Digital Commons Network^™

Caprine Sperm Cells As Vectors For Gene Transfer., Yongxin Sun

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Goat sperm cells were used as a model to evaluate sperm-mediated gene transfer. Fresh and frozen-thawed goat sperm cells were co-incubated with radio-labelled foreign DNA. After 10 extensive washings, the compacted sperm retained foreign DNA. Confocal microscopy confirmed that the position on the sperm cell responsible for binding of foreign DNA was located in both the anterior and the posterior heads of caprine sperm cells. Furthermore, confocal longitudinal sections of the sperm cells showed that foreign DNA had penetrated into goat sperm nuclei. In this study, 37% of the fresh goat sperm and 33% of the frozen-thawed goat sperm cells …

Causes Of Vegetation Dieback And Subsequent Wetland Loss In Two Louisiana Coastal Marshes., Eric Courtney Webb

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Vegetation dieback is an important component of the wetland loss process in coastal Louisiana. To determine the factors causing vegetation dieback in a Louisiana salt marsh and oligohaline marsh, field monitoring and manipulative field experiments were conducted in both marsh types. In the salt marsh, a three-year field study was conducted in which biotic and edaphic characteristics were measured and the effect of elevation on four salt marsh plant species was tested in a manipulative field experiment. In the oligohaline marsh, a two-year field study was conducted which evaluated the relationship between biotic and edaphic characteristics. Additionally, the effects of …

Family Context And Premarital Sexual Activity In Kinshasa, Zaire., Yanyi Kasongo Djamba

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Studies on sexual behavior in Africa have shown that the proportion of women with premarital sexual experience is high, but the factors associated with premarital sexual behavior have not been clearly identified. This is partly due to the separation between theory and research. This study attempts to fill this gap by constructing a new conceptual framework in which hypotheses of rational adaptation, social disorganization, and patrilineal bias theories can be empirically tested. Based on a life history approach, the present framework emphasizes the role of three dimensions of family background in shaping individual behavior: financial capital, human capital, and social …

Efficient Mapping Of Neural Network Models On A Class Of Parallel Architectures., Behnam Seyed Arad

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation develops a formal and systematic methodology for efficient mapping of several contemporary artificial neural network (ANN) models on k-ary n-cube parallel architectures (KNC's). We apply the general mapping to several important ANN models including feedforward ANN's trained with backpropagation algorithm, radial basis function networks, cascade correlation learning, and adaptive resonance theory networks. Our approach utilizes a parallel task graph representing concurrent operations of the ANN model during training. The mapping of the ANN is performed in two steps. First, the parallel task graph of the ANN is mapped to a virtual KNC of compatible dimensionality. This involves decomposing …

A Micro-Mechanical Fatigue Damage Model For Uni-Directional Metal Matrix Composites., Rainer Echle

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

A micro-mechanical damage model for high cycle fatigue loading based on thermo-dynamical principles is developed for uni-directional continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composites. The model uses a micro-mechanical based theory to predict the fatigue damage evolution in the individual constituents of the composite material, namely the fibers and the matrix, from which the overall fatigue damage evolution in the composite is obtained. The micro-mechanical analysis is performed for each individual constituent using stress and strain concentration tensors based on the Mori-Tanaka method. A fatigue damage criterion based on thermo-dynamical principles is developed and applied to each of the constituents. Fatigue …

Electron Scattering Studies In The Framework Of The Symplectic Shell Model., Jutta Escher

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Electron scattering offers numerous advantages for studying nuclear structure: the weakness of the electromagnetic interaction, the precise knowledge of the reaction mechanism, the ability to vary independently the transferred momentum and energy, as well as the excellent spatial resolution that can be obtained with the point-like probing particles, have made this approach a valuable tool in nuclear physics. Scattering experiments provide crucial tests for the applicability and limitations of modern nuclear models and further our understanding of the nucleon-nucleon interaction and its modifications in nuclear matter. A microscopic theory for deformed nuclei, which takes proper account of the Exclusion Principle …

Cost Analysis And Air Pollution Impact Of Electric Vehicles On A Metropolitan Area., Hector David Arias-Varela

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

During the 1990's, increasing attention has been paid to electric vehicles (EV's) because of their potential to reduce air pollution in metropolitan areas such as the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area in the U.S., Mexico City and Its Metropolitan Area in Mexico, Greater London in the United Kingdom and other urban areas. However, few studies to determine the costs and benefits of reducing air pollution by introducing EV's into these mega cities have been carried out. A model to determine the marginal costs and environmental impact of electric vehicles on a metropolitan area is designed in this study. The model simulates …

Applying Significance Testing To The Taguchi Methods Of Quality Control., Shannon Jo Kast

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

During recent years, the Taguchi Methods of quality control have been adopted in many industries because the goal of the methods is to produce a product or process that is robust to environmental conditions and component variation. The methodology involves using statistical experimental designs to achieve this goal through analyzing a performance measure, called a signal-to-noise ratio, that takes into account both variation and target value. However, many statisticians have criticized the Taguchi Methods for the lack of use of sound statistical practices. This research will focus on one specific aspect of the Taguchi Methods: the signal-to-noise ratio. Sampling distributions …

I. Photophysics And Photochemistry Of Molybdenum-Oxo Complexes. Ii. Synthesis Of A Ferrocene-Based Monomer For Use In Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization., Ralph Isovitsch

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The brick-red ferrocenophene 1,4-(3,3$\sp\prime$-bis(1,1-dimethylpentyl)-1,1$\sp\prime$-ferrocenediyl) -1,3-butadiene was prepared via a six-step synthetic route. It was isolated and characterized for use as a monomer in Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization. Fluorescent molybdenum(V)-oxo complexes such as $\rm MoOCl\sb4(H\sb2O)\sp-$ undergo thermal and photochemical reactions with the series of phosphines $\rm PEt\sb2,\ PEt\sb3Ph,\ PEtPh\sb2$ and PPh$\sb3$ as oxygen atom acceptors. PEt$\sb3$ reacts spontaneously to form several products: $\rm (PPh\sb4)\lbrack MoCl\sb4(PEt\sb3)\sb2\rbrack,\ (PPh\sb4)\sb2\lbrack MoOCl\sb5\rbrack{\cdot}2CH\sb2Cl\sb2,$ and a maroon oil that contains $\rm OPEt\sb3,\ MoOCl\sb2(PEt\sb3)\sb3$ and $\rm MoCl\sb4(PEt\sb3)\sb2.$ Both $\rm (PPh\sb4)\lbrack MoCl\sb4(PEt\sb3)\sb2\rbrack$ and OPEt$\sb3$ are products of an oxygen atom transfer reaction. PEt$\sb2$Ph and PEtPh$\sb2$ also produce the corresponding phosphine …

Feasibility Study On The Reduction Of Hydrostatic Pressure In A Deep-Water Riser Using A Gas-Lift Method., Clovis Antonio Lopes

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Recent successful exploration efforts in deep waters have heightened interest in developing oil and gas reservoirs on the continental slope. Leases have been obtained in water depths up to 10,000 ft with a requirement that they be drilled within the next decade. Use of current techniques to drill these leases will require extremely large floating drilling units and large diameter marine riser systems. This study presents the results of a feasibility study on the use of an automated gas-lift system for a marine riser that will maintain the hydrostatic pressure in the subsea well-head equal to that of the sea …

Ground Survey Techniques For Shorebirds In Seagrass And Mudflats, Gary Sprandel

Wader Study Group Bulletin

No abstract provided.

Radio Transmitters Do Not Affect Nestling Feeding Rates By Female Hooded Warblers, Diane L. Neudorf, Trevor E. Pitcher

Journal of Field Ornithology

No abstract provided.

A Motorized Food Box For Use In Supplemental Feeding Experiments, Johanna M. Ward, Robert Booth, Patricia L. Kennedy

Journal of Field Ornithology

No abstract provided.

Water Salinization And Shorebirds: Emerging Issues, Margaret A. Rubega, Julie A. Robinson

International Wader Studies

No abstract provided.

Investigating Assessment Strategies In Mathematics Classrooms : A Cd-Rom Resource Enabling Teachers To Explore Assessment Strategies In Mathematics Education, Tony Herrington, Len Sparrow, Jan Herrington, Ron Oliver

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Yellagonga Wetlands: A Study Of The Water Chemistry And Aquatic Fauna, Adrianne Kinnear, Patrick Garnett, Hugo Bekle, K. Upton

Research outputs pre 2011

Wetlands worldwide are continually threatened by urbanisation and Western Australia is no exception. Since European settlement in 1829, it has been estimated that at least 75% of the wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain have disappeared (Halse, 1988). The remaining 25% continue to be threatened by eutrophication and pollution, changes in hydrology and water level patterns, clearing of riparian vegetation, aesthetic disruption and weed invasion (CALM, 1980; Davis and Rolls, 1987; Wrigley et al., 1991; Balla and Davis, 1995). These degradation components are interrelated and largely the consequence of the extensive removal of surrounding vegetation...

Address By Justice Robert Nicholson, Judge Of The Federal Court Of Australia, On The Occasion Of His Installation As Chancellor On Tuesday, 18 February 1997, Robert Nicholson

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Mrs Cowan's Clock: The Location Of The Edith Cowan Memorial, Paul Wycherley

Research outputs pre 2011

When the septuagenarian Mrs Edith Dircksey Cowan (nee Brown) OBE, J P died on 9 June 1932 few denied, at least overtly, that she deserved an appropriate memorial. Edith Cowan is remembered today as the first woman to be elected to an Australian Parliament as the Member for West Perth in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for three years from 12 March 1921 until defeated in the 1924 election...

Multiobjective Optimum Design Of Static And Seismic-Resistant Structures With Genetic Algorithm, Fuzzy Logic And Game Theory, Dan Li

Doctoral Dissertations

"The goal of this research is to develop a constrained multiobjective optimization method in the form of a robust, practical, problem-independent algorithm, and to investigate the effect of multiobjective optimization on structural design.

This research studies the properties and characteristics of multiobjective optimization and solutions. Design objectives, constraints and design variables as well as their effect on structural design and behaviors are investigated. Dynamic input energy for a multidegree-of-freedom structure is formulated. A multiobjective optimization algorithm based on game theory is developed. Fuzzy set theory is introduced to construct a fuzzy constrained environment. A Pareto genetic algorithm is developed based …

Stemming Technique For Loading Angled Holes Charged With Anfo, Michael David Wilkins

Masters Theses

"Little research has been published on stemming blast holes, particularly what happens during the process. Previous work has concentrated on the performance of the inert material to find the best way to seal the hole and retain the explosive energy, at the exclusion of determining what happens during the loading and stemming process. Such studies were carried out by Konya and Worsey.

The major problem with stemming studies is that rock is an opaque material, and the actual mechanisms involved during the stemming process cannot be viewed. For this reason, tests were performed using clear tubes to simulate a blast …

Reinforcement Of Web Openings In Cold-Formed Steel Members, Erika Kirsten Nelson

Masters Theses

"To expand on previous research concerning perforated cold-formed steel web elements, an experimental investigation was conducted to examine the influence of reinforcement on the behavior and strength of single web flexural members with web openings. In current design practice, reduction factors are applied to the strength equations to account for the debilitating effect of web openings. This reduction in capacity may lead to the selection of a greater member thickness or depth than would be required of a solid web member. A more economical approach may be to reinforce the web in the proximity of the opening to increase the …

Asynchronous Distance Learning Technology: The Instructor's Perspective, Earl Alexander Evans

Masters Theses

"Advances in communications, computer technology and human-computer interfaces have enabled concurrent advances in Web-based education. A number of case studies concerning applications of Web-based education for both distance learning and on-campus programs have been published. Primarily, these studies have focused on individual assessments of the Web-based technologies. In addition, these published studies have generally highlighted the successes while little discussion about failed attempts has been presented in the literature.

In contrast, this thesis provides a broad-based assessment of applied Web technology for higher education. This research was conducted via a survey completed by twenty five university and college faculty from …

Structure Map Of The San Antonio Segment Of The Edwards Aquifer And Balcones Fault Zone, South-Central Texas: Structural Framework Of A Major Limestone Aquifer: Kinney, Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, Comal, And Hays Counties, E. W. Collins, S. D. Hovorka

KIP Articles

No abstract provided.

Abundance Of Shorebirds At Willapa Bay, Washington, Joseph B. Buchanan, Joseph R. Evenson

Western Birds

No abstract provided.

The Staging Paradigm And Wetland Conservation In Arid Environments: Shorebirds And Wetlands Of The North American Great Basin, Julie A. Robinson, Sarah E. Warnock

International Wader Studies

No abstract provided.

Challenges In Wetland Restoration Of The Western Great Basin, Andrew Engilis Jr., Frederic A. Reid

International Wader Studies

No abstract provided.

The Kwi Conduit, Volume 5, No. 1, Spring 1997, John E. Mylroie

The KWI Conduit

Contents: KWI Board of Directors Meet -- Ordering KWI Publications -- Conservation and Protection of the Biota of Karst Meeting Attracts a Diverse Field -- Conservation of Karstic Biodiversity -- The KWI Helps Sponsor Sinkhole Meeting -- Cave Conservancy Foundation Graduate Fellowship in Karst Studies -- Upcoming Events of Interest for the Karst Community

Coastal Waders In Guinea-Bissau - Aerial Survey Results And Seasonal Occurrence On Selected Low Water Plots, Jacob Christian Salvig, Sten Asblrk, Jorgen Peter Kjeldsen, Palle A. F. Rasmussen, Alqueia Quade Rasmussen, John Frikke, Erik Christophersen

Wader Study Group Bulletin

No abstract provided.

Proceedings Of The 1997 National Cave And Karst Management Symposia National Cave & Karst Management Symposia Nckms, Robert R. Stitt

KIP Talks and Conferences

13th National Cave Management Symposium October 7-10,1997 Bellingham, VVashington and Chilliwack and Vancouver Island, BC, Canada: Contents: Role of the Epikarstic Zone in Temperate Rain Forest Management in Alaska / Tom Aley - Cathy Aley -- Application of a Karst Management Strategy: Two Case Studies from the Tongass National Forest, Southeastern Alaska and the Challenges of Implementation / James F. Baichtal -- Karst Landscapes and Associated Resources: A Resource Assessment / James F. Baichtal -- Karst Management in British Columbia / Bronwen Beedle -- Salmonid Populations in the Karst Landscape of North Prince of Wales Island, Southeast Alaska / Mason …

The Relationships Of Whitefly-Transmitted Bipartite Geminiviruses Of Mexico And The Southwestern United States, Kristin M. Ostrow

Honors Capstones

The whitefly-transmitted bipartite geminiviruses cause substantial losses of pepper, cucurbits, beans, and other crops in regions of Mexico, the Carribean, and the southwestern United States. In this project, several Subgroup ID geminiviruses were isolated, cloned, and characterized for the first time. Viruses studied in these experiments included TPV, PMTV, SGMV, BCMoV, SLCV, STLCV, and CdTV. Dimeric viral clones were constructed and assayed for infectivity by mechanical inoculations and gene gun inoculations. Cognate viral DNA infectivity studies (e.g. PMTV A and PMTV B) and noncognate viral DNA infectivity studies (e.g. PMTV A and SGMV B) were performed in order to determine …