Digital Commons Network^™

Theorizing More Inclusive Cities: A Relational Model Of Boundary Transformation And Urban Research Agenda, Leigh Graham

Publications and Research

To generate more inclusive environments for marginalized urban communities of color demands a strategy that privileges symbolic boundary change and uses it as the inroad towards spatial changes. This paper theorizes a three step relational process of a) communicative democratic activism, b) "multicultural" capital brokers providing access to the policy making process, and c) practices of community building that reflect the role of cities as key sites for sociospatial boundary transformation. An emphasis on discursive and ideational change, relying on communicative democratic processes steeped in historical, comparative analysis opens up our minds towards different classification schemes for stigmatized groups. Participating …

The Politics Of Normativity And Globalization: Which Spanish In The Classroom?, José Del Valle

Publications and Research

This articles explores linguistic ideologies in teaching Spanish in the United States. It focuses on debates surrounding questions of normativity and correctness in the Spanish language classroom and curriculum design.

Achievement Outcomes Of Sixth-Grade Students With A Military Parent Deployed To A War Zone Or A Military Parent Not Deployed Compared To Same School Students Whose Parents Have No Military Affiliation, Robert L. Ingram Iii

Student Work

The need for accurate information about the achievement of students whose military parents are deployed to a war zone or whose military parents are eligible although not currently deployed to a war zone is important in order to ensure that we are providing for the educational wellbeing of these children as their parents defend our nations freedoms. The purpose of this posttest-only comparative efficacy study was to determine the achievement outcomes of sixth-grade students with a military parent deployed to a war zone (n = 10) or sixth-grade students with a military parent not deployed to a war zone (n …

Genetic Mechanisms Underlying The Pathogenicity Of Cold-Stressed Salmonella Enterica Serovar Typhimurium In Cultured Intestinal Epithelial Cells, J. Shah, P. T. Desai, B. C. Weimer

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Salmonella encounters various stresses in the environment and in the host during infection. The effects of cold (5 C, 48 h), peroxide (5 mM H2O2, 5 h) and acid stress (pH 4.0, 90 min) were tested on pathogenicity of Salmonella. Prior exposure of Salmonella to cold stress significantly (P < 0.05) increased adhesion and invasion of cultured intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells. This increased Salmonella-host cell association was also correlated with significant induction of several virulence-associated genes, implying an increased potential of cold-stressed Salmonella to cause an infection. In Caco-2 cells infected with cold-stressed Salmonella, genes involved in the electron transfer chain were significantly induced, but no simultaneous significant increase in expression of antioxidant genes that neutralize the effect of superoxide radicals or reactive oxygen species was observed. Increased production of caspase 9 and caspase 3/7 was confirmed during host cell infection with cold-stressed Salmonella. Further, a prophage gene, STM2699, induced in cold-stressed Salmonella and a spectrin gene, SPTAN1, induced in Salmonella-infected intestinal epithelial cells were found to have a significant contribution in increased adhesion and invasion of cold-stressed Salmonella in epithelial cells.

Genome -Scale Reconstruction Of Metabolic Networks Of Lactobacillus Casei Atcc 334 And 12a, Elena Vinay-Lara, Joshua J. Hamilton, Buffy Stahl, Jeff Broadbent, Jennifer L. Reed, James L. Steele

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Lactobacillus casei strains are widely used in industry and the utility of this organism in these industrial applications is straindependent. Hence, tools capable of predicting strain specific phenotypes would have utility in the selection of strains forspecific industrial processes. Genome-scale metabolic models can be utilized to better understand genotype-phenotyperelationships and to compare different organisms. To assist in the selection and development of strains with enhancedindustrial utility, genome-scale models for L. casei ATCC 334, a well characterized strain, and strain 12A, a corn silage isolate,were constructed. Draft models were generated from RAST genome annotations using the Model SEED database and refined …

Adam Smith And Entangled Political Economy, Maria Pia Paganelli

Economics Faculty Research

Entangled Political Economy, the idea that the economy and the polity are a nexus of interrelations often with unplanned outcomes, is close to the concept of economics that Adam Smith presents, a concept which was not shaped by strict discipline barriers. I show that Adam Smith analyzes the nature and causes of the wealth of nations by analyzing the interaction of the economy with politics, ethics, and the law. In particular, Smith presents each of these systems as a network of relations with all the other systems: the economy is entangled not just with the polity, but also with other …

Index

Religion in the Age of Enlightenment

No abstract provided.

"Oppressed With My Own Sensations": The Histories Of Some Of The Penitents And Principled Piety, Robin Runia

Religion in the Age of Enlightenment

Many scholars have observed the sentimentalization of the prostitute throughout the eighteenth century, and while this sentimentalization and its connection to the culture of sensibility have been compellingly theorized, the penitent prostitute's relationship to emotion, sensation, and piety has not been fully developed. The Histories of Some of the Penitents in the Magdalen House (1760) constructs an anxious equivalency between emotion and sensation, reflecting the vexed nature of sentimental discourse-the difficulty of distinguishing clearly between sensibility and sensuality. Examining this slippage reveals anxieties about women's abilities to accurately interpret and act upon the sensations of their bodies and their corresponding …

Infusion Of Gerontological Competencies In Social Work, Jessica Marie Rawls

LSU Master's Theses

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology Program (GCGP) at Louisiana State University School of Social Work (LSUSSW). Thirty advanced year students participating in the GCGP in the 2012-2013 academic year participated in the study. All of the participants were female, and the majority (n=25) identified as Caucasian. The mean age of the participants was twenty-seven years. The study utilized a pre-experimental, one group pretest-posttest design. Participants were surveyed pre-certificate program and upon completion of the program using a two-part, self-report survey which utilized the Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale II. Participants reported their …

Perceptions Of Collegiate And Professional Black Male Athletes Based On The Media, Dionell Mcneal

LSU Master's Theses

This study focuses on how media usage can affect one’s perceptions of Black collegiate and professional male athletes. While early research focused solely on traditional media, this study focuses on social media as well. This study investigates the relationships between the amounts of time spent using traditional and social media, and the perceptions of athletes in regards to their physical capability, the likelihood of being criminals, and prevalence of committing violent crimes. To explore relationships, this study utilized a total of 145 White participants. Findings showed a positive relationship existed between social media usage and perceptions of criminal-like characteristics. It …

Effects Of Storm Surge And Nutrient Loading On Coastal Wetland Soil Processes: Implications For Ecosystem Function, Morgan Mckee

LSU Master's Theses

Coastal Louisiana is at risk from increases in salinity from storm surge and nutrient loading from the Mississippi River. Increased salinity causes plant death, decreases in microbial productivity, and shifts in biogeochemical processes. Eutrophication is linked to shifts in plant communities and changes in wetland biogeochemical properties. We hypothesized that 1) storm surge would increase soil porewater salinity and decrease extractable ammonium (NH4), and 2) long-term nutrient loading would decrease soil extracellular enzyme activity and increase total nutrients. Intact soil cores from two sites in the Wax Lake Delta were continually flooded with 35 g L-1 salt water for 1, …

Horizontal Violence Among Nurses: Experiences, Responses And Job Performance, Elizabeth M. Bloom

Open Access Dissertations

Horizontal violence (HV), or non-physical intergroup conflict that is expressed in overt and covert behaviors of hostility, is pervasive in nursing and has been discussed in the literature for more than two decades. It is costly and has potentially devastating effects including high nurse turnover rates, increased illness, decreased productivity, and decreased quality of patient care. Recognizing how these behaviors are established and sustained is necessary if nurses are to overcome these types of behaviors. This mixed methods study used an online survey to examine 78 hospital nurse’s experiences and responses to episodes of HV as well as its effect …

Molecular Interaction In Carboxylesterases-Based Catalysis: Ontogenic Expression And Induction Through A Novel Element, Yi-Tzai Chen

Open Access Dissertations

Carboxylesterases (CES) catalyze both hydrolytic and synthetic reactions and play important roles in drug metabolism and lipid mobilization. Many factors such as age and dietary supplements have been shown to regulate the CES expression. The expression of CES1 shows the developmental regulation and is highly induced by antioxidants. The goals of this project were to determine whether CES2, like CES1, is developmentally regulated and to investigate how antioxidants induced the expression of CES1 at the molecular level.

The ontogenic studies showed the mRNA levels of CES2 exhibited a postnatal surge (1-31 days versus 35-70 days) in both liver and duodenum. …

Assessing Engagement And Satisfaction In Two Relational Agent Interventions For Physical Activity And Sun Protection, Marie Aline Sillice

Open Access Dissertations

Relational agent (RA) health interventions are slowly becoming part of the health behavior change field. The current assessed participants’ experience in a 12-month long internet and RA intervention for physical activity (PA) and sun protection, using primarily a qualitative approach. Two groups were recruited. Group 1 consisted of participants who completed the intervention. Group 2 consisted of participants who accessed the intervention only two or three times. Thirty-four participants were recruited for group1 and eight participants for group 2. A standardized semi-structured open-ended interview was used for data collection. Two interview scripts were developed and consisted of twenty-five questions (group1) …

Sustainability Modeling And Assessment Of Product Recovery Systems - An Engineering Approach To A Sustainable Future, Sirine A. Saleem

Open Access Dissertations

Sustainability is defined as “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (WCED, 1987). This is a concept that was developed to counteract the negative consequences of the culture of disposability and consumption based economy on the environment. Many policy makers have the perception that pursuing policies that embrace sustainability would compromise countries economic prosperity. Therefore, this dissertation introduces the new index of sustainable prosperity. This is a novel multiattribute measure that comprehensively assesses sustainable prosperity (SPI) for systems such as countries, hospitals, and products…etc. This index ensures that …

The Unnecessary And Restrictive Constitutional Amendments Concerning Religious Freedom In Mexico, Javier Saldaña Serrano

BYU Law Review

No abstract provided.

Freedom Of Religion In China Under The Current Legal Framework And Foreign Religious Bodies, Ping Xiong

BYU Law Review

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Mechanisms Of Smoking Behavior Change With Statistical Mediation Analysis, Steven Francis Babbin

Open Access Dissertations

Investigating and quantifying the mechanisms that underlie behavior change is essential to understanding what drives effective interventions. Cigarette smoking remains a critical concern for public health, and increasing basic knowledge of smoking behavior change can directly lead to improved interventions. This series of six studies represents a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanisms of smoking behavior change with statistical mediation analysis. All studies utilized combined data from five tailored interventions based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for participants in Precontemplation (PC; N = 1145), Contemplation (C; N = 1243), and Preparation (PR; N = 499). Statistical mediation models under investigation were …

Childhood Maltreatment And Later Adult Functioning: An Examination Of The Roles Of Personal Resiliency And Psychological Distress, Maggie L. Gorraiz

Open Access Dissertations

Childhood maltreatment has been and continues to be a disconcerting public health concern worldwide. Over three decades of research indicates a gamut of negative long-term physical and mental health correlates of childhood maltreatment. However, there is limited knowledge on potential mediating factors in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and later adult functioning. This study examined the potential impact of childhood maltreatment on later adult functioning, specifically interpersonal functioning and protective sexual behaviors. The study also investigated the potential mediating roles of psychological distress and personal resiliency within this relationship. A college-based sample of 415 heterosexually active men and women, aged …

Early Vocabulary Assessment Within A Response To Intervention Framework, Jenlyn Furey

Open Access Dissertations

The current study examined the predictive and social validity of two weekly vocabulary assessments embedded within a Tier I Kindergarten vocabulary curriculum. Participants (N=250 Kindergarten students) received ongoing vocabulary instruction and their target word knowledge was monitored weekly over the course of 24 weeks using two target word assessments (a Yes/No assessment and Receptive Picture assessment). Data from the weekly vocabulary assessments were examined at multiple time points with various cut scores. Predictive validity was examined in terms of correct classification of student risk for poor vocabulary outcomes, and results were compared with standardized measures of general receptive and expressive …

The Green Eating Project: Web-Based Intervention To Promote Environmentally Conscious Eating Behaviors, Jessica T. Nash

Open Access Dissertations

The food system has been cited as unsustainable due to the reliance on natural resources and contribution to global pollution. Technological advances will play a major role in mitigating these negative consequences but consumers will also play a role through food choices. Green Eating (GE) is the concept of practicing more environmentally conscious eating behaviors and is currently defined as: eating locally grown foods, limited amounts of processed/fast foods, eating meatless meals at least one day per week, choosing organic foods as much as possible, and only taking what you plan on eating. Little research exists investigating college student perspectives’ …

Dynamic Response Of Tailored Carbonbased Multifunctional Composites, Nicholas J. Heeder

Open Access Dissertations

The importance of nanotechnology in the world has dramatically increased in the recent years as miniaturization has become more important in areas such as computing, sensing, biomedicine and many others. Advancements in these disciplines depend largely on the ability to synthesize nanoparticles of various shapes and sizes, as well as to assemble them efficiently into complex architectures. Currently, materials reinforced with nanoparticles have an enormous range of applications owing to their superb mechanical and physical properties. More specifically, recent progress has shown that using inorganic nanomaterials as fillers in polymer/inorganic composites has tremendous application potential in automotive, aerospace, construction and …

The Tribes Must Regulate: Jurisdictional, Environmental, And Religious Considerations Of Hydraulic Fracturing On Tribal Lands, Szonja Ludvig

BYU Law Review

No abstract provided.

Evolution And Divergence Of The Structural And Physical Properties Of Dna Binding By Methyl-Cytosine Binding Domain Family Members 2 And 3, Jason Cramer

Theses and Dissertations

The studies presented in this dissertation, Evolution And Divergence Of The Structural And Physical Properties Of DNA Binding By Methyl-Cytosine Binding Domain Family Members 2 And 3, pertain primarily to two key epigenetic regulators involved with the biological interpretation of methylated DNA marks. We provide insights into the emergence and evolution of the MBD2 and MBD3 and how those molecular entities influence heritable changes in gene activity. We further provide details regarding the mystery surrounding MBD3 function and the MBD2-mediated capacity of primitive animals to carry out methylation-specific epigenetic mechanisms. In chapter two, we describe the DNA binding properties of …

Mitochondrial Gene Expression In Human Mononuclear Cells, Monika Ruchala

Theses and Dissertations

MITOCHONDRIAL GENE EXPRESSION IN HUMAN MONONUCLEAR CELLS By Monika D. Ruchała, M.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014. Director: Dr. James P. Bennett Jr, M.D., Ph.D., Bemiss Professor Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Physiology and Biophysics Adult neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have been intensively studied in recent years in pursuit of mechanisms responsible for origin and progression. One emerging theme is mitochondrial energetic deficiency as a mechanism of neuronal death. Recent descriptions of protocols to generate induced pluripotent stems …

Development Of A Collaborative Goal Setting Measure For Patients With Diabetes, Heather Morris

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The potential benefits of collaborative goal setting in the clinical setting have been shown. However, we have a limited understanding about what needs to have transpired between a patient and his or her clinician for them to report that they engaged in collaborative goal setting. Therefore, our ability to monitor and foster collaborative goal setting remains limited. Methods: My three-manuscript dissertation used a mixed-methods approach utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The aims of my study were to: (1) develop a conceptual model of collaborative goal setting as perceived by patients; (2) generate a list of survey items …

Characteristics Of Effective Communication About Mental Health In An African American Urban Community: A Qualitative Analysis, Jeannette Porter

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown African Americans experience mental health issues at the same rate as the general population but seek treatment at only one-third that rate. Eleven African American low-income urban community leaders with basic training in mental health issues were interviewed about their perceptions of African American patterns of communication on mental health issues. Findings included a general consensus that the topic is generally not discussed, although passing references to a party’s perceived mental illness may be made using humor. When such discussion does take place, it happens only in a “safe space” with a trusted dialogue partner. Non-verbal cues …

Multiferroic Nanomagnetic Logic: Hybrid Spintronics-Straintronic Paradigm For Ultra-Low Energy Computing, Mohammad Salehi Fashami

Theses and Dissertations

Excessive energy dissipation in CMOS devices during switching is the primary threat to continued downscaling of computing devices in accordance with Moore’s law. In the quest for alternatives to traditional transistor based electronics, nanomagnet-based computing [1, 2] is emerging as an attractive alternative since: (i) nanomagnets are intrinsically more energy-efficient than transistors due to the correlated switching of spins [3], and (ii) unlike transistors, magnets have no leakage and hence have no standby power dissipation. However, large energy dissipation in the clocking circuit appears to be a barrier to the realization of ultra low power logic devices with such nanomagnets. …

The Impact Of A Primary Care Psychology Training Program On Medical Utilization In A Community Sample, Autumn Lanoye

Theses and Dissertations

Mental illness and psychological distress is associated with higher rates of medical service usage and treatment of these issues results in more appropriate medical utilization rates. Little research has been conducted in an integrated care clinic, wherein health psychologists or behavioral health specialists work together with physicians to provide patient care. The current study examines the effects of brief behavioral and mental health interventions on patient medical utilization in this setting with care delivered by medical residents and doctoral psychology trainees. Access to the health system’s electronic billing records allowed for objective measures of annual healthcare utilization in terms of …

Characterization Of The Effects Of Iron On Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Surface Protein Modulation And Host Cell Interactions, Aminat Oki

Theses and Dissertations

Iron is an essential nutrient that is sequestered by iron-binding proteins in the human host resulting in a hostile environment for microbes. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, however, can utilize numerous iron-binding proteins such as transferrin and lactoferrin to acquire this nutrient. During initial infection, gonococci have access to transferrin and lactoferrin present in semen and vaginal fluids, as well as to hemoglobin present in blood during menses or disseminated infections. Consequently, the gonococcus likely encounters conditions of high iron at some stages in the course of natural infection. Potential contributions of iron to gonococcal invasion have however been largely over looked in …