X-ray computed tomography is a noninvasive imaging modality capable of reconstructing exact density values of 3D objects. Computed tomography machines are deployed across the world to provide doctors with an image that reveals more detail than a standard x-ray image. We investigate algorithms based on exact computed tomography reconstruction formulas...
The adsorption equilibrium and kinetic behavior exhibited
by β-lactoglobulin at silanized silicon surfaces of varying
hydrophobicity were examined using ellipsometry. Adsorption
equilibrium results were used to construct adsorption
isotherms; the adsorbed mass of β-lactoglobulin was observed
to increase with increasing surface hydrophobicity, within a
defined range of hydrophobicity. Adsorption kinetics...
The marine climate of the Galapagos is spatially and seasonally
heterogeneous. A taxonomically comprehensive study of Galapagos zooplankton has
never been done. This study is an initial effort to establish the distribution and
community structure of zooplankton in the Archipelago. I collected zooplankton
samples by vertical tows over the Galapagos...
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become the world's foremost health threat and is the number one killer in Zimbabwe. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome impacts not only the individual who has AIDS, but on nuclear and extended families, and all aspects of society in Zimbabwe. Since studies have indicated that...
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...
In this dissertation, I present electronic spectra of a few polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): tetracene, pentacene, pyrene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene and benzo[a]pyrene using resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. The work of tetracene and pentacene also combine a laser desorption source with a ZEKE spectrometer, demonstrating...
Academic success is a salient domain of youth development and is related to positive lifelong outcomes among youth in foster care. However, youth in foster care experience compounding adversities, including maltreatment and foster care placement itself, which put them at risk of academic disengagement and underachievement. Despite these adversities, academic...
This dissertation describes patterns in epiphytic macrolichen community composition along a nitrogen deposition gradient in the Yosemite region of the Sierra Nevada in California. This region is part of the largest federal air quality Class 1 designated air-shed in the western United States, covering the entire crest of the Sierra...
Lamellar x-ray diffraction was studied from thin films of L-α-1,2-dipalmitoyl lecithin (DPL) and a 1:1 mixture (BrDPL) of L-α-l-palmitoyl-2-(9- bromopaimitoyl) lecithin and its 10-bromo analog. The specimens had high lamellar order, with an upper bound on the mosaicity of 6 mrad (0.4°) for DPL and BrDPL. With various water contents,...