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Tools And Approaches For The Construction Of Knowledge Models From The Neuroscientific Literature, Burns, Arshad Khan, Shahram Ghandeharizadeh, Mark O'Neill, Yi-Shin Chen

Departmental Papers (Biology)

Within this paper, we describe a neuroinformatics project (called "NeuroScholar," http://www.neuroscholar.org/) that enables researchers to examine, manage, manipulate, and use the information contained within the published neuroscientific literature. The project is built within a multi-level, multi-component framework constructed with the use of software engineering methods that themselves provide code-building functionality for neuroinformaticians. We describe the different software layers of the system. First, we present a hypothetical usage scenario illustrating how NeuroScholar permits users to address large-scale questions in a way that would otherwise be impossible. We do this by applying NeuroScholar to a "real-world" neuroscience question: How is stress-related information …

Gamma Oscillations Correlate With Working Memory Load In Humans, Marc W. Howard, Daniel S. Rizzuto, Jeremy B. Caplan, Joseph R. Madsen, John Lisman

Psychology - All Scholarship

Functional imaging of human cortex implicates a diverse network of brain regions supporting working memory—the capacity to hold and manipulate information for short periods of time. Although we are beginning to map out the brain networks supporting working memory, little is known about its physiological basis. We analyzed intracranial recordings from two epileptic patients as they performed a working memory task. Spectral analyses revealed that, in both patients, gamma (30-60 Hz) oscillations increased approximately linearly with memory load, tracking closely with memory load over the course of the trial. This constitutes the first evidence that gamma oscillations, widely implicated in …

Histidine-Decarboxylase Knockout Mice Show Deficient Nonreinforced Episodic Object Memory, Improved Negatively Reinforced Water-Maze Performance, And Increased Neo- And Ventro-Striatal Dopamine Turnover, Ekrem Dere, Maria A. De Souza-Silva, Bianca Topic, Richard E. Spieler, Helmut L. Haas, Joseph P. Huston

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles

The brain's histaminergic system has been implicated in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory, as well as brain reward and reinforcement. Our past pharmacological and lesion studies indicated that the brain's histamine system exerts inhibitory effects on the brain's reinforcement respective reward system reciprocal to mesolimbic dopamine systems, thereby modulating learning and memory performance. Given the close functional relationship between brain reinforcement and memory processes, the total disruption of brain histamine synthesis via genetic disruption of its synthesizing enzyme, histidine decarboxylase (HDC), in the mouse might have differential effects on learning dependent on the task-inherent reinforcement contingencies. Here, we investigated …

An Extended Hierarchical Task Analysis For Error Prediction In Medical Devices, Phillip H. Chung, Jiajie Zhang, Todd R. Johnson, Vimla L. Patel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This paper introduces an extended hierarchical task analysis (HTA) methodology devised to evaluate and compare user interfaces on volumetric infusion pumps. The pumps were studied along the dimensions of overall usability and propensity for generating human error. With HTA as our framework, we analyzed six pumps on a variety of common tasks using Norman’s Action theory. The introduced method of evaluation divides the problem space between the external world of the device interface and the user’s internal cognitive world, allowing for predictions of potential user errors at the human-device level. In this paper, one detailed analysis is provided as an …

Social Complexity And Transitive Inference In Corvids, Alan B. Bond, Alan Kamil, Russell P. Balda

Papers in Behavior in Biological Sciences

The social complexity hypothesis asserts that animals living in large social groups should display enhanced cognitive abilities along predictable dimensions. To test this concept, we compared highly social pinyon jays, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus, with relatively nonsocial western scrub-jays, Aphelocoma californica, on two complex cognitive tasks relevant to the ability to track and assess social relationships. Pinyon jays learned to track multiple dyadic relationships more rapidly and more accurately than scrub-jays and appeared to display a more robust and accurate mechanism of transitive inference. These results provide a clear demonstration of the association between social complexity and cognition in animals.

Searching By Rules: Pigeons’ (Columba Livia) Landmark-Based Search According To Constant Bearing Or Constant Distance, Marcia C. Spetch, Tiana B. Rust, Alan Kamil, Juli E. Jones

Papers in Behavior in Biological Sciences

Pigeons (Columba livia) searched for a goal location defined by a constant relative spatial relationship to 2 landmarks. For one group, landmark-to-goal bearings remained constant while distance varied. For another group, landmark-to-goal distances remained constant while direction varied. Birds were trained with 4 interlandmark distances and then tested with 5 novel interlandmark distances. Overall error magnitude was similar across groups and was larger than previously reported for Clark’s nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). During training, error magnitude increased with interlandmark distance for constant-bearing but not constant-distance birds. Both groups searched less accurately along the axis parallel to landmarks …

The Evolution Of Social And Reproductive Monogamy In Peromyscus, Evidence From Peromyscus Californicus (The California Mouse), David O. Ribble

Biology Faculty Research

The genus Peromyscus (deer mice) is an attractive group in which to study the evolution of social and mating behaviours. This genus includes over 50 species (Carleton, 1989) that are widely distributed across North and Central America from coast to coast and from the northern subarctic to Panama (Kirkland & Layne, 1989). The diversity in body sizes among Peromyscus ranges from 13 to 77 g (Millar, 1989) and exceeds that of most other genera. Phylogenetic relationships among species of Peromyscus are relatively well understood (Stangl & Baker, 1984), although the systematics of Peromyscus is an active area of study (e.g., …

G03-1525 Coping In Stressful Times During Drought, Linda S. Boeckner, Kathy Bosch, Catherine E. Johnston

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Families are affected by drought in many ways, including financially, emotionally, and physically. Although additional research is needed to learn how families cope with personal and work lives during drought, reliable information is available to understand how families react and cope with economic hardship, stressful times and difficult situations.

This NebGuide will address financial, emotional, and physical issues that families may experience during stressful times in addition to providing help on how families may access resources.

G03-1506 Starving For Success — The Dangers Of Disordered Eating, Amy L. Peterson, Linda S. Boeckner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Eating disorders are actually distorted eating habits, often related to emotional problems. There are three main eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.

Eating disorders affect one million or more Americans with 5 to 20 percent dying as a result of medical complications. This NebGuide reviews the warning signs of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating and how to get treatment and help.

Megapode Newsletter 17(1)-21(2) (2003-2008), World Pheasant Association, Birdlife International, Ssc Megapode Specialist Group

Galliformes Specialist Group and Affiliated Societies: Newsletters

Volume 17, Number 1 (April 2003)

Editors: René W. R. J. Dekker and Darryl N. Jones

Viable population of Bruijn's Brush-turkey Aepypodius bruijnii discovered, Iwein Mauro

A new, a forgotten and a lost specimen of Bruijn's Brush-turkey Aepypodius bruijnii, C. W. Moeliker, C. J. Heij, J. N. J. Post, and E. J. O. Kompanje

Successful synanthropy in an Australian megapode, Darryl N. Jones

Monitoring the Nicobar megapode Megapodius nicobariensis: Phase I, Current status and conservation of the Nicobar megapode Megapodius nicobariensis, K. Sivakumar

Megapode Genetics Project proposal, Gillian C. Baker

Polynesian megapode Megapodius pritchardii status survey on …

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Iowa Academy Of Science 115th Annual Meeting [2003]: Advance Program, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contains information about the schedule and presentations for the 2003 annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science.

World Religions And The Vegetarian Diet, Jo Ann Davidson

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

No abstract provided.

Anorexia, Bulimia, And Crayfish (Or, Why I Study The Pharmacology Of Serotonin Receptors In Glutamatergic Invertebrate Systems), Garrett Sparks

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Infant Mortality After Takeovers In Wild Ethiopian Hamadryas Baboons, Larissa Swedell, Teklu Tesfaye

Publications and Research

In this paper, we report the first observational evidence of infanticide in wild hamadryas baboons. The study group inhabits the lowlands of the northern Rift Valley in Ethiopia and has been under observation for over 1200 hours, on and off, since October 1996. Here we report observations from August and September 2002 of the consequences of two takeovers of known females with black infants. After the first takeover, the respective infant disappeared and was presumed dead within eleven days of the takeover. After the second takeover, the infant incurred repeated severe aggression from its mother’s new leader male and eventually …

The Effect Of Aposematic Coloration On The Food Preference Of Aphelocoma Coerulescens, The Florida Scrub Jay, Mary Elizabeth Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Aposematic coloration, commonly observed in noxious organisms, serves as a warning to predators to avoid attacking specific prey. This coloration is conspicuous in nature, with one of the most common examples being a red and black pattern. The plant Abrus precatorius exhibits this warning signal in its seeds, which resemble lady beetles and contain the concentrated toxin abrin. Aphelocoma coerulescens, an endemic and federally threatened bird in the state of Florida, shares a similar distribution with Abrus precatorius, making interaction between the two species possible. Using an edible model of the Abrus seed, this potential interaction was tested in Martin …

Human System Connectivity: A Need For Mpa Management Effectiveness, Patrick Mcconney, Leah Bunce, Georgina Bustamante

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Near the conclusion of the GCFI meeting and its special MPA symposium a workshop was convened to address the topic of Human system connectivity: a need for MPA management effectiveness. The title was inspired by the marine science sessions that examined facets of ecosystem connectivity. The social scientists, MPA managers, and marine ecologists present thought that our understanding of MPAs would be enhanced by a session in which the human system and its connectivity, both to the marine system and within itself, was prominent. This workshop was loosely linked to presentations in the session on Capacity Building and Community …

The Journal Of Undergraduate Research: Volume 01

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

This is the complete issue of the South Dakota State University Journal of Undergraduate Research, Volume 1.

Economic Analysis Of The Best Management Practices (Bmps) In Louisiana Sugarcane Production, Ying Zhong

LSU Master's Theses

Agriculture has been identified as one of the major sources of nonpoint water pollution due to discharges running off farmland. This study assessed the current adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the Louisiana sugarcane industry and provided policy recommendations based on the empirical results. Fifteen BMPs recommended by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center were examined in three categories: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, Nutrient Management, and Pesticide Management. Based on neoclassical economic principles of individual’s utility maximization, this study evaluated seven multivariate probit models using primary data collected from a mail survey of Louisiana’s sugarcane producers. The results indicated …

Hper Biomechanics Laboratory 2002 Annual Report, Issue 1, Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility

Biomechanics Annual Report

This issue features Development of a gait-o-gram for the assessment of gait, Promising insights on the development of posture in children, A new understanding of Parkinson’s Disease, Assessing the stability of elderly gait, Gait analysis provides the Omaha community with relief from running injuries, Custom Palm pilot software offers scientists and teachers new technology, Helping high school students appreciate science and math, Past students achieve success, Collaborative work with the Orthopedic Center of Sports Medicine at Ioannina-Greece, and 2002 Publications and Presentations

A Comparison Of Youth Participation Motives In Organized Sports, Kirsty L. Carrihill

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

Youth participation in organized physical activity has increased by more than 5 million in the last decade (Smith & Smoll, 2002). Of the 48 million youth 8 to 16 years old in the United States, 20 million participated in organized sport (Gould & Petlichkoff, 1998; Seefeldt & Ewing, 1997; Smith & Smoll, 2002). Currently, the average age for youth to begin participating in organized sports in, or outside of, school is 11 years old (Klint & Weiss, 1986; Smith & Smoll, 2002). Although participation rates have increased, there are significant numbers of youth who drop out of sport. Over one-third …

Six-Month Follow-Up Of A Primary Care Managed Weight Loss Program For Overweight And Obese African-American Women, Lee A. Marsh

LSU Master's Theses

Obesity is the number one public health concern in the United States, and is more prevalent in African-American women and those from lower socioeconomic groups. However, many primary care physicians do not feel confident in their ability to assist patients in weight management. Thus the challenge for physicians is to provide patients better assistance with weight management. The purpose of the study was to examine the efficacy of a primary care-managed weight loss program on weight reduction and cardiovascular fitness in overweight/obese women. Participants were randomized to intervention (n=54; Age: 44+12 yrs) or standard care (n=62; Age: 44=12yrs) and followed …

Physical Function And Quality Of Life In The Very- And Oldest-Old: Gender Differences, Kellye A. Ferachi

LSU Master's Theses

Age is associated with deterioration in physical function (PF) and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Recent investigations suggest that a decrease in function may have a greater impact on perceived activities of daily living (ADL) competency in women than in men. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that the association between PF and HRQL among older adults is influenced by gender. We examined 108 older adults aged 60 years or older, for PF (Continuous Scale-Physical Function Performance test (CS-PFP10) and Functional Status Index (FSI)) and HRQL (SF-36). In order to address this question we assigned subjects …

Dark Wilderness A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Idea Of Cave Wilderness, Patricia E. Seiser

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

It has been almost forty years since the passage of the 1964 Wilderness Act and the establishment of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Forty years later, we still have not seen a wilderness that is not a surface environment. There exist neither subterranean nor marine wilderness areas. Efforts on behalf of cave wilderness have focused on the 1964 Wilderness Act legal definition of wilderness. Perhaps what is required is a different concept for the establishment of cave wilderness. This study explored the idea of cave wilderness from a human dimension perspective, via focus groups, using stakeholders from two cave regions …

The Role Of Predator-Induced Polyphenism In The Evolution Of Cognition: A Baldwinian Speculation, Scott F. Gilbert

Biology Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Scaffolding Movement Challenges On Students' Task-Related Thoughts And Performance, Paul Bernard Rukavina

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of teaching approaches on thoughts and practice behaviors of students, and how those thoughts and behaviors affect transfer of learning. First, a self-report instrument for assessment of cognitive processes that meditate motor skill outcomes was validated. The cognitive processes included prior knowledge usage, self-efficacy, critical thinking and attention-concentration. University students who had taken a physical activity class (N=409) completed the questionnaires. Three out of the initial four subscales were confirmed as fitting the data. In a university golf activity class, students were assigned into three groups for instruction to learn …

Gender Differences In Participation Of Physical Activities: A Comprehensive Model Approach, Kay Gordon Daigle

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships among gender, perceptions of peer, parent, and teacher support, perceived value and meaningfulness, perceived competence, and the intention to be physically active within a proposed model. Female and male students (N=801) enrolled in a traditional multi-activity physical education class responded to a 52-item questionnaire addressing the constructs in the model. Structural equation modeling, using LISREL, was used to identify the relationships among the constructs. Gender differences emerged in this model through direct paths as well as indirect paths among these variables. Girls were more influenced than boys by their perceptions …

Collective Efficacy: A Framework For Understanding Classroom Teacher's Perceptions Of Integrating Physical Activity, Melissa Ann Park

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Children’s physical inactivity is becoming an important health concern, and it has been suggested by professionals that school programs can be important in the effort to increase activity levels. Physical education specialists cannot achieve the goal of significantly increasing children’s activity in isolation, and it is apparent that whole school programs at the elementary level have the potential to foster active lifestyles. If those programs are to be successful, all school personnel must play a role, so it is important to find ways to facilitate their involvement. The purpose of this study was to use collective efficacy as a framework …

Using Self-Determination Theory To Understand African American Women's Physical Activity Patterns, Joan B. Landry

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Physical inactivity is a major health risk factor in our society. Women and minority populations are especially at risk with regard to physical inactivity. This three-part study employed quantitative and qualitative methodologies to investigate physical activity behaviors in middle aged and older African American women. This population was chosen because African American women are the least active segment of our society. In the first phase, a quantitative approach was used to investigate relationships between Self-Determination and the Stage of Change for physical activity in a sample of 105 African American women. This study provided validation for using this theoretical approach …

Population Structure And Genetics Of Longevity In A Colony Of Dog Guides, John B. Cole

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The objectives of this study were the description of changes in genetic diversity in a colony of dog guides since its founding, and the investigation of the genetics of longevity in that population. Two breeds of dog, German Shepherds (GS) and Labrador Retrievers (LR), were evaluated. There were rapid increases in average pairwise relationship in both breeds, although the average was approximately one-third higher in the GS population than in the LR population. A similar trend was observed for average inbreeding. In the current generation, relationship and inbreeding for all animals averaged 25.3% and 26.2% in GS and 15.5% and …