Digital Commons Network^™

Identification And Characterization Of Zinc-Responsive Genes In Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Thomas L. Wilson

Masters Theses

Genes responsive to elevated concentrations of zinc were identified via transposon mutagenesis in the common soil bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC13525. Some of these genes were essential to maintain metal homeostasis in the bacterial cell. DNA sequences of the transposon-tagged genes were determined by DNA sequencing of arbitrary PCR products. DNA sequence analysis indicated that one gene was similar to P-type ATPases responsible for transporting metal ions out of the cell. The corresponding mutant was sensitive to zinc, cadmium, and lead indicating that this gene may be responsible for defending Pseudomonas fluorescens against these metal ions. Four zinc-induced genes shared similarity …

Molecular Analysis Of Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus Fuscus) Feces : Genotyping And Diet, Sunitha Vege

Masters Theses

Primers for PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification of targeted DNA sequences were developed for the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), both major agricultural insect pests that are eaten by bats. Two H. zea primer sets from an intron region of the nuclear PBAN locus (Davis et al., 1992) showed species-specific amplification when tested against genomic DNA of H. zea, H. virescens, Spodoptera exigua, and S. frugiperda. H. virescens mitochondrial (Miller et al., 1990) and nuclear (Logsdon et al., 1995) primers were species-specific when tested against …

Chemical And Biological Control Of Pythium Root Rot Of Tobacco Seedlings, Choo Yieng Hamilton

Masters Theses

There has been a substantial increase in the utilization of float systems to produce tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) seedlings for transplant by tobacco producers within the last ten years. In Tennessee alone, 80% of transplants were produced in the float system in 1999. Pythium species are some of the most common and destructive root-infecting pathogens of tobacco grown in float culture. They cause damping-off and root rot of seedlings. Pythium spp. infect seedlings by motile spores called zoospores. Characteristic symptoms of Pythium disease are stunting, yellowing and wilting of leaves and severe reduction of the root system. Besides cultural …

An Experimental Study Of Low Speed Open Cavity Flows, Abraham J. Meganathan

Masters Theses

The experimental work is part of an ongoing study aimed at understanding and controlling of cavity instabilities by passive or active steady or unsteady fluid injection. An experimental setup has been designed to quantitatively visualize the flow-field inside the cavity for varying relative dimensions (L/D ratios of 2.0, 2.67, 3.5 and 4.5, W/D of 3.33) at low subsonic speeds ranging from 55 ft/sec to 214 ft/sec using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).

The results showed that PIV could provide instantaneous velocity and other flow field data inside and above the cavity. The quality of data is good and may be used …

Allosteric Tuning Of Ruthenium 2,2’-Bipyridyl Luminescent Sensor Systems, Daqing Gan

Masters Theses

A series of new ruthenium bipyridyl crown supramolecular sensor systems containing two binding sites were synthesized. The crystal structure and photophysical properties of the developed sensor systems were thoroughly studied using x-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance and photoscopy methods. It turned out that the chelation of transition metal on the remote sites of the bipyridyl crown ligands greatly reduced the reactivity of the crown cavity. It is believed that the chelation of transition metal on the nitrogen atoms forces the bipyridyl function towards coplanarity and restricts the conformational freedom of the crown ring. The conformational rigidity in turn influences the binding …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of The Tennessee Forest Management Advisory Panel, Mark Donovan Miller

Masters Theses

The last decade has seen forest resource conflicts in Tennessee develop regarding issues such as chip mills and their impacts, state forest management practices and water quality concerns related to logging practices. These issues have created conflicts between user groups and stakeholders. These disagreements have resulted in a number of bills being introduced into the Tennessee General Assembly (Senate and House) over the past several years. Realizing the complexity of these issues and the potential for conflict, the Tennessee General Assembly developed and passed Senate Joint Resolution No. 230 in 1997 to address these issues via the Tennessee Forest Management …

Reduction Of Yb(Iii) To Yb(Ii) To Separate Yb From Other Lanthanides, Rebecca Joan Mack

Masters Theses

The electrolytic reduction of Yb(III) to Yb(II) using a Pb cathode was performed in various media. The effects of the medium, current and pH on the formation of Yb(II) were studied. The best experimental conditions for the reduction of Yb(III) to Yb(II) and the subsequent precipitation of YbSO₄ were found to be ~0.11M YbCl₃*6H₂O in 1.1 ethanol dioxane, direct current of -20 mA and a pH of approximately 2.0, followed by precipitation with 3.0M (NH₄)2SO₄ Under these conditions, a maximum of 30% of the Yb(II) could be removed from the system.

Role Of Dopamine D4 Receptor In The Genomic And Behavioral Effects Of Psychostimulants: Relevance To Schizophrenia, Bina Garimella

Masters Theses

The role of dopamine D4 receptors in the induction and expression of behavioral sensitization to amphetamine, cocaine and PCP was investigated in this study. Behavioral changes and genomic responses accompanying sensitization were examined using a highly selective D4 receptor antagonist, PNU-101387G. Induction and expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine was blocked by PNU-101387G. However, the D4 antagonist did not modulate the induction and expression of behavioral sensitization to PCP. Neuroadaptive genomic responses accompanying acute and chronic effects of amphetamine and their modulation by PNU-101387G was examined by looking at alterations in the expression of two immediate-early genes: c-fos and NGFI-A. …

The Utilization Of Spirituality In Occupational Therapy: Beliefs, Practices, And Barriers, Jennifer S. Collins

Masters Theses

Spirituality has become an increasingly important topic in healthcare and specifically in occupational therapy. Previous studies of spirituality in occupational therapy indicated that while therapists believed spirituality was important to health and rehabilitation potential, few therapists reported incorporating spirituality into treatment (Engquist, Short-DeGraff, Gliner, & Oltjenbruns, 1997; Howe, 1996; Rose, 1999). This study utilized a survey design to examine occupational therapists' current beliefs and practices regarding spirituality, as well as asking therapists to identify barriers to the use of spirituality in treatment.

The results of this study indicate that beliefs and practices regarding spirituality in occupational therapy may be changing. …

Reconsidering The Auricular Surface As An Indicator Of Age At Death, Daniel Osborne

Masters Theses

Using standards established by Lovejoy et al. (1985) to score and estimate age at death from auricular surface morphology, the auricular surfaces of 266 individuals of documented age from two different skeletal collections (Terry and Bass Donated Collections) were examined. The age, sex and race of the individuals used in the study were unknown to the investigator during analysis. This study supports the claim proposed in the original study that auricular surface morphology is unaffected by an individual's sex or race. However, this study indicates that auricular surface morphology does not change as regularly with age as was originally proposed. …

A Circuit Model Of An Inductive Plasma Generator, Nathan A. Waivio

Masters Theses

A circuit model for an inductively coupled RF plasma generator was developed. This analysis is restricted to a cylindrical geometry with a solenoid driving coil. The system modeled assumes a cylindrical chamber filled with partially ionized argon gas. The circuit model was developed for temperatures from 1000 to 20000K and pressures from 1 to 760 Torr. The plasma was modeled as an inductor of cylindrical geometry magnetically coupled to the driving solenoid coil with a load resistance. The circuit parameters modeled are the coil and plasma inductance, coil and plasma resistance, and coupling of the plasma to the coil. The …

Generalized Testing Chains, David Edward Pearson

Masters Theses

This thesis discusses techniques for generalizing the usage of the testing chain in the Cleanroom Certification process. Methods for using generalized testing chains to maintain process control, capitalize on previous testing results, incorporating results of nonrandom tests, and obtaining the discriminant calculation earlier in the testing process will be presented.

Prediction Of Airfoil Stall In Icing Conditions Using Wing Surface Pressures, Erik Pederson

Masters Theses

This thesis presents work on a Normalized Lift Coefficient instrumentation system that predicts airfoil stall in icing conditions. The system uses four surface pressures, measured aft of the ice formation, from which the aircraft's normalized lift coefficient is determined. The pressure port locations were selected such that the calibration algorithm remains nearly constant as the leading edge ice shape and thickness change. Data collected in the Western Michigan University Wind Tunnel is presented for three ice formations varying in both shape and thickness. The ice and no ice conditions were compared and a set of four ports was found that …

The Influence Of Base Sheet Sizing On The Print Quality Of Matte Coated Ink Jet Papers, Saurabh K. Halwawala

Masters Theses

The most recent developments in ink-jet papers have been related to coating aμd pigment technology. Silica is the preferred pigment for matte coated ink-jet papers. Besides being expensive, the high surface area and porosity of this pigment limits the percentage coating solids to less than 30-35%, which increases production cost due to higher dryer loads. Thus, a need exists to develop a new generation of pigments. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of base sheet absorbency on the surface, as well as print properties of matte coated ink-jet papers using a new pigment capable of being …

The Safety And Efficacy Of Resistance Training For Chronic Heart Failure Patients, John B. Coleman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of resistance training (RT) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Two retrospective CHF patient groups were assessed pre and post 4-week participation at the Borgess Health and Fitness Center CHF Clinic. The first group participated only in monitored aerobic exercise (AG, N= 10), while the second group participated in monitored aerobic exercise along with the six experimental RT exercises (ARG, N= 10). The safety parameters measured during the aerobic and RT exercises were incidence of new onset arrhythmia and rate pressure products (RPP). The efficacy parameters measured were …

Ostensible Abductions, Real Anthropology, Timothy F. Mccauley

Masters Theses

A gap has developed in the research agenda of contemporary anthropology with regard to a phenomenon which has received notable attention from research professionals in other fields, such as history and psychiatry. What has been called the "alien abduction phenomenon" has had considerable impact, not only on those who sincerely believe these events are an everyday part of human experience (called "abductees") but also on the changing tapestry of American culture. Alien abduction accounts are closely related to the Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) phenomenon, a theme which has shaped American culture since the tum of the century. This thesis represents …

Texture And Young’S Modulus Of Nickel/Gamma-Alumina Composites, Abdulaziz Alamr

Masters Theses

To improve Young's modulus of 2024-T3 rolled aluminum specimens, it was electroplated with nickel reinforced with nano-particles of γAl₂O₃. Taguchi method was used to investigate the effect of coating variables, which were current density, coating time, and mixing rate, on the coating thickness. The coatings were tested for crystallographic texture, using pole figures of (200) and (111) for nickel and (400) for γAl₂O₃. Surface topography was measured using WYKO Vertical Interference Microscope. The crystallographic texture of nickel in the coating depended on the coating conditions. A universal testing machine was- used to …

Reductive Photocarboxylation Of Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Supercritical Co2: A Mechanistic Investigation, Jingsheng Zhang

Masters Theses

Recent research interest on supercritical CO₂ includes the following three important issues: 1) the development of supercritical CO₂ as an environmental benign reaction medium and as a viable alternative to hazardous organic solvents, 2) the use of supercritical CO₂ as a C₁ feedstock for fixation of CO₂ and 3) characterization of photoinduced electron transfer reactions under supercritical conditions.

The reductive photocarboxylation of aromatic hydrocarbons such as anthracene and phenanthrene in supercritical CO₂, have been chosen for study. Supercritical CO₂ was utilized as both a replacement solvent and as a reacting reagent for …

Cadmium Induced Gene Expression And Signal Transduction Pathway, Daisuke Maki

Masters Theses

Cells respond to cadmium (Cd), a common environmental contaminate, by potentially decreasing reduced intracellular glutathione, as well as, increasing the expression of several antioxidant genes. One of these antioxidant genes, glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), is the rate limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway. This pathway produces NADPH which is used for maintenance of reduced glutathione so, it is hypothesized that Cd should increase G6PDH expression. In this study, we demonstrate that Cd increases the level of G6PDH mRNA in primary rat hepatocytes in culture. In the presence of the antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Trolox, or glutathione monoethyl ester an attenuation …

Vicarious Traumatization: An Examination Of The Effects Of Exposure To Traumatic Material In Child Abuse Counselors, Stacey A. Waller

Masters Theses

Counselors who deliver services to children who have suffered maltreatment confront on a daily basis horrific examples of human suffering inflicted on society's most vulnerable members. Such repeated exposure may put these professionals at risk for adverse psychological consequences, including vicarious traumatization (VT), which can include symptoms similar to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study examined the unique effects of providing trauma services to children on 34 counselors who work primarily with child survivors of maltreatment. While the prevalence of PTSD symptoms in this sample was low, respondents reported higher levels of depression and emotional exhaustion than found in …

Professional Expertise Of Community-Based Occupational Therapists, Lori Ann Madaus Lemorie

Masters Theses

Occupational therapists are increasingly practicing in community-based settings. Due to changes in the health care system, the need for defining roles, and explaining what a profession can contribute to health care has been highlighted. The major goal of this study was to identify job roles, job skills, and professional expertise of community-based therapists. The Community Practice Project survey was mailed to 200 AOTA registered community-based therapists. A response rate of 42% was achieved. The results provided a profile of the typical community-based therapist. Principal roles, job skills, and areas of professional expertise were also identified. The adequacy of educational preparation …

The Relationships Among The Stimulus Functions And The Clinical Effects Of Methylphenidate In Children Diagnosed With Adhd, Emily K. Macdonald

Masters Theses

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder in the United States. Approximately 90% of children receiving pharmacological treatment for ADHD receive the stimulant methylphenidate (MPH). MPH is associated with positive effects across many behavioral domains, yet the mechanisms through which it exerts clinical effects have not been conclusively determined. MPH produces reinforcing and subjective effects, however it is not understood how these functions relate to clinical effects. The present study examined the relationship among several stimulus functions and the clinical effects of MPH. Participants were 5 children (aged 10-14) diagnosed with ADHD who were …

Residual Stress And Wear Resistance Of Composite Coatings Of Nickel/Gamma-Alumina, Khaled Abdulrahman Al-Ogab

Masters Theses

Nickel reinforced with nanoparticles of γ−Al₂O₃ have been successfully codeposited on 2024-T3 cold rolled aluminum alloy by electrodeposition with direct current. The effects of current density, particle concentration in the nickel sulfamate bath, air agitation, and coating time on Ni/γ−Al₂O₃ composite have been investigated. The residual stresses and wear resistance of the Ni/γ−Al₂O₃ composite have been measured using X-ray diffractometer and pin-on-disk techniques respectively. The residual stress and wear resistance behavior of the composite were compared with those of nickel-only deposits. An annealed ground nickel, which was mechanically removed from the …

Small Below-Endurance-Limit Cycle Damage Contributions In Variable Sequence Loading For 2024-T351 Aluminum Alloy, Christopher M. Ngiau

Masters Theses

It is a common practice in industry today to totally discard the presence of small below-endurance/fatigue limit cycles while calculating damage accumulation using the Palmgren-Miner rule. However, it was experimentally found in a number of studies that small cycles with stress amplitudes below the fatigue/endurance limit do in fact contribute significantly to the damage accumulation in all types of materials. There was a need to investigate cases where small cycles would only be present for a certain percentage of the material's life. An experimental study was done on 2024- T351 aluminum alloy. Loading was done in low and high cyclic …

Do Safety Observers Perform More Safely As A Result Of Conducting Observations?, Alicia M. Alvero

Masters Theses

Behavior-based safety (BBS) is an effective approach to improving safety within organizations, and has been implemented across a wide variety of settings. The two major components of BBS are the observation process and the delivery of feedback. Literature on feedback is abundant, but experimentation and scientific evidence on effects of the observation process are nonexistent. Typically, supervisors or employees involved in BBS implementations conduct observations of other employees' behavior, but the effects of conducting observations on an observer's safety performance is not known. The present study was a first attempt at assessing these effects. A multiple baseline counterbalanced across two …

Effect Of Size Level And Fiber Coarseness On Ink-Jet Printability Of Size Press Coated Paper, Falguni Mehta

Masters Theses

In recent years, matte coated paper has enjoyed wide spread usage for ink-jet applications. The coating performance is strongly influenced by base sheet properties including fiber coarseness and base sheet absorbency. Base sheet absorbency, which is elevated in terms of internal sizing, is a crucial property of ink-jet paper.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of size level and fiber coarseness on ink-jet print qualities. A secondary objective was to examine the size reversion phenomena and to quantify the effect of size level, pigmented coating, and fiber coarseness on size reversion.

The results showed that the …

Eustasy Determination From Borehole Data, Onshore New Jersey: New Boreholes And New Porosity Estimates, William Alan Van Sickel

Masters Theses

Backstripping analysis of detailed stratigraphic data from the Bass River and Ancora boreholes on the New Jersey Coastal Plain (Ocean Drilling Project Leg 17 4AX) was conducted to test and refine previous eustatic estimates (Kominz et al., 1998) and provide new Upper Cretaceous estimates. Porositydepth relationships required by the backstripping method were estimated to supplement those from the Cost B-2 well (Rhodehamel, 1977). Sand and mud porosity at shallow depths (<500 m) obtained here are higher than was seen at the Cost B-2 well.

The Bass River and Ancora boreholes targeted older sequences of the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene. This new data allow for more accurate estimate of the magnitude of long-term sea-level …

Resistance Of Capsicum Annuum 'Criollo De Morelos' Lines 8003 And 8004 To Several Potyvirus Isolates, Audrey Marie Taro

Masters Theses

In this study, the basis of resistance of Capsicum annuum 'Criollo de Morelos' lines 8003 and 8004 to several potyviruses was investigated. In order to evaluate viral replication in initial sites, PAS-ELISA was carried out in whole-inoculated leaf samples. In addition, tissue print immunoblot assays were employed to determine if viral coat protein antigen could be detected in stem sections. The potyviral isolates of interest were PVY-0, PVY-1, 2, PVY-TN100, TEV-HAT, TEV-CA, TEV-V49, PepMoV-CA, and PepMoV-V1182. Line 8003, 8004 and its F1 progeny, 8004-17, exhibited broad-spectrum resistance by the lack of symptoms and failure to support viral movement into the …

Pricing Efficiency And Market Success Of The Bfp Futures And Options, Heidi Funk

Masters Theses

During the past decade, the United States dairy industry has begun a significant restructuring toward a market-driven system. This shift brings greater milk price volatility and risk to the cash market. The recent development of dairy futures and options markets on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) could prove to be an important source of price discovery and risk management for this industry in transition. This study examines the efficiency of the CME basic formula price (BFP) futures and options markets as well as the usefulness of various option pricing models in pricing these fluid milk contracts.

Several characteristics of the …

Effect Of Butyrate On Apc-Driven Tumorigenesis, Sonia Shahnaz

Masters Theses

Butyrate is produced in the colon of mammals as a result of anaerobic fermentation of undigested fiber and has been found to be associated with the maintenance of colonic epithelium homeostasis. Studies have revealed that butyrate plays an important role in decreasing cellular proliferation, promoting differentiation, and inducing apoptosis in a number of colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines in vitro and thus provides a basis for investigators to hypothesize that butyrate might have antineoplastic properties against the development of colon cancer. The effects of butyrate on colon carcinogenesis in vivo studies still are not clearly delineated. Effects to demonstrate similar effects …