Digital Commons Network^™

Quantum Chemical Pka Estimation Of Carbon Acids, Saturated Alcohols, And Ketones Via Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships, Corey Adam Baldasare

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Acid dissociation constants, often expressed as pKa values, afford vital information with regards to molecular behavior in various environments and are of significance in fields of organic, inorganic, and medicinal chemistry. Several quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) were developed that correlate experimental pKas for a given class of compounds with a descriptor(s) calculated using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31+G** level utilizing the CPCM solvent model. A set of carbon acids provided a good final QSAR model of experimental aqueous pKas versus ΔEH2O (R2 = 0.9647) upon removal of three aldehydes as outliers. A study of saturated alcohols offered a final …

Divalent Metal Cation Entry And Cytotoxicity In Jurkat T Cells: Role Of Trpm7 Channels, Alayna N. Mellott

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Humans are exposed daily to a variety of metals that can be harmful to our immune system. Although certain divalent metal cations are essential for numerous cellular functions and are critical trace elements in humans, the uptake mechanisms of these ions remain mostly unknown. Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), which is expressed in a variety of human cell types, including lymphocytes and macrophages, conducts many divalent metal cations. TRPM7 channels are largely inactive under normal physiological conditions due to cytoplasmic magnesium acting as a channel inhibitor. Magnesium is a cofactor for many biochemical reactions. Low serum levels of magnesium, …

Prevention Of Harmful Algal Blooms By The Mitigation Of Phosphorus Nutrient Loading Via Filtration By Steel Wool And Activated Carbon, Samantha Zidd, Sara Kidd, Ronald Simpson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a devastating ecological and economic consequence of the abundance of nutrient-rich agricultural runoff entering aquatic ecosystems (Baker et al. 2014). Bioavailable phosphorus from synthetic fertilizers is one of the major nutrients contributing to this global issue. Preliminary studies indicate that dissolved phosphorus can be removed from an aqueous environment when passed through a composite mixture of granular steel wool particles and activated carbon (Erickson, Gulliver, and Weiss (2007). Further research was conducted using higher quality concentration measurements to determine what grades of steel wool (0000, 000, 00) and types of activated carbon (GAC, PAC, EAC) …

Predicting Subjective Sleep Quality Using Objective Measurements In Older Adults, Reza Sadeghi

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Humans spend almost a third of their lives asleep. Sleep has a pivotal effect on job performance, memory, fatigue recovery, and both mental and physical health. Sleep quality (SQ) is a subjective experience and reported via patients’ self-reports. Predicting subjective SQ based on objective measurements can enhance diagnosis and treatment of SQ defects, especially in older adults who are subject to poor SQ. In this dissertation, we assessed enhancement of subjective SQ prediction using an easy-to-use E4 wearable device, machine learning techniques and identifying disease-specific risk factors of abnormal SQ in older adults. First, we designed a clinical decision support …

The Role Of Igf-1 In Geriatric Skin, Amber Castellanos

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Keratinocytes are cells that largely occupy the epidermis layer of our skin and function to protect against DNA damage induced by ultraviolet radiation. Keratinocytes rely on the activation of the IGF-1 receptor in order to carry out an appropriate response to UV-B radiation. Keratinocytes themselves do not express the IGF-1 ligand; IGF-1 is produced by fibroblasts found in the dermis layer of the skin. With age, fibroblasts become senescent and this interferes with their ability to produce IGF-1 for the epidermal IGF-1R. This occurrence may aid in understanding why geriatric individuals are at greatest risk for developing nonmelanoma skin cancers, …

Influence Of Light Availability On Tree Growth, Defense, And Emerald Ash Borer (Agrlius Planipennis) Success In White Fringetree (Chionanthus Virginicus) And Black Ash (Fraxinus Nigra), Michael S. Friedman

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

White fringetree is a host for the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) despite being lower quality than black ash. Observations suggest that host trees grown in full sun are more resistant to EAB than those grown in shade, however chemical defense mechanisms and the impact of environmental stress have not been assessed. We quantified constitutive and induced defenses and other characteristics white fringetree and black ash phloem tissue grown under differential light conditions, and these traits were related to EAB larval performance. White fringetree had significantly lower constitutive and induced activities of defense associated enzymes and lignin but higher phenolic, …

A Planarian Kinesin Associated Protein 3 Homolog Is Required For Spermatogenesis And Ciliogenesis, Donovan Christman

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Microtubule-based structures are an essential part of eukaryotic cells as they are involved in a number of processes such as phagocytosis, chromosome separation, intracellular transport, and cell motility. Transport along microtubules is accomplished by kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs), which are motor proteins that bind cargo and use ATPase activity to move along microtubules in an anterograde fashion. One of the most common kinesin complexes is the heterotrimeric Kinesin 2 complex which is composed of KIF3 subunit dimers and the Kinesin Associated Protein 3 (KAP3). This complex is known as the KIF3 complex and functions along microtubules in cilia and flagella. …

Topical Photodynamic Therapy Generates Microvesicle Particles, Oladayo Ayobami Oyebanji

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of light at an appropriate wavelength acting on a photosensitizing chemical to cause cell death via generation of reactive oxygen species. PDT has been useful in the management of skin conditions (like acne, psoriasis) and cancers like superficial skin, esophageal and non-small cell lung cancers. In addition to these therapeutic effects, previous murine studies from our group have demonstrated that topical PDT induces immunosuppression in vivo. Thus, topical PDT of skin can generate systemic effects through unknown mechanisms. Our group showed that PDT induces an immunosuppressive effect which occurs partly via Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor …

Determination Of Iron-Reducing Bacterial Activities In Lake Sediments., Alexandra Kahn

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Algal blooms are growing rampantly in lacustrine systems due to an increase of phosphorus, a nutrient for algae. Phosphorus is being released into the environment causing overpopulation and eutrophication which damages the ecosystem. The availability of phosphorus is affected by the solubility of iron which is regulated through iron reducing and iron oxidizing bacteria. Phosphorus adheres to insoluble Fe(III), which prohibits algae from utilizing it, while phosphorus does not attach to soluble Fe(II) and therefore it remains available to algae. The purpose of this study was to determine how bacteria influence iron solubility and what are the ideal environmental conditions …

Claw Morphology Impacts Clinging Performance On Rough Substrates, Alexandra Pamfilie

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The digits of anoles and geckos have been extensively investigated for their adhesive pads, which allow them to adhere effectively to smooth surfaces. Many pad-bearing lizards also possess claws, which have been posited as the principal contributor to clinging on rough surfaces. Previous studies have found correlations between habitat use and claw morphology, but whether variation in claw morphology impacts function or not has remained relatively understudied. In addition, it is reasonable to suggest that abrasive wear of the claws may impact clinging ability. I examined both natural and induced variation in the claw morphology of Cuban knight anoles ( …

Technological Software In Mathematics, Courtney Kish

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Technology has been advancing significantly over the years. One area that has been affected is mathematics. Technological software has been developed that has allowed for mathematics to be done using software programs. For example, WebAssign allows students to complete online math homework and example practice problems, as well as watch videos to explain topics in math. However, like all things, this is not without downfalls. While this technology offers students access to online lectures and instant feedback, cheating and costly expenses also come with it.

In this research paper, I will discuss the benefits and shortcomings of different technological software …

An Analysis Of Attendance At An Ncaa Division I University: The Relationship Of Fan Identification, Sport Fandom, And Demographic Variables, Ashley Richardson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Research was conducted at The University of Akron to investigate the relationship between attendance at sporting events and fan identification, sport fandom, and other demographics variables. 195 Akron students took a survey consisting of the Sport Spectator Identification Scale, the Sport Fandom Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. The results revealed that fan identification and sport fandom were both positively correlated to student attendance at sporting events. Additional factors significantly correlated with attendance were if the participant had friends that played on a varsity sports team, or if the participant themselves played on a varsity sports team. Demographic variables such as …

Enhanced Blood Pressure Acquisition, Alison Targosky, Megan Laws, Alexandria Stephens, Jillian Savage

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Blood pressure is considered a primary vital sign that is regularly monitored in a healthcare setting. Current blood pressure measurement equipment lacks reproducible measurements which leads to questionable accuracy. Therefore, there is a need for an accurate and reproducible blood pressure measurement device that can take remote measurements. This project will be designed in The University of Akron's biomedical engineering capstone course. The goal of this senior design project is to design and fabricate a blood pressure measuring device that meets the customer requirements and engineering requirements identified by the team.

Test Anxiety And Mathematics Teaching Strategies In Youth Mathematics, Daniel Linder

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This literature review analyzes the power of a math aversion, as well as the test anxiety that often coexists. Through the psychology of motivation, researchers have been able to establish correlation between motivation and test anxiety. In addition, research highlights the way in which instruction impacts students perception of mathematics. The review analyzes instructional techniques and how changing of instructional techniques can improve perception of mathematics.

The Fitzgerald Institute For Entrepreneurial Studies Innovation Project, Tyler Blazynek, Laura Brink, Lucas Daull, Hailee Olson, Agostino Rocca, Andrew Adolph

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

na

Utilizing Virtual High-Throughput Screens To Identify Promising Inhibitors Of Complement Factor C1s, Lyndsey Schmucker

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A large study was conducted to identify possible drug candidates to treat various diseases using computer algorithms, virtual high-throughput screens, and experimental validation of activity. Since the algorithm has the capability to screen millions of compounds, it is beneficial to pharmaceutical development as it allows a larger pool of compounds to be considered that would have otherwise been overlooked. As part of this larger study, this project attempts to identify drug candidates to treat human complement factor C1, a protein which causes tissue damage when underregulated¹. A series of designed experiments validate candidates and confirm the performance of …

Development Of A Synthesis Method For O2-Releasing Compound For Microbiological Experiments, Danae Greco

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Many celestial bodies within our solar system may have habitable environments due to the presence of liquid water. Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, may be habitable because of its liquid ocean and other potentially biologically favorable conditions. The ocean on Europa is hypothesized to contain large amounts of oxidants and low pH due to the radiolytically processed icy ocean shell. This suspected environment on Europa is similar to the composition of acid mine drainage on Earth, which can house microbial communities in environments of extreme acidity. Similar chemical reactions in Europa’s ocean may occur to produce the appropriate reduction-oxidation gradients …

Melanopsin-Expressing Retinal Ganglion Cells In Control Vs. Glaucomatous Retinas, Edward Hamad

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Glaucoma is a common cause of vision loss worldwide and has a large scope of symptoms, ranging from pupillary reflex defects to sleep disorders. These issues can be explained partially by a recently found subtype of retinal ganglion cells that express melanopsin, denoted melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells or mRGCs for short. These cells function primarily as photoreceptors in the non-image forming pathway, but can receive input from rods and cones. Since mRGCs play a role in the pupillary reflex and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, I investigated if glaucoma leads to the degeneration of these cells in a mouse model …

Leptin Effects On Bone Metabolism, Elizabeth Bark

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Scales from adult zebrafish, Danio rerio, are an established model for studying osteoblast and osteoclast activity. In this study, scales in a cell culture were used to determine if the hormone leptin has an effect on activity of these bone remodeling scales. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activities of zebrafish scales were measured and compared with and without leptin treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between leptin treatments in terms of ALP and TRAP activity. Differences between TRAP values between days 1 and 2 did look promising although they were not statistically significant. This study …

Are There Ecomorphologically-Related Differences In The Adhesive Setae Of Jamaican Anolis Lizards?, Caitlin Wright

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Anolis lizards are best known for their ability to adhere to surfaces with the use of their adhesive toe pads. Different ecomorphs of anoles exist which co-vary with habitat type, a concept known as ecomorphology. The ecomorphology of anoles has been well studied, however little is known about the differences that may exist within the adhesive toe pads of different anole species. In this project, differences within adhesive microstructures of five different species of Jamaican anoles was examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be used to produce images of the adhesive structures in which a variety of morphological measurements were …

Causes, Prevention, And Macro-Level Effects Of Juvenile Substance Abuse, Nicole Neiman

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will evaluate the prevalence, types, causation, and effects of juvenile substance abuse. Looking into this, the reader can understand the factors that lead to juvenile substance abuse and the further affects that juvenile substance abuse can have on the user, the juvenile justice system, the community, and society as a whole. Some of the factors to be taken into consideration include physical/sexual abuse, mental health disorders, familial situations, socioeconomic status, age, gender, peer influence, and other demographics. Furthermore, the reader will also understand how juvenile substance abuse relates to crime. Research will be done to review the drug-crime …

Vehicle Operator Attention Monitor, Matthew Krispinsky, Matt Marsek, Matthew Mayfield, Brian Call

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Motor vehicle operators’ attention levels can be monitored to improve driver safety. By recording and analyzing the drivers eye gaze, hand position, vehicle speed and engine rpm the driver’s attention can be determined. A Raspberry Pi will be the main processing unit. Data will be pulled and analyzed from the OBD-II port on vehicle speed and engine rpm. The system will be powered from a 12V, 4A pin on the OBD-II port connected to the car battery. A webcam will be used to track the pupil location and determine when the driver is looking at the road. A battery powered …

The Effects Of Staining Cyanobacteria With Sytoxgreen After Lysis By Freeze-Thaw And Lysis By Ethanol, Samantha Galambos

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this project is to find the effects of staining toxic cyanobacteria with SYTOXGreen after lysis by freeze-thaw and lysis by ethanol. This project will focus on two strains of toxic cyanobacteria known as Aphanizomenon - A. flos-aquae and Planktothrix - P. agardhii. The live and dead cells are observed under blue and red fluorescent light to show the effectiveness of each lysis. It is important that this topic is researched because it is significantly affecting our waterways and sometimes drinking water. We often see that you cannot swim in Lake Erie due to algae, more specifically, these …

Zips Precious Plastics: Plastic Extruder, Patrick Cole

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project's goal was to design and build an affordable desktop filament extruder that can precisely and consistently extrude filament to a certain tolerance acceptable for 3D printers using wasted printing material. The group is partnering with an on campus organization focusing on engineering applications for sustainable futures. Zips Precious Plastics is a student run design group that intends to bring an innovation space on campus to help educate students about the importance of a closed looped system within plastic manufacturing.

Best Practices For Student-Led Publishing, Victoria Corwin

Dartmouth Library Staff Publications

The Dartmouth Library engages with student writers and editors to support and advise publications. This guide was written by Victoria Corwin, Edward Connery Lathem Digital Library Fellow, in June 2020 after extensive literature reviews, interviews, and personal experience as a student Editor in Chief for three years.

This document covers some best practices for many aspects of student publishing at Dartmouth, including starting a publication, finding support, securing funding, publishing content, increasing visibility, copyright advice, and much more. The resources listed here apply to all types of publications, such as literary magazines, science journals, newspapers, blogs, and zines. This guide …

Managing Climate Risk In The U.S. Financial System, Climate-Related Market Risk Subcommittee

Purdue Climate Change Research Center Publications

No abstract provided.

The Compass, Summer 2020

The Compass, 2018-

The Compass is an annual orientation guide for VCU students produced by the Student Media Collective in the VCU Student Media Centered. The guide is distributed physically during summer orientation sessions for new and transfer students. The publication includes short articles, illustrations, letters of welcome from students and administrators, comics, and advertisements from VCU and Richmond organizations.

Neuroanatomical Correlates Of Impulsive Traits In Children Aged 9 To 10., Max M. Owens, Courtland S. Hyatt, Joshua C. Gray, Joshua D. Miller, Donald R. Lynam, Sage Hahn, Nicholas Allgaier, Alexandra Potter, Hugh Garavan

Department of Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications

Impulsivity refers to a set of traits that are generally negatively related to critical domains of adaptive functioning and are core features of numerous psychiatric disorders. The current study examined the gray and white matter correlates of five impulsive traits measured using an abbreviated version of the UPPS-P (Urgency, (lack of) Premeditation, (lack of) Perseverance, Sensation-Seeking, Positive Urgency) impulsivity scale in children aged 9 to 10 (N = 11,052) from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Linear mixed effect models and elastic net regression were used to examine features of regional gray matter and white matter tractography most …

Desalination Innovations Needed To Ensure Clean Water For The Next 50 Years, David M. Warsinger

School of Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Fully Dried Two-Dimensional Paper Network For Enzymatically Enhanced Detection Of Nucleic Acid Amplicons, Kristin M. Byers, Anna R. Bird, Hyundae D. Cho, Jacqueline C. Linnes

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Two-dimensional paper networks (2DPNs) have enabled the use of paper-based platforms to perform multistep immunoassays for detection of pathogenic diseases at the point-of-care. To date, however, detection has required the user to provide multiple signal enhancement solutions and been limited to protein targets. We solve these challenges by using mathematical equations to guide the device design of a novel 2DPN, which leverages multiple fluidic inputs to apply fully dried solutions of hydrogen peroxide, diaminobenzidine, and horseradish peroxidase signal enhancement reagents to enhance the limit-ofdetection of numerous nucleic acid products. Upon rehydration in our unique 2DPN design, the dried signal enhancement …