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Studies of the Gas-phase Acidity of D/L-Cysteine-Containing Polyalanine Peptides with Computational Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry
No full textD-amino acids have been found in nearly all living organics, including humans. However, the chemistry of the D-amino acids is largely unknown. Conversion of an amino acid from the L-form to the D-form often modifies the biological activity of the peptides, and in many cases, enhances their biological functions. Gas-phase acidity represents the intrinsic property of peptides containing ionizable amino acid residues. This study focused on characterization of several important parameters affecting the gas-phase acidity of oligopeptides consisting of one D/L-configuration cysteine residue and a polyalanine backbone.
The gas-phase acidities were determined using a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer by applying the CID bracketing experiments and the extended kinetic method. The conformations and the energetics of model peptides were obtained computationally using a series of approaches. Conformational search was performed using the CREST program, which gives a pool of low-energy conformations. Subsequent geometry optimization and frequency calculations were carried out using the density functional theory at ωB97xD/6-311+G(d,p) level, which yields the final pool of lowest energy conformations. Theoretical gas-phase acidities were calculated based on Boltzmann averaged free energies of the final pool of conformations. Noncovalent interactions were examined using the reduced density gradient analysis
Plastic Peril: How do Phthalates Impact Growth, Development, and Reproduction in Insects
No full textPlasticizers, such as phthalate esters (PAEs), make plastics more flexible and durable, but they have infiltrated ecosystems and food chains worldwide. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most commonly used PAE, and it impairs reproduction by disrupting the regulation of sex steroid hormones in vertebrates. In insects, steroid hormones—particularly ecdysteroids—play a central role in regulating both development and reproduction. Furthermore, differential regulation of ecdysteroids is associated with distinct life-history strategies in some species, such as wing-dimorphic crickets, where hormone levels differ between flight-capable and flightless individuals. Here, we investigated the effects of DEHP exposure in the diet (0, 2, or 20 mg/kg DEHP added to food) during development in the native variable field cricket (Gryllus lineaticeps) to address three hypotheses. First, DEHP impairs reproduction similar to its effects in vertebrates. Second, DEHP is costly to development given its putative interference with the regulation of ecdysteroids that govern development in insects. Third, DEHP promotes flight capacity because DEHP is expected to interfere with ecdysteroid binding more in flightless Gryllus because they exhibit higher circulating levels of ecdysteroids. Our results will provide new insight into the effects of plastic pollution on growth, development, and reproduction in insects, which play key roles in a diversity of terrestrial ecosystems
Autonomous Temperature Monitoring Robot
No full textThe project presents the design and implementation of an autonomous robotic system intended to collect and monitor temperature data at multiple heights beneath solar panels installed in the parking lots of the University of the Pacific. In recent years, the urban heat island effect has gained increased attention, and according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, densely populated urban centers experience elevated temperatures when compared to surrounding rural areas. This project investigates whether the installation of solar panels can help mitigate excessive heat accumulation in such environments and offers real-time temperature tracking capabilities using a data visualization application.
The developed robot is equipped with sensors and temperature probes that measure thermal variations at three specific levels: at ground level and at two distinct heights above ground. This multi-layered sensing configuration allows for a comprehensive analysis of temperature fluctuations to create a vertical gradient, thus providing insight into the potential cooling impact of the solar panels in the parking lot environment. The autonomous nature of the robot ensures efficient navigation across complex outdoor settings, where it is designed to avoid obstacles such as vehicles and pedestrians.
A key aspect of this design is its ability to operate continuously for a minimum duration of two hours under varying conditions. The robot is engineered to provide a data upload to an app, where the gathered temperature readings are visualized via dynamic heat maps and other graphical representations. This allows for real-time monitoring and analysis, which is vital in understanding the mitigating effects of solar panels on urban heat accumulation. The system design also emphasizes resilience and robustness. The robot has been built to withstand environmental extremes, functioning effectively within temperatures ranging from 0°C to 50°C. A detailed breakdown of engineering requirements and justifications is provided through specifications ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the collected data.
Overall, this project offers an innovative approach to addressing the urban heat island effect by leveraging robotics, autonomous navigation, and comprehensive data analytics. The deployment of this system in a real-world setting not only assesses the environmental impact of solar panels but also provides a scalable solution for sustainable urban development initiatives at the University of the Pacific and similar environments. This project also illustrates the integration of advanced robotics and environmental science, offering scalable solutions for urban cooling challenges in real time
Discrete Math for Computer Science - Chapter 21: Counting permutations and subsets
No full textSee this OER textbook full record by clicking here.https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/open-videos/1022/thumbnail.jp
Discrete Math for Computer Science - Chapter 9: Cartesian products
No full textSee this OER textbook full record by clicking here.https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/open-videos/1011/thumbnail.jp
Discrete Math for Computer Science - Chapter 26: Introduction to graphs: Graph representations
No full textSee this OER textbook full record by clicking here.https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/open-videos/1027/thumbnail.jp
Innovative Virtual Mentoring: The Impact of Technology on Neurologic Physical Therapy Education, a case study
No full textPurpose: This case report provides an example of the utilization of true wireless earbud (TWE) technology within virtual mentoring sessions in an outpatient setting, aimed at enhancing mentee learning within a neurologic physical therapy residency program.
Methods: The mentor- mentee pair, consisting of one mentor and one mentee, participated in virtual mentorship sessions using a combination setup that included visual communication through a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant video conferencing platform delivered on a tablet, and audio through TWE. The sessions involved the mentee and patient in a face-to-face physical therapy session, with the mentor participating over video. The duo participated in 12 four-hour virtual TWE mentoring sessions over four-and-a-half months.
Outcome: Clinical mentor evaluations and interviews of the synchronous virtual TWE mentor-mentee pair were analyzed for feasibility and effectiveness comparisons. Virtual mentoring using TWE technology was feasible, and mentoring quality was perceived as comparable to face-to-face mentoring.
Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the initial feasibility of using TWE technology integrated during virtual mentoring sessions in the outpatient setting to support learning in a neurologic physical therapy residency program
