Phosphate (PO4-3 or Pi) is an essential molecule necessary for sustaining life and it plays important roles in nucleic acid and cell membrane integrity. However, phosphate is found in growth-limiting concentrations in most environments. Bacteria have developed a diverse set of transport systems to uptake and scavenge phosphate from their environment for use in cellular processes. In the soil bacterium, Sinorhizobium meliloti, one such Pi transport system is the Pap-Pit system. Pit is a membrane transporter for Pi and is associated with a cytosolic protein of unknown function known as Pap (Pit-accessory protein). Interestingly, the stop codon of pap overlaps with the start codon of pit by a single nucleotide. In previous work, the pap gene appeared to be required immediately upstream of pit in an operon for functional Pi transport. Thus, in a pap deletion mutant, when pap is present in trans, there is no Pi transport. This suggests a possible translational coupling mechanism between Pap and Pit, in which the translation of Pap is required for the translation of Pit. Here, an alkaline phosphatase (phoA/lacZ) and a β-glucuronidase (gusA) translational reporter were fused to Pit as a measure of its translation and to understand the role of translational coupling in the Pap-Pit system. Growth complementation experiments with a conditionally Pi transport deficient S. meliloti mutant carrying various mutations in both pap and pit have also been performed in an attempt to determine the function of Pap in Pi uptake. The results presented here provide evidence that pap and pit are translationally coupled, and this is necessary for functional Pi transport via Pap-Pit. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Microbes require phosphorus in the form of inorganic phosphate (Pi) as an essential nutrient, but it is often found in growth-limiting concentrations in the environment. Bacteria have developed a diverse set of Pi transport systems to scavenge and take up phosphate from the environment. In the soil bacterium, Sinorhizobium meliloti, one such Pi transport system is the Pap-Pit system. Pit is a membrane transporter for Pi and is associated with a cytosolic protein of unknown function known as Pap. Various mutations in both pap and pit have been constructed in an attempt to determine the function of Pap in Pi uptake via Pit. The pap gene appears to be required immediately upstream of pit in an operon for functional Pi transport. The pap and pit genes overlap by a single nucleotide and this may suggest a translational coupling mechanism that is required for functional Pi transport via Pap-Pit.

Freshwater mussels have played an important role in the history of human culture and also in ecosystem functioning. But during the past several decades, the abundance and diversity of mussel species has declined all over the world. To address the urgent need to maintain and restore populations of endangered freshwater mussels, quantitative population dynamics modeling is needed to evaluate population status and guide the management of endangered freshwater mussels. One endangered mussel species, the oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis), was selected to study its population dynamics for my research. The analysis was based on two datasets, length frequency data from annual surveys conducted at three sites in Clinch River: Wallen Bend (Clinch River Mile 192) from 2004-2010, Frost Ford (CRM 182) from 2005 to 2010 and Swan Island (CRM 172) from 2005 to 2010, and age-length data based on shell thin-sections. Three hypothetical scenarios were assumed in model estimations: (1) constant natural mortality; (2) one constant natural mortality rate for young mussels and another one for adult mussels; (3) age-specific natural mortality. A Bayesian approach was used to analyze the age-structured models and a Bayesian model averaging approach was applied to average the results by weighting each model using the deviance information criterion (DIC). A risk assessment was conducted to evaluate alternative restoration strategies for E. capsaeformis. The results indicated that releasing adult mussels was the quickest way to increase mussel population size and increasing survival and fertility of young mussels was a suitable way to restore mussel populations in the long term. The population of E. capsaeformis at Frost Ford had a lower risk of decline compared with the populations at Wallen Bend and Swan Island. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags were applied in my fieldwork to monitor the translocation efficiency of E. capsaeformis and Actinonaias pectorosa at Cleveland Islands (CRM 270.8). Hierarchical Bayesian models were developed to address the individual variability and sex-related differences in growth. In model selection, the model considering individual variability and sex-related differences (if a species has sexual dimorphism) yielded the lowest DIC value. The results from the best model showed that the mean asymptotic length and mean growth rate of female E. capsaeformis were 45.34 mm and 0.279, which were higher than values estimated for males (42.09 mm and 0.216). The mean asymptotic length and mean growth rate for A. pectorosa were 104.2 mm and 0.063, respectively. To test for the existence of individual and sex-related variability in survival and recapture rates, Bayesian models were developed to address the variability in the analysis of the mark-recapture data of E. capsaeformis and A. pectorosa. DIC was used to compare different models. The median survival rates of male E. capsaeformis, female E. capsaeformis and A. pectorosa were high (>87%, >74% and >91%), indicating that the habitat at Cleveland Islands was suitable for these two mussel species within this survey duration. In addition, the median recapture rates for E. capsaeformis and A. pectorosa were >93% and >96%, indicating that the PIT tag technique provided an efficient monitoring approach. According to model comparison results, the non-hierarchical model or the model with sex--related differences (if a species is sexually dimorphic) in survival rate was suggested for analyzing mark-recapture data when sample sizes are small. / Master of Science

Composition is an approach to "art through structure" (Dow, 1997). Following Arthur Wesley Dow's work, Composition 1997, this thesis consists of a series of photographic and architectural exercises, demonstrating each of Dow's elements and principles of composition. Though Dow does not define his work as theory nor go to any length to establish one, he strongly advocates for training in the fundamentals of composition. Oneness in art is the study of synthetically related spaces across an array of disciplines. This is the main idea behind what this work has come to call Dow's Theory of Oneness. That composition as a structural approach to the space-arts can act as a Rosetta stone, giving artists a broad spectrum of discipline, being "at once architects, sculptors, decorators and picture-painters" (Dow, 1997). / Master of Architecture / Composition in the most general sense is the study of what something is made of. In what Dow refers to as the space-arts, painting, sculpting, drawing, architecture and even music are all arts in which space is the primary medium being influenced to form a composition. Dow's ways of creating harmony consist of three elements and five principles that greatly influence how a work of art is built up. Study of these ways of creating harmony leads to an appreciation for art, beauty, and the splendor of nature. It is only through this act of appreciation that a composer finds harmony (Dow, 1997). In a sense, composition of fine art is seeded in appreciation and flowers with a oneness.

The transcription factor, Pit-1, is involved in the transcriptional regulation of the mammalian prolactin (Prl), growth hormone (GH) and thyroid stimulating hormone b-subunit genes (TSHb) as well as its own gene. The role of Pit-1 in avian species is unknown. Three turkey (t) Pit-1 isoforms have been identified that arise from alternative transcription initiation and alternative splicing. Splicing of exon 1 to an alternative acceptor splice site in exon 2 results in a 28 amino acid insertion in tPit-1β* relative to tPit-1*. Both isoforms initiate transcription at exon 1. A tPit-1 transcript unique to the turkey has been identified and arises following transcription initiation upstream of the alternative acceptor splice site in exon 2. Western blot analysis of pituitary extracts has revealed two isoforms of 37 and 40 kDa. The ability of Pit-1 to transactivate the Prl, GH, and Pit-1 promoters was determined with cotransfection assays. The tPrl, tGH, tPit-1 and rat (r) Prl promoters were cloned upstream of the luciferase gene in a reporter construct. Turkey Pit-1 isoforms and rPit-1 were expressed under the control of the Avian Sarcoma Virus Long Terminal Repeat (ASVLTR) promoter. Cotransfection analyses in mouse L cells indicate that tPit-1* activates the tPrl, tGH, tPit-1 and rPrl promoters 4.6-, 3.8-, 1.7-, and 29.0-fold, respectively. Similar results were observed when cotransfection assays were performed in a turkey pituitary-derived cell line and in primary turkey pituitary cells. These results indicate that tPit-1 is not a strong activator of the tPrl, tGH, or tPit-1 genes, whereas Pit-1 does activate these genes in mammals. A point mutation at amino acid position 176 (ser ⟹ leu) in the POU-homeodomain results in a mutant tPit-1 that shows decreased activity on all promoters tested. Turkey Pit-1* (ser-176) activates the rPrl promoter 14-fold lower than the wild type tPit-1* (leu-176). / Master of Science

No / Visualisation of the midwinter solstice viewed from the Warren Field pit group The capacity to conceptualise and measure time is amongst the most important achievements of human societies, and the issue of when time was 'created' by humankind is critical in understanding how society has developed. A pit alignment, recently excavated in Aberdeenshire (Scotland), provides an intriguing contribution to this debate. This structure, dated to the 8th millennium BC, has been re-analysed and appears to possess basic calendrical functions. The site may therefore provide the earliest evidence currently available for 'time reckoning' as the pit group appears to mimic the phases of the Moon and is structured to track lunar months. It also aligns on the south east horizon and a prominent topographic point associated with sunrise on the midwinter solstice. In doing so the monument anticipates problems associated with simple lunar calendars by providing an annual astronomic correction in order to maintain the link between the passage of time indicated by the Moon, the asynchronous solar year, and the associated seasons. The evidence suggests that hunter-gatherer societies in Scotland had both the need and ability to track time across the year, and also perhaps within the month, and that this occurred at a period nearly five thousand years before the first formal calendars were created in Mesopotamia. / Internet Archaeology is an Open Access journal.

In a series of related experiment: some aspects of the histology and physiology of the disorder bitter pit in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) were studied. A two year field study was conducted to induce consistent bitter pit development in type ’Delicious’ (D) and ’Golden Delicious’ (GD) apple fruit. Multiple spray treatments of CaCl₂ and MgCl₂, combined with paper bag fruit covers, were applied and subsequent bitter pit development examined. The main effect of bags in both cultivars was increased pit development, decreased Ca in fruit and increased fruit K. CaCl₂ sprays resulted in less pit development, increased Ca in fruit, and less fruit Mg. MgCl₂ sprays resulted in increased bitter pit, decreased fruit Ca, and increased fruit Mg. Overall, field treatments provided a wide range of bitter pit incidence after storage, from 100% (bag and MgCl₂ spray combined) to 3% (CaCl₂ spray alone) in both D and GD. The cellular morphology of pitted apple fruit from field trees was examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The overall tissue morphology of both cultivars was similar, but in pitted tissues differences were observed in tannin localization, starch hydrolysis, and cell wall morphology. Cation levels in the tissues were examined using X-ray microanalysis. High Mg levels were localized in pit cells, while K levels were similar in both healthy and pitted cells. Ca levels in both tissue types were too low to be detected by this method. Using ’Golden Delicious’ fruit from the field study, the relationship between pyruvate kinase activity, fruit cation concentration and bitter pit was investigated. Pyruvate kinase activity during early fruit growth was higher in fruit which developed 100% bitter pit after storage (MgCl, spray + bag), than in fruit that developed 3% bitter pit (CaCl₂ spray). Fruit with a high bitter pit incidence had a lower Ca: Mg + K ratio than fruit with a low level of the disorder. There was a strong positive correlation between enzyme activity early in the season and bitter pit incidence alter storage. An assay for pyruvate kinase may be valuable for early prediction of postharvest bitter pit development. Finally, the qualitative electrophoretic patterns of soluble fruit proteins from each treatment were examined starting early in the season and continuing until termination of fruit storage. Patterns from all treatments were almost identical throughout the season. / Ph. D.

We have developed a computerized version of Charles Holt’s classical market game that can be used even in classes with a large audience. The Pit market game gives students intuitive access to the interaction of supply and demand in real-world markets. Even though trade can take place at non-uniform prices in the classroom game, the average price and the quantity traded are usually very close to the equilibrium values predicted by supply and demand curves. The classroom game can also be used for a lively discussion about the efficiency of markets or to show the consequences of taxes and regulatory interventions.

Com o passar dos anos a sociedade tem se tornado gradativamente mais dependente de recursos minerais para o seu funcionamento e para o desenvolvimento de produtos. A maior parte das coisas que cercam o homem necessita de alguma espécie de bem mineral como matéria prima para sua fabricação. Por isso, cada vez mais, a mineração tem sido objeto de estudos, buscando aprimoramento e desenvolvimento nos métodos de extração de minérios. Existem duas formas utilizadas para a extração de bens minerais, uma por uso de métodos de lavra a céu aberto (OP) e outra através da aplicação de métodos para lavra subterrânea (UG). A definição de qual método deve ser aplicado em cada caso depende de diversos fatores, como profundidade e geometria do corpo mineral, competência da rocha portadora do minério e da rocha encaixante, entre outros, mas ao final, aspectos econômicos predominam para a definição da viabilidade de cada um dos possíveis métodos. Porém, existem casos em que a melhor escolha para minerar o depósito não se dá por umas dessas duas opções, e sim, pela combinação de ambas, ou seja, a aplicação da lavra a céu aberto seguida da extração dos recursos remanescentes por lavra subterrânea. A grande dificuldade, nestes casos, é definir qual o momento ideal para a transição de método, de maneira que os resultados do projeto integrado sejam otimizados e que um método não inviabilize o outro. Para isso é necessário analisar as duas opções de lavra individualmente, lavrando somente a céu aberto e lavrando somente por métodos subterrâneos, além de analisar-se a viabilidade do projeto através da combinação dos dois métodos, comparando as opções técnica e economicamente e selecionando a que apresente a melhor resposta ao final, para então tomar-se a decisão de qual alternativa de projeto é o mais indicado para cada caso. / Over the years, the society has become progressively dependent on mineral resources for its operation and for development of products. The majority of the things that surround the men needs some kind of mineral material as raw material for its manufacture. Therefore, increasingly, mining has been studied aiming to improve and develop methods of mineral extraction. There are two ways that are utilized to mineral extraction, one by open pit methods (OP) e another by application of underground methods (UG). The definition of which one should be applied in each case depends on many factors, such as depth and geometry of the mineral body, strength of the mineralized and bounding rock, among others, but at the end, economic aspects are predominant for the definition of viability of the methods. However, there are some cases where the best choice to mine the deposit is not one of these options, but the combination of both methods, it means, the application of open pit mining followed by extraction of remaining resources by underground mining. The great challenge, in these cases, is to define what is the right moment for the transition of the methods, making sure that the results are optimized and one method do not impede the development of the other one. In this sense, it is necessary to analyze both options individually, mining the deposit only by open pit and mining only by underground, and also analyze the combination of the two methods, comparing these options technically and economically at the end, and then decide which project alternative is the best for each case.

Com o passar dos anos a sociedade tem se tornado gradativamente mais dependente de recursos minerais para o seu funcionamento e para o desenvolvimento de produtos. A maior parte das coisas que cercam o homem necessita de alguma espécie de bem mineral como matéria prima para sua fabricação. Por isso, cada vez mais, a mineração tem sido objeto de estudos, buscando aprimoramento e desenvolvimento nos métodos de extração de minérios. Existem duas formas utilizadas para a extração de bens minerais, uma por uso de métodos de lavra a céu aberto (OP) e outra através da aplicação de métodos para lavra subterrânea (UG). A definição de qual método deve ser aplicado em cada caso depende de diversos fatores, como profundidade e geometria do corpo mineral, competência da rocha portadora do minério e da rocha encaixante, entre outros, mas ao final, aspectos econômicos predominam para a definição da viabilidade de cada um dos possíveis métodos. Porém, existem casos em que a melhor escolha para minerar o depósito não se dá por umas dessas duas opções, e sim, pela combinação de ambas, ou seja, a aplicação da lavra a céu aberto seguida da extração dos recursos remanescentes por lavra subterrânea. A grande dificuldade, nestes casos, é definir qual o momento ideal para a transição de método, de maneira que os resultados do projeto integrado sejam otimizados e que um método não inviabilize o outro. Para isso é necessário analisar as duas opções de lavra individualmente, lavrando somente a céu aberto e lavrando somente por métodos subterrâneos, além de analisar-se a viabilidade do projeto através da combinação dos dois métodos, comparando as opções técnica e economicamente e selecionando a que apresente a melhor resposta ao final, para então tomar-se a decisão de qual alternativa de projeto é o mais indicado para cada caso. / Over the years, the society has become progressively dependent on mineral resources for its operation and for development of products. The majority of the things that surround the men needs some kind of mineral material as raw material for its manufacture. Therefore, increasingly, mining has been studied aiming to improve and develop methods of mineral extraction. There are two ways that are utilized to mineral extraction, one by open pit methods (OP) e another by application of underground methods (UG). The definition of which one should be applied in each case depends on many factors, such as depth and geometry of the mineral body, strength of the mineralized and bounding rock, among others, but at the end, economic aspects are predominant for the definition of viability of the methods. However, there are some cases where the best choice to mine the deposit is not one of these options, but the combination of both methods, it means, the application of open pit mining followed by extraction of remaining resources by underground mining. The great challenge, in these cases, is to define what is the right moment for the transition of the methods, making sure that the results are optimized and one method do not impede the development of the other one. In this sense, it is necessary to analyze both options individually, mining the deposit only by open pit and mining only by underground, and also analyze the combination of the two methods, comparing these options technically and economically at the end, and then decide which project alternative is the best for each case.

Com o passar dos anos a sociedade tem se tornado gradativamente mais dependente de recursos minerais para o seu funcionamento e para o desenvolvimento de produtos. A maior parte das coisas que cercam o homem necessita de alguma espécie de bem mineral como matéria prima para sua fabricação. Por isso, cada vez mais, a mineração tem sido objeto de estudos, buscando aprimoramento e desenvolvimento nos métodos de extração de minérios. Existem duas formas utilizadas para a extração de bens minerais, uma por uso de métodos de lavra a céu aberto (OP) e outra através da aplicação de métodos para lavra subterrânea (UG). A definição de qual método deve ser aplicado em cada caso depende de diversos fatores, como profundidade e geometria do corpo mineral, competência da rocha portadora do minério e da rocha encaixante, entre outros, mas ao final, aspectos econômicos predominam para a definição da viabilidade de cada um dos possíveis métodos. Porém, existem casos em que a melhor escolha para minerar o depósito não se dá por umas dessas duas opções, e sim, pela combinação de ambas, ou seja, a aplicação da lavra a céu aberto seguida da extração dos recursos remanescentes por lavra subterrânea. A grande dificuldade, nestes casos, é definir qual o momento ideal para a transição de método, de maneira que os resultados do projeto integrado sejam otimizados e que um método não inviabilize o outro. Para isso é necessário analisar as duas opções de lavra individualmente, lavrando somente a céu aberto e lavrando somente por métodos subterrâneos, além de analisar-se a viabilidade do projeto através da combinação dos dois métodos, comparando as opções técnica e economicamente e selecionando a que apresente a melhor resposta ao final, para então tomar-se a decisão de qual alternativa de projeto é o mais indicado para cada caso. / Over the years, the society has become progressively dependent on mineral resources for its operation and for development of products. The majority of the things that surround the men needs some kind of mineral material as raw material for its manufacture. Therefore, increasingly, mining has been studied aiming to improve and develop methods of mineral extraction. There are two ways that are utilized to mineral extraction, one by open pit methods (OP) e another by application of underground methods (UG). The definition of which one should be applied in each case depends on many factors, such as depth and geometry of the mineral body, strength of the mineralized and bounding rock, among others, but at the end, economic aspects are predominant for the definition of viability of the methods. However, there are some cases where the best choice to mine the deposit is not one of these options, but the combination of both methods, it means, the application of open pit mining followed by extraction of remaining resources by underground mining. The great challenge, in these cases, is to define what is the right moment for the transition of the methods, making sure that the results are optimized and one method do not impede the development of the other one. In this sense, it is necessary to analyze both options individually, mining the deposit only by open pit and mining only by underground, and also analyze the combination of the two methods, comparing these options technically and economically at the end, and then decide which project alternative is the best for each case.