http://hdl.handle.net/1813/111 http://dspace.library.cornell.edu/retrieve/213 http://hdl.handle.net/1813/111 Search the Channel search http://dspace.library.cornell.edu/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/1813/11244 Title: Testing a Method for Predicting Variable Source Areas of Runoff Generation <br/> <br/>Authors: Mills, Jason <br/> <br/>Abstract: This project tested the feasibility of combining the commonly used USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services Curve Number method and topographic index concept to predict areas of runoff generation. Baseflow was used to characterize antecedent wetness conditions. Using field monitored shallow, transient water tables at Town Brook in upstate New York, the results showed that the proposed methodology worked well. <br/> <br/>Description: Many thanks to Todd Walter, Stephen Shaw, Steve Lyon, Helen Dahlke, and Zachary Easton, without whom this paper would not have been possible. http://hdl.handle.net/1813/11214 Title: Analysis of Whole Blood Samples: Optimization of Sample Preparation for Rapid Assays. <br/> <br/>Authors: Tan, Jocelyn <br/> <br/>Abstract: Whole blood separation is a crucial step prior to the analysis of a whole blood sample in a lateral flow assay (LFA). While there are numerous diagnostic applications that utilize the technique for rapid and sensitive analysis, few are able to directly work with human whole blood samples and provide accurate and consistent results. The main objective of this project was to find and optimize a whole blood filter capable of effective whole blood filtration and plasma collection for the analysis of whole blood samples in the LFA format. The work focused on finding suitable filter materials that can be incorporated into any test strip in an LFA format, and explore the modifications required to enhance the filter membrane?s performance. Membranes examined for this purpose were polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ polyethersulfone (PES) Primecare membranes (Spectral Diagnostics), FUSION 5 (Whatman), and HanoRapid (Hanomy LLC.) Various factors evaluated included plasma yield, absorbance capacity, extent of hemolysis, leakage of red blood cells, unspecific binding, and wicking time. Based on the results, it was determined that the PVP/PES membrane X and NX, which separate and collect plasma from whole blood through a porosity gradient, were the most suitable membrane materials to be incorporated into the lateral flow strip test as whole blood filtering sample pads. By using the combination of X and NX as the sample pad for a lateral flow assay, diluted whole blood (95%) in PBS up to 30 ?L spiked with insulin was filtrated and analyzed correctly within 30 minutes. Other work done in this project included improving the sensitivity of a lateral flow assay on HanoRapid nitrocellulose membranes for the detection of serum insulin through optimization of blocking solution. By blocking the membrane with a solution containing 0.03% BSA, 0.02%PVP, 0.005%Casein, 1XTBS, 0.002% Tween20, the improved limit of detection for insulin on HanoRapid nitrocellulose membrane was achieved at 0.75 x 10E-6 g/mL, which was still above the serum insulin concentration. Based on these results, it was concluded that a traditional lateral flow assay with HanoRapid membranes is not sensitive enough for the detection of serum insulin. http://hdl.handle.net/1813/11207 Title: Small Angle X-Ray Scattering of Aggregated DNA-Capped Colloidal Gold <br/> <br/>Authors: Hartman, Mark <br/> <br/>Abstract: Nanoparticles conjugated with DNA ligands possess 1) assembly behavior that may be controlled by DNA length and sequence, as well as the presence of other ligands, and 2) material properties determined by the nanoparticle size, shape, and chemical identity. The combination of these features could allow for the production of novel materials with unique or useful properties. Previous work has demonstrated the application of DNA-capped gold nanoparticles for colorimetric DNA detection, and ordered assemblies of DNA-capped gold nanoparticles have also been reported. Here, small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) from a synchrotron source was used to characterize ordered assemblies of DNA-capped gold nanoparticles. The extracted structure factor obtained from these diffraction experiments confirmed the assembly of gold nanoparticles into crystallites with well-defined internal order, demonstrating the formation of a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal lattice structure. Applying basic principles of x-ray diffraction such as the Scherrer Formula, the interparticle spacing and average size of crystallite aggregates were determined. The experimental approach outlined in this work may lead to the synthesis of programmable materials with unusual optical or electrical properties or controllable self-assembled topology. The ultimate goal of research in these types of DNA-capped colloidal systems is the development of a modular toolkit approach for nanoparticle self assembly. http://hdl.handle.net/1813/11204 Title: Tissue Engineering Applications of Polyhydroxybutyrate <br/> <br/>Authors: Mathew, Esha <br/> <br/>Abstract: Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is an aliphatic biopolyester synthesized as a carbon and energy source by certain microorganisms with the enzyme PHA synthase. Due to its biocompatibility, PHB has been widely evaluated for a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. A method to extract the active PHA synthase enzyme and pattern it on various solid surfaces was established. Upon application of the enzyme?s substrate, PHB polymer granules were formed via enzyme-linked surface initiated polymerization, providing an in situ organic coating on a variety of inorganic solid surfaces. In this work, the suitability of this enzyme-linked surface initiated polymerization (ESIP) of PHB was evaluated in two applications: as a platform for the propagation of embryonic stem cells, and as a noninvasive means for bone repair.