Digital Commons Network^™

Genetic Admixture And Tooth Size In An Enslaved Population From Newton Plantation, Barbados, Susannah Munson

Theses

This study examined the amount of European genetic admixture in the enslaved African population from Newton Plantation, Barbados. Newton Plantation was a British sugar plantation from the 17th to 19th centuries. Approximately 150 individuals were recovered from an unmarked slave cemetery during archaeological investigations in the 1970s and 1990s. Using maximum mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth measurements of the available teeth from the individuals in the cemetery, Newton was compared to nineteen comparative samples of African, European, African American and European American populations that date from the time of British colonization to the 20th century. Previous European admixture estimations in the …

Nuclear Migration And Spermatid Elongation During Spermiogenesis In Drosophila Pseudoobscura, Benjamin S. Reimer

Theses

No abstract provided.

Cellular Analysis Of Hepg2 Cells On Gastrin Releasing Peptide (Grp) Nanostructure, Karshak Kosaraju

Theses

Artificial juxtacrine stimulation arises from the covalent attachment of growth factors onto biomaterials. Incorporation of growth factors onto cell culture substrates has been found to enhance the functionality of cells in vitro. In this study, we describe how the immobilization of Gastrin Releasing Peptide (GRP) enhances the viability of hepatocarcinoma cell line, HepG2 up to 4 days. The biomaterial for immobilization of GRP was prepared using indium tin oxide (ITO) sputtered on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (3-APTES) on ITO was covalently attached to GRP. Characterization of the substrates before and after immobilization of GRP …

Part 1: Size-Independent Quantification Of Ligand Binding Site Depth In Receptor Proteins. Part 2: Representing Rod-Shaped Protein 3d Structures In Cylindrical Coordinates, Srujana Cheguri

Theses

Abstract 1 We have developed a web server that implements the two complementary methods to quantify the depth of ligand and/or ligand binding site (LBS) in a protein-ligand complex. The two methods are the `secant plane' (SP) and the `tangent sphere' (TS) methods. In the SP and TS methods, the protein molecular centroid (global centroid, GC), and the LBS centroid (local centroid, LC) are first determined. The SP is defined as the plane passing through the LBS centroid and normal to the line passing through the LC and the protein molecular centroid. The "exterior side" of the SP is the …

G (Alpha) 12 Is Required For Thromboxane A2 To Regulate Tumor Cell Motility, Babar Malik

Theses

Thromboxane (TX) A₂ is a prostaglandin produced by metabolism of arachidonic acid through cyclooxygenases and thromboxane synthase. TXA₂ is biologically active, mainly through activating its cognate, seven transmembrane, G protein coupled receptor. It was previously reported that thromboxane A₂ receptor (TP) was expressed in prostate cancer, and further activation of this receptor elicited cell contraction and modulated tumor cell motility through regulating small GTPase RhoA[1]. This study aims to identify G alpha protein(s) involved in thromboxane A₂ signaling in tumor cell motility. Methods: The expression of G alpha proteins in the PC3MM cells was studied by …

The Effects Of Two Insecticides On California Anurans (Rana Sierrae And Pseudacris Sierra) And The Implications For Declining Amphibian Populations., David Dimitrie

Theses

Evidence is growing that agrochemicals are playing a role in the decline of amphibians in California. An area of concern is the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where insecticides used in the Central Valley are aerially transported to amphibian habitats. I examined the effects of two of these insecticides, endosulfan and chlorpyrifos, in two experiments on anuran larvae. For the first experiment I exposed Sierra Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae) larvae starting at Gosner stage 25 to each insecticide for 63 d to determine median lethal concentrations (LC50) and sublethal effects on growth and development. In the second experiment Sierran treefrog (Pseudacris …

The Effects Of Insulin And Glutathione On In Vitro Spermatogenic Cyst Maturation, Peta-Gay A. Ricketts

Theses

No abstract provided.

Automated Interpretation Of The Tandem Mass Spectra Of Peptides Using Artificial Neural Networks, Timothy Patrick Manning

Theses

The manual interpretation of mass spectra is a complex and time consuming task. The problem of manually interpreting this data is further exacerbated by the large numbers of mass spectra which can potentially be produced in a single proteoniics experiment. This shows the need for high throughput approaches to the interpretation of mass spectra. Existing automated approaches are however error prone due to the complexity of the task. Accordingly, this thesis discusses and evaluates the application of neural networks to improving the sensitivity, specificity and robustness of current approaches to the automated interpretation of such mass spectral data.

Several neural …

Classifying Rna Secondary Structures Using Support Vector Machines, Prathy Usha Sunkara

Theses

In contrast to DNA, RNA prevails as a single strand. As a consequence of small self-complementary regions, RNA commonly exhibits an intricate secondary structure, consisting of relatively short, double helical segments alternated with single stranded regions. The amount of sequence data available is rising rapidly day by day. One of the problems encountered on a specific molecule is finding the relevant data between the massive number of other sequences to be done by reading lists with a short description of all new entries in large databases already existing. One of the main objectives of this work is to take the …

Total Synthesis Of Montiporyne E, Jian Chen

Theses

Montiporyne A-F is a family of new diacetylenic natural products recently isolated from stony coral Montipora sp. Biological study shows that these compounds exhibit bioactivity against certain solid tumor cells. Of particular interest is Montiporyne E, whose molecular structure is comprised of an interesting seven-membered lactam ring and a diacetylenic sidechain, which is a common structural feature among the Montiporyne family members.

An efficient synthesis of Montiporyne E is described in this paper. The seven-membered lactam ring was constructed using a Beckmann rearrangement. The desired natural product was synthesized using a Sonograshira coupling of the seven-membered lactam vinyl triflate with …

Hcc Architecture - Hormonal Communications And Control Architecture, Paul R. Thompson

Theses

This thesis aims to provide a novel framework for a multiagent system implementation. The major feature of the proposed architecture is the introduction of the biological concept of hormones. The hormones are passed via the communication network to convey limited global system state knowledge. The agents' response to a hormone is interpreted depending on its own local agent state. The primary focus of this thesis is the development of the particulars of the architecture. Prior work of multiagent systems research is reviewed and studied for contributions. Biological studies of hormones are employed to draw out interaction rules and analyze control …

Functional Annotation And Dendrogram Representation Of Gene Expression Clustering Results, Antoneta Petkova Vladimirova

Theses

The advances in genomic sciences have created vast amounts of gene expression data. To make sense of the expression information, various techniques have been applied. Clustering is among the unsupervised methods used to group the results according to gene expression level. Dendrogram visualization allows graphical representation of the clustering. The aim of this thesis is to enhance these techniques by adding another layer of functionality, namely, annotating the dendrogram with gene functional information. Presented is an application which visualizes yeast clustering results as a dendrogram along with color-coded gene keyword annotations. Gene keyword information was extracted from a major biological …

The Influence Of Parenting Styles On Social Phobia In A College Sample, Kimberly Sue Fischer

Theses

Since researchers have only studied social phobia in the last several decades, the need to identify influencing variables is essential. While most researchers concur that familial factors have an impact on social phobia, the influence of family variables remain under investigation. Many studies have examined the impact of parenting characteristics on social phobia involving individuals in a clinical setting. However, few studies have focused on social phobia in a nonclinical setting with adults. This study explores the relationship between parenting styles of overprotection and rejection with social phobia in a college sample of adults. Subjects for this study were 35 …

Feasibility Study Of A Permanently Implanted Prosthetic Hand, Matt Williams

Theses

The feasibility of a permanently implanted prosthetic hand was evaluated from both an internal biocompatibility and exterior mechanics point of view. A literature review of the issues involved in permanent implantation of a percutanious device was performed in the areas of bone interaction and fixation and neural interface control. A theoretical implant was designed for a 90th percentile male, using an HA-G-Ti composite material to provide a permanent base to which the hand could attach. Using a radial implant length of 1.87 inches and an ulna implant length of 1.32 inches, the simulated implant could withstand a push out force …

Development Of A Networked Interactive Information Environment Within A National Park, John Clifton

Theses

For the most part, the Killarney National Park (KNP) currently disseminates information to visitors in paper format and by word of mouth in a non-coherent fashion. Society as a whole is moving towards an Information Age delivered through an electronic medium. This project aims to facilitate the KNP in delivering a new electronically presented information experience to its global visitors.

Electronic media facilitate the delivery of in-depth multimedia as well as multilingual information. This information will be made available on demand to visitors and delivered through a variety of media including information points and handheld devices to facilitate the various …

"Well Rounded", Kathleen E. Osterwise-Keohane

Theses

This thesis, "Well Rounded," by Kathleen E. Osterwise-Keohane, explores the intersection of life experiences, creativity, and artistic expression. The author reflects on how her upbringing, shaped by a creative mother and a scientific father, fostered her interdisciplinary approach to art. From childhood crafts to digital media and biological studies, these diverse influences have inspired her eclectic body of work. The thesis showcases her evolution as an artist, emphasizing themes of personal growth, the influence of social relationships, and the integration of traditional and modern techniques. The work culminates in a celebration of varied artistic exploration.

High Frequency Ultrasonic Characterization Of Carrot Cell Texture, Christopher Vick

Theses

Ultrasound offers a versatile imaging modality. It has a long history of medical use, but system and signal processing limitations have limited its full range of capabilities. By examining other uses of ultrasound, such as materials testing, the effectiveness of medical ultrasound tissue identification could likely be improved. To a limited degree, low frequency ultrasound has been used examine the texture of carrots tissue. These studies focused on the velocity and attenuation of low frequency ultrasound through a carrot sample; these results yielded a degree of ambiguity when attempting to identify a carrot texture. In our research, we attempted to …

Issues Of Spirituality And Gender Differences, Michael J. Brawn

Theses

This study focuses on issues of spirituality and gender differences. The often interchanged terms of religion and spirituality are described, and the antagonism of science towards religion which has fostered a dearth of literature is reviewed. Implications for counseling are offered, and observations regarding gender differences are provided. The hypothesis that men and women do not differ on measures of spirituality is examined using the spiritual Well-Being Scale (Ellison & Paloutzian, 1983). Study participants were 45 males and 79 females from a church congregation of moderate Protestants. Results suggest that on measures of spiritual well-being, and on indices of religious …

The Interface And Characterization Of An Lfesr Spectrometer And Preliminary Study To Detect Ultrasound Induced Radicals By Lfesr Spectroscopy, William Ryan

Theses

A modular low frequency electron spin resonance (LFESR) spectrometer has been interfaced, characterized, and applied in a test to detect ultrasound-induced free radicals with low frequency ESR spectroscopy The modular system, which operates at -250 MHz, was interfaced with a 486DX2 66 MHz PC, using a multifunction PC compatible interface board to facilitate integrated software control of the modular components. The operating software was programmed in Microsoft Visual C++ to execute in the Windows operating environment. Computer control of the magnet was calibrated, using the 2,5-di-tert-butyl parabenzosemiquinone anion radical as a gfactor and hyperfine splitting standard. Preparation of the semiquinone …

Features And Neural Net Recognition Strategies For Hand Printed Digits, Jeffrey R. Pink

Theses

The thesis goal is to develop a computer system for hand printed digit recognition based on an investigation into various feature extractors and neural network strategies. Features such as subwindow pixel summation, moments, and orientation vectors will be among those investigated. Morphological thinning of characters prior to feature extraction will be used to assess the impact on network training and testing. Different strategies for implementing a multilayer perceptron neural network will be investigated. A high-level language called MatLab will be used for neural network algorithm development and quick prototyping. The feature extractors will be developed to operate on small (less …

Biomechanical Comparison Of Interosseous And Subperiosteal Flexor Tendon Reattachment, Alisa Beth Olin

Theses

This study was undertaken to biomechanically compare the interosseous and subperiosteal distal flexor tendon reattachment techniques. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits underwent division of the right second and third hind limb profundus flexor tendon distal to the insertion of the superficial flexor. All tendons were repaired using the Kleinnert-Bunnell configuration with a 5-0 nylon tied over a cotton pad on the dorsum of the digit. In half of the animals, the second profundus was reattached into a hole in the middle phalanx and the third profundus was reattached after periosteal stripping of the middle phalanx. The other animals underwent subperiosteal …

Disinfection Of Wastewater Using Ultraviolet Radiation, David L. Klemm

Theses

The disadvantages associated with the use of chlorine for disinfection, in conjunction with improvements in ultraviolet radiation disinfection technologies have led to the recent increased use of ultraviolet radiation to provide disinfection of effluents from wastewater treatment plants. The theory of ultraviolet radiation and the engineering design of the ultraviolet disinfection system are discussed in depth.

The operational history and records of two wastewater treatment plants that use ultraviolet radiation for disinfection were analyzed in an attempt to develop correlations on the factors that affect ultraviolet radiation disinfection efficiency and to investigate as to whether disinfection with ultraviolet radiation is …

Degradation Of Refractory Organic Pollutants In Tar, Water And Soil Matrices By Ozone Or Hydrogen Peroxide With Ultraviolet Light, Liang-Jiun Uang

Theses

The objective of this research is to develop a method to degrade refractory Tar materials, higher molecular weight 3-5 ring Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's) or degrading these highly refractory PAH structures so that they are amenable to further treatment by biological or chemical methods. The process utilized to achieve this is to treat contaminated soils or tar materials with hydrogen peroxide or ozone plus ultraviolet light. Analysis of 27 specific PAH's was done by gas chromatograph (Flame Ionization Detection) for the reactants and products. The contaminated soil showed significantly lower levels of these PAH's after treatment.

The Effects Of Degraded Indoor Air Quality On Employees Working In High Rise Office Buildings, Richard Patrick Luongo

Theses

An examination of the effects of poor indoor air quality on workers in high rise office buildings was conducted. These effects are manifested physiologically, psychologically and economically and originate from sources inside and outside the building, as well as from the building's ventilation system. These sources include combustion products, microorganisms, volatile organic chemicals, cigarette smoke and miscellaneous chemicals. Lower productivity and higher absenteeism are the initial results of these effects. If the situation becomes chronic, an erosion of trust between employer and employee can occur which may eventually serve as the basis for litigation, such as worker's compensation claims and …

A Comparative Analysis Of Dna Molecular Crosslinking By Dichloro-N-Substituted Azaadamantane Isomers, Harry Robbins

Theses

A series of anti, anti-dichloro-N-substituted azaadamantanes have been synthesized (Henkel et al, 1981, J. Org. Chem. , 46, 3483) representing conformationally rigid nitrogen mustards incorporated into an adamantyl framework with well defined stereochemistry and fixed separation distances between alkylating centers of 3.6 A (1) and 2.5 X (2,3) (Henkel et al, 1981, J. Org. Chem., 46, 3483) to be used as structurally rigid probes of DNA alkylation and intermolecular crosslink formation leading to cytotoxicity. The aqueous solution stability and the extent of intermolecular DNA crosslink formation for both the N-methyl and N-piperdinoethyl series of isomers have been measured using novel …

The Synthesis And Characteristics Of Nonsteroidal Antiestrogens; Hydroxytamoxifen And N,N-Dimethyl Analog Of Nafoxidine, Brian O'Shaughnessy

Theses

Introductory Remarks and Statement of Purpose: Estrogens and estrogen mimetic compounds have long been known to be potent growth promoters. It is also well established that within the cells of estrogen target organs there are proteins which act as specific receptors and as such bind estrogen against a concentration gradient (1). Additionally, these proteins are capable of carrying the estrogenic molecule across the nuclear membrane in an as yet not fully understood, thermally activated mechanism. Once inside the nucleus, the estrogenic molecule (that is estrogenic in binding ability) will then either enhance or diminish transcription, translocation, and subsequently protein growth. …

Planning A Seminar On Aging To Disseminate Information To Personnel Working With The Aged, Oscar Raymond Gain Jr.

Theses

The project consisted of planning and organizing a seminar for dissemination of information to persons working with the aged. From my ten years of experience in the health care profession, six of them were working with the aged population . I was surprised at my lack of knowledge about the older person. After attending the course as Lindenwood College my knowledge expanded from the biological to the social and psychological aspect of aging.

I decided to organize a seminar for local health personnel working with the aged in a thirty-mile radius of my residence. There were a total of six …