Digital Commons Network^™

Classification Of Hand Held Shapes And Locations In Continuous Signing, Swetha Karri

Theses

Sign language for the deaf and hearing impaired replaces speech with manually produced signs. Each sign has been categorized as being combinations of handshape, movement, orientation, location, and facial expressions. Of the five sign parameters, this thesis focuses on classification of two of the main parameters, the hand shapes and locations, in continuous signing.

Since the nature of hand shapes is transient and not static, neural networks was used as a classifier for hand shapes. And since locations in sign language are defined by linguistic variables rather than by hard core position values, fuzzy logic was used as a classifier …

Development Of Pharmacophore And Comfa Studies For Sigma2 Receptor Ligands, Laura Ann Wirpsza

Theses

This study describes the development of a pharmacophore and CoMIFA model for sigma 2 (σ₂) receptor ligands. CoMFA studies were performed for 32 bioactive σ₂ receptor ligands using the radioligand [H 3] (+) DTG in the presence of pentazocine. The pharmacophore was derived using Distance Comparisons (DISCOtech) from eight partially to highly active ~2 receptor ligands. All 32 compounds were calculated in three methods: AMi, HFI3~21G*, and B3LYP/3~21G* methods. These methods run in Gaussian 98 determined the geometry optimization and electrostatic charges for each molecule. CoMFA maps were developed using SYBYL ver. 7.2 to compare the electrostatic …

Photoplethysmorgraph-Derived Respiration, Priyanka Pankaj Shah

Theses

Stress & Motivated Behavioral Institute (SMBI) has developed a research program to provide an objective evaluation of the physiological and neurocognitive impact of human electromuscular muscular interference (HEMI) devices in humans. The initial step is to understand their physiological impact, which is characterized by vital signs. Volunteers are recruited from HEMI training programs with the provision that data collection can not interfere with training. Thus, an ambulatory system was assembled. There are two main issues in the current ambulatory system, one of which is the reliability of the respiration signal obtained using a strain gauge respiration band, mainly due to …

Design And Fabrication Of A Microneedle For The Implantation Of Floating Microstimulators, Faysal Ahmed

Theses

Neural prosthetics are used to stimulate any remaining functional nervous tissue in order to restore function in visual, auditory, or other physiological components associated with the nervous system. Microelectrodes have been used in stimulating and detecting electrical activity in neurons. When stimulating or recording neural tissue activity using microelectrodes, there are usually many problems and difficulties in obtaining the correct functionality and results. There is great difficulty in placing these microelectrodes in a specific location in the central nervous system due to various problems with the methodology used. Many different techniques such as the traditional interconnected microelectrodes have been an …

Design, Fabrication And Applications Of Microplasma Device, Koffi Abalo-Akuvi

Theses

The feasibility of using microplasma device (MPD) as a non-thermal plasma source for hydrogen production to potentially replace conventional source of electricity for potable applications has been explored. The scaling theory for direct glow discharges along with the design approach, fabrication details and the experimental characterizations are presented for two types of device: Planar Geometry Microplasma Device (PGMPD), and Parallel Plane Electrodes Microplasma Device (PPEMPD). Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) and current-voltage characteristics of the two designs are described.

Issues related to plasma stability and breakdown voltage are studied. It was found that the breakdown voltage of the designs is about …

Classification Algorithms On The Cell Processor, Mateusz Wyganowski

Theses

The rapid advancement in the capacity and reliability of data storage technology has allowed for the retention of virtually limitless quantity and detail of digital information. Massive information databases are becoming more and more widespread among governmental, educational, scientific, and commercial organizations. By segregating this data into carefully defined input (e.g.: images) and output (e.g.: classification labels) sets, a classification algorithm can be used develop an internal expert model of the data by employing a specialized training algorithm. A properly trained classifier is capable of predicting the output for future input data from the same input domain that it was …

Time-Measuring Device: Making Your Own History Of Remembrance Box With Childhood’S Physical Growth, Sang Hee Huh

Theses

Memories, for most of us, are precious indeed. Reminiscing helps us recall long gone events and a wide range of emotions. However, our recollection is imperfect and we know our memory is limited. Our memories may change or we may forget. We are unwilling to entrust precious memories solely to the unassisted mind. Children, in particular, undergo considerable physical, mental, and emotional changes. It is not easy for them to realize or later recall their growth process without assistance. At present, children can review their growth with different types of records: written data on a medical history, photos in family …

Differential Selective Pressures Acting On The Influenza A Genome: A Comparative Study, Melissa Wilbert

Theses

The molecular evolution of the Influenza A virus is a complex process. While it is recognized that recombination events are a driving force behind the everchanging virulence of influenza, evidence has also been presented in support of Darwinian evolution. Often, codon positions considered in analyses of selective pressures are found in epitopes and sites where mutations confer resistance to antiviral medications. Here, an attempt is made to distinguish between divergent selective pressures acting on geographically distinct datasets. The goal of this study was to use this information to identify sites within the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and matrix proteins of influenza A …

Investigation Of Dynamic Three-Dimensional Tangible Touchscreens: Usability And Feasibility, Anne Dewitte

Theses

The ability for touchscreen controls to move from two physical dimensions to three dimensions may soon be possible. Though solutions exist for enhanced tactile touchscreen interaction using vibrotactile devices, no definitive commercial solution yet exists for providing real, physical shape to the virtual buttons on a touchscreen display. Of the many next steps in interface technology, this paper concentrates on the path leading to tangible, dynamic, touchscreen surfaces. An experiment was performed that explores the usage differences between a flat surface touchscreen and one augmented with raised surface controls. The results were mixed. The combination of tactile-visual modalities had a …

Evaluation Of A Numerical Thrombosis Model For A High Shear Rotating Flow, Carlos Cheek

Theses

Blood clotting, or thrombosis, is an interesting biological application for computational fluid dynamics. Existing numerical thrombosis models have previously been shown to be effective for low shear rates and simple geometries. For these models to be used in biomedical applications such as the design of rotary blood pumps, however, they must first be experimentally validated for high shear rates and complex geometries. In this study, we test the ability of a numerical thrombosis model to predict thrombosis related phenomena in a high shear flow by creating a geometry similar to that of a rotary blood pump. We have applied an …

Effects Of Complex Vessel Geometries On Neutrophil Margination And Adhesion In Post-Capillary Venules, Josa A. Hanzlik

Theses

The inflammatory process is a regular occurrence within a healthy body. As part of the inflammatory process, leukocytes flow through blood vessels and are recruited to the region of the injury. Neutrophils play a significant role in this process; however the margination of neutrophils to particular locations in micro vessels is not fully understood. Post capillary venules, in particular, have complex geometries which may contribute to non-uniform adhesion of neutrophils. Margination is a phenomenon that occurs during the relatively early phases of inflammation; as a result of dilation of capillaries and slowing of the bloodstream, leukocytes tend to occupy the …

A Content Analysis Of Black Female Athletes And White Female Athletes In Sports Magazines, Amanda N. Wade

Theses

Literature suggests that female athletes receive less coverage in media than male athletes and that representation more often focuses on femininity than athleticism. Yet factors other than gender may influence media representation. Race and gender of target readers may impact representation of female athletes. This study reports the results of a content analysis of representations of white and black female athletes in 92 magazines. Representations of black female and white female athletes in Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated for Women and Her Sports from two different time periods, 2000-2002 and 2004-2008, were compared. Results reveal that the race of the female …

Study Of Hardware And Software Optimizations Of Spea2 On Hybrid Fpgas, Brad Theophila

Theses

Traditional radar technology consists of multiple platforms, each designed to process only a single mission objective, such as Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI), Airborne Moving Target Indication (AMTI) or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This is no longer considered a cost effective solution, thus leading to the increased need for a single radar platform which can perform multiple radar missions. Many algorithms have been developed to specifically address multi-objective design problems. One such approach, the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2), applies the concept of evolution through a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to the design of simultaneous orthogonal waveforms. The objectives of …

Imagination And Phenomenal Experience, Blake Austin Myers

Theses

In this paper I argue that the zombie conceivability argument, as developed by David Chalmers, is unsound. My primary contribution in the paper is a critique of the claim that zombies are positively conceivable. I argue that phenomenal experience (that which zombies purportedly lack) is not something we can imagine; it is only something we can have. We can only imagine the contents of experience, and in doing so we have a new phenomenal experience of the imagined contents. Without being able to imagine phenomenal experience we have no way to determine whether a creature we imagine has or lacks …

Interactions Between Adult Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Nanofibrous Scaffolds Of Different Compositions, Lisamarie Moore

Theses

Stem cells have become increasingly important in the biomedical field because they have the potential to invade and regenerate damaged tissue. In particular, the bone marrow contains meesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have the capacity to differentiate into many cell lineages. The incorporation of MSCs within a multidimensional biomaterial provides a delivery vehicle to areas of injury. Natural and synthetic biomaterials can be made into scaffolds to represent different types of tissues. The ratio of synthetic to natural biomaterials in the scaffold influences the interaction with MSCs. This thesis created two different nanofibrous scaffolds by a process of electrospinning. The …

A Comparative Study Of Common Crosslinking Agents For Electrospun Collagen Scaffolds, Pallavi Masih

Theses

Cartilage injury is one of the leading causes of knee pain in the world. Over two million Americans suffer from cartilage injury every year, resulting in swelling, pain or joint impairment, causing it difficult to maintain an active life style. Synthetic grafts are used extensively to restore tissue functions. The major drawback limiting successful incorporation of synthetic grafts in body is their lower ability to integrate to natural tissue, poor biocompatibility which often results in triggering immunogenic responses, causing graft rejection. Collagen is thus studied and used excessively as a successful implantable material. The reason being that it is natural …

Mutational Studies In The Dntp Binding Pocket Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase, Smita Shukla

Theses

It was earlier postulated that Gln 91 of HIV-1 RT stabilizes the side chain of Tyr 183 via hydrogen bonding interaction between 0(H) of Y1 83 and CO of Q91 (Harris et al., BIOCHEMISTRY 37: 9630, 1998). In an attempt to understand the function of Gln 91 in the catalytic mechanism, mutants of this residue (Gln91 - -> Ala and Gln91 - ->Asn) were generated and subjected to an in-depth analysis. The efficiency of reverse transcription of natural U5-PBS HIV-1 RNA template was severely impaired by both conservative and non-conservative substitutions from Gln—>Asn and Gln—> Ala, a result …

Process-Structure-Property Relationships Of Resorbable Desamino Tyrosine Derived Polymers : Effect Of Backbone Chemistry And Assembly On Drug Delivery, Pinar Nebol

Theses

The selection the correct biomaterial for a specific medical application plays an important role for the success of both application and the device. Since different applications require different properties, investigation and improvement of biomaterials with different properties are very important. L-tyrosine derived polymers enable the manipulation of the properties of the material by changing backbone or pendent chain structure. L-tyrosine derived polyarylate is one of the class of these materials.

This study investigates the behavior of the tyrosine derived polyarylates under in vitro conditions. The change of structure caused by incubation in phosphate buffer solution and the effect on the …

Design And Construction Of A Novel Transpalpebral Ophthalmic Tonometer, Philippe R. Moinot

Theses

Glaucoma -- a degeneration of the optic nerve- is a leading cause of blindness which is primarily caused by large fluctuations in intraocular pressure (lOP) known as diurnal variations. Because these peak in the early morning dropping off rapidly, a self administrable and inexpensive lOP home testing procedure is highly desirable. The approach contained herein -- unlike traditional Goldman applanation tonometry which requires the use of ophthalmic anesthetics and complex diagnostic equipment- describes a novel lOP measurement method consisting of concavation of the cornea or sclera through the palpebra superior by the spherical tip of an optoelectronic photodetector suspended in …

The Synergistic Effect Of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields And Demineralized Bone Matrix On The Osteogenic Differentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, John Manocchio

Theses

Orthopaedic bone grafting continues to be a mainstay in the treatment of non unions and other difficult to heal bone defects. Tissue engineering strategies have focused on providing bone graft materials that are osteoconductive, osteoinductive and osteogenic in order to achieve optimal bone healing. Furthermore, electrical stimulation technologies such as pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have been used to enhance the effectiveness of bone graft materials. PEMP has been shown to have a synergistic effect with BMP-2 and it was hypothesized that PEMF would have the same effect with demineralized bone matrix (DBM). In the present study human mesenchymal stem cells …

Altered Brain Activity In Autistic Children Versus Healthy Controls While Performing Simple Tasks Using Fmri, Donald Martin Adams Jr.

Theses

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies dealing with Autistic children have primarily been concerned with cognitive facial recognition. Recent studies have demonstrated that Autistic children, when compared to healthy matched controls, exhibit higher neuronal activity when identifying patterns or objects, but lower levels of activity in regards to facial recognition.

The objective of this study was to examine both facial and object recognition and compare them to simple sensorimotor tasks. All subjects were administered 5 stimuli each lasting 320 seconds. Subjects were instructed to use a button press box to identify between a Person/Object and an Arrow/Object. They were then …

Thermal And Morphological Analysis Of Collagen-Plla Electrospun Blends, Angana Banerjee

Theses

Electrospinning of bovine Type I collagen and Poly (L-lactic acid) produces blended nanofiber scaffolds that may have application in tissue engineering, wound dressing and drug delivery.

The goal of this research work was to produce and characterize blended nanofibers of a protein, collagen, and a synthetic polymer, poly (L-lactic acid). This study focuses on the in-depth analysis of the appearance of the structural relaxation occurring at the glass transition temperature of PLLA in the collagen-PLLA blended electrospun mats. It is speculated that occurrence of this thermal event is more prominent in PLLA with high molecular weight due to the presence …

Synthesis Of Corn-Derived Carbohydrate Derivatives As Effective Multifunctional Sunscreen, Xianhong Feng

Theses

The eighty-years-old sunscreen industry is sustained by the growing incidence of skin cancer and the continual exploration of skin aging. From the UVB-induced erythema to the UVA-induced persistent pigment darkening, scientists have used versatile methods to reveal that not only does UVB damage skin but also that longer wavelengths such as UVAIL (290nm ~ 340nm) and UVAL rays (340nm ~ 400nm) trigger skin cancer, premature skin aging and immunosuppression.

To meet a significant demand for improved photoprotection, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high extinction coefficient has been desired. As part of our ongoing studies on isosorbide-cinnamate derivatives, this work have …

Biogeographic Patterns Of Avian Malaria Parasites In The Lesser Antilles: Prevalence, Diversity, And Community Composition, Linda Maria Elenor Svensson

Theses

We investigated determinants of local and regional species richness and community composition of avian malaria parasites (Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) in the Lesser Antilles. Chapter 1 addresses the local parasite richness and community structure, or lack thereof, on Barbados. We found only two parasite lineages on this island, one of which was recovered from only 2 birds, which stands in stark contrast to the much higher diversity on other islands. In addition, we investigated what factors may explain the absence of avian malaria in southeastern Barbados, and found this area to be drier, warmer, and supporting less vegetation. Chapter 2 addresses …

Multi-Threat Containment With Dynamic Wireless Neighborhoods, Nathan Ransom

Theses

Advances in the areas of robotics have greatly increased the complexity and number of problems that groups of robots are able to solve. This work deals with the use of homogeneous and autonomous robots to dynamically form teams in order to solve a multi-threat containment problem. The multi-threat containment problem has the robot teams surround a number of threats which may occur randomly. Approaches with and without utilizing wireless communication are proposed and analyzed with a focus on the effects of using wireless. Simulation results show the benefit of the proposed integrated algorithm and its performance in different scenarios. Simulations …

A Natural History, Jessica Marquez

Theses

A Natural History is an installation that creates the atmosphere of a miniature museum and has as its focus familial, autobiographical content. This “museum” appropriates its format from the ethnographic museum and cabinets of curiosities, which provide an institutional gaze and appeal to a sensibility of imagination and wonder. Major themes addressed include the public and private collection, art and science, and systems of ordering. Exploring these themes offers a means to visualize concepts of identity and memory. To make tangible that which is ephemeral, such as the past, identity and memory, I use objects, images and words as mimetic …

The Ephemeral Form And Objects Of Inspection, Desireé Rose Schanding

Theses

The series The Ephemeral Form is my attempt to communicate the ways in which women are similar in order to empower women so that they may overcome their differences creating a way for more open communication. This series of prints explore the notion of femaleness from a personal perspective and aesthetic. The main subject in each piece is the female torso as a static figure or a figure in motion. There is a specimen-like quality to the images as well as direct references to medieval panel paintings. Within each image the torso of the female is transparent revealing the biology …

On Rational Functions With Golden Ratio As Fixed Point, Edgar Gilbuena Amaca

Theses

The existence of an equivalence subset of rational functions with Fibonacci numbers as coefficients and the Golden Ratio as fixed point is proven. The proof is based on two theorems establishing basic relationships underlying the Fibonacci Sequence, Pascal's Triangle and the Golden Ratio. Equations from the two theorems are related to each other and seen to generate the equivalence subset of rational functions. Proof by induction on these equations constitutes the proof of the existence of this subset of rational functions. It is found that this subset of rational functions possesses interesting mathematical properties, particularly that of convergence to the …

Yzgd Pyridoxal Phosphatase From P. Thiaminolyticus; Subcloning, Expression, And Purification For X-Ray Crystallography Structure Determination, Amanda M. Strassner

Theses

The HAD superfamily contains enzymes that catalyze carbon or phosphate transfer reactions. One family within the HAD superfamily is the p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (PNPPase) family. Members of this family are all phosphatases that cleave the substrate analog pnitrophenyl phosphate, in addition to their biologically significant substrate. Interestingly, among the small number of family members that have been characterized, there is a wide variety of biologically relevant activities. YZGD from Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus has pyridoxal phosphatase activity, catalyzed by a HAD superfamily domain, as well as a CDP-alcohol/sugar nucleotide hydrolase activity, catalyzed by a Nudix hydrolase domain. Determining the structure of this enzyme …

Semi-Automated Dirsig Scene Modeling From 3d Lidar And Passive Imagery, Stephen R. Lach

Theses

The Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) model is an established, first-principles based scene simulation tool that produces synthetic multispectral and hyperspectral images from the visible to long wave infrared (0.4 to 20 microns). Over the last few years, significant enhancements such as spectral polarimetric and active Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) models have also been incorporated into the software, providing an extremely powerful tool for multi-sensor algorithm testing and sensor evaluation. However, the extensive time required to create large-scale scenes has limited DIRSIG’s ability to generate scenes ”on demand.” To date, scene generation has been a laborious, …