Digital Commons Network^™

Rational Design, Synthesis And Characterization Of Amide Functionalized Pyridine And Benzimidazole Transition Metal Complexes., Samuel S. K. Asem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study expands our efforts to make a new class of Pt (II) compounds analogous to cisplatin and its derivatives using sterically hindered ligands. Pt compounds in this series have been synthesized using specially designed pyridine and benzimidazole ligands. These heterocycles, amide functionalized at position 2 with aryl and alkyl pendants, rapidly change their mode of coordination depending on the pH of the medium. These ligands, synthesized using condensation chemistry, also coordinate to Co(II), Ni(H), Cu(lI), and Zn(1I) generally as anionic bis-chelates through the benzimidazole nitrogen and the carbonyl oxygen, creating a four-coordinate complex with the exception of an unusual …

Towards An Improved Measure Of Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Motivation., Aaron W. Banister

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Religious motivation is a construct that has been the focus of decades of research. The "Religious Orientation Scale" (ROS) and variations of it, including the "Age Universal Intrinsic-Extrinsic Scale-12" (AUIES-12), are the most commonly used measures of religious motivation. But from the initial use of these measures there has been questions concerning their theoretical foundation and scale reliabilities. The purpose of this dissertation was to 1) test the factor structure of the AUIES-12 and investigate its scale reliabilities; 2) investigate, through CFA, the factor structure of a new measure of religious motivation, the "Measure of Religious Motivation" (MRM), which introduces …

Social-Emotional Behaviors In African-American Toddlers : The Role Of Risk And Protective Factors., Paulette Flores 1970-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The role of risk and protective factors in the family system on toddlers' social-emotional outcomes was examined by exploring the impact of depression and parenting strategies reported by female primary caregivers on toddlers' social-emotional competence and social-emotional problem behaviors. The goal of the research was to extend knowledge concerning how these risk and protective factors relate to social-emotional outcomes in an urban community sample of African-American families. Participants included 103 African-American women and toddlers. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined social-emotional problems and social-emotional competence. Results showed that female primary caregivers' depression and annual income were found to significantly predict ratings …

Root Coverage Comparing Acellular Dermal Matrix To Connective Tissue Graft Using The Coronally Positioned Tunnel Technique., Marie-Eve Girouard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aims. The primary aim of this randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial was to compare the percent root coverage obtained using acellular dermal matrix allograft and connective tissue graft using the coronally positioned tunnel technique 4 months postsurgically. Methods. Twenty-four patients with 1 site of 2: 3 mm Miller Class I or II recession were treated and followed for 4 months. Twelve patients received a coronally positioned tunnel plus ADM and were considered the test group. The positive control group consisted of 12 patients treated with a coronally positioned tunnel technique plus connective tissue graft and were considered the control group. …

Functionalized Nanoparticles For Amf-Induced Gene And Drug Delivery., Souvik Biswas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The properties and broad applications of nano-magnetic colloids have generated much interest in recent years. Specially, Fe304 nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention since their magnetic properties can be used for hyperthermia treatment or drug targeting. For example, enhanced levels of intracellular gene delivery can be achieved using Fe304 nano-vectors in the presence of an external magnetic field, a process known as 'magnetofection'. The low cytotoxicity, tunable particle size, ease of surface functionalization, and ability to generate thermal energy using an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) are properties have propelled Fe304 research to the forefront of nanoparticle research. …

Traf6 Signaling In Skeletal Muscle Atrophy And Regeneration., Pradyut K. Paul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in our body that provides a structural framework and regulates important biological processes. It is also a primary reservoir of protein. Skeletal muscle maintains its structural and functional integrity by finely balancing the rates of protein synthesis and degradation. Skeletal muscle also has a very well defined regeneration program to cope with muscle injuries. A disruption in any of these delicately balanced intracellular mechanisms of skeletal muscle results in devastating conditions such as atrophies and chronic injuries. Majority of these debilitating conditions in skeletal muscle eventually lead to morbidity and increased mortality and …

Regulation Of Morphogenesis By Ammonium Transporters In Ustilgo Maydis., Jinny A. Paul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many species of fungi undergo a dimorphic transition to switch from a unicellular yeast-like growth form to a filamentous growth form. Ustilago maydis undergoes such a transition, in response to successful mating events and subsequent host cues, to form a filamentous pathogenic form. U maydis also undergoes haploid filamentous growth in response to several environmental cues including, but not limited to nutrient limitation, pH, lipids, among others. Ammonium transporter proteins (Amts) play an essential role in controlling the dimorphic transition in response to nutrient limitation, specifically nitrogen in the form of ammonium. I demonstrate a role for the U maydis …

Annonacin In Asimina Triloba Fruit : Implications For Neurotoxicity., Lisa Fryman Potts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The acetogenin annonacin, from the tropical annonaceous plant Annona muricata, is a lipophilic, mitochondrial complex I inhibitor reported to be more toxic than rotenone to mesencephalic neurons. The temperate annonaceous plant Asimina tri/oba (pawpaw) is native to the Eastern United States and its products are available online. This study determined whether annonacin is in the pawpaw fruit pulp and whether it or the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract is toxic to cortical neurons and induces pathological changes in the microtubule associated protein tau. Pawpaw extract was prepared by pulp extraction with methanol and liquid-liquid partitioning with EtOAc. Annonacin was isolated …

Development Of Soil Lead And Tree-Ring Methods For Characterizing Atmospheric Deposition Gradients And Subsequent Tree Growth Responses, Bradley P. Breslow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Atmospheric deposition of pollutants and nutrients can have a range of effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite its ecological importance, it remains a challenge to model patterns of deposition across complex terrain and also to assess how forest ecosystems are reacting to chronic inputs of atmospheric deposition. I measured the lead (Pb) content of forest soils adjacent to atmospheric deposition monitoring stations throughout the central Appalachian Mountains to examine how well patterns of soil Pb relate to regional patterns of inorganic nitrogen (N) deposition. While I found no significant relationship between organic soil Pb content and N deposition, I …

Nesting Biology Of Osmia Cornifrons: Implications For Population Management, Matthew Mckinney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Japanese hornfaced bee, Osmia cornifrons (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is a palearctic mason bee managed for the pollination of early season fruit crops such as apple and blueberry. Since its adoption as a managed pollinator in Japan during the 1940s, a large body of literature has amassed with the goal of enhancing O. cornifrons management practices. This research makes important contributions to that literature in two ways. First, the research describes the in-nest relationship of O. cornifrons and the cleptoparasitic mite pest Chaetodactylus krombeini. Distribution of male and female O. cornifrons and of C. krombeini was determined using linear and non-linear …

Analog Signal Processing Elements For Energy-Constrained Platforms, Kyle Robert Mcmillan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Energy constrained processing poses a number of challenges that have resulted in tremendous innovations over the past decade. Shrinking supply voltages and limited clock speeds have placed an emphasis on processing efficiency over the raw throughput of a processor. One of the approaches to increase processing efficiency is to use parallel processing with slower, lower resolution processing elements. By utilizing this parallel approach, power consumption can be decreased while maintaining data throughput relative to other more power-hungry architectures.;This low resolution / parallel architecture has direct application in the analog as well as the digital domain. Indeed, research shows that as …

Ridge Preservation Comparing The Clinical And Histologic Healing Of A Demineralized Particulate Bone Allograft Vs. Mineralized Particulate Cancellous Allograft Using Barrier Membrane., Veneta Kotevska

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aim. Differences in the healing of demineralized and mineralized allografts have been reported but their significance has not been evaluated in ridge preservation studies. The primary aims of this study were to compare ridge preservation using a mineralized cancellous allograft to a demineralized cortical allograft plus a PTFE barrier using clinical and histologic data to assess the outcomes. Methods. Twelve positive controls received an intrasocket mineralized cancellous particulate allograft (500-800 µm, Cancellous group) while twelve test patients received an intrasocket demineralized particulate allograft (250 to 710 µm, Demineralized group). All sites included in the study were covered with a PTFE …

Examining Teachers' Perceptions Of Psychological Gender And Leadership Behavior Of Principals In Public Elementary Schools., Brittany D. Carpenter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that various leadership styles have different impacts on leader outcomes such as satisfaction, extra effort, and effectiveness. Specifically, researchers have found that transformational leadership positively impacts follower perceptions of satisfaction, extra effort, and leader effectiveness (Avolio, Bass, & lung, 1995; Philbin, 1997; Yammarino, Spangler, & Bass, 1993). However, research has shown that not all leaders display transformational leadership. In fact, Eagly, Karau, & lohnson (1992) and their colleagues have shown transformational leadership in education to be linked to the extent to which male and female principals carry out their gender roles - referring to role congruity. Currently, …

Tumor-Targeting Aptamers For The Treatment Of Prostate Cancer., Enid W. Choi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the most common type diagnosed among men in the United States. Random oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) libraries are used to generate DNA aptamers by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We explored the utility of guanine-rich libraries, and found that some had cancer-selective antiproliferative activity that generally correlated with G-quadruplex formation, nuclease resistance, and enhanced cellular uptake. We identified several proteins by mass spectrometry that bind to GC and cytosine ODNs. We compared the GT library with the classic random library for SELEX of whole prostate cancer cells and identified a new aptamer from the GT library …

The Development Of Deviant Behavior In Adolescents : The Influence Of Student Characteristics And School Climate., Jessica Damron-Bell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an investigation of the influence of individual characteristics and school climate on the participation in deviant behaviors. The literature review provides a review of adolescent development and theories that guide the understanding of the different social and environmental factors that influence an adolescent's participation in deviant behavior. Additionally, the impact of adolescent participation in deviant behavior will be reviewed. Using data gathered from Middle and High School students who completed surveys administered by a large, Midwestern, urban school district, the influence of gender, ethnicity, age, school level free/reduced lunch status, school level performance on standardized testing, and …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 38, No. 4 (December 2011)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON EMPLOYMENT AND MARRIAGE AMONG LOW INCOME SINGLE MOTHERS - Jennifer A. Johnson, Julie A. Honnold, and Perry Threlfall
• EMERGENCY ROOM USE BY UNDOCUMENTED MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS – Ayse Akincigil, Raymond Sanchez Mayers, and Fontaine H. Fulghum
• IF NOT WELFARE, THEN WHAT? HOW SINGLE MOTHERS FINANCE COLLEGE POST WELFARE REFORM - Kristin Wilson
• HEALTH SERVICE ACCESS FOR RURAL PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN CHINA: A CRITICAL EVALUATION - Xiying Wang, Xiulan Zhang, Yuebin Xu, and Yurong Zhang
• FOOD STAMPS AND DEPENDENCY: DISENTANGLING THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF FOOD STAMP RECEIPT AND LOW …

Histone Deacetylase Inhibition-Mediated Cytotoxicity Of Oligodendrocytes., Toros Ali Dincman 1982-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies indicate post-translational deacetylation by members of the superfamily of histone deacetylase complexes (HDACs) is necessary for oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). However, it remains unknown if transient HDAC inhibition may promote OPC survival as has been shown in other cell types and neurological disease models. Chapter 2 demonstrates the development of a novel primary culture of OPCs from mouse pup cortices enriching the O4+ OPC population using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) technology. Once plated, OPCs were glial fibrillary acidic protein- (GFAP-), A2B5+, NG2+, and O4+. When induced to differentiate, mouse OPCs became either …

Characterization Of Dna-Binding Proteins As Clinically Relevant Biomarkers Of Breast Cancer Behavior., Traci L. Kruer 1979-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While investigating estrogen response element (ERE) binding properties of Era in de-identified human breast cancer extracts, additional proteins were observed that recognized ERE sequences (ERE-BP). In order to unravel the apparent role of these proteins, our goal was to compare properties of these novel ERE-BP with those of ERa, determine their identity and evaluate their clinical relevance in breast cancer behavior. ERE-BP were present in various tissue types including breast, ovarian, uterine and colon cancers and normal tissues. These proteins were present in both cytoplasm and nuclei although higher binding activities were detected in nuclear extracts. ERE-BP did not supershift …

Searching For Novel Ligands For The Cannabinoid And Related Receptors., Pritesh Prakash Kumar 1986-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A cell-based, Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) method was optimized and used to test a library of 60 putative endocannabinoids for activity towards CB1 or CB2, and to test cannabinoid ligands and fatty acid amides for GPRl19 by measuring cAMP levels in this study. The Z' factors for the assay were greater than 0.5 for all three receptors and the assay was able to can tolerate up to 1% DMSO demonstrating a robust and suitable technology for screening. The known cannabinoid and GPRl19 agonists exhibited the rank order of potency expected for CB1/CB2/GPRl19. Our data demonstrate that none of the …

Homoploid Hybrid Speciation In A Rare Endemic Castilleja From Idaho (Castilleja Christii, Orobanchaceae), Danielle Leigh Clay

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Evidence to support the origins of a putative hybrid species with certainty must be determined using several lines of evidence: the presence of genetic additivity of parental marker alleles in a putative hybrid species, along with ecological or niche separation. Novel or transgressive morphological traits obtained through chromosomal rearrangements during hybridization may facilitate niche separation of the hybrid species from progenitor habitats. These evolutionary processes together enforce reproductive isolation and promote an independent evolutionary trajectory in hybrid species. By studying these evolutionary processes in putative hybrid species, researchers may identify hybrid species with confidence.

We employed multiple lines of evidence …

Aghoreshwar Bhagawan Ram And The Aghor Tradition, Jishnu Shankar

Anthropology - Dissertations

Aghoreshwar Mahaprabhu Baba Bhagawan Ram Ji, a well-established saint of the holy city of Varanasi in north India, initiated many changes into the erstwhile Aghor tradition of ascetics in India. This tradition is regarded as an ancient system of spiritual or mystical knowledge by its practitioners and at least some of the practices followed in this tradition can certainly be traced back at least to the time of the Buddha. Over the course of the centuries practitioners of this tradition have interacted with groups of other mystical traditions, exchanging ideas and practices so that both parties in the exchange appear …

Sprouty2 Deficiency In Mice Leads To The Development Of Achalasia, Benjamin Lee Staal

Masters Theses

Sprouty 2 (Spry2), one of the four mammalian Spry family members, is a negative feedback regulator of many receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) signaling including Met. It fine-tunes RTKs signaling through multiple levels of regulations starting from RTK itself to several downstream molecules that are crucial for signal transduction. To understand what role Spry2 might play during developmental processes, we created a Spry2 conventional knockout mouse in which Spry2 expression is replaced by enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter. Spry2 appears to be expressed in mouse embryo and in many adult tissues, and Spry2- deficient mice have smaller body size and …

An Expectancy Violations Theory Study Of Employee Satisfaction, Melissa Cleland

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study seeks to find what drives employee satisfaction using the expectancy violations theory. An exploration of the literature including Judee Burgoon’s expectancy violations theory against leadership credibility, narcissistic communication, and use of power are fully discussed. Ethnographic research is used to study a nonprofit organization, the three employees of Nonprofit XYZ were surveyed, interviewed, and observed over a two week period. The Executive Director of Nonprofit XYZ allowed full access to her office space and employees, however, didn’t participate in the study. The results of the study showed that employee satisfaction was a direct result of specific leadership attributes …

Sneaky Peeks: An Examination Of The Use Of Subliminal Messages In Children's Television And Film, Mary Patricia Charvat

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis project is an account of how advertising agencies and film and television companies make use of subliminal messaging and product placement to manipulate viewers‟ subconscious minds. According to research, there is some skepticism in some areas as to the effectiveness of their subliminal messages. However, it is clear that there is some recognizable effect; statistics show an increase in obesity and self-image and self-esteem problems spurred on by subliminal messaging in television and film aimed at the young. The selected literature included well-known books on subliminal messages and other materials covering 50 years of research. The literature also …

Cultivating Culturally Empathic Environments In The Academic Setting, Sharon-Rose Lau

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Teachers, as leaders and facilitators in the classroom, not only disseminate information, but ultimately propagate and perpetuate ideologies that shape their students' cognitive world. However, with the enrollment of minority students increasing in the United States, greater challenges are encountered as teachers struggle to promote advocacy, respect, and understanding in the classroom. Navigating the relationally ambiguous or uncertain requires certain cognitive tools. The Uncertainty Management Theory which encompasses relational mindfulness and empathy assists individuals in developing the communicative skills necessary to fortify relational contingencies. This thesis explores the communicative methods teachers use to create culturally empathic environments within the academic …

Bridging The Gap Between Interpersonal Communication Skill Differences In Employees: An Interpersonal Communication Training Curriculum, Denise Marie Crowell

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The workforce is a social environment where particular skills are essential in order for employees to perform well, have a competitive edge and succeed in their careers. Interpersonal communication is one of the skills needed in every type of workplace setting. The ability to actively and empathetically listen, adapt communication style according to others and situations, confirm others in communication, resolve conflict, manage tone in writing and effectively communicate in a group are all crucial skills for employees that require exceptional interpersonal communication. However, constructivism theory suggests that due to variances in cognition, not everyone is able to communicate interpersonally …

Investigating The Role Of God Attachment, Adult Attachment And Emotion Regulation In Binge Eating, Angela Charpia Weaver

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Using a cross-sectional, self-report research design, this study examined a non-clinical population of 175 college women between the ages of 18-28 at a private, Christian university. A Pearson correlation matrix confirmed significant linear relationships between binge eating symptoms, emotion regulation, adult attachment insecurity and God attachment insecurity. A hierarchical multiple regression model determined that God attachment insecurity does not contribute unique variance toward binge eating symptoms after controlling for emotion regulation and adult attachment insecurity. Because God attachment insecurity was correlated to emotion regulation and adult attachment insecurity, and weakly correlated to binge eating symptoms without contributing unique variance, this …

A Study Of John Piper’S Sermon Preparation: A Model For Pastors Who Emphasize The Supremacy Of God In Expository Preaching, Sunghyun J. Pae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation aims to answer the question, How can the preacher complete the process of his expository sermon preparation to manifest God's glory and exalt His supremacy in preaching by studying Piper's life and methods? Based on an analysis of Piper's writings and selected sermons, this project investigates Piper's background and influences on his God-centered life and theological system. It then discuses Piper's principles and skills of biblical exegesis, and it looks into the major influence on Piper's biblical exegesis. It also describes Piper's philosophy of preaching: Piper's motivation and purpose of preaching, and it investigate great preachers who impacted …

Systematics, Phylogenetics, And Biogeography Of Early Mississippian Camerate Crinoids Of The Nunn Member, Lake Valley Formation, In South-Central New Mexico, Elizabeth C. Rhenberg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Lake Valley Formation has long been known for the crinoids that are abundant in the formation. The crinoids were noted in the first descriptions of the formations in the late 1800's, but there has never been a comprehensive study done on the crinoids and as a result there is no complete list of crinoids that existed in south-central New Mexico during the Early Mississippian. Although all subclasses of crinoids are found in the Nunn Member, it is the camerate crinoids that dominate the fauna and will be the focus of this study. Most of the specimens studied came from …

Land Use Pressure And Climate Impacts On Fire Regimes And Forest Regeneration In The Upper Tuul River Watershed, Mongolia, Thomas M. Saladyga

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is composed of three chapters addressing the broad issues of land use, climate variability, and wildfire in central Mongolia. The first chapter describes a GIS model developed to map human impacts in the Upper Tuul River watershed. Forest establishment data were used to validate the application of the model with results indicating a high level of correspondence with a field assessment of human disturbance. Chapter two is a tree-ring based reconstruction of Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for the central Khan Khentii Mountains from 1675-2000. Changes in moisture availability were more frequent during the 20th century than any …