cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-124904
title: The effect of group composition on brief training groups
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-129702
title: A structural and transactional exploration of incestuous relationships within family systems
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-142006
title: Sex role tolerance and sympathy towards rape victims among professional groups
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-142471
title: The adopted delinquent girl: A study of the adopted girl in a maximum security facility for delinquent adolescent girls
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-323305
title: Regulation of inflammation and angiogenesis by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

description: Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), is a vascular tumor of endothelial cells caused by the infection of  herpesvirus Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV). It is primarily found in HIV-infected patients. KS is diagnosed by the KS lesions and bloody tumors on the skin. These tumors have a complex vascular network that is primarily due to dysregulated angiogenesis. ❧ Here in this thesis, we look at the effect of KSHV infection on angiogenesis and inflammation. KSHV infection affects the adhesion molecules, VE-cadherin and induces proteases like Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) and angiogenic factors like Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) to degrade cell-cell junction and promote permeability and cell proliferation leading to dysregulation of angiogenesis. We examine how HIV proteins, Tat and Nef, interact with the KSHV-encoded proto-oncogenes, viral homologs of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs (miRNA) to promote angiogenesis. By binding to 3' UTR regions of certain genes, a miRNA synergizes with Tat and Nef proteins to induce the release of several angiogenic factors and activate signaling pathways involved in cell invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis. ❧ The KSHV-encoded G-Protein Coupled Receptor (kGPCR) activates the inflammatory pathway to induce angiogenesis. KSHV miRNA again plays a role in regulating the kGPCR downstream signaling that is essential in inducing angiogenesis. We also address why and which KSHV miRNA are so heavily involved in regulating angiogenesis and its complex signaling pathways.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-370215
title: As K-Beauty matures, IOPE Air Cushion foundation comes to the U.S.

description: This paper examines the possibility of successfully introducing the cushion foundation, specifically the IOPE Air Cushion, to the United States. The cushion platform foundation originates from South Korea, with the AmorePacific Corporation holding multiple patents related to the technology. Given both the popularity of K-Beauty, or Korean-inspired Beauty, and the originality of the cushion foundation, the very first product of its kind, the IOPE Air Cushion is set to penetrate the American market, first to metropolitans in California and New York. As a high population of Asians is currently living in cities within these states, it makes sense to bring the cushion foundation to the mainstream American beauty market. This paper discusses a new cosmetic launch campaign and will identify key audiences of the products and set communication and business goals, with a particular focus on partnership strategy and social media tactics. The paper also provides a sample information kit for a suggested business relationship with an expected partner. The goal of this thesis is to present a complete market analysis, strategies, tactics, and actual content in supplementing the execution of the product launch campaign.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-383782
title: A modified Gassmann fluid substitution theory for carbonate rock physics modeling

description: Research now shows that CO₂ is a significant cause of the earth’s rising temperature. Decreasing those elemental emissions has become a crucial requirement for environment protection. CO₂ sequestration in depleted reservoirs is a technique which is widely used to reduce the problem of greenhouse gasses. To guarantee a successful sequestration process, we have to monitor CO₂ migration in the reservoir to prevent any leakage, which may cause more pollution difficulties (Matsuoka and Azuma, 2014). 4D time-lapse seismic monitoring is the method by which we can achieve reliable monitoring results (Eiken et al, 2000). However, in some reservoirs, seismic techniques failed to monitor CO₂ movement (Blonk et al, 1998). Ensuring our ability to accurately monitor CO₂ is a crucial step in the CO₂ sequestration project plan (Blonk et al, 1998). Utilizing rock physics modeling, and applying fluid substitutions are effective ways which we can use to examine the feasibility of monitoring CO₂ movement within a reservoir. Building a rock physics model in elastic rock is less complicated than in carbonate rock because of the complex heterogeneity of carbonates (Xu and Payne, 2009). We should direct our attention towards developing rock physics models for carbonate reservoirs, as more than percent of the world's reservoirs are carbonates (SLB, 2007). ❧ For this thesis, we shadowed the work of Quanxiong et al (2014). Gassmann’s fluid substitution can be applied based on Eshelby-Walsh theory to establish a relationship between the elastic properties of the rock (Jiang et al, 2011). Quanxiong et al (2014) called Gassmann-Eshelby-Walsh theory the GEW theory. Notably, we differed from Quanxiong et al (2014), in that we used Reuse-Voigt-Hill average (Hill, 1952) to estimate bulk modulus of the solid matrix. Dry bulk modulus was calculated using Eshelby-Walsh theory, which considers pore geometry effects on bulk modulus of dry rock. Quanxiong et al (2014) assumed that the pores filled with the same fluid and the rock sample consists of one pore system, which is spherical. We used three types of pore systems with different aspect ratios. The aspect ratios and pore geometry types could be determined using Xu-Payne (2009) cross plot and inversion. The sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the effect of CO₂ injection on the elastic properties of the carbonate rocks. CO₂ injection effects were mapped in 3D modeling using Sequential Gaussian Simulation function to better understand the possible CO₂ impact over the entire reservoir.
DOI: 10.25549/independent-c69-12701
title: LA City Council Human Resources & Labor Relations committee meeting, 1991-04-10

description: Los Angeles City Council standing committee, Human Resources and Labor Relations, meeting of 1991 April 10, regarding institutional change in the wake of the Rodney King beating and Los Angeles Police Department actions. Present were Joy Picus (chairwoman), Joel Wachs (councilman) and Michael Woo (councilman), Lee Drummond (former chief of police), Paul Whisenand (California State University Long Beach professor of criminology), Henry McGee, Jr. (University of California Los Angeles Law School professor), and Robert Farrell (councilman). Broadcast by L.A. Cityview channel 35. Part two begins with 57 seconds of a television commercial featuring Daniel Day Lewis, Frederick Douglass and Jesse Jackson.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-638947
title: Experimental investigation of spray development  immediately behind a tire rolling on a wet surface

description: The spray pattern immediately behind a single-groove tire rolling on a wet surface is produced in the laboratory using a specially designed tire spray simulator.  The spray behavior is examined using high speed video.  To characterize how rapidly water drains from the groove, a concept referred to as time-to-drain is defined and a technique developed and demonstrated for its measurement. ❧ The water-air interface in the groove of a rotating tire feels an acceleration from the denser fluid into the less dense fluid—the geometry of the Rayleigh-Taylor problem.  Earlier work (Browand, Plocher & Radovich 2010) observed a banded structure downstream of the tire patch and suggested it was due to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability.  This present work examines that suggestion by computing spectra from time series at different points in the flow.  Frequencies at spectral peaks are converted to wavenumbers which are found to lie in the Rayleigh-Taylor unstable band.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-643925
title: Fault detection and diagnosis of photovoltaic systems

description: The rapid growth of the solar industry over the past several years has expanded the significance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. One of the primary aims of research in building-integrated PV systems is to improve the  performance of  the system’s efficiency, availability, and reliability. Although much work has been done on technological design to increase a photovoltaic module’s  efficiency, there is little research so far on fault diagnosis for PV systems. Faults in a PV system, if not detected, may not only reduce power generation, but also threaten the availability and reliability, effectively the “security” of the whole system. ❧ In this paper, first a circuit-based simulation baseline model of a PV system with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is developed using MATLAB software . MATLAB is one of the most popular tools for integrating computation, visualization and programming in an easy-to-use modeling environment. Second, data collection of a PV system at variable surface temperatures and insolation levels under normal operation is acquired. The developed simulation model of PV system is then calibrated and improved by comparing modeled I-V and P-V characteristics with measured I–V and P–V characteristics to make sure the simulated curves are close to those measured values from the experiments. Finally, based on the circuit-based simulation model, a PV model of various types of faults will be developed by changing conditions or inputs in the MATLAB model, and the I–V and P–V characteristic curves, and the time-dependent voltage and current characteristics of the fault modalities will be characterized for each type of fault.  These will be developed as benchmark I-V or P-V, or prototype transient curves. If a fault occurs in a PV system, polling and comparing actual measured I–V and P–V characteristic curves with both normal operational curves and these baseline fault curves will aid in fault diagnosis.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-646751
title: A public relations approach to exploring consumer behavior behind luxury purchases

description: The goal of this thesis is to explore the definition of luxury, study the psychology of luxury with an emphasis on the travel industry and how public relations professionals can utilize the information for strategic planning and implement for luxury and lifestyle clients.  The analysis also explores the consumers’ level of understanding and attitudes toward luxury and what factors influence their purchases.  Through primary and secondary research, the author also identifies ways in which public relations professionals can utilize the results effectively to influence key audiences and provides recommendations.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-655696
title: A multivariate approach to explore nursing home characteristics contributing to high performance on CMS' publicly reported quality measures

description: Identifying and learning from nursing homes that are able to consistently provide high quality care to their residents is of great interest to policy makers, nursing home industry stakeholders, and nursing home staff. Previous studies have shown relationships between various organizational characteristics and outcome measures, often with conflicting results. This analysis explores relationships between commonly cited nursing home characteristics and high performance on the CMS publicly reported quality measures of physical restraints, high-risk pressure ulcers, chronic care pain, and post-acute care pain using stepwise multivariate logistic regression. One-year rolling average scores were calculated and compared to the high-performance tenth percentile for the baseline period. Preliminary univariate logistic regression showed significant associations between many characteristics and the high performance outcomes. Multivariate models demonstrated fair predictability as assessed by the c-index, but good fit was obtained only with the model for physical restraints. Models for high-risk pressure ulcers and post-acute care pain showed fair goodness of fit, and a good fit was not achieved for chronic care pain. Some characteristics produce opposite effects across the four outcomes, making it difficult for an individual nursing home to achieve high performance across multiple measures. It may not be desirable, or even possible, to change some of these factors, such as staffing levels or urban location. Recent studies emphasize the role of organizational culture on improving the quality of care. Reliable metrics for many of these characteristics, such as support of leadership and staff stability are not yet available. Learning networks such as the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Home Campaign provide a platform for nursing home staff to access and implement best practices, as well as explore the development of additional process measures. Expected changes to outcome measures and development of uniform process measures will provide new directions for further investigation and potentially lead to greater understanding of the links between nursing home characteristics and the ability to provide good quality care.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-667361
title: Predictors of response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with breast cancer in an underserved population

description: Purpose: Neoadjuvant therapy has became the standard of care in locally and advanced breast cancer, and is increasingly being used in early-stage breast cancer. The degree of pathologic response to treatment correlates with long-term outcome. The aims of this study were to identify clinical and pathologic characteristics that associated with pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy and determine if different molecular subtypes of breast cancer respond differently to neoadjuvant treatment in patients with stage II and III breast cancer in an underserved and predominantly minority population. ❧ Methods: Using a single-institution database, 104 patients (82 Hispanics, 22 non-Hispanics) who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery from January 2005 to December 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were treated with chemotherapy alone or with trastuzumab. ER, PR and HER2 status were determined by the diagnostic core biopsy before treatment. Only a subset (n=45) of patients underwent BRCA gene testing. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to examine associations between pathologic complete response (pCR) and clinical-pathologic factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess each variable contribution to pCR. ❧ Results: The overall pCR rate for this series was 27%. Six factors were associated with pCR in univariate analysis: age ≥50 years at diagnosis (p=0.047), clinical N0 node status (p=0.041), breast-conserving surgery (p&lt;0.001), HER2 positive status (p&lt;0.001), hormone receptor (HR) negative status (p=0.024) and molecular subtype (p=0.001). On multivariate analysis, molecular subtype was found to be an independent predictor of pCR to neoadjuvant therapy. The triple negative and HER2+ subtypes were associated with significantly higher rates of pCR, 23% and 44% respectively, whereas the HR+/HER2- subtypes had a pCR rate of 8.6% (p=0.001). HER2+ patients treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab showed higher pCR rate than HER2+ patients not treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab but this was not statistically significant (50% versus 27%; p=0.29). ❧ Conclusion: The pCR rate of this predominantly Hispanic cohort was comparable to results found in other studies. Molecular subtype was an independent predictive marker of pCR to preoperative therapy. The triple negative and HER2+ subtypes of breast cancer were significantly sensitive to preoperative therapy than the HR+/HER2- cancers. Addition of neoadjuvant trastuzumab for HER2+ tumors resulted in a superior response.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-680981
title: Identity Bytes: Computer Algorithms and Digital Identification

description: This dissertation looks at the phenomenon of computer algorithms in the process of identification. The dissertation's aim was to explore Internet surveillance networks and the functioning of computers to infer categories of identity on anonymous user based on their web surfing habits. The importance of this study resides in the new ontological creation of categorical identity, such as demographics like race and gender, under the auspices of algorithmic processes.

A qualitative research strategy was adopted to examine the functioning of these algorithms. Data was collected from interviews from employees at firms engaged in this algorithmic inference process, as well as discourse analysis of the world of online surveillance and marketing procedures.

The dissertation looks at the history of consumer based inference processes to guides it analysis, as well as theoretically contributing to the grounding of a digital cultural studies. In this study the researcher invokes several concepts to describe the new underpinnings of identification online, such as vectorized categorization, soft biopower, and (de)contextualization. The research aims to create a vocabulary through which subsequent work can better address similar phenomena.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-125452
title: An exploratory study of readmissions at a crisis clinics: The Benjamin Rush Center For Problems of Living
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c40-139529
title: Adoption failures at Los Angeles County Department of Adoptions
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-618050
title: Endothelial neuropilin disruption in mice causes DiGeorge syndrome-like malformations independent of Tbx1

description: DiGeorge syndrome is a spectrum of congenital malformations including craniofacial defects, thymus and thyroid/parathyroid hypoplasia, interrupted aortic arch, ventricle septation defects, and outflow tract malformations such as persistent truncus arteriosus and Tetralogy of Fallot. In humans, DiGeorge syndrome is usually caused by heterozygous deletion of the q11.2 region of chromosome 22. Among the many genes in this region, Tbx1 is generally thought to be of particular importance in the etiology of DiGeorge syndrome, in part because mutation of the Tbx1 gene in mouse replicates most of the phenotypes seen in human infants. In mice, mutation of certain other genes also results in DiGeorge syndrome defects, and in every case these have been shown to interact at the molecular level with Tbx1. In this thesis, we describe for the first time that conditional deletion in endothelial cells of a gene unrelated to Tbx1 also causes DiGeorge syndrome malformations in mice. We propose that vascular deficiency can lead to or be a cause of DiGeorge syndrome. ❧ In second part of the thesis, we addressed the requirement for TGFβ signaling in the formation and maintenance of the vascular matrix. We employed lineage-specific mutation of the type II TGFβ receptor gene (Tgfbr2) in vascular smooth muscle precursors in mice. In mesoderm-derived smooth muscle, absence of TGFβ receptor function resulted in a poorly organized vascular elastic matrix in late-stage embryos which was prone to dilation and aneurysm. This defect represents a failure to initiate formation of the elastic matrix, rather than a failure to maintain a preexisting matrix. In mutant tissue, lysyl oxidase expression was substantially reduced, which may contribute to the observed pathology.
DOI: 10.25549/usctheses-c127-651335
title: The elastic properties of the eyewall, the effect of focal pressure on the retina, and the development of reversible bioadhesives for utilization in a retinal prosthesis

description: Degenerative retinal diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Age-Related Macular Degeneration are leading causes of blindness.  Retinal prostheses have been developed to bypass the degenerate photoreceptors and stimulate the viable bipolar and retinal ganglion cells.  These prostheses are designed to apply electrical stimulation directly to the viable cells, creating an artificial version of sight in implanted patients.  Epiretinal prostheses utilize a polymer electrode array, which is affixed to the inner limiting membrane of the retina, using a retinal tack.  The electrode array and tack creates varying focal pressure across the interface and subsequent retinal damage. In order to assist bioengineers to make design changes that can minimize these effects, firstly the elastic properties of the eyewall tissues must be accurately established. These properties can be utilized in computerized modeling (Finite Element Analysis) of the interface and enable refinement of future array designs. Secondly, defining safe limits of the amount of focal pressure that the retina can withstand without significant pathological damage is equally important. Thirdly, the integration of reversible bioadhesives could allow intraocular arrays to maintain intimate contact with the retina and may eliminate the need for a retinal tack. ❧ I have defined the elastic properties of the porcine and human posterior ocular poles including the retina, choroid and sclera in both the vertical and horizontal meridian. I describe the biological effect of focal pressure on the retina and attempt to define safe limits for future designs. I have also developed and tested reversible bioadhesives that could be integrated into the intraocular electrode array, in order to eliminate the tack. We have implanted these adhesive biomaterials onto the retina of both rabbits and dogs. These bioadhesives may have multiple applications not only in ophthalmology, but in a wide variety of surgical implants. The potential benefits for the retinal prosthesis could include removing the need for the tissue destructive tack, a reduction in focal pressure effects, improved apposition of the intraocular array to the retina, minimization of the current required to stimulate neurons, extended battery life, diminished heat production, and ultimately improved visual acuity.