Digital Commons Network^™

Time-Varying Phase Relationship Between Spiking Neuronal Responses And Local Field Potentials In Olfactory Processing In Manduca Sexta, Oakland J. Peters

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Transient Oscillatory Model (TOM) seeks to explain neural coding in the first processing center of the invertebrate olfactory system - the antennal lobe - by proposing that activated primary output neurons participate in the encoding ensemble only transiently, based on the coincidence of their spiking relative to local field potential (LFP) oscillation phase. Using the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta, as a model system, we tested the predictions of the TOM with regard to the trial-to-trial consistency of odor driven oscillations, the phase-locking of action potentials to LFP oscillations, and the role of GABAA receptors in the generation of these …

Glutamate Dysregulation In A Taup301l Mouse Model Of Alzheimer's Disease, Holly C. Hunsberger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Individuals at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) often exhibit neuronal network hyperexcitability, particularly in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, in the years preceding AD diagnosis, suggesting that aberrant network activity might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Recently, the microtubule-binding protein tau has been implicated in this hyperexcitability. Removal of tau in AD models overexpressing amyloid-beta (Abeta) or non-AD models of epilepsy decreases hyperexcitability and normalizes the excitation/inhibition imbalance. The exact mechanism by which tau produces hyperexcitability remains to be determined, but recent work suggests tau may mediate glutamatergic signaling. Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the …

Isotopic Composition Of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon In Underground Mine Discharges Of The Northern Appalachian Basin, Rachelle Thorne

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research examined the efficacy of using 13C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) to infer geochemical and microbiological processes in underground coal mine discharges. Groundwater samples from mines in two different coal seams (the Pittsburgh and Upper Freeport) and three different hydrogeologic settings (fully flooded, partially flooded, and free draining) were compared. Twenty mine discharges were sampled, fifteen from the Pittsburgh coal seam and five from the Upper Freeport. Sampling sites included mine portals and seeps. All sampling followed standard field protocols. Results were evaluated for possible relationships between 13CDIC signatures and 1) mine hydrogeologic setting and 2) geochemical properties …

Exploring The Components Of Prenatal Anxiety, Suzan Walsh Clemens

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Anxiety and fear often are associated with pregnancy, and its short- and long-term biological, psychological, and social lifestyle changes that affect both the mother and the child. The primary aim of this study was to differentiate components of prenatal anxiety and fear, to facilitate operational classifications of those components. A better understanding of prenatal anxiety and fear can inform the creation of future measures and facilitate referrals for high levels of such distress. An exploratory descriptive research design was used to examine potential components of prenatal anxiety and fear (i.e., anxiety sensitivity, fear of pain, depression, and childbirth-related self-efficacy). The …

Comparison Of The Conceptual Understanding Of Newton's Laws In An Online And Traditional Introductory Physical Science Course, Rex Robert Moak

Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to (a) determine if taking the Physical Science Survey I course in face-to-face (F2F) and online format statistically significantly improves Newtonian conceptual comprehension as measured by the FCI; (b) determine which course format, if any, has statistically significantly higher FCI post-means; and (c) determine if students’ satisfaction with learning is statistically significantly different in the two course formats.

Data for this study was collected from students and faculty in various course formats during the Fall semester of 2012 and the Spring semester of 2013. The researcher used two research tools: the Force Concepts Inventory …

A Beacon Of Light: Tougaloo During The Presidency Of Dr. Adam Daniel Beittel (1960-1964), John Gregory Speed

Dissertations

This study examines leadership efforts that supported the civil rights movements that came from administrators and professors, students and staff at Tougaloo College between 1960 and 1964. A review of literature reveals that little has been written about the college‘s role in the Civil Rights Movement during this time. Thus, one goal of this study is to fill a gap in the historical record.

A second purpose of this study is to examine the challenges of progressive leadership at a historically Black college in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement when a White president was at the helm.

When Dr. …

Race, Gender, And Faculty Advancement At American Colleges And Universities, James Sharell Bridgeforth

Dissertations

Women and people of color are underrepresented in the American professoriate; although the presence of female faculty and professors of color is beneficial to the academy on various levels, these groups often face many barriers and challenges throughout the promotion and tenure process. This study was designed to examine whether race, gender, or a combination of race and gender made a statistically significant difference in reported opportunities for mentorship, faculty socialization, and scholarship in regard to faculty advancement in the academy. Data were collected from 650 tenured and tenure-track faculty through an online questionnaire. The data analysis revealed that women …

Biomechanical Analysis Of Gait Kinetics Resulting From Use Of A Vacuum Socket On A Transtibial Prosthesis, Maria De Lourdes Ramos Gonzalez

Honors College Theses

The technology and design of lower limb prosthetics have evolved greatly since their introduction. The current study proposed to compare the effects of a conventional pin socket attachment and a vacuum socket attachment for a transtibial amputee. Whereas traditional measurements of gait utilize force plates and camera systems, this study made use of a small tri-axial load cell located at the base of the socket to measure the forces and moments exerted during a regular gait cycle. The hypothesis tested stated that a vacuum pump socket attachment, when compared to a non-vacuum (pin) socket, will have a significant effect on …

Metal Stopping Reagents Facilitate Discontinuous Activity Assays Of The De Novo Purine Biosynthesis Enzyme Pure, Kelly L. Sullivan, Loredana C. Huma, Elwood Mullins, Michael E. Johnson, T. Joseph Kappock

Department of Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The conversion of 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) to 4-carboxy-AIR (CAIR) represents an unusual divergence in purine biosynthesis: microbes and nonmetazoan eukaryotes use class I PurEs while animals use class II PurEs. Class I PurEs are therefore a potential antimicrobial target; however, no enzyme activity assay is suitable for high throughput screening (HTS). Here we report a simple chemical quench that fixes the PurE substrate/product ratio for 24 h, as assessed by the Bratton-Marshall assay (BMA) for diazotizable amines. The ZnSO₄ stopping reagent is proposed to chelate CAIR, enabling delayed analysis of this acid-labile product by BMA or other HTS methods

Plant Community Development Of Isle Royale's Moose-Spruce Savannas, Michael C. Rotter

All NMU Master's Theses

On Isle Royale National Park, heavy moose browsing over the past 100 years has suppressed the regeneration of many tree species, gradually resulting in a shift towards more open forests and savannas. By 1996, 16% of the forests at the southwest end of Isle Royale had become savanna and another 20% were starting to break-up. The changes in understory vegetation brought about by savanna formation have received little attention, even though the future of moose and wolf populations on Isle Royale are tied to these vegetation changes. This study examined the vegetation of savannas ranging in age (date since formation) …

Characterization Of Varying Local Winter Stream Habitat And Its Impact On Coldwater Fishes, Jesse J. Haavisto

All NMU Master's Theses

Stream dwelling fish in temperate latitudes are subject to widely varying in-stream winter conditions. Understanding the relative importance of the different factors that contribute to these winter conditions is important in predicting how environmental shifts will affect fish communities. In this study, I examined stream sections within 13 streams located in Marquette and Alger Counties within the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Streams within a small geographical area were chosen to minimize latitudinal climate variation. Many in-stream winter conditions are driven by temperature so the importance of understanding how changing localized climate patterns may affect the structure and condition of fish …

Diet Analysis Of Burbot From Eastern Lake Michigan: 1999-2012, Casey J. Hares

All NMU Master's Theses

The Lake Michigan fish community has undergone many changes due to introduction of non-native species, climate shifts, and management actions. Managers need to understand the time course of these alterations, including the time-frame of impact on the food web in the lake. I used a collection (1999-2012) of diet samples from burbot from eastern Lake Michigan to evaluate temporal alterations in burbot diet with particular attention to non-native vs. native forage. Catch per unit effort (burbot/net · day) decreased from a high of 5.82 burbot/net · day (± 2.19) in 2001 to a low of 0.750 burbot/net · day (± …

Acute Effects Of Long Distance Running On C-Reactive Protein And Arterial Stiffness, Bridget E. Durocher

All NMU Master's Theses

Abstract

Central arterial stiffness, indicated by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is increased during the hour post ultramarathon (ULT), but it's currently unknown if PWV remains elevated 24 hours after ULT or marathon (MAR). PURPOSE: To determine the effects of ULT and MAR on C-reactive protein (CRP), aortic blood pressure (BP), aortic augmentation index (AIx), PWV, and LF:HF ratio. We hypothesized that CRP, AIx, PWV and LF:HF ratio would be elevated 24 hours post-race. Our secondary hypothesis was that changes in PWV would be inversely correlated to the percentage of moderate activity (3-6 METs) during competition. METHODS: Applanation tonometry was used …

Identification Of Hcmv Ul97 In Gbm Cell Lines And A Possible Role For Ganciclovir, Thomas Mcfall

All NMU Master's Theses

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of malignant glioma, comprising 80% of all malignant gliomas. Recently, active Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was identified in GBM cells, and has been a topic of debate concerning its role with tumor progression. This study used three established GBM cell lines; T98, LN229, and U87 in order to identify and examine the presence of HCMV phosphotransferase protein UL97. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction identified UL97 within two of the three cell lines, T98 and LN229. Western blotting confirmed that UL97 protein was being expressed and was present in both T98, and LN229 cell …

Adaptations Between Ecotypes And Along Environmental Gradients In Panicum Virgatum, David B. Lowry, Kathrine D. Behrman, Paul Grabowski, Geoffrey P. Morris, James R. Kiniry, Thomas E. Juenger

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Determining the patterns and mechanisms of natural selection in the wild is of fundamental importance to understanding the differentiation of populations and the evolution of new species. However, it is often unknown the extent to which adaptive genetic variation is distributed among ecotypes between distinct habitats versus along large-scale geographic environmental gradients, such as those that track latitude. Classic studies of selection in the wild in switch grass, Panicum virgatum, tested for adaptation at both of these levels of natural variation. Here we review what these field experiments and modern agronomic field trials have taught us about natural variation and …

An Evaluation Of The International Volunteer Programme At Hope Community Resources In Alaska, Aisling Sugrue

Theses

A review of the literature identified a theme of ambiguity regarding the phenomenon of volunteerism, regarding the definition, academic perspectives and volunteer’s motives. The review also identified the Volunteer Process Model (VPM, Omoto and Snyder, 1995) and the researcher utilised this model when designing the mixed methods questionnaire to evaluate the motivations, satisfaction and attitudes towards disability of Hope’s international volunteers, both current (n=13) and previous (n=85), and also the impact the volunteer programme has on the volunteer’s careers. The attitudes towards disability of participating staff and management were also evaluated and compared with the volunteers. The impact on Hope’s …

Restoration Of Tryptophan Hydroxylase Functions And Serotonin Content In The Atlantic Croaker Hypothalamus By Antioxidant Treatment During Hypoxic Stress, Md. Saydur Rahman, Peter Thomas

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Antioxidants are prototypical scavengers of oxygen-free radicals and have been shown to prevent neuroendocrine dysfunction in vertebrates during oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigated whether antioxidant treatment can reverse hypoxia-induced down-regulation of hypothalamic tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and serotonergic functions in Atlantic croaker. Hypothalamic neuronal contents of TPH-1 and TPH-2 proteins, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and its precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as well as hypothalamic TPH-1 and TPH-2 mRNA expression and TPH activity were measured in croaker after exposure to hypoxia and treatment with pharmacological agents. Multiple injections of N-ethylmaleimide, a sulfhydryl alkylating agent, caused comparable decreases in hypothalamic TPHs functions …

Rrh Library Newsletter, May 2014, Libraries At Rochester Regional Health

Rochester Regional Health authored publications and proceedings

Newsletter sections include: Managing Stress; Important News -- Medical Library Renovations; STAT!Ref Bookshelf

Population Response To Climate Change: Wintering Strategy Has Carryover Effects On The Timing Of Nest Initiation And Mate Choice In A Partial Migrant, The American Kestrel (Falco Sparverius), Alexandra Marie Anderson

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The ability of a population to respond to climate change will depend on phenotypic plasticity, adaptation, or both. Bird populations have already responded to warming temperatures by shifting their distributions, adjusting migration distance and timing, and breeding earlier. A population of American kestrels (Falco sparverius) in southwestern Idaho has advanced its nesting by approximately 30 days, on average, in the last 30 years and this has been correlated with changes in winter climate. The mechanisms allowing for this shift, however, are not clearly understood. I investigated if assortative mating of wintering kestrels and non-wintering kestrels is accompanying to …

Narrating Gender: A Feminist Approach To The Narratives Of The Transgender Experience, Jamie K. Lange

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Gender and identity are complex and often ubiquitous in nature. This is a study about gender and identity and the ways in which they manifest through the narratives of five transgender individuals, who all transitioned after the age of 45, who now live as women. This study about the transgender experience adds a significant and important perspective on gender, identity, identification, and the relationship between gender and identity. The most important conclusions are the lengths to which these people go to support gender social constructs, reinforcing the immense strength of the social construction of gender. The idea that social constructs …

Making More Sensitive Dna Sensors Using Gold Nanoparticles And Dna-Based Amplification Networks, Herbert M. Huttanus

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on the use of gold nanoparticles with DNA-based signal amplification as a detection method for low concentrations of DNA bio-markers. Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field with primarily medical applications. Early detection is a challenging process for some cancers and other diseases yet is so critical to successful treatment. Increasingly sensitive detection techniques are being developed, but the current gold standard for detecting nucleotide biomarkers at low concentrations is polymerase chain reaction. While this technique is sensitive, it requires the use of active enzymes, a thermocycler, and trained personnel working in a clean environment, and is thus …

Validation Of A Diffuse Reflectance Microendoscope With Polydimethylsiloxane Optical Phantoms And Monte Carlo Modeling, Gage Joseph Greening

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

We have introduced a method for creating thin-film PDMS optical phantoms that can be used to validate a bench-top optical device called a Diffuse Reflectance Microendoscope (DRME). The DRME is acquires data on cell surface morphology and sub-surface diffuse reflectance, which may provide clinicians with the tools to diagnose oral cancer at earlier stages. Phantoms were created with PDMS. Optical properties of the phantoms were controlled with the addition of nigrosin and titanium dioxide. Depth of phantoms was controlled by a spin coater. The DRME was built with a combination of filters and dichroic mirrors to separate electromagnetic radiation in …

Poly (Glycerol Sebacate) Nanofibers And Nanofilms For Tissue Engineering Application, Stephanie Grace Cone

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the field of tissue engineering, the development of biodegradable scaffolds that provide both structure and functionality is a major challenge. The use of biological implants, such as decellularized tissues, provides a complete matrix with full tissue functionality, however, problems with immunogenicity often arise when implants from other organisms are used in treatments. As such, there are many benefits to the use of polymeric constructs in tissue engineering. The ability to customize the material, design, and size of an implant provides opportunities for increased structural support and controlled rates of biodegradation. The selection of polymers for tissue engineering applications requires …

Beginning Of Malignant Tumor Cells, Emily K. Shields

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite advances in cancer treatments, cancer is still ranked the second leading cause of death. Cancers are started by cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs, also called tumor-initiating cells, are found in tumors and are responsible for the growth of tumors and the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. CSCs are very resistant, and cannot be killed by chemotherapy or radiation treatments. These cells can come from healthy stem cells. The environment surrounding the healthy stem cells and mature cells can cause mutations in the cell’s genetics, resulting in development of CSCs. The environment can also increase tumor …

Modeling Of An Oxygenation-Aided 3d Culture For Functional Beta-Cell Expansion, John Lance Mcreynolds

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Diabetes affects millions of people and its prevalence is increasing by 2-5% per year. A promising method for the control of diabetes is the transplant of pancreatic β-cell mass. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of the donor tissue that is needed to replace β-cell mass. A potential source of β-cells is the production of β-cells in vitro, but the proliferation rate of β-cells is very slow and elevating the proliferation rate can result in loss of cell function. We observed that β-cells benefit from being cultured in a 3D environment, but in the 3D culture the β-cells often die …

In Vivo Analysis Of Riboswitch Activity Using Luciferase Assays, Jason Kartis

Biological Sciences

Riboswitches are a type of RNA structure found on messenger RNAs that function in gene expression regulation. The preQ1 riboswitch is particularly interesting to study because it contains a relatively small aptamer binding region and it is not essential in E. coli for the organism's survival, allowing in vivo experimentation in a viable organism. Upon ligand binding to the aptamer, a hairpin-type RNA pseudoknot forms, which functions to turn off the gene using a premature transcriptional termination mechanism. However, in some species studied, this terminator hairpin possesses enough thermodynamic stability that it is doesn't unfold upon release of the ligand. …

Predictors And Mediators Of Long-Term Functional Limitations In The Older Adult Population, Teresa Maria Bell

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

With nearly 40 million Americans being treated for nonfatal injuries in emergency departments annually, the burden of nonfatal injury in the United States is extensive. The longterm functional consequences of these injuries can be enduring and far-reaching, especially for older adults. Although studies have reported that persistent functional deficits exist after injury, less information is known about long-term recovery patterns and the factors that influence functional outcomes.

The primary aims of this study are to (1) classify differences in long-term, longitudinal changes in functional limitations within the injured population, (2) identify individual characteristics that predict recovery after injury and (3) …

Genetic Architecture Of Limit Dextrinase Inhibitor (Ldi) Activity In Tibetan Wild Barley, Yuqing Huang, Shengguan Cai, Lingzhen Ye, Yong Han, Dezhi Wu, Fei Dai, Chengdao Li, Guoping Zhang

Publications

BACKGROUND: Limit dextrinase inhibitor (LDI) inhibits starch degradation in barley grains during malting because it binds with limit dextrinase (LD). There is a wide genetic variation in LDI synthesis and inactivation during barley grain development and germination. However, the genetic control of LDI activity remains little understood. RESULTS: In this study, association analysis was performed on 162 Tibetan wild accessions by using LDI activity, 835 Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the gene HvLDI encoding LDI. Two DArT markers, bpb-8347, bpb-0068, and 31 SNPs of HvLDI were significantly associated with LDI activity, explaining 10.0%, 6.6% …

Apoptotic Effects Of A Novel Diruthenium Compound, Kimberly Akilah Gilkes

Theses (Pre-2016)

Transition-based metals have been largely recognized for their anti-cancer properties with platinum-based drugs in particular being widely used since their discovery in the 1960s. Cisplatin gained popularity as a highly effective platinum-based drug used for a variety of cancers. However, toxic side effects and tumor resistance in response to cisplatin has prompted scientists to search for new metal-based drugs in their quest to combat cancer. One metal that has been gaining considerable attention is ruthenium. This metal has been particularly attractive due to its low systemic toxicity and apoptotic activity against cisplatin resistant cell lines. The research objective is to …

Bound By Desire, Surpressed By Thoughts An Exploration Of African American Female Sexuality And Gender Through Spoken Word Poetry., Arelia Johnson

Theses (Pre-2016)

Symbolic interactionists tell us that perceptions and role performances of sexuality and race are likely to vary across populations and can be expressed differently depending on who is doing the interpreting. Conflict theorists would argue, however, that stereotypes serve to maintain race, class, and gender relations. Some theorists view heteronormativity as an oppressive mechanism in human sexuality that imposes Eurocentric ideals on the ways individuals "do gender." African American women as a result of normalized heterosexuality, the modes of sexual conduct, and race, are susceptible to ridicule when performing gender and doing sexuality outside of normally prescribed situations. Overarching ideals …