This dissertation presents novel, field-activated smart material systems for the actuation and control of autonomous robots. Smart materials, a type of material whose properties can be changed with an external stimuli, represent a promising direction to expand upon existing robotic control and actuation methods, particularly in the sub-fields of soft...
T cells are one of the key cells in the immune system. Although they are not the first line of defense against a pathogen, their functions can greatly enhance the phagocytosis and destruction of pathogens as well as the development of antibody responses. Furthermore, even when responding T cells have...
This work details the development of 3D printed TPU pneunet actuators for use in apple picking for agricultural soft robotics. These actuators increase the force capabilities of soft pneunets and simplify manufacturing. Grippers based on these actuators are ideal for apple picking because they are compliant, yet exert sufficient force...
Growth models developed by Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) extension
services for Holstein and Jersey heifer height and weight were evaluated using OSU dairy
herd heifer data. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the models to
predict heights and weights of heifers in the OSU...
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds are well-recognized for their immunosuppressive activity, which is mediated through an intracellular receptor and transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Laboratory animals exposed to TCDD are less resistant to infection and have severely impaired humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. This dissertation addressed the hypothesis that...
Machine learning has enabled significant advancements in diverse fields, yet, with a few exceptions, has had limited impact on computer architecture. Recent work, however, has begun to explore broader application to design, optimization, and simulation. Notably, machine-learning-based strategies often surpass prior state-of-the-art analytical, heuristic, and human-expert approaches. This thesis first...
Machine learning applied to computer architecture has rapidly transitioned from a theoretical novelty to being a driving force behind design, control, and simulation in practically all components. These machine-learning-based methodologies are further notable for their scalability to increasingly complex design challenges, which has allowed these methodologies to surpass the prior...
The objective of this study was to compare the effects on eating behavior,
lipids, lipoproteins, lipid peroxidation, and glycemic control in women with type 2
diabetes of a high-monounsaturated fat diet (HM) compared to a high-carbohydrate
diet (HC).
In an outpatient feeding study, ten hypertriglyceridemic postmenopausal type
2 diabetic women...
Oceanic plateaus are regions of overthickened oceanic crust and are often thought to form from the interaction of mantle plumes with oceanic lithosphere. These regions can cover vast areas of the ocean basins and represent a highly elevated magmatic flux relative to normal mid-ocean ridge spreading. Oceanic plateaus are considered...
Cryopreservation of adherent cells may be advantageous for cell types that are difficult to
preserve in suspension or when it is necessary to preserve characteristics of the adherent cultured cells. Vitrification is a promising procedure for the preservation of adherent cells that prevents ice crystal formation and the resulting dissociation...