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Index To Volume 62, Human Biology Editors

Human Biology

No abstract provided.

Phospholipase D- And Phosphatidic Acid-Mediated Signaling In Plant Response To Abscisic Acid And Reactive Oxygen Species, Liang Guo

Dissertations

The Arabidopsis genome has 12 phospholipase D (PLD) genes that are classified into six types, PLDα, PLDβ, PLDγ, PLDδ, PLDε, and PLDζ, based on sequence similarities, domain structures, and biochemical properties. Phosphatidic acids (PA) produced by PLDs have been identified as important lipid signaling molecules in cell growth, development, and stress responses. This study was undertaken to determine the role of PLD and PA in plant response to abscisic acid (ABA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The lipid mediator PA was found to interact with sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) in Arabidopsis. Two unique SPHK cDNAs were cloned and expressed. Both SPHKs …

Issues Related To Combining Multiple Speciated Pm2.5 Data Sources In Spatio-Temporal Exposure Models For Epidemiology: The Npact Case Study, Sun-Young Kim, Lianne Sheppard, Timothy V. Larson, Joel Kaufman, Sverre Vedal

UW Biostatistics Working Paper Series

Background: Regulatory monitoring data have been the most common exposure data resource in studies of the association between long-term PM_2.5 components and health. However, data collected for regulatory purposes may not be compatible with epidemiological study.

Objectives: We aimed to explore three important features of the PM_2.5 component monitoring data obtained from multiple sources to combine all available data for developing spatio-temporal prediction models in the National Particle Component and Toxicity (NPACT) study.

Methods: The NPACT monitoring data were collected in an extensive monitoring campaign targeting cohort participants. The regulatory monitoring data were obtained from the Chemical Speciation …

Trumpeter Swan Survey Of The Rocky Mountain Population, U.S. Breeding Segment Fall 2013, Dave Olson

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Observers counted 606 swans (white birds and cygnets) in the U.S. Breeding Segment of the Rocky Mountain Population of trumpeter swans during fall of 2013, a 2.2% increase from last year’s count (593). The number of white birds in the Tri-state region (451) increased 18% from last year’s count of 381. The total number of cygnets decreased 38.2%, from 178 in 2012 to 110 in 2013. Cygnet counts decreased from 2012 by 72.9% and 6.7% for Montana and Idaho, respectively, while Wyoming cygnet production remained the same as last year at 52. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) did not conduct …

2013 Fall Engr333 Project Final Report, 2013 Fall Engr333

ENGR 333

During the fall of 2013, the Engineering 333 class was asked the question, “what would it take for Calvin College to operate a biofuel vehicle from campus resources?” The three primary considerations included:

• Determining the optimal biofuel feedstock in terms of availability, transportation, and processing.
• Selecting a biofuel vehicle for conversion or purchase to operate on the selected feedstock.
• Designing the infrastructure and process required for operating the selected biofuel vehicle. The design and research described below proposes an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective method for integrating a biofuel vehicle into Calvin’s existing infrastructure.

Faith And Doubt As Partners In Mormon History, Gregory A. Prince

Arrington Annual Lecture

No abstract provided.

Liquid Core Waveguide Sensors With Single And Multi-Spot Excitation, Lynnell Uilani Wai Yee Zempoaltecatl

Theses and Dissertations

Using silicon based microfabrication and materials, a photonic platform, capable of single bioparticle analysis, has been developed. This platform combines liquid and hollow core waveguides on the micron-scale (5 µm x 12 µm) to isolate femtoliter sized sample volumes. Fluorescence excitation and signals in the visible range are directed into and out of the sample volume at an orthogonal angle to maximize signal-to-noise. In order to guide light in a low-index material antiresonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs) were incorporated into the platform. This thesis reveals the development path of these structures over several device generations including innovations in material, geometries, …

Rapid Generation Of Light Beams Carrying Orbital Angular Momentum, Mohammad Mirhosseini, Omar S. Magaña-Loaiza, Changchen Chen, Brandon Rodenburg, Mehul Malik, Robert W. Boyd

Faculty Publications

We report a technique for encoding both amplitude and phase variations onto a laser beam using a single digital micro-mirror device (DMD). Using this technique, we generate Laguerre-Gaussian and vortex orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) modes, along with modes in a set that is mutually unbiased with respect to the OAM basis. Additionally, we have demonstrated rapid switching among the generated modes at a speed of 4 kHz, which is much faster than the speed regularly achieved by phase-only spatial light modulators (SLMs). The dynamic control of both phase and amplitude of a laser beam is an enabling technology for classical communication and …

Reduced Row Echelon Form And Non-Linear Approximation For Subspace Segmentation And High-Dimensional Data Clustering, Akram Aldroubi, Ali Sekmen

Computer Science Faculty Research

Given a set of data W={w1,…,wN}∈RD drawn from a union of subspaces, we focus on determining a nonlinear model of the form U=⋃i∈ISi, where {Si⊂RD}i∈I is a set of subspaces, that is nearest to W. The model is then used to classify W into clusters. Our approach is based on the binary reduced row echelon form of data matrix, combined with an iterative scheme based on a non-linear approximation method. We prove that, in absence of noise, our approach can find the number of subspaces, their dimensions, and an orthonormal basis for each subspace Si. We provide a comprehensive analysis …

Structure-Function Relationship In Dual Function Hemoglobin/Dehaloperoxidase From Amphitrite Ornata, Chunxue Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Hemoglobin/dehaloperoxidase (DHP) from Amphitrite ornata, is the first discovered globin which in addition to the oxygen binding has an additional physiological function as an enzyme. In the ferric state it is a dehaloperoxidase, which dehalogenates a wide range of halophenols. DHP evolved from an ancestral oxygen carrier and acquired the peroxidase function in response to environmental pressures. The peroxidase activity of DHP is much higher than that of vertebrate myoglobins (Mb) yet lower than that of typical peroxidases. Also, DHP exhibits about 10-fold lower oxygen affinity than Mb.

The first aim of this research was to identify the halophenolic substrates …

Fundamental Experimental Studies In Scaling, Blast Mitigation And Material Processing, Xing Zhao

Theses and Dissertations

In this work, two separate research efforts are discussed. They include experimental studies in (1) Scaling and Blast Mitigation and (2) Scaling in Friction Stir Extrusion. In both studies, the primary experimental measurement method is three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC), a non-contacting full-field measurement method that is applicable for both high-rate loading and quasi-static loading conditions.

Scaling and Blast Mitigation Studies:

A series of properly scaled structures was subjected to buried blast loading conditions via detonation of a small explosive buried in saturated sand. Using high speed stereo-vision systems to record the deformations of selected regions on the upper surface …

Effects Of The Flash Welding Process On Mechanical And Microstructural Properties Of Structural Steel Joints Assessed Using Dest, Don Whaley

Master’s Theses

ASTM A529 carbon¿manganese steel angle specimens were joined by flash butt welding and the effects of varying process parameter settings on the resulting welds were investigated. The weld metal and heat affected zones were examined and tested using tensile testing, ultrasonic scanning, Rockwell hardness testing, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy in order to quantify the effect of process variables on weld quality. Statistical analysis of experimental tensile and ultrasonic scanning data highlighted the sensitivity of weld strength and the presence of weld zone inclusions and interfacial defects to the process factors of upset current, flashing …

Lean Machine

News Releases

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Lateral Boundary Conditions On Regional Climate Projections Over West Africa, Jee Hee Kim

Master's Theses

Climate simulation and projections using regional climate models (RCMs) are sensitive to the choice of lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) which often are derived from global climate models (GCM). These LBCs used to drive RCMs describe the atmospheric conditions at the boundaries regarding atmospheric dynamics as well as atmospheric physics, including wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity. Understanding the impact of each component of LBCs is important for understanding and reducing the uncertainty in and improving the accuracy of RCM climate simulations and projections. In this study, the ICTP Regional Climate Model Version 4 (RegCM4) is used to investigate the impact …

Comparison Of Corrosion Of Magnesium And Aluminium In Palm Biodiesel / Chew King Vee, King Vee Chew

Student Works (2010-2019)

Salat is an Islamic prayer ritual that all Muslims must perform five times a day. The salatphysical manoeuvres steps include various motions such as standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting. Recently, the study of salat movements from the perspective of science has been widely investigated. The current study evaluated the impact of salatmovements on the biomechanical response of human muscle using electromyography (EMG). The eight upper-bodymuscles involved were the neck extensors (NE), sternocleidomastoideus (SCM), trapezius (TRP), deltoid (DL), bicepsbrachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), rectus abdominus (RA), and erector spine (ES) and the four lower-body muscles involved were the rectus femoris (RF), …

Contrast Negation Differentiates Visual Pathways Underlying Dynamic And Invariant Facial Processing, Pamela M. Pallett, Ming Meng

Dartmouth Scholarship

Abstract Bruce and Young (1986) proposed a model for face processing that begins with structural encoding, followed by a split into two processing streams: one for the dynamic aspects of the face (e.g., facial expressions of emotion) and the other for the invariant aspects of the face (e.g., gender, identity). Yet how this is accomplished remains unclear. Here, we took a psychophysical approach using contrast negation to test the Bruce and Young model. Previous research suggests that contrast negation impairs processing of invariant features (e.g., gender) but not dynamic features (e.g., expression). In our first experiment, participants discriminated differences in …

Environmental Regulation Of Tidal Wetland Microbial Communities And Associated Biogeochemistry, Ember Morrissey

Theses and Dissertations

Microbial communities play an essential role in carrying out the biogeochemical cycles that sustain life on Earth, yet we know very little about their ecology. One question of particular interest is how environmental conditions shape microbial community structure (i.e., the types of organisms found in the community and their relative abundance), and whether such changes in structure are related to biogeochemical function. It is the aim of this dissertation to address this question via the examination of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in wetland ecosystems, which due to their diverse hydrology have a profound influence on biogeochemical cycles. With …

Modified Sodium Diuranate Process For The Recovery Of Uranium From Uranium Hexafluoride Transport Cylinder Wash Solution, Austin Dean Meredith

Theses and Dissertations

Uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) containment cylinders must be emptied and washed every five years in order to undergo recertification, according to ANSI standards. During the emptying of the UF₆ from the cylinders, a thin residue, or heel, of UF₆ is left behind. This heel must be removed in order for recertification to take place.

To remove it, the inside of the containment cylinder is washed with acid and the resulting solution generally contains three or four kilograms of uranium. Thus, before the liquid solution can be disposed of, the uranium must be separated. A modified sodium diuranate …

3d Finite Element Modeling Of Sliding Wear, Rodolfo G. Buentello Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the mechanical wear due to the sliding between two surfaces. Currently there is a need to identify and compare materials that would endure sliding wear under these severe conditions. The high costs of the high-speed sliding experiments has prevented the collection of the necessary data required to characterize wear. Simulating wear through Finite Elements (FE) would enable its prediction. This 3D wear model allows one to reasonably predict high-speed sliding mechanical wear. In the aerospace, automotive and weapon industries this model can aid in material selection, design and/or testing of systems subjected to high-speed sliding wear.

A Dynamic, Broad Spectrum Approach To Covert Channels, Christopher Hoffman

Theses

In most covert channel systems, bandwidth is sacrificed for covertness. By using a dynamic, broad spectrum approach it was possible to use multiple covert channels to create a larger pipeline for data transmission. This approach utilized a monitor to determine how much data the network would be able to support before suspicion would be drawn to the change in traffic utility. The system then dispersed this traffic to each protocol proportionately using their monitored utility as a guide. A feedback channel was also utilized to determine if channel transmissions were successful and disabled any channels for future use that the …

The Impact Of Small Pass-Through Wetlands And Stormwater Retention Ponds On Dissolved Organic Matter, Michael B. Burkett

Theses

Retention ponds and mitigation wetlands have become more common throughout the urban and suburban landscape for stormwater management and nutrient removal. It is well known that wetlands can effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus, but the effect of wetlands on dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its impact on water quality is often overlooked, in spite of the importance of DOM in aquatic ecosystems. We seasonally sampled the inflow and outflow of five natural wetlands, five created wetlands and ten stormwater retention ponds in the urban and suburban environment of Monroe County, New York, for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen …

Civitas: A Game-Based Approach To Ap Art History, Anna Davis

Theses and Dissertations

To increase student engagement as well as cover the content of Ancient Rome, the author developed a game named Civitas for an AP Art History course. The question driving this research project was, "Will incorporating a game into this Ancient Rome unit increase engagement without sacrificing the academic integrity of the class?" Research about engagement as well as others' success incorporating games into the classroom was examined to determine the benefits and difficulties. Much of the work for this unit came before any teaching occurred: designing all aspects of the game as well as carefully determining how it would contribute …

Impact Of Urea Price Change On The Economic Optimum Level Of N Fertilizer Use In Hyv Rice And Its Yield In Bangladesh, S Rahman, Mmh Kazal, St Hossain

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The study estimates the impact of change in urea price on the economic optimum level of N fertilizer use in HYV rice and its yield in Bangladesh using a large set of experimental data of BRRI from 15 regions covering an 11 year period (2001–2011). Results revealed that the level of N fertilizer used in experiments to increase HYV rice yield was far lower than the economic optimum level in Aman and Boro seasons but higher in Aus season. The discrepancy was highest for HYV Boro rice closely followed by HYV Aman rice. Simulation exercise revealed that an increase in …

Multiplexed Fiber-Ring Laser Sensors For Ultrasonic Detection, Tongqing Liu, Lingling Hu, Ming Han

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

We propose and demonstrate a multiplexing method for ultrasonic sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that are included inside the laser cavity of a fiber-ring laser. The multiplexing is achieved using add-drop filters to route the light signals, according to their wavelengths, into different optical paths, each of which contains a separate span of erbium-doped fiber (EDF) as the gain medium. Because a specific span of EDF only addresses a single wavelength channel, mode completion is avoided and the FBG ultrasonic sensors can be simultaneously demodulated. The proposed method is experimentally demonstrated using a two-channel system with two sensing …

Association Affinity Network Based Multi-Model Collaboration For Multimedia Big Data Management And Retrieval, Tao Meng

Open Access Dissertations

With the rapid development of smart devices and ever-increasing popularity of social media websites such as Flickr, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, we have witnessed a huge increase of multimedia data. Recently, social media technology and big data have converged to provide rich content on what happens around the world via texts, images, videos, audios, etc. Given the enormous volumes of multimedia data, efficient and effective retrieval of relevant information according to users’ needs poses great challenges for traditional text-oriented storage and retrieval systems. Since manually annotating and managing the huge amount of information have become infeasible, data-driven approaches have received …

A Prairie Rendezvous, Vol. 15, No. 4 (Winter 2013), Grand Prairie Friends

Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Commencement Convocation Program, Sarasota - Manatee Campus, December 15, 2013, University Of South Florida

USF Graduation and Convocation Programs

Golden Bull Service & Outstanding Leadership Award - Miriam Fleck; Outstanding Graduate Award - Justin Daniel (J.D.) Lotz; Outstanding Professor - Elaine Augustine and Tricia Hunsader

Former Mickey Leland Center Website (Lelandcenter . Org) Full Website For Center And Archives From 2001 To 2013 Including Images, Internship Applications, Links, Bibliography And History., Mickeyleland Archives

Series 15: The Mickey Leland Staff Files, 1978 - 1989

No abstract provided.

Network Burst Monitoring And Detection Based On Fractal Dimension With Adaptive Time-Slot Monitoring Mechanism, Hsiao-Wen Tin, Shao-Wei Leu, Shun-Hsyung Chang, Gene Eu Jan

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study proposed an approach to measure the burstiness of network traffic based on fractal dimensions (FDs). By definition, burstiness is the degree of variation in network traffic. This study defined two types of FDs: (1) the FD of network traffic that describes the flow variation of network traffic, and (2) the FD of the range that describes the degree of flow dispersal. The proposed method uses an adaptive time-slot monitoring mechanism to monitor the network. The relevant FDs are derived from measurements obtained during each time slot in a monitoring window. This study conducted experiments using NS2 simulation data. …

The Least Squares Trefftz Method And The Method Of External Source For The Eigenfrequencies Of Waveguides, Hui-Ming Fang, Chia-Ming Fan, Yan-Cheng Liu, Sung-Shan Hsiao

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this study, the least squares Trefftz method (LSTM) is adopted for analyzing the eigenfrequencies problems governed by homogeneous Helmholtz equations. The Trefftz method, one kind of boundary-type meshless collocation methods, does not need mesh generation and numerical quadrature. Since the system of linear algebraic equations obtained by Trefftz method is highly ill-conditioned, the least squares method is adopted to stabilize the numerical scheme in this study. In the eigenproblem, the response amplitudes from an external source are used to determine the resonant frequencies. By adding an external source, the homogeneous boundary condition becomes inhomogeneous. Then we can employ the …