Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of Endothelial Cell Responses To Elevated Glucose, Gabriella Sugerman

Master's Theses

Developing a tissue-engineered Blood Vessel Mimic (BVM) to represent diabetic macrovascular disease could expedite design of new vascular devices specifically tailored to diabetic patients. In contribution toward this model, this thesis assessed Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) responses to high glucose conditions. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Cluster of Differentiation 36 (CD36) were selected to signify oxidative stress activity, a hallmark of diabetic macrovascular disease. Next, activity of potential reference genes B2M, HPRT1, and ACTB was assessed. All genes were found to exceed acceptable variability, so the E-ΔC T method of data analysis was selected. Next, cellular responses to high …

Modifying The Mineral Profile Of Crickets (Acheta Domesticus) Using A Supplemented Diet, Rhianne Morgan Le Maxwell

Master's Theses

Captive insectivores may consume invertebrates as all, or part of their overall diet. The challenge with feeding captive insectivores involves the limited number of invertebrate species that are commercially available, and the lack of key nutrients provided by these insects. Among these insects, a naturally occurring low concentration of calcium and an inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio may put insectivores at the risk of developing hypocalcemia. A strategy to correct this nutrient imbalance involves supplementing the insect diet with high concentrations of targeted nutrients – a term referred to as gut-loading. Current industry guidelines recommend feeding a supplemented diet for …

Crossing Corridors: Wildlife Use Of Jumpouts And Undercrossings Along A Highway With Wildlife Exclusion Fencing, Alex J. Jensen

Master's Theses

Roads pose two central problems for wildlife: wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) and habitat fragmentation. Wildlife exclusion fencing can reduce WVCs but can exacerbate fragmentation. In Chapter 1, I summarize the relevant studies addressing these two problems, with a focus on large mammals in North America. Chapters 2 and 3 summarize field assessments of technologies to reduce WVCs and maintain connectivity, specifically jumpout ramps and underpasses, along Highway 101 near San Luis Obispo, CA. In a fenced highway, some animals inevitably breach the fence and become trapped, which increases the risk of a wildlife-vehicle collision. Earthen escape ramps, or “jumpouts”, can allow …

The Development And Validation Of Sinatra: A Three-Dimensional Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (Dsmc) Code Written In Object-Oriented C++ And Performed On Cartesian Grids, David Matthew Galvez

Master's Theses

The field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) primarily involves the approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations. However, these equations are only valid when the flow is considered continuous such that molecular interactions are abundant and predictable. The Knudsen number, $Kn$, which is defined as the ratio of the flow's mean free path, $\lambda$, to some characteristic length, $L$, quantifies the continuity of any flow, and when this parameter is large enough, alternative methods must be employed to simulate gases. The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is one which simulates rarefied gas flows by directly simulating the particles that compose the …

Development Of Semantic Reference For Location Symbols By Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) Using A Two-Way Communication Keyboard, Alyssa Taylor

Master's Theses

The ability for humans to communicate with another species has been an aspiration and well documented. One example is through training animals to make associations between a designated cue and conditioned response (Pryor, 1986). Two-way communication, however, in which both species can express wants/needs has been predominantly pursued with apes and dolphins. Studies conducted by Louis Herman demonstrated the capabilities of dolphins to comprehend complex semantic and syntactic commands in an artificial language system (Herman, Richards, & Wolz, 1984). Researchers working with primates have used American Sign Language, a computer keyboard system with discrete lexigrams, and a portable lexigram keyboard …

Creating Renewable Energy Through The Pairing Of Wastewater Remediation And Biofuel Production With Two Species Of Microalgae, Laura Brown

Master's Theses

In this study, two species of microalgae, Scenedesmus sp. isolated locally and Chlorella sorokiniana (UTEX 1230) were grown in municipal wastewater collected from Stennis Space Center, MS in order to assess whether or not the microalgae could remediate the wastewater into a clean and usable form while also producing the biomaterials necessary for fuel and other useful byproducts. Each species was cultured in 16 ˚C and 30 ˚C to assess functional variabilities at different times of the year. The microalgae’s ability to decrease nutrient concentrations in the wastewater and produce lipids and protein was assessed at three different growth stages: …

Sh3bp2 Gain-Of-Function Mutation Exacerbates Apical Periodontitis In Cherubism Mice, Homan Javaheri

Master's Theses

Cherubism (CBM) is characterized by multiple fibro-osseous lesions in jawbones and caused by mutations in the SH3-domain binding protein 2 (SH3BP2). CBM patients also suffer from dental abnormalities. Biochemical analyses showed that mutations in CBM lead to SH3BP2 gain-of-function because mutant SH3BP2 is protected from tankyrase-mediated proteasomal degradation. A knock-in (KI) mouse model expressing a CBM substitution mutation (P416R) in Sh3bp2 has been generated. Homozygous mice (Sh3bp2^KI/KI) show increased systemic inflammation and osteopenia phenotype with high serum TNF-α level, increased numbers of macrophages and enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Heterozygous mice (Sh3bp2^+/KI) exhibit intermediate phenotype …

Extraction Of Biologically Relevant Oligopyrrolic Compounds From Nature, Randy Hamchand

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Δ15n And Trace Metal Records Of 17th To 20th Century Land Use Change In Upland Connecticut Watersheds, Caitlin Mcmanimon

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Spinal Cord Injury On Expression Of Pain-Relevant Genes In The Colon, Noelle Mckearney

Master's Theses

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in varying degrees of paralysis, loss of normal sensory function and, oftentimes, chronic pain originating below the level of injury. Post-SCI pain tends to be resistant to traditional analgesic therapies and has been shown to impair recovery of function, making it a significant healthcare concern. Approximately one third of SCI patients report abdominal pain as a primary and severe symptom with marked similarity to other functional gastrointestinal pain disorders (e.g. irritable bowel). The etiology of this intense pain phenotype is unclear given that visceral organs are left uninjured in SCI. Here we examine changes in …

Comparison Of The Effect Of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate And Bioceramics Root Repair Material On Odontoblast Differentiation In Vitro, Saleh Ashkanani

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Oral Colonization Of Malassezia Species, Anibal Cardenas

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Destoning And Enzymatic Pretreatments On The Biofuel Production From Olive Cake, Patrick Tai

Master's Theses

More than 16,000 tons of olive cake was produced in the United States in 2017. Olive cake is a by-product of olive oil extraction, which has limited animal feed potential, and poses an environmental threat when landfilled due to its high organic load and polyphenol content. This residue has potential for biofuel (bioethanol and biomethane) production because it is rich in polysaccharides such as pectin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. Yet, olive cake contains olive stones that can impede its conversion to biofuel. Therefore, two methods of destoning, centrifugation and screening by horizontal screw press, were first compared. Both methods removed an …

Relationship Between Aerobic Capacity And Episodic Memory In Older Adults, Nicole Henderson

Master's Theses

The goal of this research was to examine the relationship between aerobic capacity and memory in older adults. Prior research demonstrated an age-related decline in episodic memory (memory for episodes and events), which may be partially due to a decreasing ability to engage in pattern separation – the ability to form new memories that are sufficiently distinct from prior memories. Studies in rodents suggested that aerobic exercise may improve pattern separation abilities in older animals, but similar research in humans is lacking. Here, I investigated whether individual differences on a memory test that taxes pattern separation were associated with differences …

Landscape Mobility Of The Precontact Ohlone: An Isotopic Investigation Of Dietary Reconstruction, Landscape Mobility, And Marriage Patterns, Kelli Sullivan

Master's Theses

Marriage and post-marital residence patterns shape and define various aspects of a population’s culture. This study aims to understand the complex relationships of precontact individuals from one earthen-mound burial site, Ryan Mound (CA-ALA-329), by examining human stable isotopes to elucidate mobility patterns through time. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes from serial-sections of human third molars from the Ryan Mound suggest that mobility increased for males around the ages of sexual maturity for the Middle Period and Phase I of the Late Period, while females tended to be more stable in their residence, consistent with a matrilocal society. Both males and …

Nonpoint Source Bacterial Pollution In The Coyote Creek Watershed, Elisabeth Wilkinson

Master's Theses

Nonpoint source pollution is a global challenge affecting streams and rivers. Due to the highly dispersed nature of nonpoint sources, they are difficult to track and manage. The goal of this study was to assess the extent of bacterial pollution along Coyote Creek in Northern California and to provide insight on microwatershed characteristics and their potential correlation to bacteria loads. Samples were collected and analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria concentrations at 21 geographic locations from within the creek and its stormwater outfalls. E. coli levels within Coyote Creek and stormwater entering the creek exceeded recreational water quality standards. Stormwater outfall …

Biomarkers Of Orthodontic Tooth Movement With Fixed Appliances And Vibration Appliance Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Stacey M. Reiss

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Observational Learning Of A Changing Goal Location In Rats, Ryan Troha

Master's Theses

Observational, or imitative, learning is a vital skill for survival. This type of social learning plays an important role in human development (e.g. Bandura), but is also relevant for other species.

We have developed an observational learning paradigm in which rats must learn the location of food in a T-shaped maze through observation. This is a working memory task with the correct goal changing on a daily basis. Therefore, the observer must attend to the demonstrator rat’s performance on a daily or continuous basis.

F344 rats can be trained to observe the location of food on a T-maze before being …

Selectivity Of The Lower Kellwasser Mass Extinction Event (Late Devonian) In The Appalachian Basin, Jaleigh Quai Pier

Master's Theses

Mass extinctions are often associated with multiple environmental perturbations. For example, the Upper and Lower Kellwasser Events (the two pulses of the Frasnian-Famennian mass extinction in the Late Devonian) coincide with both global cooling and ocean anoxia/dysoxia. Assessing the selectivity of extinction—which types of organisms survived versus died—can help constrain which environmental changes were most important as kill mechanisms. Here, selectivity is examined with respect to several factors during the Lower Kellwasser Event. A thick package of siliciclastic sediments was deposited in the Appalachian Foreland Basin during the Late Devonian. Thanks to recent stratigraphic revisions, the Kellwasser Events can be …

Analysis Of Potential Vermicompost Market In California, Jason Alan Thomas

Master's Theses

Vermicompost transforms agricultural waste into a high quality soil amendment, though market acceptance remains in its infancy. This study examines how growers’ willingness to pay for vermicompost is affected by grower’s crop, region, income per acre, knowledge level of vermicompost and compost, previous use of compost, and the willingness to pay for compost. The survey results pulled together 223 responses from California growers. It was discovered growers’ had less knowledge of vermicompost than compost but were willing to pay more for vermicompost. There was statistical difference amongst the responses. It was shown the market value per ton of vermicompost lies …

Software Requirements Classification Using Word Embeddings And Convolutional Neural Networks, Vivian Lin Fong

Master's Theses

Software requirements classification, the practice of categorizing requirements by their type or purpose, can improve organization and transparency in the requirements engineering process and thus promote requirement fulfillment and software project completion. Requirements classification automation is a prominent area of research as automation can alleviate the tediousness of manual labeling and loosen its necessity for domain-expertise.

This thesis explores the application of deep learning techniques on software requirements classification, specifically the use of word embeddings for document representation when training a convolutional neural network (CNN). As past research endeavors mainly utilize information retrieval and traditional machine learning techniques, we entertain …

Towards Autonomous Localization Of An Underwater Drone, Nathan Sfard

Master's Theses

Autonomous vehicle navigation is a complex and challenging task. Land and aerial vehicles often use highly accurate GPS sensors to localize themselves in their environments. These sensors are ineffective in underwater environments due to signal attenuation. Autonomous underwater vehicles utilize one or more of the following approaches for successful localization and navigation: inertial/dead-reckoning, acoustic signals, and geophysical data. This thesis examines autonomous localization in a simulated environment for an OpenROV Underwater Drone using a Kalman Filter. This filter performs state estimation for a dead reckoning system exhibiting an additive error in location measurements. We evaluate the accuracy of this Kalman …

Defect Detection In Selective Laser Melting, Moira Foster

Master's Theses

Additively manufactured parts produced using selective laser melting (SLM) are prone to defects created during the build process due to part shrinkage while cooling. Currently defects are found only after the part is removed from the printer. To determine whether cracks can be detected before a print is completed, this project developed print parameters to print a test coupon with inherent defects – warpage and cracking. Data recorded during the build was then characterized to determine when the defects occurred.

The test coupon was printed using two sets of print parameters developed to control the severity of warpage and cracking. …

Effect Of Aquaponic Vs. Hydroponic Nutrient Solution, Led Light Intensity And Photoperiod On Indoor Plant Growth Of Butterhead, Romaine And Kale (L. Sativa, B. Oleracea), Sean M. Foster

Master's Theses

Vertical farming has been proposed as a solution for providing food security for an increasing, urbanized human population. Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has become increasingly affordable and efficient, making it an ideal choice as artificial lighting for indoor farms. Still largely undiscovered parameters are the optimal plant varieties and types of production systems for plant growth, profit, and human nutrition. Aquaponics may be able to provide sustainable animal protein for vertical farms, increasing their ability to provide more substantial nutrition to consumers. This research aimed to better understand vertical farming as a food production system, and to determine if aquaponics …

"For All Such, A Country Is Provided": Choctaw Removal, Slave Trading, And Law In Southwestern Mississippi, 1800–1841, Anthony Albey Soliman

Master's Theses

At the beginning of the nineteenth century there were few white settlers in the Mississippi Territory. Over the course of two decades, the United States used treaties to force the indigenous inhabitants, the Choctaw, out of this area by the United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. The United States’ goal in the region was to create a plantation economy in the Mississippi Valley based on the production of short-staple cotton sustained by enslaved African American labor. Focusing on the removal of the Choctaw and the subsequent installation of a plantation regime in the Mississippi Valley, this thesis …

Characterization And Removal Efficiency Comparison Of Bioretention Soil Media Mixtures, Nathan T. Hanson

Master's Theses

Bioretention cells have become a commonly used green infrastructure technique to help infiltrate and remove contaminants from stormwater runoff. Bioretention cells are constructed from a layered or heterogeneous soil mixture designed to optimize their ability to infiltrate influent stormwater and remove contaminants carried by the water as it filters through the soil media. The soil mixture, composition, and planting vary depending the local regulatory agencies. As urbanization occurs across the United States, more natural land is converted from pervious surfaces, such as grasslands and forests, to impervious surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, to help reduce the impact of the …

Object Tracking In Games Using Convolutional Neural Networks, Anirudh Venkatesh

Master's Theses

Computer vision research has been growing rapidly over the last decade. Recent advancements in the field have been widely used in staple products across various industries. The automotive and medical industries have even pushed cars and equipment into production that use computer vision. However, there seems to be a lack of computer vision research in the game industry. With the advent of e-sports, competitive and casual gaming have reached new heights with regard to players, viewers, and content creators. This has allowed for avenues of research that did not exist prior.

In this thesis, we explore the practicality of object …

Zinc Sunscreens Affect Development Of Strongylocentrotus Purpuratus Embryos, Brittany E. Cunningham, Nikki L. Adams

Master's Theses

The growing popularity of physical sunscreens will also lead to an increased release of the ingredients from zinc oxide (ZnO) sunscreens into marine environments. Though zinc (Zn) is a necessary micronutrient in the ocean, greater than natural Zn concentrations are being released into marine environments by use of sunscreens. The extent of the consequences of the addition of Zn to the ocean are not fully understood. We investigated effects of materials released by zinc oxide (ZnO) sunscreens on the development of California purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Embryos developed in various concentrations of Zn, the sources of which included …

Enhanced Detection Of Corrosion And Coating Aging Mechanisms Using Core-Shell Quantum Dots, Raymond Thai

Master's Theses

Understanding aging mechanisms in coatings during their servicable life is complicated, due to the inherent stochastic nature of exposure profiles, service environments, and rare weather events. Thus, the development of improved test methods for service life prediction and accelerated weathering relies on the availability of infallible degradation and exposure data, delivered as a function of cumulative time in service. In a related application, non-destructive evaluative methods rely on the premise of being able to probe or monitor in situ mechanisms within a coating system without interfering with actual aging mechanisms. Ultimately, quantumdots can be utilized as in situ sensors for …

Assessing The Photoprotective Effects Of Fluorescent Sphingomyelin Against Uvb Induced Dna Damage In Human Keratinocytes, Rebecca Marie Kandell

Master's Theses

Non Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) affects 3.3 million Americans each year and results from Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) damage to DNA in the form of pyrimidine dimers and photoproducts [1]–[5]. Cells directly detect the damage and initiate apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or DNA repair by modulating p53 and p21 levels [6]–[9]. Current methods of photoprotection include sunscreen, but controversy over safety of some active ingredients necessitates research into more natural alternatives [10]–[12]. In particular, 24 hour incubation with bovine milk sphingomyelin (BSM) has demonstrated photoprotective potential by reducing p21 and p53 levels in keratinocytes (KRTs) after UV radiation [13], [14]. …