X-ray computed tomography is a noninvasive imaging modality capable of reconstructing exact density values of 3D objects. Computed tomography machines are deployed across the world to provide doctors with an image that reveals more detail than a standard x-ray image. We investigate algorithms based on exact computed tomography reconstruction formulas...
The marine climate of the Galapagos is spatially and seasonally
heterogeneous. A taxonomically comprehensive study of Galapagos zooplankton has
never been done. This study is an initial effort to establish the distribution and
community structure of zooplankton in the Archipelago. I collected zooplankton
samples by vertical tows over the Galapagos...
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become the world's foremost health threat and is the number one killer in Zimbabwe. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome impacts not only the individual who has AIDS, but on nuclear and extended families, and all aspects of society in Zimbabwe. Since studies have indicated that...
Reported here is an investigation to determine the in vitro and in vivo metabolism
of xanthohumol (XN). XN is the major prenylated flavonoid of the female
inflorescences (cones) of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus). It is also a constituent of
beer, the major dietary source of prenylated flavonoids. Recent studies...
The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the underlying mechanisms within community colleges that influence cross-functional collaboration. The study also explored the role of community college leadership in fostering internal collaboration. The following questions guided the research: (1) What does cross-functional collaboration look like at a community...
There are a number of wood properties which affect the quality of forest products such as lumber and pulp. Of these, wood density is considered by some to be the single most important physical characteristic because it is an excellent predictor of strength, stiffness, hardness, and paper-making capacities. Accurately assessing...
In this dissertation, I examine how the spatial configuration of forest ownership influences the risk-mitigating behavior of public and private forestland owners over time. I determine whether or not the predicted equilibrium outcomes are socially optimal and, if not, whether the introduction of regulation, liability, or private insurance would lead...
The work presented here is focused on applying basic principles of solid-state chemistry to the study and development of new wide band-gap semiconductors and insulators for photovoltaic and electronic-device applications. Analysis of crystal structure, band structure, optical band gap, morphology and transport properties provides fundamental insight into materials performance as...
This research examines two questions: 1) What stories do Christian teacher educators tell about their own White racial identity development? and 2) Is there an impact of studying White racial identity development on the praxis of Christian teacher educators? If so, in what ways? The researcher began the project with...
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between weight stigma consciousness, perceived body appearance, social physique anxiety, and the health outcomes of physical activity levels and eating behaviors. Select precursors were also examined. These relationships were based on Harter's model of self-worth. Two-hundred fifteen adults with a...
The current appeal of reality television is undeniable, with the specific genre of makeover television having special nationalistic and moral appeal in the United States. Previous analyses of NBC's weight-loss makeover show The Biggest Loser suggest that the program is inherently problematic because of its ingrained fat bias and unethical...
Wavelet analysis is an analytical and modeling tool for optimizing sampling efficiency and accuracy, particularly in the context of designing long-term, large-scale monitoring plans. As a pattern analysis method that accommodates and preserves non-stationarity, wavelet analysis provides novel visualization and analytical capabilities for increased insight into interactions between multi-scalar heterogeneous...
Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) encroachment has been associated with increased soil loss and reduced infiltration resulting in the loss of native herbaceous plant communities and the bird and animal species that rely on them. Hydrologically, however, change in water yield has been linked with the amount of annual precipitation a...
The age, or residence time of water is a fundamental descriptor of catchment hydrology, revealing information about the storage, flow pathways and source of water in a single integrated measure. While there has been tremendous recent interest in residence time to characterize catchments, there are few studies that quantify residence...
Exercise may be the most effective strategy to reduce osteoporotic fractures in older adults because of its potential to reduce both bone loss and fall risk. It is unclear whether water exercise is an effective strategy to reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a...
Approximate string matching is commonly used to align genetic sequences (DNA
or RNA) to determine their shared characteristics. In contrast with the standard
dynamic programming methods which use local edit distance models, the Walking
Tree heuristic method was created to handle non-local changes, e.g., translocations,
inversions, and duplications, altogether and...
Earthquakes a . tsunamis pose significant threats to port and harbor
communities in the Pacific Northwest. Developing effective mitigation and
preparedness plans requires a comprehensive understanding of community
vulnerability. Research presented here focuses on the vulnerability of ports and
harbors to earthquake and tsunami hazards and includes a regional study...
Two-phase flow in a fractal-like branching microchannel heat sink may have
enhanced heat transfer capabilities over single phase flow in the same branching
channel network. In order to exploit this potential, a complete understanding
of flow boiling in this geometry is required. The fractal-like geometry is similar
to that of...
The purpose of this study was to describe and record the experiences of people of color in a community leadership development program. Selected people of color were asked to describe their experiences as participants in the American Leadership program in Tacoma-Pierce County in the State of Washington. The American Leadership...
The viscosity of Zr[subscript 41.2]Ti[subscript 13.8]Cu[subscript 12.5]Ni[subscript 10.0]Be[subscript 22.5] (Vit1) has been measured above the liquidus temperature, T[subscript liq]=1026 K, using a high vacuum high temperature rapid annealing furnace equipped with a Couette Concentric Cylinder Rheometer. Steady state measurements have been taken over a temperature range of 1075-1300 K and...