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Nesting Biology Of Osmia Cornifrons: Implications For Population Management, Matthew Mckinney Dec 2011

Nesting Biology Of Osmia Cornifrons: Implications For Population Management, Matthew Mckinney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Japanese hornfaced bee, Osmia cornifrons (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is a palearctic mason bee managed for the pollination of early season fruit crops such as apple and blueberry. Since its adoption as a managed pollinator in Japan during the 1940s, a large body of literature has amassed with the goal of enhancing O. cornifrons management practices. This research makes important contributions to that literature in two ways. First, the research describes the in-nest relationship of O. cornifrons and the cleptoparasitic mite pest Chaetodactylus krombeini. Distribution of male and female O. cornifrons and of C. krombeini was determined using linear and non-linear …

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Validation Of The Resilience Competencies Scale (Rcs) For Applications Among American Indian Youth, Melanie Hockenberry Dec 2011

Validation Of The Resilience Competencies Scale (Rcs) For Applications Among American Indian Youth, Melanie Hockenberry

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Historical trauma, poverty, educational inequalities, and discrimination are among the many factors contributing to current problems, such as substance abuse, experienced by some American Indian youth today. Much of the literature on American Indian adolescents has been problem-focused; but it is also important to identify factors that are associated with resilient outcomes, such as personal, social, and ecological factors highlighted in models of resilience. As a step toward conducting such studies, it is necessary to have measures that are valid, reliable, and culturally-applicable for American Indian adolescents. Therefore, a mixed methods study (focus groups; survey) was conducted to examine the …

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Model Development And Incorporation Of Gis Tools For Floodplain Management, Andrew P. Darnell Dec 2011

Model Development And Incorporation Of Gis Tools For Floodplain Management, Andrew P. Darnell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Floodplain management consists of efforts to reduce flood damage to critical infrastructure and to protect the life and health of individuals from flooding. A major component of this effort is the monitoring of flood control structures such as dams because the potential failure of these structures may have catastrophic consequences. In order to prepare for these threats, engineers utilize inundation maps that model the flood resulting from high river stages. To create the maps, the structure and river systems are modeled using engineering software programs, and hydrologic events are used to simulate the conditions leading to the failure of the …

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Critical Review Of Inundation Mapping Procedures For Floodplain Management, Richard M. Wise Dec 2011

Critical Review Of Inundation Mapping Procedures For Floodplain Management, Richard M. Wise

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Inundation mapping is a major component of floodplain management, providing critical information as to the consequences of potential failures of flood control structures, such as dams. To develop inundation maps, a dam and river system are modeled with engineering computer programs, and a simulation of the dam failure is performed to generate data for the flood. This output data is input into other programs to develop inundation maps. Inundation maps have traditionally been produced in a paper format, but recent advances in computer modeling have provided the capability for virtual inundation maps. Thus, these mapping methods need to be investigated …

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Avian Assemblages And Red-Eyed Vireo Nest Survival Within Mineland Forest, Jeremy Mizel Dec 2011

Avian Assemblages And Red-Eyed Vireo Nest Survival Within Mineland Forest, Jeremy Mizel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Since the passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) in 1977, mined lands have generally been reclaimed to an environment characterized by severely compacted minesoils, a growth medium comprised largely of unweathered materials, and a predominance of aggressive groundcovers that inhibit native species colonization. Under these conditions, succession is arrested. Within landscapes that are fragmented by traditionally reclaimed surface mines, forest patches are smaller and forest cover on the landscape scale is reduced. As a result, forest songbirds that require large, continuous blocks of forest are negatively affected.;Some pre-SMCRA abandoned minelands contain areas of uncompacted minesoils on …

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Hydroclimatic Variability In North-Central Mongolia As Inferred From Tree Rings, Caroline Leland Dec 2011

Hydroclimatic Variability In North-Central Mongolia As Inferred From Tree Rings, Caroline Leland

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The influence of increasing temperatures on hydrologic regimes across Mongolia is difficult to evaluate from a spatial perspective, particularly at fine resolutions. Therefore, networks of tree-ring chronologies are a valuable means of assessing regional and local variability in hydroclimate while placing recent moisture trends in a historical context. Tree-ring data are particularly useful in Mongolia, where instrumental records are spatially and temporally limited. Here, I present two chapters that are essentially related and complement one another. The first chapter seeks to identify tree-growth anomaly regions (i.e. inferred hydroclimatic regions) across north-central Mongolia based on a network of 21 tree-ring chronologies. …

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Anisotropic Particles: Preparation And Study, Shengrong Ye Dec 2011

Anisotropic Particles: Preparation And Study, Shengrong Ye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Anisotropic particles have received significant attention in self-assembly for the large scale fabrication of hierarchical structures. Janus particles, a specific class of anisotropic particles, have two hemispheres with different materials. Due to the anisotropic nature of the particle shape and interactions, Janus particles have demonstrated interesting properties in interfacial assembly, switchable devices, cargo transport, and optical sensing. The objective of this research is to fabricate novel anisotropic Janus particles and explore their potential unique properties.;One of the driving forces arises from the previous work of bimetallic nanorods and their autonomous motion. The bimetallic nanorod systems undergo chemically powered non- Brownian …

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Effects Of Delay Order And D-Amphetamine On Delay Discounting In Rats, Shana R. Bailey Dec 2011

Effects Of Delay Order And D-Amphetamine On Delay Discounting In Rats, Shana R. Bailey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Impulsive choice is defined as choice for a smaller, more immediate reinforcer over a larger, more delayed reinforcer, whereas self-controlled choice is defined as choice for a larger, more delayed reinforcer over a smaller, more immediate reinforcer. Determinants of impulsive and self-controlled choices may be studied by employing delay-discounting procedures. When using a discrete-trials delay-discounting procedure, a difference in delay discounting as a function of order of presentation of delays to larger-reinforcer delivery was reported by one previous study, whereas another study reported no differences. In both studies, subjects had a history of exposure to both ascending and descending order …

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Differentiating Faking-Good Parents From Non-Faking Parents On The Child Abuse Potential Inventory, Amanda H. Costello Dec 2011

Differentiating Faking-Good Parents From Non-Faking Parents On The Child Abuse Potential Inventory, Amanda H. Costello

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Parental fitness evaluations remain common during child abuse investigations, as evidenced by the 19% of victims of maltreatment receiving an evaluation in 2007 in the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). A "best practice" approach to parental fitness evaluations consists of using a comprehensive assessment including clinical interviews, risk assessment measures, and behavioral observation (Budd, 2001; 2005). The Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP; Milner, 1986) is one risk assessment measure that is often used during evaluations. Unfortunately, abuse risk at pre- and post-treatment as measured by the CAP may be confounded by faking-good responding from the …

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Creating Reporter Systems Within Drosophila Melanogaster, Ashley Elizabeth Banks Dec 2011

Creating Reporter Systems Within Drosophila Melanogaster, Ashley Elizabeth Banks

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of these projects was to generate two fluorescently based systems within Drosophila melanogaster for the advancement of molecular research. The first project was aimed to create fluorescent phosphomimetic constructs of m8, a regulator in eye formation. The second project was to create a fluorescent visual marker for heterochromatic gene silencing in Drosophila. Proper formation of the eye requires that only one cell from a group of equipotent cells assumes a neural fate (the R8 cell). The cells surrounding the R8 cell are prevented from assuming this outcome through a process known as lateral inhibition. Lateral inhibition uses the …

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Systematics, Phylogenetics, And Biogeography Of Early Mississippian Camerate Crinoids Of The Nunn Member, Lake Valley Formation, In South-Central New Mexico, Elizabeth C. Rhenberg Dec 2011

Systematics, Phylogenetics, And Biogeography Of Early Mississippian Camerate Crinoids Of The Nunn Member, Lake Valley Formation, In South-Central New Mexico, Elizabeth C. Rhenberg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Lake Valley Formation has long been known for the crinoids that are abundant in the formation. The crinoids were noted in the first descriptions of the formations in the late 1800's, but there has never been a comprehensive study done on the crinoids and as a result there is no complete list of crinoids that existed in south-central New Mexico during the Early Mississippian. Although all subclasses of crinoids are found in the Nunn Member, it is the camerate crinoids that dominate the fauna and will be the focus of this study. Most of the specimens studied came from …

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Land Use Pressure And Climate Impacts On Fire Regimes And Forest Regeneration In The Upper Tuul River Watershed, Mongolia, Thomas M. Saladyga Dec 2011

Land Use Pressure And Climate Impacts On Fire Regimes And Forest Regeneration In The Upper Tuul River Watershed, Mongolia, Thomas M. Saladyga

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation is composed of three chapters addressing the broad issues of land use, climate variability, and wildfire in central Mongolia. The first chapter describes a GIS model developed to map human impacts in the Upper Tuul River watershed. Forest establishment data were used to validate the application of the model with results indicating a high level of correspondence with a field assessment of human disturbance. Chapter two is a tree-ring based reconstruction of Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for the central Khan Khentii Mountains from 1675-2000. Changes in moisture availability were more frequent during the 20th century than any …

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Characterization Of The Pharmacological Effects Of Digitoxin On Lung Epithelial Cells, Hosam Abdelmonaim Elbaz Dec 2011

Characterization Of The Pharmacological Effects Of Digitoxin On Lung Epithelial Cells, Hosam Abdelmonaim Elbaz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Lung diseases (excluding cancer) account for 9% of all disease related mortalities while lung cancer accounts for 30% of cancer related mortalities. Therapeutic maneuvers, as surgery are usually unfeasible given the extreme vitality of the lung. Developing novel therapeutic alternatives for lung cancer requires a thorough understanding on the lung epithelial cell behavior following exposure to drugs. The goal of this dissertation was to examine how molecular and cellular characteristics, such as morphology and cell viability, of lung cancer cells will be altered upon exposure to digitoxin, a cardiac glycosides (CGs) and a digitoxin synthetic analog. CGs are a large …

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Electron Paramagnetic Resonance And Electron-Nuclear Double Resonance Characterization Of Point Defects In Titanium Dioxide Crystals, Adam Brant Dec 2011

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance And Electron-Nuclear Double Resonance Characterization Of Point Defects In Titanium Dioxide Crystals, Adam Brant

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) are used to characterize several point defects in titanium dioxide (TiO2) single crystals in the rutile phase. A defect reported in 1961 by P. F. Chester called the "A Center" is assigned to a neutral hydrogen donor. Many researchers believe that the model for this S = 1/2 defect is an interstitial titanium ion (Ti3+) and that Ti3+ interstitials are the most dominant shallow donor in TiO 2. I show that the model for the A center is a neutral hydrogen donor and suggest that the Ti3+ interstitial model is not …

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Repression Of Phlpp By Mir-190 Contributes To Arsenic-Induced Akt Activation And Carcinogenesis, Kevin John Beezhold Dec 2011

Repression Of Phlpp By Mir-190 Contributes To Arsenic-Induced Akt Activation And Carcinogenesis, Kevin John Beezhold

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Arsenic is a well-studied human carcinogen. The mechanism by which arsenic induces cancer, however, is not fully understood. It is known that as a general stress inducer, arsenic can activate kinases, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases, leading to over activation of transcription factors. These transcription factors, including AP-1, NF-kB and Myc, are known to regulate the expression of early response genes, and likely to regulate miRNAs. The expression of miRNAs is often altered in cancer and other proliferative disorders. It is highly probable that miRNAs whose expressions are altered by arsenic will play a significant role in carcinogenesis. To test …

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Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Methods For Prediction Of Brook Trout Salvelinus Fontinalis Percent Dry Weight, Andrew William Hafs Dec 2011

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Methods For Prediction Of Brook Trout Salvelinus Fontinalis Percent Dry Weight, Andrew William Hafs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Reliable fish condition estimates are valued by fisheries ecologists and managers. Fish condition is used as an indicator of ecosystem health or to assess the population status for a species of interest. In aquaculture, proximate composition estimates are often wanted because of their relationship to fillet quality. Past researchers have used bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to provide nonlethal mass based estimates of proximate composition for fish. Percent dry weight (PDW) of a fish is highly correlated to proximate composition values and energy density, therefore reliable predictions of PDW would eliminate the need for costly and laboratory analyses lethal to the …

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Characterization Of M-Cadherin's Role In Regulating Apoptosis And Myogenic Differentiation Of Myoblasts By Interacting With Key Components Of Canonical Wnt Signaling, Yan Wang Dec 2011

Characterization Of M-Cadherin's Role In Regulating Apoptosis And Myogenic Differentiation Of Myoblasts By Interacting With Key Components Of Canonical Wnt Signaling, Yan Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Activation, proliferation, and differentiation of satellite cells are the basic means for adult muscle regeneration. Apoptosis is concurrent to differentiation of satellite cells and dysregulated apoptosis contributes to the occurrence and progression of certain muscular dystrophies. This study investigated the role of M-cadherin-mediated signaling in regulating apoptosis versus survival of myoblasts during the process of myogenic differentiation. Inhibition of M-cadherin expression by RNAi (RNA interference) in confluent C2C12 myoblasts sensitized the cells to mitochondria-associated intrinsic apoptosis induced by either cell confluence or serum starvation. Manipulation of M-cadherin signaling regulated the Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) activity via phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. …

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Educators' Perceptions Of Preparation And Practice For Teaching Algebra I To Students With Mathematical Learning Disabilities, Sararose Devore Lynch Dec 2011

Educators' Perceptions Of Preparation And Practice For Teaching Algebra I To Students With Mathematical Learning Disabilities, Sararose Devore Lynch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to describe the current state of Algebra I instruction for students with mathematical learning disabilities (MLD) in West Virginia and teachers. preparation for this practice, as perceived by teachers. Further, this study examined the extent teachers. instructional practices for teaching students with MLD Algebra I aligned with best practices recommended in the research literature. Fifty-seven educators from West Virginia who taught Algebra I to students with Mathematical Learning Disabilities completed the Survey of Instructional Practices Implemented by Algebra I General and Special Educators When Educating Students with a MLD. In addition, a …

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Nanosize Effects In The Magnetic Properties Of The Two Layered Hydroxides Of Nickel, James D. Rall Aug 2011

Nanosize Effects In The Magnetic Properties Of The Two Layered Hydroxides Of Nickel, James D. Rall

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Investigations of properties of materials with lower lattice dimensionality (one and two dimensions) often provides good opportunity to advance physics since solutions to corresponding theoretical models are more easily obtained. In this work, results on magnetic properties of two quasi two-dimensional (2D) systems viz. the layered hydroxides of nickel, beta-Ni(OH)2 and alpha-Ni(OH)2, are reported. For beta-Ni(OH)2, there have been conflicting reports in the literature whether the magnetic ordering is ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic. For the less stable alpha-Ni(OH) 2 with the larger spacing between the layers, the nature of magnetism is largely unexplained. Therefore, the results and their interpretation present here …

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Immobilized Cytochrome P450 2c9 (Cyp2c9): Applications For Metabolite Generation, Monitoring Protein-Protein Interactions, And Improving In-Vivo Predictions Using Enhanced In-Vitro Models, Lance A. Wollenberg Aug 2011

Immobilized Cytochrome P450 2c9 (Cyp2c9): Applications For Metabolite Generation, Monitoring Protein-Protein Interactions, And Improving In-Vivo Predictions Using Enhanced In-Vitro Models, Lance A. Wollenberg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes are a family of oxoferroreductase enzymes containing a heme moiety and are well known to be involved in the metabolism of a wide variety of endogenous and xenobiotic materials. It is estimated that roughly 75% of all pharmaceutical compounds are metabolized by these enzymes. Traditional reconstituted in-vitro incubation studies using recombinant P450 enzymes are often used to predict in-vivo kinetic parameters of a drug early in development. However, in many cases, these reconstituted incubations are prone to aggregation which has been shown to affect the catalytic activity of an enzyme. Moreover, the presence of other isoforms …

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A Study Of Satisfaction And Perceived Learning And Development Of Peer Mentors In Higher Education, Karen L. Posa Aug 2011

A Study Of Satisfaction And Perceived Learning And Development Of Peer Mentors In Higher Education, Karen L. Posa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the satisfaction and perceived learning and development of university peer mentors. Mentoring research exists that focus on student retention, academic achievement, and satisfaction of university students who are mentored, but little research exists that provides a comprehensive, quantitative perspective of learning and development of university peer mentors.;This study was conducted at a master's level, public university which has an extensive peer mentoring program designed to assist new students with the transition to the university. The peer mentors are primarily traditionally-aged students (under the age of 25), and the majority of these students …

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Development Of An Artificial Neural Network To Predict In-Use Engine Emissions, Melissa L. Morris Aug 2011

Development Of An Artificial Neural Network To Predict In-Use Engine Emissions, Melissa L. Morris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A method to predict in-use diesel engine emissions is developed based on engine dynamometer and in-use data acquired at the West Virginia University Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions. (WVU CAFEE). The model accounts for the effects of road grade on generated emissions; a need for this model is evident in literature. Current modeling methods do not account for the effects of road grade, and have been shown to under-predict NOx by as much as 57%. It is determined through present research and a review of relevant literature that an artificial neural network (ANN) was the most applicable modeling …

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Exploring Influences On Parent Support For Child Physical Activity In West Virginia, Jill A. Nolan Aug 2011

Exploring Influences On Parent Support For Child Physical Activity In West Virginia, Jill A. Nolan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Physical activity enhances child health. On average, boys are more active than girls. The causes of this disparity are not fully known, but are likely due to factors at multiple levels including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy. Further, gender stereotypes that associate males with sports and physical activity behavior may also influence child physical activity. What is known is that girls benefit from physical activity just as boys do, and that parental support for boys' physical activity is generally higher than is parental support for girls. Additionally, parental supportive behavior for childhood physical activity is positively associated with increased …

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Father-Son Family Communication Patterns And Gender Ideologies: A Modeling And Compensation Analysis, Kelly G. Odenweller Aug 2011

Father-Son Family Communication Patterns And Gender Ideologies: A Modeling And Compensation Analysis, Kelly G. Odenweller

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to advance father-son research by investigating family communication and gender ideologies. Specifically, the study assessed the specific messages fathers transmit to sons regarding gender ideologies, relationships between family communication patterns and gender ideologies, and the utility of modeling and compensation hypotheses in intergenerational transmission of these behaviors and ideologies. Finally, this study addressed the association between gender ideologies and global life satisfaction. Fathers (N = 125) completed an online questionnaire to report their living fathers' and their own communication patterns and gender ideologies, as well as their transmission of gender ideologies to their sons. …

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Clinician Detection Of Depression In Late Life, Jeffrey J. Gregg Aug 2011

Clinician Detection Of Depression In Late Life, Jeffrey J. Gregg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Depression in late life is associated with decreased cognitive functioning, increased social and functional impairment, and overall increased mortality. Because of these negative health implications, the accurate assessment of late-life depression is a critical public health issue. Prior research has consistently demonstrated that older adults typically seek and receive mental health services from general medical settings instead of mental health specialty clinics. Unfortunately, many studies have shown that primary care physicians often fail to recognize depression. In addition, older adults are less likely than younger adults to endorse symptoms of sadness or dysphoria. Those with cognitive impairment are also less …

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Effects Of Resveratrol Supplementation On Glycemic Response And Oxidant Status In Moderately Exercised Mature Quarter Horse Geldings, Jennie L. Zambito Aug 2011

Effects Of Resveratrol Supplementation On Glycemic Response And Oxidant Status In Moderately Exercised Mature Quarter Horse Geldings, Jennie L. Zambito

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phytocompound is known to exert numerous health benefits including improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, along with decreased tissue damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). This compound is incorporated in a multitude of supplements targeted to performance horses, yet no research in an athletic equine model has been completed to date. Therefore, this study was performed to test the hypothesis that resveratrol supplementation would improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, while reducing oxidant damage in an exercising model. Six, healthy, fit aged (10.5+/-1.5yr, ~500kg) Quarter Horse geldings were assigned to three treatment groups in a …

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Fragipan Influence On Hydropedological Properties Of Benchmark Soilscapes In West Virginia, John F. Beck Aug 2011

Fragipan Influence On Hydropedological Properties Of Benchmark Soilscapes In West Virginia, John F. Beck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Soil wetness and the interactions between soil and water influence the potential uses of soil and must be considered when making decisions regarding soil use and management. The strategic placement of hydrologic monitoring instrumentation on a benchmark soilscape is critical toward providing the users of soil information with reliable predictability of water movement at the soil-water interface.;A hydropedologically significant study site that satisfies the benchmark soilscape criteria as defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was selected for this research. Because of the high cost of performing investigations and research, benchmark soils are targeted and the information gleaned from …

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Evaluating The Effects Of Morrow's Honeysuckle Control On Vertebrate And Vegetation Assemblages, And Small Mammal Foraging Ecology At Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Charnee Lee Rose Aug 2011

Evaluating The Effects Of Morrow's Honeysuckle Control On Vertebrate And Vegetation Assemblages, And Small Mammal Foraging Ecology At Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Charnee Lee Rose

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Exotic, Japanese bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.; Caprifoliaceae) are tied to a variety of impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) has become a persistent invader in eastern North America. We organized a restoration initiative at Fort Necessity National Battlefield (FONE), Pennsylvania, USA from 2004--2010. Concurrently, we studied the consumption of Morrow's honeysuckle fruits by small mammals from October--November 2009 and July--August 2010, and determined habitat variables that affected visitation rate to foraging stations. Areas of FONE were invaded by Morrow's honeysuckle after the land had been cleared for agriculture, and routine mowing ceased in the mid-1980s. Our restoration …

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Nanocapillary Membrane Devices: A Study In Electrokinetic Transport Phenomena, Jarrod Schiffbauer Aug 2011

Nanocapillary Membrane Devices: A Study In Electrokinetic Transport Phenomena, Jarrod Schiffbauer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is considerable interest in developing micro-total analysis systems, also known as lab-on-a-chip devices, for applications in chemical and biological analysis. These devices often employ electrokinetic transport phenomena to move, mix, concentrate and separate dissolved species. The details of these phenomena in micro- and nanometer scale geometries are not fully understood; consequently, the basic principles of device operation are often unclear. For example, nanocapillary membranes (NCM) and other nanometer-sized passages can exhibit charge-selectivity and rectification effects similar to those observed in biological membranes. This dissertation addresses several issues related to ion transport in these membranes. Leading-order 1D steady-state models for …

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Mathematical Modeling And Analysis Of Epidemiological And Chemical Systems, Calistus N. Ngonghala Aug 2011

Mathematical Modeling And Analysis Of Epidemiological And Chemical Systems, Calistus N. Ngonghala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation focuses on three interdisciplinary areas of applied mathematics, mathematical biology/epidemiology, economic epidemiology and mathematical physics, interconnected by the concepts and applications of dynamical systems.;In mathematical biology/epidemiology, a new deterministic SIS modeling framework for the dynamics of malaria transmission in which the malaria vector population is accounted for at each of its developmental stages is proposed. Rigorous qualitative and quantitative techniques are applied to acquire insights into the dynamics of the model and to identify and study two epidemiological threshold parameters reals* and R0 that characterize disease transmission and prevalence, and that can be used for disease control. It …

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