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Impact Of Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research In Mathematics And Biology On The Development Of A New Course Integrating Five Stem Disciplines, Lester Caudill, April L. Hill, Kathy Hoke, Ovidiu Z. Lipan

Biology Faculty Publications

Funded by innovative programs at the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Richmond faculty in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science teamed up to offer first- and second-year students the opportunity to contribute to vibrant, interdisciplinary research projects. The result was not only good science but also good science that motivated and informed course development. Here, we describe four recent undergraduate research projects involving students and faculty in biology, physics, mathematics, and computer science and how each contributed in significant ways to the conception and implementation of our new Integrated Quantitative Science course, a …

Complexation Of Pb(Ii) By Chloride Ions In Aqueous Solutions, Robert H. Byrne, Wensheng Yao, Yanxin Luo, Frank J. Millero

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Lead chloride formation constants at 25°C were derived from analysis of previous spectrophotometrically generated observations of lead speciation in a variety of aqueous solutions (HClO₄–HCl and NaCl–NaClO₄ mixtures, and solutions of MgCl₂ and CaCl₂). Specific interaction theory analysis of these formation constants produced coherent estimates of (a) PbCl⁺, PbCl₂⁰, and PbCl ⁻₃ formation constants at zero ionic strength, and (b) well-defined depictions of the dependence of these formation constants on ionic strength. Accompanying examination of a recent IUPAC critical assessment of lead formation constants, in conjunction with the …

What Are The Causes, Consequences And Correctives Of Fish Contamination In The Detroit River Aoc That Cause Health Consumption Advisories? (Final Report, Michigan Sea Grant Michu-T-10-001), Donna R. Kashian, Ken G. Drouillard, D. Haffner, Ann E. Krause, Z Liu, Larissa Sano

Environmental Science and Geology Faculty Research Publications

Using an Integrated Assessment (IA) framework, we consolidated and utilized existing data from the Detroit River to develop models that both identify possible drivers of elevated fish contaminant body burdens, and to facilitate a more risk-based approach of tissue trigger-levels for consumption advisories. This integrated assessment approach was particularly useful for consumption advisories as it provided the ability to integrate and organize complex data in a manner that can help inform management decisions. In addition, the IA framework explicitly fosters collaboration and participation of multiple interested groups. We have capitalized on this component of IAs, by seeking the active participation …

Enzymology And Medicinal Chemistry Of N5-Carboxyaminoimidazole Ribonucleotide Synthetase : A Novel Antibacterial Target, Hanumantharao Paritala

Wayne State University Dissertations

N5-Carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase (N5-CAIR synthetase), a key enzyme in microbial de novo purine biosynthesis, catalyzes the conversion of aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) to N5-CAIR. To date, this enzyme has been observed only in microorganisms, and thus, it represents an ideal target for antimicrobial drug development. Here we report structural and functional studies on the Aspergillus clavatus N5-CAIR synthetase and identification of inhibitors for the enzyme. In collaboration with Dr. Hazel Holden of the University of Wisconsin, the three-dimensional structure of Aspergillus clavatus N5-CAIR synthetase was solved in the presence of either Mg2ATP or MgADP and AIR. These structures, determined to 2.1 …

A Reconnaissance Of The Intersex Condition In Micropterus Dolomieu Of The Upper Ohio River Basin As An Indicator Of Anthropogenic Endocrine Disruptors, Christopher Barry

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The intersex condition has been used as a marker of endocrine disruption in West Virginia. Fifty-two male smallmouth bass from 6 basins on the upper Ohio River were examined for the presence and severity of intersex. Vitellogenin (VTG) RNA levels were quantified as marker of estrogenic contaminants. A significant increase in intersex (p=0.02), ranging from 83.3% to 100%, corresponds with higher population densities and agricultural land (p=0.003). At reference sites, smallmouth bass had intersex frequencies of 16.7% to 33.3%. Vitellogenin results were significantly lower (p< 0.001) at impacted sites, consistent with previously reported results in female fish. VTG levels in males were not significantly different. Increased intersex occurrence in males and lowered VTG expression in females have shown that agricultural chemicals and common residential wastewater constituents are likely targets for exploring the relationship between individual EDCs and intersex. There may be a natural background level of the intersex condition.

Extended Visions, July/August 2008

Extended Visions Newsletter (ARDC)

Contents:
ARDC FEATURE UNIT - Agrometeorology Laboratory
About the People
Automated Weather Data Network
Carbon Sequestration Program
History of the Agrometeorology Laboratory
Precipitation Chemistry Studies
Ultraviolet-B (UVB) Radiation Monitoring
Area Youth Participate in Extensive Babysitting Training
Asia Sabatka Serves as Extension Intern
Calendar of Events
Dairy Education Day and Open House - August 4
Duncan Recognized for Service to ARDC
Field Days Offered At Various Locations Throughout the State
Governor Heineman and European Ag Leader Visit ARDC
Midsummer and Late Season Crop Clinics Offered
Saunders County Fair 4-H Program

Chemistry Of Surface Waters: Distinguishing Fine-Scale Differences In Sea Grass Habitats Of Chesapeake Bay, Emmanis Dorval, Cynthia M. Jones

OES Faculty Publications

We tested the hypothesis that the physical and chemical processes acting in sea grass habitats of the lower Chesapeake Bay are spatially structured and that dissolved elemental chemistry of sea grass-habitat surface waters have their own unique identity. We sampled surface waters from July to September 2001 in five sea grass habitats of the lower bay: Potomac, Rappahannock, York, Island (Tangier-Bloodsworth), and Eastern Shore. Dissolved Mg, Mn, Sr, and Ba concentrations were measured by sector field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. As expected, Mg, Sr, and Ba exhibited conservative behavior, but Mn exhibited nonconservative behavior along the salinity gradient. Spatial differences …

Nitrogen Isotope Dynamics Of The Cariaco Basin, Venezuela, Robert C. Thunell, Daniel M. Sigman, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Yrene Astor, Ramon Varela

Marine Science Faculty Publications

We report ¹⁵N/¹⁴N measurements of water column nitrate and ammonium, sinking particles, and sediments from the Cariaco Basin, an anoxic marine basin off the coast of Venezuela. Water column denitrification occurring in the basin has only a very small isotopic imprint on nitrate in the basin because nitrate consumption is nearly complete in the actively denitrifying water near the oxic/anoxic interface (∼275 m). Being free of a large denitrification signal, the δ¹⁵N of shallow thermocline nitrate is ∼3.5‰, significantly lower than the mean deep ocean nitrate δ¹⁵N of 5‰. This may be due …

Comprehensive Laboratory Measurements Of Biomass-Burning Emissions: 2. First Intercomparison Of Open-Path Ftir, Ptr-Ms, And Gc-Ms/Fid/Ecd, Ted J. Christian, B. Kleiss, Robert J. Yokelson, R. Holzinger, P. J. Crutzen, Wein Min Hao, T. Shirai, Donald R. Blake

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Synthesis Of The Novel Crown Ether 1 ,9-Dioxa-4,6-Dithiacycloundecane, Cassie Booth

Capstone Research Projects

Attempts to produce novel crowns, incorporating a thioacetal fragment, were made via two synthetic pathways. Despite the well-established reactions found in path A (see figure 3), this method failed to produce the desired crown. Path B, a one-pot reaction originally designed to close rings via the addition of a thioacetal fragment, yielded an oily product that was purified with a silica gel column (48.3% yield). Initial analysis by 1H NMR showed a structure consistent with that of the desired crown (figure 2). Mass spectroscopy was used to verify product identity, confirming the creation of our target molecule 1 ,9-dioxa-4,6-dithiacycloundecane.

Merredin Townsite Groundwater Pumping And Desalination Pilot Project, Rosemary Nott, Mark Pridham, Juana Roe, Jeff Ibbott, Alan Leeson, A Leeson

Resource management technical reports

Townsite salinity affects more than 40 towns in the WA wheatbelt. Waterlogging and salinity are responsible for damamge to townsite infrastructure. Through groundwater pumping and desalination, the State Salinity Council (now the Natural Resource Management Council) granted Merredin the the chance to prevent further damage to the townsite by funding this project.

Predators And Life Histories Shape Lestes Damselfly Assemblages Along A Freshwater Habitat Gradient, Robby Stoks, Mark A. Mcpeek

Dartmouth Scholarship

Survey data from New England showed that assemblages of Lestes damselflies are organized along the entire gradient of pond permanence and predator presence. One assemblage occupies vernal ponds lacking large dragonfly predators and fish; four are largely confined to temporary ponds that typically contain dragonfly predators; one dominates fishless permanent ponds and lakes where dragonflies are the top predators; and one dominates permanent ponds and lakes where fish are the top predators. We determined the role of life history and predation in maintaining this striking pattern by conducting a series of transplant experiments in the field and a laboratory experiment …

Bible A Whole-Air Sampling As A Window On Asian Biogeochemistry, Felisa A. Smith, Scott Elliott, Donald R. Blake, Nikola J. Blake, Manvendra D. Dubey, F. Sherwood Rowland, Barkley C. Sive

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

Asian trace gas and aerosol emissions into carbon, nitrogen, and other elemental cycles will figure prominently in near term Earth system evolution. Atmospheric hydrocarbon measurements resolve numerous chemical species and can be used to investigate sourcing for key geocarriers. A recent aircraft study of biomass burning and lightning (BIBLE A) explored the East Asian atmosphere and was unique in centering on the Indonesian archipelago. Samples of volatile organics taken over/between the islands of Japan, Saipan, Java, and Borneo are here examined as a guide to whole-air-based studies of future Asian biogeochemistry. The midlatitude onshore/offshore pulse and tropical convection strongly influence …

Experimental Investigation Of Elemental Incorporation In The Otoliths Of Larval And Juvenile Fish: Implications For Use As Environmental Recorders, Gretchen Bath Martin

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Innovative techniques for discerning fish stocks, identifying nursery habitats, locating spawning sites, tracing larval transport pathways, and quantifying the degree of population connectivity are required to meet the goals of sustainable management of marine capture fisheries. One of the most promising techniques is the use of elemental signatures in fish otoliths (ear stones), which record valuable life history data and serve as the link between fish and their environment. To validate the assumption that otolith elemental composition is a function of water elemental concentrations, and to address the possible effects of external variables such as temperature and salinity, the composition …

The Effects Of Student Manipulated Lewis Structure Models On Chemistry Achievement According To Cognitive Level, Kimberly M. Ross

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between teaching method or cognitive development and achievement in a unit on Lewis electron dot structures. Forty-six students were taught a unit on Lewis electron dot structures using the traditional paper and pencil method. Thirty-eight students were taught the same unit using a manipulative model instead of the traditional method. Both groups of students were given pre and post-tests on Lewis electron dot structures and their gains after instruction were measured. The Group Assessment of Logical Thinking measured student's cognitive level. Students were categorized as concrete, transitional …

Predators And Life Histories Shape Lestes Damselfly Assemblages Along A Freshwater Habitat Gradient, Robby Stoks, Mark A. Mcpeek

Dartmouth Scholarship

Survey data from New England showed that assemblages of Lestes dam- selflies are organized along the entire gradient of pond permanence and predator presence. One assemblage occupies vernal ponds lacking large dragonfly predators and fish; four are largely confined to temporary ponds that typically contain dragonfly predators; one dom- inates fishless permanent ponds and lakes where dragonflies are the top predators; and one dominates permanent ponds and lakes where fish are the top predators. We determined the role of life history and predation in maintaining this striking pattern by conducting a series of transplant experiments in the field and a …

Development Of Diagnostic Approaches To Determine Sources Of Anthropogenic Stress Affecting Benthic Community Conditions In The Chesapeake Bay, Daniel M. Dauer, Michael F. Lane, Roberto J. Llansó

Benthic Applications

Benthic macrofauna are an important component of estuarine ecosystems. These organisms are a food source for higher trophic levels including fishes and crabs (Virnstein 1977, 1979; Holland et al. 1980; Dauer et al. 1982) and birds (Botton 1984; Quammen 1984). Benthic macrofauna affect both the physical and chemical properties of the sediment and the overlying water column (e.g., Rhoads and Young 1970; Rhoads 1973; Aller 1978, 1980), influence nutrient cycling (Rowe et al 1975; Zeiteschel 1980; Flint and Kamykowski 1984), and are capable of directly controlling phytoplankton biomass in the water column (Cleorn 1982; Officer et al 1982; Cohen et …

Effects Of Developmental Activities On Streamside Salamander Communities In Boone County, West Virginia, Mindy S. Hamilton

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A study was conducted from May 1998 through June 1999 in three streams associated with mountaintop mining and valley fills in Boone County, West Virginia. Streamside salamander communities were monitored in these streams, as well as in two relatively undisturbed reference streams in the region, using refugia bags, rock-on-rock methodology, and day surveys. The relative abundance of salamanders was compared between the streams in order to detect effects of the associated valley fills to downstream biota. Relative abundance was lower in two of three streams associated with valley fills as compared to the reference streams. However, there was no significant …

Piagetian Developmental Reasoning Levels Of High School Students In Differentiated First Year Chemistry Courses, Pamela Kay Brewer-Michael

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research studied the developmental reasoning levels of students in three different first year high school chemistry courses as related to achievement defined by cumulative grade point average and course selection. The Lawson Test of Formal Operations modified by Roy Unruh and Bruce Perry at the University of Northern Iowa was used to determine cognitive developmental level of subjects. A consumer type chemistry course, a traditional high school chemistry course, and an honors course under consideration with Marshalltown Community College for credit status were the three courses utilized in this study. Data was collected in a classroom group setting over …

"Vertebrate Pests Of Agriculture, Forestry And Public Lands" 2000 Annual Meeting

Western Region Coordinating Committee for Vertebrate Pests of Agriculture, Forestry, and Public Lands (WCC-95)

Table of Contents ........................................................... i

2000 Officers ............................................................... 1

Minutes ................................................................... 2

Number and Title of the Regional Project ................................... 2

Location and Dates of the Meeting ....................................... 2

Participants .......................................................... 2

Attendees ............................................................ 3

Adopted Agenda ...................................................... 4

Convening of Sessions (Tuesday 14 November) ............................... 4

Forum: Internet Resources in Wildlife Damage Management .................... 4

2000 Business Meeting (Wednesday 15 November) ............................ 4

Presentations (Wednesday 15 November) .................................... 9

Continued Presentations (Thursday 16 November) ........................... 10

Individual Updates ................................................... 11

Completion of Sessions ................................................ 13

Participants/ Attendees Names and Addresses . . . . . . . . . …

Accurate Classification Of Juvenile Weakfish Cynoscion Regalis To Estuarine Nursery Areas Based On Chemical Signatures In Otoliths, Simon R. Thorrold, Cynthia M. Jones, Peter K. Swart, Timothy E. Targett

OES Faculty Publications

We investigated the ability of trace element and isotopic signatures in otoliths to record the nursery areas of juvenile (young-of-the-year) weakfish Cynoscion regalis from the east coast of the USA. Juvenile C. regalis were captured with otter trawls at multiple sites in Doboy Sound (Georgia), Pamlico Sound (North Carolina), Chesapeake Bay (Virginia), Delaware Bay (Delaware) and Peconic Bay (New York), from July to September 1996. One sagittal otolith from each specimen was assayed for Mg/Ca, Mn/Ca, Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while delta 13 C and delta 18 O values from the other sagittal …

Vh Gene Usage In Vha2 Allotype-Producing B Cells From Mutant Alicia Rabbits, Anusorn Boonthum

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Chemical Fate Of Bunker C Fuel Oil In A Subtropical Marine Environment Following A Spill In Tampa Bay, Florida, Dana Lynn Wetzel

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A hydrocarbon chemistry study was performed on sediments, oil masses and mangrove prop roots of a mangrove island in Boca Ciega Bay, Florida following a spill of Bunker C fuel oil in Tampa Bay. Normal alkane (n-alkane) and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) profiles were monitored for effects of degradation and weathering in these mediums for a period of one year. Initial findings indicated a loss of lower molecular weight n-alkanes and PAH's in sediments and prop roots. There was little or no loss of these low molecular weight components in the oil mass samples. Hydrocarbon profiles at the end of …

Effects Of A Dispersed And Undispersed Crude Oil On Mangroves, Seagrasses And Corals, T. G. Ballou, Richard E. Dodge, S. C. Hess, A. H. Knap, Thomas D. Sleeter

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Reports

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the application of dispersant to spilled oil as a means of reducing adverse environmental effects of oil spills in nearshore, tropical waters. The results of numerous laboratory and field studies have suggested that dispersants may play a useful role in reducing adverse impacts on sensitive and valued environments such as mangroves, seagrasses, and corals. However, the use of dispersants has not been allowed thus far in most situations because of a lack of direct experimental data on the various effects of dispersants and the environmental trade-offs presumed to occur as a …

Tropical Oil Pollution Investigations In Coastal Systems (Tropics): Final Report, T. G. Ballou, Richard E. Dodge, S. C. Hess, A. H. Knap, T. D. Sleeter

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Reports

No abstract provided.

Agricultural Experiment Station News March 1984

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:
GRANT PROPOSAL DEADLINES
EMPLOYEE SALARY INCREASES
LEAVE REQUEST DEADLINE
SHATTERCANE CONFERENCE
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT LEAVES
SOIL-WATER-PLANT WORKSHOP
INCREASED EMPHASIS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY
NEBRASKA RESEARCH EMPHASIS
DNA SEQUENCING WORKSHOP
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS OF DISTRICT STATIONS
VISITING SCIENTIST
DID YOU KNOW THAT
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH BUDGET
NEW RESEARCH STAFF
NEW ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
NEBRASKA'S AGRICULTURAL RANKINGS FOR 1983
RESEARCH GRANTS AND CONTRACTS RECEIVED
NEBRASKA'S AGRICULTURAL RANKINGS FOR 1983

A Survey Of The Water Quality And Fishes Of Rocky Branch Nature Preserve, Clark County, Illinois, Larry J. Decker

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Micronutrients And Biological Patterns In Lake Mead, Hasan K. Qashu, Lorne G. Everett, J. S. Carlson, Bureau Of Reclamation

Publications (WR)

Progressive increases in concentration of dissolved solids in the Colorado River water from Lake Powell to Imperial Dam seem to alter plankton dynamics and biological productivity of the river. Also, changes in biological productivity and micronutrients concentrations occur within the same reservoir. Development of a digital simulation model to predict micronutrients concentrations and biological productivity is necessary for diagnosing changes in plankton population and effluent-carrying capacity of the system. The objectives of the study are: (1) to determine trace metal balance at different locations in Lake Mead, (2) to measure biological productivity and conduct plankton population counts at each sampling …

Water Chemistry Survey Of Boulder Basin, Lake Mead, P. R. Tramutt, Bureau Of Reclamation

Publications (WR)

The survey results indicate that the impoundment of water behind Hoover Dam has not adversely affected the dissolved oxygen (DO) content and that water quality and DO content were uniform regardless of depth. The study made in April-May 1964 will provide water quality data of Lake Mead prior to releases from Lake Powell as a basis for evaluating Lake Powell's effect on water quality and limnology of Lake Mead. The performance of a DO analyzer was tested and found unsatisfactory at depths below 150 ft. Parameters tested by standard chemical analyses of water samples in the Denver Laboratory and by …

Effect Of Isocaloric Unsaturated Fats On Serum Cholesterol Of Patients Treated With Hypocholesterolemic Agents, Yvonne Marie Hatley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The effect of a high unsaturated-low saturated fat diet on serum cholesterol levels were studied. Subjects were clinic patients receiving the following hypocholesterolmeic agents: triparanol (MER-29), diildothyroacetic acid (Diac), dextrothyroxine (d-T₄) and 3-methoxy-16, alpha-methyl-1,3,5, (10)-estratriene-16 beta, 17 beta-diol (Manvene or Anvene).

Fifteen hypercholesterolemic patients, eleven of whom were diabetic, were placed on diets with prescribed amounts of unsaturated fat. The caloric distribution was 40 per cent carbohydrate, 20 per cent protein, and 40 per cent fat. The level of unsaturated fat was 70 per cent of the total fat.

Seventy-one per cent of the patients on the hypocholesterolemic …