Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Metal Ion Separation Mediated By Organized Molecular Assemblies, Hong Cao

Masters Theses

We have investigated the separation of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) by the ligands 8-hydroxyquinoline- 5-sulfonic acid and 7-iodo-8-hydroxy-quinoline- 5-sulfonic acid in the presence of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the cationic surfactant octyltrimethylammonium bromide (OTAB) . Baseline separations have been achieved by HPLC employing an octadecylsilanized silica (ODS) column. The underlying mechanisms of separation have been determined.

The significant new results of our studies are: (1) separation is not possible without the presence of surfactants and hence organized assemblies; (2) separations can be achieved under submicellar concentrations; (3) the separations are not driven by micelles; and …

Nonlinear Regression Based On Ranks, Asheber Abebe

Dissertations

This study presents robust methods for estimating parameters of nonlinear regression models. The proposed methods obtain estimates by minimizing rankbased dispersions instead of the Euclidean norm. We focus on the Wilcoxon and generalized signed-rank dispersion functions. Asymptotic properties of the estimators are established under mild regularity conditions similar to those used in least squares and least absolute deviations estimation. The study also shows that by considering the generalized signed-rank dispersion we obtain a class of estimators that encompasses most of the existing popular nonlinear regression estimators. As in linear models, these rank-based procedures provide estimators that are highly efficient. This …

The Role Of Groundwater And Surface Water Interaction In The Development Of A 1,4-Dioxane Plume In Scio Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, James W. Brode

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that groundwater and surface water interaction resulted in the development a 1,4-dioxane plume in a glacial aquifer in Scio Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan.

An industrial solvent, 1,4-dioxane, was detected in the groundwater in the area of study in 1986. This area, referred to in this investigation as the Western Plume, is one of several 1,4-dioxane plumes associated with the Pall/Gelman Sciences Inc. (P/GSI) site, an extensively investigated site of groundwater contamination.

1,4-Dioxane in the Western Plume area was initially believed to be the result of contaminated groundwater transported from a …

Multiple Isotopic Investigation Of Lake Sediments From Northern India, Alice Mwanda

Masters Theses

Stable isotopes ratio of lake sediments can provide valuable environmental information. This possibility has been investigated using radiocarbon dated fossil lake sediments from the Himalayan region of Northern India. The chronology was established using Radiocarbon dating of both organic and inorganic fractions using (AMS). Inorganic ages are older than organic ages. Organic ages are expected to increase stratigraphically, however several anomalous old ages are found in the younger part of the sediments. Final chronology, determined using selected sensible ages identified two periods of sedimentation. The high sedimentation period is characterized by sedimentation rate of 0.8cm/yr and it fairly coincides with …

Improving The Campus Sustainability Assessment Process, Andrew Nixon

Honors Theses

The human enterprise is rapidly overwhelming the Earth’s ecological systems and draining its natural resources. According to Vitousek et al., as much as one-half of the planet’s land surface has been transformed by human activity; more than half of the world’s available fresh water is used by humans; and a quarter of the planet’s bird species have been driven to extinction by human activity (Vitousek et al, 1997). These and many other negative trends pose catastrophic implications for the future of our species and for the planet’s other inhabitants.

Chemical, Isotopic, And Hydrogeologic Investigations Of An Agriculturally Impacted Area, Nottawa Creek Watershed, Calhoun County, Michigan, Gerald A. Unterreiner

Dissertations

A 4 km2 agricultural area within the somewhat poorly drained Nottawa Creek Watershed, south central Michigan, was investigated to help understand transport and transformation processes of nutrients and herbicides to surface water. Geology o f the study area is comprised of a thin glacial drift cover overlying shale bedrock. A one layer, two-dimensional numerical triangular finite element groundwater flow model was developed to evaluate regional groundwater flow. Selected horizontal hydraulic conductivities ranged from 3 x 10‘3 m/day to 107 m/day. Field-scale infiltration modeling with the computer program GLEAMS, substantiated with water level measurements, suggest significant recharge events occur during summer, …

Determining Flow Type In A Carbonate Bedrock Aquifer, Presque Isle County, Michigan, Bonny Armstrong

Masters Theses

Presque Isle County, Michigan, has a long history of ground water quality problems. Aquifer contamination is most likely the result of large fractures in the bedrock allowing surface water to rapidly reach ground water. The purpose of the study is to l) perform a geochemical investigation of ground water in the bedrock aquifer, 2) suggest the type of ground water flow system present in the study area and characterize the aquifer type, and 3) suggest how the flow system might affect the behavior and transport of contaminants.

Water samples were collected from sixteen wells in the Genshaw Formation, three wells …

Separation Of Enantiomers With Chiral Dendrimer, Jie Zhuang

Masters Theses

Chiral dendrimers with .unique ordered structures are especially attractive for the recognition of chiral molecules based on the three point contact model. We have successfully synthesized first generation chiral dendrimers containing L- and D- tryptophan methyl ester moieties and characterized them by NMR, IR, UV-Visible, MS, and optical activity. L-tryptophan methyl ester dendrimer was converted to its acid form in order to attach it to aminopropyl silica for the HPLC separation of enantiomers. The aminopropyl silica containing 1.52mmols/g of NH₂ groups binds about 0.3mmols of dendrimer per gram and has about 0.4mmols of free NH₂ groups per gram. …

Stratigraphic Analysis Of Diamicton Units In Southern Allegan County, Michigan, Shannon A. Wong

Masters Theses

Two diamicton units from the southern Allegan County, Michigan lakeshore bluffs were identified and differentiated through clay mineralogy by analysis of 7 /10A peak-height ratios and the 2-80 mm crystalline fraction from pebble count results. t-Tests indicate the two units are significantly different. These two units are correlated with the Saugatuck and the Ganges tills of southwest Michigan based on similarities in stratigraphic position and lithologic description as described by Monaghan et al. (1986). Other diamicton samples were collected throughout southwest Michigan, near Moline, Otsego, Bloomingdale, Gobles, and Decatur. In correlating the Saugatuck and the Ganges tills to their inland …

Electrical Resistivity Tomography And Induced Polarization Techniques With Paired Vertical Resistivity Probes, Adrian Ezeagu

Masters Theses

The aim of this research is to use electrical resistivity and induced polarization (IP) techniques to image in detail the vertical and lateral distribution of resistivity and chargeability in the subsurface region between two or more boreholes. The method involves installing electrodes mounted on PVC pipes in the boreholes. The distribution of resistivity and chargeability around the boreholes is then calculated. The large number of measurements taken is then inverted to produce tomographs or images showing subsurface distribution of resistivity and chargeability. Four cross-hole measurement arrays (pole-pole, dipole-pole dipole-dipole and pole-dipole) were employed in acquiring tomographic data. The tomographs produced …

Western Michigan University Occupational Therapy Department Web Page, Holly Pietrzak, Melissa Byrne

Honors Theses

Website designed for WMU's Occupational Therapy department.

Department Of Geosciences- 2002, Department Of Geosciences

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Vol.1, No. 26

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Characterization Of Organo-Tin And Organo-Mercury Compounds With Electrospray Mass Spectrometry, Kan Zhu

Masters Theses

Metal-containing compounds are often found as pollutants in the environment. Obtaining speciation information about these compounds is important to understanding toxieity and bioaccumulation. Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (ESMS) is a technique that has the potential to provide rapid and direct speciation information of solution phase metal compounds. The ionization behavior of chemical species is related to their electron affinities. The higher the electron affinity, the easier it will be reduced during the ionization process. Additionally, solvent with different polarity and surface tension will also affect the ionization and reduction products. Organo-tin compounds with more alkyl groups will be ionized more efficiently, …

Pan, Ppn And Mpan Measurements And The Quantitative Relationship Of Pan And Mpan In Biogenic Hydrocarbon Conditions, Chen Wangchun

Masters Theses

Simultaneous measurements of PAN, PPN and MPAN were made during the SOS 1999 Nashville campaign at Dickson site. The PANs data at this site were rich and complex. PAN and MP AN showed obvious diurnal change but PPN did not during this period. PAN and ozone have a clear positive relationship. Due to the special location of the site, winds from different directions bring anthropogenic hydrocarbons (AHCs) or biogenic hydrocarbons (BHCs) to the site. The data showed that the influence of AHCs and BHCs on PANs compounds varied on different days. Average values of PAN/PPN and PAN/MPAN from MLR may …

Vortex-Defect Interactions In High-Temperature Superconductors, Valentina Tobos

Dissertations

The topics covered in this thesis are related to two objectives: one refers to the search for methods of improving die critical current density of high-temperature superconductors, a subject which remains of continuing interest for its importance in technological applications. The other direction is aimed at clarifying the phase diagram of high-Tc materials.

The interaction between the structural defects and the vortex system plays a significant role in the capability of these materials to carry large electrical transport currents. Through proton irradiation induced defects we follow the evolution of the critical current density, and its enhancement with increasing point-like defects …

Empirical Spectral Analysis Of Random Number Generators, David Zeitler

Dissertations

Computer simulation procedures have become a staple of research and development in many fields, including statistics. The generation of pseudo random number sequences is the core of computer simulation procedures. Validity of research results often depend on the underlying validity of the generator being used.

In this work we develop the machinery for a class of tests of spatial uniformity based on a multi-dimensional Fourier transform of the empirical probability density function. The test can be adapted to specific requirements and has the added advantage that it has computational complexity that is relatively independent of the number of data points …

A Qualitative Investigation Of The Polymerization Process In The Ihss Humic Substances Extraction Procedure Using Model Phenolic Compounds, Roger J. Germay

Masters Theses

Achard (1786) extracted peat with alkali and reported obtaining dark compounds now called humic substances. These are complex, high molecular weight, polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in soil, in fresh-water and in marine environments. They are biodegradation products of plant materials.

The International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) adapted Achard's method to separate humic substances into three fractions: (1) humic acids (HA), soluble only at high pH; (2) fulvic acids (FA), water-soluble at any pH; and (3) humin, insoluble at any pH. The IHSS method involves contact of soil with 0.1N.NaOH solution, followed by acidification with HCl.

In this study, 0.01 N. …

Alkyl Nitrates In Dickson During The Sos 1999 Field Campaign, Mei Ma

Masters Theses

Measurements of alkyl nitrates were performed during the Southern Oxidants Study (SOS) 1999 Summer Field Campaign in Dickson, TN from June 10 to July 15, 1999. The developed GC-ECD method was tested and used successfully. Nine alkyl nitrates were measured and six alkyl nitrates were quantified. The measured alkyl nitrates expect methyl nitrate showed higher mixing ratios under northeasterly and southeasterly wind, which brought anthropogenic sources to the measurement site, and lower mixing ratios when wind came from northwest and southwest, which brought NOx and clean air, respectively. The contribution of the measured alkyl nitrates to the total oxidized nitrogen …

In Situ Biosurfactant Production At Carson City Park, Michigan, Andrew J. Hudak

Masters Theses

Crude oil refining operations conducted by the Crystal Refining Company in Carson City, Michigan have led to the contamination of the soil and groundwater at Carson City Park with petroleum hydrocarbons. In situ biosurfactant production, occurring as a result of the biodegradation activities of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms, was investigated.

Background hydrogeological and biogeochemical data were collected from the groundwater from thirteen monitoring wells at Carson City Park. Further analysis included the identification of biosurfactant producing microorganisms and biosurfactants present in the soil and groundwater.

Results showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was producing both monorhamnolipids and dirhamnolipids (glycolipid biosurfactants) in the contaminated …

Surface Modification Of Diamond And Determination Of Kinetics And Mechanism Of Modification Reactions, Humera Farooq

Masters Theses

A series of photochemically modified diamond surfaces were prepared. Surface functional groups added included, chlorine, bromine, methoxy, amine, methylamine, dimethylarnine and trimethylammonium chloride. Photochemically chlorinated and brominated diamond surfaces were used as synthetic intermediates. The modified diamond surfaces were characterized by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (DRIFT) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).

The study was mainly focused on understanding the kinetic processes and reaction mechanism of modified surfaces. The observed rate constants for surface hydrogen loss and HCl (g) evolution were found to be identical. Similar rate constants were observed for amine substitution and consumption of ammonia.

The study of action …

Quantification Of Benzo[A]Pyrene-Guanine Adducts In In Vitro And In Vivo Tissue Samples By Lc Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Po-Chang Chiang

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Cost Domination In Graphs, David John Erwin

Dissertations

Let G be a connected graph having order at least 2. A function f : V (G) —> {0 , 1 , . . . , diam G} for which f ( v ) < e(v) for every vertex v of G is a cost function on G. A vertex v with f ( v ) > 0 is an f-dominating vertex, and the set Vj~ = {v 6 V(G) : f(v) > 0} of f-dominating vertices is the f-dominating set. An /-dominating vertex v is said to f-dominate every vertex u with d(n, v) < f(u ), while …

Apoptosis Following Peripheral Sensory Deafferentation In The Olfactory Blub Of Adult Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Akiko M. Vankirk

Masters Theses

Removal of the olfactory organ in the adult zebrafish results in a significant decrease in volume of the ipsilateral olfactory bulb. Our lab has been investigating the potential role of apoptosis in this phenomenon. My hypothesis is that cells in the adult olfactory bulb normally undergo minimal apoptosis and that apoptosis will increase when sensory stimulation is removed. The TUNEL method allowed detection of cells undergoing DNA-fragmentation, which indicates an apoptotic response. Double-label immunohistochemistry was used to mark which apoptotic cells are neurons by using antibody to Hu, a neuron specific protein. Triple-labeling with bis-benzirnide confirmed the apoptotic nature of …

The Geochemistry Of A Leaf Composting Leachate Plume, Asylum Lake, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Eric G. Steeves

Masters Theses

Since the implementation of legislation that bans yard waste from landfills, there has been a need to characterize the impact that large scale composting has on groundwater quality. Allen (1993) and Weaver (1995) have attempted to characterize a leaf composting leachate plume located at the WMU-Asylum Lake Well Field #2 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Allen was not able to base any conclusions on geochemical results and Weaver delineated the plume using fewer monitoring wells than are now available.

The data from twenty-one monitoring wells indicates that local groundwater is being impacted by the large-scale composting operation. The plume is characterized by …

A Comparison Of Methods For Detection Of Qualitative Interaction In Multicenter Trials, Boyd Jay Hanson

Dissertations

This research evaluated and compared three methods for the detection of qualitative treatment-by-center interaction proposed by Azzalini and Cox, Gail and Simon and Ciminera et al., through the analysis of simulated data for multicenter studies of two and three centers with two treatments. The effect of unequal sample size and the presence of an overall treatment effect on characteristics of the methods were examined.

The approach, underlying assumptions and theory of the three methods differ. For this study, they were adapted to establish a common basis for evaluation, thus allowing a meaningful comparison of the methods. For the test presented …

An Investigation Of Friedel-Crafts Alkylation Reactions In Super- And Subcritical Carbon Dioxide And Under Solventless Reaction Conditions, Kan Nie

Masters Theses

This study investigates the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of triphenylmethanol with methoxybenzene (anisole) in supercritical and subcritical carbon dioxide, and under solventless reaction conditions. The reaction was initiated using trifluoroacetic acid to produce triphenylmethylcarbocation as the reaction intermediate. Isolated product yields of the Friedel-Crafts product, p-methoxytetraphenylmethane, are reported. The possibility of using the above reaction as an alternative synthesis in an undergraduate organic laboratory to teach some of the tenets of green chemistry is also presented. Additionally, we have investigated the use of benzhydrol, 9-hydroxyxanthene and 9-phenylxanthen-9- ol as potential carbocation sources for supercritical carbon dioxide synthesis and we report those …

Eustasy Determination From Borehole Data, Onshore New Jersey: New Boreholes And New Porosity Estimates, William Alan Van Sickel

Masters Theses

Backstripping analysis of detailed stratigraphic data from the Bass River and Ancora boreholes on the New Jersey Coastal Plain (Ocean Drilling Project Leg 17 4AX) was conducted to test and refine previous eustatic estimates (Kominz et al., 1998) and provide new Upper Cretaceous estimates. Porositydepth relationships required by the backstripping method were estimated to supplement those from the Cost B-2 well (Rhodehamel, 1977). Sand and mud porosity at shallow depths (<500 m) obtained here are higher than was seen at the Cost B-2 well.

The Bass River and Ancora boreholes targeted older sequences of the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene. This new data allow for more accurate estimate of the magnitude of long-term sea-level …

The Effects Of Radiation Damage On The Vortex Dynamics Of High Temperature Superconductors, Andra Petrean

Dissertations

This work focuses on the interaction between magnetic vortices in high temperature superconductors and defects introduced by irradiation with protons and heavy ions. The study concentrates on the high temperature superconductor YBa;Cu30 7J5. This material is used to investigate the role of disorder in phase transitions, a topic of great interest in Solid State Physics. In addition, this study analyzes the interaction between vortices and columnar defects in various doses and defect morphologies, including the thermal stability of columnar defects.

We present experimental evidence of the vortex glass phase in proton irradiated Y B a:Cu:!0 -.15. For the first time, …

Allosteric Tuning Of Ruthenium 2,2’-Bipyridyl Luminescent Sensor Systems, Daqing Gan

Masters Theses

A series of new ruthenium bipyridyl crown supramolecular sensor systems containing two binding sites were synthesized. The crystal structure and photophysical properties of the developed sensor systems were thoroughly studied using x-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance and photoscopy methods. It turned out that the chelation of transition metal on the remote sites of the bipyridyl crown ligands greatly reduced the reactivity of the crown cavity. It is believed that the chelation of transition metal on the nitrogen atoms forces the bipyridyl function towards coplanarity and restricts the conformational freedom of the crown ring. The conformational rigidity in turn influences the binding …