The Ideal Dog

The goal of this project was to look into all of the different jobs or tasks that we as humans have dogs perform and try to pinpoint what exactly it is that makes a dog ideal for each task. After identifying desirable characteristics, I considered physical traits in order to create an ideal dog that would be able to perform the greatest number of jobs possible.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/fsrs2020/1022/thumbnail.jp

Analysis of a Helmholtz preconditioning problem motivated by uncertainty quantification

This paper analyses the following question: let $\mathbf{A}_j$, $j=1,2,$ be the Galerkin matrices corresponding to finite-element discretisations of the exterior Dirichlet problem for the heterogeneous Helmholtz equations $\nabla\cdot (A_j \nabla u_j) + k^2 n_j u_j= -f$. How small must $\|A_1 -A_2\|_{L^q}$ and $\|{n_1} - {n_2}\|_{L^q}$ be (in terms of $k$-dependence) for GMRES applied to either $(\mathbf{A}_1)^{-1}\mathbf{A}_2$ or $\mathbf{A}_2(\mathbf{A}_1)^{-1}$ to converge in a $k$-independent number of iterations for arbitrarily large $k$? (In other words, for $\mathbf{A}_1$ to be a good left- or right-preconditioner for $\mathbf{A}_2$?). We prove results answering this question, give theoretical evidence for their sharpness, and give numerical experiments supporting the estimates. Our motivation for tackling this question comes from calculating quantities of interest for the Helmholtz equation with random coefficients $A$ and $n$. Such a calculation may require the solution of many deterministic Helmholtz problems, each with different $A$ and $n$, and the answer to the question above dictates to what extent a previously-calculated inverse of one of the Galerkin matrices can be used as a preconditioner for other Galerkin matrices

Mechanisms of failure of jointed rock masses and the behaviour of steep slopes

The geomorphological behaviour of steep jointed rock slopes has been studied using distinct element method computer models. In order to model steep slopes effectively, methodologies need to be combined from the studies of environmental modellers, geomorphologists and engineers. The distinct element method is ideal for the study of the development of jointed rock masses as the discontinuum approach can model the progressive failure of rock blocks along discontinuities. Initial, theoretical modelling identified the limiting boundary conditions between the multiple block failure mechanisms of toppling, sliding and toppling-and-sliding, based upon the discontinuity geometry for a theoretically modelled limestone rock mass. It is demonstrated that joint dip, friction angle and spacing exert the greatest control upon rock mass failure mechanisms. Two field locations, the Colorado Plateau and the Isle of Purbeck, have been chosen to provide a link between theoretical modelling and classic rock mass landforms which are controlled by variation in discontinuity geometry. In the Portland Limestone of the Isle of Purbeck, it is the joint geometry variation which influences development. Bedding steepens and average block size decreases in the coastal rock cliffs from east to west. Comparison between the model outputs highlighted that there is an increase in the rate of simulated cliff retreat from Winspit in the east to Durdle Door in the west. The Colorado Plateau rock cliffs form large, embayed plan-form escarpments and detached monoliths. It is the variation of joint set spacing in the cap-rock of cuesta-form composite scarps that controls development. Model results suggest there is a continuum of rock mass landforms, with buttes becoming detached at plan-form necks in the escarpment as determined by the joint geometry. The results show excellent similarity with the landforms observed in the field. This thesis introduces a research tool that can provide an understanding of slope behaviour

Delivery of human apolipoprotein (apo) E to liver by an [E1(-), E3(-), polymerase(-), pTP(-)] adenovirus vector containing a liver-specific promoter inhibits atherogenesis in immunocompetent apoE-deficient mice

Recombinant adenovirus (rAd)-mediated apoE gene transfer to the liver of apoE(-/-) mice is anti-atherogenic. However, first generation rAd vectors were associated with immune clearance of transduced hepatocytes, while an improved [E1(-), E3(-) polymerase(-)] adenovirus vector that persisted in the liver, had transient effects due to cellular shutdown of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (Ad-CMV-apoE). Here, we utilise an improved class of rAd vector with multiple deletions in the E1, E3, polymerase and pTP (pre-terminal protein) genes, which contains a modular synthetic liver-specific promoter (LSP) to drive expression of the human apoE cDNA (Ad-LSP-apoE) for hepatic gene transfer. Approximately 1 year old apoE(-/-) mice were injected intravenously with 4x10(10) virus particles of either Ad-LSP-apoE or Ad-CMV-apoE. Animals were monitored for plasma apoE, total plasma cholesterol and plasma lipoprotein distribution. The effect of Ad-LSP-apoE on atheroma progression was assessed in animals killed at 8 and 28 weeks after the injections. Ad-LSP-apoE vector administration gave sustained, though low, levels of plasma apoE throughout the study period without inducing a humoral immune response, but failed to reduce plasma cholesterol or normalize the adverse lipoprotein profile. Animals killed 8 weeks after the injections, demonstrated no significant retardation of atherosclerosis, whereas aortic lesions in those killed at 28 weeks were significantly reduced by 30% ( P< 0.006) compared to untreated animals. In summary, the combination of a multiply deleted rAd vector with a liver-specific promoter provided sustained low levels of plasma apoE, resulting in significant retardation of aortic atherosclerotic lesions

Retardation of atherosclerosis in immunocompetent apolipoprotein (apo) E-deficient mice followingliver-directed administration of a [E1-, E3-,polymerase-] adenovirus vector containing the elongation factor-1a promoter driving expression of human apoE cDNA

Although gene transfer of human apolipoprotein E (apoE), a 34-kDa circulating glycoprotein, to the liver of apoEdeficient(apoE-/-) mice using recombinant adenoviral vectors (rAd) is antiatherogenic, its full therapeutic potentialhas yet to be realized. First generation vectors led to immune clearance of transduced hepatocytes, while animproved vector with adenovirus regions E1, E3 and DNA polymerase deleted also had transient effects due tocellular shutdown of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Here, we have studied an alternative promoter from thecellular elongation factor 1a (EF-1a) gene, injecting 6-8 week old apoE-/- mice intravenously with 2x1010 virusparticles (vp) of the [E1-, E3-, polymerase-] rAd vector Ad-EF1·-apoE. Plasma apoE levels were low (18-55 ng/ml)and failed to reduce plasma cholesterol or normalize the adverse lipoprotein profile. By contrast, thehyperlipidaemic phenotype of apoE-/- mice treated with Ad-CMV-apoE (2x1010 vp) was transiently normalized.Nevertheless, at termination (265 days) the aortic lesion areas in animals given Ad-EF1·-apoE were significantlyreduced by 15% (P<0.05) compared to untreated animals, a decrease approaching that in Ad-CMV-apoE-treatedmice (23%; P<0.02). Importantly, the attenuation of apoE transgene expression noted with the CMV promoter wasabsent with the EF-1a promoter, which gave relatively sustained, albeit low, levels of plasma apoE throughout thestudy period

Apolipoprotein E delivery by peritoneal implantation of encapsulated recombinant cells improves the hyperlipidaemic profile in apoE-deficient mice

Plasma apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a 34-kDa polymorphic protein which has atheroprotective actions by clearing remnant lipoproteins and sequestering excess cellular cholesterol. Low or dysfunctional apoE is a risk factor for hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis, and for restenosis after angioplasty. Here, in short-term studies designed to establish proof-of-principle, we investigate whether encapsulated recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells can secrete wild-type apoE3 protein in vitro and then determine whether peritoneal implantation of the microcapsules into apoE-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice reduces their hypercholesterolaemia.Recombinant CHO-E3 cells were encapsulated into either alginate poly-L-lysine or alginate polyethyleneimine/polybrene microspheres. After verifying stability and apoE3 secretion, the beads were then implanted into the peritoneal cavity of apoE(-/-) mice; levels of plasma apoE3, cholesterol and lipoproteins were monitored for up to 14 days post-implantation.Encapsulated CHO-E3 cells continued to secrete apoE3 protein throughout a 60-day study period in vitro, though levels declined after 14 days. This cell-derived apoE3 was biologically active. When conditioned medium from encapsulated CHO-E3 cells was incubated with cultured cells pre-labelled with [H-3]-cholesterol, efflux of cholesterol was two to four times greater than with normal medium (at 8 h, for example, 7.4+/-0.3% vs. 2.4+/-0.2% of cellular cholesterol; P<0.001). Moreover, when secreted apoE3 was injected intraperitoneally into apoE(-/-) mice, apoE3 was detected in plasma and the hyperlipidaemia improved. Similarly, when alginate polyethyleneimine/polybrene capsules were implanted into the peritoneum of apoE(-/-) mice, apoE3 was secreted into plasma and at 7 days total cholesterol was reduced, while atheroprotective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased. In a second study, apoE was detectable in plasma of five mice treated with alginate poly-L-lysine beads, 4 and 7 days post-implantation, though not at day 14. Furthermore, their hypercholesterolaemia was reduced, while HDL was clearly elevated in all mice at days 4 and 7 (from 18.4+/-6.2% of total lipoproteins to 31.1+/-6.8% at 7 days; P<0.001); however, these had rebounded by day 14, possibly due to the emergence of anti-apoE antibodies.We conclude that microencapsulated apoE-secreting cells have the potential to ameliorate the hyperlipidaemia of apoE deficiency, but that the technology must be improved to become a feasible therapeutic to treat atherosclerosis. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Investigating the Effect of IMF Path Length on Pitch- angle Scattering Strahl within 1 au

Strahl is the strongly field-aligned, beam-like population of electrons in the solar wind. Strahl width is observed to increase with distance from the Sun, and hence strahl electrons must be subject to in-transit scattering effects. Different energy relations have been both observed and modeled for both strahl width and the width increase with radial distance. Thus, there is much debate regarding what mechanism(s) scatter strahl. In this study, we use a novel method to investigate strahl evolution within 1 au by estimating the distance traveled by the strahl along the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). We do this by implementing methods developed in previous studies, which make use of the onset of solar energetic particles at ∼1 au. Thus, we are able to obtain average strahl broadening in relation to electron energy and distance, while also taking into account the general effect of IMF topology and adiabatic focusing experienced by strahl. We find that average strahl width broadens with distance traveled along the IMF, which suggests that strahl width is related to the path length taken by the strahl from the Sun to 1 au. We also find that strahl pitch-angle width broadening per au along the IMF length increased with strahl energy, which suggests that the dominant strahl pitch-angle scattering mechanism likely has an inherent energy relation. Our pitch-angle broadening results provide a testable energy relation for the upcoming Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions, which are both set to provide unprecedented new observations within 1 au

Baitshop Survey Report 2008: With a focus on the supply and demand for bait-worms in South Australia

Recreational fishing is an increasingly popular hobby both locally and globally. This rise in popularity has increased the global demand for bait and has resulted in a higher demand for bait-worms than can be supplied. Bait-worms are a highly valued resource with a price tag, which is often higher per kg than that of human food. Evidence from overseas indicates that recently three main avenues have been adopted to fill this deficit 1) the culture of bait-worms, 2) the importation of live or preserved bait-worms or 3) by increasing the intensity of wild harvest (which has led to the development of a black market in Europe). None of these avenues has thus far proven sufficient to meet the current bait-worm deficit. Australia is currently mirroring the worldwide bait-worm situation, but to a much lesser extent, so is in the enviable position of being able to address the issue before it becomes dire, as has occurred in many parts of Europe and the USA. Of the three main avenues attempted overseas, only two realistic options are available for Australia and indeed South Australia as our strict quarantine laws preclude the importation of live bait-worms. The two remaining options are to increase the intensity of wild harvest and/or to culture bait-worms. There appears little chance of increasing commercial wild harvest for various reasons discussed in this report, so the development of a culture industry may be the most viable means of addressing the bait-worm deficit. Before considering the development of such an industry, it is imperative, and pertinent, to assess the current and potential markets for both live and preserved bait-worms within South Australia to assess the need for the end product. To this end, a survey was developed, distributed and the findings reported here. This survey was distributed to 92 retailers and 25 (27%) surveys were returned.This survey has identified that: • there is likely to be a market for aquaculture derived worms: 64% of baitshop owners would use a regular source of live worms with >85% of shop owners may prefer cultured worms to wild harvested • approximately 73% of anglers buy their worms from baitshops - which could equate to approximately 225,000 South Australian recreational anglers based on the 2000 - 2001 SA regional version of the National Recreational and Indigenous Fisheries Survey and ~$100 million of funds for fishing related expenses • the responding baitshop owners estimated potential sales of live worms was approximately 1.25 tonnes in the first year. The survey respondent’s sales accounted for only 15% of the total wild harvested bait–worms in the year surveyed, so the above estimate is probably conservative. The potential sales for preserved bait-worms was not assessed