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Nanotube Spectral Fingerprinting And Machine Learning For Optimized Bioimaging/Sensing And Disease Detection Applications In Als, Rodrigo Monroy Lopez

Open Access Master's Theses

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) possess unique physicochemical and optical properties that make them ideal candidates for biomedical imaging, biosensing, and disease diagnostics. This thesis explores the potential of SWCNT-based spectral fingerprinting combined with ML (Machine Learning) algorithms to optimize bioimaging, disease detection and prediction, with a specific focus on differentiating between healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) lymphoblastic patient samples. By functionalizing SWCNTs with single-stranded DNA, we enhance their stability and target specificity, enabling their application in serum patient samples.

A comprehensive spectral analysis of DNA-SWCNTs was conducted using near-infrared fluorescence spectroscopy and other characterization techniques, including UV-Vis-absorption spectroscopy. The …

The P3 Event-Related Potential (Erp) In Visual And Auditory Tasks: Implications For Executive Functioning In Adhd Preadolescent Children, Alex Visal Seng

Open Access Master's Theses

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a widespread psychological disorder in children, poorly impacting executive functioning domains of inhibitory control and working memory. Event-related potentials (ERPs) provide neuroelectric insight into these cognitive processes. However, most ERP research focuses on one task type, limiting direct comparisons of cognitive demands across different task paradigms. This study examined P3 amplitude and latency in ADHD children using a visual NoGo task (response inhibition) and an auditory oddball task (working memory), and associations between the P3 ERP and behavioral measures of executive functions.

Cross-sectional data of symptomatic ADHD children (N=13; F=5; aged 9.15 ± 1.86 years) were …

Plastics And Their Interactions With Bacterial Biofilms Of Synechococcus Sp. Pcc 7002 And Escherichia Coli Nissle 1917, Jackson Zmich

Open Access Master's Theses

Plastic waste is a leading global pollutant with increasing concerns, as recent studies have shown that these wastes are not only concentrated on a macro scale but on a micro and nano scale. These micro- and nano- sized plastic particles, denoted as MPs and NPs, have been measured in marine and freshwater sources, air, food products, and within biosolids expelled from organisms, including humans. Due to their small size, MNPs are entering organisms through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. [1] Humans are ingesting MNPs daily, with median rates of approximately 200 ng/capita/day for children and 600 ng/capita/day for adults. [2] …

On! Original Flavor Oral Nicotine Pouch Characterization: Biorelevant In Vitro Nicotine Release Apparatus Assessment, Jason C. Funderburk, Melissa Morgan, Maria Lasaosa Garcia, Andreas S. L. Mendez, Matthew S. Halquist

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Oral nicotine pouch (ONP) use is rising. The sales of ONPs in 2019 were 126 million units, increasing to 808 million units in 2022. Understanding ONP in vitro release is critical for assessing exposure to ONP products.

Methods: The commercial brand ON! ONPs with nicotine label claims of 2, 4, and 8 mg, were evaluated in vitro for cumulative nicotine release using the bidirectional transmucosal apparatus (BTA) for 90 minutes. Nicotine quantification was performed by HPLC-PDA. For pH determination, ONP samples were prepared in water or artificial saliva (pH 6.8) with measurements for 30 minutes. BTA results were compared …

Development Of A Bean Cookbook To Assist Families With Low Income Utilize Legumes Provided In Nutrition Assistance Programs, Kira Moneke

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Introduction: This project aimed to create a cookbook designed to help individuals receiving food assistance through programs like WIC, FDPIR, TEFAP, SNAP, and local food pantries, utilize beans, peas, and legumes in their meals. The focus was on providing easy, accessible recipes using six different types of beans to improve diet quality.
Methods: The cookbook was developed considering limited cooking skills, equipment, literacy, and time that may be barriers to preparing healthy food for low-income adults. Selected recipes were compiled into an educational cookbook.
Results: Recipes were tested and developed for six types of beans and aquafaba. …

All Wrapped Up: How Choice Of Egg Wrapping Substrate During Oviposition Site Selection Affects Predation And Embryonic Growth In Eastern Newts, Anna Prohofsky

Master’s Theses

Parental care behaviors have a significant impact on the survivorship of offspring and therefore the inclusive fitness of the parent. These behaviors are broad and varied and include defending against predators, acquiring food, and choosing where to lay their eggs. The latter, oviposition site selection, has significant impact on embryo survivorship in oviparous animals, as the chosen sight can impact factors such as incubation temperature, predation risk, and resource availability. For amphibians, oviposition site selection is particularly crucial as their eggs lack a calcareous shell, leaving them more susceptible to environmental conditions and predation. In response to this, amphibians have …

Using Post-Supercritical Co2-Assisted Method To Deposit Niep Alloy Coating On The Micro-Arc Oxidation Layer Of Az31 Magnesium Alloy And Its Corrosion Behavior Analysis, Kang-Yu Liao, Hung-Hua Sheu, Ming-Yuan Lin, Ming-Chih Kuo, Po-Hsun Wu, Hung-Bin Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this study, a Ni-P alloy coating was deposited on the micro arc oxidation (MAO) layer of AZ31 magnesium alloy to improve its corrosion resistance. The MAO layers were prepared under different operated voltages from 300 to 400 V. The results indicated that the optimize operated parameters for MAO layer is at 350 V, the MAO coatings had the most compact microstructure and superior corrosion resistance. In order to improve the corrosion resistance of MAO coating, this study chose to deposit Ni-P alloy coating on the surface of MAO coating via the post supercritical CO₂-assisted electroless plating (PSC-CO …

Evaluation Of Carbon Sequestration In Seagrass Meadows Of Kenting: A Comparative Study With Penghu And Dongsha Island, Zih-Wei Tang, Huei-Fen Chen, Jordi Mahardika Puntu, Ping-Yu Chang, Li Lo, Jian-Jhih Chen, Wen-Chen Chou, Lan-Feng Fan, Ying-Ju Chang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study investigates the controlling factors of carbon sequestration (CS) in seagrass bed sediments across three distinct environments in Taiwan: the Kenting (KT) coastal area, the Penghu (PH) open inner bay, and the Dongsha (DS) Atoll lagoon. Actual measurements of the substrate depth beneath the sediment and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans of the beach reveal that the coral reef bedrock in KT slopes landward. A field survey of the seagrass area in KT was conducted, and three cross-sectional profiles were analyzed to determine their topography, yielding a median sediment thickness of 88.2cm. Based on these measurements, the sediment volume was …

Calculation Of Aquifer Transmissivity From Borehole Resistance Measurements And Pumping Test Results, Fen-Rong Yang, Chien-Wei Huang, Tien-Kuen Huang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Transmissivity is a crucial hydrogeological parameter for evaluating groundwater resources. This parameter is conventionally evaluated using pumping tests; however, these tests are costly and can be conducted at few sites. Many researchers have used ground resistance and pumping test data to estimate various hydrogeological parameters. In this study, borehole resistance survey and pumping test data collected by the Taiwan Groundwater Monitoring Network were used to establish the relationship between transmissivity and formation factor for aquifers in the Zhuoshui River alluvial fan. This relationship was then used to estimate the water output of the aforementioned aquifers in a cost-effective manner from …

Characteristics Contributing To The Risk Of Diabulimia In Adults Living In The United States, Danielle L. Van Hout

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors that contribute to the risk of diabulimia by using the validated Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) (Markowitz et al., 2009) screening tool in adults living in the U.S., as well as to examine differences in individuals at-risk and not-at-risk for diabulimia. This observational study involved a 30-question Qualtrics survey containing the DEPS-R distributed via various social media outlets and flyers on the CWU Ellensburg campus. Participants were required to be 18 years or older, diagnosed with T1DM for more than one year, and live in the U.S to …

The Aussie Oddballs: Identifying The Existence Of Censer And Trample Burr Dispersal In Australian Bush Tomatoes, Abigail Motter

Honors Theses

Australian bush tomatoes in northern Western Australia likely have seed dispersal mechanisms that depend on processes outside of frugivory, which is unusual for this genus. Solanum tudununggae seeds are wind dispersed by the censer mechanism, meaning that seeds fall from holes in the top of the fruit when the branches move. In another species, piles of abscised and burr-like fruits have been found strewn around the bases of S. ossicruentum, possibly due to the extinction of animals that may have been a means of dispersal via epizoochory. In this study, we attempt to provide support for the theorized dispersal …

Bovine Serum Albumin (Bsa) Impacts Morphology Of Fowler’S Toad (Anaxyrus Fowleri) Sperm During Short-Term Cold Storage, Jane A. Dill, Michelle K. Roy, Renato E. Naranjo, Andrew J. Kouba, Carrie K. Vance

Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal

Short-term cold storage of amphibian sperm is a valuable technique for overcoming challenges associated with asynchronous gamete release during breeding events or for transferring sperm between institutions for genetic management. Unfortunately, sperm longevity declines over time even when kept cool. Maintaining sperm form and function is critical to achieving the highest possible fertilization rates. Thus, cold storage of amphibian sperm would benefit from the addition of compounds that could extend their quality, improve fertilization and result in more offspring. One such compound is bovine serum albumin (BSA), which provides membrane stabilization, prevents lipid peroxidation of cells, protects against free radical …

Long-Term Antibacterial Efficacy Of Silver (I) Cyanoximates Against Streptococcus Mutans Ua159 Biofilm Growth, Tiffany A. Rojas

Honors Program Theses

Streptococcus mutans is the primary causative agent of dental caries due to its ability to form resilient multispecies biofilms. These biofilms promote acid production and degradation of the protective layers of the tooth, making biofilm formation a target for novel treatments. Silver(I) cyanoximates are of interest as alternatives to traditional antimicrobials and antibiotics due to the high UV and heat resistivity as well as poor solubility of the cyanoxime ligand paired with the well-established antimicrobial silver ion. Previous research has shown that silver(I) cyanoximates can effectively inhibit S. mutans biofilm formation after 24 hours in vitro. This study aimed to …

Behavioral Response Of House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) To 3 Bittering Agents, Panchalie B. Gunathunga, Bethia H. King, Christopher J. Geden

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

House flies, Musca domestica L., are pests at livestock facilities. House fly numbers are controlled mainly by manure management and chemical controls, like use of toxic baits. Some toxic baits contain denatonium benzoate as a bittering agent, to avoid poisoning of children. House fly behavioral response to denatonium benzoate was examined, using 2 different diluents, sucrose solution or orange juice. Response of flies to quinine and sucrose octaacetate, 2 other bittering agents, was also examined in sucrose. Sucrose is the sweetener in commercially available toxic house fly baits. The proboscis extension response of both male and female flies was significantly …

Physiological And Genetic Studies Of Hydrotropism In The Maize Primary Root, Muyu Gu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Deciphering Genetic Contributions To Antibiotic Persistence: Insights From Multi-Gene Knockout Studies, Elise K. Schweer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Antibiotic resistance is a critical global health challenge, complicating efforts to treat bacterial infections effectively. Antibiotic persistence plays a significant role in driving resistance. Persisters are a subpopulation of non-dividing bacterial cells that often evade lethal antibiotic treatment. Once antibiotics are removed, these cells "resurrect," resuming growth and may lead to relapsing infections. Notably, the progeny of persister cells exhibit a heightened tendency to acquire mutations or incorporate antibiotic resistance genes, further compounding the challenge of antibiotic resistance. In our recent study, we knocked out seven hypothetical genes and observed a significant reduction in persister levels. Compared to the wild …

Neural And Computational Approach To Understanding Environmental Modulation Of Behavioral Identity In Zebrafish, John W. Hageter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Organisms rely on behavior for survival. Animals engage in behaviors that allow for feeding, mating, exploring and navigating their environment among others. Necessary for these behaviors to develop are the environmental factors and underlying circuitry which make behavior possible. Specifically, how the environment guides underlying neural circuitry to develop unique facets or phenotypes of a larger behavior are key to understanding why unique behaviors exist. In this thesis, I build foundational evidence for determining these mechanisms through the use of the zebrafish local search behavior. This is a behavior that zebrafish employ following the loss of environmental illumination where they …

Xanthine Oxidoreductase, Uric Acid, And Iron Homeostasis: Discovering A Therapeutic Vulnerability In Breast Cancer, Matthew G. Chapa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the leading cause of cancer related deaths in women. This is primarily due to distant metastases, which highlight the necessity to understand factors that contribute to breast cancer progression. Emerging evidence associates decreased tumor xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) expression with a poorer prognosis, increased recurrence, and a more aggressive phenotype. While healthy liver, intestines, kidneys, and breast tissue have robust XOR expression and activity, there is a tendency for this to be ablated in carcinogenesis. This dissertation investigates XOR's role in breast cancer and identifies its product, uric acid (UA), as possessing …

Evaluation And Identification Of Novel Viruses In Wild Fishes Using Varied Molecular Biology Techniques, Clayton Douglas Raines

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Viruses are among the most abundant biological entities on Earth, yet their diversity and ecological roles in aquatic vertebrates, particularly fishes, remain poorly characterized. This dissertation advances fish virology through integrative approaches that combine historical context, molecular diagnostics, and genomic discovery. A novel hepadnavirus (ApHBV) was identified in asymptomatic Alosa pseudoharengus, emphasizing the prevalence of subclinical infections in migratory forage species. In Catostomus commersonii, transcriptomic profiling revealed sexually dimorphic immune responses to hepatitis B and C-like viruses, highlighting complex host-pathogen dynamics. In Micropterus nigricans, next-generation sequencing uncovered a novel nackednavirus and multiple adomaviruses within hyperpigmented lesions, expanding …

Watershed-Level Survey Of Antimicrobial Resistance From Onsite Wastewater Systems, Trey Franklin Clark

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has quickly become one of the largest global health and development threats. Research related to environmental modes of transmission of AMR has accelerated in recent years, and the US Environmental Protection Agency is particularly interested in this emerging contaminant. Knowledge of how onsite (decentralized) wastewater treatment systems contribute to this issue is lacking, so this research serves to analyze and quantify the environmental dissemination of AMR and fecal contamination from these sources at a watershed level while using statistical analysis to assess relationships between physiochemical, spatial, and sampling parameters. This research surveyed four watersheds …

The Role Of Fruiting Bodies In Protecting A Community Of Myxococcus Xanthus Spores From The Environment, Dave Lall

Wayne State University Dissertations

Environmental microorganisms have evolved a variety of strategies to survive fluctuations in environmental conditions, including the production of biofilms and differentiation into spores. Myxococcus xanthus are ubiquitous soil bacteria that produce starvation-induced multicellular fruiting bodies filled with environmentally resistant spores (a specialized biofilm). Isolated spores have been shown to be more resistant than vegetative cells to heat, ultraviolet radiation, and desiccation. The evolutionary advantage of producing spores inside of fruiting bodies is not clear. Here, we examine a hypothesis that the fruiting body provides additional protection from environmental insults. We developed a high-throughput method to compare the recovery (outgrowth) of …

Unravelling The Role Of Two-Component Systems In Mycobacterium Abscessus, Andrea C. Molero Perez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is an emerging pathogen within the nontuberculous bacteria (NTM) which poses a threat due to its complex multi-drug resistance and opportunistic nature. It is predicted that only 45.6% of patients will have successful treatment, with immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients being the most threatened. Moreover, investigating new treatment approaches is key to responding to this public health issue. Two-component systems (TCS) are regulatory pathways that play a pivotal role in bacterial survival and virulence. These systems are composed of a sensor histidine kinase (HK) and cognate response regulator (RR) protein that senses environmental cues and triggers specific …

Effects Of Changes In Strouhal And Reynolds Numbers On Beetle Wing Aerodynamics, Keith L. Thiha

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Insect flight has long been a subject of interest across the scientific community, largely due to the exceptional aerodynamic performance insects demonstrate relative to their size. Insects tend to have very high aerodynamic performance characteristics like thrust and lift generation compared to their size. This has many potential applications in improving aircraft performance, however the flow phenomena concerning insect wing aerodynamics is still an area of ongoing research. This study aims to investigate how variations in key nondimensional flow parameters—specifically the Reynolds number and Strouhal number—affect the aerodynamic performance of beetle wings. Strouhal numbers ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 were …

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Induced Degradation Of Organophosphate Pesticides On Kevlar Swatches, Ta Chun Lin, Victor Somtochukwu Mbanugo, Boluwatife Stephen Ojo, Yue-Wern Huang, Marek Locmelis, Frank Daoru Han

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was evaluated for degrading organophosphate pesticide (OP) residues (acephate, malathion, and dimethoate) from Kevlar fabrics. Fourier transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and tensile strength testing confirmed that CAP treatment preserved Kevlar's structural integrity and mechanical properties. Results show degradation efficiency increased with higher power, shorter discharge gaps, and longer exposure duration. Hyperspectral imaging supported the detection of plasma-induced spectral changes, reinforcing the presence of reactive species. The strong oxidative potential of CAP facilitated the rapid breakdown of OPs into nontoxic byproducts. These findings demonstrate the potential of CAP as a portable, energy-efficient solution …

Pla-Based Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds Incorporating Hydroxyapatite And Bioactive Glass Using Digital Light Processing, Engin Gepek, Fateme Fayyazbakhsh, Lev Suliandziga, Vadym Mochalin, Osman Iyibilgin, Yue-Wern Huang, Ming C. Leu

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) aims to repair bone defects using biocompatible materials with tailored geometries and pore structures, providing appropriate mechanical support and control over biodegradation kinetics to promote bone growth. In this study, we utilized digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to fabricate scaffolds with varying pore sizes using polymer–ceramic slurries composed of polylactic acid (PLA) as the main polymer matrix, incorporated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive borate glass (BBG) at various ratios. We studied the effect of composition on rheological behavior, printability, mechanical properties, bioactivity, degradation rate, and biocompatibility. While HA increased viscosity and reduced printing accuracy, it …

Cholesterol Modulation Of Bk Currents And Cerebral Artery Diameter Via Channel-Forming Alpha-Subunit, Elizabeth Schneider

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Voltage- and calcium-gated, large conductance potassium channels (BK; MaxiK) are ubiquitously expressed and subsequently mediate numerous physiological processes. Cholesterol is consumed in high amounts with the diet and accumulates in cellular membranes when plasma levels become elevated. Cholesterol is a known inhibitor of BK channels and is suspected of contribution to many pathophysiological issues via its interaction with these channels. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive cholesterol inhibition of BK channels remain largely unexplored. This dissertation hypothesized that cholesterol inhibits BK currents via binding to specific amino acid(s) of the channel-forming alpha subunit, and involving distinct modifications of channel gating. …

Evaluating And Mapping Habitat Suitability And Effects Of Woodland Treatment On Breeding Pinyon Jays In Colorado, Emily Diane Macklin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) is a highly social, colonially nesting corvid endemic to the interior western United States whose populations have declined by ~72% since 1966, prompting the species’ current review for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Pinyon jays inhabit pinyon pine (Pinus subsect. Cembroides) and juniper (Juniperus spp.) woodlands and other dry conifer woodlands, portions of which are treated through tree thinning and removal for fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and habitat improvement for wildlife. As a result there is pressing need to better understand how woodland treatment and other potential drivers impact pinyon jay habitat suitability and …

Lives And Lessons Of Zoo Animals, Nicole Emlen

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

This project was an interdisciplinary museum exhibit that was displayed at the Montana Natural History Center between April 4 and May 12, 2025. It displays my photographs that I took of some of the animals I worked with during my summer 2024 internship at ZooMontana. In this project, I educate the public about three main functions of zoos--rescue, conservation, and education--through the stories and lives of four species. These animals all have unique stories that are important to share to improve public knowledge of why zoos are important and how we can improve relationships between humans and wildlife. Photography is …

Synthetic Nucleoside Labels For Studying Cell-Free Dna, Dibya Guragai

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can arise from dying cells or be actively secreted by living cells, and is found either unbound, within extracellular vesicles, or in other macromolecular complexes. cfDNA plays roles in intercellular communication and immune responses and is clinically used for diagnostics through PCR and DNA sequencing. Interestingly, our lab has detected lesions in cfDNA after treatment with DNA-damaging agents including UVB and cisplatin. These findings prompted further investigation into which DNA lesions and labels can be found in the cell-free space. Importantly, we sought a mechanism of labeling DNA with a synthetic nucleoside to enable robust tracing using …

A Unionid Mussel Biodiversity Hotspot Experiencing Unexplained Declines: Evaluating The Influence Of Chemical Stressors Using Caged Juveniles, W. Aaron Wilson, Christine Bergeron, Jennifer Archambault, Jason M. Unrine, Jess Jones, Braven Beaty, Damian Shea, Peter R. Lazaro, Jody L. Callihan, Jennifer J. Rogers

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Unionid mussel populations in a section of the Clinch River in Virginia, USA, has declined substantially, but the causes of the decline remain unknown. To investigate this zone of decline (ZOD), we deployed juvenile freshwater mussels (Villosa iris in 2012 and Lampsilis fasciola in 2013) in both cages and silos at sites within the Clinch River System. We analyzed mussel tissues for trace element and organic contaminant concentrations, shells for trace elements, and environmental media (total water, dissolved water, particulate sediment, and bedload sediment) for both inorganic and organic contaminants. We found a few differences between mussels deployed in cages …