Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Reaction Of Caffeic Acid And Copper (Ii) In Natural Water, Ling Xiaozheng Xu

Masters Theses

The interaction of the lignin precursor compound caffeic acid with copper(lI) in aqueous solution was studied. In the presence of a reducible transition metal, such as copper, caffeic acid undergoes oxidation. Oxygen was shown to play an important role in the reaction. The UV-visible data demonstrated that the conjugated double bond in the propenoic acid side chain of caffeic acid slowly disappeared during the reaction. The molecular weight experiments indicated that the product was a dimer. FTIR spectrum agreed with two possible dimer structures involving the side chain of caffeic acid. In addition, the reaction was shown to be reversible. …

Investigation Of New Methods For The Synthesis Of Pyrrolidines And The Generation Of Novel Heterocumulenes, Travis R. Taylor

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The following paper is a summary of the research completed from March to August of 1990. This research project proceeded through the guidance of Dr. Eric Edstrom incorporating a senior thesis in conjunction with the Honors Program.

Modeling Trihalomethane Formation Potential From Wastewater Chlorination, Carol A. Mccormick

Theses and Dissertations

The deletion of federally mandated fecal coliform limits has led many states to review and modify their wastewater disinfection requirements. One issue in analyzing wastewater disinfection is the discharge of potentially carcinogenic halogenated organics formed during the chlorination process. This research investigates the formation of one class of the halogenated organics, the trihalomethanes. The applicability of using drinking water trihalomethane formation models for use with wastewater effluent is examined. Three models are compared for predictive capability by using measured trihalomethane values from previous research data. The results show that a previously developed model is applicable for use based on assumptions …

Exposure Of A Food Crop To Trichloroethylene From A Contaminated Aquifer, Richard G. Baringer

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed a methodology for assessment of the exposure of a mature corn crop to trichloroethylene from a contaminated aquifer. The methodology was then applied to the case of Hill AFB to determine the ability of the methodology to provide information about a specific exposure. Current procedures sample for food contamination but do not attempt to predict exposure problems. A review of the potential exposure pathways from the aquifer to the crop was conducted. Based on this review, the exposures due to soil gas and irrigation were modeled. Empirical estimated were used to approximate the expected flux of soil …

Studies In Fluorine Chemistry: 13c Nmr Investigation Of Sf5/So2f Fluorinated Systems, Yoon S. Choi

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this thesis was two fold: (i) The synthesis and characterization of SF5 containing dienes. (ii) The characterization of hydro/fluorocarbon compounds containing SF5/S02F groups via their 13C NMR spectra. A new SF5CH2CHBrCH2CF=CF2 was prepared and characterized as a precursor to new dielectric polymers. This new adduct was made from the reaction of pentafluorothio bromide with l,l,2-trifluoro-1,4-pentadiene. A SF5-diene was prepared from the reaction of pentafluorothio chloride with acetylene. This reaction involves a radical addition mechanism. The SF5 group is bonded to the carbon atom carrying the most hydrogens. SF5 - dienes are capable of undergoing different reactions, such …

Photoionization With Excitation Of The 4s And 4p Subshells In Krypton, Ahmad Farhat

Masters Theses

High-resolution photoelectron spectra of the nd, Rydberg satellites in krypton have been measured for the first time for six different angles and for photon energies between 68.5 and 250 eV. The relative intensities of these satellites with respect to the 4s and 4p main lines are in very good accord with the most recent measurements of Krause et al. (1992) at 68.5 eV. They also confirm that the theoretical predictions for the relative intensity of these satellites are too high. We determine the ratios for nd satellites with respect to the 4s and 4p main lines, and extract the angular …

Analysis Of The Potential For Plant Uptake Of Trichloroethylene And An Assessment Of The Relative Risk From Different Crop Types, Roy-Alan C. Agustin

Theses and Dissertations

This research expands our limited knowledge on the influence of plants on the fate and effects of trichloroethylene (TCE), providing a screening tool on which to base decisions regarding the need for actual sampling of plants. First, physicochemical properties of TCE--vapor pressure, Henry's Law constant, water solubility, octanol-water partition coefficient, molecular weight, and half-life--were screened against relationships reported in literature to evaluate TCE plant uptake potential. This screening approach indicated TCE may be transferred to plants via retention by root surfaces, root uptake and translocation, and foliar uptake. Next, the PLANTX model developed by Trapp and others was applied to …

A Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopic Investigation Of The Oxidation Of Co On Platinum/Tin(Iv) Oxide-Based Catalysts, Julie Christi Stiltner Patrick

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Platinum/tin(IV) oxide-based catalysts have been developed for the oxidation of carbon monoxide at 55 °C and 1 atmosphere pressure. A diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopic (DRIFTS) investigation of this oxidation has been performed. Four catalyst samples have been subjected to a 5% carbon monoxide pretreatment at 125 °C, helium exposure at 55 °C, bottled air (20% oxygen) exposure at 55 °c, and exposure to a 2:1 stoichiometric mixture of carbon monoxide and oxygen at 55 °C. During the course of these exposures, evidence for the development of two different surface carbon monoxide configurations has been found: one that is …

Determination Of Pancreatic And Salivary Amylase By Enzyme Immunoassay And Their Prevalence In Hyperamylasemic Patients, Sabdra Borgens Ward

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Currently, amylase determinations are nonspecific for the organ source and are based entirely on the enzymatic properties of amylase to produce a measurable product or byproduct. The determination of pancreatic amylase is important in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Most commercially available tests for amylase employ the measurement of the change in NADH absorbance at 280 nm or of the p-nitrophenol released from a maltotetrose substrate. These are nonspecific measurements of pancreatic amylase and often necessitate other tests to be run such as a serum lipase.

The two predominant isoenzymes of amylase are pancreatic (p-amylase) and salivary (s-amylase); the most …

Application Of A Modified Analytical Derivatization Method To The Determination Of Microbial Metabolites In Aquifer Systems, Jie Lu

Masters Theses

The geochemical evolution of Low Molecular Weight Fatty Acids (LMWFA's) in various ground water samples and aquifer solid samples from both contaminated and uncontaminated sites has been studied. An improved analytical method has been established for both qualitative and quantitative determination of LMWFA's. The low molecular weight (LMW) organic acids are metabolic intermediates of the oxidative biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminants. The hydrocarbons are believed to be the electron donors in these redox reactions. Formic and acetic acids were found to be the major LMWFA's in these ground water samples and aquifer solid samples. Their concentrations increase as the redox condition …

The Charge Of The Zinc Ion In Atcase And Its Effect On Tertiary Structure, Michelle L. Dietrich

Honors Theses

Metals present in enzymes serve a variety of functions. Often they are involved in enzyme catalysis or regulation of enzymatic activity. Another interesting role metals play In enzymes is a structural one. A few enzymes depend on metals for their structural stability, such as the protein ATCase. The B chain of the protein contains a zinc ion that does not have a catalytic role and is predicted to stabilize the protein structure. The goal of this research is to model the area around the zinc In the B chain and to determine what effect the zinc has on the stability …

Synthesis Of A Hybrid Baldwin Peptide: A Study In The Factors That Influence Helix Formation, Jay Steven Berger

Honors Theses

In this study, a hybrid i+4/i+3 peptide will be synthesized. It is assumed that this configuration will enhance the formation of the alpha­helix. Previous research has determined that a complete helical tum requires 3.6 amino acid residues. The hybrid peptide will include four residues followed by a second helical tum which will only encompass three residues. It is hoped that by slightly over turning and then under turning the helix, the stability of the overall helix formation will be enhanced.

The Binding Of 2-Acetylnaphthalene To Beta-Cyclodextrin Polymers Studied By Fluorescence Quenching, Jason T. Graves

Honors Theses

Cyclodextrin (CD) molecules can form inclusion complexes with many different types of organics due to the hydrophobic environment of the CD internal cavity. The flurophore-2-acetylnapthalene (2-AN) has a high flourescence intensity in polar solvents such as water. Therefore, its fluorescence is quenched when it forms a complex with a CD molecule and is contained in the non-polar cavity. By measuring the change in flourescence intensity in the presence of CD, we can calculate the binding constant for CD:2-AN complex formation.

Nmr Studies Of Short Salt Bridged Peptides, James A. Ernst

Honors Theses

The study of small helical peptides is an area of great interest in biochemistry. Baldwin has shown that salt bridging between residues with oppositely charged side chains can act to stabilize short helices. The order of increased helix stabilization shown by Baldwin was i+4AB>i+4BA>i+3AB>i+3BA where A is a positively charges amino acid side chain and B is a negatively charged amino acid side chain. Most previous studies have dealt with a single type of salt bridge stabilization, either i,i+3, or i,i+4 in a single peptide. This study will address the question of helix stabilization in a system …

The Application Of Stereolithography To The Creation Of Molecular Models Of Amiloride And Its Analogues, Thomas John Busanic

Theses

Stereolithography, a process by which a computer-guided Ultraviolet (UV) laser is applied onto a liquid monomer resin to form a solid polymer, was used to create solid models of amiloride and two of its analogues. The Cartesian coordinates used as input for the orientation of each atom in a molecule were calculated using ab initio molecular orbital theory. Since the structures of the molecules are calculated in this fashion, they represent a more accurate representation of the molecules than that provided by standard molecular modeling kits.

The original purpose of this work was to assist a blind chemist in appreciating …

Characterization Of The 4.5s Rna Molecule In Escherichia Coli, Bruce John Panilaitis

Senior Scholar Papers

The 4.5S RNA molecule of Escherichia coli is essential to cell viability. It has been shown that depletion of this molecule inhibits protein synthesis, induces the heat shock response, and generally slows cell growth. The molecule has also been implicated in protein secretion, as in cells depleted of 4.5S RNA, an unsecreted precursor to ?-lactamase accumulates (pre-?-lactamase). A role in protein secretion is further supported by structural similarities with the 7S RNA molecule of eukaryotic SRP, specific binding to SRP54, and its homolog in E. coli, P48, and the ability of 7S RNA from certain archaebacteria to suppress 4.5S RNA …

The Crystalline Structure Of Mm3, A Derivative Of Dapsone, Tommie L. Heltcel

McCabe Thesis Collection

Dapsone is a drug which has recently been discovered as a potential treatment for the disease of leprosy. Many of the derivatives of dapsone have been sent to the United States by Dr. M. Muhundam and Professor M.S.R. Naidu of the Department of Chemistry, S.V. University, Tirupati, India, for structure analysis. One such derivative is (E)-3-[2-[(4-Chlorophenyl) sulphonyl] ethenyl]-4H-l-benzopyran-4-one, which will hereafter be referred to as MM3. MM3 was synthesized and the initial data for the structural analysis taken in the departments of Physics and Chemistry at S.V. University, Tirupati, India. The drug has been found to have a high antibacterial …

The Pharmacodynamics And Toxicodynamics Of Inotropic Drugs In Calves With Natural And Artificial Hearts, Scott D. Everett

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Inotropic support for the failing myocardium as the therapy for congestive heart failure (CHF) is intended to achieve an increase in cardiac output via positive responses in myocardial contractility and vasodilation. A novel approach to differentiate these two responses is the use of an animal with an implanted total artificial heart (TAH). Three inotropic drugs, dobutamine, enoximone, and pimobendan, were tested in eight animals with their natural heart intact and five animals implanted with a TAH. Baseline values of the TAH and natural heart (NH) were compared to determine their hemodynamic similarities. Each of the three drugs was given randomly …

Effect Of Iron Binding On The Ability Of Crocidolite To Cause Dna Single-Strand Breaks, Jeanne Ann Hardy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Fibrous carcinogens, such as crocidolite asbestos, are known to catalyze many of the same reactions as iron, namely O₂ consumption, generation of reduced oxygen species, and damage to DNA, such as strand breaks, and modifications of bases. Upon inhalation, fibers are also known to become coated with an iron-rich material. The mechanism by which this iron is bound to fibers in the lung is not known, and the effect of this additional iron on the reactivity of the fibers is also not well understood. The studies described here were undertaken to elucidate the abilities of crocidolite asbestos, in its …

Identification Of Aromatic Acids As Microbial Metabolites Of Fossil-Fuel Compounds Present In Aquifer Systems, Daniel Michael Tomczak

Masters Theses

The identification and quantitation of aromatic acids as transformation products present in contaminated aquifer systems was studied from selected sites. These acids are formed as microbial metabolites in the oxidative degradation of aromatic compounds. The microbial activity in the subsurface can be coupled to the oxidation of the aromatic compounds and the reduction of specific inorganic indicators. Inorganic indicators identified from the sample sites include the reduced forms of iron, nitrate, sulfate, and dissolved oxygen.

The highest concentrations of the aromatic acids were found in the plumes of the contaminated sites. These concentrations also correlated with specific changes in concentrations …

Approaches To And Synthesis Of Chalcone Amides, Gregory S. Marczak

Masters Theses

A series of "chalcone" amides have been prepared. These amides are unique in the position of the substituted hydroxy and methoxy functional groups. Early approaches to the synthesis of the amides proved difficult when preparing intermediates from the phenolic substituents. These phenols were then protected to lead to easier formation of the intermediates, and then deprotected to yield the corresponding chalcone amides. The approaches to the preparation of these compounds is presented, along with the physical data used to characterize the chalcone amides.

Quantitative Analysis Of Steroids By 13C Nmr Spectroscopy, Pei Wang

Masters Theses

Steroids are usually analyzed quantitatively by using HPLC with ultraviolet detection and are confirmed by FTIR, GC-MS. Quantitative ¹³C NMR method provide an alternative means to analyze steroids. Chromatographic separation and subsequent identification by match with a spectroscopic data base spectrum is not required for quantitative analysis of mixture components. Instead, equivalent information is obtained by creating subspectra from resonances with equivalent peak areas within a quantitative NMR spectrum. Techniques for eliminating Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE) effect is described.

The Synthesis Of Amino Acid Derivatives For Peptide Incorporation, Yvette Delahoussaye

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Some Flourine-Containing Lithium Alkyl Sulfonates: Flourinated Sulfonates And Sf5-Containing Sulfonates, Steven A. Ullrich

Dissertations and Theses

Lithium salts of pentafluorothio alkyl sulfonic acids and perfluoroalkyl disulfonic acids were prepared for testing for possible use as polymer electrolytes. Most of these lithium salts were made from the corresponding sodium, potassium or calcium salts. Aqueous solutions of these salts were passed through polystyrene sulfonate ion exchange resin in the acid form to obtain aqueous solutions of the corresponding acids. The acids were then neutralized with lithium hydroxide using a pH meter. One salt was made by reacting the barium salt of the corresponding acid with lithium sulfate. A sulfonyl fluoride polymer (-0-CH2-C (CH20CF2CF2S02F) H-) n was reacted with …

Solubility Studies Of Iron(Iii) Oxides And Hydroxides, Victor L. Menting

Dissertations and Theses

The hydrolysis of iron(III) ions in aqueous solution forms a series of soluble hydroxide complexes with associated equilibrium constants. The solubility of iron(III) is controlled by the various soluble hydroxide complexes, and can, in theory, be calculated from the pH and equilibrium constants. Experimental verification of the calculated solubility has proven difficult due to the lack of sensitive analytical techniques and the presence of colloidal ferric hydroxide interferences. Recently, electrochemical methods for the determination of low levels of iron(III) have been developed using adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry which relies on the interfacial accumulation of the chelate of iron with Solochrome …

Molecular Modeling Studies Of Hemoglobin Crosslinking Reactions, Patricia A. Pavlik

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Comparing Normal And Sickle Hemoglobin Oxidation And Heme Transfer In The Presence Of Phosphatidylserine Vesicles, Qinghai Pan

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Spectroscopic Study Of Nitrogen, Nitrogen/Helium And Fluorobenzenes In A Corona Supersonic Discharge, Jing-Chen Luo

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Structural Characterization Of Recombinant Polypeptides Of &-Spectrin, Yirong Xu

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Lithium Binding To Human Rbc Membranes And Substrates Of Second Messenger Systems, Qinfen Rong

Dissertations

No abstract provided.