Life Sciences Commons^™

First Proof Of Concept Of Sustainable Metabolite Production From High Solids Fermentation Of Lignocellulosic Biomass Using A Bacterial Co-Culture And Cycling Flush System, Wanying Yao, Sue E. Nokes

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

To improve the lignocellulose conversion for ABE in high solids fermentation, this study explored the feasibility of cycling the process through the cellulolytic or/and solventogenic phases via intermittent flushing of the fermentation media. Five different flushing strategies (varying medium ingredients, inoculum supplement and cycling through phases) were investigated. Flushing regularly throughout the cellulolytic phase is necessary because re-incubation at 65 °C significantly improved glucose availability by at least 6-fold. The solvents accumulation was increased by 4-fold using corn stover (3-fold using miscanthus) over that produced by flushing only through the solventogenic phase. In addition, cycling process was simplified by re-incubating …

Oswald Physical And Engineering Sciences First Place: An Improved In Vitro Model For The Study Of Endothelial Cells Using Micropatterned Surfaces, Lindsay Gray

Kaleidoscope

Sickle cell anemia, malaria, and cancer are a few of the deadly diseases that utilize blood vessels as a means of migration throughout the body. Adhesion of harmful cells to the endothelial lining of the circulatory system is an integral step in the metastasis of blood borne diseases. As a result of shear stress produced by blood flow through veins and arteries, the endothelium undergoes a distinct morphological change resulting in a more elongated and unidirectional morphology. It has recently been suggested that such changes in cell morphology can affect surface expression profiles, which in turn affects cell-cell binding and …

Oswald Physical And Engineering Sciences Second Place: Multiple Macromer Hydrogels For Multiphase Drug Release, David Spencer

Kaleidoscope

Biodegradable hydrogels are of interest for drug delivery applications due to their resemblance to biological tissue and their ability to absorb large amounts of biological fluids. Here, hydrogels were synthesized from multiple macromers to demonstrate step-wise degradation and multiphase drug release profiles. Control over the degradation and release profiles of multiple macromer hydrogels has potential applications in implantable, extended release drug delivery devices in which removal would not be needed after administration. Herein, macromers were synthesized from diethylene glycol diacrylate (A), poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (n=400) (H), and isobutylamine (6) in 1.2:1 molar ratios of total diacrylate to amine with diacrylate …

Biomechanical Properties Of Hemlocks: A Novel Approach To Evaluating Physical Barriers Of The Plant-Insect Interface And Resistance To A Phloem-Feeding Herbivore, Paul Ayayee, Fuqian Yang, Lynne K. Rieske

Entomology Faculty Publications

Micromechanical properties that help mediate herbivore access may be particularly important when considering herbivorous insects that feed with piercing-sucking stylets. We used microindentation to quantify the micromechanical properties of hemlock, Tsuga spp., to quantify the hardness of the feeding site of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae. We measured hardness of the hemlock leaf cushion, the stylet insertion point of the adelgid, across four seasons in a 1 y period for four hemlock species growing in a common garden, including eastern, western, mountain, and northern Japanese hemlocks. Leaf cushion hardness was highest in the fall and winter and …

Poster Session, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

1. Grading a Watershed? Patrick Creager, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY
2. Permeability Heterogeneity and Its Effects on Hyporheic Zone Exchange, Timothy Pryshlak and Audrey Sawyer, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
3. Effects of Atrazine on the Chemical Alarm Cue Response in Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalottis), Ben M. Adams and Ben F. Brammell, Natural Sciences Department, Asbury University, Wilmore, KY
4. New Features Available on the Kentucky Groundwater Data Repository, Bart Davidson and others, Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
5. Removal of Persistent Organic Pollutants from Contaminated Water Sources Utilizing Polyphenol- Functionalized Magnetic …

Session 2c, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

• Results of the Statewide Groundwater Pathogen Study, Susan L. Mallette, Kentucky Division of Water, Frankfort, KY
• Changes in Nutrients and E. coli During Two Storm Events in Hinkston Creek, KY, Tiffany Hunter and Brian Reeder, Institute for Regional Analysis and Public Policy, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY
• Engaging Partners in the Cane Run Watershed, Carol Hanley and others, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
• The University of Kentucky Environmental Research and Training Lab is Available for Your Use, Tricia Coakley, Environmental Research Training Lab, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Session 2b, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

• Watershed-Scale Stable Isotope Simulation of the Fluvial Organic Carbon Budget Using the ISOFLOC Model, William Ford and Jimmy Fox, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
• Time Average Velocity Characteristics of Decelerating Open Channel Flows, Robert Stewart and Jimmy Fox, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
• Spatiotemporal Relevance of Soil Moisture's Interaction with Measured Soil-Terrain Parameters, Carla Landrum and others, Lexington, KY
• Transport of Agricultural Contaminants through a Karst Soil, Carl Bolster and others, Food Animal Environmental Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Bowling Green, KY

Session 2a: Panel Discussion: Developing Post-Incident Risk Communication Guidelines For Intentional Water Contamination Events, Chike Anyaegbunam, Charles B. Madinger, Pamela Cupp, Shari R. Veil, Timothy L. Sellnow, Anna Goodman Hoover

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

This panel will discuss emerging findings from a US EPA-funded research project intended to improve risk communication for post-incident decontamination and clearance activities associated with intentional contamination of a water system. The session will center around Phase II of the study, which focuses on extending the Phase I case study findings that were presented at last year’s KWRRI Symposium, to identify ways in which disparate stakeholder groups in metropolitan areas differentially perceive risk and subsequent risk communication efforts.

Session 1c, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

• Curry's Fork Watershed Plan: Data Pondering, Engaging Expert Advice, Cleaner Water Plans, Carolyn Cromer and others, Oldham County Fiscal Court, LaGrange, KY
• Overall Stream Function, Hydraulically and Ecologically (Opportunity Meets Necessity), Wanda Lawson and Oakes Routt, Stantec Consulting Services Inc., Louisville, KY
• Improving Urban Stream Water Quality through Stream Restoration at Montessori Middle School of Kentucky (MMSK), Pre-Restoration Water Quality and Bank Erosion Monitoring, Eric Dawalt and Arthur Parola, EcoGro/Ridgewater and the Stream Institute at the University of Louisville
• Improving Urban Stream Water Quality through Stream Restoration at Montessori Middle School of Kentucky (MMSK), Design and Construction …

Session 1b, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

• Improving Karst Sinkhole Mapping in Kentucky Using LiDAR, Junfeng Zhu and others, Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
• "Dividing Ridges" in Light of LiDAR: A Closer Look at Some of Kentucky's Watershed Boundaries, Demetrio Zourarakis, Kentucky Division of Geographic Information, Frankfort, KY
• Horse Park Karst Water Instrumentation System (KWIS) Monitoring Station, Jim Currens and others, Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, KY
• Formation Water Chemistry of Cambrian-Ordovician Knox Group Strata, KGS-Hansen Aggregates No. 1 Well, Carter County, Kentucky, T. M. Parris and others, Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Session 1a, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

• Water Quality Studies in the Kentucky Coalfields: The Trend Station Program, Richard J. Wahrer, Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, Frankfort, KY
• Water Quality Studies in the Kentucky Coalfields: A Closer Look at Pigeonroost Fork, Martin County, KY, Richard J. Wahrer, Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, Frankfort, KY
• Water Quality Monitoring of the McConnell Springs Stormwater Quality Wetland Pond and Gainesway Pond Retrofit Project, 2010-2013, David Price and Susan Pluegar, Lexington-Fayette County Government, Division of Water Quality, Lexington, KY
• Water Quality Monitoring of McConnell Springs, Lexington, KY, David Price, Lexington-Fayette County Government, Division of Water Quality, Lexington, …

Plenary Session, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

• Using Microbial-Source Tracking to Investigate Sources of Fecal Contamination in the South Fork Little River Basin, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Angie Crain and Mac Cherry, USGS Kentucky Water Science Center, Louisville, KY
• Application of Nitrogen and Oxygen Isotopes in Tracing Nitrate Sources in the South Fork Little River Basin, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Angie Crain and Mac Cherry, USGS Kentucky Water Science Center, Louisville, KY
• Kentucky StreamStats Water-Resources Web Application: Enhancements and Implementation of Selected Low- and Mean-Flow Estimating Equations, Gary Martin, USGS Kentucky Water Science Center, Louisville, KY
• Kentucky Division of Water's Risk Communication Toolbox, Annemarie Cason and Kristen …

Proceedings Of 2014 Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium

This symposium was planned and conducted as a part of the state water resources research institute annual program that is supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number G11AP20081 from the United States Geological Survey. The contents of this proceedings document and the views and conclusions presented at the symposium are solely the responsibility of the individual authors and presenters and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USGS or of the symposium organizers and sponsors. This publication is produced with the understanding that the United States Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for government purposes.

Effects Of Sodium Hydroxide Pretreatment On Structural Components Of Biomass, Alicia A. Modenbach, Sue E. Nokes

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Pretreatment is a unit operation in the conversion of biomass to valuable products that utilizes various combinations of conditions, including chemicals, heat, pressure, and time, to reduce the recalcitrance of lignocellulose. Many such pretreatments have been developed over the years, as the operating conditions can be adapted so that lignocellulose is modified in ways unique to each pretreatment. By tailoring pretreatment conditions to achieve these modifications, the types of final products produced can be controlled. The purpose of this review is to provide a consolidated source of information for sodium hydroxide effects on lignocellulose. The structural characteristics of lignocellulose and …

Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute Annual Technical Report Fy 2013, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

KWRRI Annual Technical Reports (USGS’s 104b Grant Program)

The FY 2013 Annual Technical Report for Kentucky consolidates reporting requirements of the Section 104(b) base grant award into a single document that includes: 1) a description of Kentucky Information Transfer activities, 2) citations for related publications, 3) a summary of student support during the reporting period, 4) notable awards and achievements during the year, and 5) publications from prior year projects.

No funds were requested for general program administration activities. However, travel funds were provided to support the participation of the Director and the Associate Director in the annual meeting of the National Institutes for Water Resources in Washington, …

Investigation Of Cardiac Electrophysiology In Human Ventricular Tissue, Kathleen Brownson

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Individuals with cardiomyopathy are at higher risk to die from sudden cardiac arrest than those with non-failing (NF) hearts. This study examined the differences in electrical properties of failing and NF human hearts in terms of cardiac memory through explicit control of diastolic intervals in a sinusoidal fashion, restitution of action potential duration (APD) through standard and dynamic pacing protocols, maximum rate of depolarization and APD alternans. Recordings of transmembrane potentials were made in tissues extracted from patients with heart failure and one donor NF heart. Computational simulations were performed using the O’Hara Rudy model for generating surrogates of control …

Nanometer-Scale Membrane Electrode Systems For Active Protein Separation, Enzyme Immobilization And Cellular Electroporation, Zhiqiang Chen

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Automated and continuous processes are the future trends in downstream protein purification. A functionalized nanometer-scale membrane electrode system, mimicking the function of cell wall transporters, can selectively capture genetically modified proteins and subsequently pump them through the system under programmed voltage pulses. Numerical study of the two-step pulse pumping cycles coupled with experimental His-GFP releasing study reveals the optimal 14s/1s pumping/repel pulse pumping condition at 10 mM bulk imidazole concentration in the permeate side. A separation factor for GFP: BSA of 9.7 was achieved with observed GFP electrophoretic mobility of 3.1×10^-6 cm² s^-1 V^-1 at 10 …

Heat Transfer Characteristics In Wildland Fuelbeds, Justin English

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical Engineering

The fundamental physics governing wildland fire spread are still largely misunderstood. This thesis was motivated by the need to better understand the role of radiative and convective heat transfer in the ignition and spread of wildland fires. The focus of this work incorporated the use of infrared thermographic imaging techniques to investigate fuel particle response from three different heating sources: convective dominated heating from an air torch, radiative dominated heating from a crib fire, and an advancing flame front in a laboratory wind tunnel test. The series of experiments demonstrated the uniqueness and valuable characteristics of infrared thermography to reveal …

Addressing Public Health Risks Of Persistent Pollutants Through Nutritional Modulation And Biomimetic Nanocomposite Remediation Platforms, Bradley J. Newsome

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Due to their relative chemical stability and ubiquity in the environment, chlorinated organic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pose significant health risks and enduring remediation challenges. Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) provide a novel platform for sensing/remediation of these toxicants, in addition to the growing use of NPs in many industrial and biomedical applications, but there remains concern for their potential long-term health effects. Research highlighted herein also represents a transdisciplinary approach to address human health challenges associated with exposure to PCBs and NPs. The objectives of this dissertation research are two-fold, 1) to develop effective methods for capture/sensing and remediation …