Substrate Specificity Of The Lipn Hydrolase From Mycobacterium Ulcerans,
2016
Butler University
Substrate Specificity Of The Lipn Hydrolase From Mycobacterium Ulcerans, Stephanie Raynor
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection
Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a tropical skin disease that affects thousands of individuals annually. Recent studies have revealed that lipolytic enzymes are involved in the pathogenicity processes of mycobacterium and could be potential targets for novel antibiotics. LipN is one proposed serine hydrolase in Mycobacterium ulcerans that contains the conserved α/β hydrolase protein fold and utilizes the conserved catalytic traid of serine, histidine, and aspartate/glutamate. The physiological substrate and biological role of LipN from M. ulcerans have not yet been determined. In this study, LipN was cloned into a pET28a plasmid and overexpressed in an …
Blended Learning In Chemistry Laboratory Courses: Enhancing Learning Outcomes And Aligning Student Needs With Available Resources,
2016
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Blended Learning In Chemistry Laboratory Courses: Enhancing Learning Outcomes And Aligning Student Needs With Available Resources, Shayna Brianne Burchett
Doctoral Dissertations
"Freshman science courses are intended to prepare students for the rigor and expectations of subsequent college science. While secondary education aims to prepare students for the college curriculum, many incoming freshman lack the sense of responsibility for their own learning that is essential for success in a college-level course. The freshman general-chemistry laboratory course at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) was identified as a bottleneck course with a demand beyond accommodation capacity. To address the bottleneck and develop a sense of learner responsibility, a decision was made to investigate laboratory course delivery strategies. As a result of …
Electrodeposition And Characterization Of Metals And Metal Oxides For Energy Conversion And Storage,
2016
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Electrodeposition And Characterization Of Metals And Metal Oxides For Energy Conversion And Storage, Ying-Chau Liu
Doctoral Dissertations
"This dissertation investigates the electrodeposition of metal and metal oxide thin films applicable to solar water splitting cells. Paper I describes the synthesis of cobalt hydroxide, ß-Co(OH)2, by electrochemically reducing tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) in alkaline solution. Paper II presents a scheme to convert the ß-Co(OH)2 to CoOOH and Co3O4 and compares their catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction. Co3O4 appears to be a more active catalyst than CoOOH based on Tafel analysis. However, when the observed current densities are corrected for the measured electrochemically active surface area, the linear region of the …
Effect Of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Modifications On Stability Of Vegf I-Motifs,
2016
University of Mississippi. Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College
Effect Of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Modifications On Stability Of Vegf I-Motifs, Bethany Summerford
Honors Theses
DNA i-motifs are a secondary structure of DNA formed at low pH by internal folding of strands rich in cytosine. This study focuses on trying to determine if the DNA from the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoter, which can form an i-motif, can be stabilized with the epigenetic modification to 5- hydroxymethylcytosine in four separate locations on the DNA strand, and to what extent the degree of stabilization depends on the location of the modification. Stability of the i-motif was determined by measuring pKa and melting point (Tm) of each VEGF modification using circular dichroism spectroscopy. The modified samples …
Continuous Flow Reactor For Carbonic Acid Hydrolysis/Pretreatment Of Microalgal Biomass To Produce Bioethanol,
2016
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Continuous Flow Reactor For Carbonic Acid Hydrolysis/Pretreatment Of Microalgal Biomass To Produce Bioethanol, Nicholas Dudenhoeffer
Doctoral Dissertations
"In order to maximize bioethanol production an efficient pretreatment method for the hydrolysis of polysaccharides to fermentable sugars is necessary. Commonly used pretreatment methods are the slow enzymatic hydrolysis and the corrosive mineral acid hydrolysis process that requires a post-treatment neutralization step and generates waste stream. We investigated the high temperature water with carbonic acid catalyst as an alternative method. Carbonic acid generated from dissolved CO2 is inexpensive and environmentally benign, and easily removed by decompression. A high pressure continuous flow reactor that can continuously process the wet biomass stream and perform the carbonic acid hydrolysis in-situ using the …
Rcd+: Fast Loop Modeling Server,
2016
Old Dominion University
Rcd+: Fast Loop Modeling Server, José R. López-Blanco, Alejandro J. Canosa-Valis, Yaohang Li, Pablo Chacón
Computer Science Faculty Publications
Modeling loops is a critical and challenging step in protein modeling and prediction. We have developed a quick online service (http://rcd.chaconlab.org) for ab initio loop modeling combining a coarse-grained conformational search with a full-atom refinement. Our original Random Coordinate Descent (RCD) loop closure algorithm has been greatly improved to enrich the sampling distribution towards near-native conformations. These improvements include a new workflow optimization, MPI-parallelization and fast backbone angle sampling based on neighbor-dependent Ramachandran probability distributions. The server starts by efficiently searching the vast conformational space from only the loop sequence information and the environment atomic coordinates. The generated closed loop …
Degradation And Exciton Energy Transfer Studies In Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Bundles,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
Degradation And Exciton Energy Transfer Studies In Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Bundles, Abhishek Gottipati
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) due to their unique optical behavior, large surface area, robust mechanical strength and electrical properties make them one of the ideal candidates for sensing and opto-electronic applications. In this work, we explore the energy transfer (exciton energy transfer-EET) phenomena occurring between nanotubes in bundles, using resonance Raman spectroscopy.
Application Of Encoded Microparticles Fabricated By Standard Lithography On Multiplexed Bioassay,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
Application Of Encoded Microparticles Fabricated By Standard Lithography On Multiplexed Bioassay, Muhan He
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Suspension microarray, has become a popular candidate for multiplexed bioassay since its advent. Unlike traditional planar microarray, suspension microarray permits the probes suspended in aqueous solution while keeping their addresses, and possesses many advantages such as large available binding surface, rapid reaction rate, high multiplexing ability, and high sensitivity and specificity. Photolithography, the technology widely utilized for production of abundant microparticles as carrier in suspension microarray, was investigated by many researchers. However, there was still not a mature, efficient method to produce microparticles with low background, easily recognized identity and good hybridization capacity. To address those issues, we developed a …
Development Of Direct Analysis In Real Time-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (Dart-Hrms) And Statistical Analysis Tools For The Identification And Classification Of Psychoactive Plant Drugs,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
Development Of Direct Analysis In Real Time-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (Dart-Hrms) And Statistical Analysis Tools For The Identification And Classification Of Psychoactive Plant Drugs, Ashton Danielle Lesiak
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
In current forensic testing, a new pattern is emerging where the drugs that are submitted to crime labs for analysis are no longer restricted to well-characterized substances such as cocaine, heroin and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The appearance of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in forensic laboratories, including synthetic alternatives to scheduled substances and plant-based psychotropics, has highlighted issues that traditional analytical methods such as gas chromatography- and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry impose in the characterization of these samples. These can include lengthy extractions, derivatization steps, pH adjustments and/or a host of other procedures. Since the creation of legislation to address the use of …
The Use Of Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry For The Structural Elucidation Of Progressively Larger Nucleic Acids,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
The Use Of Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry For The Structural Elucidation Of Progressively Larger Nucleic Acids, Jennifer Lynn Lippens
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
The biomedical community and pharmaceutical industry have come to rely in ever
Fine Particulate Air Pollution In Saudi Arabia : Implications For Cardiopulmonary Morbidity,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
Fine Particulate Air Pollution In Saudi Arabia : Implications For Cardiopulmonary Morbidity, Shedrack Rujooga Nayebare
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Fine particulate (PM2.5) air pollution is a major issue in Saudi Arabia. Though the health effects of exposure to PM2.5 have been extensively studied in developed countries of Europe and North America, this research is yet to be done in developing countries of Africa, some parts of Asia and the Middle East including Saudi Arabia. This is the first comprehensive assessment of PM2.5 air pollution in Saudi Arabia describing the major emission sources as well as assessing the association of daily exposures to PM2.5 and its chemical constituents with cardiopulmonary morbidity.
An Investigation Of The Uptake, Distribution, And Accumulation Of Lead And Other Trace Elements In Caprine Brain Tissues Using Analytical Atomic Spectrometry,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
An Investigation Of The Uptake, Distribution, And Accumulation Of Lead And Other Trace Elements In Caprine Brain Tissues Using Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Amy Joanna Steuerwald
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Exposure to toxic elements and dysregulation of essential elements have been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the importance of trace elements in neurological function, little is known regarding their uptake and distribution within brain tissues. Even less is known regarding the impact of toxic metal exposure (i.e., Pb) on endogenous metals within the brain.
Synthetic Study Toward Lycopodium Alkaloids Via A Common Bicyclic Intermediate,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
Synthetic Study Toward Lycopodium Alkaloids Via A Common Bicyclic Intermediate, Michaela Cara Vertorano
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
The lycopodium alkaloids are a family of over 270 naturally occurring compounds, many of which are bioactive. Therefore, developing an efficient manner by which these alkaloids can be synthesized could be incredibly useful in studying their potential medicinal benefits. Herein, steps toward this goal were accomplished. A bicyclic ring structure was synthesized in few steps from commercially available starting materials. This structure can be viewed as a key intermediate from which several lycopodium alkaloids could be synthesized in relatively few steps. The ring system was subject to an aza-Prins cyclization reaction to synthesize the alkaloids lycopodine. Unfortunately the current synthetic …
Study Of Protein-Protein Interaction By Using In-Cell Nmr In Human Cells,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
Study Of Protein-Protein Interaction By Using In-Cell Nmr In Human Cells, Asma Salem M Aldousary
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
We developed a new technology to study protein-protein interaction in mammalian cells. This technology is based high resolution of Nucleic Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Using this technology we studied interaction between the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE). RAGE- is a multiligand receptor of immunoglobulin receptor family that is activated by a multitude of ligands. Activation of RAGE results in signal transduction that leads to the inflammatory response implicated in the complications of Diabetes. RAGE is an emergent drug target that has been explored for the variety of pathologist including cancers, neurological disorders, inflammatory disease, and diabetes. and Intracellular effector …
Mutational Studies Of The Receptor For Advanced Glycation End Products (Rage) Inhibition,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
Mutational Studies Of The Receptor For Advanced Glycation End Products (Rage) Inhibition, Sarah Corte
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Abstract
The Chemistry Of New Garlic-Derived Organosulfur Compounds And The Molecular Basis Of Olfaction,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
The Chemistry Of New Garlic-Derived Organosulfur Compounds And The Molecular Basis Of Olfaction, Berenice Dethier
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Garlic is a very popular condiment that has been used around the world for centuries. It is also a source of a remarkably extensive range of organosulfur compounds, whose chemistry is the focus of this thesis. The central reaction in formation of these compounds is the enzymatic cleavage of alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides by alliinases, which leads to sulfenic acids. The latter can then undergo condensation and rearrangement into various organosulfur compounds. Three aspects of the chemistry of garlic have been investigated in this thesis.
Wide Field Measurements Using A Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectrometer For Transmission Raman Spectroscopy And Standoff Detection,
2016
University of South Carolina
Wide Field Measurements Using A Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectrometer For Transmission Raman Spectroscopy And Standoff Detection, Kimberly A. Fessler
Theses and Dissertations
Our group recently developed a new type of Fourier transform Raman spectrometer, the spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS), for planetary exploration. The SHRS is a high spectral resolution, high throughput, compact dispersive interferometer, similar in design to a Michelson interferometer, where the mirrors are replaced by stationary diffraction gratings. The SHRS has no moving parts and does not require an entrance slit, making the throughput of the system orders of magnitude larger than a typical dispersive spectrometer. The wide field-of-view (FOV) of the SHRS enables wide area measurements without loss of sensitivity or spectral resolution and offers advantages such as …
Virus Particles Provide Nanotopographical Cues For Osteogenic Differentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells,
2016
University of South Carolina
Virus Particles Provide Nanotopographical Cues For Osteogenic Differentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Kamolrat Metavarayuth
Theses and Dissertations
One key aspect of tissue engineering is to develop biomimetic scaffolding materials that can modulate the proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation of multipotent stem cells into different lineages. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into several target cells such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and smooth muscle cells. BMSCs are commonly used for in vitro osteogenesis studies in bone tissue engineering field. However the mechanisms and signaling pathways that these cells use to recognize and response to biomaterial surface are still unclear. This dissertation focuses on investigating the effect of chemical and physical cues introduced by virus nanoparticles on …
A Flipped Classroom Redesign In General Chemistry,
2016
Marquette University
A Flipped Classroom Redesign In General Chemistry, Scott Reid
Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications
The flipped classroom continues to attract significant attention in higher education. Building upon our recent parallel controlled study of the flipped classroom in a second-term general chemistry course (J. Chem. Educ., 2016, 93, 13–23), here we report on a redesign of the flipped course aimed at scaling up total enrollment while keeping discussion sizes small (i.e.,students), and maintaining equivalent contact hour load for faculty and workload for students. To that end, the course format featured lecture contact pushed outside of the classroom in the form of video lectures (mean duration 13 minutes) paired with online …
On Stabilization Of Scattering Resonances In Recombination Reaction That Forms Ozone,
2016
Marquette University
On Stabilization Of Scattering Resonances In Recombination Reaction That Forms Ozone, Mikhail V. Ivanov, Dmitri Babikov
Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications
Calculations of energy transfer in the recombination reaction that forms ozone are carried out within the framework of the mixed quantum/classical theory and using the dimensionally reduced 2D-model of ozone molecule, with bending motion neglected. Recombination rate coefficients are obtained at room temperature for symmetric and asymmetric isotopomers of singly and doubly substituted isotopologues. The processes of resonance formation, spontaneous decay, collisional dissociation, and stabilization by bath gas (Ar) are all characterized and taken into account within the steady-state approximation for kinetics. The focus is on stabilization step, where the mysterious isotopic η-effect was thought to originate from. Our results …
