Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 35-10, Section: B, page: 4793. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1974.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 38-04, Section: B, page: 1700. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1976.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 39-06, Section: B, page: 2782. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1978.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 39-06, Section: B, page: 2782. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1978.

Thesis advisor: Evan Kantrowitz / My project focused on the study of streptomycin-6-phosphatase, an enzyme that has shown specificity for the substrate streptomycin-6-phosphate. The study included attempts at isolation, purification, and amplification of strK, the gene encoding this phosphatase. These efforts were made in order to come closer to gaining an understanding of the specificity of this enzyme especially in comparison to alkaline phosphatase, a well-documented unspecific phosphate with notable similarity of sequence and structure. The major question which developed into the study undertaken this year was: “How does a specific phosphatase compare to the unspecific alkaline phosphatase (AP)?” This is a longterm project that could take years to come close to elucidating an answer to. My approach to this large question, under direction of Dr. Evan Kantrowitz, was to begin with streptomycin-6-phosphatase, the product of the strK gene in Streptomyces, and embark on a study that would lead to greater understanding of this specific phosphatase. This undertaking was pursued based upon previous publications identifying conservation of amino acid sequence between the two phosphatases. This similarity was most poignantly found at sites found in AP noted as contained in the active site and in taking part in metal binding. From this information, the question for my study became, “How much can I learn about strK gene product during my time of study so that progress is made toward shedding light on the complex question posed above?”. / Thesis (BS) — Boston College, 2004. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry. / Discipline: College Honors Program.

I have studied: (1) the sequences involved in the transcription termination and 3$\sp\prime$ end formation of mouse histone mRNA, and (2) structural requirements for histone mRNA degradation. Histone mRNAs are not polyadenylated but end in a stem loop structure. To determine the sequences involved in the transcription termination and 3$\sp\prime$ end formation, the sequences in the 3$\sp\prime$ flanking region of the histone genes were modified and introduced into mouse L cells. The RNAs from transfected cells were detected by using S1 analysis. I have three independent pieces of evidence consistent with the identification of a transcription termination site. (1) I identified an RNA precursor in the nucleus of mouse L cells which is poly A$\sp-$ and ends about 600 nucleotides downstream of the normal 3$\sp\prime$ end. (2) The region where the transcription termination occurs was investigated by nuclear runoff experiments. This region coincided with the end of the primary transcript found in the nucleus. (3) The terminator sequences can block the expression of another histone gene and prevent the utilization of the globin poly A site placed downstream of it. I observed that both the stem loop structure and the purine rich sequences are required for 3$\sp\prime$ end formation of mouse histone mRNA. Deletion of this 3$\sp\prime$ processing signal abolished formation of the nuclear poly A$\sp-$ RNA. Instead, there are many transcripts resulting from RNA polymerase continuing past this termination site and ending after the stem loop of the downstream gene. These results suggested that transcription termination requires a functional 3$\sp\prime$ processing signal. / I have defined some histone RNAs which lack the stem loop at the 3$\sp\prime$ end, some of which contain this structure internally. None of these is subject to regulation of mRNA degradation. In addition, moving the stem loop 3$\sp\prime$ of the termination codon farther than 380 nucleotides results in stabilization of the histone mRNA, suggesting that the nuclease involved in mRNA turnover is associated with the ribosome. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-03, Section: B, page: 0724. / Major Professor: William F. Marzluff. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1987.

<p> Despite significant surveillance and vaccine development efforts, Influenza A viruses remain a significant challenge to human health. A critical aspect of routine surveillance concerns strain specificity towards sialylated glycan structures on the cell surface and avoidance of host decoy structures on secreted mucins. Although methods of assessing glycan-binding phenotype, such as glycan microarray technology, have generated significant advances in our understanding of these interactions, the inherent complexity of this multivalent recognition event and the glycocalyx itself necessitate additional methods that better recapitulate the full molecular context of viral binding. Here in, I present multivalent glycopolymers displaying sialoglycans to better recapitulate native IAV receptor binding events in a chemically-controlled manner. This biologically inspired chemical approach facilitates the collection of quantitative whole-virus binding to our multivalent scaffolds presented either on glass slide/bead arrays or in soluble form, which can be combined to assess viral binding preference across varying geometric parameters including glycan density, valency, and scaffold length. In addition, I report the utilization of lipid bearing sialoglycopolymers to remodel the glycocalyx of mammalian cells as a tool to investigate viral recognition of sialylated glycan structures on living cell surfaces. In this bottom-up approach, we can readily control the glycan structure installation and Influenza receptor display on the cell membrane. Importantly, these glycomaterials appear able to restore viral adhesion to sialic acid deficient cells. By combining existing technologies with this method, we aim to better uncover structural features that enhance influenza&rsquo;s primary recognition of host cells.</p><p>

<p> Metal-organic frameworks have a wide range of applications including gas separation, gas capture, catalysis and drug delivery. Due to the in-stent thrombosis of the current drug-eluting stents we propose replacing the toxic polymer with a more biodegradable MOF thin film consisting of MIL-88b. The MIL-88b thin film was formed on functionalized gold through a direct crystallization method and was confirmed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Possible ibuprofen encapsulation and elution was confirmed through FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The MIL-88b thin film was also formed on medical grade stainless steel to mimic conditions of the current DES. The surface area, using N₂ gas isotherm at 770K, of MIL-88b and MIL-53 was compared to validate the favorable porosity for drug delivery application.</p><p>

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 40-02, Section: B, page: 0716. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1978.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 40-02, Section: B, page: 0714. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1978.