Digital Commons Network^™

Review Of A Field Guide To The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Nebraska. By Daniel D. Fogell., Joseph T. Collins

Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences (through 2013)

A good field guide to any wildlife group includes an identification key, quality photographs, distribution maps, and a natural history summary. The recently published Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Nebraska does not fail the reader in this regard, having all of these features and more. Dan Fogell effectively presents all 62 species of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles native to Nebraska as well as four additional species of possible occurrence within the state, and all in a useful and compact guide that can be toted easily on a hike or any other field expedition.

This long-overdue updated field …

Polarization Switching At The Nanoscale In Ferroelectric Copolymer Thin Films, R. V. Gaynutdinov, S. Mitko, S. G. Yudin, V. M. Fridkin, Stephen Ducharme

Stephen Ducharme Publications

The polarization switching kinetics were measured at the nanoscale in continuous thin films of a ferroelectric copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene. The dependence of the switching rate on voltage for a 54-nm thick film exhibits extrinsic nucleation and domain-growth type kinetics with no true threshold coercive field, and is qualitatively different from the behavior of an 18-nm thick film, which exhibits intrinsic switching kinetics, and a true threshold field. The results are consistent with studies of thin film capacitors of much larger area and with a recent refinement of the theory of the critical size for intrinsic switching.

Electrical Control Of Photoluminescence Wavelength From Semiconductor Quantum Dots In A Ferroelectric Polymer Matrix, Rafal Korlacki, Ravi F. Saraf, Stephen Ducharme

Stephen Ducharme Publications

We report controllable tuning of the room temperature photoluminescence band of CdSe semiconductor quantum dots embedded in thin films of ferroelectric copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene made by Langmuir-Blodgett deposition. The high breakdown strength of the polymer permits the application of electric fields of up to 400 MV/m and results in a shift in the photoluminescence peak by up to 9 nm, nearly half the fluorescence band width. Moreover, we found that at these high electric fields, the Stark effect exhibits unusual fourth power dependence.

Thickness-Shear And Thickness-Twist Vibrations Of An At-Cut Quartz Mesa Resonator, Huijing He, Jinxi Liu, Jiashi Yang

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

We study thickness-shear and thickness-twist vibrations of an AT-cut quartz plate mesa resonator with stepped thickness. The equations of anisotropic elasticity are used with the omission of the small elastic constant c56. An analytical solution is obtained using Fourier series from which the resonant frequencies, mode shapes, and energy trapping are calculated and examined. The solution shows that a mesa resonator exhibits strong energy trapping of thickness-shear and thickness-twist modes, and that the trapping is sensitive to some of the structural parameters of the resonator.

In Vivo Three-Dimensional Blood Velocity Profile Shapes In The Human Common, Internal, And External Carotid Arteries, Alexey Kamenskiy, Yuris A. Dzenis, Jason N. Mactaggart, Anastasia Desyatova, Iraklis I. Pipinos

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Objective: True understanding of carotid bifurcation pathophysiology requires a detailed knowledge of the hemodynamic conditions within the arteries. Data on carotid artery hemodynamics are usually based on simplified, computer-based, or in vitro experimental models, most of which assume that the velocity profiles are axially symmetric away from the carotid bulb. Modeling accuracy and, more importantly, our understanding of the pathophysiology of carotid bifurcation disease could be considerably improved by more precise knowledge of the in vivo flow properties within the human carotid artery. The purpose of this work was to determine the three-dimensional pulsatile velocity profiles of human carotid arteries. …

Relational Neighborhood Inverse Consistency For Constraint Satisfaction, Robert J. Woodward, Shant Karakashian, Berthe Y. Choueiry, Christian Bessiere

School of Computing: Technical Reports

Freuder and Elfe [1996] introduced Neighborhood Inverse Consistency (NIC) as a new local consistency property for Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs) that filters the domains of variables. Two advantages of the algorithm for enforcing NIC is that it automatically adapts its filtering power to the local connectivity of the network and has insignificant space overhead. In this document, we discuss Relational Neighborhood Inverse Consistency (RNIC), which is an extension of NIC to filter relations introduced in [Woodward et al., 2011a], how we enhance the propagation effectiveness by reformulating the dual graph of the CSP. We also describe an automated selection policy …

Deep Multiwaveband Observations Of The Jets Of 0208-512 And 1202-262, Eric S. Perlman

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

We present deep Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra, Very Large Array, and Australia Telescope Compact Array images of the jets of PKS 0208-512 and PKS 1202-262, which were found in a Chandra survey of a flux-limited sample of flat-spectrum radio quasars with jets. We discuss in detail their X-ray morphologies and spectra. We find optical emission from one knot in the jet of PKS 1202-262 and two regions in the jet of PKS 0208-512. The X-ray emission of both jets is most consistent with external Comptonization of cosmic microwave background photons by particles within the jet, while the optical emission is …

Analytic Energy Gradients In Combined Second Order Møller-Plesset Perturbation Theory And Conductorlike Polarizable Continuum Model Calculation, Dejun Si, Hui Li

Hui Li Publications

The analytic energy gradients in combined second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory and conductor-like polarizable continuum model calculations are derived and implemented for spin-restricted closed shell (RMP2), Z-averaged spin-restricted open shell (ZAPT2), and spin-unrestricted open shell (UMP2) cases. Using these methods, the geometries of the S0 ground state and the T₁ state of three nucleobase pairs (guanine-cytosine, adenine-thymine, and adenine-uracil) in the gas phase and aqueous solution phase are optimized. It is found that in both the gas phase and the aqueous solution phase the hydrogen bonds in the T₁ state pairs are weakened by ∼1 kcal/mol as compared …

Numerical Analysis Of Gun Barrel Pressure Blast Using Dynamic Mesh Adaption, Sathish Xavier

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method has been applied to simulate the pressure blast of the projectile which is launched from a barrel and to investigate the pressure distribution and sound pressure level (dB) along different positions away from the gun axis and towards the fuselage of the aircraft. Fluent was employed to simulate the unsteady flow using dynamic mesh with moving boundary. Most CFD based ballistics-model requires additional thermodynamic functions which must be derived from the Noble-Abel equation of state. The unsteady, axisymmetric Navier Stokes equation systems were numerically solved using the Advection Upstream Splitting Method (AUSM) scheme; with …

Event Horizons, Gravitational Waves And Astrophysical Kicks In Black-Hole Spacetimes, J. Marcelo Ponce Castro

Theses

In this thesis we use computational techniques (numerical simulations) to study different stages of black hole mergers. A first project describes topological properties of the main performer of this play, the black hole and its event horizon. We investigate three configurations: a continuum ring singularity, a 'discretized' ring (black holes arranged on a ring), and a linear distribution of black holes. We evolve each of the corresponding spacetimes forward and then backwards in time, searching for the respective event horizons. We find some evidence, based on configurations of multiple BHs arranged in a ring, that this configuration leads to singular …

Photon Manipulation In Silicon Nanophotonic Circuits, Ali Elshaari

Theses

Quantum-based communication systems can potentially achieve the ultimate security from eavesdropping and greatly reduce the operating powers on chip. Light-speed transmission, noise immunity, and low noise properties make photons indispensable for quantum communication to transfer a quantum state through a transmission line. Furthermore, the field of silicon nanophotonics is fast growing field which is driven by the attractive and promising improvements it has to offer in high speed communication systems and on chip optical interconnects. Consequently, there is a high demand to develop the building blocks for photon manipulation in silicon nanophotonic circuits. The goal of the work is to …

An Economic Approach To The Ecological Issues Of Urban Stormwater Runoff: A Case Study Of The Allen Creek Watershed In Monroe County, New York, Kelly Hellman

Theses

Urban stormwater runoff is excess runoff created by increased imperviousness in an urbanized watershed and can have significant impacts on both water quantity and quality. Natural communities and human communities are faced with damages that occur as a result of the change in the type and magnitude of stormwater runoff flows, including but not limited to increased flooding and degradation of natural aquatic systems. Therefore, from both an economic and ecological perspective, it is important that urban planners effectively manage excess stormwater runoff. This paper details the development of an ecological-economic model that can be used to guide urban planners …

A Search For Mri Diffusion Coefficient Standards, Hongmei Yuan

Theses

Diffusion coefficients (D) can be readily measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instruments. Operators of these instruments often utilize standards with known diffusion coefficients to rapidly and conveniently test the performance of the NMR or MRI system to measure diffusion. A variety of these standards have been proposed in the scientific literature. This thesis describes a diffusion standard based on water constrained by container geometry, specifically water between tightly packed, parallel glass fiber filaments. The restricted diffusion of water in this environment gives a diffusion coefficient which is selectable by the choice of data …

Effects Of Low Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma On Tooth Whitening, Denise Michelle Claiborne

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LT APP) is a novel science being studied as an alternative light source to enhance tooth whitening. The safety and effectiveness of LTAPP has not been established therefore; the purpose of this study was to determine if LTAPP along with H₂O₂ gel would safely and effectively accelerate the tooth whitening process, in terms of lightness and temperature. Two treatment groups were utilized: 36% H₂O₂ gel only and 36% H₂O₂ gel plus LT APP. Control group received no treatment. Experimental teeth were exposed to LT APP at …

Investigating Factors Associated With Burglary Crime Analysis Using Logistic Regression Modeling, Daniel Antolos

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study conducted a logistic regression to determine the relationship of factors associated with burglary to determine the variables necessary to predict criminal activity. Predictors utilized in the study; included time of day, day of week, connectors, barriers, and repeat victimization. These predictors were all incorporated to develop a model that would best predict burglary activity as it relates from a determine epicenter of activity. The predictors selected have all be shown, through research to be significant, characteristics of activity as they relate to burglary but have not been incorporated together to develop a significant model. The model compared the …

Building Leadership Through Action Research, Douglas Llewellyn, John Travers, Mike Wischnowski

Education Faculty/Staff Publications

In a poem by the Nobel Prize winning Irish poet Seamus Heaney, the narrator remarks, "She taught me what her uncle once taught her: how easily the biggest coal block split if you got the grain and the hammer angled right." Getting the grain and the hammer angled right is never an easy task for leaders in any complex organization. However, if the coal block-size dilemmas of education are to be split into problems that are manageable, comprehensible, and mutable, then school leaders will have to work assiduously and persistently to accomplish just this.

An Lcms Based Assay For Detection And Quantification Of Bacterial Cell Wall Intermediates, Chandra Sekhar Arigapudi

All Capstone Projects

The main objective of my project is to determine the bacterial cell wall intermediates in E.coli and develop an LCMS method that Phosphomycin is a PEP analogue that irreversibly inhibits UDP-GluNAc-enolpyruvate transferase (MurA enzyme), which prevents the formation of N-acetyl muramic acid, which is an essential element in the Peptidoglycan cell wall. Antibacterial agents have a tremendous impact on human health. Most of the antibacterial agents, including beta lactams target the bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.The pathway for Escherichia coli is shown in page 19. Among the most widely used antibiotics, beta lactams inhibit the penicillin binding protein (PBPs)which block the …

Capture And Analysis Of Cells Using Magnetic Beads, Alexandro Dominguez

All Capstone Projects

Magnetic separation of cells and bacterium is a fascinating field of study. There are tremendous capabilities in separation, selectivity, and sensitivity. Magnetic separation reduces complex techniques, time consuming preparation, and complicated multistep methods of separation.The separation of cells, bacterium, and macromolecules can be extremely challenging. Fortunately, magnetically tagged cells, bacterium and macromolecules can be easily separated without great expertise. Antibody magnetic micro beads are specific to a cell, bacterium, or macromolecules. Separating a mixture can lead to a better, more accurate analysis of samples that can be crucial in the medical field, therapeutic drug delivery systems, and in some circumstances …

Evaluation And In Vitro Studies Of Folate Peg Biotin And Other Peg Agents, Christopher E. Zmudka

All Capstone Projects

Folate receptor alpha is a membrane-bound protein displaying high affinity for folic acid. This receptor is believed to serve as a receptor-mediated transport system of folic acid into cancer and cells associated with inflammation. Interesting, most normal cells in the body have little if no high affinity folate receptor alpha. Based on these attributes, folate based drug delivery, imaging systems, and diagnostic systems are in several stages of development worldwide.

Numerous methods have been explored in the literature in an attempt to detect low levels of free folate receptor and/or rare circulating cancer cells. In an attempt to further exploit …

Analytical Evaluation Of Imaging Agents, Vineela Chowdary Talluri

All Capstone Projects

The folate receptor has achieved great importance for use in targeted drug delivery and in vitro and in vivo diagnostic assays. The folate receptor (FR) is over expressed on several cancer cell types and activated macrophages, but exists in relatively low abundance on the surface of non-cancerous tissue and non inflammatory cells. This unique attribute is the hallmark of folate – targeted methodologies allowing the diagnostic agent and/or drug to be ferried to the specific disease sites while preventing “off target” effects in normal tissues. Although several folate-based dyes have been reported, simple and detailed synthetic and purification methods for …

Nanoparticles For Mercury Abatement, Sunil Krishna Thanikanti

All Capstone Projects

Mercury is considered to be a global contaminant. It does not break down in the environment and can build up in living organisms. Mercury can be carried long distances on wind currents, staying in the atmosphere for long periods of time, when in its vapor form. High mercury exposure results in permanent nervous system and kidney damage. Mercury exists in three different chemical forms: elemental, inorganic, and organic. The routes of exposure can be inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Vapor from liquid elemental mercury and methyl mercury are more easily absorbed than inorganic mercury salts and can, therefore, cause more …

Wound Healing And The Role Of Biomarkers And Biofilms, Mujtaba Khan

All Capstone Projects

An injury to the skin alters the integrity of underlying tissues and microcirculation and thus certainly culminates in a wound. Wound healing is a highly complex, dynamic, interactive and well regulated physiological process involving blood cells, extracellular matrix, parenchyma cells and soluble mediators. It starts with alteration in integrity of tissues and ends with the formation of scar. The process of wound healing is distinguished into Haemostasis, Inflammation, Proliferation and Remodeling. Various cells like platelets, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, angiocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and factors like platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor, platelet derived epidermal growth factors, fibroblasts growth factor, albumin, …

The Effect Of Single-Gender Education On The Achievement Of Sixth Grade Mathematics Students, Rhonda Lee Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on students' academic achievement when served with a single-gender instructional model. Sixth grade students enrolled in single-gender classes were compared to heterogeneous classes utilizing the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). MAP data from the fall and spring administrations were evaluated to determine academic growth. In the analysis of growth in academic achievement between groups based upon MAP scores, there was no significant difference found between academic growth and gender. While there was group variability that may have impacted achievement scores, overall growth of MAP scores and the amount of achievement …

Learning Styles Of Egyptian Business Students, Bijayananda Naik, Deb Tech, Nashwa El-Bendary

Research & Publications

The Index of Learning Styles (ILS) instrument based on the Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model was used to determine distribution of learning styles of eighty Egyptian business students enrolled in an Egyptian institution of higher education. Results show that Egyptian business students surveyed in this study prefer sensing, visual, active, and sequential learning styles over intuitive, verbal, reflective, and global learning styles respectively. The majority of business students have a balanced learning style in all four dimensions of the Felder-Silverman model. Gender difference in learning style preference was statistically significant for only two of the four dimensions. The small gender difference …

Sacred Heart University Fact Sheet - Fall 2011, Office Of Institutional Research

News, Magazines and Reports

No abstract provided.

Greening Of Ill At Himmelfarb Library, Yvonne Lee, Alek Potrzebowski, Kathe Obrig

Himmelfarb Library Faculty Posters and Presentations

Traditionally, the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Department consumed the largest amount of paper from routine printing of articles/chapters before delivery. In 2010, staff examined existing processes to find ways to print only when necessary and become a greener department. This poster presentation explains the implementation and the outcomes of the "greening" initiative in the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Department of the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library.

Allocating Resources In Multiagent Flowshops With Adaptive Auctions, Hoong Chuin Lau, Zhengyi Zhao, Sam Shuzhi Ge, Thong Heng Lee

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In this paper, we consider the problem of allocating machine resources among multiple agents, each of which is responsible to solve a flowshop scheduling problem. We present an iterated combinatorial auction mechanism in which bid generation is performed within each agent, while a price adjustment procedure is performed by a centralized auctioneer. While this approach is fairly well-studied in the literature, our primary innovation is in an adaptive price adjustment procedure, utilizing variable step-size inspired by adaptive PID-control theory coupled with utility pricing inspired by classical microeconomics. We compare with the conventional price adjustment scheme proposed in Fisher (1985), and …

Recommending People In Developers' Collaboration Network, Didi Surian, Nian Liu, David Lo, Hanghang Tong, Ee Peng Lim, Christos Faloutsos

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Many software developments involve collaborations of developers across the globe. This is true for both open-source and closed-source development efforts. Developers collaborate on different projects of various types. As with any other teamwork endeavors, finding compatibility among members in a development team is helpful towards the realization of the team’s goal. Compatible members tend to share similar programming style and naming strategy, communicate well with one another, etc. However, finding the right person to work with is not an easy task. In this work, we extract information available from Sourceforge.Net, the largest database of open source software, and build developer …

Concern Localization Using Information Retrieval: An Empirical Study On Linux Kernel, Shaowei Wang, David Lo, Zhenchang Xing, Lingxiao Jiang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Many software maintenance activities need to find code units (functions, files, etc.) that implement a certain concern (features, bugs, etc.). To facilitate such activities, many approaches have been proposed to automatically link code units with concerns described in natural languages, which are termed as concern localization and often employ Information Retrieval (IR) techniques. There has not been a study that evaluates and compares the effectiveness of latest IR techniques on a large dataset. This study fills this gap by investigating ten IR techniques, some of which are new and have not been used for concern localization, on a Linux kernel …

Mining Direct Antagonistic Communities In Explicit Trust Networks, David Lo, Didi Surian, Zhang Kuan, Ee Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

There has been a recent increase of interest in analyzing trust and friendship networks to gain insights about relationship dynamics among users. Many sites such as Epinions, Facebook, and other social networking sites allow users to declare trusts or friendships between different members of the community. In this work, we are interested in extracting direct antagonistic communities (DACs) within a rich trust network involving trusts and distrusts. Each DAC is formed by two subcommunities with trust relationships among members of each sub-community but distrust relationships across the sub-communities. We develop an efficient algorithm that could analyze large trust networks leveraging …