fine organic matter, and detritus formed the base of the food web, supporting a zooplankton community dominated by copepods, the water column macroinvertebrate Neomysis, and several open water …

Learning Statistics Using Concept Maps: Effects On Anxiety And Performance, Patrick Francis Cravalho

Master's Theses

The aim of this thesis was to study the use of concept mapping in an

undergraduate statistics course in order to examine the effects on statistics anxiety and

academic performance by means of a two-group quasi-experimental design. Two

undergraduate statistics classes were recruited for this study with one serving as the

treatment (concept map) group and one serving as the control (standard instruction)

group. It was hypothesized that the use of concept mapping would decrease the statistics

anxiety and improve the academic performance of students in the concept map group

when compared with the control group. The statistics anxiety of …

An Investigation Of Co-Rumination On Stress Levels And Mood, Anthony Thomas Holguin

Master's Theses

A recently defined type of social support known as co-rumination, the process of sharing negative thoughts, feelings, or ideas with a supporter that triggers the supporter to share similar thoughts and feelings of negativity, is believed to generate both a sense of bonding and an exacerbated stress response. The present study examined the impact of co-rumination on stress levels and mood states in men and women. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions (a control condition, a stress condition without a co-ruminator, or a stress condition with a co-ruminator), which depended on both the timeslot for which a participant …

Phenomenological Examination Of Depression In Female Collegiate Athletes, Alyson Jones

Master's Theses

Collegiate athletes may be at an increased risk of depression due to the pressure and stress they face. This risk is of great concern because their health, safety, and sport performance may all be affected. In addition, collegiate athletes are more likely to turn to maladaptive coping behaviors and less likely to seek help for mental health struggles than other populations. It has been suggested that a greater understanding of personal experiences would be helpful in increasing awareness and improving treatment. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the lived experience of depression in female collegiate athletes. …

Interspecific Variation In Morphology And Swimming Performance Within Surfperches (Embiotocidae) From California, Benjamin Michael Perlman

Master's Theses

Surfperches are marine fishes that occupy nearshore habitats along the California coast. Morphology was analyzed to determine if there were differences among 19 preserved species. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the dimensionality of the data. Morphological differences occurred among the 19 species. ANOVA revealed a habitat effect on PC2, which described the angle of attachment of the pectoral fin. Pearson correlation revealed that genetic relatedness decreased with increasing morphological differences on PC1, which described aspect ratio and body ratio. Based on PC2, four species were selected to conduct experiments on their swimming performance. U_crit and fin …

Effects Of Competition And Dispersal On The Recruitment Of The Annual Kelp Nereocystis Luetkeana, Matthew Suskiewicz

Master's Theses

In central California, the role of algal assemblages on the recruitment of the canopy producing annual kelp Nereocystis luetkeana was examined by experimentally manipulating canopy and understory algae within 1) a Macrocysits bed and 2) a Nereocystis bed. Nereocystis reproductive material was introduced in some plots to examine the role of dispersal distance on recruitment. Nereocystis recruitment at both sites was significantly higher during spring compared to recruitment observed later in the study. Recruitment continued throughout the fall, however, suggesting a broad recruitment window. Recruitment success increased dramatically when understory algae were removed. Presence of a canopy (Nereocystis or …

Electroless Deposition Of Plasmonic Nanostructures On Star Polymer Templates, Melia Tjio

Master's Theses

As an alternative technique, electroless deposition is gaining interest due to its simplicity (solution-based process, no complex instrumentation), economical aspect, and effectiveness to form certain desired film thicknesses and morphologies on a wide variety of substrates. This work describes the use of water-soluble, polyvalent star polymer templates to form spontaneous self-limiting monolayers on complimentary functionalized substrates that act as efficient adhesion layers for the electroless deposition of thin gold films. The resulting gold films display outstanding thickness control, uniformity, reproducibility, and plasmon resonance generation, as evaluated by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy …

The Effects Of Bordetella Pertussis On Dendritic Cell Imprinting Of Cd4+ T Cells, Sana Waheed

Master's Theses

Bordetella pertussis is an aerobic gram-negative bacterial pathogen that causes the human respiratory disease whooping cough. Despite widespread vaccination, whooping cough is reemerging due to decreased vaccine efficacy. One of the hallmarks of infection is lymphocytosis, which is induced by the pertussis toxin. Lymphocytes such as CD4+ T cells navigate to infected tissues through surface-trafficking molecules, which are imprinted during their interaction with tissue-associated dendritic cells. We hypothesized that the pertussis toxin affects the imprinting process resulting in altered expression of trafficking molecules on CD4+ T cells. We tested this hypothesis using a mouse model of infection. Imprinting levels on …

Riparian Brush Rabbit Habitat Requirements In Caswell Memorial State Park, Clinton Robert Elsholz

Master's Theses

With the rapid growth of agricultural and urban development in California's Central Valley in the 20th and 21st centuries, many habitats, including riparian forests, have been drastically altered. Along with these habitats, species that are dependent on them have also been fragmented and their long-term survival threatened. The riparian brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) is one such species that has experienced profound population contraction over the past century. This research was conducted at Caswell Memorial State Park ("the Park"), located in Ripon, California, which is the largest remaining habitat fragment within the rabbit's historical range. One objective of this research …

Numerical Simulation Of Capsule Dissolution In The Usp Apparatus Ii, Jasmine Han

Master's Theses

The capsule is the second most common type of drug dosage form, yet detailed research of capsule dissolution in the USP Apparatus II (a paddle dissolution apparatus that mimics the drug dissolution process in an in vivo environment) is not well reported. In this work, a mathematical model was developed that incorporates both the dissolution of the capsule shell and the slug within the capsule shell. Capsule shell dissolution was modeled with the assumption that the shell undergoes an erosion process only. The capsule slug dissolution model incorporated mass transfer principles, Markov chain theory, and the influence of hydrodynamics on …

Absence Of Keratin 8 Is Associated With Marked Colon Mast Cell Infiltration, Diana El Bezri Nasser

Master's Theses

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have increased numbers of numbers of intestinal mast cells (MCs). Chymases and tryptases are mast-cell-specific proteases (MCPs) that are reliable indicators of MC degranulation. The role of MCs in the pathophysiology of IBD is poorly understood, and it is unclear whether MCs play a role in patients or in experimental models of IBD. Furthermore, MCs have been characterized only in chemically induced models of colitis. In this study, we characterize MCs in inflamed colons of keratin 8 knock-out mice (K8-/-), a spontaneous model of colitis with primarily an epithelial cell defect. We used histologic, …

Phylloplanins: Novel Antifungal Proteins On Plant Leaf Surfaces, Ryan William Shepherd

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Secreted surface proteins are an innate immune defense component employed by animals to inhibit invading microbes. Surface proteins have not been documented in plants, even though the aerial leaf surface, or phylloplane, is a major site of pathogen ingress. We have discovered novel proteins, termed phylloplanins, which accumulate on leaf surfaces of Nicotiana tabacum, and we have isolated the gene Phylloplanin that is unique in gene databases. Natural and E. coli-expressed phylloplanins inhibit spore germination and limit leaf infection by the oomycete pathogen Peronospora tabacina.

We investigated the site of phylloplanin biosynthesis using biochemical techniques. These techniques …

Latest Quaternary Paleoclimate Reconstruction Utilizing Stable Isotopic And Trace Element Proxies In A Stalagmite From Culverson Creek Cave, West Virginia, Ashley Nicole Gilbert

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

A reconstruction of regional climate variability in southern West Virginia that spans the last glacial/interglacial transition is presented. Paleoclimate interpretations obtained from the 50-cm long stalagmite provide key insights regarding the timing, magnitude, and forcing mechanisms responsible for past climate variability. Stable isotopic (δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C) and trace element (Ba, Sr, Mg) signatures from samples contiguously milled along the growth-axis of a ²³⁰Th-dated stalagmite which grew between approximately 20 and 5 thousand years before present (kyr BP) provide critical constraints for above-cave mean annual temperature, seasonality of moisture mean annual precipitation, and potential vegetation shifts. …

Igf-I Releasing Plga Scaffolds For Growth Plate Regeneration, Sharath Kumar Chinnakavanam Sundararaj

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Growth plate is a highly organized cartilaginous tissue found at the end of long bones and is responsible for longitudinal growth of the bones. Growth plate fracture leads to retarded growth and unequal limb length, which might have a lifelong effect on a person’s physical stature. This research is a tissue engineering approach for the treatment of growth plate injury. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), which can stimulate cartilage formation, was encapsulated within PLGA microspheres that were then used to form porous scaffolds. The release profile of the IGF-I from the PLGA scaffold showed a biphasic release pattern. In vitro …

“Everyday Symbols For Mediation” Conflict And Cooperation Over The Management Of Cultural And Natural Resources Within The Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area, Carol Jo Evans

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods, this in-depth ethnographic study of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSFNRRA) examines social conflict and resistance stemming from competing values, definitions, and concerns over the management of cultural and natural resources within the region. The timing of this project is fortuitous for the National Park Service (NPS) has completed the creation of a ten year General Management Plan. Thus, we are provided with an opportunity to study and analyze the policy and methodology that park officials are required to follow in creating a management plan and eliciting public participation.

The first …

The Role Of Abcg2 In Drug Active Transport In Milk, Lipeng Wang

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Drug active transport into milk is a major concern for breastfeeding mothers and healthcare providers. Studies from the literature indicated that breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) plays an important role in drug transfer into milk. There has been limited study on stereoselective interactions with ABCG2. A mechanistic analysis of flux across cell monolayer model is a critical first step toward extrapolating in vitro results for predicting in vivo disposition (including distribution into milk), drug disposition or drug-drug interactions.

The objectives of this thesis were (1) to establish a “Chemical knockout model” in rat for studying drug accumulation into milk, (2) …

Function Of Androgen Receptor In Prostate Cancer Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition And Microtubule Targeting, Menglei Zhu

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality among men in the US. Androgens are functionally required for the normal growth of the prostate gland and play a critical role in prostate tumor development and progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) is an important process during normal development, and cancer cell metastasis.

This study examined the ability of androgens to influence EMT of prostate cancer epithelial cells and evaluate the effect of taxol chemotherapy on androgen signaling in prostate cancer cells in prostate cancer. The EMT pattern was evaluated on the basis of expression …

Improvement Of New Oil Crops For Kentucky, Watchareewan Jamboonsri

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Three oil crops, chia (Salvia hispanica L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), and castor (Ricinus communis L.), were studied because of their nutritional and industrial values. Chia and flax are rich in an ω3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid, and castor is a very high oil producer and high in a hydroxy fatty acid. Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and gamma rays were employed to mutagenize chia seeds to produce early flowering mutants. The M₁ population was grown and induced to flower by short-day photoperiods. The M₂ population was planted in the field in Lexington, KY in 2008. Early …

Testing Lesniaski’S Revised Brief Test, M. Sara Lowe, Sean M. Stone

Library Staff Publications and Research

In 2004, Lesniaski revised White’s Brief Test methodology for smaller academic libraries that lack sufficient subject specialist librarians to perform the brief tests as originally proposed byWhite. As a part of regular collection development, Cowles Library implemented Lesniaski’s Brief Tests on the print monograph collection. While primarily a review of Lesniaski’s methodology, this article also discusses how the Brief Tests were used for improved collection evaluation and maintenance.

Does The Experimental-Use Defense To Patent Infringement Still Exist, Sonya J. Bible

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Advent Of Gene Patenting: Putting The Great Debate In Perspective, Brian Zadorozny

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

No abstract provided.

Challenges Under Ocsla And The Future Of Offshore Drilling Under The Obama Administration, Jennifer Larson

SMU Science and Technology Law Review

No abstract provided.

Antidepressant Stimulation Of Cdp-Diacylglycerol Synthesis Does Not Require Monoamine Reuptake Inhibition, Ashiwel S. Undieh, Marwa A. Aboukhatwa

Publications and Research

Background: Recent studies demonstrate that diverse antidepressant agents increase the cellular production of the nucleolipid CDP-diacylglycerol and its synthetic derivative, phosphatidylinositol, in depression-relevant brain regions. Pharmacological blockade of downstream phosphatidylinositide signaling disrupted the behavioral antidepressant effects in rats. However, the nucleolipid responses were resistant to inhibition by serotonin receptor antagonists, even though antidepressant-facilitated inositol phosphate accumulation was blocked. Could the neurochemical effects be additional to the known effects of the drugs on monoamine transmitter transporters? To examine this question, we tested selected agents in serotonin-depleted brain tissues, in PC12 cells devoid of serotonin transporters, and on the enzymatic activity of …

Integrating Marital Property Into A Spouse’S Elective Share, Raymond C. O'Brien

Scholarly Articles

First, this Article begins with history, as this forms the basis of electiveshare law. It is necessary to begin with the historical basis of a spouse's right to support, and then proceed to examine how and why a spouse obtained a share of the property acquired during marriage. Second, because a spouse's rights at death were often very different from those that a spouse would obtain at divorce, it is necessary to explain the various judicial and statutory models adopted by the states to provide a modicum of protection to a surviving spouse at death. There are many models and …

Introducing Stem Majors To The Teaching Profession Through Authentic Experiences As Tutors, Grinell Smith

Faculty Publications

Recruiting people with rich backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into the teaching profession has historically been difficult and remains so today. In this bounded instrumental case study, undergraduate STEM majors were trained and placed as science and math tutors in grades 9-12, with an overarching goal of encouraging them to consider teaching as a possible career path. Several themes emerged from the tutors’ experiences as significant in their willingness to consider a career in teaching, including altruism from helping others, satisfaction from tutees’ improved academic performance, and a more nuanced understanding of the complex nature of teaching.

Salinity Tolerance And Osmotic Response Of The Estuarine Hermit Crab Pagurus Maclaughlinae In The Indian River Lagoon, Florida, Sarah E. Rhodes-Ondi, Richard L. Turner

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Pagurus maclaughlinae is the most common hermit in the Indian River Lagoon System. Wide variations in lagoonal salinity make it likely that P. maclaughlinae is euryhaline and that other hermit species in the area are more stenohaline, at least in some stages of their life histories. In a study of salinity tolerance, crabs were held unfed at salinities of 5–50 (25 control) for up to 30 d. Based on survivorship curves, P. maclaughlinae tolerated acute exposure to salinities of 10–45 for up to 18 d, and survivorship up to 30 d at 20–45 equaled or exceeded survivorship of the control. …