A method for the selective concentrating of DNA targets using capillary affinity gel electrophoresis is presented. Complementary ssDNA targets are retained through hybridization with oligonucleotide probes immobilized within polyacrylamide gels while non-complementary targets are removed. The captured DNA targets were concentrated by step elution, where a localized thermal zone was applied in small steps along the capillary. Evaluation of the selective capture of a 150 nt DNA target in a complicated mixture was carried out by factorial analysis. Gels with a smaller average pore size were found to retain a higher amount of complementary targets. This was thought to be due to the ssDNA target migrating through the gel by reptation, eliminating hairpin structures, making the complementary region of the target available for hybridization. This method was applied to a series of DNA targets of different lengths, 19 nt, 150 nt, 250 nt and 400 nt. The recovery of the method ranged from 0.5 to 4% for the PCR targets, and 13 to 18% for the 19 nt oligonucleotide target. The purity was calculated to be up to 44% for the PCR targets and up to 86% for the 19 nt target. This was an improvement in purity of up to 15 times and 1100 times in comparison to the original samples for the PCR targets and 19 nt oligonucleotide, respectively. The 19 nt targets were selective concentrated and delivered into a microfluidic based DNA biosensing platform. The purity of the sample improved from 0.01% to 50% while recovery decreased from 100% to 20% for a sample with 0.5 nM complementary and 1 μM non-complementary targets. An improvement in the response of the sensing platform was demonstrated on 19 nt oligonucleotide targets delivered by selective concentration versus concentration alone into the microfluidic biosensing system.

Oregon State University is home to a TRIGA® Mark II reactor. In October of 2008, the reactor began operating on low enriched uranium fuel. A model of the facility exists in MCNP, a Monte Carlo code that can be used for criticality calculations. Until now, a bias in the calculation of the neutron multiplication factor has been carried forward from outdated core models. This work involves updating various aspects of the model, including the geometry of the facility as well as materials and their properties, in order to arrive at a more accurate representation of the facility as it is today. The individual effect that each change has on the results of MCNP calculations of the core is documented. Following the updates to the model, the model can emulate records that describe the startup of the reactor in October of 2008. The results of these calculations can be compared to actual data in order to establish a foundation for benchmarking the model and characterizing the reactor core. The deviation between calculated and expected results can be used to determine a single reactivity bias in the model. The bias determined as a result of this work can be applied to future calculations using the model developed as a part of this work. / Graduation date: 2013

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / The BCNU + O6benzylguanine (O6BG) driven selective enrichment strategy was first established for enhanced transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells. This study describes a novel application of this BCNU + O6BG driven selective enrichment strategy in skeletal muscle stem cell transplantation. Furthermore, this study addresses the three main limitations observed in previously reported skeletal muscle stem cell transplantation strategies. Limitation of ineffective donor cells which lack the ability for successful engraftment was overcome by using a heterogeneous population of donor cells which are present during a normal skeletal muscle regeneration response. The limitation of donor cell death upon transplantation as a result of competition from the endogenous stem cells of the host muscles was overcome by elimination of host muscle stem cells with BCNU + O6BG treatment. Efficiency of elimination of host muscle stem cells was further demonstrated by the complete inhibition of a regeneration response up to 3 months in injured, BCNU + O6BG treated muscles. The limitation of localised engraftment as a result of intramuscular injection of donor cells was also addressed. The transplanted donor cells demonstrated the ability to migrate via systemic circulation. This characteristic of the donor cells would allow the transplantation of cells via intraarterial or intravenous delivery which would overcome the limitation of localised engraftment. Finally, application of the BCNU + O6BG driven selective enrichment strategy in skeletal muscle stem cell transplantation demonstrated enhanced engraftment. This is the first reported attempt of enhanced stem cell transplantation in a solid tissue achieved upon application of the BCNU + O6BG driven selective enrichment strategy. This study provides the basis for application of the BCNU + O6BG driven selective enrichment strategy in other tissues where stem cell transplantation is considered.

A quasi-longitudinal case study was used to determine the effects on secondary students of participation in a program of enrichment and extracurricular science activities in terms of their interest and enjoyment in being involved in science activities, their motivation to continue to participate in science, and their perceptions about scientists and about the role of science in society. Two groups of students in a school were followed simultaneously, a junior cohort through Years 8 to 10 and a senior cohort through Years 10 to 12. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 20 students; five girls and five boys from each cohort. A strong positive relationship was found between changes in students' interest and enjoyment and changes in their motivation, and both these variables increased, in an overall sense for the combined student population, during the study period. All students generally held a high perception of both the normality of scientists and the importance of science in society throughout the study period. Participation in science activities impacted overall positively, but to varying extents for different activities, on all four dependent variables. Suggestions for the structure and/or conduct of competitions, excursions, and practical work, including the design of museum exhibits, and implications for further research are presented.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Pittsburgh, 2007. / Title from t.p. of pdf file (viewed on Apr 30, 2008). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 136-144). Available online.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2007. / Härtill 7 uppsatser.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 1996. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-133).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Notre Dame, 2007. / Thesis directed by David S. Hachen, Jr. for the Department of Sociology. "July 2007." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 205-214).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 550-570).

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Illinois State University, 1974. / Title from title page screen, viewed Oct. 20, 2004. Dissertation Committee: J.H. McGrath (chair), Clinton Bunke, D. Gene Watson, Eugene Fitzpatrick, Normand Madore. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-203) and abstract. Also available in print.