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Title: A Study of the Timing Distribution of Events with a Photon and Large Missing E_T.
Creator: Zygala, Lara Gabrielle
Date Issued: 2017-04-28
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493403642
Format: Thesis

Title: Self-Fertilization and Inbreeding in the Simultaneous Hermaphrodite Bugula neritina.
Creator: Zubek, Zachary Andrew
Abstract/Description: Plants and animals that are simultaneous hermaphrodites and have short dispersal distances have a high potential for inbreeding. Simultaneous hermaphrodites have the potential to self-fertilize, and short dispersal distances increase the chance of mating with kin. Hermaphroditism, self-fertilization, and inbreeding have been studied extensively in plants, but very little is known about the extent to which they increase or decrease fitness in animals. In particular, the degree to which...
Show morePlants and animals that are simultaneous hermaphrodites and have short dispersal distances have a high potential for inbreeding. Simultaneous hermaphrodites have the potential to self-fertilize, and short dispersal distances increase the chance of mating with kin. Hermaphroditism, self-fertilization, and inbreeding have been studied extensively in plants, but very little is known about the extent to which they increase or decrease fitness in animals. In particular, the degree to which bryozoans produce viable offspring through self-fertilization or other forms of inbreeding remains unresolved. Therefore, I assessed the patterns and consequences of larval settlement and inbreeding in Bugula neritina, an arborescent marine bryozoan. The overall research objective was to examine the consequences of mating with self, kin, and unrelated individuals through manipulative laboratory experiments where colonies were reared in the lab with different mating partners. There were three treatments: 1) a dish with a single settler (solitary treatment), 2) a dish with settlers from parents collected within 3m of each other (near treatment), and 3) a dish with two settlers from parents collected within 300m of each other (far treatment). There were no differences in the growth rate of colonies between the treatments after two weeks, but colonies in the solitary treatment were larger than in the near and far treatments after seven weeks. The proportion of colonies with unfertilized ovicells, and the total number of unfertilized ovicells per colony, at week seven did not differ between treatments, suggesting that zooids had become female and were capable of supporting an embryo. However, colonies grown in isolation never produced fertilized ovicells, but colonies grown with another colony produced fertilized ovicells and viable offspring (i.e., a next generation of settlers). Based on this evidence, it was concluded that B. neritina does not self-fertilize. Furthermore, short dispersal distances (~3m) in the field might not have negative effects on subsequent mating success in the population studied. An important next step is to repeat this experiment and genotype both parents and offspring to determine whether self-fertilization occurs in the paired colonies, as might occur if extrinsic sperm cues trigger sperm release. Together, these results contribute to a better understanding of mating systems in sessile marine invertebrates.
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Date Issued: 2017-04-28
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493398780
Format: Thesis

Title: The Big Lie(s): A Quantitative Analysis of the Visual Imagery Employed to Propagandize Nazism.
Creator: Zirlin, Zoe Lee
Abstract/Description: From the years 1933 to 1938, Adolf Hitler employed propaganda to motivate German citizens towards unwavering indoctrination into Nazism. Although racism and anti-Semitism were prevalent in Germany before then, the Third Reich utilized propaganda posters to mainline the tenets of Nazism into everyday German life. By researching the themes and devices within their propaganda art, researchers can discover the ways in which German citizens were indoctrinated into Nazi ideology from the years 1933...
Show moreFrom the years 1933 to 1938, Adolf Hitler employed propaganda to motivate German citizens towards unwavering indoctrination into Nazism. Although racism and anti-Semitism were prevalent in Germany before then, the Third Reich utilized propaganda posters to mainline the tenets of Nazism into everyday German life. By researching the themes and devices within their propaganda art, researchers can discover the ways in which German citizens were indoctrinated into Nazi ideology from the years 1933 to 1938, (from Hitler’s rise to control of the German government, to the year when Jews were legally excluded from public life.) In 1939, American Rhetorician Kenneth Burke penned the influential essay The Rhetoric of Hitler’s ‘Battle’, which highlights the rhetorical devices he identified in Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Mein Kampf, which translates to My Struggle, is an autobiography written by Hitler in 1925, which outlines his political ideology and hatred for Jews. In the pages of Mein Kampf, which Hitler began while imprisoned by the nation he would later lead into battle, Burke identified seven key tropes through which Hitler conjured fear, hatred, and fervent allegiance from a financially starved German people. The seven tropes: common enemy, geographic materialization, unifying voice, projection devices, inborn dignity, symbolic rebirth, and commercial use. The tropes can be identified throughout the propaganda produced by the Third Reich.This project includes a media content analysis of 50 Nazi propaganda posters, framed through tropes detailed by Rhetorician Kenneth Burke in his piece The Rhetoric of Hitler’s ‘Battle’, from the years 1933 to 1938. The aim of the project was to quantify the frames through which the Third Reich utilized media to indoctrinate German Citizens into Nazism. The coding survey includes trait identification of every visual aspect of the posters, populating data collection of visual imagery through a quantitative lense. The sampling population, about 400 propaganda posters, comes from the archives of the United States Holocaust Museum and Archives. A coding survey was then created, which details the ways in which the data is gathered. Two undergraduate students at Florida State University were incentivized to be “content-coders”, and each analyzed a segment of the sample propaganda posters, guided by the codebook, to ensure that the research can be duplicated.The resulting data collection and analysis of this project specifically demonstrates that propagandizing racism and sovereignty to Hitler was a top priority for the Third Reich to assume totalitarian power.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-20
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587405991_f60a0430
Format: Thesis

Title: The Spectral Energy Distribution of Radio Galaxy Centaurus A at 100 GHz.
Creator: Young, Anthony James
Abstract/Description: The radio galaxy Centaurus A is the closest and largest active galaxy in the sky. In this thesis, we discuss the past observations of the galaxy, the physics of active galactic nuclei, and the radiation processes in Centaurus A. The emission from the galaxy’s radio lobes is primarily the result of synchrotron radiation, which follows a power law with spectral index α. We report on past measurements and our own values for α. We find that our observations were not properly calibrated, yielding...
Show moreThe radio galaxy Centaurus A is the closest and largest active galaxy in the sky. In this thesis, we discuss the past observations of the galaxy, the physics of active galactic nuclei, and the radiation processes in Centaurus A. The emission from the galaxy’s radio lobes is primarily the result of synchrotron radiation, which follows a power law with spectral index α. We report on past measurements and our own values for α. We find that our observations were not properly calibrated, yielding a spectral index far from what was expected. We also discuss the method of calibration that can be carried out in the future in order to calculate the accurate spectral index.
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Date Issued: 2016-04-21
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461293158
Format: Thesis

Title: Surviving POW Camp Oflag XVII-A: Actions of a Few.
Creator: Young, Shelby
Date Issued: 2019-04-01
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556130875_a6f26bcf
Format: Thesis

Title: Wildfire Modeling: Developing a computer simulation of a burning front using the reaction-diffusion equation.
Creator: Yarboro, Jennifer
Date Issued: 2017-04-25
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493400754
Format: Thesis

Title: It's All Greek To Me: Misunderstanding the Jewish Humor of the Book of Tobit.
Creator: Woodward, Thomas Lee
Date Issued: 2016-12-07
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1481137147
Format: Thesis

Title: Contemporary Altars: A study of sacred objects.
Creator: Woods, Reona A
Abstract/Description: This thesis paper serves as a documentation, analysis, and reflection of the research process of the investigation of Christian aesthetics, objects, and structures and its parallels with Contemporary America’s relationship with technology and consumerism. Through found object sculpture the work responds to the progression of ideas bridging from medieval art history to contemporary icons and politics. The project was first prompted by the use of icons as metaphors in response to contemporary...
Show moreThis thesis paper serves as a documentation, analysis, and reflection of the research process of the investigation of Christian aesthetics, objects, and structures and its parallels with Contemporary America’s relationship with technology and consumerism. Through found object sculpture the work responds to the progression of ideas bridging from medieval art history to contemporary icons and politics. The project was first prompted by the use of icons as metaphors in response to contemporary events or issues. The works that developed afterwards specify technology’s integration into the communication of these ideologies and the chronological transformation of the sacred object. These objects connect the ideas of social pressures to the rapid obsolescence with technology. Conclusively, the trajectory of research questions how the saturation of images guided by developments in technology perpetuates structures. The format of this paper explains a brief historical background and accompanying research before highlighting a work and expanding on specific research, material, and aesthetics decisions that successively informed each other as the project progressed.
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Date Issued: 2019-02-22
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1554859708_6253757f
Format: Thesis

Title: Exploratory Studies of the Photoproduced π°η Channel and Determination of Preliminary Cross Sections.
Creator: Woodard, Anna
Abstract/Description: The Crystal Barrel detector is an ideal instrument to study multi-photon final states due to its large solid angle coverage and excellent photon detection efficiency. In this study, preliminary differential cross sections of the reaction γp → Δη→ pπ°η were extracted from data taken while the Crystal Barrel was configured with the TAPS calorimeter positioned in the forward direction. Approximately 186,000 pπ°η events were identified. Trigger efficiencies and energy thresholds in the TAPS...
Show moreThe Crystal Barrel detector is an ideal instrument to study multi-photon final states due to its large solid angle coverage and excellent photon detection efficiency. In this study, preliminary differential cross sections of the reaction γp → Δη→ pπ°η were extracted from data taken while the Crystal Barrel was configured with the TAPS calorimeter positioned in the forward direction. Approximately 186,000 pπ°η events were identified. Trigger efficiencies and energy thresholds in the TAPS calorimeter were studied. Events were reconstructed using a missing proton kinematic fit and the pπ°η final state was selected via a series of confidence level cuts. pπ°η events were classified according to incoming photon energy Eγ and scattering angle θηcm of the η meson in the center-of-mass system. Invariant mass spectra for the p_0 combinations (Eγ, cos θηcm) were plotted. Existing Monte Carlo (MC) software was used to simulate the experimental set-up and generate the expected mass spectra, corrected for phasespace and relativistic effects, for major contributing channels. A root C interpreter script was written to determine the Δ reaction yields as a function of the incoming photon energy and scattering angle. This was accomplished by using the roofit modeling toolkit to generate probability density functions (PDFs) from the MC. The pπ° spectra were then fitted with a sum of MC PDFs for the two largest isobar contributions, Δ+(1232)π and N(1535)S11η. The pπ° spectra indicate dominant Δ production in the threshold region. At higher energies the S11 contribution increases; the development of a second peak besides the Δ becomes visible around 1550 MeV. Above 1800 MeV, S11 production is comparable in intensity to the Δ. An unambiguous angular dependence for the S11 is observed over the full Eγ range as production drops off rapidly at forward angles. The fit procedure is more accurate at higher energies, where Δ and S11 production are well separated, and two clear peaks exist. It is likely that at lower energies the background under the Δ peak was underestimated. Preliminary differential cross sections for γp → Δη → pπ°η were calculated from the Δ yields and are presented here along with an interpretation of major features. First results forthe total γp → pπ°η and γp → pπ°π° cross sections are included. Agreement with previous studies is fair. Possible explanations for discrepancies are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0045
Format: Thesis

Title: Exploring the Relationship Between Moral Injury and PTSD in Suicide Attempt Survivors.
Creator: Woller, Savannah Justine
Abstract/Description: Background: Recent research has suggested that some suicide attempt (SA) survivors report having posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following their SA. However, there is debate as to whether one’s own SA should be recognized as a criterion event for PTSD symptoms. Secondary to PTSD, trauma research has identified moral injury as a consequence of trauma that is related to PTSD and broader mental health issues. The present study has three aims: to explore moral injury as a...
Show moreBackground: Recent research has suggested that some suicide attempt (SA) survivors report having posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following their SA. However, there is debate as to whether one’s own SA should be recognized as a criterion event for PTSD symptoms. Secondary to PTSD, trauma research has identified moral injury as a consequence of trauma that is related to PTSD and broader mental health issues. The present study has three aims: to explore moral injury as a consequence following a SA; to expand our understanding of the relationship between global PTSD symptoms and moral injury to SA survivors; and to examine the relationship between moral injury and individual PTSD symptom clusters. Method: Participants (N=177) were recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and undergraduate students at the Florida State University who report having attempted suicide at least once with the intent to die. Participants completed various self-report measures on PTSD, moral injury, shame, and guilt. Descriptive statistics and regressions were used to examine the study aims. Results: Moral injury was found to be a significant predictor of global PTSD symptoms. Within the specific PTSD clusters, intrusion symptoms were uniquely related to greater feelings of moral injury. Interestingly, moral injury and PTSD symptoms from a SA were significant predictors of trauma-related distress from a SA. Conclusion: Moral injury and PTSD were correlated with each other and were significant predictors of trauma-related distress from a SA. The results from this study suggest that a SA could be a traumatic event that could lead symptoms of PTSD and feelings of moral injury.
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Date Issued: 2020-03-26
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587660946_615d8bef
Format: Thesis

Title: The Effects of Repeated and Varied Exposure on Intelligibility of Hyperkinetic Speech.
Creator: Wolff, Jenna
Abstract/Description: Theories of perceptual learning highlight the importance of regularities present in the non-canonical speech pattern for learning to occur. However, what happens when the non-canonical speech pattern is characterized by irregularities. This study investigated whether repeated or varied exposure to dysarthric speech would improve listeners’ ability to understand to understand a male speaker with hyperkinetic dysarthria, whose speech is characterized by irregular rate, pitch, and loudness...
Show moreTheories of perceptual learning highlight the importance of regularities present in the non-canonical speech pattern for learning to occur. However, what happens when the non-canonical speech pattern is characterized by irregularities. This study investigated whether repeated or varied exposure to dysarthric speech would improve listeners’ ability to understand to understand a male speaker with hyperkinetic dysarthria, whose speech is characterized by irregular rate, pitch, and loudness changes. A total of 60 listener participants were recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and were assigned to one of three training-test conditions: 1) repeated exposure to the speaker with hyperkinetic dysarthria; 2) varied exposure with multiple speakers with hyperkinetic dysarthria; or 3) varied exposure with multiple speakers with dysarthria, characterized by more predictable/consistent speech degradations. Participants completed a pretest transcription task before receiving any training, followed by their assigned training condition, and finally, a posttest transcription task. The listener transcripts were analyzed for accuracy, such that each listener had a pretest and posttest intelligibility score. The differences between pretest and posttest intelligibility were compared within each condition. The results of the study demonstrated no differences between the pretest and posttest average. Thus, even with increased and varied exposure to dysarthric speech, the listeners failed to improve their understanding of the speaker with hyperkinetic dysarthria. These results may encourage us to pivot our efforts into providing these individuals with alternative communication methods so that we can improve the ability of those with hyperkinetic dysarthria to express their wants and needs: our ultimate goal.
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Date Issued: 2019-04-03
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1555515718_abfe7628
Format: Thesis

Title: City of Light: History on Stage.
Creator: Wirsansky, Danielle
Date Issued: 2016-04-22
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461333989
Format: Thesis

Title: Using Infrared Spectroscopy to Determine Cellulose and Lignin Concentration in Various Forms of Organic Matter.
Creator: Winkler, Brittany Rose
Date Issued: 2016-04-29
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461945506
Format: Thesis

Title: What Difference Does a Sales Education Make Anyway?: An Exploration of Goals, Attributes, and Lifestyles.
Creator: Wilpon, Trevor D.
Abstract/Description: The interview process in firms hiring salespeople is critical to developing an understanding of the applicant’s traits, behaviors, and aspirations to ensure proper alignment with that firm’s vision and culture. Though managers must decipher the applicant's projected performance, industry research lacks a universal heuristic to provide objective guidelines to an otherwise subjective decision. In hiring salespeople, firms are witnessing increased competition among qualified candidates as...
Show moreThe interview process in firms hiring salespeople is critical to developing an understanding of the applicant’s traits, behaviors, and aspirations to ensure proper alignment with that firm’s vision and culture. Though managers must decipher the applicant's projected performance, industry research lacks a universal heuristic to provide objective guidelines to an otherwise subjective decision. In hiring salespeople, firms are witnessing increased competition among qualified candidates as college graduates with a formal sales education present similar, yet additionally beneficial attributes as do professionals with prior sales experience, who previously dominated the industry’s hiring market. Using both qualitative data via phone interviews and quantitative data through surveys, the author explores the various extrinsic and intrinsic motivators that contribute to this phenomenon, providing firms with discernable attributes, backgrounds, and aspirations that lead to increased productivity. The combined results indicate that a formal sales education provides a deepened commitment toward a sales profession, building an applicant who understands an amorphous sales process and offers the flexibility, coachability, and ambition that help an organization achieve its goals. Hiring managers can narrow their search for these traits and realize a greater likelihood of selecting a successful candidate.
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Date Issued: 2020-12-09
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1607556488_26c1786c
Format: Thesis

Title: An Analysis of Regional Politics: The Concert of Europe and the Arab League.
Creator: Williams, Bailey Nichole
Abstract/Description: There is scarce existing literature regarding the intersection of domestic politics and regional alliance behavior in the discipline of international relations. To comprehensively understand the dynamics of regional peace, security, and conflict, it is necessary to account for the domestic politics of states involved in regional alliances. By utilizing the Concert of Europe and the Arab League to analyze the importance of domestic politics in the formation, stability, and effectiveness of...
Show moreThere is scarce existing literature regarding the intersection of domestic politics and regional alliance behavior in the discipline of international relations. To comprehensively understand the dynamics of regional peace, security, and conflict, it is necessary to account for the domestic politics of states involved in regional alliances. By utilizing the Concert of Europe and the Arab League to analyze the importance of domestic politics in the formation, stability, and effectiveness of regional alliance systems, a coherent understanding of the hidden significance of domestic politics in regional alliance systems will emerge. By utilizing dynamic case studies, I demonstrate that favorable domestic political conditions can produce highly effective collective security agreements, while volatile domestic politics can actually increase violence amongst the members/states in regional alliance systems.
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Date Issued: 2016-04-29
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461941005
Format: Thesis

Title: Rehabilitation of Reading and Writing Impairments in Aphasia: Speech-Language Pathologists’ Clinical Practice and Perspectives.
Creator: Willette, Jessica
Date Issued: 2020-04-24
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587752292_af7080e1
Format: Thesis

Title: Advancing Diabetes Care: The Optimization of Insulin Pump Medication Delivery.
Creator: Wilcox, John Hartford
Date Issued: 2018-04-27
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1524862378_d562eb9f
Format: Thesis

Title: Mondays, Calls from your Mother, and All the Things We've Lost.
Creator: Wigglesworth, Emilee Anne
Abstract/Description: Mondays, Calls from your Mother, and All the Things We’ve Lost is a product of a period of intense loss. This thirty-one-poem collection is an accumulation of grieving over the loss of my close friend, Earle Kelly, in November of 2019, grieving over the loss of a childhood and the way I viewed my parents as figures of stability and unconditional love, and grieving over relationship losses-- all amongst the confusing nature of one’s own budding sexuality. The thesis works to make sense of the...
Show moreMondays, Calls from your Mother, and All the Things We’ve Lost is a product of a period of intense loss. This thirty-one-poem collection is an accumulation of grieving over the loss of my close friend, Earle Kelly, in November of 2019, grieving over the loss of a childhood and the way I viewed my parents as figures of stability and unconditional love, and grieving over relationship losses-- all amongst the confusing nature of one’s own budding sexuality. The thesis works to make sense of the confusing and conflicting feelings that come with loss.
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Date Issued: 2020-12-10
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1607659174_0207af6e
Format: Thesis

Title: Russia as an Intelligence and Security Culture.
Creator: Wielgus, Cornelia Cecylia
Abstract/Description: In 2017, the security services of the Russian Federation were identified as the key players in influencing the results of the 2016 US Elections. Other think tank scholars identified that the Russian Federation has influence in several other countries also. A question that comes to mind when hearing about Russia’s influence is: how is the government able to maintain its foreign influence campaign without any backlash from the Russian people? Many scholars theorize why Russian security services...
Show moreIn 2017, the security services of the Russian Federation were identified as the key players in influencing the results of the 2016 US Elections. Other think tank scholars identified that the Russian Federation has influence in several other countries also. A question that comes to mind when hearing about Russia’s influence is: how is the government able to maintain its foreign influence campaign without any backlash from the Russian people? Many scholars theorize why Russian security services play such an important role in Russia and how they remain influential in the public eye. Richard Pipes, for example, theorized that the Russian populace was instilled with a fear of foreign aggression throughout history and that is why they are a security-focused culture. Nevertheless, the consent of the Russian people plays a vital role in the existence of the security services. In order for the security services to continue to influence politics and society without the public uprising and beginning a civil revolution, they require the support of the public. If fear of instability within the state drives the Russian public to entrust their faith in the security services, then the public’s support will be firm, thus allowing the security services to remain influential. Very few scholars focus their attention on the opinion that the Russian public has on the security services; therefore, the purpose of this study, is to analyze the current Russian public opinion towards its security services and the role they take in the formation of their society. If the opinion is favorable toward a pro-security culture, then we can expect to see an advancement in intelligence specialization and an expansion of their influence.
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Date Issued: 2019-04-22
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1555979567_1757206b
Format: Thesis

Title: SB1070 and Racial Profiling.
Creator: Whitney, Shane
Abstract/Description: State-level immigration laws mandate that law enforcement agencies check for residency status if there is a reasonable suspicion that a suspect is in the country illegally. It is possible that enforcement agents use ethnicity as a prior indicator of immigration status. I investigate whether state-level immigration enforcement mandates induce racial profiling behavior. Using stop-level data from Stanford Open Policing Project of motor vehicle stops in California and Arizona from 2009-2016, I...
Show moreState-level immigration laws mandate that law enforcement agencies check for residency status if there is a reasonable suspicion that a suspect is in the country illegally. It is possible that enforcement agents use ethnicity as a prior indicator of immigration status. I investigate whether state-level immigration enforcement mandates induce racial profiling behavior. Using stop-level data from Stanford Open Policing Project of motor vehicle stops in California and Arizona from 2009-2016, I estimate a state border discontinuity regression and find evidence of a statistically significant increase in the stops and citations of Hispanic drivers due to Arizona’s SB1070.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-23
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587689684_22a5208c
Format: Thesis

Title: Life History and Sexual Risk Taking.
Creator: Whitley, Katherine A.
Date Issued: 2017-05-04
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493905449_5080f2c1
Format: Thesis

Title: A Novel Modifier of Centrosomin Disrupts Centrosome Assembly through Microtubule Organizing Centers.
Creator: Whitehead, Briana
Abstract/Description: The regulation of microtubules is through the processes of centrosomes which also control a wide variety of cellular processes. Defects in the regulation of centrosomes can lead to a variety of human diseases such as cancer or microcephaly. Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a neuro-developmental deficiency characterized by an abnormally small cerebral cortex. Disparities in brain size in MCPH are the result of stunted development in the cerebral cortex because of reduced...
Show moreThe regulation of microtubules is through the processes of centrosomes which also control a wide variety of cellular processes. Defects in the regulation of centrosomes can lead to a variety of human diseases such as cancer or microcephaly. Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a neuro-developmental deficiency characterized by an abnormally small cerebral cortex. Disparities in brain size in MCPH are the result of stunted development in the cerebral cortex because of reduced neuron production during fetal development. Mutations in one of nine centrosome protein-encoding genes are involved in this genetically heterogeneous disease. To model this disease, we used a centrosomin (cnn) mutant Drosophila (fruit fly) model. The screening of genetic interactions of cnn led to findings demonstrating the association of this disease network to MCPH. One of the mutants recovered, “12-14”, has shown significant effects on centrosome function. Complementation analysis indicated that another mutant, “224”, may affect the same gene as that affected by 12-14. Cell biology assays, embryo live imaging and staining and fixations, and starvation assays that we have performed have contributed to our understanding of the integrity of the centrosome protein and how regulation of autophagy in the 12-14 and 224 mutants is achieved. Findings show that 12-14/224 mutants are, starvation sensitive, the genetic interactions between cnn and 12-14 can be seen in the developing eye, 12-14/224 is required for PCM assembly normal spindle assembly during embryonic cleavage cycles and there are mitotic aberrations in 12-14; cnn double mutant during somatic brain cell divisions. Knowledge of these novel mutants, 12-14 and 224, and the effect they have will contribute valuable information about centrosome function and regulation, MCPH disease mechanisms, and the MCPH network.
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Date Issued: 2017-04-05
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493159529
Format: Thesis

Title: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS SCIENCE PEDAGOGY AND THE AMOUNT OF TIME THEY SPEND ON SCIENCE INSTRUCTION IN THEIR CLASSROOM.
Creator: White, Megan
Date Issued: 2016-04-21
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461250752
Format: Thesis

Title: Impulsivity, Emotionality, and Peer Norms of Drinking Related Behaviors as Predictive Factors of Substance Use: Impulsivity, Emotionality, and Peer Norms on Substance Use.
Creator: Wheeler, Brock
Date Issued: 2017-08-04
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1501899343_93451e3f
Format: Thesis

Title: The Economic Impact of Asylum Migration in Sweden.
Creator: Westergom, Brian Austin
Abstract/Description: This paper is focused on analyzing the economic impact that migration imposes on Sweden’s economy. Previous research calculates various economic impacts of immigration on a country through multiple approaches, therefore a combination of fiscal factors from previous studies will serve as the basic method of research. After reviewing previous work, an analysis of current Swedish migration that includes a breakdown of the scale and demography of the incoming immigrants will serve to indicate...
Show moreThis paper is focused on analyzing the economic impact that migration imposes on Sweden’s economy. Previous research calculates various economic impacts of immigration on a country through multiple approaches, therefore a combination of fiscal factors from previous studies will serve as the basic method of research. After reviewing previous work, an analysis of current Swedish migration that includes a breakdown of the scale and demography of the incoming immigrants will serve to indicate relevant factors that could have an effect on total public costs. The ‘demographic factors’ identified in this population are then attributed to specific government programs that will incur the actual public cost to the Swedish economy. Finally, these factors are analyzed to determine the impact of migration to Sweden’s economy in the form of government budgeting, labor status, the effect on GDP, and other macro indicators of Sweden’s overall economic stability.
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Date Issued: 2017-12-05
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1512521634_653779c3
Format: Thesis

Title: Effects of 5HTP on Sensory Processing.
Creator: Wellman, Nicholas
Abstract/Description: Event Related Potentials (ERPs) are the electrical output of the brain corresponding to specific levels of sensory processing detectable by Electroencephalography (EEG). Differences in ERP output are observable in a variety of affective disorders including anxiety and schizophrenia. Agonism of serotonin 5HT2A receptors has been shown to disrupt early ERPs, increasing the visual P1 component and decreasing N1 and N170 components. Serotonin agonism at 5HT2A receptors has also been shown to...
Show moreEvent Related Potentials (ERPs) are the electrical output of the brain corresponding to specific levels of sensory processing detectable by Electroencephalography (EEG). Differences in ERP output are observable in a variety of affective disorders including anxiety and schizophrenia. Agonism of serotonin 5HT2A receptors has been shown to disrupt early ERPs, increasing the visual P1 component and decreasing N1 and N170 components. Serotonin agonism at 5HT2A receptors has also been shown to decrease alpha power in the visual cortex (VC) typically associated with inhibition of irrelevant visual stimuli, with decreased alpha power in the visual cortex being associated with sensory hyper vigilance. Previous research has demonstrated the influence of 5HT2Ar agonism on VC alpha power and connectivity as well ERP waveforms. However, the link between this interaction and the influence on relay from the divergent visual pathways has not been explored. Utilizing visual stimuli that target the magnocellular and parvocellular pathways independently by manipulating spatial frequency, luminance, contrast, and color, we aimed to observe the difference in visual ERP output after participants were administered either a serotonin supplement (5HTP) or placebo (Vitamin C). We aimed to provide more evidence as to the link between serotonin and early visual processing, as well as demonstrate serotonin’s influences on the relay of sensory information by affecting the divergent visual pathways. Along with EEG recordings, participants took part in visual rating tasks and mood rating tasks on two separate days where they were administered either 5HTP or placebo. Our preliminary results indicated no change, instead of a decrease, in alpha power post 5HTP treatment. We also demonstrated no effect of 5HTP on visual intensity ratings for low luminance stimuli and a significant effect for high luminance stimuli. Further data analysis is necessary to draw any conclusions at this point.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-24
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587759904_3db4878d
Format: Thesis

Title: Elemental Ratios of Bioactive Trace Metals in Suspended Particulate Matter in the Bay of Bengal.
Creator: Weisend, Rachel Elizabeth
Abstract/Description: The Bay of Bengal is heavily influenced by a variety of anthropogenic and natural inputs. Rivers and run-off, dust, and industry all supply trace metals (TMs) of biological importance. In addition, the subsurface waters of the Bay of Bengal are not well-ventilated, and the resulting low-oxygen waters can affect both the supply and removal of TMs between the surface and the sediments. To better understand the sources and cycling of trace elements in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean,...
Show moreThe Bay of Bengal is heavily influenced by a variety of anthropogenic and natural inputs. Rivers and run-off, dust, and industry all supply trace metals (TMs) of biological importance. In addition, the subsurface waters of the Bay of Bengal are not well-ventilated, and the resulting low-oxygen waters can affect both the supply and removal of TMs between the surface and the sediments. To better understand the sources and cycling of trace elements in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples were collected during the I8S/I9N and I5 CLIVAR/CO2 Repeat Hydrography Indian Ocean transects (2007-2009). These samples, collected on 0.4 um Nuclepore PCTE filters, were digested and analyzed by ICP-MS at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (Tallahassee, Florida, USA) for a suite of trace (e.g., Fe, Mn) and major (e.g. Al, P) elements. Particulate Fe and Mn concentrations are highest below the surface (100-200m) and suggest lateral transport of sediments from the northern coast. High particulate P concentrations are found with high bioactive TM concentrations, such as Cd, Cu, and Ni. However, a secondary subsurface maximum is also observed in these TMs, concurrent with low oxygen concentrations and possibly indicating the presence of insoluble sulfide species, which has been proposed in other low oxygen systems.
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Date Issued: 2017-04-22
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461345170
Format: Thesis

Title: Working memory effects on non-native speech learning by older adults.
Creator: Weiner, Jessica
Date Issued: 2017-04-28
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493395097
Format: Thesis

Title: Chemotherapy Education Methods for Patients with Cancer: A Literature Review.
Creator: Watt, Laura Michelle
Abstract/Description: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to complete a review of literature in an effort to determine if there is a relationship between specific instructional strategies of chemotherapy education and specific outcomes related to self-management of side effects, quality of life, and decreased anxiety. Results will be used to recommend best practice. Methods: CINAHL, Pubmed, and Cochrane databases were searched for controlled clinical trials where the intervention was chemotherapy education....
Show morePurpose: The purpose of this study is to complete a review of literature in an effort to determine if there is a relationship between specific instructional strategies of chemotherapy education and specific outcomes related to self-management of side effects, quality of life, and decreased anxiety. Results will be used to recommend best practice. Methods: CINAHL, Pubmed, and Cochrane databases were searched for controlled clinical trials where the intervention was chemotherapy education. Inclusion criteria narrowed the selection down to an analysis of 8 articles. Results: Among these various studies on chemotherapy education no comparisons exist to correlate a specific method of education to superior outcomes such as a higher quality of life, decreased anxiety or better self-management of side effects. However, all educational intervention’s improved quality of life as it relates to patient satisfaction in the studies analyzed. Conclusion: Through this literature review it can be concluded that further research needs to be done regarding the best methods of chemotherapy education. It reveals that research on how patients are tactfully educated on their treatments and conditions can greatly impact their quality of life.
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Date Issued: 2016-04-22
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461353148
Format: Thesis

Title: The Policy and Practice of Solitary Confinement in Federal Prison and Immigration Detention.
Creator: Watford, Lauren Ashley
Abstract/Description: This paper compares solitary confinement policy between the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and makes preliminary observations about inconsistencies between policy and practice and compliance with international law. The purpose is to investigate to what extent ICE uses a policy similar to federal prison in the non-punitive system of immigration detention. This paper utilizes the BOP and ICE policy statements, as well as the widely-recognized studies that...
Show moreThis paper compares solitary confinement policy between the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and makes preliminary observations about inconsistencies between policy and practice and compliance with international law. The purpose is to investigate to what extent ICE uses a policy similar to federal prison in the non-punitive system of immigration detention. This paper utilizes the BOP and ICE policy statements, as well as the widely-recognized studies that have been done into the rate of use of solitary confinement. It was found that while both the BOP and ICE state similar purposes for solitary confinement, the BOP seems to use the practice more frequently and for longer periods of time (DOJ, 2016; ASCA-Liman, 2016; ICE, 2016). While both agencies use protective custody designed to isolate vulnerable demographics, the data suggests the practice in federal prison may disproportionately affect young adults aged 18-24, black women, and inmates with mental illness (ASCA-Liman, 2016). The BOP and ICE afford rights of due process and other privileges to varying degrees, and certain privileges may be taken away away as punishment (BOP, 2016; ICE, 2016). It was found that there may be discrepancies between policy and practice in both BOP and ICE custody. Also, both the practice and policy appear to be contradictory, in part, to the Convention Against Torture and the Refugee Convention. This paper concludes that further research is needed to determine the extent to which policy, practice, and international law can be reconciled. Also, further attention is needed on the part of scholars, lawmakers, and the public to the use of solitary confinement in non-punitive immigration detention.
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Date Issued: 2017-12-08
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1512768805_5631788b
Format: Thesis

Title: Examining Theodore Abel as a Political Theorist: Nazi Witnesses and the Exclusion of Women.
Creator: Warren, Sarah Reagan
Abstract/Description: In 1934, Theodore Fred Abel, a sociologist at Columbia University, undertook one of the first studies of the Nazi Movement in Germany. He initiated an essay contest with a substantial cash prize for testimonials addressing the question, “Why are you a Nazi?” He used the responses to write a sociological analysis of the Hitler movement. However, his analysis, "Why Hitler Came to Power," did not include information from the forty-eight female-authored testimonials he received. Abel suggested...
Show moreIn 1934, Theodore Fred Abel, a sociologist at Columbia University, undertook one of the first studies of the Nazi Movement in Germany. He initiated an essay contest with a substantial cash prize for testimonials addressing the question, “Why are you a Nazi?” He used the responses to write a sociological analysis of the Hitler movement. However, his analysis, "Why Hitler Came to Power," did not include information from the forty-eight female-authored testimonials he received. Abel suggested that he intended to write a separate paper about female Nazis, but never followed through. This project supplements Abel's using two previously unused primary sources: twenty-three volumes of Abel's diaries to contextualize his study and the forty-eight female-authored testimonials. The journals offer a more comprehensive understanding of Abel's view of women and the Hitler movement, including Abel's financial motivations for pursuing the study, his admiration toward Hitler, and his unsavory views of women. The female-authored essays offer a window into the previously-unexplored perspective of Hitler supporters during the Nazi movement, including their socioeconomic conditions, religious motivations, antisemitism, and sense of national identity.
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Date Issued: 2019-04-24
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556154891_7fd7f858
Format: Thesis

Title: 1 Out of 233 Passengers.
Creator: Ward, Imranda
Date Issued: 2019-05-01
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556715132_53aefab3
Format: Thesis

Title: Clinician's Ability to Identify Shoulder Interventions: An Agreement Study.
Creator: Wang, Elizabeth
Date Issued: 2016-05-17
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1463533473
Format: Thesis

Title: Two species contact zone of Pseudacris maculata and Pseudacris triseriata.
Creator: Wang, Anni
Abstract/Description: Identifying hybrid zones is important in developing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of interspecific gene flow and the evolutionary processes that drive diversification and speciation. Hybrid zones provide a natural library to study effects of gene flow on selection without the need to perform experimental manipulations. In this study, I examine the contact zone between two chorus frog species, Pseudacris maculata and P. triseriata through genomic analysis in order to determine...
Show moreIdentifying hybrid zones is important in developing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of interspecific gene flow and the evolutionary processes that drive diversification and speciation. Hybrid zones provide a natural library to study effects of gene flow on selection without the need to perform experimental manipulations. In this study, I examine the contact zone between two chorus frog species, Pseudacris maculata and P. triseriata through genomic analysis in order to determine the extent of hybridization between the two species. Our data show that the hybrid zone is narrow, with individuals of hybrid ancestry only occurring in the center of our transect across the hybrid zone. We also show that hybridization may be a relatively rare occurrence, with only three individuals from the central populations having a high probability of being F1 or F2 hybrids. Other populations, including those in shallow sympatry do not show evidence of gene flow. Possible factors restricting gene flow in these populations could be geographical barriers, such as the Mississippi River, or reproductive barriers, such as divergence of mating calls. Future work may include more samples from the central population to further understand the amount of hybridization between these two species or a more detailed look at the factors that may be restricting gene flow.
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Date Issued: 2017-12-08
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1512749504_22b38fc4
Format: Thesis

Title: Human Cancer: Involvement of Signatures of Mutational Processes.
Creator: Walters, Kirstie A.
Abstract/Description: Cancer’s increasing impact on the human population creates a need to continue working to understand the disease and discover how it can be better treated. This Honors Thesis evaluates literature that considers signatures of mutational processes and lifestyle factors and their association with human cancer on a molecular level, while attempting to highlight how the correlations described may be linked more tightly with causative effects. The two main papers studied were “Signatures of...
Show moreCancer’s increasing impact on the human population creates a need to continue working to understand the disease and discover how it can be better treated. This Honors Thesis evaluates literature that considers signatures of mutational processes and lifestyle factors and their association with human cancer on a molecular level, while attempting to highlight how the correlations described may be linked more tightly with causative effects. The two main papers studied were “Signatures of mutational processes in human cancer” (Alexandrov et al., 2013) and “POLE proofreading defects: Contributions to mutagenesis and cancer” (Park and Pursell, 2019), but outside literature was incorporated to follow the progress of the research and examine the relationship between mutational signatures and tumorigenesis severity and outcomes. Mutational signatures, common somatic mutations of many cancer types, were studied; human polymerase ε in particular is a signature present in endometrial and colorectal cancer that appears to have a causal relationship with tumorigenesis, as established through the use of model systems. Proposed future directions of this research are to examine how other mutational signatures affect tumorigenesis and the DNA repair mechanism through the use of model systems, anticipating that better understanding how mutational signatures cause tumorigenesis and affect its degree of severity may lead to a new form of treatment.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-23
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587656935_799e0b2d
Format: Thesis

Title: Parental Attachment, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Error-Related Negativity: Three Proposed Risk Factors for College Student Suicidal Ideation.
Creator: Wagler, Kayla
Abstract/Description: Suicidal ideation is a known risk factor for eventual suicide attempt, and in some cases, completion of suicide. This risk is heightened in individuals ages 15-29. Twenty-one undergraduate students (5 male, 16 female) aged 18-21 completed self-report measures and an EEG task and were assessed for three main risk factors for suicidal ideation: quality of parental attachment, trait anxiety through intolerance of uncertainty, and trait anxiety through reaction to error commission measured via...
Show moreSuicidal ideation is a known risk factor for eventual suicide attempt, and in some cases, completion of suicide. This risk is heightened in individuals ages 15-29. Twenty-one undergraduate students (5 male, 16 female) aged 18-21 completed self-report measures and an EEG task and were assessed for three main risk factors for suicidal ideation: quality of parental attachment, trait anxiety through intolerance of uncertainty, and trait anxiety through reaction to error commission measured via electrical activity in EEG (Error Related Negativity). The primary hypothesis that the two trait anxiety factors would have a mediating effect on the negative relationship between parental attachment and suicidal ideation was not supported. However, significance in a negative direct relationship from father parental attachment to suicidal ideation merits further investigation into effects of parental relationship on suicidal ideation. Continued studies on multiple interactions between risk factors for suicidal ideation have the potential to improve prevention and treatment efforts to reduce risk for mental health challenges and suicidal ideation, attempt, and completion.
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Date Issued: 2019-04-25
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556243383_2cac3ada
Format: Thesis

Title: The Essentials of Mukashibanashi: A study of motifs & morals in Japanese folk tales.
Creator: Wadhams, Erin
Abstract/Description: In order to construct a compelling story, it is always important to have a map for guidance. When the story in question is a folk tale from Japan, it is especially important to have an accurate guide, collected and distilled from a study of the body of works in the field—both scholarly and creative—in order to construct a story that is authentic. My final piece follows the general plot structure of Japanese folk tales, contains several common motifs, expresses moral values that are typical of...
Show moreIn order to construct a compelling story, it is always important to have a map for guidance. When the story in question is a folk tale from Japan, it is especially important to have an accurate guide, collected and distilled from a study of the body of works in the field—both scholarly and creative—in order to construct a story that is authentic. My final piece follows the general plot structure of Japanese folk tales, contains several common motifs, expresses moral values that are typical of Japanese folk tales and, of course is written in Japanese, utilizing grammatical structures essential to folk tales. While existing works on Japanese folk tales seek to categorize them or examine certain individual elements such as the “heavenly wife” motif or the nature of animals within the folk tales, I have created a piece and accompanying guide that acts as a broader survey of what makes up a Japanese folk tale that can be applicable to most existing tales and help non-specialists and foreign readers understand the essential parts of mukashibanashi. In order to construct an authentic folk tale of my own, I integrated four types of research that allowed me to examine structure, motifs, moral lessons, and grammar and language. I built upon Alan Miller’s study of the plot structure of the “heavenly wife” tales in order to create a general plot progression applicable across a broad range of Japanese folk tales. Using Yanagita Kunio and Seki Keigo’s indices of folk tales, I was able to determine common motifs across a broad array of folk tales. I synthesized work by Nelly Tchalakova and Motoko Fujihiro Huthwaite on ethic norms in Japanese folk literature to create an index of common moral values and lessons that appear in folk tales. Finally, by reading the both original and translated texts of a selection of folk tales, I was able to identify important grammatical trends and make determinations about readership demographic and language expectations for my own work. Using this body of research, I was able to write an original folk tale that is an average of my findings on these four topics.
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Date Issued: 2019-09-18
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556306620_82268d7b
Format: Thesis

Title: Novel Global Perspectives on Marine Redox Conditions During the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum.
Creator: Wadhams, Jane Alexandra
Abstract/Description: Recent trends in marine deoxygenation resulting from the unprecedented modern release of carbon have raised concerns regarding the future of the global ocean’s redox structure. Past hyperthermal warming events are studied in order to make inferences on possible climate scenarios and of these events particularly the most extreme, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ~56 Mya). The PETM is characterized by a large and rapid negative carbon isotope excursion caused by a sudden input of 4...
Show moreRecent trends in marine deoxygenation resulting from the unprecedented modern release of carbon have raised concerns regarding the future of the global ocean’s redox structure. Past hyperthermal warming events are studied in order to make inferences on possible climate scenarios and of these events particularly the most extreme, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ~56 Mya). The PETM is characterized by a large and rapid negative carbon isotope excursion caused by a sudden input of 4,500-10,000 of Pg of carbon into the Earth-atmosphere system. This study aimed to better constrain the timing of changes in marine redox during this critical event by applying a suite of geochemical proxies on samples from two localities (the Arctic Ocean and Atlantic Coastal Plain). FeT/Al, Mo, and V concentrations suggest that the Arctic experienced euxinia (anoxic and sulfidic water column) during the PETM, while the application of these proxies to the Atlantic section suggests the local depositional conditions were reducing but not completely euxinic. These local conditions are reducing enough to capture the global seawater signature. Each section records a positive shift in Tl isotopes at the onset of the carbon isotope excursion which tapered off during the carbon isotope excursion. These results suggest that oxygen quickly declined at the onset of climatic warming but steadily returned to oxic values as the hypothermal event terminated. The changes in redox during this event are likely a response to the massive warming and could provide a negative feedback to the associated perturbation of the global carbon cycle, providing a burial mechanism to the addition of carbon released over the event. Future work adding other proxies, such as Fe speciation, and higher resolution data could provide greater constraints to examine the plausibility of this idea.
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Date Issued: 2020-12-11
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1607696758_c012b1b2
Format: Thesis

Title: Understanding Sarcospan Protein Function by Exposure of Mice to Beta-Adrenergic Stress.
Creator: Wacker, Amanda
Abstract/Description: Sarcospan (SSPN) is a core component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DCG) located at the sarcolemma of muscle fibers. SSPN has been shown to play a major role in membrane stabilization of the heart and other striated muscles, however many of its additional functions remain unknown. Previous studies have shown that SSPN deletion diminishes cardiac β-adrenergic responsiveness, however it elicits increases in cardiac mass (JAHA, 2015 Dec 23;4(12). Here, we document the whole-body effects...
Show moreSarcospan (SSPN) is a core component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DCG) located at the sarcolemma of muscle fibers. SSPN has been shown to play a major role in membrane stabilization of the heart and other striated muscles, however many of its additional functions remain unknown. Previous studies have shown that SSPN deletion diminishes cardiac β-adrenergic responsiveness, however it elicits increases in cardiac mass (JAHA, 2015 Dec 23;4(12). Here, we document the whole-body effects of ß-adrenergic stimulation in three-month-old WT and SSPN-null male and female mice after treatment with an isoproterenol (ISO) dosing regimen (8 mg/kg of body weight/day for 5 days) with tissues collected 2 weeks after treatment and examined for alterations in histology, gene and protein expression. After the treatment regimen, morphometric measurements were recorded and cardiac function assessed by echocardiography. After ISO treatment significant differences were found in sympathetic and cholinergic receptor expression in SSPN-null cardiac and white adipose tissue (WAT) that were distinct from WT. After ISO treatment, WT and SSPN-null male mice exhibited similar levels of WAT lipolysis, evidenced by loss of body and reduced size of epidydymal fat pads. The goal of this study is to better understand how the cardiac function of SSPN-null mice appears largely unaltered by β-adrenergic stimulation, whereas other tissues display overall normal responsiveness to ISO treatment. Since lipolysis is induced through activation of β-adrenergic receptors, we will examine associated markers in untreated and β-adrenergic-stimulated WT and SSPN-null mice.Research Support: Florida State University and AHA 16SDG29120002.
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Date Issued: 2020-03-31
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587669004_5b26a36a
Format: Thesis

Title: Extracellular Vesicles: A Double-Edged Sword in Alzheimer's Disease.
Creator: Vreones, Michael P
Abstract/Description: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a devastating neurological disorder that remains the underlying cause of dementia for millions of people around the world. Despite many questions surrounding the mechanisms of AD development and progression, pronounced senile plaques, composed of the neurotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, in the extracellular space of the brain remain one of the hallmark presentations of AD. Recent evidence demonstrates that APP (amyloid precursor protein), a single pass transmembrane...
Show moreAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a devastating neurological disorder that remains the underlying cause of dementia for millions of people around the world. Despite many questions surrounding the mechanisms of AD development and progression, pronounced senile plaques, composed of the neurotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, in the extracellular space of the brain remain one of the hallmark presentations of AD. Recent evidence demonstrates that APP (amyloid precursor protein), a single pass transmembrane protein that gives rise to Aβ, and Aβ are packaged into a smaller subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) called exosomes. These endosomal derived vesicles are capable of transmitting APP and pathogenic Aβ fragments to nearby target cells, inducing neurotoxicity and subsequent inflammatory responses in these cells and potentially contributing to the propagation of AD pathology. Considering the emerging biological significance of exosomes in the context of AD, as well as in a great swath of other physiological functions and pathologies, EV-based therapies utilizing exogenous mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs (MSC EVs) are being thoroughly investigated as an AD intervention strategy. These studies report promising therapeutic effects of MSC EVs in mouse models of AD, attributing them to reduced neuroinflammation, increased neurogenesis, and enhanced Aβ clearance. Recent findings from our laboratory demonstrate the capacity of 3-D MSC aggregates to produce a greater number of small EVs enriched with anti-inflammatory miRNA, potentially implicating them as a more effective therapeutic agent to treat Alzheimer’s disease. To emphasize the diverse biological significance of extracellular vesicles, the focus of this project was to demonstrate extracellular vesicles as both a pathogenic mediator and therapeutic agent in AD by: 1) Determining the effect of mutant APP processing on EV production and cargo 2) Determining the efficacy of 3-D cultured MSC EVs to hinder Alzheimer’s disease progression in a 5xFAD mouse model.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-24
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587769576_2806eed2
Format: Thesis

Title: The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research.
Creator: von Lersner, Ariana
Abstract/Description: Embryonic stem cell research involves the destruction of an embryo after stem cells are extracted. The ethical considerations of destroying an embryo results in a controversy where proponents of the research are pitted against pro life supporters who abhor the destruction of the embryo as immoral. This paper addresses the objections to embryonic stem cell research, similar to those against abortion, which are rooted in the belief that it is morally impermissible to intentionally take the life...
Show moreEmbryonic stem cell research involves the destruction of an embryo after stem cells are extracted. The ethical considerations of destroying an embryo results in a controversy where proponents of the research are pitted against pro life supporters who abhor the destruction of the embryo as immoral. This paper addresses the objections to embryonic stem cell research, similar to those against abortion, which are rooted in the belief that it is morally impermissible to intentionally take the life of an innocent human being. The counterargument is presented such that the use of embryonic stem cells in research does not represent the death of a human being; instead it provides valuable life saving medical breakthroughs, and thus is a morally permissible use of discarded embryos. This paper contributes to the defense of stem cell research by highlighting scientific reasons why it is ethically permissible. It makes a clear distinction between the definition of a human being and that of an embryo used in stem cell research.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_phi2630-0002
Format: Thesis

Title: Understanding the Influence of the Metal Linking Ions on the Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of Self-Assembled Bilayer Films.
Creator: Violette, Kyle
Date Issued: 2016-09-30
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1475269205
Format: Thesis

Title: The Importance of Shared Meaning: Filmmakers, Audiences, and the Relevance of Psychoanalysis.
Creator: Violette, Christopher
Date Issued: 2020-04-24
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587743158_f234e430
Format: Thesis

Title: The Effect of Ethane on the Biological Removal of 1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater.
Creator: Villalonga, Michael Joseph
Abstract/Description: 1,4-dioxane is a probable human carcinogen which has been detected throughout groundwater sites in the United States. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of ethane on biological removal of 1,4-dioxane from groundwater in two membrane biofilm reactors (MBfR). The two membrane biofilm reactors tested have different influent 1,4-dioxane concentrations (~600 μg/L in MBfR1 and ~200 μg/L in MBfR2). I first measured the concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, dissolved oxygen, and ethane...
Show more1,4-dioxane is a probable human carcinogen which has been detected throughout groundwater sites in the United States. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of ethane on biological removal of 1,4-dioxane from groundwater in two membrane biofilm reactors (MBfR). The two membrane biofilm reactors tested have different influent 1,4-dioxane concentrations (~600 μg/L in MBfR1 and ~200 μg/L in MBfR2). I first measured the concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, dissolved oxygen, and ethane in the reactor influent and effluent under two different operating conditions: helium supply (control) and ethane supply in both reactors. In MBfR1, Helium had a 1,4-dioxane removal rate of about 20% while ethane had a 1,4-dioxane removal rate of about 80% in MBfR1. In MBfR2, Helium had a 1,4-dioxane removal rate of about 25% while ethane had a 1,4-dioxane removal rate of about 87% in MBfR2. I then compared the MBfR1 and MBfR2 for their performance. My long-term objective is to examine the effect of different ethane pressures on 1,4- dioxane biodegradation in MBfR2. Therefore, my future plan is to vary the ethane pressure and then assess its effect on 1,4-dioxane degradation.
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Date Issued: 2019-04-26
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556310587_8988aa5f
Format: Thesis

Title: French Feminist Journalism: Eugénie Niboyet and Simone de Beauvoir in 19th- and 20th-Century French Print Media.
Creator: Villalobos, Maria
Abstract/Description: The emergence of early feminism through the printed word — journals, magazines, pamphlets — allowed women’s political voices to be heard and for their cause to be taken with seriousness, whether positively or negatively, by French society. Women’s continuous progress in all aspects, social, political, economic, can be attributed to the collective efforts of early feminists. This research looks at women’s social roles and struggles in France in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and how...
Show moreThe emergence of early feminism through the printed word — journals, magazines, pamphlets — allowed women’s political voices to be heard and for their cause to be taken with seriousness, whether positively or negatively, by French society. Women’s continuous progress in all aspects, social, political, economic, can be attributed to the collective efforts of early feminists. This research looks at women’s social roles and struggles in France in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and how their restricted condition inspired the early feminist movement. I write and compare two prominent feminists, Eugénie Niboyet, whose voice has been forgotten and whose contributions to the feminist press are scarcely written about, and Simone de Beauvoir, who is considered by many one of the most important feminists and whose works and legacy are widely studied and talked about in the academic field of women’s studies. I divide this research into four sections: the historical context of nineteenth century France and women, Eugénie Niboyet’s life and feminist journalism, the historical context of 20th century France and women, and Simone de Beauvoir’s life and feminist journalism.
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Date Issued: 2020-04-17
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1587143795_5489d779
Format: Thesis

Title: Does Verb Use Affects Mood and Happiness?.
Creator: Vera, Juan
Abstract/Description: ABSTRACT Two important trends are occurring in respect to scientific research in the field of psychology: 1) An increased focus on replication to facilitate psychological science as a self-correcting process, and 2) The exploration of quick and cost-effective methods to collect data using online systems such as Mechanical Turk. My thesis explores both of these issues in light of a recently reported study demonstrating that verb aspect use when describing past experiences (positive or negative...
Show moreABSTRACT Two important trends are occurring in respect to scientific research in the field of psychology: 1) An increased focus on replication to facilitate psychological science as a self-correcting process, and 2) The exploration of quick and cost-effective methods to collect data using online systems such as Mechanical Turk. My thesis explores both of these issues in light of a recently reported study demonstrating that verb aspect use when describing past experiences (positive or negative) can modulate feelings of happiness and positive mood. Given the potential benefits of these findings to the understanding of well-being and methods to improve health, this thesis attempts to replicate these results online. The results generated by this thesis indicates a failure to replicate the results found in the previous study (though the general pattern of means produced the expected pattern). Verb aspect use did not significantly interact with task difficulty to influence current feelings of positive affect. However, Mechanical Turk was sensitive enough to pick up other expected relationships. Participants who completed a more difficult anagram task reported a significantly more negative affect afterward. Other expected relationships were observed with respect to satisfaction with life, happiness, and positive and negative affect. However, it is premature to suggest that the verb aspect adopted when describing previous experiences does not have an effect on mood/happiness. Methodological differences may explain the reported failure to replicate (e.g., online vs. in person). Implications and future direction are discussed in the conclusion section.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_uhm-0385
Format: Thesis

Title: Investigating Itinerant Magnets for Magnetic Refrigeration.
Creator: Ventrella, Elizabeth
Abstract/Description: Clean and efficient energy-conversion systems for large-scale and residential use could reduce the detrimental impacts of fossil fuel consumption on the environment. Magnetocaloric materials hold the potential to move refrigerators from conventional vapor-compression cycles to energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly magnet-based refrigeration technology. The latter takes advantage of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE), a reversible temperature change of a material upon the application or...
Show moreClean and efficient energy-conversion systems for large-scale and residential use could reduce the detrimental impacts of fossil fuel consumption on the environment. Magnetocaloric materials hold the potential to move refrigerators from conventional vapor-compression cycles to energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly magnet-based refrigeration technology. The latter takes advantage of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE), a reversible temperature change of a material upon the application or removal of an external magnetic field. The major goal of this research is to discover materials that exhibit large MCE and contain nontoxic and abundant elements. The search for these materials is being guided by both computational efforts and extensive analysis of existing materials and modifications that can improve their properties. In this contribution, I report my investigation of CuFe2Ge2, Cu0.6Mn2.4Ge2, and LiFe6Ge6 as potential itinerant magnets and magnetocaloric materials. Synthesized samples were analyzed by electronic structure calculations, powder X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. Preliminary findings revealed that LiFe6Ge6 does not show ferromagnetic behavior and thus cannot be used in magnetic refrigeration. The reasons for the lack of magnetic ordering are still to be determined. The Cu-Fe-Mn-Ge system revealed the formation of phases with structures related to Cu0.6Mn2.4Ge2 and CuFe2Ge2 for compositions close to these terminal members of the series. At the 1:1 Mn/Fe ratio, however, a new material has been produced that exhibits a superstructure of previously reported Cu1.6Mn20Ge10.4. The magnetic properties of these materials need further investigation.
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Date Issued: 2017-04-28
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493404076
Format: Thesis

Title: Transfering Improved Pelvic Alignment Into Ballet Technique Class.
Creator: Velazquez, Alyssa, Welsh, Tom
Date Issued: 2017-04-28
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1493408229
Format: Thesis

Title: Liquid-Liquid Extraction Kinetics and Applied External Potential Effects in the Extraction of Dysprosium.
Creator: Velasquez, Ever
Date Issued: 2016-04-22
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1461375415
Format: Thesis

Title: Feeding Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Expressing Neurons in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis.
Creator: Velasquez, Maria Lucia
Date Issued: 2020-11-30
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1606839833_994eaab8
Format: Thesis

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