Digital Commons Network^™

Nickel And Dimed Author To Speak At Iwu President's Convocation, Ann Aubry

News and Events (Discontinued Series)

No abstract provided.

Tool For The Identification Of Differentially Expressed Genes Using A User-Defined Threshold, Renikko Alleyne

Theses

Microarray and 2D gel experiments are used for the large scale measurement, and comparison of gene expression. Since these experiments generate large and complex amounts of data, a great challenge the researcher faces is trying to find ways to analyze this data. This paper focuses on the tool DiffExpress, which was designed to make the gene expression analysis process easier. One of the main features of DiffExpress is the user defined threshold which allows users to set their personal restriction of the expression change at which genes are differentially expressed. DiffExpress also makes use of graphs such as the Scatter …

A Race Or A Nation? Cherokee National Identity And The Status Of Freedmen's Descendents, S. Alan Ray

ExpressO

The Cherokee Nation today faces the challenge of determining its citizenship criteria in the context of race. The article focuses on the Cherokee Freedmen. As former slaves of Cherokee citizens, the Freedmen were adopted into the Cherokee Nation after the Civil War pursuant to a treaty with the United States, and given unqualified rights of citizenship. The incorporation of the Freedmen into the tribe was resisted from the start, and now, faced with a decision of the Cherokee Nation’s highest court affirming the descendents’ citizenship rights, the Nation prepares to vote on a constitutional amendment which would impose an Indian …

Arbiter, August 17, Students Of Boise State University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Ten Exceptional Entering Freshmen Receive Lott Leadership Scholarships, Tobie Baker

University of Mississippi News

Since it was founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi has nurtured state and national leaders, and that tradition continues including special training opportunities through the Trent Lott Leadership Institute.

The Acceptance Of Evolutionary Theory By Science Teachers In The Fairbanks Northstar Borough School District, Fairbanks, Alaska, Peter Matthew Shier

Education

This study measured the acceptance of evolutionary theory by science teachers in an Alaskan urban city. Acceptance was assessed by a sample of 59 high school science teachers through use of the Measure of Acceptance of the Theory of Evolution (MATE) instrument. This was incorporated into a booklet, which included survey items about teacher experience, education, and classroom practices. Descriptive statistics indicated the majority of teachers have an extensive amount of academic and classroom experience and a high level of acceptance of evolution. Assumptions about these characteristics correlating with an adequate treatment of evolution in the classroom were not confirmed …

I Can't Believe I Got To See Africa!, University Relations

Campus News Archive

You may recall seeing the classic "Road to..." films, starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. This summer 12 UMM students took one of those roads "...to Morocco." They will not be quite the same for their experience.

Acacia Constricta Gains Novel Benefits From Ants While Minimizing Potential Conflicts, E. Fleur Nicklen

Biological Sciences

The sum of costs and benefits in an interspecific interaction determines whether the relationship is mutualistic, neutral, or antagonistic. We investigate novel benefits Acacia constricta may gain from ant visitors and how A. constricta may minimize potential costs of ant visitation. A. constricta attracts ants onto its foliage and encourages nesting at its base with extrafloral nectaries. Plants with basal nests have significantly greater soil nutrients and produce twice as many seeds as plants lacking basal nests (Wagner 1997). Along side these benefits, however, ants can interfere with plant reproduction. This study tests whether augmented soil nutrients increase A. constricta's …

A Dendroclimatological Study Of Long-Term Growth Patterns Of Yellow-Cedar Trees In Southeast Alaska, Scott E. Sink

Forest Sciences

Yellow-cedar is a very long-lived, commercially important tree species found along the coasts of Southeast Alaska and also in small populations in Prince William Sound. However, this is the first study of the tree's annual ring growth patterns in the region. Tree cores were collected from over 400 trees across a large latitudinal gradient and cross-dated using standard dendrochronological techniques. Radial tree-ring growth was measured and compared to reconstructed weather station data to gain a better understanding of the climatic conditions favoring yellow-cedar growth. We found consistent, significant positive correlations between ring widths and mean monthly temperatures in August, previous …

Managing Wild Bog Blueberry, Lingonberry, Cloudberry And Crowberry Stands In Alaska, Patricia S. Holloway

Miscellaneous Publications

This publication summarizes some possible practices for managing wild berry stands in Alaska. The goal is to stimulate local experimentation with practices that have been useful elsewhere in the circumpolar North.

Effects Of Marine-Derived Nutrients On Population Dynamics Of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus Nerka), Tadayasu Uchiyama

Fisheries

The effects of marine-derived nutrients (MDN) on the productivity of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) stocks in Alaska were examined through nitrogen stable isotope analysis of smolts and mathematical models of the sockeye stock-recruit relationship. Smolt 8 [delta]¹⁵N was used to infer the degree to which smolts depend on MDN for their growth. We attempted to identify the characteristics of sockeye nursery lakes and watersheds that affect the availability of MDN to juvenile sockeye using multiple regression. Stock-recruit models incorporating MDN effects were fit to sockeye escapement-return data to test if fluctuations in sockeye stock productivity could be explained by changes …

Resource Estimation For Platinum At Goodnews Bay, Alaska, Victor Octavio Tenorio

Engineering

Ore grade estimation is one of the most difficult problems when mining offshore deposits. In this research, a platinum deposit near Goodnews Bay, South-West of Alaska, was estimated with emerging techniques such as conditional simulation and support vector machines (SVM). Results of the estimation are presented and compared with a traditional estimation technique, such as the Inverse Distance Squared method. The area was divided in three clusters, based on the K-means method and geographical features. Also, Genetic Algorithm was used for appropriate data division. SVM parameters were optimized prior to the ore grade calculations. All estimations produced similar results for …

Population Genetic Structure And Phylogeography Of Common Eiders (Somateria Mollissima), Sarah A. Sonsthagen

Biological Sciences

Population genetic structure of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) was assessed at increasing spatial scales (microgeographic [<1 km] to throughout their circumpolar distribution), using molecular markers with varying modes of inheritance and rates of evolution. Population genetic subdivision was observed at all spatial scales; however, the degree of structure differed among marker types. Relatively lower levels of spatial genetic structuring were observed at bi-parentally inherited markers, and high levels of structuring were observed at a maternally inherited locus. Differences in the degree of subdivision between marker types may be attributable to the breeding biology of eiders. Pair formation occurs on the wintering grounds; where several populations of eiders interact. Female eiders exhibit high natal and breeding philopatry; whereas, males accompany females back to breeding sites and may disperse long distances between breeding seasons. Significant structuring observed at microgeographic scales indicates that eiders may nest in kin groups. Though the underlying mechanism enabling female eiders to discriminate kin is unknown, waterfowl may achieve kin recognition indirectly through association during brood rearing. Genetic signatures of philopatry among Common Eider populations do vary among Alaskan populations. No genetic structuring at mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was observed among islands in the Beaufort Sea in close geographic proximity (1-49 km apart). However, high structuring was observed among island groups, suggesting females are philopatric to island groups rather than individual islands. In contrast, moderate levels of genetic partitioning for mtDNA were observed among Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) colonies (9-63 km apart); therefore, female eiders may be philopatric to individual colonies. MtDNA haplotypes representing Aleutian and YKD populations are more genetically similar to Canadian and Scandinavian populations than northern Alaska populations, indicating that southern Alaskan populations were colonized from central Canadian refugia. Data indicate that the North Slope may have been a refugium for eiders but contributed little to the post-glacial colonization of North America and Scandinavia. Finally, philopatry and winter site fidelity observed in waterfowl have predictable effects on population genetic structure. Researchers characterizing populations using molecular techniques could under- or over-estimate the degree of population genetic differentiation if estimates are based on a single marker type.

Plant Phenology And Seasonal Nitrogen Availability In Arctic Snowbed Communities, Andrew P. Borner

Biological Sciences

This study was part of the International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) and examined the effects of increased winter snow depth and decreased growing season length on the phenology of four arctic plant species (Betula nana, Salix pulchra, Eriophorum vaginatum, and Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and seasonal nitrogen availability in arctic snowbed communities. Increased snow depth had a large effect on the temporal pattern of first date snow-free in spring, bud break, and flowering, but did not affect the rate of plant development. By contrast, snow depth had a large qualitative effect on N mineralization in deep snow zones, causing a shift in the …

Permafrost And Wildlife Influences On Stream Nutrient Dynamics And Metabolism In Boreal Forest Watersheds Of Interior Alaska, Emma F. Betts

Biological Sciences

In the boreal forest of interior Alaska, both permafrost and wildfire impact stream solute concentrations, but their effect on stream function is unknown. This research focused on the effects of wildfire and permafrost on stream nutrient dynamics and metabolism in the Caribou Poker Creeks Research Watershed (CPCRW) in interior Alaska. Wildfire impact on chemistry was determined through comparison of pre- and post-fire stream chemistry in a control and a burned watershed. We predicted that increased nutrient and decreased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) delivery to streams after fire would stimulate gross primary productivity (GPP) and reduce ecosystem respiration in burned watersheds. …

Seasonal Changes In The Rumen Microbial Ecology Of Muskoxen, Annie R. Crater

Biological Sciences

Ruminal fermentation must respond to seasonal changes in the behavior and digestive function of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) as intakes of food and water rise in autumn (August - October) and decline from winter to spring (November - May). Rumen temperatures were not static but instead were punctuated by decreases of as much as 13°C below the average of 39°C. Declines in rumen temperature were associated with water ingestion while gains in rumen temperature were associated with feeding. Food intake and water turnover rates were positively correlated. Direct microscopic counts of bacteria in rumen fluid decreased from 1.8 to 0.9 X …

Calcareous Fen Vegetation And Ecology And The Disjunct Betula Glandulosa In Southeastern Alaska, Joni M. Johnson

Biological Sciences

Calcareous fens are rare within southeastern Alaska due to their unique geochemical setting, as are the plant communities produced by these environs. On a global scale these wetland types have been identified as valuable for their biodiversity and have received special protection. The first objective of this research was to characterize the floristics and hydrogeochemistry of a subset of calcareous fens on Chichagof Island in the northern Alexander Archipelago through intensive sampling within each site. Multivariate analyses were used to describe these wetland systems. The second objective of this study included investigating whether or not the disjunct Betula glandulosa (dwarf …

Quantum Dot Technology For Low-Cost Space Power Generation For Smallsats, Theodore Stern

Small Satellite Conference

The provision of sufficient power for smallsats is hindered by the lack of collection area and the relatively high cost of efficient photovoltaic conversion. This paper describes the use of quantum dot nanotechnology being developed to improve both performance and cost of space power generation. The development is oriented towards the use of commercially available components and manufacturing technology to satisfy future smallsat space power needs. In the past 20 years, space power generation has evolved from low cost silicon cells to much higher cost gallium arsenide and multi-bandgap cells in order to better overcome the mismatch between the intrinsic …

Controlling Swarms Of Bandit Inspector Spacecraft, Jeremy Neubauer

Small Satellite Conference

The vast foreseeable benefits of on-orbit servicing to current and future space systems have sparked the development of both large-scale servicing spacecraft and small-scale technology demonstration platforms. The latter provide the ability to prove certain crucial technologies more efficiently than their larger counterparts, due to increased responsiveness and reduced cost. Washington University’s Bandit is one such vehicle currently in progress, designed to research the sensory, autonomy, and control problems of the multivehicle, close-proximity flight necessary to nearly all of the on-orbit servicing industry’s ambitions. This study assesses the ability of behavior-based methods to solve the multi-Bandit control problem, complicated by …

August 16, 2006 Cal Poly Report, Public Affairs Office

Cal Poly Report

No abstract provided.

Selenium Metabolism In Trypanosoma: Characterization Of Selenoproteomes And Identification Of A Kinetoplastida-Specific Selenoprotein, Alexey V. Lobanov, Stephan Gromer, Gustavo Salinas, Vadim Gladyshev

Vadim Gladyshev Publications

Proteins containing the 21st amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) are present in the three domains of life. However, within lower eukaryotes, particularly parasitic protists, the dependence on the trace element selenium is variable as many organisms lost the ability to utilize Sec. Herein, we analyzed the genomes of Trypanosoma and Leishmania for the presence of genes coding for Sec-containing proteins. The selenoproteomes of these flagellated protozoa have three selenoproteins, including distant homologs of mammalian SelK and SelT, and a novel multidomain selenoprotein designated SelTryp. In SelK and SelTryp, Sec is near the C-terminus, and in all three selenoproteins, it is within …

Boiga Irregularis+ (Reptile)

Other Publications in Wildlife Management

This night-loving and tree-loving, brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is so secretive in its nature that it is frequently concealed on container ships and in aircraft cargo. It probably arrived on Guam after World War II in a cargo ship. Now the wetlands, coastlands and forests of Guam are bereft of nine out of twelve native bird species (and two out of eleven native lizards) due to the snakes voracious appetite. The brown tree snake is not a fussy feeder, stimulating the very real fear that it might drive yet more species to extinction.

Sus Scrofa (Mammal)

Other Publications in Wildlife Management

Pigs are large omnivorous mammals with powerful bodies and coarse hairy coats. Their thick necks, wedge-shaped heads and mobile snouts are used in feeding to uproot the ground and find prey or plant material. Ecological characteristics of feral pig activity, group size and home range size should be considered in any management strategy aimed to control pig numbers or reduce their negative impact. Feral pig activity varies between different habitats and climates. High activity has been reported to occur in early morning and late afternoon in tropical climates (Diong 1982). However, in India pigs have been reported to feed nocturnally …

August 16, 2006 Cal Poly Report, Public Affairs Office

Cal Poly Report

No abstract provided.

Retrotranspositions In Orthologous Regions Of Closely Related Grass Species, Chunguang Du, Zuzana Swigoňová, Joachim Messing

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Background: Retrotransposons are commonly occurring eukaryotic transposable elements (TEs). Among these, long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are the most abundant TEs and can comprise 50-90% of the genome in higher plants. By comparing the orthologous chromosomal regions of closely related species, the effects of TEs on the evolution of plant genomes can be studied in detail. Results: Here, we compared the composition and organization of TEs within five orthologous chromosomal regions among three grass species: maize, sorghum, and rice. We identified a total of 132 full or fragmented LTR retrotransposons in these regions. As a percentage of the total cumulative …

The Genesat-1 Microsatellite Missiona Challenge In Small Satellite Design, Christopher Kitts, John Hines, Elwood Agasid, Antonio Ricco, Bruce Yost, Karolyn Ronzano, Jordi Puig-Suari

Small Satellite Conference

The mission of the GeneSat-1 technology demonstration spacecraft is to validate the use of researchquality instrumentation for in situ biological research and processing. GeneSat-1 is a “triple-CubeSat” vehicle currently being developed for launch as a secondary payload on a Minotaur launch vehicle in late 2006. Spacecraft and mission development is being led by the NASA Ames Research Center Astrobionics group. However, university participation is a crucial element of the program with significant contributions being made from a number of academic groups throughout the Silicon Valley region. This paper will review progress in the development of the GeneSat-1 mission. In addition, …

Marriage And The Elephant: The Liberal Democratic State’S Regulation Of Intimate Relationships Between Adults , Maxine Eichner

ExpressO

This essay considers the current debate in legal theory over the stance that the state should adopt toward intimate relationships between adults. Should the state, as some scholars argue, privilege marriage because of the benefits it provides to society? Or should it, as others argue, distance itself from relationships between adults on the ground that adults should be left to order their own affairs? The essay argues that scholars involved in this debate have reached such diametrically different conclusions from one another because each side has focused on a particular, narrow range of goods at issue in these relationships. Relationships …

Making Regulation Evolve: A Case Study In Maladaptive Management, Alejandro E. Camacho

ExpressO

This Article is the first cross-disciplinary, comprehensive assessment of one of the earliest regulatory reinvention programs developed to foster more participation and adaptation in decision-making—the Endangered Species Act’s Habitat Conservation Plan Program. Drawing not only from legal sources but also integrating data from recent scientific studies, interviews, surveys of government officials, newspaper investigations, and unpublished databases, this Article delves into the pioneering but defective HCP program as an example of regulatory innovation gone awry.

In the active literature on regulatory reinvention, many have pointed to the HCP program as a prototype for collaborative, experimentalist innovations in governance. Though a few …

2006-2007, Collin College

Course Catalogs

Contains information on courses and class descriptions as well as campus resources at Collin College.

Eng 3702-001: American Realism, John Allison

Fall 2006

No abstract provided.