Kramers’ theory frames chemical reaction rates in solution as reactants overcoming a barrier in the presence of friction and noise. For weak coupling to the solution, the reaction rate is limited by the rate at which the solution can restore equilibrium after a subset of reactants have surmounted the barrier...
Many wood composites are known to poorly resist the effects of moisture and temperature extremes over time. Degradation of adhesive bonds, irreversible thickness swell and dimensional instability result in a decrease of properties and a possible failure of the material. Accelerated weathering has become an essential tool for assessment of...
Counting problems are rich in opportunities for students to make meaningful mathematical connections and develop non-algorithmic thinking; their accessible nature and applications to computer science make counting problems a valuable part of mathematics curricula. However, students struggle in various ways with counting, and while previous studies have indicated that listing...
By means of a case study and historical analysis, this dissertation examines the past and present of avian influenza. By integrating disconnected histories of human and animal influenza, this dissertation links historical insights with the concerns of contemporary avian flu science. It is not only a natural history of avian...
Numerous diseases and injuries can limit a person's ability to perform everyday tasks -- things like getting dressed, bathing, and eating. Anything that requires physical activity can be affected; even simple things like turning on the lights can become difficult or impossible. Until recently, the only way for a person...
In this dissertation, I describe spectroscopic studies of jet-cooled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and one nitrogen substituted PAH (PANH) using pulsed field zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy and resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy. Recently, there has been a demand for far-infrared (FIR) spectral information of astrophysically relevant molecules...
The North Energy Test Site (NETS) is PMEC’s non-grid connected, open ocean test site located approximately 4.6 km (2.5 nautical miles) off Yaquina Head, north of Newport, Oregon. The site is about 3.4 km2 (1 square nautical mile) and ranges in depth from 45 - 55 meters. It has a...
The North Energy Test Site (NETS) is PMEC’s non-grid connected, open ocean test site located approximately 4.6 km (2.5 nautical miles) off Yaquina Head, north of Newport, Oregon. The site is about 3.4 km2 (1 square nautical mile) and ranges in depth from 45 - 55 meters. It has a...