Digital Commons Network^™

Popc Phospholipid Bilayer Failure Under Biaxial Deformations Using Molecular Dynamics, Michael Anthony Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

Mechanical injuries to the cell often lead to disruptions of the cell’s phospholipid bilayer membrane and potential detrimental effects including cell death. Understanding the mechanical states required to disrupt the phospholipid bilayer would result in better multiscale constitutive models and further knowledge of cell injury. The objectives of this research were to perform biaxial deformations of the phospholipid bilayer to quantify phospholipid bilayer disruption and to identify potential parameters that can be used in multiscale constitutive equations. We show that the von Mises stress, 26.6-61.1, increases linearly with the von Mises strain rate, 1.7e8-6.7e8, and that the strain at failure …

Production Of Hydrocarbons From Gasified Biomass Using Bifunctional Catalysts, Jason Tyler Street

Theses and Dissertations

The following chapters deal with the chemistry, catalytic poisoning, newer catalyst technologies, and possible future solutions to increase the efficiency of creating high-value products by thermochemically converting gasified biomass (producer gas). Chapter 1 puts emphasis on multifunctional catalysts containing transition metals that are used for renewable fuel production. High-value products such as gasoline-range hydrocarbons, dimethyl ether (DME), aldehydes, isobutane, isobutene and other olefins can be produced with gasified biomass due to the gas containing syngas (H2 + CO). The chemistry and production of these chemicals is discussed in the review. Chapter 2 describes the reactor design of a bench scale …

Shape Optimization Of Airfoils Without And With Ground Effect Using A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Yilei He

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The focus of this thesis is on shape optimization using a genetic algorithm. A multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is employed to optimize the shape of an airfoil to improve its lift and drag characteristics, in particular to achieve two objectives simultaneously that is to increase its lift as well as its lift to drag ratio. The commercially available software FLUENT is employed to calculate the flow field on an adaptive structured mesh, which is generated by the commercial mesh generating software ICEM. The flow field is calculated using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations in conjunction with a two equation k-ω …

Optical Resonators And Fiber Tapers As Transducers For Detection Of Nanoparticles And Bio-Molecules, Huzeyfe Yilmaz

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, detection of biological interactions on single molecule level has aspired many researchers to investigate several optical, chemical, electrical and mechanical sensing tools. Among these tools, toroidal optical resonators lead the way in detection of the smallest particle/molecule with the real time measurements. In this work, bio-sensing capabilities of toroidal optical resonators are investigated. Bio-sensing is realized via measuring the analyte-antigen interaction while the antigen is immobilized through a novel functionalization method.

Not long ago, detection of single nanoparticles using optical resonators has been accomplished however the need for cost-effective and practical transducers demands simpler tools. A tapered …

The Alestle - Vol. 67 No. 1 - 08/15/2014, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

The Alestle

Vol. 67. No. 1

Evaluation Of Mosfets For Terahertz Detector Arrays, Gregory J. Fertig

Theses

The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum is one of the last remaining regions that has yet to be fully characterized. THz imaging is one of the foremost drivers of this technology gap and has the potential to push development in the near term to a similar capability level as infrared (IR). Properties of THz radiation are introduced, along with promising current applications. Interest in array based imaging of THz radiation (T-Rays) has gained traction lately, specifically using a CMOS process due to its ease of manufacturability and the use of MOSFETs as a detection mechanism. The theory outlined …

Epithelial Immunization Induces Polyfunctional Cd8+ T Cells And Optimal Mousepox Protection., Adam R Hersperger, Nicholas A Siciliano, Brian C Dehaven, Adam E. Snook, Laurence C. Eisenlohr

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

We assessed several routes of immunization with vaccinia virus (VACV) in protecting mice against ectromelia virus (ECTV). By a wide margin, skin scarification provided the greatest protection. Humoral immunity and resident-memory T cells notwithstanding, several approaches revealed that circulating, memory CD8(+) T cells primed via scarification were functionally superior and conferred enhanced virus control. Immunization via the epithelial route warrants further investigation, as it may also provide enhanced defense against other infectious agents.

Loss Of 4e-Bp1 Function Induces Emt And Promotes Cancer Cell Migration And Invasion Via Cap-Dependent Translational Activation Of Snail, Weijia Cai, Qing Ye, Qing-Bai She

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The cap-dependent translation is frequently deregulated in a variety of cancers associated with tumor progression. However, the molecular basis of the translation activation for metastatic progression of cancer remains largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that activation of cap-dependent translation by silencing the translational repressor 4E-BP1 causes cancer epithelial cells to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is associated with selective upregulation of the EMT inducer Snail followed by repression of E-cadherin expression and promotion of cell migratory and invasive capabilities as well as metastasis. Conversely, inhibition of cap-dependent translation by a dominant active mutant 4E-BP1 effectively downregulates Snail expression and suppresses …

Intelligent Dynamic Acquisition Learning Fuzzy Modeling Systems Design, Hsuan-Ming Feng, Ching-Yi Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Secretary General, Taiwan Group on Earth Observations, Taiwan, R.O.C

Proteolysis And Lactobacillus Fermentation Effects On The Isoflavones Biotransformation And Removal Of Anti-Nutritional Factors Of Soy Bean, Li-Jung Yin, Hsueh-Ming Tai, Hui-Hung Lee, Shann-Tzong Jiang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

To investigate the effects of proteolysis and Lactobacillus johnsonii (LAB) fermentation on the removal of anti-nutritional factors and isoflavones biotransformation, soy bean was hydrolyzed by Bacillus subtilis YJ1 proteases and cellulases and further fermented with Lactobacillus johnsonii. Increases in soluble proteins, peptides, free amino acids, daidzin and genistin (p < 0.01) were observed after 10 hr hydrolysis at 50°C. Although no further increases in soluble proteins and peptides (p < 0.01) were observed after 24 hr Lactobacillus johnsonii fermentation in both 5-L and 120-L fermentors, substantial transformation from daidzin and genistin to daidzein and genistein was obtained (p < 0.01). Most of the anti-nutritional factors such as stachyose, raffinose, glycinin and β-conglycinin were not detected, suggesting that the hydrolysis and further Lactobacillus johnsonii fermentation could effectively remove the anti-nutritional factors and transform most of isoflavones into aglycones.

An Assessment Of Weather-Related Risk Associated With Early Corn Planting In Mississippi, Teri Lynnette Watkins

Theses and Dissertations

In central Mississippi, corn exposed to extreme temperatures and drought in summer months may result in reduced yields while corn planted early in the season may be susceptible to frost damage. This study performs an analysis and modeling of ideal planting dates using air and soil temperatures, daily precipitation, and January teleconnection indices to determine if early planting procedures may benefit corn grown in Mississippi. Resulting ideal planting dates vary annually, with early planting dates experiencing moderate harm and late planting dates experiencing severe harm. Additionally, models predicting ideal planting dates produce consistent R2 values, but contain errors of 20–30 …

Expression Of Facultative Den Behavior In Ursidae, Nicholas Lee Fowler

Theses and Dissertations

Many ecological and evolutionary processes have been described underlying natural selection but supporting evidence in wild settings is often lacking and our understanding remains incomplete. Using a multi-scale approach, I investigated expression of facultative den behavior (denning) among and within ursid species. Among species, lack of denning behavior was supported by relaxation of selection pressures of seasonal food availability due to realization of two sources of ecological opportunity; colonization of new habitat and adaptation of key innovations. Of denning species, I found evidence of adaptive ecological plasticity in den chronology among and within populations consistent with relaxed selective pressures influencing …

White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) Population Dynamics In A Multi-Predator Landscape, Jared Fitzgerald Duquette

Theses and Dissertations

Indices of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) abundance in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan suggested the population declined 40% from the previous 5 year mean following 2 consecutive severe winters in the mid-1990s and has not since increased in population size. I collected estimates and assessed biological and environmental covariates of survival and recruitment of fawns (< 1 year old) and age-specific reproductive and survival rates of adult females (> 1.6 years old) in the southwestern Upper Peninsula of Michigan from 2009–2011. Reproduction did not appear to regulate population growth, as 92 percent of females were pregnant. Annual survival of adult females was 70 percent across years, but poorer annual survival of fawns …

Morphology And Function Of The Drinking Apparatus In Hummingbirds, Alejandro Rico-Guevara

Doctoral Dissertations

My research aims to answer the questions: How do hummingbirds feed? And, how do the mechanics of feeding define the limits and adaptive values of feeding behaviors? I meticulously study every step of nectar capture and ingestion. My dissertation chapters are organized following a morpho-functional and feeding sequence approach: 1) Feeding Apparatus Morphology; with emphasis on the understudied morphology of the tongue grooves and bill tongue coupling. 2) Tongue Tip Dynamics; how hummingbird tongues entrap nectar. 3) Tongue Grooves Functioning: how the tongue acts as an elastic micropump while collecting nectar. 4) Bill Tip Mechanics; internal bill structures that aid …

Turbulent Circular Culvert Flow: Implications To Fish Passage Design, Amin Mohebbi

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Culverts are popular conveyance structures in America and Canada to be used as a fish passage or in sewage collection and disposal systems. Fish passage design criteria is based on biological capabilities of fish whereas it should satisfy hydraulic and hydrological constraints as well. Failing to provide enough low velocity regions for aquatic organisms may result in their mass extinctions. Currently, proper road crossing design depends on either model studies or numerical simulations via Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) packages, both of which are expensive and time consuming. Further, although the design procedures released by FHWA recently ensures safe fish migration …

Effects Of Prenatal Testosterone On Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons In Sheep Model For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Casey Jean Steadman

Theses and Dissertations

Female sheep exposed to excess testosterone (T) in utero display symptoms similar to those observed in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Prenatal T-treated ewes display masculinized sexual behavior and increased food-reward seeking behavior. A neural substrate critical for these goal-directed behaviors is the dopaminergic system in the ventral tegmental area. We have recently shown that in adult ewes dopamine expression in the VTA is increased by prenatal T exposure. In this thesis, I tested the hypothesis that alterations of the VTA dopamine system by prenatal-T are caused via activation of androgen (AR) and/or insulin receptors (IR). Analysis of immunohistochemical …

Ecological And Economic Implications Of Plant Diversity And Grazing In Pasture Systems, Adrian Pierre-Frederic Monroe

Theses and Dissertations

Converting exotic forages to native warm-season grasses (NWSG) such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) offers a sustainable alternative because NWSG may yield comparative livestock gains with less fertilizer, as well as offer habitat for arthropods and declining grassland bird species such as Dickcissels (Spiza americana). In the Southeastern United States, the predominant forage species are exotics such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), so NWSG conversion could substantially improve sustainability and wildlife habitat on private lands in the region. In 2011 and 2012, I studied response of Dickcissels …

Corporal Punishment: Associations With Alcohol Use And Abuse In Emerging Adults, Mary Ward Pollard

Theses and Dissertations

Research shows corporal punishment is associated with negative outcomes in offspring. These negative outcomes can present themselves during childhood and emerging adulthood. One negative consequence can be alcohol abuse. The consequences of alcohol abuse in emerging adults are reasons to research corporal punishment’s effects to support positive parental discipline. The current study examined the relationship between past-year corporal punishment and alcohol abuse in the emerging adulthood population. Results of the current study showed corporal punishment was correlated positively with alcohol use, externalizing problems, and authoritarian parenting style, and negatively correlated with maternal authoritative parenting style and permissive parenting style. Males …

An Investigation Of Geochemical Evidence For Three Paleo-Environments, John Paul Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Three paleo-environments were studied. The first project concerned the Manson Impact and the effect of the Black Hills on the resulting fall-out from this asteroid strike. Samples of the Crow Creek Member were taken east of the Black Hills in Nebraska and South Dakota and samples from the Red Bird Member were taken from the west, in Wyoming. These samples were examined for chemical weathering, soot, shocked quartz, and fossils. The Crow Creek samples had shocked quartz (indicative of an impact), severe chemical weathering, soot, and evidence of tsunamis. There were few calcareous fossils. The Red Bird showed no signs …

A Correlational Study Of Self-Directed Learning And Entrepreneurial Success In Southeast Kentucky, Frank Tudela Carothers

Theses and Dissertations

Many factors contribute to business and entrepreneurial success. Raw material, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship are common inputs into most business organizations (enterprises). Entrepreneurship is the one factor of production that is needed in all successful business organizations. In Southeast Kentucky, there has been much attention given to small business development and the need for more entrepreneurship. However, little research has been done on the “self-directedness” and “emotional intelligence” that are needed for entrepreneurial success. This study investigated the possible association between self-directed learning and emotional intelligence with entrepreneurial success in a Southeast Kentucky group consisting of independent small business owners. …

A Longitudinal Analysis Of Body Mass And Morbidity: Evidence From The Health And Retirement Study, Jamie Boydstun

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aimed to investigate the direct and indirect pathways between body mass and three indicators of morbidity – health conditions, disability, and self-rated health status – and how these associations differed across birth cohorts. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal sample of adults age 51 or older, I used latent growth curve modeling to investigate the association of body mass on morbidity for five cohorts. Latent growth curve models allow for changes in body mass, health conditions, disability, and self-rated health over several waves of data to be assessed. To determine if the …

Estimation Of Genetic Parameters For Hair Shedding Score And Relationship To Performance In Angus, Charolais, And Hereford Dams, Samuel Randall Plank

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives were to determine the association of hair shedding to performance in beef cattle and estimate genetic parameters for hair shedding scores. Dams were observed for shedding and given a score of 1 to 5. The month of first shedding (MFS) was determined when a female reached an average shedding score of 3.25 or less. Performance data included calf bw and d205wt and were considered as a trait of the dam. Hereford dams with a MFS of March weaned calves 18.37 + or - 8.85 kg heavier than dams with a MFS of June (P < 0.01). Angus dams with a MFS of March had calves with bw 7.75 + or - 1.64 kg greater than dams with a June MFS (P < 0.001). The heritability estimate for MFS was 0.11 + or - 0.06. Timing of hair shedding may have an influence on growth performance for certain breeds.

Evaluating The Relationship Between Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.) Crop Management Factors And Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus Lineolaris) Populations, Chase Allen Samples

Theses and Dissertations

Tarnished plant bug is the most important insect pest of cotton in Mississippi. Management of this insect is difficult because of insecticide resistance as well and the overwhelming population densities in many areas of the Mississippi Delta. Given the level of plant bug infestation and damage observed in cotton over the past several growing seasons, information is needed to improve management of vegetative growth once fruit retention is reduced. Little data exists regarding the impact of nitrogen application on infestation by tarnished plant bug. In addition, growers have been progressively reducing seeding rates as seed and technology fees have increased …

Evaluation Of Saflufenacil Use In Southern U.S. Rice Production, Garret Brown Montgomery

Theses and Dissertations

Research was conducted in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the use of saflufenacil in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Studies included a preemergence evaluation of different rates of saflufenacil in comparison to one rate of carfentrazone, a postemergence evaluation of saflufenacil at different rates and carfentrazone at one rate at different postemergence timings, an adjuvant evaluation to assess rice injury and weed control from different adjuvants when mixed with saflufenacil, a Clearfield program evaluation where saflufenacil was compared to other broadleaf herbicides in a Clearfield weed control program, and a cultivar tolerance evaluation where postemergence applications of saflufenacil were compared to …

Investigations Of Macro And Micro Scale Void Spaces: Preservation, Modeling And Biofilm Interactions, Athena Marie Owen Nagel

Theses and Dissertations

Dissolutional voids in the subsurface were examined from three different viewpoints. First, analysis of pseudokarst features on San Salvador Island, Bahamas, uncovered the involvement of organics in the cementation and porosity generation process. This organic material was analyzed using SEM, TEM, and in thin section. While the actual role of organics in the cementation process could not be determined using these tools, the abundance of the material was documented. Holocene samples appear to have more organics than Pleistocene samples. The abundance of this material should have an effect on isotope analyses and needs to be considered in future work on …

Botulinum Associated With Visceral Toxicosis Of Catfish: Investigation Of A Viral-Vectored Heavy Chain Subunit Vaccine And Development Of A Zebrafish Bioassay, Kamalakar Chatla

Theses and Dissertations

Visceral toxicosis of catfish (VTC) is a sporadic, often devastating disease in catfish aquaculture, caused by botulinum neurotoxin serotype/E (BoNT/E). The median lethal dose of BoNT/E for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fingerlings is 13.7 pg/fish. The diagnosis of VTC is suspected if clinical signs and lesions are produced when affected serum is injected into sentinel-catfish and confirmed if this effect is neutralized with BoNT/E antitoxin. However, the assay is complicated in diagnostic cases by small serum samples from affected fish, lack of standardization and availability of small catfish (~10g). Therefore a zebrafish (~0.4g) bioassay for VTC diagnosis was tested and …

Catalytic Conversion Of Model Biomass-Derived Syngas To Hydrocarbons Via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Jin Hu

Theses and Dissertations

Biomass to Liquids via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (BTL-FT) is regarded as one of the most promising routes for providing alternative solution to growing demand for energy and environmental protection. In Chapter I, the development and key issues of BTL-FT process (especially Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) were reviewed and identified. In Chapter II, Mo/HZSM-5 catalyst was synthesized using Incipient Wetness Impregnation method and tested in nitrogen rich model bio-syngas. Different operation parameters (temperature, pressure, and GHSV) were tested to investigate their influence on the catalytic performance. Those parameters were found to affect the performance significantly. Liquid samples from conversion were mainly composed of C8 …

Novel Pretreatment Methods To Improve The Properties Of Pyrolysis Oil Followed By Production Of Biofuels, Sathish Kumar Tanneru

Theses and Dissertations

Production of renewable fuels is of growing interest due to the ongoing concerns associated with combustion of fossil fuel contributing to global warming. Biomass-derived bio-oil is a potential alternative replacement for conventional fuels. But negative properties such as lower energy density, higher water content and acidity prevent the direct use of bio-oil as a fuel. It is universally agreed that for production of a viable fuel bio-oils must be significantly upgraded. Present upgrading techniques, such as hydrodeoxygenation and esterification consume high amounts of expensive hydrogen or large volumes of alcohols, respectively. Production of low yields continues to be a challenge …

Occurrence Of Invasive Mammals And Native Carnivores In Northern Patagonia, Mariela Gisele Gantchoff

Theses and Dissertations

The study of biological invasions is important to management and conservation. I assessed the occurrence of invasive mammals and native mesocarnivores in northern Patagonia. Invasive species had varying responses to anthropogenic disturbance, and were differentially influenced by environmental and anthropogenic factors. Invasive species were also a substantial part of native mesocarnivores diets and appeared to influence their temporal activity, but not occupancy. Overall, I observed high spatial and temporal overlap between native carnivores and coexistence seemed facilitated by diet. Humans had both a positive and negative influence in this community, being responsible for the introduction of invasive species and possibly …

Predicting Mississippi Curriculum Testing Program, Second Edition Performance Using The Northwest Evaluation Association Measures Of Academic Progress, Mary Cole-Bush

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) reading and math assessments are a valid predictor of performance on the language arts and mathematics Mississippi Curriculum Test, 2 nd Edition (MCT2). Additionally, the researcher sought to determine whether student characteristics of gender, ethnicity, and economically disadvantaged status added statistically to the prediction of MCT2 scores. The researcher used a correlational research design to answer the research questions that guide this study. Regression analyses were performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. Data were collected …