Aqueous Zinc Removal Using Nanoparticle Treated Natural Fibers

The objective of this thesis research is to evaluate and enhance a recently developed water treatment technology. The technology was previously successful in removing airborne mercury from coal fired power plant flue gas, and has since been demonstrated to remove aqueous copper and cadmium. The technology uses natural coconut fibers impregnated with metal nanoparticles using a proprietary technique. A series of batch tests determined that both the treated and untreated natural fibers were capable of removing over 90% of aqueous zinc from a synthetic solution made by dissolving ZnCl2 salts in deionized water. Further testing with a bench scale continuous flow reactor demonstrated that the treated fibers were capable of removing up to 70% of aqueous zinc with an EBCT of ten minutes. Further testing could prove the technology a viable and cost-effective alternative solution for treating industrial wastewater

Making the Language of Secondary Math Classrooms More Comprehensible for English Learners

Zieske, A. Making the Language of Secondary Math Classrooms More Comprehensible for English Learners (2020) English Learners (ELs) typically score lower than native English speakers on standardized tests in mathematics partially because many math teachers are not equipped to provide language scaffolds for ELs in mainstream math classes. This project is a supplemental curriculum covering the topic of linear equations and graphing lines that can be used in any mainstream algebra 1 class. It is aligned with the 2007 Minnesota Academic Standards for Mathematics. The project consists of eight activities, both teacher and student versions, that provide language supports for beginning ELs (WIDA levels 1-3) to help them better interact with the mathematical content. This project will be implemented in a high school algebra class at a rural MN high school with students in grades 9 and 10. This class is typically the first math class ELs take which is taught by the math department. The goal of this project is two-fold: first, to provide language support to ELs in the mainstream algebra classroom; and second, to help math teachers create language supports for their ELs. Ideally, after implementing these activities, teachers will feel comfortable changing them to fit other topics in the curriculum

Surface topology assisted alignment of Min protein waves

Self-organization of proteins into large-scale structures is of pivotal importance for the organization of cells. The Min protein system of the bacterium Escherichia coil is a prime example of how pattern formation occurs via reaction-diffusion. We have previously demonstrated how Min protein patterns are influenced by compartment geometry. Here we probe the influence of membrane surface topology, as an additional regulatory element. Using microstructured membrane-clad soft polymer substrates, Min protein patterns can be aligned. We demonstrate that Min pattern alignment starts early during pattern formation and show that macroscopic millimeter-sized areas of protein patterns of well-defined orientation can be generated. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies

Cross-cultural dialogue : the concept of autonomy as a case study

This study is an examination of cross cultural philosophical discourse between North American Indigenous cultures and the dominant Western culture. The methodological approaches used in this study are modeled after the work of Michael M. Pomedli, Thomas W. Overholt and J. Baird Callicott, and George Lakoff and Mark Johnson. A case study of the concept of autonomy is used in exploring the possibility of such discourse. This case study is particularly relevant in light of Indigenous peoples’ continuing struggles for self-government and appropriate education, as well as their attempts to re-assert their unique cultural perspectives. Examples of both Western and Indigenous uses of the concept of autonomy are compared and contrasted in demonstrating that, although there are differences in their uses of this concept, they can be rendered intelligible one to another. Cross-cultural dialogue is indeed possible

A role for topographic cues in the organization of collagenous matrix by corneal fibroblasts and stem cells

Human corneal fibroblasts (HCF) and corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) each secrete and organize a thick stroma-like extracellular matrix in response to different substrata, but neither cell type organizes matrix on tissue-culture polystyrene. This study compared cell differentiation and extracellular matrix secreted by these two cell types when they were cultured on identical substrata, polycarbonate Transwell filters. After 4 weeks in culture, both cell types upregulated expression of genes marking differentiated keratocytes (KERA, CHST6, AQP1, B3GNT7). Absolute expression levels of these genes and secretion of keratan sulfate proteoglycans were significantly greater in CSSC than HCF. Both cultures produced extensive extracellular matrix of aligned collagen fibrils types I and V, exhibiting cornea-like lamellar structure. Unlike HCF, CSSC produced little matrix in the presence of serum. Construct thickness and collagen organization was enhanced by TGF-β3. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the polycarbonate membrane revealed shallow parallel grooves with spacing of 200-300 nm, similar to the topography of aligned nanofiber substratum which we previously showed to induce matrix organization by CSSC. These results demonstrate that both corneal fibroblasts and stromal stem cells respond to a specific pattern of topographical cues by secreting highly organized extracellular matrix typical of corneal stroma. The data also suggest that the potential for matrix secretion and organization may not be directly related to the expression of molecular markers used to identify differentiated keratocytes. © 2014 Karamichos et al