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Negative Impact Of Noise On The Principal Component Analysis Of Nmr Data, Steven M. Halouska, Robert Powers

Department of Chemistry: Faculty Publications

Principal component analysis (PCA) is routinely applied to the study of NMR based metabolomic data. PCA is used to simplify the examination of complex metabolite mixtures obtained from biological samples that may be composed of hundreds or thousands of chemical components. PCA is primarily used to identify relative changes in the concentration of metabolites to identify trends or characteristics within the NMR data that permits discrimination between various samples that differ in their source or treatment. A common concern with PCA of NMR data is the potential over emphasis of small changes in high concentration metabolites that would over-shadow signifi …

Glucocorticoid Hormone Levels Increase With Group Size And Parasite Load In Cliff Swallows, Samrrah A. Raouf, Linda C. Smith, Mary Bomberger Brown, John C. Wingfield, Charles R. Brown

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Animals often cope with adverse events by releasing glucocorticoid hormones, which in turn promote increased energy assimilation. In captive animals, crowding also leads to increased glucocorticoid activity, probably because of increased levels of social competition. We investigated how group size and ectoparasite infestations affected endogenous levels of the glucocorticoid hormone, corticosterone, in colonial cliff swallows, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, in southwestern Nebraska, USA. Parasites were removed from some colonies by fumigating nests. Baseline levels of corticosterone in breeding adults varied significantly with whether parasites were present, colony size (measured by total number of active nests at a site), and nesting stage. …

A Coprological View Of Ancestral Pueblo Cannibalism Debate Over A Single Fecal Fossil Offers A Cautionary Tale Of The Interplay Between Science And Culture, Karl J. Reinhard

Karl Reinhard Publications

As the object of my scientific study, I’ve chosen coprolites. It’s not a common choice, but to a paleonutritionist and archaeoparasitologist, a coprolite—a sample of ancient feces preserved by mineralization or simple drying—is a scientific bonanza. Analysis of coprolites can shed light on both the nutrition of and parasites found in prehistoric cultures. Dietary reconstructions from the analysis of coprolites can inform us about, for example, the origins of modern Native American diabetes. With regard to parasitology, coprolites hold information about the ancient emergence and spread of human infectious disease. Most sensational, however, is the recent role of coprolite analysis …

Abundance And Distribution Of Selected Elements In Soils, Stream Sediments, And Selected Forage Plants From Desert Tortoise Habitats In The Mojave And Colorado Deserts, Usa, M. A. Chaffee, K. H. Berry

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

A baseline and background chemical survey was conducted in southeastern California, USA, to identify potential sources of toxicants in natural and anthropogenically-altered habitats of the threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Soil, stream sediment, and plant samples were collected from six tortoise habitat study areas in the Mojave and Colorado deserts and analysed for up to 66 different elements. The chemical analyses provided new information on the abundances and distributions of selected elements in this region. Soil, stream-sediment, and plant analyses showed distinct variations in bulk chemistries from locality to locality. Variations were, in general, consistent with the many …

Landscape Context Mediates Influence Of Local Food Abundance On Wetland Use By Wintering Shorebirds In An Agricultural Valley, Oriane W. Taft, Susan M. Haig

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

While it is widely understood that local abundance of benthic invertebrates can greatly influence the distribution and abundance of wetland birds, no studies have examined if wetland landscape context can mediate this relationship. We studied the influence of wetland food abundance and landscape context on use of agricultural wetlands by wintering dunlin (Calidris alpina) and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA, over two winters (1999–2000, 2000–2001) of differing rainfall and subsequent habitat distribution. We monitored bird use (frequency of occurrence and abundance) at a sample of wetlands differing in local food abundance …

Environmental Contaminants In Fish And Their Associated Risk To Piscivorous Wildlife In The Yukon River Basin, Alaska, Jo Ellen Hinck, Christopher J. Schmitt, Kathy R. Echols, Tom W. May, Carl E. Orazio, Donald E. Tillitt

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Organochlorine chemical residues and elemental contaminants were measured in northern pike (Esox lucius), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), and burbot (Lota lota) from 10 sites in the Yukon River Basin (YRB) during 2002. Contaminant concentrations were compared to historical YRB data and to toxicity thresholds for fish and piscivorous wildlife from the scientific literature. A risk analysis was conducted to screen for potential hazards to piscivorous wildlife for contaminants that exceeded literature-based toxicity thresholds. Concentrations of total DDT (sum of p,p¢-homologs; 1.09–13.6 ng/g), total chlordane (0.67–7.5 ng/g), dieldrin (<0.16–0.6 ng/g), toxaphene (<11–34 ng/g), total PCBs (<20– 87 ng/g), TCDD-EQ (<1.7 pg/g), arsenic (0.03–1.95 lg/g), cadmium (<0.02–0.12 lg/g), copper (0.41–1.49 lg/g), and lead (<0.21–0.27 lg/g) did not exceed toxicity thresholds for growth and reproduction in YRB fish. Concentrations of mercury (0.08–0.65 lg/g), selenium (0.23–0.85 lg/g), and zinc (11–56 lg/g) exceeded toxicity thresholds in one or more samples and were included in the risk analysis for piscivorous wildlife. No effect hazard concentrations (NEHCs) and low effect hazard concentrations (LEHCs), derived from literaturebased toxicity reference values and avian and mammalian life history parameters, were calculated for mercury, selenium, and zinc. Mercury concentrations in YRB fish exceeded the NEHCs for all bird and small mammal models, which indicated that mercury concentrations in fish may represent a risk to piscivorous wildlife throughout the YRB. Low risk to piscivorous wildlife was associated with selenium and zinc concentrations in YRB fish. Selenium and zinc concentrations exceeded the NEHCs and LEHCs for only the small bird model. These results indicate that mercury should continue to be monitored and assessed in Alaskan fish and wildlife.

Dinsdale Family Luncheon, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

Today we celebrate and honor the 2006 recipients of the Dinsdale Family Faculty Awards, made possible by the generosity of the Dinsdale family.

Aglec Advisory Council Meeting, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

Thank you for inviting me to be with you today to discuss one of my favorite topics - education and the terrifically talented young people who come to study with us in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, or CASNR, in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nebraska Hall Of Agricultural Achievement Dinner, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

It is my pleasure to be with you tonight celebrating the accomplishments of these wonderful and worthy new additions to the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to help recognize these individuals so deserving of their honors. What a pleasure to say, “well done and thank you” to people who make such significant contributions to the world, who live their lives meaningfully in the way they choose to put their talents and energies to work.

Omtvedt Innovation Award Presented To Marilyn Fox, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

It is such a pleasure to honor innovation and strength in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources today through this 2006 Omtvedt Innovation Award. This award is made possible because of the generosity of Leone and the late Neal Harlan, great friends of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Harlans had the vision and the foresight to realize the importance of recognizing and supporting outstanding and innovative work in the Institute, and honored Irv Omtvedt on his retirement as Vice Chancellor of the Institute with a generous gift of funds to support the Omtvedt Innovation Awards. These …

Tannerella Forsythia, A Periodontal Pathogen Entering The Genomic Era, Anne C. R. Tanner, Jacques Izard

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Several questions need to be addressed to evaluate whether Tannerella forsythia is to be considered a periodontal pathogen. T. forsythia has been detected in periodontal health and disease, so could it be a pathogen? The species was not detected in many studies despite finding other putative pathogens, so could it be important in pathogenicity? The challenges of working with T. forsythia include its fastidious and anaerobic growth requirements for cultural detection. Thus, studies associating T. forsythia with periodontal and other oral infections have used noncultural approaches (immunoassays and DNA-based assays) in addition to cultural approaches. We feel …

Nutrient Uptake Of Maize Affected By Nitrogen And Potassium Fertility In A Humid Subtropical Environment, H. Arnold Bruns, M. Wayne Ebelhar

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertility management of maize (Zea mays L.) in the humid subtropical Mississippi Delta may differ from a temperate climate because of its use in rotation with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), soil temperatures rarely falling to 0 °C, and heavy winter rains that facilitate nutrient losses. An experiment to determine the [N] (concentration = [ ]), phosphorus [P], [K], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], and copper [Cu] and their total contents plant^-1 of maize grown in rotation with cotton, using N fertility levels of (134, 179, 224, 269, …

International Shipping Of Fumonisins From Maize Extracts On C18 Sorbent, R. T. Riley, O. A. Torres, E. Palencia

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Fumonisins are mycotoxins found in maize. In developing countries, the resources required for analysis are often lacking, and the shipping of maize between countries can be difficult since the importation of plant materials requires permits/ inspection to prevent the entry of pests that frequently infest maize. A simple, safe and legal method for shipping maize extracts to the USA was needed to conduct a survey of fumonisins in Central America. The objective was to develop a method for isolating and shipping maize extracts for fumonisin analysis so as to facilitate a survey of fumonisin exposure. The results indicate that fumonisins …

Genetic Variation Among Canada Wildrye Accessions From Midwest Usa Remnant Prairies For Biomass Yield And Other Traits, Kenneth P. Vogel, A. A. Hopkins, K. J. Moore, K. D. Johnson, I. T. Carlson

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis L.) and Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus L.), which are native to the USA, were collected from remnant Midwest prairies. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability among the collected accessions for biomass yield and other traits, determine the extent of genotype 3 environment interactions for these traits across Midwest environments, and to determine the relationship between the geographical location of the collection site and evaluation sites for these accessions for plant biomass yield which can be used as a measure of adaptation. Seed collected from six Midwest states was bulked …

A Mathematical Model For The Validation Of Safe Air-Blast Chilling Of Cooked Hams, L. J. Wang, A Amézquita, Curtis L. Weller

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

An integrated mathematical model of heat transfer and temperature-dependent bacterial growth was developed to validate the safety of cooked hams during air-blast chilling. Heat transfer through a cooked ham was mathematically modeled and analyzed with a finite element method. Response of bacteria to temperatures was quantitatively described using predictive microbiology. The cumulative effect of temperature history on the bacterial growth was taken into account in the model. For chilling cooked hams from 71°C to 10°C, the maximum error between the predicted and experimental core temperature was within 2.2°C, and the deviation between the predicted and measured total weight losses was …

Changes In Demersal Wild Fish Aggregations Beneath A Sea-Cage Fish Farm After The Cessation Of Farming, Fernando Tuya, Pablo Sanchez-Jerez, Tim Dempster, Arturo Boyra, Ricardo Haroun

School of Natural Sciences Publications

Demersal, non-cryptic, wild fish were counted in replicate 100 m2 transects beneath a floating sea-cage fish farm and two nearby sandy locations at Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, eastern Atlantic) four times before and after the cessation of farming. Cessation of farming involved the removal of farmed fish and ceasing of the daily feeding, although farm structures (cages and moorings) remained. A “beyond-BACI” sampling design provided the framework to detect the effect of the cessation of farming, which produced qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition and structure of the fish assemblages beneath the sea-cage fish farm compared with two nearby …

A Comparison Of Nurses' Clinical Judgement And The Short Form-Mini Nutritional Assessment Tool In Assessing The Nutritional Status Of Older Patients In An Acute Clinical Setting, Roger Shreeve

Theses : Honours

Decreased nutritional status of older hospitalised patients has been identified as a significant problem. The prevalence of malnutrition in older people has been reported to be between 17% and 65% in acute hospital settings. This has led to the recognition of a need for a valid instrument to adequately assess nutritional status. Tools developed to date still require much time and expertise to implement, limiting their use within the practical setting. Nurses are in an ideal position to conduct nutritional assessments. They possess clinical knowledge which can be utilised to provide individualised and timely assessment. To. date, the literature does …

The Effects Of Divorce On Children And Interventions For All Members Of The Family Unit, Laurie Arieux

Honors Program Theses

ln 1989 more than 1 million children, on average, were affected by divorce in the United States and this number has risen to over 40% of the population under 18 in recent years (Amato & Keith, 1991 a). The assumption is that this number will continue to grow. When one considers that there are also parents who suffer from these stresses the number grows substantially into something worthy of much consideration. With so many people being affected by this growing trend the desire to understand the differences it has on families is growing. Divorce changes children in many ways including …

Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Tissue Culture: Type Of Contamination And Improvement Of Disinfestation Techniques, Mouza Nasser Al-Shamisi

Theses

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered one of the most important economic supports for the agricultural sector. Propagation of date palm by offshoots cannot satisfy the increasing demand of date palm trees, and high propagation rate can only be achieved using tissue culture techniques. However, one of the major problems of this technique is the failure of producing aseptic cultures, yielding to the loss of the explants at the initiation phase.

The objectives of this study were to develop a reliable disinfection technique of date palm explants at the initiation …

Mennonite College Of Nursing Annual Report, 2005-2006, Mennonite College Of Nursing

Annual Reports - Mennonite College of Nursing

Annual report of the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University

Income Distribution And Poverty In Nevada, David R. Dickens Jr., Christina Morales

Social Health of Nevada Reports

In his famous visit to the U.S. early in the nineteenth century, the French observer Alexis de Tocqueville was surprised by what he saw as “an equality of condition” in his travels around the country. Although he commented on the existence of wealth in the new nation, he was impressed by what he saw as its relative lack of concentration (de Tocqueville 1969). Recent studies by social historians, however, suggest that de Tocqueville was mistaken. In their examination of tax forms, old census documents, and probate records, these scholars document a high degree of inequality, particularly wealth inequality (Hurst 2004). …

Aging Trends And Challenges In Nevada, Jennifer Reid Keene, Kathryn Mcclain

Social Health of Nevada Reports

Societal aging is one of the most important social trends of the 21 st century. It affects our political, social, and economic institutions and also the nature of our interpersonal and family relationships (Quadagno 2005). In the coming decades, both as individuals and as a society, we will have to make important decisions regarding the consequences of our aging population. Policy makers, families, businesses, local, state, and federal governments, health care providers will all be faced with the challenges of meeting the needs of the growing older population in the U.S. and in Nevada.

Religious And Denominational Problems In Nevada, Noel Tiano

Social Health of Nevada Reports

Ever since the earliest civilizations, humans have sought to make sense of their relationship with other beings, the universe, and the unknown through religious beliefs and practices. Shamans and healers interpreted phenomena for their followers, nuns cared for the sick and dying, ministers spearheaded anti-slavery movements, and religious activists joined campaigns for prison reform, worked for charitable organizations, and promoted novel educational institutions. Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Dalai Lama and other world leaders with strong religious convictions have shown us what love in action means

Low Back Pain In Police Officers, Jennifer Gwyn Arts

Masters Theses

Low back pain (LBP) is something that police officers deal with on a daily basis. The purpose of this research was to explore whether police officers have a higher incidence of LBP than the general population and to explore what factors officers believe contribute to the LBP they experience. Surveys were made available to all police departments in Kent County and all sworn officers were asked to participate. The difference between LBP experienced by police officers (60.2%) and that experienced by the general population (60-90%) was not found to be significant. The top two answers given by officers as to …

Inside Unlv, Shane Bevell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Prenatal Care And Infant Mortality In Nevada, Cynthia C. Huth, Phil Nowak, Chuck Duarte

Social Health of Nevada Reports

Prenatal care, also known as antepartum care, refers to the health services that a pregnant woman receives before a baby’s birth. Health care providers know from numerous studies that prenatal care is important because potential problems that may endanger the mother or her baby may be discovered and treated prior to birth. In many cases, potential problems can be prevented altogether. Because of this, it is important that the pregnant woman not only begins prenatal care early, but also receives continuous care throughout her pregnancy. The preconception (before pregnancy) care is also an important factor affecting the future mother’s and …

Diseases Prevalence And Behavioral Choices In Nevada, Mary Guinan, Chad L. Cross, Lawrence Sands

Social Health of Nevada Reports

Determining the health of a state population is a complex task. It involves knowing at least the prevalence of various diseases and conditions as well as the leading causes of death and disability compared to a national mean or median. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Since health is affected by numerous social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors, these factors must also be considered when examining the health status of a population. All attempts to rank states in health are limited …

Shifting Gears: A Workshop To Increase Well Being In Older Adults Residing In Congregate Housing, Amanda Haboush

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Many adults who are moving into the later stages of life have difficulties transitioning into a new lifestyle including the move into congregate housing. This lack of a well-adjusted mental transition could lead to mental disorders or health problems, if not addressed. To attend to this concern, the current program was designed to educate older adults residing in congregate housing about basic coping strategies for common stressors; Results of the study indicated that there were no significant changes from pre to post treatment measures. These results may be explained by an insufficient sample size and to overall pre-treatments scores indicating …

Parental Perception Of Pediatric Obesity, Mary Hackie

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Pediatric obesity is a growing problem with potential for lifelong physical, emotional, and social implications. Professional nurses have a moral imperative to be concerned about pediatric obesity. Because nursing theorist Barnard considers parent and child to be an interactive system, it is essential that nurses begin by assessing the parental perception of their child's weight. Only after a parent recognizes their obese child's weight as a problem can nursing successfully intervene and assist the child; The purpose of this replication study was to assess parental perception of their obese 2-5 year old children in Southern Nevada. The sample consisted of …

Parental Substance Abuse And Child Neglect: Development Of A Treatment Manual, Valeria I Romero

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The maltreatment of children is a devastating social problem in the United States. Many researchers and child welfare workers believe the recent increase in child neglect is directly correlated to an increase in parental substance abuse. There is a strong relationship between child neglect and parental substance abuse, however there are limited treatments that address both issues simultaneously. The present study developed a Family Behavior Therapy treatment manual and preliminarily evaluated the credibility and client satisfaction of the interventions with a family referred by Clark County Family Services. The manual is based on existing published manuals, one of which is …