Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Neural Network Method For Protein Classification, Arie D. Jones

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The investigation detailed in this paper attempts to utilize a Leaming Vector Quantization network in order to classify a set of mitochondrial proteins based upon their amino acid sequence. The Learning Vector Quantization network uses a nearest neighbor approach to classification. Input vectors are fed into the network, which produces output vectors. Those output vectors are then matched by means of a distance bias to a corresponding classification vector. The learning and test sets consisted of thirteen similar mitochodrial proteins from seventy-two different species. This provided a pool of over nine hundred proteins to use. Half of the species were …

Poly(Meta-Phenylene Isophthalamide) Nanofibers: Coating And Post Processing, Wenxia Liu, Matthew Graham, Edward A. Evans, Darrell H. Reneker

Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering Faculty Research

Electrospun nanofibers have applications in the areas of filtration, composites; biomaterials, and electronics. Controlling the surface properties of these nanofibers is important for many applications. Nanofibers can also be used as unique substrates for observing the growth of deposited films and creating nanoscale structures. In this work, electrospun poly(meta-phenylene isophthalamide) (MPD-I) nanofibers were used as substrates for creating nanoscale structures out of carbon-based materials and metals. MPD-I was used because it can be electrospun into nanofibers with diameters smaller than 10 nm and it has good thermal stability. MPD-I nanofibers were coated with carbon, copper, and aluminum using plasma enhanced …

Superconvergent Perturbation Theory For An Anharmonic Oscillator, Gregory S. Tschumper, Mark R. Hoffmann

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

A computationally facile super convergent perturbation theory for the energies and wavefunctions of the bound states of one-dimensional anharmonic oscillators is suggested. The proposed approach uses a Kolmogorov repartitioning of the Hamiltonian with perturbative order. The unperturbed and perturbed parts of the Hamiltonian are defined in terms of projections in Hilbert space, which allows for zero-order wavefunctions that are linear combinations of basic functions. The method is demonstrated on quartic anharmonic oscillators using a basis of generalized coherent states and, in contrast to usual perturbation theories, converges absolutely. Moreover, the method is shown to converge for excited states, and it …

Electronic Structure Of Thallium Filled Skutterudites Studied By X-Ray Absorption And Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Gary J. Long, Bernard M. Mahieu, Brian C. Sales, Raphäel P. Hermann, Fernande Grandjean

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The electronic structure of the three sites in the thallium filled skutterudites was studied. Two series of thallium filled skutterudites were formed because thallium has a formal valence of +1 and iron or tin must replace some of the cobalt or antimony respectively, to maintain charge neutrality. Large atomic mean-square displacements were observed for the thallium filling atoms and it helps to produce the large thermal resistivity observed for these skutterudites.

Ocean Zoning For The Gulf Of Maine: A Background Paper, Fara Courtney, Jack Wiggin

Urban Harbors Institute Publications

Coastal and ocean management is a constantly evolving practice. For at least two decades, coastal communities around the world have been experimenting with new ways to control a multitude of activities in their urban and rural harbors. The number and diversity of Marine Protected Areas are growing, with an increasing focus on protecting integrated biological communities, rather than individual species of concern. The United States and Canada are each developing new, comprehensive ocean polices, looking to better integrate management functions at all levels of government.

All of these initiatives – from local to national - reflect some common truths about …

Slow Convergence Of The Born Approximation For Electron-Atom Ionization, Stephenie J. Jones, Don H. Madison

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

It is usually assumed that the first-Born approximation for electron-atom ionization becomes valid for the fully differential cross section at sufficiently high impact energies, at least for asymmetric collisions where the projectile suffers only a small energy loss and is scattered by a small angle. Here we investigate this assumption quantitatively for ionization of hydrogen atoms. We find that convergence of the Born approximation to the correct nonrelativistic result is generally achieved only at energies where relativistic effects start to become important. Consequently, the assumption that the Born approximation becomes valid for high energy is inaccurate, since by the time …

Normal Forms For Two-Inputs Nonlinear Control Systems, Issa Amadou Tall, Witold Respondek

Miscellaneous (presentations, translations, interviews, etc)

We study the feedback group action on two-inputs non-linear control systems. We follow an approach proposed by Kang and Krener which consists of analyzing the system and the feedback group step by step. We construct a normal form which generalizes that obtained in the single-input case. We also give homogeneous m-invariants of the action of the group of homogeneous transformations on the homogeneous systems of the same degree. We illustrate our results by analyzing the normal form and invariants of homogeneous systems of degree two.

Coexistence Of Ferromagnetic And Glassy States In Mechanically Milled Gdal2, C. Stark, P. M. Shand, T. M. Pekarek, D. Williams, R. Brown, Lanping Yue, Diandra Leslie-Pelecky

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky Publications

Measurements of DC susceptibility, AC susceptibility, and AC susceptibility with an applied DC bias field were performed on mechanically milled GdAl₂. A paramagnetic phase exists above a temperature T ≈ 140 K. However, there are significant deviations from the Curie-Weiss Law in this temperature regime, suggesting multiple magnetic components. Fits to the high temperature data show that two Curie-Weiss terms represent the data quite well. Below 140 K one of these magnetic components becomes ferromagnetic as indicated by a shoulder in the AC susceptibility and DC susceptibility data. This ferromagnetic component is suppressed by the application of sufficiently …

Electronic-Structure Modifications Induced By Surface Segregation In La0.65Pb0.35Mno3 Thin Films, C.N. Borca, B. Xu, T. Komesu, H.-K. Jeong, M.T. Liu, Sy_Hwang Liou, Shane Stadler, Y. Idzerda, Peter A. Dowben

Peter Dowben Publications

Using spin-polarized inverse photoemission and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques, we show that the electronic structure of La_0.65Pb_0.35MnO₃ thin films depends on the composition at the surface. With a gentle annealing procedure, the surface provides a maximum of 80% spin asymmetry at 0.5 eV above the Fermi level in spite of extensive Pb segregation. A heavily annealed (restructured) surface exhibits a reduced surface "ordering" temperature of 240 K (compared to the approximately 335 K bulk value) as well as a reduced spin asymmetry value of 40% at 0.5 eV above Fermi energy.

Integrated Geophysical Examination Of A Former Refinery Site, Carson City, Michigan, Kennedy Opiyo Mwanda

Masters Theses

Integrated geophysical surveys, including electromagnetic (EM-31), magnetic, dc resistivity, and ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods and soil borings were used to investigate part of a former refinery site in Carson City, Michigan, which has more than a 50-year history of hydrocarbon contamination.

Although not readily evident on the magnetic anomaly maps, the EM-31 conductivity map clearly revealed many sections of buried pipes of various lengths and orientations. Also evident on the EM maps are extensive near surface conductivity anomalies. Soil borings in zones of anomalous conductivities to the west suggest the presence of shallow clays with pooled hydrocarbons at depths …

Inorganic And Organic Chemistry Of The Former Lakeside Refinery In Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kurt W. Carlson

Masters Theses

The focus of this investigation of the Lakeside Refinery site is the inorganic geochemistry because previous investigations concerned organics and heavy metals. Because little nitrate is in native groundwater, high dissolved ammonia immediately downgradient from a petroleum body suggests the source is the petroleum and/or associated byproducts. Iron reduction is most prominent immediately upgradient from the known and measurable petroleum while manganese reduction occurs mostly downgradient. Sulfate reduction occurs mostly towards the southern portion of the light petroleum LNAPL. Based on concentrations of nitrate, manganese, iron and sulfate along a groundwater flow path, there appears to be a sequential use …

An Observational Test Of The Spherical Model Atmospheres For The M Class Giants: The Case Of Δ2 Lyrae, Jeffrey J. Sudol, J. A. Benson, H. M. Dyck, M. Scholz

Physics & Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

News From Cart, Michael A. Krol, Julia Stakhnevich

Bridgewater Review

No abstract provided.

Superfluidity In The Solar Interior: Implications For Solar Eruptions And Climate, Oliver Manuel, Barry W. Ninham, Stig Friberg

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Efforts to understand unusual weather or abrupt changes in climate have been plagued by deficiencies of the standard solar model (SSM) [1]. Although it assumes that our primary source of energy began as a homogeneous ball of hydrogen (H) with a steady, well-behaved H-fusion reactor at its core, observations instead reveal a very heterogeneous, dynamic Sun. As examples, the upward acceleration and departure of H⁺ ions from the surface of the quiet Sun and abrupt climatic changes, including geomagnetic reversals and periodic magnetic storms that eject material from the solar surface are not explained by the SSM. The present …

Interactive Learning Tools: Animating Statics, Nancy Hubing, David B. Oglesby, Timothy A. Philpot, Vikas Yellamraju, Richard H. Hall, Ralph E. Flori

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Computer-Based Modules for Engineering Instruction Must Be Concise, Flexible, Educational and Engaging in Order to Effectively Supplement Traditional Classroom Teaching Tools. a Computer Example that Takes More Time Than a Chalkboard Presentation is Not Likely to Be Useful in Today's Engineering Classroom. Flexible Navigation is Necessary So that the Instructor Can Quickly and Easily Respond to Student Questions. Useful Modules Must Also Improve Problem-Solving Skills or Clarify Troublesome Concepts in Order to Be Considered Worthy of Inclusion in the Limited Class Time Available. Finally, and Perhaps Most Importantly, Effective Computer-Based Modules Must Meet the Challenge of Holding the Student's Attention. …

N Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations: Special Set And Applications To N=3, Foek T. Hioe

Physics Faculty/Staff Publications

Analytic solutions for a special set of N coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations characterized by 2^N interaction types are presented for N = 1–3. They provide an overview of the important role played by nonlinear couplings

Mechanistic Studies On The Antagonistic Effect Of Chromium On Bpde Mutant Frequency In Human Fibroblasts, Felicia Codrea

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible mechanisms involved in the decrease in mutant frequency when cells are treated with two different types of carcinogens: chromium (VI) in combination with benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE). Three of our working hypotheses are: Cr alone or Cr and BPDE synergistically activate detoxifying enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Cr alone or Cr and BPDE act synergistically to inhibit cell cycle at the G₁/S boundary thus allowing more time for DNA repair, and Cr alone or Cr and BPDE synergistically activate DNA repair systems which result in more efficient repair of DNA …

The U.S. And Mexico Sin Fronteras - Without Borders: Sustainable Development From A Local Perspective, Paulette Stenzel

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

No abstract provided.

Two-Dimensional Imaging Of Neutral Alkali Atom Samples Using Surface Ionization, Katharina Gillen-Christandl, Gregory P. Lafyatis, Andrei Modoran, Tung-Hsiu Shih

Physics

We describe the design and characterization of a high resolution, high efficiency detector for two-dimensional imaging of neutral atoms. Incident atoms are surface-ionized by a tungsten-coated hot ribbon and the resulting ions are accelerated into a microchannel plate detector with a phosphor screen output. With this design we can detect individual alkali and other low ionization potential atoms and molecules with a spatial resolution of ∼ 20 μm. We find backgrounds on the order of 30 Hz over an active detection region of 20 mm², a time response of ⩽ 1/30 s, and a detection efficiency of …

Properties Of Hadronic Final States In Diffractive Deep Inelastic Ep Scattering At Desy Hera, S. Chekanov, M. Derrick, D. Krakauer, S. Magill, B. Musgrave, A. Pellegrino, J. Repond, R. Yoshida, Margarita C. K. Mattingly, P. Antonioli, G. Bari, M. Basile, L. Bellagamba, D. Boscherini, A. Bruni, G. Bruni, G. Cara Romeo, L. Cifarelli, F. Cindolo, A. Contin, M. Corradi, S. De Pasquale, P. Giusti, G. Iacobucci, G. Levi, A. Margotti, T. Massam, R. Nania, F. Palmonari, A. Pesci, G. Sartorelli

Faculty Publications

Characteristics of the hadronic final state of diffractive deep inelastic scattering events ep→eXp were studied in the kinematic range 4X35GeV, 4

Historical Changes In Mid-Water Stands Of Common Reed In The Winnebago Pool Lakes, Wisconsin, Anthony O. Gabriel, Leo R. Bodensteiner

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Despite the tolerance of common reed grass to environmental extremes, mid-water stands in the Winnebago pool lakes of central Wisconsin appear to be diminishing. Formerly occupying shoreline locations, water level manipulations subsequent to dam construction beginning in the 1850's have isolated reed stands off shore. These stands have persisted but casual observations indicate that stand size has been declining. To address this perception we obtained an approximately decadal series of aerial photographs dating back to 1937 for four stands in Lake Poygan. Annual records were available for 1986–94. Using image analysis software, we determined shape and size metrics. Changes in …

Flat-State Connectivity Of Linkages Under Dihedral Motions, Greg Aloupis, Erik D. Demaine, Vida Dujmović, Jeff Erickson, Stefan Langerman, Henk Meijer, Joseph O'Rourke, Mark Overmars, Michael Soss, Ileana Streinu, Godfried T. Toussaint

Computer Science: Faculty Publications

We explore which classes of linkages have the property that each pair of their flat states - that is, their embeddings in ℝ2 without self-intersection - can be connected by a continuous dihedral motion that avoids self-intersection throughout. Dihedral motions preserve all angles between pairs of incident edges, which is most natural for protein models. Our positive results include proofs that open chains with nonacute angles are flat-state connected, as are closed orthogonal unit-length chains. Among our negative results is an example of an orthogonal graph linkage that is flat-state disconnected. Several additional results are obtained for other restrictedclasses of …

Multi-Level Decomposition Of Probabilistic Relations, Stanislaw Grygiel, Martin Zwick, Marek Perkowski

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Two methods of decomposition of probabilistic relations are presented in this paper. They consist of splitting relations (blocks) into pairs of smaller blocks related to each other by new variables generated in such a way so as to minimize a cost function which depends on the size and structure of the result. The decomposition is repeated iteratively until a stopping criterion is met. Topology and contents of the resulting structure develop dynamically in the decomposition process and reflect relationships hidden in the data.

Coordinated Target Assignment And Intercept For Unmanned Air Vehicles, Erik P. Anderson, Randal W. Beard, Michael A. Goodrich, Timothy W. Mclain

Faculty Publications

This paper presents an end-to-end solution to the cooperative control problem represented by the scenario where unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are assigned to transition through known target locations in the presence of dynamic threats. The problem is decomposed into the subproblems of: 1) cooperative target assignment; 2) coordinated UAV intercept; 3) path planning; 4) feasible trajectory generation; and 5) asymptotic trajectory following. The design technique is based on a hierarchical approach to coordinated control. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.

Geochemical And Isotopic Characteristics Associated With High Conductivities In A Shallow Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Aquifier, Franklyn D. Legall

Dissertations

In-situ vertical resistivity probes (VRPs) deployed at a hydrocarboncontaminated site in SW Michigan showed high soil conductivities within the contaminated zone. Within this zone, different phases of hydrocarbon impact were recognized, namely, zones with residual and dissolved phase hydrocarbons (RDH) and zones where these phases coexist with free product (RDFH). Bulk soil conductivities were highest ( 12 to 30 mS/m) in the zone with RDFH compared to the RDH zone (10 to 25 mS/m). Groundwater chemistry and stable carbon isotope data from closely spaced vertical samples within the anomalous conductive zones were used to provide evidence for biodegradation and to …

Historical Development Of The Linear Nonthreshold Dose-Response Model As Applied To Radiation, Ronald L. Kathren

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

[Excerpt] "Despite the nearly universal adoption of the linear nonthreshold dose response model (LNT) as the primary basis for radiation protection standards for the past half century, the LNT remains highly controversial and a contentious topic of discussion among health physicists, radiation biologists, and other radiological scientists. Indeed, it has been pointed out that the LNT has assumed the status of a paradigm, synonymous with an ideal, standard, or paragon or perhaps to some, a sacred cow. Reduced to its very basics, the LNT postulates that every increment of ionizing radiation dose, however small, carries with it a commensurate increase …

Report On The Oregon Ballast Water Management Program In 2002, Jordan Vinograd, Mark Sytsma

Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Publications and Presentations

This report documents the efficacy of the first ten months of the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program, which was established by SB 895 during the 2001 legislative session. The Oregon Ballast Water Management Program was initiated to address the introduction of aquatic nuisance species via discharge of ballast water from ships. The Program reflects the Oregon Legislature’s recognition of the potential for aquatic nuisance species to cause economic and environmental damage to the State. Oregon Laws 2001, Chapter 722 (Appendix A), required that owners and operators of certain vessels entering Oregon waters must report the time and place ballast water …

Semantic Exploration Of Lecture Videos, Edward Altman, Yu Chen, Wai Chong Low

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

E-Learning is rapidly changing the way that universities and corporations offer education and training. In recent years, the acquisition and distribution of rich media content has been largely automated, However, existing applications are functionally and visually static and remain organized around the delivery media, rather than the knowledge representation and learning tasks of the student. The innovative approach of this system is the extraction of semantically meaningful structures in the lecture combined with text analysis to support task based queries. In this demonstration we will show this combination of pedagogical and content descriptions leads to novel forms of visualization and …

Vdl: A Language For Active Mining Variants Of Association Rules, Kok-Leong Ong, Wee-Keong Ng, Ee Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The popularity of association rules has resulted in several variations being proposed. In each case, additional attributes in the data are considered so as to produce more informative rules. In the context of active mining, different types of rules may be required over a period of time due to knowledge needs or the availability of new attributes. The present approach is the ad-hoc development of algorithms for each variant of rules. This is time consuming and costly, and is a stumping block to the vision of active mining. We argue that knowledge needs and the changing characteristics of the data …

Intergenerational Partnerships In The Design Of A Digital Library Of Geography Examination Resources, Yin-Leng Theng, Dion Hoe-Lian Goh, Ee Peng Lim, Zehua Liu, Natalie Lee-San Pang, Patricia Bao-Bao Wong, Lian-Heong Chua

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper describes the engagement of intergenerational partners in the design of a digital library of geographical resources (GeogDL) to help prepare Singapore students for a national examination in geography. GeogDL is built on top of G-Portal, a digital library providing services over geospatial and georeferenced Web content. Scenario-based design and claims analysis were employed as a means of refinement to the initial design of the GeogDL prototype.