Adolescence is not experienced in the same way by all individuals or communities; individuals who cannot find harmony between their sense of identity and social norms often have a much harder time during this period. In this vein, there is an especially strong need for transgender adolescents to be able to locate themselves in the world around them. I examine current transgender representations available to (and specifically marketed towards) young adults through three venues—literature, television, and the Internet. The amount of material that deals directly with any instance of transgender or transsexual identity is minimal. I will argue at the very least that these representations are important for transgendered adolescents to find someone with whom they can identify but that more than likely, it is important for all adolescents to have exposure to representations of transgender individuals. I closely analyze the young adult novel, Parrotfish (Wittlinger 2007), and the CW television show, America’s Next Top Model, for narratives of success that are applied to transgender subjects. I also briefly analyze three websites and compare them to the previous texts, identifying key similarities and differences. I end with suggestions for future growth in all three areas. / text

Background: The health effects of sheesha smoking are not well addressed. Objective: To assess the association between sheesha tobacco smoking and gene expression pertinent to cancer. Methodology: Three linked studies were carried out: (1) investigation of gene expression in salivary cells before and after exposure to sheesha tobacco smoke in 15 participants; (2) a systematic review of the association between sheesha and cancer; and (3) a pilot survey to collect data on factors potentially relevant to the uptake and cessation of sheesha tobacco smoking. Results: In the short-term, sheesha smoking significantly reduced the expression of both xenobiotic metabolism genes and other genes known to have altered expression in tobacco related cancers in a range between 1.7 times and 55 times. The systematic review showed that sheesha may increase the risk of lung and esophageal cancers. The pilot survey identified misperceptions about safety, in line with other studies, an approach that could be used to investigate the characteristics of sheesha smokers on a larger scale, and specific issues to probe. Conclusion: High quality epidemiological evidence on long-term effects of sheesha smoking on cancer is lacking. However, sheesha smoking has short-term effects on the expression of genes known to be involved in tobacco-related cancers. This is of major concern given widespread misperceptions about the likely safety of sheesha tobacco smoking.

Thesis (Ph.D)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on March 11, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, Aug., 2007. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves: [58]-60). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.A.)--Rowan University, 2007. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves: [58]-60)

This thesis explores the history and current condition of contemporary young adult literature. It looks at why the genre has been marginalized, especially in relation to education and scholarly critique. Chapter one places Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter alongside the contemporary fiction of Hilary Jordan, When She Woke. The discussion of Jordan's work points out the importance of the contemporary work and how it can be used to enhance learning and appreciation for it's canonical predecessor. Chapter two looks at the ghost story as written for the younger range of young adult literature, the crossover novel, and adult literature. Lisa McMann's Cryer's Cross explores how death and ghosts affect those left behind after a trauma and is targeted to a young adult audience. Laura Kasischke's novel The Raising addresses ghostly existences when a college student is supposedly killed by her boyfriend. This book bridges the gap between young adult literature and adult literature. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold looks at death and loss from the vantage point of the dead and it's subtlety puts it in the group of adult literature. All three novels help their targeted audiences in differing ways and allows for self-exploration of beliefs and values.

Background: The health effects of sheesha smoking are not well addressed. Objective: To assess the association between sheesha tobacco smoking and gene expression pertinent to cancer. Methodology: Three linked studies were carried out: (1) investigation of gene expression in salivary cells before and after exposure to sheesha tobacco smoke in 15 participants; (2) a systematic review of the association between sheesha and cancer; and (3) a pilot survey to collect data on factors potentially relevant to the uptake and cessation of sheesha tobacco smoking. Results: In the short-term, sheesha smoking significantly reduced the expression of both xenobiotic metabolism genes and other genes known to have altered expression in tobacco related cancers in a range between 1.7 times and 55 times. The systematic review showed that sheesha may increase the risk of lung and esophageal cancers. The pilot survey identified misperceptions about safety, in line with other studies, an approach that could be used to investigate the characteristics of sheesha smokers on a larger scale, and specific issues to probe. Conclusion: High quality epidemiological evidence on long-term effects of sheesha smoking on cancer is lacking. However, sheesha smoking has short-term effects on the expression of genes known to be involved in tobacco-related cancers. This is of major concern given widespread misperceptions about the likely safety of sheesha tobacco smoking.

Mountaintop removal is an issue that has plagued Appalachia as companies harvest coal from the mountains and cause consequent environmental and community effects. By focusing on three contemporary young adult novels that feature mountaintop removal, correlations between the novels and the real environmental and community effects can be drawn. The novels examined include: Saving Wonder by Mary Knight (2016), Dig Too Deep by Amy Allgeyer (2016), and The Secret Wisdom of the Earth by Christopher Scotton (2015). Mountaintop removal is a devastating and invasive process, and the costs on the land and people are irreversible as landscapes are drastically altered, water faces pollution, and communities suffer from health issues and mining accidents. Through the problems presented in the novels and their accurate descriptions of the mountaintop removal process, the fictional stories help prove that young adult literature has a purpose, teaches lessons, takes positions on controversial environmental issues, promotes critical thinking, and helps readers better understand their world. Therefore, if these novels can impart knowledge to readers about an environmental process and its consequences, it follows that other young adult novel can hold similar lessons for readers.