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Avery Rush: capstone
No full text2023 Spring.Colorado State University Art and Art History Department capstone project.Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.The artist's statement: In my artistic practice, I explore the delicate balance between beauty and grotesqueness. My fascination with the unusual, mysterious, and spooky has been a constant throughout my life. By embracing objects, materials, and imagery that are often associated with negative connotations, I have been able to evoke a sense of empowerment through body adornment. My artwork not only allows me to express myself creatively but also enables me to gain a deeper understanding of my relationship with the world around me. By confronting and accepting the parts of myself that I have previously deemed unworthy or shameful, I am able to heal the inner wounds that have been inflicted upon me. My creations serve as a representation of acceptance and self-love. Through my art, I have learned the importance of sitting with uncomfortable emotions and experiences, allowing myself to fully feel and understand them. This practice has taught me to be comfortable with all aspects of myself, both positive and negative. As I continue to produce new works, I am empowered to be my most authentic self and to share my unique perspective with the world
Genomics-informed conservation units reveal spatial variation in climate vulnerability in a migratory bird
Full text link2023 Spring.Includes bibliographical references.Identifying conservation units (CUs) in threatened species is critical for the preservation of adaptive capacity and evolutionary potential in the face of climate change. However, delineating CUs in highly mobile species remains a challenge due to high rates of gene flow and genetic signatures of isolation by distance. If CUs are delineated in highly mobile species, the CUs often lack key biological information about what populations have the most conservation need to guide management decisions. Here we implement a framework for rigorous CU identification in the Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis), a high-dispersal migratory bird species of conservation concern, and then integrate demographic modeling and genomic offset within a CU framework to guide conservation decisions. We find that whole-genome structure in this highly mobile species is primarily driven by putative adaptive variation. Identification of CUs across the breeding range revealed that Canada Warblers fall into two Evolutionary Significant Units (ESU), with three putative Adaptive Units (AUs) in the South, East and Northwest. Quantification of genomic offset within each AU reveals significant spatial variation in climate vulnerability, with the Northwestern AU being identified as the most vulnerable to future climate change. Alternatively, quantification of past population trends within each AU revealed the steepest population declines have occurred within the Eastern AU. Overall, we illustrate that genomics-informed CUs provide a strong foundation for identifying current and potential future region-specific threats that can be used to manage highly mobile species in a rapidly changing world
Development of an ovine cardiac model for the modified Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt
Full text link2023 Spring.Includes bibliographical references.This pilot study aimed to better describe the ovine thoracic vascular anatomy, to develop a model for placement of a modified Blalock-Thomas-Taussig (BT) shunt in sheep, and to evaluate whether hyaluronan-treated grafts would have decreased thrombosis and adherence compared to traditional polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. Ovine thoracic vasculature follows the pattern of a bovine aortic arch and branching of arterial vascular does not occur until the thoracic inlet. A prominent left azygos vein and ligamentum arteriosum are also present. Placement of a modified BT-shunt was possible in sheep and did appear to lead to some long-term changes in cardiac values. Hyaluronan-treated shunts were subjectively less adherent with incomplete thrombosis occurring in the subjects. Further research is needed to better evaluate the latter two aims of this project
Assessing the on-farm effects of removing salts from irrigation water
Full text link2023 Spring.Includes bibliographical references.In dry and semi-arid places where precipitation is insufficient to sustain a regular percolation of water through the soil, salt-induced land degradation is frequent. Desalination of irrigation water is an emerging alternative that can be utilized to repurpose our salt-affected agricultural lands, thus providing an avenue for sustaining the growing production demands with limited water and land resources. Therefore, a combination of fieldwork, modeling and soil sensor records was implemented to evaluate the feasibility of an on-farm Reverse Osmosis (RO) system, in terms of crop yield and soil salinity, for the desalination of irrigation water over three growing periods. Four types of treatment systems were applied to 16 experimental field plots at the Arkansas Valley Research Center (Rocky Ford, CO), representing soil conditions of the Lower Arkansas River Valley (LARV), a region of which approximately 70% is affected by salt-induced crop yield loss. Statistical t-tests done on the data of the three seasons did not show any significant differences in the VMC, EC and biomass of the plots irrigated with the different treatments. Results of the tests for season 3, which showed an increase in t-values and a decrease in p-values demonstrated the need for a longer study period to gauge any significant effects. Similarly, the results of sensor data did not show a significant decrease in soil salinity for the study period. The average soil electrical conductivity (EC) showed a 20% to 26% reduction in soil salt mass in the fields irrigated with desalinated water over the three seasons, however, the EC results did not show a consistent decreasing trend across the 16 plots. A 6-year numerical modeling forecast done by the hydro-chemical model HYDRUS 1D simulating dry, average, and wet weather showed a 6% to 20% reduction in EC when desalination was applied to the fields. These preliminary results of the field and modeling approaches provide encouragement for the continuation of desalination treatments to see any substantial long-term effects
A comparison of suicide loss and non-suicide loss: the impact on family communication and affect
Full text link2023 Spring.Includes bibliographical references.Suicide loss and non-suicide loss impact thousands of people globally each year. Literature to date has identified ways suicide-loss can impact individuals and families in unique ways but has not indicated what specific aspects of family function are impacted for suicide-bereaved family members. Further, it is unclear whether family members can turn to each other to provide and receive support after their loss. The purpose of this study was to understand how suicide loss of a family member impacts individuals when compared to suicide loss of a non-family member. Additionally, this study aimed to understand how suicide loss of a family member impacts family dynamics on specific levels of communication, affect expression, affect connection, and general family functioning when compared to non-suicide family member loss. Perceived familial support was predicted to moderate the relationship between type of loss and these family function variables. Participants (N = 174) filled out 4 self-report measures that assessed family function prior to their loss, grief experiences, family communication, affect expression, affect connection, and family function after their loss. An independent samples t-test and a hierarchical multiple regression with a moderation analysis were run to examine the relationships between the predictor and outcome variables described above. When compared to individuals who experienced a non-family member suicide loss, individuals who experienced family member suicide loss reported more intense grief experiences (p = .03) but did not report significantly different family function. When compared to non-suicide family member loss, individuals who lost a family member to suicide reported lower family affect connection (p < .05) and lower family affect connection (p < .05), but did not report significantly different family function or family communication. Perceived familial support did not moderate these main effects
Synthesis of biologically relevant molecules
Full text linkIncludes bibliographical references.2023 Spring.Natural products total synthesis and bioorganic chemistry rely on organic synthesis to produce the compounds for biological study. Natural products and some biomolecules are naturally found in extremely low concentrations. Organic synthesis made it possible to acquire the amounts needed for biological studies. The research described herein discusses both areas. In the body of this document, the bioorganic work regarding lipoquinones, particularly ubiquinones and menaquinones, is described. Appendix IV described the natural products work. Chapter 1 provides a more detailed explanation as to the circumstances that led to two different areas of research. Chapter 2 serves as the introduction to the bioorganic research. In this chapter, a review of the literature surrounding ubiquinones, plastoquinones, and menaquinones is complied with their properties at the forefront. Lipoquinones are incredibly hydrophobic molecules, and such properties are often ignored or misinterpreted in the literature. The review compares reported similarities and differences among the lipoquinones with respect to their headgroups, isoprene sidechain length, conformations, and location of lipoquinones in membrane environments. The review also highlights the need for and encourages more experimental studies to validate the computational work in the field. Chapter 3 discusses the conformation and location of ubiquinone-2 in AOT reverse micelles. Previous work with menaquinone-2 determined the truncated lipoquinone derivative adopted a folded conformation in organic solvents and in AOT reverse micelles and suggest menaquinone-2 is located near the lipid-water interface. We hypothesized ubiquinone-2 would also adopt a folded conformation in the membrane and be located near the lipid-water interface, but closer to the bulk water than menaquinone-2. We used 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods to explore the solvent and membrane conformations and membrane location of ubiquinone 2. The conformations and locations of ubiquinone-2 were compared to menaquinone-2, and the location of ubiquinone-2 was found to be slightly closer to the interface than menaquinone-2. Chapter 4 provides a review of the literature regarding the synthesis of naphthoquinone derivatives. There are five main synthetic approaches that have been used to synthesize naphthoquinone derivatives. The categories are (1) nucleophilic ring methods, (2) sidechain homologations and extensions, (3) metal-mediated and radical reactions, (4) electrophilic ring, and (5) pericyclic reactions. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed regarding selectivity, number of steps, yield, and overall safety. Some approaches are simpler to carry out for the non-expert and successfully yield product, although stereospecificity and yields of the reactions are less, whereas other routes are higher yielding. Chapter 5 discusses the exploratory synthesis of menaquinone derivatives. The established Friedel-Crafts approach has poor regioselectivity, poor stereoretention of the first isoprene unit in the sidechain, and universally low yields. Using the knowledge gained in Chapter 4, a pericyclic approach using Diels-Alder adducts was used to exert regiocontrol of sidechain and maintain the stereochemistry of the sidechain. A convergent route was designed to provide access to a diverse library of sidechains to include E and Z isomers of the first isoprene unit and varying degrees of saturation along the sidechain. Appendix IV discusses the progress towards the total synthesis of versiquinazoline A and versiquinazoline B, alkaloids with anti-cancer properties and a unique pyrazinoquinazolinedione (6-6-6) and imidazoindolone (5-5-6) scaffold. Through this synthesis, the non-proteinogenic amino acid, 1-amino-1-cyclopropycarboxylic acid, was prepared to be used in the synthesis of versiquinazoline B. The synthesis of the 5-5-6 ring system explored the use of many peptide coupling conditions to afford a sterically hindered amide bond. After frequent unsuccessful trials, steps toward the total synthesis of versiquinazoline A were taken using alanine instead of 1-amino-1-cyclopropylcarboxylic acid. After successful amide coupling, the reoxidation of the aromatic sing system was explored using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanoquinone. This project ended prematurely due to the advent of COVID-19 and the passing of my advisor, Dr. Robert M. Williams
Logan Causey: capstone
No full text2023 Spring.Colorado State University Art and Art History Department capstone project.Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.The artist's statement: In my design work I aim to create detail-oriented, clean work with a focus on type and layout. I believe truly successful and impactful design is clever and subtle, and I believe an ideal design is one that is so intuitive the viewer doesn't realize they're being influenced by it. Because of these personal beliefs I have always leaned toward simple, minimal work that clearly communicates a strong message in a straightforward fashion. I am particularly fond of brutalist European typography and contemporary Korean typography due to the way these styles treat type. They treat type as an artistic object before a tool for communication, I believe this choice is what results in these styles producing unique, elegant, yet utility-focused work. Due to my admiration of these ways of design, I try to think of type and type layout as a design element that must communicate a message while being visually pleasing, not as a bundle of words whose purpose are to communicate a message and I must make them "pretty" after-the-fact
Perceptions of stakeholders in English language learning: a case study
No full text2023 Spring.Includes bibliographical references.This study was conducted as a qualitative narrative inquiry. The purpose of the study was to understand the perceptions of stakeholders on English Language Learners and how this shapes their educational path. By using a qualitative narrative inquiry, we can get a closer look into the life and learning of just one specific student. Data was collected in the form of interviews with the participants. The interviews were guided with a set of questions that were designed to interrogate perceptions and experiences of all stakeholders with regards to language learning in the context of one student. With the exception of WIDA scores that provide information about the language mastery level of the student, all data collected was qualitative. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and the data was coded inductively. This was then compiled in the form of a narrative that described the shaping of the educational pathway of the student. This study does not seek to generalize beyond this context but can provide insight into similar experiences and perceptions of the English Language Learning process. The themes that developed as findings of this study were centered around the disconnects between stakeholders. This presented itself as subthemes like lack of teacher understanding, feelings of isolation, perceptions of English Language Learners, and varying teacher perceptions of their language abilities. There are implications in the teaching of English Language Learners that point to the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders. This includes transparency and clarification of educator roles, parent outreach, and professional development
