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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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Response Of Clonal Genotypes Of Juncus Effusus L. To Different Environmental Regimes, Daniel Benjamin Stover Aug 2005

Response Of Clonal Genotypes Of Juncus Effusus L. To Different Environmental Regimes, Daniel Benjamin Stover

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A genetic tradeoff is hypothesized between resource use efficiency (RUE) and resource acquisition rate (RAR) in that it is impossible for selection to maximize both traits. In low-resource environments, RUE is expected to be favored while in high-resource environments RAR will be maximized. Growth rates and allocations of reciprocally transplanted clonal genotypes of J. effusus from differing nitrogen and elevation sites were examined. High-nitrogen populations outperformed their low-nitrogen counterparts, which were more nitrogen efficient. Plants originating from high-elevation sites grew larger irrespective of transplant environment. Elevation appears to be the dominant factor on biomass, nutrient allocation and growth at high …

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Reservoir Characterization Using Intelligent Seismic Inversion, F. Emre Artun Aug 2005

Reservoir Characterization Using Intelligent Seismic Inversion, F. Emre Artun

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Integrating different types of data having different scales is the major challenge in reservoir characterization studies. Seismic data is among those different types of data, which is usually used by geoscientists for structural mapping of the subsurface and making interpretations of the reservoir's facies distribution. Yet, it has been a common aim of geoscientists to incorporate seismic data in high-resolution reservoir description through a process called seismic inversion.;In this study, an intelligent seismic inversion methodology is presented to achieve a desirable correlation between relatively low-frequency seismic signals, and the much higher frequency wireline-log data. Vertical seismic profile (VSP) is used …

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Communication Patterns Following The Acquisition Of A Sexually Transmitted Infection, Courtney Vail Fletcher Aug 2005

Communication Patterns Following The Acquisition Of A Sexually Transmitted Infection, Courtney Vail Fletcher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the relationship between personality traits and communication patterns following the contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Participants were 148 college students (46 men, 104 women) attending a large Mid-Atlantic University. Seventy-four of the participants reported having had an STI. Participants completed the Communication Competence Scale (Wiemann, 1977), the Interpersonal Trust Scale (ITS: Rotter, 1967), the Revised Self-Disclosure Scale (Wheeless & Grotz, 1976), the conscientious factor of the NEO Personality Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1992), the Health Locus of Control Scale (Wallston, Wallston, Kaplan, & Maides, 1976), and the interpersonal anxiety factor of the Personal Report of …

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Perception Of Safety And Usability Of Powered Hand Tools, Mun-Su Seol Aug 2005

Perception Of Safety And Usability Of Powered Hand Tools, Mun-Su Seol

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this research was to identify the relationship between powered hand tool design features and risk and usability perception. The general goal of this research was to provide information that will help in the design of tools that do not create inaccurate impressions of safety or usability.;Safety and usability perception evaluations were conducted to identify which factors influence on user's safety and usability perception. Orthogonal view images of three categories of powered hand tools were developed and deployed at the web for their evaluation. One hundred and one subjects participated in this research. The estimated injury data (2001 …

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Does Peripheral Concentration Of Progesterone Affect Ovulation And Lambing Rates In Barbados Blackbelly Ewes?, Ezra Devonish Aug 2005

Does Peripheral Concentration Of Progesterone Affect Ovulation And Lambing Rates In Barbados Blackbelly Ewes?, Ezra Devonish

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The hypothesis that concentration of progesterone influences number of follicles that mature during estrus, and thus ovulation rate, was tested in cycling ewes. Ewes were assigned at random to three treatments, and bred at estrus after treatment. Ewes in low (LP) and high (HP) groups received exogenous progesterone from day 4 to 14; control ewes (MP) were untreated. The LP ewes were given PGF2alpha on day 6 to regress corpora lutea (CL). Numbers of follicles and CL were observed by transrectal ultrasonography. Fewer follicles disappeared at estrus in ewes on HP than in MP or LP. Ewes on LP had …

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Trout Movement And Habitat Use In The Upper Shavers Fork Of The Cheat River, West Virginia, Jeff Lee Hansbarger Aug 2005

Trout Movement And Habitat Use In The Upper Shavers Fork Of The Cheat River, West Virginia, Jeff Lee Hansbarger

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

I quantified brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) movement and habitat use in a central Appalachian watershed, the upper Shavers Fork of the Cheat River over three seasons (spring/summer 2000-01, fall 2000) with telemetry. The objectives of my study were to: (1) quantify trout habitat use among seasons, and between the mainstem and Rocky Run (a major tributary), (2) quantify the effect of temperature extremes on habitat use by brook trout, (3) quantify trout movement among seasons and between the mainstem and Rocky Run, and (4) relate movement to variations in stream flow, water temperature, and access …

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Post Retention With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate And Accelerated Portland Cement, Pamela P. Harrington Aug 2005

Post Retention With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate And Accelerated Portland Cement, Pamela P. Harrington

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Perforations occurring during post placement are problematic. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is slow to set. A trial demonstrated that CaCl2 accelerated the set of Portland cement. Forty single-rooted teeth were sectioned, treated with endodontic therapy and post prepared. The first group contained 20 teeth, evaluated at 72 hours. MTA, Portland cement with 10% CaCl2, 15% CaCl2 and zinc phosphate were used as post cements. The second group was evaluated at 28 days. The posts were cemented with either MTA or zinc phosphate. Instron mechanical testing was used to determine forces needed for post dislodgement. The 72 hour group showed statistically …

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Fabrication Of Resonant Optical Waveguide Biosensors Using Electron Gun Depositions, Timothy Allen Cornell Aug 2005

Fabrication Of Resonant Optical Waveguide Biosensors Using Electron Gun Depositions, Timothy Allen Cornell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Biosensors are used to connect the chemical and physical worlds through the use of a transducer, allowing for quick detection of numerous biological agents. A new biosensor being developed, the resonant optical waveguide biosensor, uses power transfer between two optical waveguides to detect the presence of an antigen. The condition for power transfer is extremely sensitive to changes in index of refraction and allows the biosensor to have a high sensitivity to the antigen presence. Given the high sensitivity of the device, a high degree of accuracy in index of refraction and thickness is required from the fabrication process.;Fabrication of …

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Performance Analysis Of Iris Based Recognition System At The Matching Score Level, Manasi V. Ketkar Aug 2005

Performance Analysis Of Iris Based Recognition System At The Matching Score Level, Manasi V. Ketkar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Over the past three years, iris based personal identification has gained considerable attention both from research groups and government organizations. Public acceptance of this biometric grew substantially too. Modern cameras used for iris acquisition are less intrusive compared to earlier iris scanning devices and public awareness of system reliability is slowly developing. A typical iris system consists of four major subsystems: (i) image acquisition, (ii) preprocessing, (iii) encoding, (iv) decision making. Most current research is focused on redesigning preprocessing and encoding techniques for iris systems. However, a framework for comprehensive analysis of iris recognition systems or a study on how …

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Propagation And Field Assessment Of West Virginia Native Species For Roadside Revegetation, Sarah B. Wennerberg Aug 2005

Propagation And Field Assessment Of West Virginia Native Species For Roadside Revegetation, Sarah B. Wennerberg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Road construction removes vegetation from roadside slopes, making them susceptible to erosion and non-native plant introductions. Erosion Sediment Control (ESC) practices can reduce the annual loss of soil by as much as 100 cubic yards per acre and be cost beneficial. ESC includes using plant species that can germinate and survive on reconstructed areas. In West Virginia, the Division of Highways (WVDoH), uses plant species that are not native, and sometimes invasive, to revegetate newly constructed roadsides. This activity contributes to the growing problem of increased non-native and invasive species in our landscape.;This research investigated the potential use of five …

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Personality Factors And Other Predictors Of Academic Success In Medical Students, T. Anne Hawkins Aug 2005

Personality Factors And Other Predictors Of Academic Success In Medical Students, T. Anne Hawkins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the relationship between objectively derived personality characteristics of West Virginia University medical students and their rate of retention and attrition in medical school. Personality trait characteristics are assessed using the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF, 5 th edition). Relationships between student reported race, gender, age, undergraduate cumulative grade point average, undergraduate cumulative science grade point average, Medical School Admission Test scores, and retention and attrition rates were also examined. Graduation status and academic quartile ranking were used to measure outcome. Chi-Square and ANOVA procedures were used to test the research hypotheses.

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Stationary Phase Induction Of Rpos In Enteric Bacteria, Matthew Louis Hirsch Aug 2005

Stationary Phase Induction Of Rpos In Enteric Bacteria, Matthew Louis Hirsch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In enteric bacteria, stress adaptation is mediated by the RpoS protein, one of several sigma-factors that, in association with RNA polymerase, collectively allow a tailored transcriptional response to environmental cues. Stress stimuli including low temperature, osmotic shock, and starvation all result in a substantial increase in RpoS abundance. Perhaps the most pronounced affect is observed during growth to stationary phase (SP) in rich medium. The mechanism of regulation depends on the specific signal, but may occur at the level of transcription, translation, protein activity or targeted proteolysis. In both Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica cultured in rich undefined medium, the …

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Development Of Improved T Cell Receptor Beta Variable Gene Identification Technology And Its Application Post Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Jamie Leigh Brewer Aug 2005

Development Of Improved T Cell Receptor Beta Variable Gene Identification Technology And Its Application Post Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Jamie Leigh Brewer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Much has yet to be understood about the role of specific families of T lymphocytes in the post human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant environment. Prior work in the field has identified T cells based upon the expression of their T cell receptor beta variable regions (TCRBV). In this investigation we developed a comprehensive panel of oligonucleotides that can be used to determine the expression of all 91 alleles of the human TCRBV regions using real time PCR technology. Application of this technology to peripheral blood samples collected weekly from allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant patients yielded the following …

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The Effect Of Low And High Fertility Treatments On Soil Quality, Yields, Pest Incidence And Labor Requirements Of A Post-Transitional Organic Market Garden System, Todd Bradley Childers Aug 2005

The Effect Of Low And High Fertility Treatments On Soil Quality, Yields, Pest Incidence And Labor Requirements Of A Post-Transitional Organic Market Garden System, Todd Bradley Childers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In a two-year study, eight vegetable crops were grown as part of a certified organic four-year crop rotation. High input plots received off-farm composted cow manure and cover crops, and low input plots were managed with the use of cover crops only. High input plots produced higher yields than low input plots in all crops, except peas, which yielded higher in low input plots. Soil organic matter levels were significantly higher in the high input than the low input plots and increased from 2003 to 2004 in both treatments. Available soil phosphorus levels in the high input plots were excessive, …

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The Effectiveness Of Valdecoxib On Post-Endodontic Pain, Lora Beth Ford Aug 2005

The Effectiveness Of Valdecoxib On Post-Endodontic Pain, Lora Beth Ford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pain is often associated with teeth that need endodontic therapy. This pain results from inflammation. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are useful in managing acute post-operative dental pain. NSAIDS specific for only blocking the COX-2 enzyme cause less stomach irritation and bleeding. The purpose of this clinical study was to determine if pre-operative administration of valdecoxib would significantly reduce post-endodontic pain, when compared to ibuprofen. Sixteen patients were evaluated. The patients consented to a random, one-time, pre-operative oral administration of either 600 mg ibuprofen or 20 mg valdecoxib. Each patient rated their pain on a visual analog scale at initial, immediately after, …

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Controls, Characterization And Small Scale Chemical Variations Of A Karst System: A Geochemical Assessment Of Tuscarora Creek Watershed, West Virginia, Rachel V. Grand Aug 2005

Controls, Characterization And Small Scale Chemical Variations Of A Karst System: A Geochemical Assessment Of Tuscarora Creek Watershed, West Virginia, Rachel V. Grand

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tuscarora Creek watershed is located in the Appalachian Great Valley in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Thirteen springs and seven creek locations were sampled to evaluate spatial and temporal variability in major ion geochemistry. The controlling chemical signature was carbonate dissolution; distinctions could not be made between carbonate units and little evidence was seen for the recharge from adjacent clastic rocks. The springs in the upper watershed had greater temporal variability that may be due to enhanced transmissivity associated with a creek-parallel thrust fault. Discharge data indicate the creek is supplied directly from ground water (>50%) as well as from …

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Effects Of Elevated Temperature On Panax Quinquefolius Ecophysiology And Pharmacological Activity On Human Breast Mcf-7 Carcinoma Cells, Gera M. Jochum Aug 2005

Effects Of Elevated Temperature On Panax Quinquefolius Ecophysiology And Pharmacological Activity On Human Breast Mcf-7 Carcinoma Cells, Gera M. Jochum

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increased temperatures associated with climate change on an understory medicinal herb, Panax quinquefolius. Three-year old P. quinquefolius were grown in a greenhouse at low (25°C day/20°C night) or elevated (30°C/25°C) temperatures for one growing season. Elevated temperatures decreased photosynthesis and accelerated leaf senescence. At the end of the growing season, biomass was detrimentally affected by increased temperatures; yet the concentration of root ginsenosides, secondary metabolites thought to be the primary pharmacological components, was higher in plants grown in the elevated temperature treatment than in plants grown in the low …

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The Biological Control Potential Of Cryphonectria Parasitica Strains Containing An Infectious Cdna Copy Of Hypovirus Chv1-Euro7, William R. Rittenour Aug 2005

The Biological Control Potential Of Cryphonectria Parasitica Strains Containing An Infectious Cdna Copy Of Hypovirus Chv1-Euro7, William R. Rittenour

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Transmissible hypovirulence has not become established in most areas of North America as it has in Europe where it has been associated with increased biological control of chestnut blight. Transgenic strains of Cryphonectria parasitica provide several mechanisms that may improve biological control. This study was designed to evaluate whether transgenic C. parasitica strains containing a cDNA transgene encoding the viral genome of CHV1-Euro7 show greater potential to biologically control blight than their cytoplasmically infected counterparts. Three treatments were employed that compared: transgenic hypovirulent strains (TG), cytoplasmic hypovirulent strains (CH), and virulent strains (V). Two types of cankers were initiated in …

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A Comparison Of The Growth And Asexual Reproduction By Cryphonectria Parasitica Isolates Infected With Hypoviruses Via Anastomosis And Transfection, Jenise M. Bauman Aug 2005

A Comparison Of The Growth And Asexual Reproduction By Cryphonectria Parasitica Isolates Infected With Hypoviruses Via Anastomosis And Transfection, Jenise M. Bauman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Transfection is an alternative laboratory method of hypovirus transmission that can be used to create hypovirulent strains. Results from a preliminary study at West Virginia University in 1998-99 indicated that recovery of hypovirulent isolates was similar between CHV1-infected anastomosed and transfected isolates. The objective of this research was to compare the two hypovirus acquisition methods in three experiments. The first study confirmed the performance of anastomosed and transfected isolates tested in a 1998-99 field study. In addition to the isolates previously evaluated, a third set of isolates containing CHV3-County Line was included. The size of cankers and the reisolation of …

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Periplasmic Flagella Of The Spirochetes Borrelia Burgdorferi And Brachyspira Hyodysenteriae, Melanie S. Sal May 2005

Periplasmic Flagella Of The Spirochetes Borrelia Burgdorferi And Brachyspira Hyodysenteriae, Melanie S. Sal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Spirochetes are unique bacteria that cause a variety of diseases. Motility, provided by periplasmic flagella (PFs), is a virulence factor for spirochetes. This work focuses on PFs from Borrelia burgdorferi and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. PFs consist of three main parts: basal body, hook, and filament. Monoclonal antibodies were developed to attempt identification of individual FlaB filament proteins in B. hyodysenteriae .;The PF filament of B. burgdorferi consists of a major flagellin, FlaB, and a minor flagellin, FlaA. FlaB constitutes 10-14%, whereas FlaA contributes less than 0.5%, of total cellular protein. Although these flagellins co-precipitate, the location of FlaA on a PF …

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Feminist And Masculine Values And Their Effects On Female Managerial Positions In Nonprofit And Corporate Public Relations, Sarah E. Thomas May 2005

Feminist And Masculine Values And Their Effects On Female Managerial Positions In Nonprofit And Corporate Public Relations, Sarah E. Thomas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study examines the rise of executive women in public relations in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. The focus of this study was on feminist and masculine values and their effects on female executives. A survey of 121 female executives from the corporate, nonprofit, and agency settings was conducted to analyze their views on feminist and masculine values in public relations and their effects on managerial positions. Results indicated that women who place greater value on masculine traits are more likely to obtain management positions in the corporate sector. Those who place greater value on feminist values do not …

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Schemas, Jennifer G. Yerdon May 2005

Schemas, Jennifer G. Yerdon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The work included in my MFA thesis exhibition entitled Schemas, represent the relationship that objects have to the body via perception. They become a map of understanding that is at once the object and the experience of that things objectness. Strategically composed this experience is translated into texture, color, and pattern. In this thesis statement I will address how we understand objects in the world and the importance of our interaction with said objects. In addition I will discuss the map like processes that I employ to create these works. I will also discuss the influential artists and writing that …

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Functional Mri Of Rat Kidney Using Bold & Asl Techniques, Rajesh K. Garugu May 2005

Functional Mri Of Rat Kidney Using Bold & Asl Techniques, Rajesh K. Garugu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Noninvasive functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods may provide new ways to detect and track renal hemodynamic changes in-vivo. In this thesis, two fMRI methods were correlated with simultaneous invasive hemodynamic measurements. A particular goal of this thesis was to measure the relative contributions of oxygenation and perfusion changes to changes in the relaxation rate, T2*. Also, an MRI compatible motion detector was built and along with the invasive probes was interfaced to a data acquisition system for use during scanning. Drug-induced changes in renal oxygenation and blood flow were measured by BOLD- & ASL-MRI noninvasively, while a dual oxygenation/perfusion …

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Lamb And Wool Production In An Organic Farming System, Christopher Kiptanui Ruto May 2005

Lamb And Wool Production In An Organic Farming System, Christopher Kiptanui Ruto

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A study to evaluate lamb production under organic management was carried out in 2003 and 2004 at the West Virginia University Organic Research Farm. About 0.93 ha of tall fescue-orchard grass-red clover grassland was assigned to three blocks based on soil type, slope and previous treatment. Each block was divided into two main plots and assigned the following treatments: One was fertilized with compost while the other received no fertilizer. Two groups of sheep under organic management were rotationally grazed on the plots; one group on the plots with compost (high input) and the other on the plots with no …

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Development Of Constant-Time Correlated Spectroscopy On A 3t Clinical Mri/Mrs Scanner, Srilatha Ainala May 2005

Development Of Constant-Time Correlated Spectroscopy On A 3t Clinical Mri/Mrs Scanner, Srilatha Ainala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is widely used both as a fundamental research technique, as well as diagnostic tool in medical research providing unique information about the metabolites. In this thesis, we report our work on the development of novel localized constant-time correlated Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic technique for resolving the overlapping metabolites and also to improve the quantification strategies. The new sequence was implemented on a GE 3T MRI/MRS scanner. The underlying spin dynamics is discussed for a two-spin ½ system with a J coupling. We demonstrate the coherence transfer to cross peaks and diagonal peaks by changing the constant time. …

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Localized Double-Quantum Filtered Correlated Spectroscopy On 3t Mri/Mrs Scanner, Senthil Ramamurthy May 2005

Localized Double-Quantum Filtered Correlated Spectroscopy On 3t Mri/Mrs Scanner, Senthil Ramamurthy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Standard localized magnetic resonance spectroscopic sequences employ single quantum coherences for excitation and detection. This results in a complex spectra containing large number of resonances. In this thesis we have developed a novel volume localized spectroscopic technique that excites multiple quantum coherences in coupled spin clusters (metabolites) and then reconvert them into single quantum coherences for detection. This results in filtering of uncoupled resonances and also suppresses water with high efficiency. The resulting spectra is reduced in complexity due to the absence of uncoupled resonances.;The technique has been developed in volume localized mode and implemented on a 3T scanner. The …

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Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction Of The Upper Mississippian Reynolds Limestone In The Central Appalachian Basin Of West Virginia, Simon L. Cole Iii May 2005

Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction Of The Upper Mississippian Reynolds Limestone In The Central Appalachian Basin Of West Virginia, Simon L. Cole Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Upper Mississippian strata in West Virginia, southern Pennsylvania, and western Maryland are predominantly composed of interbedded limestones and shales. The focus of this study, the Reynolds Limestone, is a formal member of the lower part of the Bluefield Formation, in the Mauch Chunk Group, of the Chesterian Series.;This research addresses fades changes in terms of sea level fluctuations and basinal settings during the deposition of the Reynolds Limestone. Specifically, this research consists of the measurement and description of the seven field localities and thin section analysis of carbonate units within the identified study interval.;Primary objectives were to determine the …

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Channel Development On Unreclaimed Surface Mines In The Beaver Creek Watershed, Tucker County, West Virginia, Wendy Dawn Igo May 2005

Channel Development On Unreclaimed Surface Mines In The Beaver Creek Watershed, Tucker County, West Virginia, Wendy Dawn Igo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Surface mining has impacted channels in the Beaver Creek watershed of Tucker County, West Virginia. Three streams located in areas with similar geology, topography, climate, and mining disturbances were assessed to define similarities in channel development. Soil properties, vegetation coverage, bank stability, and geomorphology were quantified to determine dominant controls on stream form and process.;Streams were unstable and readjusting as evident by inconsistent width-depth ratios, bank instabilities, variable channel gradients, knickpoints, channel incisions, and erosive channels. Dominant controls on channel form were gradient alteration, bank failures, and vegetation coverage. Six classifications of channel types were established.;Without human intervention, instabilities in …

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Comparative Seed Dispersal, Seedling Establishment And Growth Of Exotic, Invasive Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle And Native Liriodendron Tulipifera (L.), Nathan L. Kota May 2005

Comparative Seed Dispersal, Seedling Establishment And Growth Of Exotic, Invasive Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle And Native Liriodendron Tulipifera (L.), Nathan L. Kota

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (tree of heaven) is an exotic species from China that was intentionally introduced as an urban ornamental species but has since become naturalized throughout much of the U.S. This pioneer species appears poised to invade rural areas as current rates of human-induced forest disturbance lower dispersal barriers and increase available habitat, especially in eastern forests, where it will compete with pioneer native trees such as Liriodendron tulipifera (L.) (yellow poplar). To compare the invasion potential of exotic A. altissima and native L. tulipifera, my research focused on two objectives. First, I investigated characteristics that influence dispersal …

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Distribution And Habitat Use Of The Crystal Darter ( Crystallaria Asprella) And Spotted Darter (Etheostoma Maculatum ) In The Elk River, West Virginia, Elizabeth A. Osier May 2005

Distribution And Habitat Use Of The Crystal Darter ( Crystallaria Asprella) And Spotted Darter (Etheostoma Maculatum ) In The Elk River, West Virginia, Elizabeth A. Osier

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Crystal darters (Crystallaria asprella) and spotted darters (Etheostoma maculatum) have disjunct distributions within the Mississippi River drainage. In West Virginia, both species are restricted to a single drainage (the Elk River). Little information exists on the distribution and habitat use of crystal and spotted darters in the Elk River. I surveyed the Elk River between Sutton and Charleston, West Virginia, and documented distributions of crystal and spotted darters, as well as habitat use and habitat availability data. Two crystal darters were collected during 20 sampling occasions from 2002 to 2004. Spotted darters were documented at 9 sites; habitat use data …

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