http://hdl.handle.net/1808/1951 Electronic Theses Search the Channel search http://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/dspace/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/1808/5593 Title: IMPROVING THE USER EXPERIENCE OF THE LAWRENCE TRANSIT SYSTEM: A FOCUS ON MAP USABILITY AND ROUTE PLANNING<br/><br/>Authors: Berkman, Eric<br/><br/>Abstract: The purpose of the Lawrence Transit System thesis is to design a route system with improved coverage and convenience, and to improve the usability of the route map. I use a user-centered, participatory approach to generate ideas by examining the interaction between human, object, and environment within a situation. The situation is evaluated against theoretical frameworks and then synthesized using methods of representation. The route system is improved by defining route priorities which reduce the number of transfers to one or less and increase coverage without adding to the current amount of routes or buses used. Furthermore, the study finds that users identify their position easier on the map when: it is correctly orientated in the environment; it represents their mental model; and the user can identify familiar markers. In conclusion, the user experience is improved with a usable map designed around an efficient route system. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1808/5591 Title: Relationships among high school choir teachers' self described teaching practices and sight-singing scores from a district/all-state audition event<br/><br/>Authors: White, Adam Griffith<br/><br/>Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess possible relationships among (a) sight-singing scores of secondary choral music students (N=396) from the Northeast region of a Midwestern state at a district/all-state audition event and (b) self-reported sight-singing instructional methods employed by their teachers (N=44), both across the school year and in period of time prior to the district/all-state audition. Teacher participants completed a survey regarding the following: (a) teacher demographic data, (b) school demographic data, and (c) teaching practice. Survey data were compared to sight-singing scores using a Pearson Correlation. Weak positive relationships were discovered between student scores and (a) teacher understanding of the audition process (r= .33) and (b) daily sight-singing instruction (r= .29). No significant relationships were found among student sight-singing scores and reported sight-singing instructional methods. Results were discussed in terms of positive and negative correlations, limitations of the study, and suggestions for further research. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1808/5588 Title: Biogeography, ecology and conservation of Paradisaeidae: Consequences of environmental and climatic changes<br/><br/>Authors: Legra, Leo<br/><br/>Abstract: The Paradisaeidae, or birds of paradise (BOPs), comprises 42 species in 17 genera, although these numbers could change as more molecular studies are conducted. BOPs are distributed from the Moluccan Islands east through New Guinea to Tagula Island and northeastern Australia. This analysis set out to develop a multidimensional view of conservation threats to BOP species, looking towards their conservation. For example, under future climatic conditions and considering loss of forest cover, Astrapia nigra may face extinction within just 2-4 decades. Generally, under future climatic conditions, BOP distributional areas decrease. Relatively few BOP species face distributional losses owing to sea level rise; however, land use change and future changed climatic conditions present more serious threats. I analyze distributional patterns and likely threats for each species and identify optimal suites of areas for BOP protection based on the results. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1808/5587 Title: Comparative Properties in Kinetics and Inhibition of Human and Drosophila Lysyl Oxidase-Like Enzymes<br/><br/>Authors: Culpepper, Matthew Brice<br/><br/>Abstract: Lysyl oxidase-like enzymes are found in an array of organisms and have been linked to a variety of diseases. The research described in this thesis focuses on the characterization and analysis of lysyl oxidase-like proteins found in Drosophila Melanogaster and one in Homo sapiens. The long-term goal is to fully characterize the enzymes which could lead to developing specific inhibitors that can be used to prevent certain diseases.Recombinant forms of lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) namely the D. melanogaster and H. sapiens enzyme forms are being investigated. Expressions of the recombinant forms of the enzymes were incorporated into a eukaryotic expression system and contain a Strep-tag II sequence for purification. D. melanogaster Schneider 2 (S2) cells were chosen due to inclusion bodies obtained using an E. coli expression system. The S2 expression system produced soluble forms of both enzymes; however the DLOXL1 form showed no substrate activity. This lack of activity was linked to the active site cofactor lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ). To facilitate the formation of LTQ, all metal was removed and the natural metal Cu2+ was reintroduced which produced active protein.Kinetic parameters kcat, Km, and kcat/Km were determined using 10 possible substrate amines. Substrate inhibition was observed with tyramine and dopamine with DLOXL1. Substrate inhibition was also observed with tyramine and octopamine for HLOXL2. Out of the 10 substrates serotonin and benzylamine demonstrated no detectable activity for both enzymes. However, tropoelastin and lysine showed no detectable activity with HLOXL2. The lack of activity for tropoelastin is a contradicting result to the purposed roles of LOX and LOXL enzymes. From the kinetic parameters a hypothesis can be made in regards to the substrates catalytic efficiency. The highest catalytic efficiency and turnover were related to substrates that contained a minimum of 2 non-branched carbons between the reactive amine and bulky functional groups.Logarithmic plots of the kcat and kcat/Km values for DLOXL1 were plotted versus the log of kcat and kcat/Km values for HLOXL2. The results suggest that DLOXL1 and HLOXL2 share no common substrate similarities. This could suggest that DLOXL1 and HLOXL2 do not share similar functions or physiological roles.Inhibition of DLOXL1 and HLOXL2 was examined using the known LOX inhibitor β-aminopropionitrile (βAPN). IC50 values of 3.9 and 6.5 μM with DLOXL1 and HLOXL2 respectively. Time-dependent studies were performed using the inhibitor βAPN incubated with HLOXL2 at various times. The results were plotted and shown in Chapter 3. Inhibition mechanisms were studied by using three βAPN concentrations and varying the substrate cadaverine. Graphs shown in Chapter 3 indicate that βAPN is a competitive inhibitor of HLOXL2.A model compound was synthesized to mimic the LTQ cofactor. Confirmation of the model compound was performed by high-resolution mass spectrometry and UV-visible spectrometry. Formation of the quinone from the reduced form was monitored at 494 nm over time, which is shown in Chapter 4.The concluding remarks address the overall information gathered and future studies that need to be performed in order to gain more information on this poorly understood enzyme which could ultimately lead to development of a selective inhibitor for lysyl oxidase-like proteins. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT