Digital Commons Network^™

Development And Validation Of A Process Focused Measure Of Childhood Depression, Ida Babakhanyan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this research was to develop a measure of childhood depression and test its psychometric properties with depressed and non-depressed children. First, an overview of our current understanding of childhood depression and the measures used in assessment is reviewed. Following, the problems with our diagnostic classification are presented, providing justification for the development of a new measure for childhood depression. A bottom-up approach is used in this study to develop a theory driven measure for identifying depression in children which focuses on the process. Thus, varying from the primarily symptom based assessment tools that are currently used in …

The Morbidity & Mortality Of Prevalent Heart Failure, Jennifer Kwon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The first study population included 292 unselected consecutive patients from the LLUMC heart failure clinic who were enrolled in the study from January to July 2006 and were followed up through the end of December 2010. The treatment policy at the clinic was to uptitrate dosages of beta-adrenergic blockade (β-blockers), angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) to the most tolerable levels in order to reach target dosages, as recommended by the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). Patients were classified into systolic heart failure (ejection fraction (EF) < 40%) or diastolic heart failure (EF≥40%). All dosages of β-blockers, ACEi and ARB were extracted through chart reviews and were used as the main predictors of the patients' survival. Results from analyses showed that reaching target dosages of β-blockers and ACEi/ARB may increase survival when compared to not reaching target among the systolic HF population (HR_{β_biockers}= 0.64, 95% CI 0.26-1.56 and HR_ACEi/ARB=0.50, …

Performance Of Number Of Factors Procedures In Higher Order Analysis: A Comparative Study, Marc Thomas Porritt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is one of the primary statistical tools available for the verification of the structure of a psychological measure. In the case of a nested test the structure of the higher levels is verified by performing EFA on the factor scores of the lower levels, a process known as higher order factor analysis (HOFA). One of the most significant decisions made during the EFA process is how many factors to extract. A number of methods have been developed to empirically answer this question. These methods have been proven highly accurate under normal circumstances. Since HOFA is an …

The Rna Binding Protein Ksrp Destabilizes Gap-43 Mrna To Limit Axonal Elongation In Cultured Hippocampal Neurons, Clark W. Bird

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

The KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) promotes the decay of AU-rich element (ARE) containing mRNAs. Although KSRP is expressed in the developing and mature nervous system, very little is known about its role in regulating gene expression in the brain. In this study, we utilized in vitro binding and decay studies to examine whether KSRP regulates the stability of the GAP-43 transcript, an ARE-containing neuronal mRNA whose protein product plays a role in axonal growth and synaptic plasticity. We found KSRP destabilizes GAP-43 mRNA by binding to the GAP-43 ARE, a process that depends on the presence of the fourth …

Cannabinoid 2 Receptor (Cb2r) Agonists Modulate Neuropathic Pain And Cytokine Expression, Jenny L. Wilkerson

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

The focus of the work in this dissertation is to elucidate the efficacy of cannabinoid 2 receptor agonists, specifically targeting the spinal cord, for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Chemical structures for all cannabinoid compounds utilized are displayed (Supplemental Figure A-1). As an orientation for the reader, the organization of this dissertation consists of five components: chapters 1 through 5. In the first chapter, a background is developed to acquaint one with the topics of chronic pain, and the use of cannabinergic compounds for chronic pain relief. This chapter is in the form of a review, and specifically addresses …

Characterization Of The Count Rate Performance And Evaluation Of The Effects Of High Count Rates On Modern Gamma Cameras, Michael S. Silosky

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE COUNT RATE PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF HIGH COUNT RATES ON MODERN GAMMA CAMERAS

Michael Stephen Silosky, B.S.

Supervisory Professor: S. Cheenu Kappadath, Ph.D.

Evaluation of count rate performance (CRP) is an integral component of gamma camera quality assurance and measurement of system dead time (τ) is important for quantitative SPECT. The CRP of three modern gamma cameras was characterized using established methods (Decay and Dual Source) under a variety of experimental conditions. For the Decay method, input count rate was plotted against observed count rate and fit to the paralyzable detector model (PDM) to …

Functional Analysis Of Drosophila Integrator Complex In Snrna 3' End Processing, Jiandong Chen

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Uridine-rich small nuclear RNAs (U snRNAs) play essential roles in eukaryotic gene expression by facilitating the removal of introns from mRNA precursors and the processing of the replication-dependent histone pre-mRNAs. Formation of the 3’ end of these snRNAs is carried out by a poorly characterized, twelve-membered protein complex named Integrator Complex.

In the effort to understand Integrator Complex function in the formation of the snRNA 3’ end, we performed a functional RNAi screen in Drosophila S2 cells to identify protein factors required for snRNA 3’ end formation. This screen was conducted by using a fluorescence-based reporter that elicits GFP expression …

Supporting Teachers' Use Of Nonfiction Text In The Primary Grades Classroom: One Practical Strategy, Renee Rice Moran

ETSU Faculty Works

The purpose of this article is to argue for the benefits of using nonfiction text in the primary grades classroom. Readers are provided with a brief theoretical framework which outlines how nonfiction may increase achieve,emt, motivation, and interest for young students. Additionally, practical strategies are included for classroom teachers which work to frontload and support students in the act of processing nonfiction text as well as increase teachers' comfort level with the implementation of a nonfiction unit of study.

The Longest Night, Ted Olson

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Over The Camel's Hump, Brett Kingsley

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Issue 2

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Female Head Athletic Trainers In Ncaa Division I (Ia Football) Athletics: How They Made It To The Top, Joanne Gorant

Dissertations

The profession of athletic training has opened its doors to women, who now slightly outnumber men in the profession (Shingles, 2001; WATC, 1997, 2005). Unfortunately, this representation does not carry over into positions of high rank. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the lived experiences of female head athletic trainers in NCAA Division I (IA football) institutions to focus on the issues of barriers to advancement and their ability to overcome them.

Using Hakim’s “preference theory” as a lens, this interpretive qualitative investigation utilized semi-structured, open-ended interviews to learn how participants advanced in the field of athletic …

Individual And Social Network Sexual Behavior Norms Of Homeless Youth At High Risk For Hiv Infection, Kimberly A. Tyler, Lisa A. Melander

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Although previous research shows that homeless youth engage in numerous risky sexual behaviors, little is known about whether or not specific rules govern this conduct within their social networks and how group norms influence subsequent sexual actions. The current study utilizes 19 in-depth interviews with homeless youth to investigate different elements of their sexual behavior. Findings reveal that their decision to have sex generally depends on chemistry and physical appearance whereas a potential partner’s risky sexual history and heavy substance use discourages youth from engaging in sex. Both males and females discuss condom usage as it relates to unknown sexual …

Seam And Symmetry, Mark Anthony Cayanan

English Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Interpersonal Counterproductive Work Behaviors: Distinguishing Between Person-Focused Versus Task-Focused Behaviors And Their Antecedents, Violet Ho

Management Faculty Publications

Purpose – This study proposes a nuanced perspective for conceptualizing interpersonal counterproductive work behaviors (ICWBs) by distinguishing them into behaviors that hinder other workers’ task performance (task-focused ICWBs), and those that are personal in nature (person-focused ICWBs). A relational stress perspective is adopted to examine work-based dependence relational stressor and negative-affect relational stressor as predictors of each category of behavior, with trait competitiveness as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach – Deductive and inductive approaches were used to generate items measuring each type of ICWBs, and the two-factor ICWB structure was validated using data from 136 respondents. Data from a different sample of …

Successful Management Of Severe Liver Failure On Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Using Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating Systeme., Shigeki Tabata, Nicholas Cavarocchi, Hitoshi Hirose

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

A 49-year-old female with Adriamycin induced cardiomyopathy presented with decompensated biventricular congestive heart failure. Despite multiple Inotropes, the patient’s hemodynamics deteriorated and she underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) placement as a bridge to decision. Pre-ECMO workup showed liver dysfunction with elevated total bilirubin of 5.9 mg/dl, normal liver enzymes and liver ultrasound image. Tentative diagnosis of “end-stage liver failure” was made without a biopsy.

Shortly after initiation of ECMO, the patient developed massive hemoptysis which was successfully managed with continuation of ECMO and ventilator management. [i] The patient’s total bilirubin continued to increase to peak of 56 mg/dl on …

A Comprehensive Location-Allocation Method For Specialized Healthcare Services, Siddhartha S. Syam, Murray J. Côté

Management Faculty Research and Publications

This paper focuses on the development, solution, and application of a location-allocation model for specialized health care services such as the treatment and rehabilitation necessary for strokes or traumatic brain injuries. The model is based on our experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ integrated service networks. The model minimizes the total cost borne by the health system and its patients and incorporates admission acuity levels, service proportion requirements, and admission retention rates. A common resource constraint is introduced at the facility level since treatment of multiple acuity levels involves the pooling of common resources. Realistic instances of the model …

Fem Simulation For Indot Temporary Concrete Anchored Barrier, Efe G. Kurt, Amit H. Varma, Sangdo Hong

JTRP Technical Reports

Portable Concrete Barriers (PCBs) are used to redirect errant vehicles to keep them passing to opposing lanes and to ensure safety of the people and any objects behind the barriers. In the state of Indiana, increments to the PCBs, such as L-Shape steel plates, have been applied to enhance the safety performance of these barriers. In this study, Finite Element (FE) analyses are performed to evaluate the safety performance of PCBs with and without the increments and get thorough information about the increments applied. A full-scale crash test (INDOT, 2001) was executed for an impact to the PCBs with a …

Longitudinal Joint Specifications And Performance, Rebecca S. Mcdaniel, Ayesha Shah, Jan Olek

JTRP Technical Reports

Deterioration of longitudinal joints is widely recognized as one of the major factors contributing to failure of asphalt pavements. Finding ways to improve the durability of longitudinal joints will lead to improved service lives and lower life cycle costs. Research and field trials have been directed towards improving joint performance since at least the 1960s. Most of that work was addressed improving the density at and around the joint. This report summarizes an extensive review of the pertinent literature, a review of state specifications and inspection of several trial projects in Indiana related to longitudinal joint construction and performance. Recommendations …

Socioeconomic Forecasting, Yingge Xiong, Jon D. Fricker, Kevin T. Mcnamara, Joseph W. Longley

JTRP Technical Reports

The role of the REMI Policy Insight+ model in socioeconomic forecasting and economic impact analysis of transportation projects was assessed. The REMI PI+ model is consistent with the state of the practice in forecasting and impact analysis. REMI PI+, like its competitors, is vulnerable to the trends contained in the historical data it uses, especially recent trends. After the most recent periodic update in data, the performance of the REMI PI+ model improved, i.e., it produced long-term forecasts that were more credible. Zonal-level population and employment forecasts for direct input to the Indiana Statewide Travel Demand Model (ISTDM) can be …

Seismic Performance Of Symmetric Steel Moment Frames With Random Reactive Weight Distributions, Conner F.F. Williamson

Master's Theses

When a structure undergoes seismic excitation, the intensities and spatial distributions of the reactive weights on the structure may not be the same as those assumed in original design. Such a difference is inevitable due to many facts with the random nature (e.g., redistribution of live load), resulting in accidental eccentricity and consequently torsional response in the system. The added torsion can cause excessive deformation and premature failure of the lateral force resisting system and its detrimental effect is typically accounted for in most building design codes with an arbitrarily specified accidental eccentricity value. While it tends to amplify drift …

Correlation Of Respiratory Symptoms And Spirometric Lung Patterns In A Rural Community Setting, Sindh, Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Survey, Imran Naeem Abbasi, Adeel Ahsan, Asaad Ahmed Nafees

Community Health Sciences

Background: Symptom-based questionnaires can be a cost effective tool enabling identification and diagnosis of patients with respiratory illnesses in resource limited setting. This study aimed to determine the correlation of respiratory symptoms and spirometric lung patterns and validity of ATS respiratory questionnaire in a rural community setting.
Methods: This cross sectional survey was conducted between January - March 2009 on a sample of 200 adults selected from two villages of district Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. A modified version of the American thoracic society division of lung disease questionnaire was used to record the presence of respiratory symptoms. Predicted lung volumes i.e. …

Stream Restoration: Project Evaluation And Site Selection In The Cacapon River Watershed, West Virginia, Jonathan L. Pitchford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stream restoration is being conducted throughout the world at unprecedented rates to address stream channel degradation and water quality concerns. Natural Channel Design (NCD) is a common method used for restoration and has received governmental endorsement; however, the effects of NCD on channel stability and ecosystem functioning are poorly studied. We examined the effects of a reach-scale NCD project on channel stability, riparian vegetation, and water quality along the Cacapon River, West Virginia using a before-after-control-impact design and determined that restoration increased the abundance and diversity of woody vegetation, but had minimal effects on streambank stability and water quality. Increased …

Living With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Chalonda Henry

Dissertations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a commonly diagnosed disorder for both children (and today adults). The literature discusses how ADHD is defined as research continues, the symptoms demonstrated by those diagnosed, how it has been known to affect their main life areas e.g. home, school, social relationships, and how it is assessed, diagnosed and treated. However, reading the literature does not give the reader a sense of the real life perception of ADHD. Children with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD participated in an interview consisting of nine open ended questions. The results were found to be consistent with …

Novel Engineered Nanostructured Complex Oxide For High Temperature Thermoelectric Power Generation, Diego F. Palacio

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Thermoelectric power generators are a promising technology that can produce electrical power directly from waste heat emitted in energy production and consumption systems. The essential component of thermoelectric generators is the thermoelectric material which performs the energy conversion process. In order to make thermoelectric devices to be considered a significant contributor to US energy infrastructure, it is essential first to foster improvements in high performance thermoelectric materials. They must possess not only a high conversion efficiency, but also need be composed of nontoxic and abundantly available elemental materials having high chemical stability in air up to 800-1000 K. In comparison …

Egret, Mary Dengler

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

F Word, Joshua Matthews

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Maelstrom, Doug Burg

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Scarab Beetles: Masked Chafers, David Versluis, Roy R. Behrens

Pro Rege

Iowa Insect Series 2012. Digital Collage -- Giclèe Prints. The “Iowa Insect Series” of ten images was completed during the month of January, 2012. Versluis initiated the collaboration, which was conducted long distance, and image files were volleyed back and forth. Each designer/artist added, subtracted, or modified the image until both felt the print was finished and the series completed. Collaborative prints by David Versluis, Dordt College, and Roy Behrens, University of Northern Iowa. Both teach graphic design.

Bees, David Versluis, Roy R. Behrens

Pro Rege

Iowa Insect Series 2012. Digital Collage -- Giclèe Prints. The “Iowa Insect Series” of ten images was completed during the month of January, 2012. Versluis initiated the collaboration, which was conducted long distance, and image files were volleyed back and forth. Each designer/artist added, subtracted, or modified the image until both felt the print was finished and the series completed. Collaborative prints by David Versluis, Dordt College, and Roy Behrens, University of Northern Iowa. Both teach graphic design.