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2011

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Mapping And Analyzing The Florida Reef Tract In Palm Beach County In Relation To Major Storm Events In A Gis Database, Joseph G. Pitti Jan 2011

Mapping And Analyzing The Florida Reef Tract In Palm Beach County In Relation To Major Storm Events In A Gis Database, Joseph G. Pitti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The Florida Reef Tract in Southeast Florida is made up of hard-bottom formations. The shape and size of the tract is constantly changing. One major factor contributing to these changes is the movement of sand. This is influenced by location-based, human-induced, and natural factors. These shifting sands cover or uncover reef structure. Images of the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County were analyzed by the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, using a partially automated method of mapping. There are notable changes in reef structure throughout the years 2004-2006, in which many major storm events occurred in the …

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Marie Corelli, Doris. Moss Jan 2011

Marie Corelli, Doris. Moss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Marie Corelli was arguably the most popular British novelist of the early 1900s, yet few today even know her name. Though she is not the only author to lose popularity, her enormous influence during her lifetime deserves consideration. What people liked about Marie Corelli can shed light on why the rise of modernism is seen as such a break from the popular in literature. This paper examines two of her bestsellers, A Romance of Two Worlds and The Sorrows of Satan, in light of the fin de siáecle, as well as the critical response to her work from both modernist …

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Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Deficiency Leads To Mitochondrial Dysfunction In Drosophila Melanogaster, Jennifer. Verriotto Jan 2011

Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Deficiency Leads To Mitochondrial Dysfunction In Drosophila Melanogaster, Jennifer. Verriotto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species and are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction, methionine oxidation, and oxidative stress are thought to play a role in both the aging process and several neurodegenerative diseases. Two major classes of methionine sulfoxide reductases, designated MsrA and MsrB are enzymes that function to repair the enatiomers of methionine sulfoxide, met-(o)-S and met-(o)- R, respectively. This study focuses on the effect of Msr deficiencies on mitochondrial function by utilizing mutant alleles of MsrA and MsrB. The data show that loss of only one form of Msr in the mitochondria does …

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Molecular Characterization Of The Injected Venom Of Conus Ermineus, Jose A. Rivera-Ortiz Jan 2011

Molecular Characterization Of The Injected Venom Of Conus Ermineus, Jose A. Rivera-Ortiz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Cone snails are predatory marine animals that rely on their venom components to immobilize and capture their prey. According to the type of prey preference, cone snails can be divided into three groups: vermivorous, molluscivorous and piscivorous. Conus ermineus had been identified as the only piscivorous snail of the Atlantic Ocean. Cone snail venom is a complex and rich sources of natural toxins. The majority of the components of the venom are peptidic in nature, and they act over different ionic channels and membrane receptors. Initial studies using mixture of venom collected from dissected venom ducts concluded that the venom …

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Nato And The West - The Discursive Myths Of Salvation And Conspiracy, Daniela. Popescu Jan 2011

Nato And The West - The Discursive Myths Of Salvation And Conspiracy, Daniela. Popescu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This thesis provides a critical cultural analysis of the discursive myths of salvation and conspiracy, using as a case study the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) during the transition period in Romania, from 1989 to 2007. The study offers an answer to the questions: how do NATO myths change? Why and with what discursive implications for the Romanian audience? The thesis uses a combination of methodological tools from three different disciplines - history, mythology, and rhetoric - with the intent of showing how the Romanians' public attitudes toward NATO change in four different political contexts: during the integration period until …

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Neuropeptidergic And Neuromorphological Adaptations Induced By Behavioral Sensitization To Nicotine In A Rodent Model Of Vulnerability To Nicotine Relapse, Cigdem. Aydin Jan 2011

Neuropeptidergic And Neuromorphological Adaptations Induced By Behavioral Sensitization To Nicotine In A Rodent Model Of Vulnerability To Nicotine Relapse, Cigdem. Aydin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

A rat model of novelty-seeking phenotype predicts vulnerability to nicotine relapse where locomotor reactivity to novelty is used to rank high (HR) versus low (LR) responders. This dissertation examines the neuropeptidergic and structural substrates of the expression of locomotor sensitization to a low dose nicotine challenge and associated social anxiety-like behavior following chronic intermittent nicotine exposure during adolescence in the LRHR phenotype. Data show the long-lasting nature of behavioral sensitization to nicotine and abstinence-related social anxiety-like behavior in nicotine pre-trained HRs compared to saline pre-trained controls. Moreover, this behavior is accompanied by an imbalance between the brain antistress/antianxiety, i.e., neuropeptide …

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Neurotransmitter Systems And Eeg Related To Acupuncture, Michael L. Marshall Jan 2011

Neurotransmitter Systems And Eeg Related To Acupuncture, Michael L. Marshall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of diseases, but the mechanisms involved in the process have remained a mystery. The present study measures EEG responses to stimulation of a specific acupuncture point, GB37 (Guang Ming), with two different types of manual needle stimulation. Previous studies stimulated for a maximum of 2 minutes. The present study reflects the normal acupuncture treatment time of 20 minutes, with EEG recordings during and for 10 minutes prior to and after stimulation. Our results show no changes in the global spatial and temporal properties of EEG during and …

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Nonlinear Resonance, Carey. Witkov Jan 2011

Nonlinear Resonance, Carey. Witkov

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Sustained resonance in a linear oscillator is achievable with a drive whose constant frequency matches the resonant frequency of the oscillator. In oscillators with nonlinear restoring forces, i.e., Dung-type oscillators, resonant frequency changes with amplitude, so a constant frequency drive generates a beat oscillation instead of sustained resonance. Dung-type oscillators can be driven into sustained resonance, called autoresonance (AR), when drive frequency is swept in time to match the changing resonant frequency of the oscillator. It is found that near-optimal drive linear sweep rates for autoresonance can be estimated from the beat oscillation resulting from constant frequency excitation. Specically, a …

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Novel Nn Paradigm For The Prediction Of Hematocrit Value During Blood Transfusion, Jay. Thakkar Jan 2011

Novel Nn Paradigm For The Prediction Of Hematocrit Value During Blood Transfusion, Jay. Thakkar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

During the Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) process used to treat patients suffering from acute Ulcerative Colitis, medical practitioners have to continuously monitor the Hematocrit (Ht) level in the blood to ensure it is within the acceptable range. The work done, as a part of this thesis, attempts to create an early warning system that can be used to predict if and when the Ht values will deviate from the acceptable range. To do this we have developed an algorithm based on the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) and compared it to other Neural Network algorithms, in particular the Multi Layer Perceptron …

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Nurtured Beauty, Kim. Spivey Jan 2011

Nurtured Beauty, Kim. Spivey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Interested in nurturing beauty, I create paintings that reference life processes through layers of struggle, discovery, recovery and generation. Employing a metaphor of the garden, my paintings can be seen as spaces where I determine what grows, stays, is mulched, or weeded out. I seek a balance between coexisting desires of restraint and control and extravagance with a sense of coming unbound. I emphasize the painting field as a whole, while also paying deep attention to the minute, inviting the viewer to discover complex worlds at different scales within each environment I create. My intimate, domesticated painted environments offer the …

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Nutrition And Habitat Driven Foraging Of Wild Dolphins In The Bahamas, Christopher R. Malinowski Jan 2011

Nutrition And Habitat Driven Foraging Of Wild Dolphins In The Bahamas, Christopher R. Malinowski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Two sympatric dolphin species, Stenella frontalis and Tursiops truncatus, resident to Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas were found to mostly forage independent of one another, but occasionally foraged in mixed groups. Analysis of over 20 years of data revealed the degree of overlap to be minimal with spatially distinct regions identified for both species, environmental segregation based on depth, bottom type, temperature, and time of day. Results based on observational data indicated significant differences in group size and selected prey. For S. frontalis, lactating females had the most distinct diet, which differed from that of non-reproductively active (NRA) females. Pregnant females …

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Olive Schreiner On "Times And Seasons", Mellissa M. Carr Jan 2011

Olive Schreiner On "Times And Seasons", Mellissa M. Carr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Olive Schreine'rs novel, The Story of an African Farm, and nonfiction work, Woman and Labor, have compelled critics to apply the term New Woman to her main character, Lyndall, who speaks out for change against the established gender roles. The thesis proposes that by placing Lyndall in a colonial context, Schreiner creates a plot where place and language embody the possibilities for change. Considering that Schreiner's life consisted of a life in the colonies, first as a governess, later as a wife, one sees Schreiner's personal interest in change. Analyzing Schreiner's style of representing Lyndall's relationship with nature and other …

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Pathogenesis Of Idiopathic Restrictive Cardiomyopathy, Yuejin Li Jan 2011

Pathogenesis Of Idiopathic Restrictive Cardiomyopathy, Yuejin Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a heart muscle disease, characterized by diastolic dysfunction. The present dissertation is to understand the mechanisms underlyijng the initiation of diastolic dysfunction and the fast disease progression to early death in a RCM mouse model, the transgenic cTnI193His mouse... These data showed that myocardial ischemia occurred after diastolic dysfunction and before systolic dysfunction which proceeded congestive heart failure. The results demonstrate that myocardial ischemia causing cardiomycete death is a link between the initial diastolic dysfunction and late-stage systolic dysfunction, and accelerates the disease progression to fatal heart failure in the early age.

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Patient-Centric Hurricane Evacuation Management System, Arny Isonja Ambrose Jan 2011

Patient-Centric Hurricane Evacuation Management System, Arny Isonja Ambrose

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The use of wireless sensor networks for a myriad of applications is increasing. They can be used in healthcare for emergency management. In Florida, hurricanes are the main source of natural disasters. There has been a high incidence of hurricanes over the past decade. When a hurricane warning is issued it is important that people who live in potentially dangerous areas, such as along the coast, evacuate for their safety. Nursing homes and other care facilities for elderly or disabled people experience difficulty with the evacuation as their residents require additional assistance. The characteristics and challenges of a hurricane evacuation …

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Pelvic Fin Locomotion In Batoids, Laura Jane Macesic Jan 2011

Pelvic Fin Locomotion In Batoids, Laura Jane Macesic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Although most batoids (skates and rays) are benthic, only the skates (Rajidae) have been described as performing benthic locomotion, termed 'punting'. While keeping the rest of the body motionless, the skate's specialized pelvic fins are planted into the substrate and then retracted caudally, which thrusts the body forward. This may be advantageous for locating and feeding on prey, avoiding predators, and reducing energetic costs. By integrating kinematic, musculoskeletal, material properties, and compositional analyses across a range of morphologically and phylogenetically diverse batoids, this dissertation (i) demonstrates that punting is not confined to the skates, and (ii) provides reliable anatomical and …

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Philosophical Analysis Of America's Transformation To Universal Health Care, Jennifer Lynn Mantoni Jan 2011

Philosophical Analysis Of America's Transformation To Universal Health Care, Jennifer Lynn Mantoni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Human beings have two apparently conflicting fundamental rights. On the one hand, individuals have a right to health care as the United Nations declared in 1948. On the other hand, individuals have a right to liberty; that is, the freedom to make one's own health related choices, even poor ones. One goal of this essay is to show how to reconcile these two apparently conflicting core American values. This reconciliation is important, because a universal health care system that is fair and just must account for individual rights in tandem with attempts to address matters of social justice. In order …

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Persepolis And Waltz With Bashir, An Alternative Perspective On The Middle East, A Mirror For The West, Kristyna. Dzmuranova Jan 2011

Persepolis And Waltz With Bashir, An Alternative Perspective On The Middle East, A Mirror For The West, Kristyna. Dzmuranova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This project presents a three-level analysis of Persepolis and Waltz with Bashir to elucidate the way these films deconstruct the image of the Middle East that the dominant Western media perpetuate. The thesis demonstrates that the combination of highly expressive and easily understandable animated form with an autobiographical storyline that endows the films with attractive authenticity, personification and intimacy, creates a palatable setting for the intellectual texts. Further, this project discloses the ways representation gives rise to stereotypes and illustrates how the films articulate an alternative to the dichotomous perception of West versus Middle East. The movies impersonate a unique, …

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Prairie And The Pampas, David. Budinger Jan 2011

Prairie And The Pampas, David. Budinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This thesis will examine the governmental settlement policies in two similar topographical areas, the North American prairie and the South American pampas. Specifically, three novels by Willa Cather, will be included: My Antonia, O Pioneers!, and A Lost Lady. They will be discussed in relation to the development of Nebraska as afforded by the Homestead Act of 1862 and compared to the very different land settlement policies of Argentina as conveyed through the Argentinian national epic poem El Gaucho Martin Fierro by Josâe Hernâandez. Particular attention will be made to the influence of the land and its creatures as a …

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Predictive Modeling Of Archaeological Site Location In Cuba, April A. Watson Jan 2011

Predictive Modeling Of Archaeological Site Location In Cuba, April A. Watson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This work aimed at aiding academic and CRM professionals in archaeology by developing a predictive model of prehistoric sites on the southeastern coast of Cuba. The variables in this model were identified by previous archaeological research at Guantâanamo Bay Naval Station. Both GIS analysis and weights of evidence testing were conducted on the model. The results of the GIS and statistical analysis allowed for refinement of the model. Cuba is central to understanding the prehistoric settlement of the Caribbean. The model explored not only site occurrence and environmental correlations, but also looked at intersite correlations. It was determined that site …

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Post-Apocalyptic, The Cyborg, And The Passage Of Time, Aaron. Pancho Jan 2011

Post-Apocalyptic, The Cyborg, And The Passage Of Time, Aaron. Pancho

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This study is an examination of the several themes and conventions of science fiction that seem to appear in the texts of Samuel Beckett. Expectedly, many of the texts produced by both science fiction and Beckett just before, during, and immediately after World War II share similar concerns; though perhaps less expectedly, these two relatively unlike bodies of work can be used to help better understand and illuminate one another. In Waiting for Godot, nuclear anxieties shed light on the play's apparent post-apocalyptic landscape and the profound emptiness that permeates the stage. In Molloy, Hugh Kenner uses Centaur imagery to …

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Prepare, Process, Package, Walteria C. Tucker Jan 2011

Prepare, Process, Package, Walteria C. Tucker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Since Alejo Carpentier's 1944 encounter with the "real maravilloso" in the ruins of the Citadelle La Ferriáere, Haiti has been linked with the notion of Latin American identity, in particular, and American identity, in general. Interesting to me are the ways and the means by which Haiti resurfaces in Cuban and Puerto Rican narratives and what allusions to Haiti in these texts imply about its relationship to the Hispanic Caribbean. I will combine the ideas of John Beverley, Sybille Fischer, and Mimi Sheller to discuss how representations of Haiti work to perpetuate its disavowal and render it a consumable product …

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Preschoolers' Use Of Intentionality In Understanding Causal Structure Of Objects During Imitation Learning, Amy K. Gardiner Jan 2011

Preschoolers' Use Of Intentionality In Understanding Causal Structure Of Objects During Imitation Learning, Amy K. Gardiner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Object use is a ubiquitous characteristic of the human species, and learning how objects function is a fundamental part of human development. This research examines the role that intentionality plays in children's understanding of causal relationships during imitation learning of object use. In Studies 1, 2, and 3, 2- to 5-year-olds observed demonstrations in which causally irrelevant and causally relevant actions were performed to achieve a desired goal of retrieving toys from within containers. Irrelevant actions were performed either intentionally ("There!") or accidentally ("Whoops! I didn't mean to do that!"). Study 1 found that 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, but not …

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Prevalence Of Antibiotic Resistant Commensal Bacteria In Endangered Avian Species, Caroline Ann Efstathion Jan 2011

Prevalence Of Antibiotic Resistant Commensal Bacteria In Endangered Avian Species, Caroline Ann Efstathion

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This study examines prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Amazon parrots in three different groups, one wild and two captive. Commensal bacteria were isolated from 24 parrots and screened for antibiotic resistance. Culture-based and molecular methods were used and a total of 546 isolates from the genus Staphylococcus and Rothia were obtained. Antibiotic resistance was found in all parrot groups in 161 isolates with 48 having multi-drug resistance. The highest frequency of resistance was found to Enrofloxacin and Amoxicillin/Clavulnate though all antibiotics tested were resisted by some bacterial isolates. Both captive groups exhibited more resistant individuals than the wild. This …

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Protective Mechanism Of Sulindac Against Animal Model Of Ischemic Stroke, Jigar P. Modi Jan 2011

Protective Mechanism Of Sulindac Against Animal Model Of Ischemic Stroke, Jigar P. Modi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The Effect of Sulindac was studied on an animal model of ischemic stroke. Sulindac, a non steroid anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) could protect cell death due to hypoxia/reoxygenation. This drug was given 2 days before and 24 hrs after ischemia until animals were sacrificed on 3rd or 11th day. Infarct size was measured for these animals. Sulindac induced Hsp 27 in ischemic penumbra and core on Day 3 & 11 with uncoated nylon suture which shows its cell-survival and anti-apoptotic activity. Also, it increased expression of cell survival markers such as Akt, Bcl2 & Grp 78 in ischemic penumbra and …

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Reconfiguring The Classic Narrative Of Pulp Fiction, Alexandria S. Gray Jan 2011

Reconfiguring The Classic Narrative Of Pulp Fiction, Alexandria S. Gray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This project considers four writers that have used postmodern narrative strategies to reconfigure classic pulp science fiction tropes. The primary texts are Catherine L. Moore's "Shambleau," Eleanor Arnason's "The Warlord of Saturn's Moons", Robert Heinlein's "The Rolling Stones", and Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin". Each experiments with narrative voices or uses a story-within-a-story structure. These strategies enable the authors to engage and comment on the process of how traditional tropes and narratives are brought into a new context through appropriation and reconstruction.

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Regulation Of Rapid Signaling At The Cone Ribbon Synapse Via Distinct Pre- And Postsynaptic Mechanisms, Matthew Jm Rowan Jan 2011

Regulation Of Rapid Signaling At The Cone Ribbon Synapse Via Distinct Pre- And Postsynaptic Mechanisms, Matthew Jm Rowan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Background: Light-adaptation is a multifaceted process in the retina that helps adjust the visual system to changing illumination levels. Many studies are focused on the photochemical mechanism of light-adaptation. Neural network adaptation mechanisms at the photoreceptor synapse are largely unknown. We find that large, spontaneous Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter (EAATs) activity in cone terminals may contribute to cone synaptic adaptation, specifically with respect to how these signals change in differing conditions of light. EAATs in neurons quickly transport glutamate from the synaptic cleft, and also elicit large thermodynamically uncoupled Cl- currents when activated. We recorded synaptic EAAT currents from cones …

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Rifles, Residents, And Runaways, Brian Thomas Dunne Jan 2011

Rifles, Residents, And Runaways, Brian Thomas Dunne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

In the fall of 1864, Maryland became the first Border State to abolish slavery with the adoption of a new state constitution. In order to best understand the evolution of this event, the purpose of this study was to examine the civil-military relations of Maryland during the Civil War and how these relations affected the institution of slavery in the state. Therefore, the main argument is that the conflict between military and civil authorities in Maryland during the war revealed two points: first, that the federal government maintained a faithful vigilance over the state during the war and second, that …

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Scenographia, Sofâia. Matsi Jan 2011

Scenographia, Sofâia. Matsi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Informed by my training in the physical sciences, my thesis show presents results of research on the elements of line and dramatic staging. My process is documented through the experimental grounds of my sketchbooks. Originating from observational drawings of organic forms, my fascination with line quality and my desire for theatrical settings propelled these drawings to acquire a three dimensional presence. Through constructed book formats, staged micro-scenes, and photographs, I test my extracted, abstract forms in varying intimate environments. I control these worlds through scale, space and lighting, and I observe and record how they behave. I gather data through …

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Studies On The Mechanism By Which Sulindac Sensitizes Cancer Cells To Oxidative Stress, Alexander Kreymerman Jan 2011

Studies On The Mechanism By Which Sulindac Sensitizes Cancer Cells To Oxidative Stress, Alexander Kreymerman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Sulindac is a known NSAID that has also been shown to have anti-cancer activity that is not related to its ability to inhibit COX 1 and 2. During the past 15 years there have been a large number of studies attempting to elucidate its mechanism of action. Our laboratory has shown that sulindac can both protect normal cells and enhance the killing of cancer cells under oxidative stress from H2O2 and TBHP. However, except for mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production, the mechanism by which sulindac sensitized the cancer cells to oxidative stress remains unknown. Results of this research project suggest …

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Studied Girlhoods, Regina. Dilgen Jan 2011

Studied Girlhoods, Regina. Dilgen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Dorothy Allison's Two or Three Things I Know for Sure, Mary Karr's The Liars' Club, and Barbara Robinette Moss's Change Me into Zeus's Daughter are memoirs published in the 1990s of girlhoods in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This dissertation uses and expands upon the approaches of the multi-disciplinary Girls' Studies in analyzing how these memoirists theorize their own girlhoods. Each memoirist represents her experience in a culture that attempts to marginalize, silence, and define her. An application of the foundational work on girlhood in developmental psychology provides for an analysis of each memoirist's depiction of girlhood as a …

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