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A plasma polymerization investigation and low temperature cascade arc plasma for polymeric surface modification
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
The plasma polymerization behavior of fluorocarbon systems was investigated using the monomers C₃F₆, C₂H₂F₄, C₄F₁₀ and C₃F₆O, which were compared to methane and butane, Section III. In Sections V and VII, surface modification ...
Statistical thermodynamics for RNA structures with simple tertiary contacts and pseudoknots
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
In this thesis, we develop statistical mechanical models for the folding of simple RNA tertiary structures. The focus is on the calculation of the tertiary structure conformational entropy. The key idea of the method is ...
Mechanisms of call recognition in three sympatric species of Neoconocephalus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) : asymmetrical interactions and evolutionary implications
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Scientists have debated the hypothesis of reinforcement. Nevertheless, recent empirical and theoretical work have dispelled doubts about its existence. Reinforcement is most often studied by establishing one of its predicted ...
Sharp estimates of the transmission boundary value problem for dirac operators on non-smooth domains
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
This thesis derives the sharp estimates for the transmission boundary value problems (TBVP) for Dirac operators in Lipschitz domains in the three dimensional setting. Most of the transmission problems considered in the ...
The development and validation of the Whitlow Measure of Afrocentric Relationship Attitudes
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Whitlow-Measure of Afrocentric Relationship Attitudes (MARA). There is no known relationship assessment that uses an Afrocentric approach in attempting to understand ...
Determinants of civil wars : a quantitative analysis
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
In this dissertation, I investigate the conditions that facilitate the civil wars incidences and try to provide a deeper understanding of large scale domestic violence by formulating a new and more comprehensive model, ...
Enterobactin export in escherichia coli via P43 (ents) and associated components
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Ferric iron, critical for the metabolic functions of many microorganisms, is generally insoluble at neutral pH or quickly complexed by host iron storage proteins. To acquire necessary ferric iron against harsh competition ...
Building a media agenda on health disparities : how issue perceptions and news values work to influence effectiveness
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Building on prior literature conceptualizing the role of public relations in influencing the media agenda, this study proposes a model of agenda building that explores the determinants of the agenda building process and ...
A series of in vitro studies investigating the role of lactoferrin in calf innate immunity
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Neonatal calf mortality rates continue to impact the economic sustainability of the United States cattle industry. Based on data generated from the National Animal Health Monitoring System survey in 2001, 8.9 % of dairy ...
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and acid-base transporters of the murine duodenum
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
The alkaline mucus barrier of the duodenum plays an important role in protecting the epithelium from acidic chyme entering from the stomach. Active HCO₃⁻ secretion involves the apical membrane activities of the cystic ...
Sensory integration during blood loss in conscious rabbits
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Central nervous system integration of sensory inputs is critical for orchestrating physiological responses to stress. The focus of my doctoral research was investigating the physiological consequences of sensory stimulation ...
Gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications : synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in vivo
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Biocompatible gold nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in recent years for potential applications in nanomedicine due to their interesting size dependent chemical, electronic and optical properties. In particular, ...
Role of Proa(2)I collagen chains and collagen crosslinking in thoracic aortic biochemical integrity during aging using the OIM mouse model
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important constituent for a variety of tissues including vascular tissue in which the ECM maintains aortic wall integrity. An important component of vascular tissue ECM is type I collagen. ...
Alternative certification science teachers' understanding and implementation of inquiry-based instruction in their beginning years of teaching
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
The purpose of this phenomenographic study was to: (a) understand how beginning science teachers recruited from various science disciplines and prepared in an Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) implemented ...
Cynical consumers : dangerous enemies, loyal friends
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
This dissertation introduces and develops the construct of consumer cynicism, characterized by a perception of a pervasive, systemic lack of integrity in the marketplace, and investigates how cynical consumers behave in ...
Specific bio-modeling and analysis techniques at cellular and systems level
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Modeling approaches are developed for two different levels, cellular (Part I) and systems (Part II), and used to develop insights into system performance. PART I consists of three chapters focusing on computational ...
The role of the giant Canada goose (Branta canadensis maxima) cecum in nutrition
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Waterfowl are renowned for their ability to exploit a wide variety of food resources. They feed on fresh and marine water invertebrates, aquatic and terrestrial plants, and agricultural grains and crops. This nutritional ...
The relationship between secondary school teacher perception of student motivation and the effects of teacher professional development on student motivation
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between high school teachers' perceptions of student motivation and the teachers' perceptions of their own professional development and preparation, efficacy in ...
Superintendent search and selection practices in the State of Missouri
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
Local school boards have the responsibility to select school superintendents to lead their districts. The process by which school boards go about searching for and selecting a superintendent varies. In Missouri, school ...
Essays on improving sales performance
(University of Missouri--Columbia, 2006)
This research is a result of a collaborative effort with Shelter Insurance Companies in Columbia, Missouri. The first essay focuses on sales team design. Based on an effect called Group Motivation Gain, previous research ...