University at Albany, State University of New York
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The Response of Tropopause Phenomena to Stratospheric Variability: Rossby Wave Breaking and Tropopause Polar Vortices
Full text linkVariability in the high-latitude wintertime stratospheric flow, often referred to as the stratospheric polar vortex, can precede anomalous conditions in tropospheric flow on subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) timescales and impact surface weather. The range of stratospheric impacts on tropospheric conditions range from shifts in the North Atlantic storm tracks, formation of cold spells, and development of extreme precipitation. Impacts of stratospheric variability are known to persist for up to 60 days, providing ample windows of opportunity in forecasting on S2S timescales. This dissertation focuses on the stratospheric impacts on tropopause-level processes, such as Rossby wave breaking (RWB) events and tropopause polar vortices (TPVs), to improve understanding of the processes involved in the communication of stratospheric anomalies below the tropopause.
RWB represents nonlinear mixing of stratospheric and tropospheric air masses, and often is a precursor to high-impact weather in the troposphere. Eddy momentum fluxes associated with RWB are known to displace the regions of accelerated flow in the troposphere. Stratospheric variability has been shown to change the life cycles of Rossby waves, but it is not clear to what effect changes in RWB lifecycles promote meridional displacements in extratropical jets. This dissertation examines the role of stratosphere-induced RWB changes on meridional displacements in the extratropical jet, specifically in the North Atlantic region. Anticyclonic RWB events, associated with positive momentum fluxes, were most frequently found over Eurasia after strong vortex events. Meanwhile, cyclonic RWB events, associated with negative momentum fluxes, increased in the North Atlantic after weak vortex events. Stratosphere- induced RWB changes are found to enhance displacements in the North Atlantic jet position, iii where increased AWB frequencies in strong vortex events shift the North Atlantic jet poleward and increased CWB frequencies in weak vortex events shift the North Atlantic jet equatorward.
TPVs are long-lived, (i.e., weeks), tropopause-based cyclonic features that exist within the high-latitude regions. TPVs are frequently removed from the Arctic in cases of highly amplified midlatitude flow, allowing for the creation or intensification of surface cyclones and accelerations in the midlatitude jet stream. Given the overlapping effects of TPVs and stratospheric variability, it is hypothesized that the characteristics of TPVs can be impacted in periods of extreme stratospheric variability. While TPV characteristics, such as average lifetime, size, and amplitude remained consistent between all periods of stratospheric variability, the tracks of TPVs were found to be sensitive to precursor stratospheric strength. Specifically, the highest amplitude TPVs were most frequently observed poleward of the North Atlantic jet after strong vortex events, while TPV frequency decreased in the same domain after weak vortex events.
To better understand the joint effects of stratospheric variability, RWB and TPVs on tropopause level flow in the North Atlantic, a composite analysis was conducted. However, the climatological relationships between stratospheric variability, RWB, and TPVs are hard to discern. In comparing case studies of the 2018 SSW and 2020 strong vortex event, it is evident that TPVs act to enhance the zonal components of the flow in strong vortex events, and enhance the meridional component of the flow in weak vortex events. RWB processes then evolve in response to the strengthened or weakened states of North Atlantic flow. This dissertation concludes that variability in stratospheric polar vortex conditions impact synoptic-scale processes on the tropopause, and these processes can lead to variability in North Atlantic flow regimes on subseasonal-to-seasonal timescales
Utilization of Classical and Quantum Machine Learning-Based Models to Study the Human Migration Dynamics
No full textSocioeconomic, demographic, and climate-related extreme weather events have significantly influenced human dynamics such as short-term mobility and migration across the world. This dissertation investigates the interplay between environmental and socioeconomic-demographic factors and human migration using a data-driven approach. The study focused on implementing machine learning-based predictive models for county-to-county residential migration in the state of Texas, in the United States of America, leveraging both classical and quantum machine learning techniques. The research is structured into two primary objectives: (1) to integrate and analyze environmental, socioeconomic, and migration datasets to understand what could influence human migration, and (2) to evaluate the feasibility of quantum machine learning models for data analytics compared to traditional classical machine learning approaches. Datasets include county-to-county residential mobility data from the US Census Bureau’s socioeconomic and demographic indicator data, and Earth observational environmental and weather data from NASA. Classical machine learning models, including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Logistic Regression, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Huber regression method, were employed to conduct data analytics for county-to-county migration. This study explored the feasibility of quantum machine learning-based classification models, such as the Quantum Support Vector Classifier (QSVC) and the Variational Quantum Classifier (VQC), implemented within the IBM Qiskit quantum computing framework. However, current quantum hardware limitations pose practical challenges when using a large number of features to train the model compared to classical machine learning approaches. Experimental results indicate that classical machine learn- ing models offer strong predictive power compared to their quantum counterparts, which utilize current quantum computing technology. Quantum machine learning models are still in the early stages of development as of writing this dissertation. Our study revealed the practical limitations of using a larger number of features developed using real-world data on a quantum computing environment to study real-world phenomena of human migration. Quantum computers have a path to exhibit potential advantages as technology develops. The findings from our exploratory analysis and machine learning model development exercises contribute to the understanding of county-to-county residential migration, which is shaped by socioeconomic indicators and environmental factors. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the applicability and limitations of both classical and quantum machine learning in data analytics for environmental and social systems, providing insights on how to develop quantum machine learning applications in similar domains
Enhancing CRISPR-Cas12a Activity through Guide RNA Methylation
Full text linkCRISPR-Cas12a is a rapidly evolving technology for improved gene editing in cells, as well as in vivo. The system, consisting of Cas12a nuclease and approximately 40-nt long guide RNA (gRNA), can efficiently recognize and cut genomic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Chemical modifications to the gRNA can potentially improve its dsDNA binding and enhance Cas12a-mediated nuclease activity. In this work, 5-methyl cytidine (m5C) and N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) were explored to improve the binding between gRNA and target DNA. Phosphoramidites of m5C and m6A were used to construct a library of gRNAs using solid phase RNA synthesis. Tm studies were carried out to characterize gRNA-DNA binding. The gRNAs were subsequently tested in solution for their ability to cut dsDNA in the presence of Cas12a. In-solution CRISPR experiments showed that both m5C and m6A modifications improved nuclease activity. The approach can be used for further application for in cell studies by including additional modifications, such as phosphorothioate backbone
Issues and Challenges in Silicon Based Quantum Computing
Full text linkSilicon-based quantum computing has emerged as a promising platform for scalable and fault-tolerant quantum information processing. This thesis investigates the use of silicon quantum dots as qubits, addressing a key limitation in their implementation—charge noise and decoherence. We explore the physical and electronic properties of silicon quantum dots, focusing on their coherence times, tunability, and compatibility with existing semiconductor fabrication technologies. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, we examine the impact of material imperfections and propose strategies to mitigate decoherence effects, thereby enhancing qubit stability. Additionally, we discuss potential pathways for integrating silicon quantum dots into large-scale quantum architectures. Our findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop practical and robust quantum computing systems using silicon-based platforms
Nothing I Said Was Enough: Writing as Self-Validation
Full text linkThis thesis explores the process of using writing as a coping mechanism to heal from trauma by portraying how personal narratives confront pain and reclaim agency. This thesis also explores how writing serves as a means of survival and sharing testimony. The thesis starts with a critical analysis essay, drawing on literary criticism and trauma theory. I explore how Roxane Gay, Kathryn Harrison, Bessel Van der Kolk, and Maya Angelou have used writing to challenge societal perceptions of trauma, and how through writing, they have resisted erasure.
The heart of this thesis is an original creative work, which involves an exploration of trauma and its impact on the self. This composition ties into themes of fragmentation and memory to show the non-linear path of healing. The critical analysis serves to introduce this creative endeavor by offering a reflection on my personal writing experience concerning trauma, exploring how the art of storytelling has given me a voice to confront, construct, and reclaim my story. By including personal testimony with literary works, this thesis illustrates that writing expands beyond the mere act of witnessing; it represents a healing space in which trauma survivors can reorganize their experiences on their terms, thus paving a way for healing
Technology, Repression, and Contention: How Do Internet and Communication Technologies Affect Political Violence and Collective Action?
Full text linkThis dissertation explores the impact of new technologies on state repression, political violence, and contentious politics via three interrelated studies. The first chapter presents a novel theory that describes the technology policies the Chinese government uses to oppress Uyghurs and turn them into obedient citizens. The chapter analyzes artificial intelligence tools, incarceration testimonies, official documents, police data, satellite evidence, and reports by nongovernmental organizations and scholars. Its findings shed light on the pervasive and increasingly dangerous nature of state repression in the digital age. The second chapter investigates the relationship between digital repression and the nature of conflicts using a global event dataset that documents conflicts with at least 1,000 participants. Considering the results of a rare events logistic regression analysis, the chapter asserts that digital repression alone is not a strong enough determinant of the occurrence of violent incidents. This chapter contributes to explanations of the complex dynamics between state repression and collective behavior by taking a critical stance toward technological determinism. The last chapter examines the relationship between technological repression and the likelihood of success for social movements through a competing risk analysis. It shows that social movements are less likely to succeed in countries that employ repression technology more frequently compared to their less repressive counterparts. This finding illuminates the longstanding debate on the repression–resistance nexus by demonstrating the negative impact of technological repression on civil resistance. In sum, this dissertation documents the risks and opportunities associated with new technologies while also delineating their limitations
The Emotional Side of Migration: Peruvian Women Migrant\u27s Experiences in the U.S.
Full text linkMigration is a complex social, economic, cultural, and political issue. While research often highlights the positive aspects of migration, the emotional well-being of migrants is frequently overlooked. This qualitative dissertation examines the emotional experiences of heterosexual Peruvian women migrants, focusing on those who migrate either to join male partners in the United States or alone after abandonment. It analyzes how their emotional health is affected during pre-migration, migration, and post-migration stages. The study reveals persistent stressors impacting emotional well-being using migration, transnational, and human capital theories, a gender-focused perspective, and the Ulysses Syndrome or Immigrant Syndrome concept.
The research question that leads this study is how migration impacts the emotional health of Peruvian migrant women. To answer this, I analyzed the accounts of 30 heterosexual Peruvian migrant women based on in-depth interviews asking about various stages of their migration journey. Some had lived in the U.S. for over a decade, while others were recent arrivals. These women sought better living conditions but faced significant risks. I focused on three key migratory stressors, drawn from aspects of the Ulysses Syndrome framework: 1) missing loved ones, 2) adapting to the host country, and 3) a lost sense of belonging.
The study helps shed light on the fact that rather than healing, migrants develop coping mechanisms to navigate the churning waters of grief and the profound sense of loss they experience as they leave behind their former lives. This includes the intimate tapestry of their identities, the warmth of familiar homes, and the deep connections woven through cherished relationships, all of which have been uprooted. Their narratives revealed a rich landscape of emotions, painting vivid pictures of sadness, feelings of rejection, and a haunting sense of isolation due to a perceived lack of support. A recurring and poignant theme emerged: the deep-seated fear of forging connections with others in the host country. This anxiety often springs from the precariousness of their immigration status, casting a long shadow over their ability to engage and belong. The study’s analysis leads to a new concept, which I label Migrants\u27 Circular Triggers (MCT)
Household Archaeology of an Eighteenth Century Settlement in Vermont, USA
Full text linkThe rediscovery of ruins in the mountains of Vermont may shine light on the theory and practice of household archaeology and its potential to reveal the social and economic status of the people who once resided there. To this date, there are the remains of twelve structures identified as potential dwellings located on Egg Mountain in Sandgate, Vermont, which local folklore claim were the homes for the refugees who fled from Massachusetts during Shays’ Rebellion in 1787. Shay’s Rebellion was an uprising that took place in Massachusetts led by Captain Daniel Shays in response to the unfair treatment of veterans and their families by the Massachusetts government shortly after the American Revolution.
This dissertation presents the detailed research and examination of the artifacts and features of the ruins to try and determine if they could be the material remains of a hidden settlement established in 1787. This includes a detailed description of the ruins’ features and material remains and what they infer about their potential household production and consumption practices. I will also offer an analysis of the ceramic assemblages excavated there, how they compare to other contemporary sites in Northeastern United States and the potential social differentiation they suggest about the ruin’s occupants. This dissertation will attempt to determine how the people who lived there supported themselves and gained access to the resources they needed to subsist. I also seek to discover how long the settlement was occupied and to determine if it acted as a temporary refugee enclave, or sustained resettlement project. I will also explore what may have led to its eventual abandonment
Parkinson’s Disease Pathophysiology and Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy Between Subthalamic Nucleus and Globus Pallidus Interna Deep Brain Stimulation: A Student’s Perspective
Full text linkParkinson’s Disease (PD) is becoming an increasingly common neurodegenerative disease across the world, presenting with both debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms that progressively worsen throughout the course of the disease. Prominent motor symptoms include tremors, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, and postural/gait instabilities, while common non-motor symptoms include fatigue, pain, autonomic dysfunction (i.e., bowel and bladder dysfunction), mood disorders, and dementia. The advent of modern medical management of PD has introduced several different medications, the most popular being levodopa, that have shown success in reducing the severity of motor symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Throughout disease progression, however, many patients will eventually require a more comprehensive and flexible approach to managing their symptoms with medications, and in some cases, necessitating surgical intervention. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for PD has been proven successful for several decades at providing temporary symptomatic relief in patients by introducing an electrical current that works to silence the activity of the pathological neurons involved in PD, thus helping to alleviate motor symptoms and often allowing for a significant reduction in cotreatment with medication. The most common brain regions for the DBS treatment in PD are the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus interna (GPi), both located within basal ganglia. Decades long research aimed at improving the delivery of DBS treatment has paved the way for paved the way for more precise delivery methods of DBS, such as adaptive DBS (aDBS) and bipolar stimulation. However, the overall efficacy of both STN and GPi DBS in curtailing motor symptoms continues to be at the top of the list for many researchers
Screening Modified Polycyclic Compounds in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Cell Lines
Full text linkMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disease with no treatment options and causes progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. DM1 occurs when the DMPK gene contains an abnormal CTG repeat expansion in the 3’ untranslated region. Transcription of the expansion leads to sequestration of RNA binding proteins and downstream splicing dysregulation. This dysregulation ultimately affects many systems in the body leading to the DM1 phenotype. This project consists of two parts, with one of our goals being to test experimental small molecule (MPC-04) in an immortalized patient-derived DM1 cell model. Using RNA sequencing data from patient-derived DM1 myotubes, 120 skipped-exon events that are dysregulated in DM1 were identified and showed positive changes in alternative splicing behavior after MPC-04 treatment. Future experiments include testing MPC-04 in the immortalized DM1 cell model 1) to determine if splicing events found in the DM1 myotubes are mis-spliced in the immortalized cell model, 2) rescued by MPC-04 treatment and 3) more broadly develop this immortalized DM1 cell model as a screening tool for testing therapeutic approaches for DM1. The second goal is to characterize the activity of these MPCs in fibroblasts and myotubes with splicing rescue, gene expression changes, and protein expression restorations. Our findings identified promising lead compounds, including HM043 and HM058G, that demonstrated significant correction of splicing defects and potential therapeutic benefit. Ongoing efforts aim to further analyze their mechanisms of action, with the ultimate goal of advancing small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of DM1