Digital Commons Network^™

Natural Isoscapes Of Louisiana: Stable Isotope Analysis Of Oxygen, Carbon, And Strontium, Miley Jackson

LSU Master's Theses

Stable isotope analysis has been used by archaeologists and anthropologists to better understand time, provenience, and diet of past humans, but the utility of stable isotope analysis in modern humans has not been fully explored. Forensic anthropologists today primarily identify human skeletal remains, and stable isotope analysis of bone may narrow down the possible identities of an individual. Determining the natural variability within the state of Louisiana is the first step in determining whether individuals from different areas of the state are distinguishable from one another. This thesis investigated the natural isotopic variability in Louisiana with respect to oxygen (δ18O), …

Inferences Of Subsistence Activities Using Musculoskeletal Stress Markers Of Humerii From Two Louisiana Archaeological Populations, Brian M. Thibodeaux

LSU Master's Theses

Wolff’s Law states that bone is laid down where it is needed; therefore, mechanical factors, including subsistence-based activity patterns, play a role in bone biology. One of bone’s responses to strain is the development of musculoskeletal stress markers (MSMs) at entheses, or the sites in which soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments, attach to bone. MSMs have been used by bioarchaeologists to make inferences about past population’s activity patterns and subsistence behaviors. The following study scores eight MSMs of the proximal humerii from the Tchefuncte (16ST1) and Greenhouse (16AV2) sites in Louisiana. The MSMs were segregated into muscle groups and …

Bridging Research And Education: A Look Into The Evolutionary History Of Batfishes And How Museum Exhibits Can Be Used To Engage The Public, Valerie Anestazia Derouen

LSU Master's Theses

The objective of this thesis was not only to contribute to our understanding of batfishes but to also show interesting and educational ways research can be presented to the general public. The first part of this project examines the evolutionary history of batfishes. Batfishes (Ogcocephalidae) are an understudied, group of marine anglerfishes that are dorsoventrally flattened and have an illicium and esca used to attract prey. Relationships among these taxa, as well as the position of Ogcocephalidae within Lophiiformes, remain poorly understood, with previous studies showing conflicting, and poorly resolved results. The timing of divergence and depth of origination in …

Using Eye-Tracking To Investigate Strategy And Performance Of Expert And Novice Control Room Operators, Christina Marie Koffskey

LSU Master's Theses

There is lacking research within the Petrochemical Industry that uses eye-tracking to explore the differences between the strategies of expert and novice control room operators as they monitor and address process parameters that could be used to improve novice training programs and interface design. Scan paths and three eye-tracking metrics (Fixation Frequency, Gaze Duration Mean, and Gaze Percentage) were used to investigate the differences in eye behavior of three expert control room operators and six novice students as they monitored and corrected a Crude Refinement simulation. A 2x2x2 mixed factor design was used to explore the effects that expertise (expert …

Minimization Of Transportation, Installation And Maintenance Operations Costs For Offshore Wind Turbines, Tasnim Ibn Faiz

LSU Master's Theses

Although it is a sustainable source and there is abundant potential for energy, cost of energy generated from offshore wind is still high compared to other sustainable energy sources. Apart from the manufacturing cost of turbines, cost of energy is significantly affected by costs of transportation and installation operations of wind turbines and maintenance operations of turbine components. Through optimum selection of decision variables, such as turbine installation method and rated power output of each turbine, cost of transportation and installation operations can be minimized. The first model in this study investigates the impact of these decision variables and effect …

An Efficient Approach To Epid Transit Dosimetry, Bart Alan Morris

LSU Master's Theses

Introduction: In order to maintain uniform standards in the accuracy of fractionated radiation therapy, quantification of the delivered dose per fraction accuracy is required. The pupose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a transit dosimetry method using the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) for dose delivery error detection and prevention. Methods and Materials: In the proposed method, 2D predicted transit images were generated for comparison with online images acquired during treatment. Predicted transit images were generated by convolving through-air EPID measurements of each field with pixel-specific kernels selected from a library of pre-calculated Monte Carlo pencil kernels …

Does Exploring Non-Linear Models Address High School Students' Misconceptions Of Linearity And Rate Of Change?, Kailyn Brabham

LSU Master's Theses

Previous studies have shown that students at all levels—elementary, secondary and post-secondary—tend to apply linear reasoning in mathematical problems where non-linear models are needed. They rely on proportionality and linear equations without paying attention to the problem features needed for an accurate model. In the present study, students were taught using an activity-inspired by modeling curricula. In a hands-on activity, they explored the rate of change of linear and nonlinear functions that arise in describing elastic materials, recording average rates of change and noting key graphical features. This led them to articulate the relationship between nonlinear models, local linearity and …

Digital Image Analysis Of Selected Tchefuncte And Alexander Series Ceramics, Peter Albert Cropley

LSU Master's Theses

In this study, I used digital image analysis to quantitatively describe and detail the prehistoric pottery associated with the coastal Tchefuncte culture (ca. B.C. 800—100 A.D.). The first step was to select and procure samples of Tchefuncte Plain var . Tchefuncte, var. Mandeville, Baldwin Plain var. O’Neal, and two decorated Alexander series wares from the Tchefuncte site. Two samples of var. Tchefuncte from the Bayou Jasmine site (16SJB2) and two Alexander series samples from the Tennessee-Tombigbee area were included for comparison. The sites represented by the samples from the Tennessee-Tombigbee region are the Kellogg Village Site (22CL527) and the Sanders …

A Forgotten Composer And His Music: Two Viola Compositions By Arends, Monica Pamela Rodriguez De La Hoz

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this document is to explore the viola music of the unknown Russian multi-talented musician Andrei Fedorovich Arends, in his two compositions written for that instrument: the Ballade for viola and piano, Op. 4 (1885) and the Concertino for viola and orchestra, Op. 7 (1886). The first section of the document provides an essential biography of the composer and information about his artistic highlights. The second section is devoted to a formal and stylistic analysis of the Ballade and the Concertino and their musical influences. The final section provides a performance guide to the Concertino, including the author’s …

The Confluence Of Structure And Dynamics In Lanthanide(Iii) Chelates: How Dynamics Help Define Structure In Solution, Benjamin Charles Webber, Mark Woods

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Coordination exchange processes tend to dominate the solution state behaviour of lanthanide chelates and generally prohibit the study of small conformational changes. In this article we take advantage of coordinatively rigid Eu³⁺ chelates to examine the small conformational changes that occur in these chelates as water dissociatively exchanges in and out of the inner coordination sphere. The results show that the time-averaged conformation of the chelate alters as the water exchange rate increases. This conformational change reflects a change in the hydration state (q/r_LnH⁶) of the chelate. The hydration state has recently come …

Can Gravitational Influences Explain Endpoint Precision Between Visual Conditions?, Chelsea Marie Soebbing

LSU Master's Theses

Reaches to remembered target locations often result in different endpoint precision when compared to reaches to actual (seen) targets. Interestingly, errors are observed whether the reach to the remembered location is performed in an environment with or without allocentric cues (visual cues from the environment) available. People tend to point below remembered target locations in the dark relative to normal room lighting while seated, standing, and reaching with a step. In this study we questioned the effect of gravitational influences on upper extremity reaching and pointing accuracy in dark and illuminated environments. We hypothesized that alterations in body orientation would …

The Analysis & Implementation Of Key Innovation Methods In Order To Prove That Innovation Is Required For Promoting Market Growth In The United States Track & Field Industry, Michael Hays Lauro

LSU Master's Theses

In relation to the rest of the world, the track and field industry within the United States lacks interest from the public. The market makes a name for itself during the short period of time the sport is televised in the Olympic Games. This is a problem for the elite athletes who are considered professional but have little to show for this title. The current marketing strategies and distribution of wealth within the industry are ineffective and detrimental to the future success of the sport. We must point the finger at the governing powers and demand a change. I believe …

A Feasibility Study Of Ultra-Short Echo Time Mri For Positive Contrast Visualization Of Prostate Brachytherapy Permanent Seed Implants For Post-Implant Dosimetry, Melissa Lamberto

LSU Master's Theses

Purpose: Ultra-short echo time (UTE) imaging is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that uses very short echo times (on the order of microseconds) to measure rapid T2 relaxation. An application of UTE is the visualization of magnetic susceptibility-induced shortening of T2 in tissues adjacent to metal, such as prostate tissue with implanted brachytherapy seeds. This study assessed UTE imaging of prostate brachytherapy seeds on a clinical 3T MRI scanner to provide images for post-implant dosimetry. Methods: A prostate tissue phantom was made of gelatin mixed with Gd and other materials to mimic the prostate peripheral zone’s T1 and T2 …

Inattentional Blindness And Auditory Attention: Effects Of Cognitive Load On Visual Awareness, Dillon James Cornett

LSU Master's Theses

The current study investigated the effects of cognitive load, in the presence or absence of distractors, during a dynamic inattentional blindness (IB) task on IB rate. IB is a phenomenon where one fails to notice an unexpected object (UEO) or event (UEE) that is in full view while attention is occupied. In the present study, the presence of distractors was manipulated (present/absent) to investigate the effects of selective attention in inattentional blindness when inhibition of distractors is required or not required. Undergraduates at Louisiana State University completed a visual task while listening to music embedded with sine wave tones (low …

Effort-Based Decision-Making In Schizotypy, Jessica Elaina Mcgovern

LSU Master's Theses

Avolition/apathy, defined as reduced initiation of or persistence in goal-directed behavior, is a pernicious, core negative symptom of schizophrenia. While deficits in effort-based decision-making have been proposed to underlie negative symptom deficits, it remains unknown whether subjective or objective motivation deficits are evident in individuals with elevated schizotypy, a trait associated with putative latent liability of developing psychosis. Thus, the present study examined whether and how objective and subjective motivation deficits manifest in individuals high (n = 57) versus low (n = 58) in schizotypy traits (based on a median-split of total experience scores on the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire –Brief …

Effect Of Tissue Source On Adult Equine Multipotent Stromal Cell Pluripotency Induction Treatment With Synthetic Mrna, Javier Martin Jarazo

LSU Master's Theses

Autogenous and autologous adult multipotent stromal cells are applied to treat equine musculoskeletal injuries in clinical practice. However, options for autologous therapy in the equine specie are restricted due to the limited biological material obtained or MSCs tissue harvest procedure and because of their unpredictable in vivo behavior. Induced pluripotent stem cells represent an alternative to overcome these limitations. Traditionally, iPSCs are produced by introducing DNA for early embryonic genes into cells with viruses. The method tested in this study, avoids the use of viral vectors and potential for exogenous DNA integration into the cell’s genome by utilizing a lipid …

Effects Of Latitude On The Competitive Ability Of Native And Invasive Genotypes Of Phragmites Australis, Anthony K. Chow

LSU Master's Theses

One commonly cited mechanism for the success of invasive species is their superior competitive ability relative to that of native species. Although 88% (22 of 25) of the empirical studies support the prediction that the strength of competition for native species increases with latitude, no studies to date have compared the competitive ability of native and co-occurring invasive species across a broad latitudinal range. In a greenhouse, I investigated whether the competitive ability of North American native and European invasive haplotypes of Phragmites australis vary with latitude. Another widespread, non-indigenous haplotype, the Gulf Coast haplotype, was also included for assessment …

Addressing The Health Of Refugees: Vitamin D, Laura B Madsen

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Convocation Of Thanks Remarks, Christopher Monson, Vinod Ravikumar, Israel Ackerman

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

Kiobel's Broader Significance: Implications For International Legal Theory, Austen L. Parrish

Articles by Maurer Faculty

No abstract provided.

Cybersecurity And The Administrative National Security State: Framing The Issues For Federal Legislation, David G. Delaney

Articles by Maurer Faculty

In the digital age, every part of federal government has critical cybersecurity interests. Many of those issues are brought into sharp focus by Edward Snowden's disclosure of sensitive government cyber intelligence programs conducted by the National Security Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Central Intelligence Agency. Courts are reviewing various constitutional and statutory challenges to those programs, two government review groups have reported on related legal and policy issues, and Congress is considering cyber intelligence reform proposals. All of this action comes on the heels of significant efforts by successive administrations to restructure government and pass comprehensive cybersecurity …

The Effects Of A Test-Taking Skills Intervention On Test Anxiety And Test Performance In 4th Graders, Meredith T. Harris

LSU Master's Theses

Increases in standardized testing have been accompanied by increased reports of test anxiety in younger students. School-based test anxiety interventions can be implemented to decrease test anxiety and improve test performance. Skill-based interventions have effectively addressed both of these variables; however, the research has primarily targeted secondary and university students. The purpose of the current study was to determine if a test-taking skills intervention would decrease test anxiety and improve test performance in 4th grade students. Results indicated that the test-taking skills intervention resulted only in a minor decrease in test anxiety that maintained at 1-month follow-up. Effects on test …

Methionine Restriction-Induced Metabolic Changes In C57bl6j Mice, Cory Christopher Cortez

LSU Master's Theses

Introduction: Eighty percent restriction of normal dietary methionine (MR) intake has been shown to increase energy expenditure and attenuate the rate of adiposity gain in rodents, despite a paradoxical increase in energy intake. Energy expenditure in rats was shown to increase, even though physical activity level stays the same. This observation suggests that metabolic mechanisms account for the majority of increased energy expenditure measured in methionine restricted animals. Purpose: To observe and document the onset of physiological effects brought about and to determine the mechanistic role of the skeletal muscle on MR-induced metabolic changes in the C57BL6J mouse. Methods: C57BL6J …

Identifying Congressional Overrides Should Not Be This Hard, Deborah Widiss

Articles by Maurer Faculty

This paper is an invited response to Professor William N. Eskridge, Jr., and Mr. Matthew R. Christiansen’s recently-published study (92 Texas L. Rev. 1317 (2014)) identifying and analyzing Congressional overrides of Supreme Court statutory interpretation decisions since 1967. Christiansen and Eskridge provide a new taxonomy for overrides that distinguishes between "restorative" overrides, which denounce a judicial interpretation as misrepresenting prior Congressional intent, and overrides that simply update or clarify policy. Although political science and legal scholarship has focused on the interbranch struggle implicit in restorative overrides, Christiansen and Eskridge classify only about 20% of the overrides in their total dataset …

Virtual Designs, Mark D. Janis, Jason J. Du Mont

Articles by Maurer Faculty

Industrial design is migrating to the virtual world, and the design patent system is migrating with it. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has already granted several thousand design patents on virtual designs, patents that cover the designs of graphical user interfaces for smartphones, tablets, and other products, as well as the designs of icons or other artifacts of various virtual environments. Many more such design patent applications are pending; in fact, U.S. design patent applications for virtual designs represent one of the fastest growing forms of design subject matter at the USPTO.

Our project is the first comprehensive …

Did The National Security Agency Destroy The Prospects For Confidentiality And Privilege When Lawyers Store Clients' Files In The Cloud--And What, If Anything, Can Lawyers And Law Firms Realistically Do In Response?, Sarah Jane Hughes

Articles by Maurer Faculty

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Dimensionality-Dependent Foam Rheological Properties By Using Mechanistic Foam Model, Woochan Lee

LSU Master's Theses

A numerous laboratory and field tests revealed that foam can effectively control gas mobility, improve sweep efficiency, and increase oil production, if correctly designed. It is believed that there is a significant gap between small laboratory-scale experiments and large field-scale tests because of two main reasons: (i) typical laboratory flow tests are conducted in linear systems, while field-scale foam EOR processes are performed in radial (or spherical partly) systems in general; and (ii) through the complicated in-situ lamella creation and coalescence mechanisms and non-Newtonian behavior, foam rheology is thought to depend on geometry and dimensionality and, as a result, it …

Art Tweets: A Content Analysis Of Social Media Activity Among Six Top Art Museums In The U.S.A., Patricia Ann Milford-Hoyt

LSU Master's Theses

This study presents a content analysis of Twitter posts tagged with one of six institutions to establish uses and gratifications with this medium and the art museum industry. Due to industry norms, copyright law, museums traditionally do not permit photography and therefore may limit the advancement of their mission through misuse of the social media. This study establishes a baseline by seeking to understand how museums and individual account holders engage on Twitter within the art museum space as well as begin to unearth whether museums are misusing this media outlet and limiting their potential to educate the public while …

Polonium-210 Dynamics In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Patrick Robert Jones

LSU Master's Theses

Polonium-210 (t1/2=138 d) is the most common among the 33 known radioisotopes of Polonium found in the natural environment. It is produced by the radioactive decay of its long-lived grandparent Lead-210(t1/2=22.3 d) via Bismuth-210 (t1/2=5.012 d) and forms as part of the natural Uranium-238 decay series. The primary hazard associated with Polonium-210 is its radioactivity, as an alpha particle emitter. Marine organisms receive their maximum radioactive dose in the natural environment from Polonium-210. Polonium has been known to bioaccumulate in the marine food web and can be potentially harmful to humans via the intake of certain marine organisms. Thus it …

Network Analysis Of Circular Permutations In Multidomain Proteins Reveals Functional Linkages For Uncharacterized Proteins., Donald Adjeroh, Yue Jiang, Bing-Hua Jiang, Jie Lin

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Various studies have implicated different multidomain proteins in cancer. However, there has been little or no detailed study on the role of circular multidomain proteins in the general problem of cancer or on specific cancer types. This work represents an initial attempt at investigating the potential for predicting linkages between known cancer-associated proteins with uncharacterized or hypothetical multidomain proteins, based primarily on circular permutation (CP) relationships. First, we propose an efficient algorithm for rapid identification of both exact and approximate CPs in multidomain proteins. Using the circular relations identified, we construct networks between multidomain proteins, based on which we perform …