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56th Annual Rocky Mountain Conference On Magnetic Resonance

Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance

Final program, abstracts, and information about the 56th annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance, co-endorsed by the Colorado Section of the American Chemical Society and the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. Held in Copper Mountain, Colorado, July 13-17, 2014.

Amphibian Contributions To Ecosystem Services, Daniel J. Hocking, Kimberly J. Babbitt

New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Publications

Ecosystems provide essential services for human society, which include provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Amphibians provide provisioning services by serving as a food source for some human societies, especially in Southeast Asia. They also serve as models in medical research and provide potential for new pharmaceuticals such as analgesics and anti-viral drugs derived from skin secretions. Amphibians contribute to regulating services by reducing mosquito recruitment from ephemeral wetlands, potentially controlling other pest species, and indirectly through predation of insect pollinators. Often neglected, ecosystems also provide cultural services to human societies that increase the quality of human life through recreation, …

Implications Of Vertebral Degenative Disease And Vertebral Ligamentous Ossification In Native Populations Of The Lower Tennessee River Valley, Sarah Ann Boncal

Theses and Dissertations

Cervical vertebrae are an effective biomechanical proxy for understanding physical activities of a populace due to the osteological reactivity of nuchal muscle use to extensive weight and pressure. Differentiation in the distribution of osteophytosis (OPL), osteoarthritis (OA), and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) along the cervical vertebrae may indicate particular biomechanical stresses and/or burden-bearing differences between subsistence strategies.

A collection of 287 pre-Columbian Native American individuals (N = 854 vertebrae) was analyzed for presence and severity of OPL, OA and OLF. The sample consists of remains from six archaeological sites located in the lower Tennessee River Valley: three sites …

Choreographer As Coach: Facilitating Engagement During The Dance Making Process, Emily D. Bryan

Theatre & Dance ETDs

Dance is formed from the interactions between the choreographer and the dancers that occur during the workshop and rehearsal phase of the dance making process. The choreographer's art is brought to life not solely through the creation of the choreography, but through the interpretation of the choreography in the bodies of the dancers. Thus, the time spent coaching dancers is an important piece of the choreographer's work. Artists have written about the value of dancers in their work, and educators provide theories about training dancers in the classroom, but little has been written about practical methods for the professional choreographer …

Heidegger And The Ethics Of The Earth: Eco-Phenomenology In The Age Of Technology, Tara Kennedy

Philosophy ETDs

Martin Heidegger came to see the history of Western metaphysics as a series of ontotheological epochs. These epochs, he argues, culminate in the age informed by the metaphysics of Friedrich Nietzsche. According to this ontotheological paradigm, entities are nothing more than meaningless resources to be optimized. This paper argues that this is the source of the environmental crises we face. In order to see our way through and beyond this nihilistic ontotheological age, we must recognize the ontological source of all existence, that which Heidegger called being as such. The philosophical tradition of phenomenology offers us an ideal method for …

Changes In Student Proving Skills And Attitudes Following A Cooperative Learning Seminar, Martha Byrne

Mathematics & Statistics ETDs

This dissertation details research studies designed to explore undergraduate math students beliefs and attitudes about mathematical proof, ability to compose valid proofs, and ability to read and validate purported proofs written by other students. In two studies, a cohort of seminar participants were assessed twice on their attitudes and beliefs about mathematical proof, their ability to compose proofs, and their ability to validate arguments. Between assessments, these participants worked on carefully crafted problem sets in a Cooperative Learning environment. In each study, a cohort of comparison participants took both assessments but did not engage in structured, cooperative work in the …

Sex Differences In The Relationship Between White Matter Connectivity And Creativity, Sephira Ryman

Psychology ETDs

Creative cognition emerges from a complex network of interacting brain regions. This study investigated the relationship between the structural organization of the human brain and aspects of creative cognition quantified by divergent thinking tasks. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) was used to obtain fiber tracts from 83 segmented cortical regions. This information was represented as a network and metrics of connectivity organization, including connectivity strength, clustering and efficiency were computed, and their relationship to personal levels of creativity was examined. Permutation testing identified significant sex differences in the relationship between global connectivity and creativity as measured by divergent thinking tests. Females …

Pathologizing And Criminalizing Intoxication: Addiction, Psychoactive Drugs, And The Ideological Underpinnings Of The War On Drugs, David Korostyshevsky

History ETDs

Since the Enlightenment, Anglo-American temperance thinkers—who were usually clergymen and physicians—have expressed broader concerns about intoxication and addiction with rhetoric that simultaneously pathologized and criminalized the unsanctioned use of psychoactive substances. During the first half of the eighteenth century, a period known as the Gin Craze, rising levels of urban drunkenness in England came under the sustained gaze of temperance-minded doctors and churchmen, who used a shared language of contagion, disease, and slavery to problematize intoxication simultaneously as a medical and criminal condition. Building on Enlightenment English temperance thought, which was transferred into the United States by physician Benjamin Rush, …

Modeling Of Kinetically Limited Growth Rate For Solution-Synthesized Germanium Nanocrystals, Nicholas Shoop

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Solution synthesis is a common method of generating semiconductor nanocrystals. For solution synthesis, many studies have assumed that the growth rate is diffusion-limited with an unphysically low diffusion constant. In this thesis, a model is developed that considers both diffusion and surface kinetics. The diffusion coefficient of Ge monomers through the solvent, octadecene, at elevated synthesis temperatures is estimated to be on the order of 10-5 to 10-4 cm2/sec, while the mass transfer boundary layer thickness is estimated to be on the order of a few nanometers, similar to the nanocrystal size. These two realistic conditions strongly suggest that the …

Poly(N-Isopropyl Acrylamide)-Coated Surfaces: Investigation Of Cytotoxicity With Mammalian Cells And The Mechanism Of Cell Detachment, Marta Cooperstein

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

With the increase in life expectancy and with growing numbers of an aging population, there is a rising need worldwide for replacement tissues and organs. One way to address this growing need is through engineered tissues, such as those generated from stimulus-responsive polymers. Stimulus-responsive polymers undergo a physical or chemical change when a stimulus is applied. One such material is poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide), (pNIPAM), which undergoes a conformation change in a physiologically relevant temperature range to release intact mammalian cell monolayers capable of being used to engineer tissues. Two factors currently limit the use of cell sheets for this purpose: 1) …

Nanoparticle Cerium Oxide And Mixed Cerium Oxides For Improved Fuel Cell Lifetime, Stephen Stewart

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

While there is a rich body of literature concerning of properties of bulk cerium oxide and cerium cations in solution, the discussion has been inappropriately applied to nanoscale cerium oxide resulting in many unexpected or unexplained results. In particular, there is very limited understanding about the properties of cerium oxide and its potential use as a radical scavenger, and how the catalytic properties of cerium oxide change as the particle size approaches the nanoscale. For example, the involvement of Ce+4 and Ce+3 cations in reactions such as hydrogen peroxide decomposition have been investigated for both cerium cations and bulk cerium …

Development Of Novel Synthetic Methods For Size-Tunable Synthesis Of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles, Erika Vreeland

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

The properties of magnetic nanoparticles vary dramatically with size, so reproducibly controlling size is critical for practical applications. This is particularly true when moving into clinical settings, where regulatory approval requires demonstrated reproducibility in efficacy that can only be achieved with excellent size control. A number of methods for the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles have been published, although the thermal decomposition of iron(III) precursors in organic solvents has been shown to yield high quality particles with low shape and size dispersity. Currents methods lack reproducibility resulting from non-stoichiometric starting materials, and reliance on reaction parameters, such as temperature ramp rate, …

"I Don't Approve Of That Way Of Running A Family": Transient Children, Institutions, And Interventions In California Through The Great Depression And Dust Bowl, Jairo Marshall

History ETDs

This thesis studies the state of California's responses to migratory families and children during the Depression and Dust Bowl. In particular, it emphasizes the growth of several state bureaucracies during this time, including the Department of Public Health, the Department of Education, and the Youth Authority. It also engages with local nonprofit relief agencies as well as county agencies, which functioned as direct aid providers to migrants. The efforts to provide relief to migrant families are explained, as are the surrounding rhetorical frameworks used to discuss the perceived negative attributes of migrant children. These discourses influenced administrators, California residents, and …

Effects Of Dietary Stimulators Of Metabolism And Mitochondrial Biogenesis In Vitro And In Vivo: Implications For Metabolic Disease, Roger Vaughan

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Background: Commercially available dietary products advertised to promote weight loss are an under researched but heavily purchased commodity in the United States. Despite only limited evidence, interest in dietary supplements continues to increase. Obesity is an increasingly prevalent and preventable morbidity with multiple behavioral, surgical and pharmacological interventions currently available. Commercially available dietary supplements are often advertised to stimulate metabolism and cause rapid weight and/or fat loss, although few well controlled studies have demonstrated such effects. This work uniquely summarizes the current evidence evaluating the efficacy of several over-the-counter thermogenic products for their effects on resting energy expenditure. Additionally, this …

Biosensing Of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity With Cd-Free Quantum Dots, John Plumley

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Quantum dots (QDs) have become attractive in the biomedical field on account of their superior optical properties and stability, in comparison to traditional fluorophores. QDs also have properties which make them ideal for complex in vivo conditions. However, toxicity has been a chief concern in the eventual implementation of QDs for in vivo applications such as biosensing and tumor imaging. Commercially available QDs contain a notoriously noxious Cd component and therefore continuous research has gone into developing QDs without toxic heavy metals, generally Cd, that would still yield comparable performance in terms of their optical properties. Nonetheless, even in the …

Development And Kinetic Modeling Of Multiplex Microsphere Assays For High-Throughput Discovery Of Protease Active Small Molecule Compounds, Jingsh Zhu

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

In this dissertation, we have designed a series of recombinant fluorescent full-length protease substrates containing the cleavage sites separated by a biotinylation tag and a GFP domain, which can be associated with streptavidin-coated microspheres/nanospheres. We have developed microsphere-based platforms to detect the cleavage activities of several proteases simultaneously. In addition, we have performed high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify potential inhibitors for the Bacillus anthracis lethal factor protease (LF) and the Botulinum neurotoxin type A & F light chain proteases (BoNT/A & F LC). In order to select the efficient inhibitors, a chemical library of 350,000 compounds was screened with the …

School-Age Children's Perception Of Stress In The Hospital: A Draw And Tell Story, Susan Wechter

Nursing ETDs

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of stress for hospitalized school-age child, seven to nine years of age, through a child-centered draw and tell technique. Over 3 million children are hospitalized every year (NACHRI, 2012). Hospitalization of children is reserved for increasingly complex care. Since the 1960s, it has been well known that hospitalization can be a traumatic experience for children (King & Ziegler, 1981; Thompson, 1986; Vernon, Foley, Simpowicz, & Schulman, 1965; Visintainer & Wolfer, 1975). This experience elicits feelings of fear, uncertainty, pain and discomfort that can affect a child's healing, behavior and health …

The Role Of Disability In Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Amanda H. Heggen

Special Education ETDs

The social construction of disability posits that media play an important role in the construction of disability. Few studies have systematically examined the role of disability in film or television. Engaging in a multiple perspective analysis, this dissertation examined the role of disability in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Data were analyzed with a content analysis, a thematic analysis, and an ideological rhetorical criticism. Disability was found to be used as a tool of character, plot, and atmosphere development. The data also suggested that negative assumptions of disability, often reinforcing of stereotypes, were readily apparent in the series …

Unm Shock Tube Modernization, Clinton Lee Corbin

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

The UNM shock tube in the Mechanical Engineering department has been in continuous operation since its creation in 2007. During this time, significant discoveries in the field of Richtmyer-Meshkov instabilities has been made with this shock tube. While conducting these experiments, limitations on the operational aspects and data quality aspects of this research tool have been found. To further advance the state of the art, it was necessary to address these limitations to allow the research to continue to push boundaries and discover new science.

Education Data: A Case Study Of Three Northern New Mexico School Districts In The Utilization Of The Standards Based Assessment Data, Jennifer Sallee

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

In the current era of standards-based reforms and a new accountability movement research has credited data driven decision making as key to successful schools. Teachers and principals' ability to use data can improve student achievement and move schools forward. This dissertation explores teacher's and principal's perceptions of the successful use of New Mexico Standards Based Assessment student achievement data as it relates to four themes: professional development, collaboration, school and district systems, and leadership. Elementary school teachers and principals were surveyed on what facilitated or posed potential barriers to effectively using the New Mexico Standards Based Assessment data. The survey …

Impacts Of Diurnally Exposed Slime Layer Hydrogen Sulfide Concentrations In Sewer Atmosphere, Mark Holstad

Civil Engineering ETDs

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a major issue in wastewater collection systems. H2S can cause rapid damage to wastewater infrastructure, affects the publics quality of life through odor issues and is a safety concern for sewer workers. Relatively recent development and introduction of H2S data loggers has shown that H2S concentrations in the sewer headspace demonstrate a diurnal pattern that is not explained by current models. Odor complaints and toxicity are primarily a result of the peak concentration levels and may be more accurately predicted through a better understanding of the diurnal H2S concentration patterns. Biological slime layer grows in the …

Comparison Of E. Coli And Y. Pestis Lps Tlr4 Time Course On P388d1 Macrophages Using Fluorescent Conjugated Antibodies, Julia Kleven

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

The innate immune system enables cellular response to infectious agents, and protein interactions are essential for this response. However, the protein interactions involved in cellular response to pathogens are not completely understood. Clarifying the manner in which proteins bind and respond to infectious agents is necessary for development of potential therapeutics or preventative measures. Fluorescent probes and fluorescent microscopy are used to aid in the visualization of these components, but proteins associated with or spanning the cellular membrane are on the nanometer scale, smaller than some microscopes can image, which makes it difficult to accurately localize the proteins of interest. …

Full Issue

Colby Magazine

Colby Magazine vol. 91, no. 1 (Winter 2002): Full Issue

Alumni At Large

Colby Magazine

Class Notes

Profiles:
Star Gazing: William '51 and Ellen Kenerson Gelotte '50
Doctor in the House: Susan Monk Pacheco '67
Something Fishery: Thomas Warren '82
A Natural Observer: Brian Post '97

Obituaries

From The Hill

Colby Magazine

Planned Excellence: Adams taps broad base as College develops future strategy

A Diverse "Posse"

wit & wisdom

Women and Their Art

Grant Opens Genome Door: NIH links Maine colleges with world-class research centers

Curtain Call: Dick Sewell's long run on the Colby stage ends

Economic Forecasting

Centering JFK: Revisiting an American crisis Weisbrot brings new insights

The Beauty of the Mother Tongue

Recent Releases
Sanctions Beyond Borders: Multinational Corporations and U.S. Economic Statecraft, by Kenneth A. Rodman (government)
Fallen Angel, by Don J. Snyder
Out of Her Mind, by Stickshift Annie and the Overdrive
Breaking Apart: A Memoir of Divorce, …

Periscope, Earl Smith

Colby Magazine

Good Fit

Trust Cal

Caught in the Act

Splitting Numbers

Moosecellaneous

Brooks Rising

Maine and Myanmar

Athens Oar Bust

Colby Update: Kenneth Ongalo-Obote

Calling On Paul

Getting In May Get On

Weird Pop

Prized Speaker

It's All About Clarity

Full Issue

Colby Magazine

Colby Magazine vol. 90, no. 1 (Winter 2001): Full Issue

From The Hill

Colby Magazine

A New Threat to the Press: Bill Kovach warns that corporate priorities are a threat to journalism

Rebecca Littleton Corbett '74 Joins Lovejoy Selection Committee

It's Not Only a Movie

wit & wisdom

Adams to Students: Take Time to Give Back

Love of Country: Ana Prokic '04 feels Serbia's pain, from afar

A Read on The Colby Reader

A Long Day at the Office

Scrapbook
Take advantage of "the variety" On The Social Side
Dorm Living

Both Sides Now: Elizabeth DeSombre shows her students it's not easy being "green"

The Hague on Mayflower Hill

Pundits

Colby's Discovery Channel

Q&A: historian …

The Hot Zone And The Cold War, Peter Nichols

Colby Magazine

It was a time when, in the nation's schools, drills for nuclear war were as frequent as fire drills- when Americans and their Soviet counterparts lived with a constant fear of imminent worldwide destruction. "You had a cultural mindset that was apocalyptic," said Robert S. Weisbrot, Christian A. Johnson Distinguished Teaching Professor of History at Colby, "that believed you could not guarantee that your wonderful suburban home and family and community...would survive ten more seconds."

"It was not simply a matter of two countries that are adversaries building up weapons," said Weisbrot. "Each saw the other as the incarnation of …

The Colby Difference, Gerry Boyle, Alicia Nemiccolo Macleay, Stephen Collins, Robert Gillespie

Colby Magazine

The inauguration of President William "Bro" Adams heralds a new era at the College.