Digital Commons Network^™

Metoo, Anna Rose Smith

AWE (A Woman’s Experience)

Autobiographical essay of #MeToo experiences: Three vignettes, three experiences.

Full Issue

AWE (A Woman’s Experience)

No abstract provided.

An Ecological And Distributional Analysis Of Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus Longaeva), Gregory Watson Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the impacts of climate change is critical for improving the conservation and management of ecosystems worldwide. Ecosystems vary along a precipitation and temperature gradient, ranging from tropical jungles to arid deserts. The Great Basin is a semi-arid eco-region that is found within the western United States. Plant communities within the Great Basin range from sagebrush valleys to sub-alpine conifer forests found at high elevation areas. It is predicted that the Great Basin will experience prolonged periods of drought, more intense fires, and greater variability in average annual and monthly precipitation, all in response to changes in climate patterns. At …

Global Hydrology And Education, Ben Abbot

BYU Research Development Office Research Networking Conference

Areas of interest: Ecology, hydrology, permafrost, sustainability

Species Delimitation Predictions Using Mitochondrial And Nuclear Dna Sequences From The Heteromys Pictus-Spectabilis Species Complex, Joanna Rosa Bateman

Theses and Dissertations

Heteromys pictus-spectabilis is a species complex within the subfamily Heteromyinae (Family: Heteromyidae) that is distributed along the western and southern Mexican coast and surrounding environments. Currently, the species complex is accepted as being 2 separate species (H. pictus and H. spectabilis), but this also renders H. pictus paraphyletic. Therefore, the species complex requires re-evaluation in order to resolve the paraphyly. Mitochondrial DNA sequences from a previously existing ~720 specimen database compiled by Victoria Vance were used in conjunction with new nuclear DNA sequences sequenced for the purpose of this study to generate multiple phylogenetic trees via the software programs RAxML, …

Alzheimer's Disease And Diabetes: A Transgenic Mouse Model In Behavior, Mri, And Cells, Kevin Sage Steed

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, afflicting almost 5 million patients in the US, and impacting millions more, financially, physically and emotionally. Coming in as the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and showing no signs of slowing its annually increasing rates, the world is in desperate need of improved understanding of the disease's multifaceted pathogenesis and progression, more accurate forms of detection and diagnosis, and more effective prevention and treatment. While many are focused on the noble pursuit of understanding the genetic contributions to the appearance of the pathological amyloid beta (Aβ)) plaques …

The Responses Of Ants And Other Invertebrates To Fire And Rodent Activity In North American Deserts, Joshua David Day

Theses and Dissertations

Human activities are increasing the size, frequency and severity of disturbance across earth’s ecosystems including deserts. Exotic annual grasses have altered fire regimes by increasing the size, frequency, and severity of fires in these systems. Invertebrates make up a large proportion of ecosystem diversity, provide a wide range of ecosystem functions, and are good indicators of ecosystem function and resilience. Ants are particularly good indicators of ecosystem stability. The ability of rodents to modify plant community structure post-fire, could result in rodent communities having important indirect effects on invertebrate communities. In chapter 1 we report changes in ant forager abundance …

Faculty Members' Lived Experiences With Open Educational Resources, M. Troy Martin

Theses and Dissertations

The cost of textbooks has continued to increase, and the financial effect on students in higher education is significant. Numerous studies have been done to learn more about student and faculty perceptions toward Open Educational Resources (OER) use. Recent studies confirm that most instructors would use OER in order to alleviate the financial burden placed on students; however, OER adoption rates do not reflect this belief. In my study I sought to better understand what instructors experience when they search for OER. In this phenomenological study, I interviewed faculty who expressed a desire to use OER and to capture their …

Composition Of The Community Of Small Mammals In The Great Basin Desert, Samantha Elizabeth Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Small mammals are a keystone guild in arid ecosystems; often exhibiting top-down control of the diversity and structure of plant communities. However, changing climate, shifting fire regimes, and the invasion of exotic plants are modifying the structure of arid systems. Environmental changes in these arid systems are likely altering small mammal communities, and therefore, their ecological role. We examined two aspects of the community composition of small mammals in the Great Basin: changes in community composition since large scale sampling of the region began in 1930, and the current population of a sensitive species of small mammal, the dark kangaroo …

Beauty As A Confounding Variable: Refining Measure Of Viewing Time, Rachael Caryn Pinkerman

Theses and Dissertations

Current research on viewing time measures of sexual attraction fail to explore potential confounding variables of viewing time. One viewing time measure, the LOOK, has been shown to be reliable over time and generally correlated with self-reported sexual orientation but has been unable to differentiate between a non-offending group and an offending group of individuals. This study utilizes the LOOK to examine the relationship between viewing time and a potential confounding variable of viewing time, beauty, using two constructs of beauty (facial beauty and full-body beauty). Facial beauty scores were created by measuring the degree of adherence to four universal …

Neuroimmune-Mediated Alcohol Effects On Ventral Tegmental Area Microglia And Infiltrating Leukocytes, Travis Jonathan Clarke

Theses and Dissertations

Microglia are the primary immune cell in the central nervous system and are known as the “resident” macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS). While microglia are classically known as the immune cells of the CNS, their role has more recently been shown to extend far beyond immunity. The effects of ethanol on the brain are closely linked to neuroimmune responses mediated by microglia that are present in the healthy brain from the time of development. Though microglia have been classified as the “resident” immune cells of the CNS, new research suggests that other immune cells may be implicated in …

Comparison Of Early Literacy Ipad Apps: Evaluation Of Teachers' Perceptions, Julie Mcintyre Evans

Theses and Dissertations

A recent dramatic increase in the availability of early literacy applications (apps) for mobile devices has led teachers to incorporate them into their educational programs. This study explored teachers' perceptions and opinions regarding three early literacy apps: Endless Reader, Preschool Matching Game: Rhyming Words, and Hideout: Early Reading. The study consisted of 15 preschool teachers who interacted with each app and answered questions regarding their opinions about the apps and the use of digital devices in the classroom in general. Teacher responses were analyzed and categorized based on common topics that emerged from the data set. The …

Methods For Detection Of And Therapy For Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Olivia Tateoka Brown

Theses and Dissertations

As antibiotic resistant bacterial strains are becoming more prevalent in healthcare settings, it is necessary to find alternative methods of detecting and treating these infections. One of the antibiotic resistant strains of interest is the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). CREs have the ability to evade some of the most potent antibiotics currently in use and employ carbapenemases to negate the effect of antibiotics. The three most common carbapenemase genes, found in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae along with a gene found only in Escherichia coli were chosen to create a qPCR assay for rapid detection of resistant infections. The carbapenemase genes are KPC, VIM …

A Dual Examination Of Learning Through Pedagogical Training And Alzheimer's Disease Pathology, Donielle Breanna Hutchinson

Theses and Dissertations

Active learning strategies are important for facilitating deep learning that may be carried throughout life, but which is still finding its way into the college setting. Educators are not often trained in effective learning practices, which reduces the cognitive and proficiency gains of their students. By providing such guidance in the formative years of a teacher’s training, we hypothesize that the learning environment will be greatly enriched and enhanced. On the opposite end of the spectrum of life and cognition, the plague of dementia also warrants examination. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an incurable neurodegenerative disorder progressing from the medial temporal lobe, …

Identifying Elements Of Voice And Fostering Voice Development In First-Grade Science Writing, Mckenna Lucille Maguet

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this multi case study was to better understand voice in first grade science writing. Voice is the ability for individuals to synchronize specific narrative elements to express themselves with greater confidence and individuality. Three first-grade participants were chosen and their use of voice in science writing was examined across 8 weeks. Specific elements of voice were identified within atypical informational texts for primary grade learners in science. The 7 elements include descriptive words, placement of text and picture, creative punctuation, conversational tone, comparisons, imagery, and repeated text. The 7 voice elements were taught to a class of …

A Spatial And Temporal Analysis Of San Juan Red Ware, Robert Jacob Bischoff

Theses and Dissertations

San Juan Red Ware was widely distributed throughout the Four Corners region of the U.S. Southwest between about AD 750 and 1100. Prior research indicates this ware is a marker of identity and was likely associated with feasting and other communal activities. A study of the distribution of this ware indicates that it was traded widely, but with significant variation in relative quantity between sites. This variation is likely caused by unequal access to this ware due either to a lack of access to the necessary exchange networks or by a conscious decision to not participate in the exchange of …

“A Kindred Sigh For Thee”: British Responses To The Greek War For Independence, Susannah Morrison

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

No abstract provided.

“It Is A Privilege To Pee”: The Rise And Demise Of The Pay Toilet In America, Katie Richards

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

No abstract provided.

Roost Characteristics And Clustering Behavior Of Western Red Bats (Lasiurus Blossevillii) In Southwestern New Mexico, Brett R. Andersen, Keith Geluso

Western North American Naturalist

The western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) is a foliage-roosting species of riparian habitats in arid regions of the southwestern United States. Only limited published anecdotal observations exist for roost sites used by this species. Western red bats were split taxonomically from the eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) in 1988, but summaries of roosting behaviors for western red bats still appear to stem from former associations with the commonly studied eastern red bat. Our study represents the first comprehensive research on the roosting ecology of western red bats. We radio-tracked 14 adult bats to 19 different day …

American Pika (Ochotona Princeps) Population Survival In Winters With Low Or No Snowpack, Andrew T. Smith, Constance I. Millar

Western North American Naturalist

A prediction that has gained considerable traction in the American pika (Ochotona princeps) literature is that because of climate change, high mortality is likely to occur in winters of low or early snowmelt and cause extirpation of local populations. The basis for this prediction is the perception that the absence of an insulative layer of snow to protect pikas from severe winter cold temperatures may cause animals to utilize metabolic reserves through excessive thermoregulation before the spring emergence of fresh vegetation, or die directly from exposure to extreme winter temperatures. The Sierra Nevada of east central California experienced …

Seasonal Spatial Ecology Of Mountain Lions (Puma Concolor) In The Central Sierra Nevada, Justin A. Dellinger, Eric R. Loft, Ronald C. Bertram, Donald L. Neal, Marc W. Kenyon, Steven G. Torres

Western North American Naturalist

Mountain lions (Puma concolor) were captured and radio-collared in the Sierra National Forest between 1983 and 1992 to study the species’ seasonal spatial patterns in a location where migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are its primary prey. Some mountain lions displayed seasonal migratory shifts in elevation that mirrored those of their migratory prey; others resided at lower elevations year-round. Home range size for all mountain lions was larger in summer (x– = 231 km²) than in winter (x– = 110 km²), whether or not an individual exhibited seasonal migratory shifts …

Otherwise Known As Attempting Christianity, Rebecca Evans

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the relationship between the pursuit of spiritual principles and the genre of the essay. The three essays are accounts of the author’s experiences with faith, hope, and charity.

The introduction provides a thorough explanation for the motivations, limitations, and goals of the project. It also helps to highlight the reasons why the essay genre was the most suitable style for this thesis.

The first essay, “Be Believing” discusses the role of faith in book censorship. The second piece, “Hope of Israel” explores how the average person can maintain hope in a world full of serious conflicts. Inspiration …

Kleptoparasitism Of Harvester Ants By The Giant Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys Ingens) In The Carrizo Plain, California, Matthew Polvorosa Kline, Jeff A. Alvarez, Nicole Parizeau

Western North American Naturalist

Kangaroo rats are reported to have a mutualistic relationship with harvester ants through facilitation of burrow establishment, creation, and persistence. The relationship can, however, become more complex. We report observations of the giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens), a state and federally listed endangered species, repeatedly kleptoparasitizing harvester ants from a nearby nest in the Carrizo Plain, California. Though the relationship between kangaroo rats and harvester ants has been studied extensively and is believed to be mutualistic, under certain conditions this relationship can follow an alternate path of parasitism.


Se ha reportado que las ratas canguro mantienen una relación …

Maternal-Fetal Interactions And The Induction Of Preeclampsia By Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6)/Axl Signaling, Todd Dunaway, Paul Reynolds

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complicated obstetric complication characterized by increased blood pressure and decreased trophoblast invasion. PE is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) protein is known to induce different responses in cells including prevention of apoptosis and enhanced cell migration and invasion. This protein is secreted in response to growth arrest and it is increased in the serum of PE patients. This discovery suggests a mechanistic role for the Gas6 signaling pathway during PE progression. Gas6 binds to the AXL tyrosine kinase receptor and AXL-mediated …

Public Art And Alberta's Regionalism, Amanda Buessecker

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis is a case study of two contemporary, regionalist public artworks in Alberta: Untitled, by Fraser McGurk, and Alberta Bound Panorama, by Jason Carter. The province’s economic history is outlined as an important background factor to understanding contemporary public artworks. The two artists use symbols such as the train, compass, and grain elevator to connect a contemporary audience with Alberta’s past, reminding today’s residents of the province’s tradition of success. Even in locations that target “tourists,” these paintings use local symbols to emphasize a message of prosperity and unity to the local people of Alberta.

Relative Abundance Of Pond Snails In Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington, And The Spread Of An Invasive Snail, Michele D. Larson, Christina M. Torrieri, A. Ross Black

Western North American Naturalist

Freshwater gastropods comprise a diverse and highly imperiled taxonomic group that is threatened by anthropogenic factors including the introduction of nonnative species. We surveyed 10 wetland ponds in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge to assess the possible expansion of the nonnative European ear snail (Radix auricularia) and to determine the genus richness and relative abundance of native gastropods. D-frame dip nets were used to sample gastropods at 4 locations in each pond. Six genera of gastropods were found, including R. auricularia in 6 ponds where it was not previously known. Radix auricularia is now the dominant genus in Middle …

Identifying The 5’End Of The Camta1 Genes In Zebrafish, Morgan Fronk

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are a significant cause of infant death and are frequently caused by mutations in transcription factors. Camta1 (calmodulin binding transcription activator 1) is a transcription factor that has been proposed as a modulator in embryonic heart development and a possible cause of CHDs. The only other known member of its family in vertebrates is involved in activating a hypertrophy gene program in adult heart failure. Unlike camta2, camta1 is expressed in the embryonic heart during heart looping. However, few studies have been done on camta1. In zebrafish, there are two camta1 ohnologs (homologs created through …

Sacred Time In The Work Of Makoto Shinkai, Kassandra I. Schreiber

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis looks at two works of anime director, writer, and producer Makoto Shinkai and examines how they create sacred experiences through the visual and narratological construction of time. Mircea Elaide’s concept of eternal return is joined with Gilles Deleuze’s film theory of Time-Images and time crystals to analyze the creation of sacred moments: moments of rejuvenation and reorientation. Not only are the two films, 5 Centimeters per Second and Your Name, read through the lens of these theories but these movies also illustrate how anime is unique art form that is well suited for the manipulation of time and …

Leadership And Applied Theatre, Meredith Campbell

BYU English Symposium

Theatre instruction is an effective medium through which to teach leadership skills by empowering students to communicate effectively and take action. This workshop defines leadership as “communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves” (from Stephen R. Covey’s 8^th Habit, pg. 98). Leadership training can be interwoven within theatre practices by giving students the tools they need to begin mastering “crucial conversations” that they will be experimenting within realistic scenarios and performative activities that can then be transferred to situations they encounter outside of the classroom.

New Records Of Tricolored Bats (Perimyotis Subflavus) In Colorado, With First Evidence Of Reproduction, Rick A. Adams, Burton Stoner, Donna Nespoli, Sarah M. Bexell

Western North American Naturalist

The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is widely distributed throughout eastern North America. However, this species has also undergone severe population declines in areas where white-nose syndrome has taken hold. Previous records in Colorado showed what appeared to be vagrant individuals with no evidence of established populations. Herein we provide new records for Boulder and Weld Counties, Colorado. We also provide evidence of reproduction supporting the hypothesis of westward expansion of this species. Because the tricolored bat has been significantly impacted by white-nose syndrome in eastern North America, the Rocky Mountain West may provide at least a temporary refugium …