Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Carbon Monoxide In The Antarctic Atmosphere: Observations Of Decreasing Concentrations, M. A. K. Khalil, R. A. Rasmussen

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Hydroxyl radicals remove hundreds, perhaps thousands, of organic gases from the atmosphere and are often regarded as am index of the oxidizing capacity of the Earth's atmosphere (Thompson 1992). In recent years, there have been growing concerns that, over the past century and now, human activities may be depleting hydroxyl concentrations by adding huge amounts of carbon monoxide and methane to the atmosphere. Reduction in the hydroxyl concentrations can then indirectly lead to more global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, and other disturbances in atmospheric chemistry. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a key component in the determination of hydroxyl radical (OH) concentrations: …

Irreducible Polynomials Over A Finite Field Zp, Brian Holbrook

Honors Theses, 1963-2015

The topic of my thesis was counting irreducible polynomials. I began with some preliminary material including relevant theorems discovered in various math textbooks and data generated by a computer program that I wrote. I then used this data to calculate formulas for the number of polynomials which had zeroes in a field Zp of sufficiently low degree. Next, I explained why it would not be practical to use the formulas for lower degrees to synthesize formulas for high degrees. However, I was able to generate a new formula using a different counting technique: the inclusion-exclusion principle. Finally, I discussed the …

Ua56/1 Fact Book, Wku Institutional Research

WKU Archives Records

Statistical and demographic profile of WKU.

Simplest Atomic System For Sub-Doppler Laser Cooling, R. Gupta, S. Padua, C. Xie, Herman Batelaan, Harold Metcalf

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications

Sub-Doppler laser cooling requires optical pumping among differently light-shifted ground-state sublevels. We describe a study of the simplest possible angular-momentum configuration that permits all sub-Doppler cooling phenomena. The J_g = 1 ⟹ J_e = 0 angular-momentum configuration shows recoil-limited cooling in the two most well-known types of polarization gradient, magnetically induced laser cooling, velocity-selective resonances, transient cooling, and velocity-selective population trapping.

Symmetry-Tests And Standard Model Backgrounds, Br Holstein

Physics Department Faculty Publication Series

No abstract provided.

Continuity Of Metric Projection, Pólya Algorithm, Strict Best Approximation, And Tubularity Of Convex Sets, Robert Huotari, Wu Li

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

The notion of tubularity of a convex subset, K, of l∞ (n) was originally introduced to study the convergence of the Pólya algorithm. It is shown in the present paper that this geometric condition provides a characterization of thosed closed convex sets onto which the set-valued metric projection is continuous. In the development of this result, Rice′s strict best approximation is characterized in three new ways, and is shown, assuming tubularity of K, to be a continuous selection. The class of sets on which the Pólya algorithm is known to converge is enlarged to include …

Some Triple Sine Series, G. Kerr, G. Melrose, J. Tweed

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Two types of triple sine series are investigated. They are reduced to singular integral equations with kernels involving elliptic functions. Closed form solutions are obtained.

K(S)-]Gamma-Gamma, K(L)-]Pi(0)Gamma-Gamma And Unitarity, J Kambor, Br Holstein

Physics Department Faculty Publication Series

Agreement between the experimental value Γ(KS→γγ) and the number predicted via a one-loop chiral perturbation theory calculation has been cited as a success for the latter. On the other hand the one-loop prediction for the closely related process KL→π0γγ has been found to be a factor 3 below the experimental value. Using the inputs of unitarity and dispersion relations, we demonstrate the importance of higher order loop effects to both of these processes.

Testing Cosmic Censorship With Black Hole Collisions, D Brill, G Horowitz, David Kastor, Jennie Traschen

Physics Department Faculty Publication Series

There exists an upper limit on the mass of black holes when the cosmological constant Λ is positive. We study the collision of two black holes whose total mass exceeds this limit. Our investigation is based on a recently discovered exact solution describing the collision of Q=M black holes with Λ>0. The global structure of this solution is analyzed. We find that if the total mass is less than the extremal limit, then the black holes coalesce. If it is greater, then a naked singularity forms to the future of a Cauchy horizon. However, the horizon is not smooth. …

A Strategy For Electronic Dissemination Of Nasa Langley Technical Publications, Donna G. Roper, Mary K. Mccaskill, Scott D. Holland, Joanne L. Walsh, Michael L. Nelson, Susan L. Adkins, Manjula Y. Ambur, Bryan A. Campbell

Computer Science Faculty Publications

To demonstrate NASA Langley Research Center's relevance and to transfer technology to external customers in a timely and efficient manner, Langley has formed a working group to study and recommend a course of action for the electronic dissemination of technical reports (EDTR). The working group identified electronic report requirements (e.g., accessibility, file format, search requirements) of customers in U.S. industry through numerous site visits and personal contacts. Internal surveys were also used to determine commonalities in document preparation methods. From these surveys, a set of requirements for an electronic dissemination system was developed. Two candidate systems were identified and evaluated …

The World Wide Web And Technology Transfer At Nasa Langley Research Center, Michael L. Nelson, David J. Bianco

Computer Science Faculty Publications

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) began using the World Wide Web (WWW) in the summer of 1993, becoming the first NASA installation to provide a Center-wide home page. This coincided with a reorganization of LaRC to provide a more concentrated focus on technology transfer to both aerospace and non-aerospace industry. Use of the WWW and NCSA Mosaic not only provides automated information dissemination, but also allows for the implementation, evolution and integration of many technology transfer applications. This paper describes several of these innovative applications, including the on-line presentation of the entire Technology Opportunities Showcase (TOPS), an industrial partnering showcase …

The Modeling Of Phosphorus Dynamics In A Lake System, Todd N. Swift

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

We have constructed a basic closed stock and flow model of lake phosphorus cycling that includes three stock concentrations: inorganic phosphorus, phosphorus in living organic material, and phosphorus in dead organic material. Stocks are connected by flows that are made stock dependent in a plausible manner. The model exhibits two equilibrium points, one stable and the other unstable, with an interesting crossover between them. Below a certain total phosphorus threshold, stable equilibrium is characterized by all of the phosphorus stock residing in the inorganic form, suggesting the collapse of the biological system. Above the threshold, this is not true. We …

Purification And Analysis Of Protein Synthetic Initiation Factors From Volvox Carteri, Kathie L. Pooler

Honors Theses

Volvox carteri, a multi-celled green algae, can grow synchronously given a sixteen hour light period followed by an eight hour dark period, a cycle which is repeated for a 48 hour growth cycle total. Near the end of each light period, reproductive cells divide rapidly resulting in the differentiation of ceIls. When the dark period begins, this differentiation stops and the cells remain dormant with little protein synthesis or differentiation occurring. Immediately after the lights come back on, however, the cells again undergo rapid protein synthesis and complete their differentiation. Previous studies have concluded that Volvox carteri discontinue protein synthesis …

Investigations Of Iron Cycling In Aquatic Systems, Heather A. Lounsbury

Honors Theses

A fully automated luminal-based chemiluminescence flow injection analysis system has been developed for rapid detection of Fe(IT) at natural levels in natural water systems. Similar detection limits are achieved for H202 by fluorometry using an enzyme mediated oxidation of the reagent p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. Using these analytical systems, the rates of Fe(IT) oxidation by dissolved oxygen in 0.7 M NaO have been measured for nanomolar concentrations of Fe(II) over the pH range 7.0 to 8.3. When the production and decomposition of H202 in the system were considered, measured rates were in excellent agreement with a model based on previously reported rate …

The Effect Of Encapsulated Antibodies On Spontaneous Translocation Of A Protein Presequence Into Synthetically Produced Phospholipid Vesicles, Robert Bellin

Honors Theses, 1963-2015

The cytochrome oxidase subunit IV (CoxIV) protein presequence has been found by previous researchers to target proteins to the mitochondria of the cells and associate with or translocate across a membrane bilayer. In this study, the effects of encapsulating antibodies against the presequence within phospholipid vesicles on this association or translocation was studied. Kinetic and thermodynamic theories were developed which predict a higher level of association or translocation of the protein presequence into these antibody containing vesicles. Antibodies against the CoxIV presequence were produced in two rabbits and purified with a Protein A affinity column. Phospholipid vesicles were created with …

Evolution In The Microprocessor Industry For Personal Computers: The Shift From Cisc Chips To Risc Chips, James Lamm

Honors Theses, 1963-2015

The thesis examines the semiconductor industry, specifically focusing on microprocessor manufacturers for the personal computer market. The current technology in the industry, CISC microprocessors, have reached a price/performance limit. The industry is turning to RISC microprocessors for improved speed at lower costs. Intel, the current industry leader, is being challenged by AMD and Cyrix, who manufacture clones of Intel¹s microprocessors. In addition, Motorola, another giant in the industry, has teamed up with Apple and IBM to challenge Intel¹s dominance of the industry. Motorola is attempting to set a new microprocessor standard based on a RISC microprocessor, the Power PC. Intel …

Triangles, Triangles And, Yes, More Triangles: Explorations In Euclidean Ramsey Theory, Kathleen Wilson

Honors Theses, 1963-2015

Several important general theorems of Euclidean Ramsey Theory are presented with an emphasis on trying to prove or disprove the 1973 conjecture of Erdös et al. that for all triangles, except for equilateral triangles, it is possible to find a monochromatic coloring of the vertices in any two colorings of the plane. Further investigation included looking at triangles in greater dimensions.

A Mathematical Analysis Of A Small Corporation: This Stuff Really Works?, Wade Olson

Honors Theses, 1963-2015

This thesis is a mathematical analysis of Foam Enterprises, a small corporation in the Twin Cities. Through interaction with the,. I heard of several problems occurring at that time which were being dealt with in a mathematical fashion. The first involves the profitability of two main clients of Foam Enterprises. The second deals with the production capacity of the two current plants and the distribution of products to customers. Each problem was then described in detail. The general mathematical approaches were stated for each problem and important circumstances which could affect the procedure were given. In turn, the results of …

Modeling Daily Production Of Aquatic Macrophytes From Irradiance Measurements: A Comparative Analysis, Richard C. Zimmerman, Alejandro C. Pasini, Randall S. Alberte

OES Faculty Publications

The importance of submerged aquatic macrophytes to coastal ecosystems has generated a need for knowledge of minimum light levels that will support the maintenance and restoration of healthy populations. Our goals were (1) to evaluate the sensitivity to natural, non-sinusoidal fluctuations in irradiance I of analytical integration techniques for calculating daily carbon gain, (2) to evaluate the H_sat (the daily period of I-saturated photosynthesis) model of daily production relative to models based on instantaneous photosynthesis vs irradiance (P vs I) and (3) to provide some guidance for the temporal density of irradiance data required for accurate estimation of …

Assessment Of Genetic Diversity Of Seagrass Populations Using Dna Fingerprinting: Implications For Population Stability And Management, Randall S. Alberte, Gregory K. Suba, Gabriele Procaccini, Richard C. Zimmerman, Steven R. Fain

OES Faculty Publications

Populations of the temperate seagrass, Zostera marina L. (eelgrass), often exist as discontinuous beds in estuaries, harbors, and bays where they can reproduce sexually or vegetatively through clonal propagation. We examined the genetic structure of three geographically and morphologically distinct populations from central California (Elkhorn Slough, Tomales Bay, and Del Monte Beach), using multilocus restriction fragment length polymorphisms (DNA fingerprints). Within-population genetic similarity (S_w) values for the three eelgrass populations ranged from 0.44 to 0.68. The Tomales Bay population located in an undisturbed, littoral site possessed a within-population genetic similarity (S_w = 0.44) that was significantly lower …

A Comparison Of A Validated Otolith Method To Age Weakfish, Cynoscion Regalis, With The Traditional Scale Method, Susan K. Lowerre-Barbieri, Mark E. Chittenden Jr., Cynthia M. Jones

OES Faculty Publications

Otoliths, scales, dorsal spines, and pectoral-fin rays were compared to ascertain the best hardpart for determining the age of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis. Each showed concentric marks, which could be interpreted as annuli. Sectioned otoliths, however, consistently showed the clearest marks, had 100% agreement between and within readers, and were validated by the marginal increment method for ages 1-5. This validated method of ageing weakfish was then compared with the traditionally used scale method. The scale method was less precise, as demonstrated by lower percent agreement, and generally assigned younger ages for fish older than age 6 (as determined by …

The Biogeochemistry Of Hydrogen Sulfide: Phytoplankton Production In The Surface Ocean, Russell S. Walsh, Gregory A. Cutter, William M. Dunstan, Joel Radford-Knoery, Jennifer T. Elder

OES Faculty Publications

Hydrogen sulfide can exist in oxic waters in the form of a dissolved gas, dissociated ions, dissolved metal sulfide complexes, and particulate metal sulfides. The sum of the dissolved species is termed total dissolved sulfide (TDS). In addition to the hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide, it has been speculated that phytoplankton may produce TDS. We present results from preliminary culture studies which demonstrate that phytoplankton produce TDS and particulate acid-volatile sulfide (pAVS). The phylogenetic order of TDS + pAVS production (per unit cell volume) for the oceanic species examined is Synechococcus sp. > Emiliania huxleyi ≈ Pyramimonas obovata > Thalassiosira oceanica. Moreover, …

Biogeochemical Control Of Phosphorus Cycling And Primary Production In Lake Michigan, R. S. Walsh, Gregory A. Cutter, W. M. Dunstan, J. Radford-Knoery, J. T. Elder

OES Faculty Publications

A 3-yr study in Lake Michigan has shown a 27 mmol P m^-2 increase in the mass of total P (TP) in the water during spring when the lake is mixed from surface to sediment. This value is an order of magnitude greater than the annual P input from external sources. TP changed in concert with increases in chlorophyll a and organic N and decreases in nitrate and soluble Si. The concentration of soluble reactive PO_4^-3 (SRP) remained relatively constant throughout the study. We hypothesize that the SRP concentration is maintained by a chemical equilibrium with calcium-phosphate …

Further Evidence Of Lead Contamination Of Omaha Skeletons, A. Mohamad Ghazi, Karl J. Reinhard, Mary Anne Holmes, Eric M. Durrance

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Faculty Publications

A previous analysis of Omaha skeletons dating between A.D. 1780 and 1820 revealed the presence of lead in all skeletons with high concentrations in children and adult males (Reinhard and Ghazi [1992] Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 89: 183-195). Two likely explanations for the high lead levels were presented: 1) metabolic absorption of lead and 2) diagenetic uptake of lead by the bones from postmortem application of pigments to the corpse. Two types of lead were available to the Omaha tribe: 1) Mississippi Valley type, and 2) non-Mississippi Valley type. It has been suggested that red-lead pigment mixed with mercury sulfide …

The Oceanographer's Toolkit: Oceanatlas And Atlast, Larry P. Atkinson

CCPO Publications

Most of us spend a great deal of time looking at data, visualizing it in our mind, and interpreting it for others. I am sure we all have also often realized how much time we spend on the unproductive part of these tasks. How often have you said, “I could have done this faster by hand!” I looked at two free software packages, OceanAtlas (OA) and Atlast, with success, but I wondered what longtime users thought of them. OceanAtlas is for the Mac and Atlast for the PC. Both have extensive data visualization capability and both come with large datasets: …

Getting The Best From The Woolbelt, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Articles in this issue of the Journal of Agriculture discuss prospects for the wool industry and strategies for wool growers to increase their income and their long term viability.

The impact of low wool prices is greatest in the 'woo/belt' (see map) and the southern pastoral region. There is a need to boost the profitability of wool production and to increase income from sources other than wool in these regions.

The Productivity and Diversification Initiative for Wool Growers is refocussing Department of Agriculture resources to assist wool growers reduce costs, increase productivity and diversify into alternative enterprises.

The strategies recommended …

Careful Clip Preparation Will Increase Profit, Peter Metcalfe, Ric Collins

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The current wool market has forced wool growers into producing the maximum number of kilograms of quality wool for the least cost. Preparation of the clip is now much more important to maximise possible net returns. Careful clip preparation will ensure that growers receive the maximum overall average price for each kilogram of wool in the clip.

How Sustainable Is Grazing Sheep On Annual Pastures In The Woolbelt?, Don Mcfarlane, Richard George

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Low wool prices have reduced the profitability of producing wool from clover-based annual pastures in the south-western woo/belt. The heavy reliance on one commodity is economically unsustainable for many farmers. But we should also consider how ecologically sustainable the practice is.

Shallow-rooted annual pastures contribute to widespread salinity in the area, annual legumes are acidifying the soils and making them water repellent, and bare, detached soils from heavy grazing cause sheet and rill erosion during autumn storms. In addition, stock are degrading remnant vegetation and destroying the soil's structure.

To counteract this degradation, the woo/belt needs more perennial pastures and …

No-Tillage Sowing Decreases Water Erosion On Loamy Soils And Increases Earthworm Activity, Kevin Bligh

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

No-tillage sowing places seed and fertiliser in the soil without loosening all of the topsoil. Soil is cultivated only in the sown rows, leaving the inter-row areas largely undisturbed.

No-tillage sowing reduces both wind and water erosion. Soil structure is generally improved, and pasture regeneration is increased because seed is not buried too deeply for re-establishment.

Two long-term trials were establis_hed on loamy soils to determine effects of tillage and cropping on runoff and soil loss.

Red Mud : Cutting Pollution And Boosting Yields, Rob Summers

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A by-product from the refining of bauxite ore in the South-West is proving a bonus for agriculture.

When spread over the land, not only is it improving soil quality, but it is helping to prevent leaching of phosphorus and the consequent massive algal blooms in the waterways.

Bauxite residue is also showing considerable promise in human and animal effluent disposal systems, composting urban refuse, sewage treatments and as a road base.

Western Australia is now in the forefront of this research which is attracting world-wide interest.