Digital Commons Network^™

Sensitivity Of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (Modis) Terrestrial Primary Production To The Accuracy Of Meteorological Reanalyses, Maosheng Zhao, Steven W. Running, Ramakrishna R. Nemani

Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences Faculty Publications

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board NASA's satellites, Terra and Aqua, dramatically improves our ability to accurately and continuously monitor the terrestrial biosphere. MODIS information is used to estimate global terrestrial primary production weekly and annually in near-real time at a 1-km resolution. MODIS terrestrial primary production requires daily gridded assimilation meteorological data as inputs, and the accuracy of the existing meteorological reanalysis data sets show marked differences both spatially and temporally. This study compares surface meteorological data sets from three well-documented global reanalyses, NASA Data Assimilation Office (DAO), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) (ERA-40) and …

Habitat-Specific Impacts Of Multiple Consumers On Plant Population Dynamics, John L. Maron, Matthew J. Kauffman

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Multiple consumers often attack seeds, seedlings, and adult plants, but their population-level consequences remain uncertain. We examined how insect and small mammal consumers influenced the demography and abundance of the perennial shrub, bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus). In grassland and dune habitats we established replicate experimental lupine populations in 81-m² plots that were either protected from, or exposed to, herbivorous voles and granivorous mice (via fencing) and/or root feeding insects (via insecticide treatment). Populations were initiated with transplanted seedlings in 1999 and 2000. We followed the demography of these cohorts, subsequent generations, and the seed bank for 5.5 …

Legal History Meets The Honors Program, Robert B. Bennett

Scholarship and Professional Work - Business

In this article, the author discusses the "Law and Culture" course that he developed to teach in the Butler University Honors Program. The course looks at some landmark periods or events in legal history and explores how those events were the product of their culture, and how they affected their culture. Among the events or periods that the author has looked at in iterations of this course were the survival instinct on display in "Regina v. Dudley and Stephens," the Nuremberg trials, the Scopes Monkey Trial, the modern American litigation explosion, and the events surrounding the U.S. Supreme Court decision …

Roles Of Wrky Proteins In Mediating The Crosstalk Of Hormone Signaling Pathways: An Approach Integrating Bioinformatics And Experimental Biology, Zhen Xie

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The goal of my research is to understand the molecular mechanism by which hormones control seed germination. Gibberellins (GA) promote, while abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) inhibit seed germination. Key molecules in these signaling pathways include receptors, secondary messengers, protein kinases and phosphatases, and transcription factors. My study focuses on how WRKY transcription factors modulate the expression of an alpha-amylase gene (Amy32b), which is up-regulated by GA, but down-regulated by ABA and SA in the aleurone cells of germinating seeds; Chapter 2 started with the annotation and phylogenetic analyses of the WRKY gene superfamily, followed by functional studies …

Modality Effects On Adult Learning, Earl S Douglas

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This paper focuses on improving older adults' recall of important health information. The study's objective is to test which of three presentation modalities (text, audio or text plus audio) leads to improved performance of older adults' learning health information. The total number of participants consisted of 16 males and 18 females, or a total of 34 participants. The mean age of the group was 72.5. The participants were divided into three groups and each group was presented with one of three modalities (i.e. text, text plus audio, and audio), selected randomly, on an "auto start" CD, using PowerPoint as a …

Longitudinal Trends In Postpartum Mental Health, Cognition And Steroid Hormones, Chandler R Marrs

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The temporal association between psychiatric and cognitive disturbances during pregnancy and postpartum is clear in the literature. However, associations between these disturbances and puerperal hormones are equivocal. The present study followed nine primigravid women from late pregnancy through one year postpartum to investigate trends in psychiatric and cognitive disturbances relative to postpartum hormone changes. Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological instruments at 37 weeks of pregnancy, at 10 days and four-, eight- and twelve-months postpartum and provided salivary specimen from which dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone, estradiol and estriol concentrations were quantified. Results showed psychiatric disturbances and cognitive decrements in late …

Air Exchange Rate In A Horse Trailer During Road Transport, Joseph L. Purswell, Richard S. Gates, Laurie M. Lawrence, Jamey D. Jacob, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Robert J. Coleman

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Horses traveling by road commonly experience heat stress conditions and poor air quality, which may be caused by insufficient ventilation; however, there are few estimates of air exchange in a horse trailer during transport. Air exchange rate was measured at ten locations within a four-horse trailer (internal volume 18.5 m³) using tracer gas decay measurement to assess the adequacy of ventilation. Three vehicle speeds (13, 48, and 97 km h^-1) and three window configurations (all windows and roof vents closed, all windows open, all windows open and roof vents open forward) were tested with and without …

From Mendel To Molecules: A Brief History Of Evolutionary Genetics, Michael Dietrich

Dartmouth Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Integration Without Unification: An Argument For Pluralism In The Biological Sciences, Michael Dietrich, Sandra D. Mitchell

Dartmouth Scholarship

In this article, we consider the tension between unification and pluralism in biological theory. We begin with a consideration of historical efforts to establish a unified understanding of evolution in the neo-Darwinian synthesis. The fragmentation of the evolutionary synthesis by molecular evolution suggests the limitations of the general unificationist ideal for biology but not necessarily for integrating explanations. In the second half of this article, we defend a specific variety of pluralism that allows for the integration required for explanations of complex phenomena without unification on a large scale.

Does The U.S. Constitution Need An Equal Rights Amendment?, Lisa Baldez, Lee Epstein, Andrew D. Martin

Dartmouth Scholarship

For over 3 decades, those engaged in the battle over the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), along with many scholarly commentators, have argued that ratification of the amendment will lead U.S. courts (1) to elevate the standard of law they now use to adjudicate claims of sex discrimination, which, in turn, could lead them (2) to find in favor of parties claiming a denial of their rights. We investigate both possibilities via an examination of constitutional sex discrimination litigation in the 50 states—over a third of which have adopted ERAs. Employing methods especially developed for this investigation, we find no direct …

Transposable Elements: What Have You Done For Me Lately? A Genomics Based Investigation Into The Potential Functional Roles Of Transposable Elements Using The Model Organism Caenorhabditis Elegans, Sarah Prescott Kenick

Doctoral Dissertations

The genomes of all organisms contain discrete DNA sequences present as disperse repetitive elements called transposons. Transposons have the unique ability to move to new chromosomal locations. Problems of uncontrolled movement of transposons can result in mutations, rearrangement, and even broken chromosomes. Often termed "selfish parasites" that invade a host genome, there is a longstanding question of whether they have a functional role. As a first step in an effort to investigate this question, I identified and annotated 276 full length and partial elements in the C.elegans genome. I determined the genomic location of each and looked for patterns resulting …

Molecular Epidemiology Of Antibiotic Resistant Salmonella Enterica Strains From Different Animal And Human Sources In Ireland, David George Lee

Theses

In this study, 176 isolates of Salmonella were collected from different laboratories in Ireland. All isolates were confirmed to be of the genus Salmonella by performing bacteriological and biochemical tests. Briefly, all isolates were cultured onto XLD agar after which pure cultures were verified and stocked at this institute. Definitive identification was carried out using the API 20-E system and a separate urease test was also performed on all isolates. After confirmation of the genus, all isolates were prepared for antibiotic susceptibility testing and r-types were determined using sixteen antibiotics. Depending on the antibiotic resistance profiles, isolates were selected for …

A Holistic Self-Identity Model, Jacquelyne R. Joens

Graduate Research Papers

Parents, educators, business leaders, political leaders, and mental health professionals all appreciate the impact positive self-esteem has on a person's ability to strive and grow. Self-esteem is a complex, multifaceted component of human existence. It is possible to identify and observe the result of a healthy self-esteem or even the outcome of a damaged self-esteem, but the term self-esteem may be antiquated and no longer exemplary of a complete picture of self. This paper examines research and attempts to define a multi-dimensional model of self-esteem, a Holistic Self-Identity Model, which will help to bring into focus the concept of self-identity …

Investigating The Male-Driven Evolution Hypothesis Using Human AluRepeat Elements, Sridhar Ramachandran

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Thousands of copies of short interspersed repeats (SINEs) are scattered essentially ran-domly through the human genome. Although copies of each repeat subfamily are identical at the time of their insertion, they become subject to individual substitutions after insertion. As the relative time of insertion is known for many of these repeats, such "junk DNA" can be used to provide a sizeable number of time-series data points for studying substitution effects in a variety of genomic contexts. This dissertation specifically discusses the usefulness of the Alufamily of SINE repeats towards addressing open problems in genomics, population genetics, and biology in …

A Computational Framework For Analyzing Chemical Modification And Limited Proteolysis Experimental Data Used For High Confidence Protein Structure Prediction, Paul E. Anderson

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Prediction of protein tertiary structure based on amino acid sequence is one of the most challenging open questions in computational molecular biology. Experimental methods for protein structure determination remain relatively time consuming and expensive, and are not applicable to all proteins. While a diverse array of algorithms have been developed for prediction of protein structure from amino acid sequence information, the accuracy and reliability of these methods are not yet comparable to experimental structure determination techniques. Computational models of protein structure can, however, be improved by the incorporation of experimental information. Relatively rapid and inexpensive protein modification experiments can be …

Relationship Between Discontinuation Of Anti-Depressant Medication During Pregnancy And Development Of Postpartum Depression, Maria Palombo Murphy

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious and potentially debilitating disorder that frequently goes undetected due to stigma and a lack of understanding about its course and etiology. The factor of particular interest to this study concerns the relationship between discontinuation of anti-depressant medication in pregnancy and the development of PPD. The study examined how the variables of pregnancy mood, child care stress, emotional support, instrumental support, marital satisfaction, history of depression, baby temperament, birth experience, and medication status affect symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in a sample of 202 patients at the six-week postpartum check-up. In addition to a demographic …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With A Depressed Outpatient: Assessing Change In Cognitive Distortions As Measured By The Inventory Of Cognitive Distortions, Detta S. Tate

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

This single subject case study was conducted to determine the usefulness of a new measure, the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (lCD). The main purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the ICD in noting changes in dysfunctional thinking during cognitive behavioral therapy. Because of the high incidence of depression in the population, a subject diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder was determined to be the most appropriate choice for assessing the effectiveness of this measure in the clinical setting. The cognitive behavioral treatment implemented was a manualized approach using Gilson and Freeman's (1999), Overcoming Depression. This treatment was a collaborative effort …

Is There A Steroids Problem - The Problematic Character Of The Case For Regulation, Lewis Kurlantzick

Faculty Articles and Papers

No abstract provided.

Law In The Digital Age: How Visual Communication Technologies Are Transforming The Practice, Theory, And Teaching Of Law, Richard K. Sherwin, Neal Feingenson, Spiesel Christina

Articles & Chapters

Law today has entered the digital age. The way law is practiced - how truth and justice are represented and assessed - is increasingly dependent on what appears on electronic screens in courtrooms, law offices, government agencies, and elsewhere. Practicing lawyers know this and are rapidly adapting to the new era of digital visual rhetoric. Legal theory and education, however, have yet to catch up.

This article is the first systematic effort to theorize law's transformation by new visual and multimedia technologies and to set out the changes in legal pedagogy that are needed to prepare law students for practice …

Rf Low Pass Filter Design And Fabrication Using Integrated Passive Device Technology, Heli Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, the whole process of design a low pass filter (LPF) for the wireless communication application has been presented. Integrated passive device technology based on GaAs substrate has been utilized to make the LPF. Schematic simulation and electromagnetic simulations are extensively used in the design process. EM simulation is used in the selection of layout design and processing parameters for design optimization of both the inductors and IPD harmonic filters. The effective use of EM simulation enables us to realize the successful development of high performance harmonic filters. To make the optimization be more flexible and also for …

Rapid Prototyping Of Microfluidic Packages, Michael Pepper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the area of MEMS there exists a tremendous need for communication between the micro-device and the macro world. A standard protocol or at least multiple standards would be of great use. Electrical connections have been standardized for many uses and configurations by the integrated circuit industry. Standardization in the IC industry has created a marketplace for digital devices unprecedented. In addition to the number of "off the shelf" products available, there exists the possibility for consumers to mix and match many devices from many different manufacturers. This research proposes some similar solutions as those for integrated circuits for fluid …

Does Culture Matter? : Exploring The Relationships Among Parenting A Child With Disabilities, Cultural Identification, And Stress In A Group Of European American And Immigrant Latino Families, Ximena P. Suarez-Sousa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this correlational exploratory study was to delve into the experience of raising a child with disabilities by investigating the parents' level of stress and the role played by culture, acculturation, and various demographic variables suggested by the literature to influence stress were included. A purposive sample composed of 38 primarily undocumented immigrant Latino parents and 32 European American parents of children with disabilities was recruited from community agencies in a Midwest state. The most frequent disabilities were orthopedic impairments, pervasive developmental disorders, and mental retardation.

Data were collected with the Parent Survey, comprised of the Questionnaire on …

Eiu 4290g : Plants And Civilization, Honors, Biological Sciences

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Bio 1300g : Animal Diversity, Biological Sciences

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Bio 4820 : Spatial Analysis For Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Journey To The Center Of The Core: Computers And The Internet In The Core Curriculum, Jorge Pérez, Meg C. Murray

Faculty Articles

Computers, digitalization and the Internet have transformed modern society. Commerce, education, communication and socialization will never be the same. Surprisingly, many universities do not require a computing course in the core curriculum. Critical information technology (IT) competencies are often taken for granted, to the detriment of students who lack computing and Internet skills. This paper describes an initiative undertaken by a computer science and information systems department to assess and remediate IT skills needed by all university students, regardless of major. The project is evolving along several dimensions: identification of discipline-independent IT competencies, assessment of IT skills among current and …

An Introduction To The United States Legal System: Cases And Comments, Alberto M. Benítez

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

This casebook introduces non-U.S trained lawyers, law students, and college undergraduates to the intricacies and nuances of our legal system. The world is becoming a smaller place and as a consequence of this globalization, the need for lawyers who are international in perspective and competence is increasing. Whatever one's opinion about globalization, there is no doubt that the U.S. legal system is at the forefront of these changes. This book attempts to compress three years of U.S. legal education into one casebook.

The following materials in this chapter, and throughout this book, will help non-United States law students and pre-law …

Planning Options For The Daily Care Of A Minor In The Event Of An Adult's Incapacity Or Death, Naomi R. Cahn

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

While most children grow up in their families of origin with at least one of their parents, what happens when the parents die or are incapacitated? While they are alive, parents are presumed to be the legal guardians for their children, and if one dies or has had his/her parental rights terminated, then the surviving parent is generally the sole legal guardian. Even if that parent remarries, the stepparent is not the legal parent.

As this chapter shows, parents can give to other adults some of their legal caretaking responsibilities while they are still competent. There are three different methods …

The Role Of Expectancies In Binge Eating Behavior, Jessica Larose

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The central aim of the present study was to examine the role of expectancies in binge eating behavior. Two distinct statistical techniques were used to accomplish this goal. First, regression analyses were conducted using variables previously identified in the literature, as well as eating expectancies as measured by the Eating Expectancy Inventory (EEI). For both females and males, regression equations including expectancies accounted for a substantial portion of the variance in binge eating behavior. Second, memory modeling techniques were used to model the probable organization of eating expectancies. Memory modeling of hypothetical expectancy networks has lead to successful interventions in …

Identification Of System Design Features That Affect Sickness In Virtual Environments, Julie Drexler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The terms "simulator" and "VR" are typically used to refer to specific types of virtual environments (VEs) which differ in the technology used to display the simulated environment. While simulators and VR devices may offer advantages such as low cost training, numerous studies on the effects to humans of exposure to different VEs indicate that motion sickness-like symptoms are often produced during or after exposure to the simulated environment. These deleterious side effects have the potential to limit the utilization of VE systems if they jeopardize the health and/or safety of the user and create liability issues for the manufacturer. …