Digital Commons Network^™

Power Market Analysis Tool For Congestion Management, Silpa Parnandi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The privatization and deregulation of electricity markets has increased competition and electricity may be produced and consumed in amounts that would cause the transmission system to operate beyond transfer limits---the system is congested. Hence, congestion management is a fundamental transmission management problem. In this thesis, a power market analysis tool is designed for congestion management. The tool creates an interface between PowerWorld (c), a professional software tool to compute power flows, and MATLAB RTM. The tool helps in analyzing power flow results, batch-processing of large case studies, and providing the user with options to manage congestions. A graphical user interface …

Development Of Water Production Type Curves For Horizontal Wells In Coalbed Methane Reservoirs, Praveen Kumar Burka Narayana

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coalbed methane is an unconventional gas resource that consists of methane production from the coal seams. The key parameters for the evaluation of coalbed methane (CBM) prospects are the gas resources, reserves and deliverability. Coalbed methane reservoirs are dual-porosity media where the vast majority of the gas is stored in the low permeability coal matrix (primary porosity) by sorption. The flow to production wells, however, occurs through the coal's natural fracture system (secondary porosity), which stores relatively small amounts of gas, because coal matrix practically has no permeability.;For the gas to be released from the coal, its partial pressure must …

Numerical Investigation Of Wing Morphing Capabilities Applied To A Horten Type Swept Wing Geometry, Ashwin Vishwanathan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The inspiration for this work has been derived from the work done by Lippisch, the Hortens, Northrop and largely by the flight of birds in nature. Swept-wing tailless aircraft have been in vogue since World War-II and have now taken on a new role in stealth warfare primarily due to their low radar signatures. They also exhibit a highly efficient aerodynamic configuration with low parasitic drag. However, conventional tailless aircraft suffer from a lack of proper control mechanisms and have thus been forced to compromise their efficiency for better control. This work done at WVU aims to introduce a morphing …

Analysis Of The Relationship Between Performance Measures And Sale Price Among Angus Bulls From Two Different Bull Providers, C. Zack Hileman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this study was to determine the relationships of sale price to EPD, Angus Dollar Value Indexes, and actual measurements among Angus bulls of two different seedstock bull providers. Data were obtained from Gardiner Angus Ranch, Ashland, Kansas, for years 2000-2006 on 815 Angus bulls and from the Wardensville bull test, Wardensville, West Virginia, for years 2001-2005 on 357 Angus bulls. Expected progeny differences (EPD) for birth weight (BW EPD), weaning weight (WW EPD), yearling weight (YW EPD), maternal milk (MM EPD), yearling height (YH EPD), scrotal circumference (SC EPD), intramuscular fat (IMF EPD), ribeye area (REA EPD), …

Ex Libris, Spring 2007, West Virginia University. Library.

Ex Libris: The WVU Libraries Magazine

Knotts Memorabilia Finds Home at WVU and Wise Library History Available as eBook on WVU Libraries Web Site

Overview Of Fairmont City And Marion County Financial Status: Final Report, Amy Higginbotham

Bureau of Business & Economic Research

No abstract provided.

Tourism And The West Virginia Economy February 2007, Tom Witt, Sebastian Leguizamon

Bureau of Business & Economic Research

No abstract provided.

Blockade Of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Induced Bid Cleavage By Caspase-Resistant Rb, Xiaodong Huang, Anja Masselli, Steven M. Frisch, Irina C. Hunton, Yong Jiang, Jean Y. J. Wang

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Locus-Specific Ribosomal Rna Gene Silencing In Nucleolar Dominance, Michelle S. Lewis, Diane J. Pikaard, Mikhail Nasrallah, Jed H. Doelling, Craig S. Pikaard

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The silencing of one parental set of rRNA genes in a genetic hybrid is an epigenetic phenomenon known as nucleolar dominance. We showed previously that silencing is restricted to the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs), the loci where rRNA genes are tandemly arrayed, and does not spread to or from neighboring protein-coding genes. One hypothesis is that nucleolar dominance is the net result of hundreds of silencing events acting one rRNA gene at a time. A prediction of this hypothesis is that rRNA gene silencing should occur independent of chromosomal location. An alternative hypothesis is that the regulatory unit in nucleolar …

Effect Of Starvation On Global Gene Expression And Proteolysis In Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss), Mohamed Salem, Jeff Silverstein, Caird E. Rexroad Iii, Jianbo Yao

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

Fast, efficiently growing animals have increased protein synthesis and/or reduced protein degradation relative to slow, inefficiently growing animals. Consequently, minimizing the energetic cost of protein turnover is a strategic goal for enhancing animal growth. Characterization of gene expression profiles associated with protein turnover would allow us to identify genes that could potentially be used as molecular biomarkers to select for germplasm with improved protein accretion.

Results

We evaluated changes in hepatic global gene expression in response to 3-week starvation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Microarray analysis revealed a coordinated, down-regulated expression of protein biosynthesis genes in starved …

Apoptosis And Bax Expression Are Increased By Coal Dust In The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Exposed Lung, Mohamed M. Ghanem, Lori A. Battelli, Robert R. Mercer, James F. Scabilloni, Michael L. Kashon, Jane Y C Ma, Joginder Nath, Ann F. Hubbs

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

Miners inhaling respirable coal dust (CD) frequently develop coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, a dust-associated pneumoconiosis characterized by lung inflammation and variable fibrosis. Many coal miners are also exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) components of diesel engine exhaust and cigarette smoke, which may contribute to lung disease in these workers. Recently, apoptosis was reported to play a critical role in the development of another pneumoconiosis of miners, silicosis. In addition, CD was reported to suppress cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) induction by PAHs.

Methods

We investigated the hypothesis that apoptosis plays a critical role in lung injury and down-regulation of CYP1A1 …

Pkcepsilon And An Increase In Intracellular Calcium Concentration Are Necessary For Pgf2alpha To Inhibit Lh-Stimulated Progesterone Secretion In Cultured Bovine Steroidogenic Luteal Cells, Madhusudan P. Goravanahally, Aritro Sen, Emmet K. Inskeep, Jorge A. Flores

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The hypotheses that PKCepsilon is necessary for: 1) PGF2alpha to inhibit LH-stimulated progesterone (P4) secretion, and 2) for the expression of key prostaglandin synthesizing/metabolizing enzymes were tested in bovine luteal cells in which PKCepsilon expression had been ablated using a validated siRNA protocol. Steroidogenic cells from Day -6 bovine corpus luteum (CL) were isolated and transfected to reduce PKCepsilon expression after 48, 72 and 96 h. A third tested hypothesis was that an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) is the cellular mechanism through which PGF2alpha inhibits luteal progesterone. The hypothesis was tested with two pharmacological agents. In the first …

Pparα L162v Underlies Variation In Serum Triglycerides And Subcutaneous Fat Volume In Young Males, Julieta Uthurralt, Heather Gordish-Dressman, Meg Bradbury, Carolina Tesi-Rocha, Joseph Devaney, Brennan Harmon, Erica K. Reeves, Cinzia Brandoli, Barbara C. Hansen, Richard L. Seip, Paul D. Thompson, Thomas B. Price, Theodore J. Angelopoulos, Priscilla M. Clarkson, Niall M. Moyna, Linda S. Pescatello, Paul S. Visich, Robert F. Zoeller, Paul M. Gordon, Eric P. Hoffman

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

Of the five sub-phenotypes defining metabolic syndrome, all are known to have strong genetic components (typically 50–80% of population variation). Studies defining genetic predispositions have typically focused on older populations with metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that the study of younger populations would mitigate many confounding variables, and allow us to better define genetic predisposition loci for metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We studied 610 young adult volunteers (average age 24 yrs) for metabolic syndrome markers, and volumetric MRI of upper arm muscle, bone, and fat pre- and post-unilateral resistance training.

Results

We found the PPARα L162V polymorphism …

New Insight Into The Role Of The Β3 Subunit Of The Gabaa-R In Development, Behavior, Body Weight Regulation, And Anesthesia Revealed By Conditional Gene Knockout, Carolyn Ferguson, Steven L. Hardy, David F. Werner, Stanley M. Hileman, Timothy M. Delorey, Gregg E. Homanics

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

The β3 subunit of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA-R) has been reported to be important for palate formation, anesthetic action, and normal nervous system function. This subunit has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. To further investigate involvement of this subunit, we previously produced mice with a global knockout of β3. However, developmental abnormalities, compensation, reduced viability, and numerous behavioral abnormalities limited the usefulness of that murine model. To overcome many of these limitations, a mouse line with a conditionally inactivated β3 gene was engineered.

Results

Gene targeting and embryonic …

Dolomite Flotation Of High Magnesium Phosphate Ores Using Fatty Acid Soap Collectors, Zhengxing Gu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The separation of dolomite from apatite has been recognized as one of the most difficult subjects in mineral processing due to the similarities in their physiochemical properties. In this study, selective surfactants were used with a fatty acid soap collector to improve the flotation performance of separating dolomite from high magnesium phosphate ores.;Three surfactants, diethyl phthalate (DP), Tween-80 (TW) and derivative of sulfonate salt (DSS1) were used. Hallimond cell flotation was conducted using pure dolomite sample to determine the effects of various factors including dosages, particle size, Ca2+ ions and slimes on the dolomite flotation recovery. The results showed that …

Development Of A Tagged Scfv Based Immunoprecipitation Method For Protein -Protein Interaction Studies, Maria Rosa Valero Aracama

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Knowledge of the interaction between proteins is necessary for understanding how the cellular machinery operates. Multiple methods have been developed to study protein-protein interaction, but only two have been able to provide large amount of information for S. cerevisae protein-protein network. Due to the multiple spurious data coming from these methods, there is a need of new complementary methods to improve confidence of the interactions. A new method is developed in this dissertation where the protein complexes are pulled down (immunoprecipitated) using tagged single chain antibodies specific for one of the proteins. Different affinity tags are chosen as candidates for …

Identification Of A Novel Domain At The N Terminus Of Caveolin-1 That Controls Rear Polarization Of The Protein And Caveolae Formation, Xing-Hui Sun, Daniel C. Flynn, Vincent Castranova, Lyndell L. Millecchia, Andrew R. Beardsley, Jun Liu

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Computer-Based Authentic Assignments On Learners' Foreign Language Abilities And Intrinsic Motivation., Aurora Castillo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The present research study investigated the influence of computer-based authentic assignments on learners' foreign language abilities and intrinsic motivation to learn the language. The intervention designed was a WebQuest in Spanish. Four research questions guided the study: Research Question 1: Do computer-based authentic assignments have any effect on learners' foreign language reading comprehension?, Research Question 2: Do computer-based authentic assignments have any effect on learners' writing outcomes?, Research Question 3: Do computer-based authentic assignments have any effect on learners' speaking outcomes?, and Research Question 4: Do computer-based authentic assignments have any effect on learners' intrinsic motivation to learn the target …

I. Distribution Of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1, Tgf Receptor Ii And Decorin In The Sheep Uterus Shortly After Breeding. Ii. Effect Of Tgf Beta 1 On Gene Expression In The Sheep Uterus At The Time Of Embryo Attachment. Iii. Concentration Of Tgf Beta, Ida Holaskova

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Seminal plasma (SP) transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) presumably is an immune modulator in mammalian female reproductive tract. Four experiments examined (1) distribution of TGFβ-1 and associated molecules in sheep uterus shortly after breeding, (2) role of SP in stimulating uterine TGFβ-1 as embryo enters the uterine horn, (3) SP TGFβ-1 on gene expression of immune tolerance related factors at embryonic attachment, and (4) relationship of SP TGFβ-1 and sperm characteristics in rams and bulls. Ewes were mounted (day 0) but not mated or were mated by intact or vasectomized rams or were inseminated with semen containing additional or less …

Essays In Trade, Foreign Aid And Investment. Essay 1: Motivation For Bilateral Aid Allocation: Altruism Or Trade Benefits. Essay 2: Does Institutional Quality Matter For Investment And Capital Mobility? Evidence From Sub -Saharan Africa. Essay 3: Do Donors Care About Declining Trade Revenue From Liberalization? An Analysis Of Aid Allocation. (With Subhayu Bandyopadhyay)., Javed Younas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Essay 1: Motivation for bilateral aid allocation: Altruism or trade benefits. This paper argues that bilateral aid from developed OECD countries is disproportionately allocated to recipient nations who have a greater tendency to import goods in which donor nations have a comparative advantage in production. The estimates indicate that a substantially larger amount of aid per capita is provided to recipients who import capital goods, while imports by other category groups have no significant effects. Given that developed donor nations are major producers and exporters of capital goods, this result at least partially supports their trade benefits motive. On the …

Appalachian Heritage Language And Appalachian Migration: A Sociolinguistic Family Study., Sarah M. Hamilton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study qualitatively and quantitatively analyzes a selection of the linguistic features evidenced by one Appalachian family affected by the massive out-migration of Appalachian peoples during the mid-twentieth century. After many years away, some of these Appalachian migrants are returning to their original home communities. Unlike some scholars claim (Smith-Jones 1997), the experience of living away from the home community seems to have had an effect on the migrants’ language, in line with other research on mobility and language awareness (Clopper and Pisoni 2006). In analyzing the family’s speech corpus of conversational interviews and reading passages, I consider the distribution …

The Role Of The Endothelin System In Prostaglandin F(2)Alpha-Induced Luteolysis., Matthew Dale Doerr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent evidence supports a role for luteal endothelial cells in mediating PGF2αinduced luteolysis via production of endothelin-1 (ET-1). Three experiments were designed to examine how the endothelin system mediates luteolytic actions of PGF2α. The first objective was to examine in vitro the anti-steroidogenic actions of PGF2α and ET-1 in the presence of a type-A or B receptor antagonist in day-8 luteal minces. The second experiment was designed to measure in vivo, the effectiveness of PGF2α in inducing luteolysis when actions of ET-1 had been blocked by sustained administration of either a type-A or type-B endothelin receptor antagonist. In the third …

Predictive Vegetation Models: A Comparison Of Model Combination Approaches., Benjamin F. Gilmer Iv

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The distribution of plants and animals in space and time has long been a focus of many biogeographical and ecological studies. The various approaches for modeling species distributions are rooted in the quantification of the species-environment relationship, where bioclimatic variables are used to explain the distribution of species and communities. Predictive modeling of species distribution has become a widespread tool in the areas of conservation biology, climate change research, land-use/land-cover change assessment, and biodiversity estimates. Although many statistical methods are now available, previous model comparison studies have found little difference in prediction accuracy when models were compared using the same …

The Effect Of Different Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake By Immature Female Rats On Bone Mineralization And Strength., Embedzayi Tsanzi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has increased among adolescents. This may have health implication because sugar consumption has been suggested to lead to decreased calcium (Ca) intake and increased urinary Ca output and these effects on Ca balance may have a negative impact on bone. Also, the type of sugar added to beverages has also changed from sucrose to high fructose corn syrup resulting in higher fructose consumption. Although sugarsweetened beverage intake by adolescent has increased and the type of sugar consumed has changed; the effects of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during the bone growth stage on skeletal acquisition and adult bone …

Social Skill Intervention: Improving Peer Interaction In A Child Who Is An Asian., Cheng-Hsien Wu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of the present study was to elevate peer interactions of a toddler who is not American. A 30-month-old boy experienced social withdrawal when playing at the playgrounds. Social skills training included Greeting, Gesture, Imitation, Offer, and Accept behaviors. Social skills training served as the intervention to enhance the social initiations by this participant. A multiple baseline design was applied in this study. Results demonstrated that this participant’s social interactions with peers increased when the social skills training intervention was introduced across five the social behaviors. The findings indicated that this type of social skills training may be worthy …

Setting The World On Fire: Washington, Those He Led, And Virginia On The Threshold Of World War, 1753-1754., Christian E. Fearer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In 1754, George Washington and nearly three hundred of his fellow Virginians marched deep into the Allegheny Mountains and into a geographical tinderbox. These men, together a reflection of their society, carried the responsibility and burden of an empire on their shoulders. Together they would experience incredible hardships, privations, and hazards. “Setting the World on Fire” explores the story of young George Washington, the men he commanded, and the colony of Virginia on the threshold of a global, imperial war between Britain and France. This thesis attempts to add new depth to our understanding of the opening campaign of the …

In-Vitro Evaluation Of Dye Leakage Of An Mta Apical Barrier After Irrigation With 3% Sodium Hypochlorite, 2% Chlorhexidine, Mtad, Or 17% Edta/3% Sodium Hypochlorite., Nicholas Allen Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to compare the leakage of an MTA apical barrier after final irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine, 17% EDTA/3% sodium hypochlorite, or MTAD. Seventy single-rooted extracted teeth were accessed and the apical three millimeters of the root resected. The teeth were then instrumented with Profile Series 29 0.04 taper #7 to the apex. The same rotary instrument was then placed in the apical opening and advanced until D16 was even with the resected root-end. The teeth were randomly assigned to the four test groups (five were used as positive controls and five as …

Enhancing Food Safety And Quality: Part 1. Determining Effectiveness Of Electron Beam On Inactivation Of Salmonella Enterica Subsp. Enterica Serovar Montevideo. Part 2. Examining Growth Parameters Of Crypthecodinium Cohnii., Deborah Linnell James

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Through science, we can meet increasing consumer demand to make foods safer and healthier, both by increasing the safety by decreasing possible microbial contamination and by increasing the nutritive value of food by supplementation. This thesis focuses on two facets of food science: safety and value-added foods. The effectiveness of electron beam (e-beam) irradiation on the reduction of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Montevideo in pureed tomatoes was tested, and growth parameters of the microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii for production of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were evaluated. E-beam is a technology that uses ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria …

The Effect Of Teacher Confirmation On Student Communication And Learning Outcomes., Alan K. Goodboy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Teacher confirmation research has suggested that students form positive perceptions of confirming instructors and report increases in learning (Ellis, 2000, 2004). However, actual student communication behaviors resulting from teacher confirmation in the college classroom has received little attention. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the effects of teacher confirmation on both student communication behavior and learning outcomes in the college classroom. A live lecture experiment was conducted where teacher confirmation was manipulated (i.e., not confirming, somewhat confirming, confirming) across three college courses. After the live lecture, students completed a post test assessing both positive (i.e., student communication motives, …

Sex Differences In Cardiovascular Reactivity: Influence Of The Gender Relevance Of A Social Task., Matthew C. Whited

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated sex differences in cardiovascular response to interpersonal stressors in an attempt to determine whether the match or mismatch between sex of participant and genderorientation of the interpersonal stressor resulted in greater cardiovascular reactivity. Twenty-six men and 31 women engaged in two tasks, a masculine oriented task previously used in investigations of cardiovascular reactivity that involved interpersonal conflict and a feminine task, a newly developed interpersonal task that required comforting of another. Results did not support either the match or the mismatch hypothesis. Instead, women exhibited greater heart rate reactions across both tasks than men. In addition, the …