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A Study To Determine Student Perceptions Of The Cal Poly Veterinary Clinic, Fallon Bliss Sheridan

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the important benefits of Cal Poly Veterinary Clinic (CPVC) and establish areas of interest for the students at the CPVC. The CPVC is a student run veterinary clinic that exposes students to teachable hands-on veterinary experiences by addressing the needs of animals on campus as well as animals in the San Luis Obispo.

This study thoroughly investigated the student who have taken or are currently taking any of the five courses taught at the CPVC. The research was accomplished through a survey questionnaire. The student questionnaire was conducted by the researcher at …

The Role Of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase 4 In Flower Color Of The Allopolyploid Brassica Napus, Leanne Denice Fogg

Master's Theses

Allopolyploids are formed by interspecific hybridization and whole genome duplication, with the resulting organism contains multiple distinct subgenomes in one nucleus. Subgenomic interactions result in massive genetic and epigenetic reconstruction, contributing to variable phenotypic traits noted in newly formed allopolyploids. To better understand these mechanisms in the context of molecular biology, evolution, and plant breeding, plant biologists study the model organism Brassica napus (farmed as canola or oilseed rape). With white-flowering and yellow-flowering progenitors, flower color phenotype of B. napus presents an opportunity to examine subgenomic interactions. CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE 4 (CCD4) is known to play a major …

Proliferation, Migration, And Survival Of Cells In The Telencephalon Of The Ball Python, Python Regius, Thomas B. Bales

Master's Theses

Reptiles exhibit neurogenesis throughout the brain during adulthood. However, very few studies have quantified telencephalon-wide neurogenesis in adulthood, and no studies have performed these investigations in snakes. Quantifying neurogenesis in the adult snake is essential to understanding class-wide adult neurogenesis and providing insight into the evolution of this trait. The thymidine analog 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to quantify cell proliferation, migration, and survival in the ball python (Python regius). First, to determine the proper dose of BrdU for injection we subcutaneously injected 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 250mg/kg into 15 adult male P. regius. We found the 250mg/kg dose …

Grid-Scale Energy Storage: A Proposed Control Algorithm For Sodium Sulfur Batteries, Daniel Spaizman

Master's Theses

With carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere reaching record highs and 2020 quickly approaching, California is expected to pave the way for the United States in terms of replacing fossil fuel generation facilities with various renewable energy power plants. It is well documented that the inherent variability and limited duty cycle of renewables has hindered their growth. Energy storage technologies represent the bridge that can help us cross the divide from where we stand to where we must stand in the next 6 years. Utility companies value services such as peak shaving, voltage support, and frequency regulation, all of which …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Cdse/Zns Core/Shell Quantum Dot Sensitized Pcpdtbt-P3ht:Pcbm Organic Photovoltaics, Buddy J. Bump

Master's Theses

Durable, cheap, and lightweight polymer based solar cells are needed, if simply to meet the demand for decentralized electrical power production in traditionally “off-grid” areas. Using a blend of Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and the low band-gap polymer Poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2- ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta [2,1-b;3,4-b′]dithiophene)-alt-4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT), we have fabricated devices with a wide spectral response and 3% power conversion efficiency in AM 1.5 conditions; however, this thin film system exhibits only 0.43 optical density at 500 nm. To improve the performance of this polymer blend photovoltaic, we aim to increase absorption by adding CdSe(ZnS) core (shell) quantum dots. Four groups of …

The Effects Of Various Frequencies Of Low-Level Mechanical Vibration On Retention In An Orthodontic Relapse Model In Mice, Amir H. Assefnia

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of this study is to study the effect of mechanical vibration on retention following orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in a mouse orthodontic relapse model. We applied various frequencies of vibration to the maxillary right first molar during relapse, and monitored changes to the alveolar bone and molar root.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-four male CD1 mice were placed in 4 groups. The Control Group underwent OTM for 7 days. The other three groups received OTM for 7 days, followed by a relapse phase of 7 days. OTM was performed with a 10g Ni-Ti spring. The Relapse Group …

Three-Dimensional Evaluation Of Root And Alveolar Ridge Width Of Maxillary Lateral Incisors In Patients With Unilateral Agenesis, Sharifah Alrushaid

Master's Theses

Introduction: The objective of this study was to measure the maxillary lateral incisor root dimensions and quantify the labial and palatal bone in patients with unilateral maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) and compare them to non-agenesis controls using cone beam computed tomography. Methods: The labiopalatal and mesiodistal root dimension and labiopalatal bone width of maxillary lateral incisors were assessed on pre-treatment and post-treatment cone beam computed tomography scans of 23 subjects (mean age 14.5 years, 17 females and 6 males) with maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and 23 gender-matched subjects (mean age 13.5 years, 17 females and 6 males) with no …

Three-Dimensional Analysis Of The Impacted Maxillary Canine: Localization And Assessment Of Severity, Greg Ross

Master's Theses

Aims & Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the location of impacted or unerupted maxillary canines and evaluate their position and severity as they correlate to the clinical aspect of orthodontics. In addition, we propose to identify specific regions in the maxilla where impacted canines are more common, and to evaluate these methods for reliability and accuracy. Finally, we intend to introduce a 3-D classification for maxillary impacted canines.

Materials & Methods: We reviewed approximately 1000 CBCT images of patients with impacted maxillary canines. From these images, 207 CBCT’s, with 314 unerupted canines were selected to be …

The Use Of Single Flap Approach Versus The Double Flap Approach In The Treatment Of Intraosseous Periodontal Defects In Combination With Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Bb And Synthetic Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate: A Randomized Controlled Trial - Interim Report., Eric C. Hebert

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Experimental Peri-Implant Mucositis In Humans. A Pilot Study, Jonah A. Barasz

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Immediate Versus Delayed Loading Of Two Unsplinted Implants Supporting A Locator™ Retained Mandibular Overdenture. A Randomized Controlled Study, Satoko O. Rubin

Master's Theses

Background: Implant supported mandibular overdentures (OVD) have been proposed as the gold standard for the treatment of edentulous mandibles. In addition, the use of immediate loading may reduce the treatment time and improve the patient comfort without jeopardizing implant success. Limited information is available on the clinical success of immediate loading of 2 unsplinted implants supporting a mandibular OVD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinically and radiographically the performance of 2 unsplinted implants supporting a mandibular OVD 12 months post surgical placement, using either an immediate or a delayed loading protocol.

Methods: Each patient received 2 implants …

Chemically Modified Proteins As Highly Stable Building Blocks For Functional Bionanomaterials, Marc J. Novak

Master's Theses

Enzymes are key molecular machines that catalyze biologically important chemical reactions. The use of these powerful catalysts has recently been investigated for more industrial applications such as bio-fuel cells, glucose sensors, and biomedical engineering purposes. The main limiting factor of these versatile macromolecules is the stability concerns under conditions of elevated temperature or unfavorable pH. Chemical modification via charge manipulation of one of the most widely used enzymes in industrial research, glucose oxidase, is conducted in this report to stabilize the functional structure and improve the catalytic longevity under thermally taxing conditions. Further enhancement in solution stability is achieved by …

Does Nutrition Education Influence Snack Choices Of Preschoolers?, Laura Joseph

Master's Theses

Objective: To determine the impact of a nutrition education program on preschoolers’ snack choices when offered one healthy (grapes) or one unhealthy food (cookies).

Methods: This pre/post test experimental study included children ages 3-5 years old (n=45) from one preschool. Each child within a classroom (10-20 children) received the same nutrition education program (All 4 Kids) intervention (9, 30 minute lessons) taught by one registered dietitian over 2-weeks. Pre and post assessments included a snack knowledge and preference questionnaire and an observed snack selection trial to test the impact of the intervention. Children’s height and weight were measured …

Purification And Biological Activity Of Serine Lipids Of Porphyromonas Endodontalis, Joseph M. Blondin

Master's Theses

Porphymonas endodontalis has been shown to populate necrotic root canal systems and may contribute to apical bone loss. Recent work has shown that P. endodontalis synthesizes a novel serine lipid class (Lipid 654) similar to that produced by P. gingivalis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to isolate P. endodontalis Lipid 654 in very high purity and characterize its structure and biological activity
 in RAW 264.7 cells and HEK293 cells. Methods: P. endodontalis (ATCC 35406, type strain) was grown under anaerobic conditions and centrifuged. P. endodontalis total lipids were recovered using the Bligh and Dyer phospholipid extraction procedure and …

The Role Of Calcium Transients In The Collective Migration Of Goldfish Epithelial Keratocytes, Chelsea E. Willet

Master's Theses

Collective migration is a critical biological process that involves the coordinated migration of a group of cells connected via adherens junctions. These cell-cell adhesions are regulated by intracellular and extracellular calcium, and require controlled turnover in order to maintain the structural integrity of migrating cell sheets. In single fish keratocytes, intracellular calcium signaling via stretch-activated calcium channels facilitates migration by regulating cytoskeletal contractility and cell-substratum adhesion turnover. The role of calcium signaling in collectively migrating keratocyte sheets remains unknown. In this study, we investigate the effects of modulating the frequency of calcium transients in goldfish keratocyte sheets, using EGTA and …

De Négation Et Création Dans La Poésie Lyrique Amoureuse Occitane Et Française Au Moyen Âge, Maria G. Sanchez-Reyes

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Cross-Structures And Their Role In The Development Of The Taiwan Fold-And-Thrust Belt, Ellen A. Lamont

Master's Theses

Traditional models of orogenic growth over-simplify the processes involved in the development of fold-and-thrust belts by failing to take into consideration along-strike irregularities of the collisional footwall. Inherited footwall geometries are fairly common and can drastically alter the shape of an advancing orogen during collision. In Taiwan, the geometry of the Chinese continental margin has been suggested to facilitate the development of several cross-structures, transverse structures that trend oblique to the structural grain of the orogen, within the fold-and-thrust belt. These cross-structures are believed to accommodate deformation around a regional footwall promontory, the Peikang High. In total, six major tear …

"Story Goodness" In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Allison R. Canfield

Master's Theses

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by pragmatic language deficits, as difficulties with social communication are a universal deficit across the wide presentation the autism spectrum. The current studies examined narrative production as a measure of pragmatic language in adolescents with high-functioning autism (HFA), “optimal outcomes” (OO; i.e. individuals who have lost their previous diagnosis of ASD), and typical development (TD) using the informative “story goodness” coding system and real-world narrative quality ratings. In Study 1, adolescents with HFA and TD (mean age of 15) were compared on these measures of narrative quality. While the groups were similar …

Neural Substrates Of Affective Language Processing And The Role Of Autism-Like Traits In Sensitivity To Affective Language Cues, Brian Castelluccio

Master's Theses

Emotions are conveyed primarily through two channels in language: semantics and prosody. Language comprehension relies on the ability to both decode the intended semantic meaning of a phrase and to go beyond its literal meaning to understand the emotional state of a speaker. While many studies confirm the role of a left hemisphere network in processing semantic emotion, there has been debate in the field over the role of the right hemisphere in processing prosodic emotion. Some evidence suggests a preferential role for the right hemisphere, and other evidence supports a bilateral model. The relative contributions of each channel to …

Influence Of Grain Size And Widmanstätten Colonies On Variability Of Tensile Properties Of Forged Ti-6al-4v, Blake T. Gaspar

Master's Theses

When testing forgings for specifications, it was found that some parts did not meet the requirements for mechanical properties. This triggered an investigation into two of the parts from the lot that did not meet specification. The ultimate reason for failure was due to lower than necessary yield strength and ultimate tensile strength values, as well as unwanted variability between regions of the part. Therefore, samples of the regions were tensile tested to determine the differences that existed in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation. After tensile testing, quantitative metallography and fractography were conducted to identify aspects of the …

An Investigation Into The Properties And Fabrication Methods Of Thermoplastic Composites, Ann E. Livingston-Peters

Master's Theses

As applications for thermoplastic composites increase, the understanding of their properties become more important. Fabrication methods for thermoplastic composites continually improve to match designs specifications. These advanced thermoplastics have begun to show an improvement in mechanical properties over those found in thermoset composites commonly used in industry. Polyaryletherketones (PEK) have high service temperatures, good mechanical properties, and improved processing capabilities compared to thermoplastics used in the past making them important to the aerospace industry. The wide range of types of PEK make them suitable for a variety of applications, but selection of specific chemistries, processing parameters, and composite stack-ups determine …

Factors Affecting The Thai Natural Rubber Market Equilibrium: Demand And Supply Response Analysis Using Two-Stage Least Squares Approach, Chadapa Chawananon

Master's Theses

Natural rubber is a major export crop and the sector is an important source of employment in Thailand. Very few rubber studies in the past have examined the demand and supply equations simultaneously and the previously results are dated. The objectives of this study was to estimate the econometric model of demand and supply of natural rubber in Thailand and determine if a relationship exists between the supply of rubber and its determinants. The data contained in the study are secondary time series annual data from 1977-2012. The instrumental variables estimation by two-stage least squares was used to solve and …

Developent Of A Phospholipid Encapsulation Process For Quantum Dots To Be Used In Biologic Applications, Logan Grimes

Master's Theses

The American Cancer Society predicts that 1,665,540 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 585,720 people will die from cancer in 2014. One of the most common types of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. Melanoma alone is predicted to account for 10,000 of the cancer related deaths in 2014. As a highly mobile and aggressive form of cancer, melanoma is difficult to fight once it has metastasized through the body. Early detection in such varieties of cancer is critical in improving survival rates in afflicted patients. Present methods of detection rely on visual examination of suspicious regions …

Design, Implementation, And Test Of A Micro Force Displacement System, Evan Derek Cate

Master's Theses

The design and implementation of a micro-force displacement system was completed to test the force-displacement characteristics of square silicon diaphragms with side lengths of 4mm, 5mm, and 7mm with a thickness of 10um. The system utilizes a World Precision Instruments Fort 10g force transducer attached to a World Precession Instruments TBM4M amplifier. A Keithley 2400 source meter provided data acquisition of the force component of the system. A micro prober tip was utilized as the testing probe attached to the force transducer with a tip radius of 5um. The displacement of samples was measured using a Newport M433 linear stage …

Vegetable Production Concentration In Northwest Mexico, Desiree Michelle Danel

Master's Theses

An American company that supplies premium quality hybrid vegetable seed to commercial growers in the southern part of the US, Mexico, and Central America sought an assessment of the market potential in the Northwest region of Mexico by identifying land area and production concentrations of vegetables by location, crop, and cultivation method, whether open-field, greenhouse, or shade house.

Data on the cultivated area of four states in the Northwest region of Mexico was collected for 12 crops of interest for the period of 2003-2012 from secondary sources. Data was entered into a statistical software program to complete frequency distribution charts …

Effectiveness Of A Football Over Helmet Padding System In Reducing Peak Acceleration Of The Head And Severity Index 2014, Nicole Cuccurullo

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if: (a) a football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap meets the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) football helmet standards and (b) if the Severity Indexes and peak accelerations produced during the NOCSAE impact tests were smaller for a football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap over-helmet padding system than for the same helmet without the Guardian Cap. A total of 54 drop impact tests were completed, 27 on the football helmet alone and 27 on the football helmet equipped with the Guardian Cap. Tests were completed on …

Draft Environmental Impact Report: City Of Clearlake General Plan Update, Hannah Cha

Master's Theses

The City of Clearlake in northern California initiated its first general plan update in 2012.The City decided to do an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the general plan update in order to fulfill the California Environmental Quality Act’s (CEQA) requirements.The author wrote the Agriculture and Biological Resources sections of the EIR.She explains the CEQA process for a programmatic-level EIR, and summarizes the lessons learned and recommendations for CEQA.

General CEQA issues include fear of litigation and vague requirements for thresholds of significance.Additional CEQA issues include difficulty applying the same level of analysis to programmatic projects when the Environmental Checklist is …

The Effect Of Temperature And Extraction Technique On The Binding Interactions And Hydrolysis Of Β-Lactoglobulin With Milk Fat Globule Membrane (Mfgm), Corbin R. Kembel

Master's Theses

Whey protein, containing predominately b-Lactoglobulin (b-LG), is a popular choice among consumers looking for an excellent protein source. Likewise, fat is a natural component in milk and dairy products. Lipids are packaged within a membrane called the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM). The MGFM contains a variety of lipids and proteins. Although b-LG has been extensively characterized, the function of the protein is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to assess the enzymatics of b-LG in an isolated system, evaluate the propensity of b-LG to bind to MFGM, determine the effects of temperature and fat extraction method on …

Beef Export Price Response To Sanitary Status And Traceability Systems: Implications For Paraguay, Silvana Careaga

Master's Theses

Global beef markets are highly influenced by sanitary issues, mainly related to animal health and food safety, which have been determining levels and trends in global beef trade. Food safety issues affecting human health such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) associated with Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (vCJD) in humans, and other diseases affecting production such as foot and mouth disease (FMD) has encouraged putting these issues to beef trade attention. A way to address these concerns and comply with international standards is the use of traceability systems in order to quickly identify hazard sources and assure beef quality and safety. The goal …

Regen: Optimizing Genetic Selection Algorithms For Heterogeneous Computing, Scott Kenneth Swinkleb Winkleblack

Master's Theses

GenSel is a genetic selection analysis tool used to determine which genetic markers are informational for a given trait. Performing genetic selection related analyses is a time consuming and computationally expensive task. Due to an expected increase in the number of genotyped individuals, analysis times will increase dramatically. Therefore, optimization efforts must be made to keep analysis times reasonable.

This thesis focuses on optimizing one of GenSel’s underlying algorithms for heterogeneous computing. The resulting algorithm exposes task-level parallelism and data-level parallelism present but inaccessible in the original algorithm. The heterogeneous computing solution, ReGen, outperforms the optimized CPU implementation achieving a …