Verticillium wilt, caused by the soil-borne Verticillium dahliae Klebahn is a serious problem in the production of sunflower worldwide. To date, information on sunflower resistance to Verticillium spp. is very scarce, although it is critical for an effective management of this pathogen. In this study, two highly aggressive (Vd1396-9 and Vd1398-21) and two weakly aggressive V. dahliae isolates (Vs06-07 and Vs06-14) were used to inoculate moderately resistant (IS6111) and susceptible (IS8048) sunflower hybrids. VdNEP (V. dahliae necrosis and ethylene-inducing protein), an elicitor from V. dahliae, was also used to infiltrate sunflower plants. Our results indicate that VdNEP has a dual role in the interaction between sunflower and V. dahliae. VdNEP acted not only as a pathogenicity factor on sunflower by inducing wilting symptoms such as chlorosis, necrosis and vascular discoloration, but also as an elicitor triggering defense responses of the host. VdNEP induced the hypersensitive cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and sunflower cotyledons. Moreover, VdNEP activated the production of reactive oxygen species and the accumulation of fluorescent compounds in sunflower leaves. Pathogenesis-related genes (Ha-PR-3, and Ha-PR-5), two defensin genes (Ha-PDF and Ha-CUA1) and genes encoding Ha-ACO, Ha-CHOX, Ha-GST and Ha-SCO were up-regulated by VdNEP, suggesting that multiple signaling pathways are involved in this interaction. Two SA-related genes (Ha-PAL and Ha-NML1) were slightly suppressed after infiltration with VdNEP, suggesting a possible involvement of VdNEP in affecting sunflower defenses.

This thesis argues that women are increasingly recruited by terrorist organizations because they are perceived as high benefit and low cost perpetrators. Female terrorism is an increasing trend, as it is particularly effective and becoming more effective over time. Its effectiveness results from cross-cultural, deeply imbedded stereotypes of female behavior. Women are seen as nonviolent in the cultures from which female terrorists emerge and in which they perpetrate their attacks, and are therefore given more lenient security measures at security barriers. In addition, security policies reflect these stereotypes, as some only apply to men. The literature on the topic of gender and terrorism often addresses individual motivations for terrorism and misses the practical element of group strategy that is vital to understand in order to effectively defend against the trends of female terrorism. I found that terrorist groups are rational actors and thus choose to deploy women because they are low cost and high benefit. Terrorist groups learn through interactive exchanges with the target population or government and act accordingly. While the goal of gender equality may be used in secular terrorist organizations’ rhetoric, women’s involvement in terrorism does not necessarily equate to western-style feminism or gender equality. I illustrate the racial implications that are upheld and replicated through stereotypes about terrorism. Muslims are portrayed as terrorists to bolster the government’s interest in securing votes for its foreign policy agenda. I argue that stereotypes persist because of the media’s drive for profit as well as the perceived need for narrative fidelity, although this type of reporting benefits terrorist groups and impairs the target state’s security. If understood and addressed properly, this trend of female terrorist lethality can be undermined through policy recommendations. International organizations that adopt these policy recommendations together may effectively reduce female terrorist lethality, terrorism in general, and increase global security.

As sessile organisms, plants are unable to escape from attack by herbivorous insects. To cope with this pressure, plants have evolved several defense strategies, including the production of secondary metabolites, specialized chemicals with ecological functions. Most studies have focused on the role of secondary metabolites in plant defense against chewing insects. Little is known about what compounds are present in phloem sap and how they affect phloem feeding insects. Therefore, I investigated the effects of phenolic compounds on phloem feeders, using Chaitophorus aphids in bioassays with wildtype and transgenic poplar overexpressing the transcription factor MYB 134, which results in elevated levels of tannins and reduced levels of phenolic glycosides. Aphids produced significantly more offspring on MYB 134 plants but showed a significant preference for lower tannin leaf tissue. Analysis of poplar phloem exudates and aphid extracts provides direct evidence that the phenolic glycosides salicin, salicortin and tremulacin are present in poplar phloem and are ingested by aphids. These results are discussed in relation to what is driving the differences in aphid fecundity and choice between plant types. / Graduate / 0309 / 0307 / 0329 / alphareghanwong@gmail.com

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. / MBA Professional Report / The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze whether or not there was a statistically significant reaction in financial markets to the announcements of U.S. defense contractor consolidations (mergers and acquisitions) from January 1990 to December 2006. This analysis is accomplished through the use of two series of event studies, employing first the arithmetic and then the logarithmic returns against the S&P 500 index, involving the top five defense contractors: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. Many studies have been conducted using the event study methodology, and the results have shown in some cases that stock prices do respond to new information. The assumpton has been maintained that the market responds rationally to such announcements. In contrast, the announcements of the acquisition of publicly traded firms by other publicly traded firms have not always had a consistently significant beneficial effect on the shareholder wealth of the acquiring firms (Schipper & Thompson, 1983). Results of this case study further support the latter assertion, and add to the body of research involving event studies.

Human Systems Integration Capstone / Approved for public release;distribution is unlimited / MANPRINT efforts have the greatest impact when initiated early in the acquisition process, when changes to a system can be made most easily. At this point in time, MANPRINT activities are funded directly by the Program Manager (PM)/Program Executive Office (PEO), who do not tend to allocate appropriate funding for early MANPRINT efforts. For this reason, HRED FE personnel must become MANPRINT salesmen and promote the value of their inclusion and market themselves to the acquisition managers. As support of acquisition programs early in their lifecycle has the greatest need for guidance, this document will largely discuss methods for moving MANPRINT â to the leftâ that can be undertaken at the HRED FE working level. Specifically, this document will detail how to become part of the PMâ s team and what activities would best support the PM once included.

Thesis (Masters)--U.S. Army, Baylor University, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. "April 2006." Includes bibliographical references.

"Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School, December 2007." / Title from title screen (viewed May 21, 2008). Advisor(s): Petross, Diana ; Matthews, David F. ; Rendon, Rene G. "December 2007." "MBA professional report"--Cover. GAO reports referenced: GAO-06-66, GAO-06-409T. Includes bibliographical references (p. 133-136). Also available in paper format.

Thesis (M.S. in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy)--Joint Forces Staff College, Joint Advanced Warfighting School, 2006. / "14 April 2006." Vita. "National Defense Univ Norfolk VA"--DTIC cover. Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-62). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-77).

Thesis (PhD) - Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology - 2008. / Submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 212-236).