University Undergraduate Research Fellows (1968–2012)

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http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/158788

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Computer Simulation of Flate Plate Solar Collectors
(1977) Yeary, Steven M.; Harris, W. B.
The performance of a flat plate solar water heater is predicted by a computer model. This model divides the collector and storage tanks into a finite number of sections and considers an energy balance over each section. Simulation of an actual solar collector was achieved by tracking experimental data with calculated values. The correlation obtained in this simulation resulted in accurate modeling of solar water heater systems.
Effect of Processing on Protein Solubility and Digestibility of Sorghum
(1977) Wortham, Debby; Lichtenwalner, R. E.
A metabolism trial was conducted using eight crossbred Brahman steers to determine the effect of grain processing on protein solubility and digestibility of sorghum. Sorghum grain evaluated was a commercial hybrid grown under irrigated conditioned in Canyon, Texas. Processing methods evaluated were dry rolling (DR), micronizing (M), reconstitution (R), and steam-flaking (SF). The processed grains comprised 75% of the non-supplemented ration with cottonseed hulls, molasses and mineral comprising the remainder of the ration. Feed intake of the rations was recorded daily and grab samples composited for analysis. Samples of processed grain were stored separately. After a 10 day adjustive period, total feal and urine samples were collected and composited over a 5 day collection period. Processed grain and dried fecal samples were analyzed for soluble nitrogen components by the Landry and Moureaux procedure. Apparent digestibilities of dry matter and nitrogen as well as nitrogen balances were calculated. Apparent dry matter digestibility was highest in steers fed the reconstituted (75.8%) and similar among the DR (68.8%), M (66.2%) and SF (64.1%) cattle. Apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen balance followed a similar pattern being highest in the cattle fed R grains (32.0% and 10.84 oz/day), respectively. Processing method affected the percentage distribution of the soluble nitrogen with micronizing decreasing the proportion of nitrogen in fraction I and increasing the proportion in fraction V. All processing methods decreased the proportion of soluble nitrogen in fraction III as compared to the DR control. Moist treatments increased and heat treatments within moisture levels decrease the digestibility of fraction I with R being more digestible than SF (59.9 vs 43.3%) and DR being more digestible than micronized grain (30.1 vs 24.2%), respectively.
Earliest Stage at Which Mouse Embryos Lacking Zonae Pellucidae Can Be Successfully Transferred to the Uterus
(1978) Yarbrough, Steven H.; Kraemer, Duane C.
This experiment is designed to determine the earliest stage at which mouse embryos lacking zonae pellucidae, when transferred to recipient uteri, produce viable offspring. Donor mice were superovulated using Pregant Hare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). On the fourth day post-coitum, each mouse was euthanized by cervical dislocation and uteri removed by blunt dissection, Embryos were flushed from each horn into embryonic watch glasses using Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS). The stage of development was consistantly between late morula and early blastocyst. The embryos were divided into two equivalent groups. The zona pellucida was removed from one group using pronase. Recipients were superovulated to be synchronous with donors and were mated with vascectomized males to induce pseudopregnancy and prevent maternal embryos from developing. Each recipient was anesthetized with Inovar (10%) and a mid-ventral laparotomy performed to expose the uterus. Each recipient recieved either normal or zona-free embryos. Some recipients were allowed to go to term and others terminated after ten days to detect fetal development. The technique was prooven adequate since a pregnancy did result in a control transfer with normal embryos, but, no pregnancies were detected in zona-free transfers.
Effects of the Fungus Lagenidium giganteum Couch on Mosquitoes
(1983) Work, Thierry Martin; Olson, Jimmy K.
Culex guinquefasciatus Say was used as a control organism in a study to determine if Lagenidium giganteum Couch was pathogenic to second-third instar larval stages of the mosquitoes Psorophora columbiae (Dyar & Knab) and Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say. This was done by homogenizing varying sections of sporulating agar plate cultures of Lagenidium in one liter of distilled water and spraying these one liter mixtures into pans containing second-third instar larvae of the three mosquito species. This study also attempted to find the concentrations of Lagenidium needed to give high larval mortality in the laboratory for all three mosquito species. Mortality induced by Lagenidium on all three species was erratic, and the concentrations needed to give high mortality for the mosquitoes were not determined. Psorophora and Anopheles were found to be susceptible to Lagenidium infections, and Anopheles was able to propagate the parasite. A preference test conducted with Lagenidium zoospores indicated that the zoospores are attracted to mosquito larval food.
Analysis of the Petersen Mark and Recapture Method for Estimation of Fish Population Size
(1977) Woodward, John J.; Friedman, M.
The effect of random mixing of marked and unmarked fish on the accuracy of a Petersen population size estmate was investigated. By comparing the ratio of marked and unmarked fish in a sample catch at different points in time, the effect of random mixing was observed. Three species of Centrarchids, Micropterus salmoides, Lepomis macrochirus, and Lepomis gulosus in a small central Texas pond were studied. The ratios for all three fish, called the R/C ratio, had a characteristic pattern. From an initially high value, the ratio dropped off through time to a more stable position indicating that the accuracy of the population size estimates was very subject to the amount of time from initial marking to recapture or the amount of time allowed for random mixing of marked fish to take place. With short time intervals such as 10 days, the population size of fish in the pond was seriously underestimated. One hundred- twenty days was shown to be sufficient time to ensure total mixing of marked and unmarked fish and therefore not seriously affect the accuracy of the estimate. These results are applicable only to a fall census when growth is at a minimum.
Yale College and the Great Awakening
(1984) Wood, William C., Jr.; Cress, Lawrence D.
The Great Awakening turned the minds of people in the American colonies to religion as never before, but it also stirred great opposition and split apart many established religious institutions. All of the issues and actions that characterized the Great Awakening--separatism, enthusiasm, itineracy, lay-exhorting, disruption of the social order, and questioning the need for a learned ministry-- found full expression at Yale College. This paper looks at the factors in the history and people of Yale that prepared the school for the Great Awakening. It then explores the various events that occurred on the Yale campus between the first visit of George Whitefield in October 1740, arid his second visit in June 1745. These events lead to the polarization of the faculty and students as they act out the issues of the Great Awakening.
A Partial Characterization of Lysyl Oxidase from Ligamentum Nuchae
(1977) Woodring, Stephen; Harris, E. D.
Lysyl oxidase from bovine ligamentum nuchae has been purified by two different methods. The first method utilized urea extraction, ion exchange chromatography, and affinity chromatography. The second method consisted of urea extraction followed by two successive runs on a Sephadex G-100 column. The different extracts were compared with respect to specific activity, copper values, and chelation effects. Significantly different results were obtained which tend to suggest the possibility of two different forms of the lysyl oxidase enzyme.
The Effects of Lead Exposure on Resistance to Extinction in the Adult Rat
(1984) Willingham, Stacy Moneé; Nation, J. R.
Lead has long been known as a neurotoxicant and, in recent years, has been shown to have behavioral effects at concentrations much lower than the safety levels set by the government. Behavioral toxicology is a sensitive method using behavioral measures to determine the effects of toxins and toxicants at these low level concentrations. Through these methods, one of the effects that has been observed is that neonatal exposure to lead increases resistance to extinction(Taylor et al., 1982). This could be due to changes in brain anatomy or to neurochemical disturbances. For example, lesions of the hippocampus can cause an inability to inhibit responses whereas disturbances in gamma-amino butyric acid (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) activity can cause an increase in emotionality. The objectives of this study were to determine if this effect of increased resistance to extinction occurs in adults exposed to lead and, if so, to determine the causal factors implicated in this effect. To obtain this information, rats were run in a straight alley maze after exposure to inorganic lead; the reinforcement schedules were manipulated in order to elucidate the causal factors involved. Overall, it was determined that there was a marginally significant effect of the lead exposure of resistance to extinction and the data suggest that anatomical changes are responsible.
PPM Sequences with Desirable Correlation Properties
(1987) Win, Moe Zaw; Georghiades, C. N.
The problem of designing Q-ary Pulse-Position Modulation (PPM) sequences with good correlation properties is investigated in three parts. Sequences with good autocorrelation property (GAP) are considered in the first part and sequences with good crosscorrelation property (GCP) are considered in the second part. In the third part, sequences that have both GAP and GCP are investigated. Theoretical bounds on sequences with GAP and GCP are presented and compared with computer results.
The Utilization of Passive Solar Energy and its Effect on Urban Development
(1980) Wilkerson, David Lee; Woods, Paul
With the growing shortages of natural energy resources, and their increasing costs, the need for utilizing the environment around us in our buildings is becoming more evident. To do this man must learn to understand the continual changes in the environment around him, and then be able to respond to those changes to maintain his comfort. The design of single buildings that are environmentally responsive is not new, but the design of clusters of these buildings is. The purpose of this paper is to develop guidelines and considerations for the use of environment responsive architecture in urban areas. At the conclusion of this paper an example of this type of architecture is given
Bandoleer Feeding Mechanism for an Automated Onion Transplanter
(1983) Whittaker, Alan Dale; Searcy, Stephen W.
A mechanism has been designed to separate individual onion transplant cells from a continous polyethylene bandoleer belt using a series of 19 gauge, nichrome resistance wires mounted on an eight inch aluminum disc. The mechanism is capable of processing 800 plants per minute at a ground speed of three miles per hour.
Beyond Black Humor: John Irving and the Contemporary Novel
(1984) West, Kathryn; Turner, Craig; Busby, Mark
As World War II ended and the Cold War began, American novelists were left with a feeling that reality was more fantastic than anything they could imagine. How could they write literature that reflected modern reality and yet still uplifted and strengthened their audience when they felt modern reality consisted of chaos, absurdity, and a total lack of meaning? Many writers of the 1960s and 1970s decided that it was an impossible task using traditional novelistic techniques, so they began to experiment. The major manifestations of these experiments were black humor, fabulism and metafiction, and a chaotic, nihilistic vision. Many of the works that sprang from this period are proving too arcane to be anything but transitory successes. Others are interesting for their manipulation of language and their clever use of parody, but eventually most are only mediocre novels. At least some contemporary novels will stand the test of time, but even the best of them seem to share a common, major flaw. Although they adequately and sometimes even brilliantly reflect the chaos and absurdities of the modern world, they fail to offer any hope or resolution, any universal truth. One emerging young novelist who is avoiding this problem is John Irving. A study of Irving's three early novels shows how he developed techniques, motifs, and a vision of life that come together quite successfully in The World According to Garp and The Hotel New Hampshire. Irving's works include bizarre characters, random violence, and a chaotic sense of struggle with both the interior and exterior forces of daily life. However, Irving manages to reconcile black humor with realism, without forgetting to offer us something supportive. Irving continually reminds us to "get obsessed and stay obsessed" with the importance of living. John Irving combines a great storytelling ability with many of the techniques of other contemporary novelists and offers us the philosophy of celebrating life in spite of the chaos by which we are surrounded.
Insertion of Transposon Tn5 into Specialized Lambda Methionine Transducing Bacteriophage
(1980) Weaver, Mark L.; Johnson, James R.
The transposon, Tn5, has successfully been inserted into specialized lambda transducing bacteriophage. These phage carry the met B, J, LM, and F methionine biosynthetic genes from Escherichia coli. The nature of this insertion (near the met genes) makes possible further characterization of the organization and regulation of these genes.
German Society as Depicted in Theodor Fontane's Novels
(1977) Webb, Debra Ann; Puppe, Heinz
This paper examines the personal relationships of the lesser aristocracy and the upper bourgeoisie as pictured in three of Theodor Fontane's novels: L’Adultera, Frau Jenny Treibel, and Effie Briest. It was found that in both classes the predominant reason for a choice of mate was status rather than love, although the people attempted to mitigate this by putting on a facade of love after becoming engaged. In case of an aristocratic wife’s infidelity, the husband's reaction was guided by the ancient feudal honor code to which the wife also adhered. The lover must be dueled and the wife must be banished from the home. The influence of this honor code was lacking in the bourgeois family, however, and the bourgeois husband had the option of forgiving his wife and reconciling with her. This relative leniency in judging adultery is also reflected in the attitude of the unfaithful wife toward herself. In regarding each other as husband and wife, the bourgeoisie had a much more equal relationship than did the aristocracy. Bourgeois women were free to hold and voice their own opinions, as compared to the childlike obedience of the aristocratic wives.
The Role of Water in Seismic Velocity Ratios as Earthquake Precursors
(1977) Warren, Christine A.; Logan, John M.
Changes in the ratio of compressional to shear seismic wave velocities prior to an earthquake occurrence. Two models have been suggested to explain the mechanism by which the compressional wave velocity is allowed to vary relative to dilatancy; one model requires the influx of water and the other does not. Dry and saturated rock specimens were fractured or allowed to experience stick-slip in an effort to determine the affect of pore water on the compressional velocity. It was found that water had no effect on the arrival time of compressional waves in dilatant rock. Moreover, the value of Vₚ falls off consistently just before the throughgoing fracture (indicated by stress drop) which indicates a severe weakening of the rock, possibly some cataclasis or grain boundary slip occurring prior to the throughgoing fracture.
A Quantitative Assessment of Texas' Wetlands and Surface Water Systems
(1983) Walters, Jennifer; Hendricks, Fred S.
Twelve distinct and homogeneous wetland regions were defined for Texas by considering water availability and substrate characteristics. Regions were subsampled and measured by wetland classes, and the average values extrapolated for the regional total and these totals summed for the state totals. The Texas estimated wetland resource consists of 22,896 km² of perennial ponds, 1,181 km² of intermittent ponds, 74,500 km of perennial streams, 790,318 km of intermittent streams, 489 km² of marsh, and 700 km² of wooded marsh. Eastern regions and the Coastal region are most rich in all of these wetland types.
Tissue Culture of Phalaenopsis
(1977) Watkins, Christopher Lee; Nightingale, Arthur E.
To date, members of the genus, Phalaenopsis, pose difficult problems to plant propagators. Due to its monopodial growth habit, normal propagation methods may not be applied to this genera. With this in mind, one must turn to tissue culture as a means of producing the thousands of genetically identical plants needed in order to market the item. Because of potential harm to the mother plant, the explant source to be chosen must be other than the apical meristem. Through methods and media developed in the course of this research, it would appear that a Murashige and Skoog base media modified with a combination IAA and NAA (auxins) will yield the most desireable results. Although the development process is not yet complete, this research is a significant step in that direction.
An Analysis of Mexican Vegetable-Production and Marketing Potential to Supply U.S. Markets
(1984) Verlage, Victor Arturo; Anderson, Craig R.
Mexican vegetable production and vegetable exports to the United States are affected by climate, hand-labor costs, transportation capabilities and economic factors. Low-temperature-induced seasonality of vegetable supply in the United States increases the price of warm-season vegetables during the winter. This results in the formation of "marketing windows" with optimum prices for these vegetables. Mexico exports the most vegetables during these "marketing windows". This is the basis for Mexico's success as a major fresh vegetable supplier to U.S. markets. Mexico is also affected by low temperature but to a lesser extent than the United States. Genetic resistance to chilling injury in vegetable cultivars could be helpful for early-winter Mexican production. Inexpensive and plentiful hand labor decreases the cost of production and contributes to Mexico's competitive strength in the U.S. markets. Transportation feasibility favors Mexican vegetable exports over other production areas in Central or South America. Economic factors affect the trends of Mexican vegetable exports by affecting the profitability of exports and creating an atmosphere of price uncertainty among Mexican vegetable producers.
Evaluation of Wind Tunnel Wall Corrections for Flow About Flat Plates
(1980) Wagner, Elaine Ann; Norton, David J.
As relatively large models are often used in wind tunnel testing, the effects of the confining walls must be determined for effective test data correction. Corrections and predictions for flow about a flat plate normal to a confined flow have been investigated recently and, because of the complexity of the problem, have often been of an empirical nature. A comparison is made of the effectiveness of these methods for describing the flow around flat plates and their applicability expressed as a function of flow blockage by the body. The effectiveness of these methods is determined in part through data obtained from tests of flat plates of several sizes. In addition, a more representative parameter for determining both drag and vortex shedding frequency for any plate is developed, generalized from measurements of the flow field around flat plates in a wind tunnel.
Delamination Fracture Study of Graphite/Epoxy Composite Materials
(1984) Veeder, Laurie M.; Bradley, Walter L.
Critical energy release rates have been determined for two composite systems. The effect of resin thickness on fracture toughness in brittle fiber - ductile resin systems has been investigated. Material resin content has been varied through manufacturing for one composite. Two different specimen geometries and the use of epoxy resin with and without fibers has produced a variation in resin thickness in the other material. Electron microscopy has allowed for detailed examination of the fracture surfaces. Composites with a thicker region of ductile resin exhibit higher energy release rates than do those with less resin in the crack growth region.

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