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The Cave Beetle Neaphaenops Tellkampfi Erichson: Relationships Within And Among Related Genera Using Molecular Data, T. Keith Philips, Elise Valkanas, Kurt Helf

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Studies of North American cave beetle systematics have been based primarily on morphology. This project analyzes the relationships and validity of the four subspecies of the monotypic Neaphaenops based on monophyly, as well as relationships with the remaining four eastern N.A. cave beetle genera (Pseudanophthalmus, Nelsonites, Darlingtonea, and Ameroduvalius) using molecular methods. This study utilized 39 beetle samples collected from 27 Kentucky caves and one outgroup accessed from GenBank. Evidence for phylogenetic hypotheses is based on sequences of one nuclear protein-coding gene (arginine kinase) and one mitochondrial gene (CO1). Analyses support Neaphaenops as sister to all other taxa. One subspecies …

Influences Of A Cladophora Bloom On The Diets Of Amblema Plicata And Elliptio Dilatata In The Upper Green River, Kentucky, Jennifer Yates, Scott Grubbs, Albert Meier, Michael Collyer

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Freshwater mussels are the most imperiled group of freshwater invertebrates globally. Recent research suggests a better understanding of mussel feeding ecology may facilitate and improve conservation efforts. The use of stable isotopes is becoming an increasingly common method to study aquatic food webs. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are two of the most frequently employed elements in food web studies. Differences in natural abundance of 13C/12C can indicate which food sources are the basal sources of carbon incorporated into a consumer’s tissue, while the ratio of 15N /14N provides a method of assessing trophic position within a food web. Attached …

Using Lidar To Link Forest Canopy Structure With Bat Activity And Insect Occurrence: Preliminary Findings, Luke E. Dodd, Nicholas S. Skowronski, Matthew B. Dickinson, Michael J. Lacki, Lynne K. Rieske

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Bats are an imperiled, yet ecologically-important group of vertebrate predators. Our ongoing research focuses on testing hypotheses about the relationships between the effects of fire on canopy structure and insect prey availability, and how these factors relate to use of foraging space by bats during the pre- and post-hibernation periods at Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP). LiDAR-derived data (October 2010) were intersected with spatially explicit sampling of bat and insect populations (2010-2011) in order to characterize relationships between canopy structure, insect abundance, and bat activity. A canonical correspondence analysis for bat data suggested that forest canopy structure has a strong …

A Functional Visual System In The Cave Beetle Ptomaphagus Hirtus, Markus Friedrich, Rui Chen, Elke K. Buschbeck, Stewart Peck

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Cave species exhibit a suite of dramatic differences in comparison to their surface living relatives, commonly referred to as troglomorphy (Christiansen 2005). One hallmark feature of troglomorphy is the severe reduction or complete loss of eyes and functional vision. The two most abundant cave beetle species in Mammoth cave, the 2-3 mm small carrion beetle Ptomaphagus hirtus (Packard 1888; Peck 1973; Peck 1975; Tellkampf 1844) and the 6-8 mm long predatory ground beetle Neaphaenops tellkampfii are good examples of this (Barr 1979). P. hirtus tends to hide in crevices and usually goes unnoted to the regular visitor of Mammoth cave. …

Disjunct Eastern Hemlock Populations Of The Central Hardwood Forests: Ancient Relicts Or Recent Long Distance Dispersal Events?, F. Collin Hobbs, Keith Clay

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is an evergreen conifer with a contiguous distribution extending from the southern Appalachian Mountains north to Nova Scotia and west across the Great Lakes region. Eastern hemlock is threatened with extirpation from much of this range by an introduced pest, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Orwig et al. 2002). In addition to the contiguous distribution, many small, isolated populations are located within the central hardwood forest region of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio (Braun 1928, Potzger and Friesner 1937, Van Stockum 1979). These disjunct populations form clearly delineated, often monospecific stands associated with unique natural features such as …

Landscape Genetics Of The Marbled Salamander, Ambystoma Opacum, In A Nationally Protected Park, Kevin Tewell, Jarrett Johnson

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

Landscape features may influence the patterns of migration and dispersal of amphibian species and create genetic structure. A primary goal of landscape genetics is to analyze these influences in order to make more informed management decisions. We sampled larvae from 50 breeding ponds within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park and genotyped 12 individuals per pond at 10 microsatellite loci to estimate gene fl ow between ponds. We used GIS layers of habitat types to conduct a least-cost path analysis and determine the relative cost of movement through each habitat type. We were interested in answering two questions: does …

Mammoth Cave National Park's 10th Research Symposium: Celebrating Diversity Of Research In The Mammoth Cave Region, Shannon Trimboli ,Editor

Mammoth Cave Research Symposia

No abstract provided.

Water, Climate, And Social Change In A Fragile Landscape, William L. Hargrove, David M. Borrok, Josiah Mc C.C. Heyman, Craig E. Tweedie, Carlos Cabrera Ferregut

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We present here and in the companion papers an analysis of sustainability in the Middle Rio Grande region of the U.S.-Mexico border and propose an interdisciplinary research agenda focused on the coupled human and natural dimensions of water resources sustainability in the face of climate and social change in an international border region. Key threats to water sustainability in the Middle Rio Grande River region include: (1) increasing salinization of surface and ground water, (2) increasing water demand from a growing population in the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez area on top of an already high base demand from irrigated agriculture, (3) …

Recently Described Vulture One Of Several New Avian Species From The Ashfall Fossil Beds, Rick E. Otto

University of Nebraska State Museum: Programs Information

Several species of fossil bird are known from the Ashfall Fossil Beds. As of publication date, all represent previously undescribed species. In 2012, ornithologists Zhang, Feduccia and James described a vulture from isolated remains recovered from the Ashfall site in 1979. Similar in morphology to the Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax) of Africa, the relationship to the Ashfall vulture is unclear, and may represent an example of convergent evolution. The fossil vulture was designated Anchigyps voorhiesiin honor of paleontologist Michael Voorhies.

Preservational And Morphological Variability Of Assemblages Of Agglutinated Eukaryotes In Cryogenian Cap Carbonates Of Northern Namibia, Lilly A. Dalton, Tanja Bosak, Francis A. Macdonald, Daniel J.G. Lahr, Sara B. Pruss

Geosciences: Faculty Publications

Laminated carbonates of the Rasthof Formation, deposited in the aftermath of the early Cryogenian low-latitude glaciation (Sturtian, 717-662 Ma), preserve abundant round tests of agglutinated microscopic eukaryotes. Previously, fossil tests were reported in two localities (Ongongo and Okaaru) from microbially laminated carbonates in the Rasthof Formation, which revealed a previous unexplored Cryogenian taphonomic window. In order to better understand the lateral variability in these microfossil assemblages, this work systematically examines fossil tests from two additional localities, South Ombepera and Ombepera, and compares their preservation in thinly and thickly laminated microbial laminites. Cap carbonates in South Ombepera and Ombepera contain abundant, …

Has The Compass, As An E-Journal, Been Successful?, Larry E. Davis

The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon

No abstract provided.

Allometric Scaling And Resource Limitations Model Of Tree Heights: Part 1. Model Optimization And Testing Over Continental Usa, Yuli Shi, Sungho Choi, Xiliang Ni, Sangram Ganguly, Gong Zhang, Hieu V. Duong, Michael A. Lefsky, Marc Simard, Sassan S. Saatchi, Shihyan Lee, Wenge Ni-Meister, Shilong Piao, Chunxiang Cao, Ramakrishna R. Nemani, Ranga B. Myneni

Publications and Research

A methodology to generate spatially continuous fields of tree heights with an optimized Allometric Scaling and Resource Limitations (ASRL) model is reported in this first of a multi-part series of articles. Model optimization is performed with the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) waveform data. This methodology is demonstrated by mapping tree heights over forested lands in the continental USA (CONUS) at 1 km spatial resolution. The study area is divided into 841 eco-climatic zones based on three forest types, annual total precipitation classes (30 mm intervals) and annual average temperature classes (2 °C intervals). Three model parameters (area of single …

Biogenic Nitrogen Gas Production At The Oxic–Anoxic Interface In The Cariaco Basin, Venezuela, E. Montes, M. A. Altabet, F. E. Muller-Karger, M. I. Scranton, R. C. Thunell, Claudia R. Benitez-Nelson, L. Lorenzoni, Y. M. Astor

Faculty Publications

Excess nitrogen gas (N2xs) was measured in samples collected at six locations in the eastern and western sub-basins of the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela, in September 2008 (non-upwelling conditions) and March 2009 (upwelling conditions). During both sampling periods, N2xs concentrations were below detection in surface waters, increasing to ~ 22 μmol N kg−1 at the oxic–anoxic interface ([O2] < ~ 4 μmol kg−1, ~ 250 m). Below the oxic–anoxic interface (300–400 m), the average concentration of N2xs was 24.7 ± 1.9 μmol N kg−1 in September 2008 and 27.5 ± 2.0 μmol N kg−1 in March 2009, i.e., N2xs concentrations within this depth interval were ~ 3 μmol N kg−1 higher (p < 0.001) during the upwelling season compared to the non-upwelling period. These results suggest that N-loss in the Cariaco Basin may vary seasonally in response to changes in the flux of sinking particulate organic matter. We attribute the increase in N2xs concentrations, or N-loss, observed during upwelling to: (1) higher availability of fixed nitrogen derived from suspended and sinking particles at the oxic–anoxic interface and/or (2) enhanced ventilation at the oxic–anoxic interface during upwelling.

Spatial And Temporal Evolution Of The Volcanics And Sediments Of The Kenya Rift, Alexandria L. Guth

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

New volumetric and mass flux estimates have been calculated for the Kenya Rift. Spatial and temporal histories for volcanic eruptions, lacustrine deposition, and hominin fossil sites are presented, aided by the compilation of a new digital geologic map. Distribution of volcanism over time indicates several periods of southward expansion followed by relative positional stasis. Volcanism occurs throughout the activated rift length, with no obvious abandonment as the rift system migrated. The main exception is a period of volcanic concentration around 10 Ma, when activity was constrained within 2° of the equator.

Volumes derived from seismic data indicate a total volume …

Bulletin No. 41: Trap Rock Ridges Of Connecticut: Natural History And Land Use, Penelope C. Sharp, Ralph S. Lewis, David L. Wagner, Cara Lee

Bulletins

No abstract provided.

Abiotic Reduction Of Nitrite And Nitrate By Nanoscale Chemogenic Magnetite: Pathways For Significant Greenhouse Gas Production, Adam Charles Burdsall

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen in terrestrial systems is a major source of nitrous oxide (N₂O), which is among key greenhouse gases (GHG). While biotic processes are commonly accepted as the major drivers of N₂O production, the role of abiotic processes is less understood, and their importance may be underestimated. This study investigates abiotic reactions in the formation and breakdown of N trace gases, including nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) by naturally occurring nanoscale magnetite in soil as denitrification (reduction of nitrite) intermediates. Nitrogen biogeochemical cycling has been studied extensively with respect …

Biostratigraphy Of The Halgaito Formation, Cutler Group Near Mexican Hat, San Juan County, Utah, Kimberly Marie Scott

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a better understanding of the paleontology and biostratigraphy of the Halgaito Formation and the position of the Carboniferous-Permian Boundary (CPB) within the Halgaito Formation which would provide useful data that can be extrapolated to other terrestrial ecosystems of the southwestern United States of America that are of comparable age.

Ua12/13 Big Red, Small Planet, Christian Ryan-Downing , Editor, Leslie North , Editor

Sustainability Publications and Resources

At WKU, “The Spirit Makes the Master”. Our commitment to continuous improvement is clearly reflected in our sustainability efforts. WKU’s commitment to sustainability, whether demonstrated in campus operations or in educational programs, helps to ensure that our graduates are prepared to address the complicated environmental, social and economic issues we face today. They will be able to think critically, solve problems creatively and be engaged citizens. If that’s all we accomplish then we will have achieved great success. But our sustainability commitment pays dividends, as it also leads us to reduce our environmental footprint, practice social responsibility, and conserve natural …

Benefits And Costs Of Saltland Pastures On Moderately Salt-Affected Land, Justin Hardy, Arjen Ryder

Resource management technical reports

Summary The analyses in this report show that there could be significant economic benefits to the state, regions and affected farm businesses from establishing improved saltland pasture systems on moderately salt-affected land. The report clearly describes the methods of analysis and the assumptions about prices, productivity and adoption levels. The price of grain has been used as the key factor controlling the economic value of the saltland grazing because grain is the alternative supplementary feed for sheep over the summer and autumn period. Therefore, where yield is below break-even on moderately salt-affected land, it has a higher economic value and …

Stable Isotope Record Of Archean And Cambrian Serpentinizing Fluid Composition From Stichtite (Mg-Cr Carbonate Hydroxide), Amanda Lopez

Theses Digitization Project

This study will focus on stichtite from two locations that contain the most abundant deposits of stichtite. The first location in Tasmania, Australia includes the Stichtite Hill locality (the type locality for stichtite) and the Tunnel Hill locality. The second location is at the New Amianthus Mine, Barberton District, South Africa. The broad geographical distribution of stichtite in deposits ranging from the Archean tho the early Cambrian, provides a window into the history and chemistry of serpentinizing environments on Earth through time.

Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions From A Waste Lagoon, Arturo I. Quintanar, Rezaul Mamood, Nanh Lovanh, Justin M. Rawley, Evi Becerra-Acosta, John H. Loughrin

High Plains Regional Climate Center: Staff Publications

A cost-effective approach was used to investigate the relationship between emission of the greenhouse gases (GHG), namely, CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O and energy fluxes from a swine waste lagoon. Energy fluxes were calculated using the Penman method. The energy fluxes showed a diurnal pattern as expected of such fluxes. We found that air temperature and latent energy, lagoon surface temperature and solar radiation, as well as air temperature and wind speed can be used to predict for CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions, respectively. Comparison of observed and predicted …

Investigation Of Dopamine Dynamics In Bdnf+/- Mice Using In Vivo Microdialysis And Electrochemical Analysis Of Purine And Monoamine Molecules Using A Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode, Johnna A. Birbeck

Wayne State University Dissertations

The goal of the first study was to determine if a reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in female mice lead to a dysregulation in their dopaminergic system. Through a series of in vivo microdialysis and slice voltammetry experiments, we have discerned that female BDNF^+/- mice are hyperdopaminergic similar to their male BDNF^+/- counterparts. The in vivo microdialysis method zero-net flux highlighted that female BDNF^+/- mice had increased extracellular dopamine (DA) levels, while stimulated regional release by high potassium potentiated DA release from vesicular mediated depolarization. Using the complementary technique of fast scan cyclic voltammetry, electrical …

Emergent Sandbar Dynamics In The Lower Platte River In Eastern Nebraska: Methods And Results Of Pilot Study, 2011, Jason S. Alexander, Devin M. Schultze, Ronald B. Zelt

United States Geological Survey: Water Reports and Publications

The lower Platte River corridor provides important habitats for two State- and federally listed bird species: the interior least tern (terns; Sternula antillarum athallassos) and the piping plover (plovers; Charadrius melodus). However, many of the natural morphological and hydrological characteristics of the Platte River have been altered substantially by water development, channelization, hydropower operations, and invasive vegetation encroachment, which have decreased the abundance of high-quality nesting and foraging habitat for terns and plovers. The lower Platte River (LPR), defined as 103 miles (mi) of the Platte River between its confluence with the Loup River and its confluence with the Missouri …

Comparison Of Water Consumption In Two Riparian Vegetation Communities Along The Central Platte River, Nebraska, 2008–09 And 2011, Brent M. Hall, David L. Rus

United States Geological Survey: Water Reports and Publications

The Platte River is a vital natural resource for the people, plants, and animals of Nebraska. A recent study quantified water use by riparian woodlands along central reaches of the Platte River, Nebraska, finding that water use was mainly regulated below maximum predicted levels. A comparative study was launched through a cooperative partnership between the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Central Platte Natural Resources District, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust to compare water use of a riparian woodland with that of a grazed riparian grassland along the central Platte River. This report describes …

Modeling Rain-Fed Maize Vulnerability To Droughts Using The Standardized Precipitation Index From Satellite Estimated Rainfall-Southern Malawi Case Study, Harikishan Jayanthi, Gregory J. Husak, Chris Funk, Tamuka Magadzire, Adams Chavula, James P. Verdin

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

During 1990s, disaster risk reduction emerged as a novel, proactive approach to managing risks from natural hazards. The World Bank, USAlD, and other international donor agencies began making efforts to mainstream disaster risk reduction in countries whose population and economies were heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture. This approach has more significance in light of the increasing climatic hazard patterns and the climate scenarios projected for different hazard prone countries in the world. The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) has been monitoring the food security issues in the sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and in Haiti. FEWS NET monitors the rainfall …

Old Dominion University Climate Change And Sea Level Rise Initiative, Winter 2013, Larry P. Atkinson (Editor)

CCSLRI Newsletters

Winter 2013 Newsletter of the Old Dominion University Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Initiative

Droughtscape, Winter 2013, Kelly Smith

DroughtScape: Quarterly Newsletter of the National Drought Mitigation Center (2007–2023)

Contents

Director’s report

Climatological overview of drought in 2012

Climatological overview of drought, October-December 2012

Impacts of drought in 2012

Drought planning webinars scheduled for ranch advisors

UNL honors NDMC for exceptional service

Report from the emerging community of drought planners

Feb. 6 webinar on drought simulations

Climate Masters course starting

Climate Change in the Midwest book includes drought

Video highlights from coverage of drought of 2012

U.S. Drought Monitor Forum 2013

UN’s High Level Meeting on National Drought Policy

NDMC collaboration with India, Czech Republic

Robert B. Daugherty Water For Food Institute Annual Report 2012-2013, Monica Norby, Gillian Klucas

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Administrative Materials

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute was founded in 2010 to address the global challenge of achieving food security with less pressure on water resources through improved management of water in agricultural and food systems. We are committed to ensuring a water and food secure world without compromising the use of water for other human and environmental needs. Our approach is to extend the University of Nebraska’s expertise through strong partnerships with other universities and public and private sector organizations. Together we are developing research, education and engagement programs in a focused effort to increase food security while …

Preliminary Summary Of Water Resource Investigations During 2012 At Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Utah, Lee J. Florea, Chelsie R. Dugan, Camille Mckinney

National Cave and Karst Management Symposium 2013

This manuscript considers the hydrology and geochemistry of water resources within Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork, Utah. In particular, data are presented for five cave pools within the Monument and the American Fork River that flows through the Monument. Two independent dye trace attempts in this study have not established a connection between the surface near the canyon rim at the south border of the Monument and the cave pools or the river. Ion chemistry of the pools reveals elevated sulfate concentrations. Analysis of sulfate and other reaction products suggests the possibility of combined carbonic and sulfuric acids …

Impact Of Climate Change On Human And Ecological Use Of Karst Groundwater Resources: A Case Study From The Southwestern Usa, George Veni

National Cave and Karst Management Symposium 2013

Climate change models for the arid southwestern USA predict increasing temperatures and declines in precipitation. These changes will have multiple adverse impacts on water and ecological resources and pose diverse challenges on their management. The San Solomon Spring system of west Texas discharges from the western edge of the karstic Edward-Trinity Plateau Aquifer. It consists of six springs in Jeff Davis and Reeves counties, is one of the largest spring groups in the state, and provides water for agricultural use and habitat to two federally listed endangered species and three species proposed for listing. It serves in this paper as …