Significant inputs of hydrocarbons are continually released into the environment from anthropogenic and natural sources. Some of the most toxic hydrocarbon compounds are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are known for their ability to absorb ultraviolet light and enhance toxicity. Generally, PAHs exert their toxicity via narcosis but UV-absorbing...
Multiple wave energy converter (WEC) archetypes exist with varying power take-off (PTO) designs in the attempt to maximize ocean energy harnessed and converted into useful energy. The pendulum PTO is popular for its simple, yet robust functionality due to its internally located components and simple operation. Additionally, this PTO does...
Desalination stands for removing salt from saline water, and produce freshwater. Desalination technologies have been envisioned as a potential solution for freshwater production from oceans as an immense source of water acquiring 97% earth’s water, and 75% of earth’s surface. However, one third of world’s population face water scarcity every...
This thesis outlines the development of new elastomeric materials and manufacturing processes for soft robotics. Specifically, this work describes the development of custom material formulations for use in additive manufacturing, additive manufacturing processing techniques for silicone elastomers, and multi-component additive manufacturing techniques. Material synthesis and processing is a gap in...
Early learning skills, such as executive function (EF), are a key component of healthy development and predict long-term academic success. Yet many children are entering kindergarten without the necessary skills (including EF) that are needed to set them on a successful learning trajectory. Early prekindergarten classrooms that encourage a high...
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion released the Healthy People 2020 plan in 2010 (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion [ODPHP], 2010). The mission of Healthy People 2020 is focused on improving the health of all Americans. One common tool utilized to improve the health of Americans...
An examination of the technical and historical literature
concerning the discovery and development of antibiotics suggests the
possible existence of an era of discovery. This era appears to have
a well-defined beginning (about 1940) and a well-defined close (about
1960). It is the purpose of this dissertation to examine the...
Congenital myopathies are caused by heritable mutations in particular genes. Genes mutated in congenital muscular dystrophies often encode cytoskeletal proteins, which contribute to the shape and movement of cells. We would like to know how such molecular defects lead to the muscle weakness in patients. It is therefore important to...
The intracellular mutualism between cnidarians and photosynthetic dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium) is responsible for the physical and trophic structure of diverse coral reef ecosystems. This relationship, based on nutrient exchange, allows for high productivity in tropical waters, which are generally nutrient-poor environments. Numerous environmental stressors currently threaten the health of corals,...
The genus Lopidea Uhler is revised for America north of
Mexico. The relationship of Lopidea to other orthotyline
genera is discussed and it is proposed that the genus
Ilnacora Reuter is the sister group of Lopidea.
Forty-eight species of Lopidea are recognized in North
America, one of which is described...