Digital Commons Network^™

Ecological Factors Influencing Fish Distribution In A Large Subarctic Lake System, Miranda Paige Plumb

Fisheries

The coastal climate and frequent wind storms in southwest Alaska create an atypical thermal environment (non-stratified in summer) in the remote Ugashik lakes. This study documents the distribution of lake trout 'Salvelinus namaycush, ' arctic char 'S. alpinus', Dolly Varden 'S. malma, ' arctic grayling 'Thymallus arcticus, ' round whitefish 'Prosopium cylindraceum, ' and pygmy whitefish 'P. coulterii' relative to depth, substrate particle size, food habits, length, and age in the absence of strong thermal structure. Sample sites were randomly chosen within sampling strata and gill nets were set at each site. Lake trout and round whitefish were most abundant …

Environmental Cues For Pacific Herring (Clupea Pallasi) Spawning In Northern Bristol Bay, Naoki Tojo

Fisheries

Pacific herring, Clupea pallasi, is an important forage fish species, which interfaces with various trophic levels including human beings. There have been many herring studies about reproductive biology and migration dynamics, but not many studies about the underlying mechanisms. For fisheries management, reliable spawning prediction models are necessary. I sought to understand the mechanisms behind the variability in northern Bristol Bay herring spawning variability and migration dynamics in the eastern Bering Sea (EBS). Through a combination of spatio-temporal approaches and statistical methods, I found significant statistical relationships between herring spawning and spring environmental variables. All the best models include air-sea-ice …

River Features Associated With Chum Salmon Spawning Areas: A Method To Estimate Habitat Capacity, John P. O'Brien

Fisheries

Diminishing returns of salmon and years of poor commercial and subsistence fishing in western Alaska are a cause for concern. Management tools which recognize the intricate life histories of salmon and incorporate environmental conditions at each particular life stage are needed. Toward that goal a study of spawning habitat for chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta was conducted from 2002 to 2005 on the Tuluksak River in western Alaska. Small-scale river features were measured during two summers of field work. Large-scale river features were identified using remote sensing. Principal components analysis (PCA) denoted an association between spawning sites and channel intersections, gravel …

Biosorption Of Lead By Citrus Pectin And Peels In Aqueous Solution, Ankit Balaria

Engineering

Biosorption of heavy metal ions by different pectin rich materials such as waste citrus peels is emerging as a promising technique for metallic contaminant removal. While binding rate and capacity of citrus peels were previously investigated, there is a lack of mechanistic information about Pb-citrus pectin/peels interaction mechanisms. Present research focused on evaluating this binding mechanism by corroborating macroscopic studies with spectroscopic techniques. Citrus pectins of two different methoxylation degrees and orange peels were characterized using potentiometric titrations and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Binding mechanisms were evaluated using molecular scale FTIR analyses. The effects of particle size, pH, co-ion …

Natural Resources News, Vol. 06, No. 1 (May 2006), N/A N/A

Natural Resource News

No abstract provided.

Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae) Entanglement In Fishing Gear In Northern Southeastern Alaska, Janet L. Neilson

Marine Biology

The prevalence of non-lethal entanglements of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in fishing gear in northern southeastern Alaska (SEAK) was quantified using a scar-based method. The percentage of whales assessed to have been entangled ranged from 52% (minimal estimate) to 71% (conditional estimate) to 78% (maximal estimate). The conditional estimate is recommended because it is based solely on unambiguous scars. Eight percent of the whales in Glacier Bay/Icy Strait acquired new entanglement scars between years, although the sample size was small. Calves were less likely to have entanglement scars than older whales and males may be at higher risk than females. …

An Essential Role For Endocytosis Of Rhodopsin Through Interaction Of Visual Arrestin With The Ap-2 Adaptor, Nicholas R. Orem, Luxi Xia, Patrick J. Dolph

Dartmouth Scholarship

Previously, we have identified a class of retinal degeneration mutants in Drosophila in which the normally transient interaction between arrestin2 (Arr2) and rhodopsin is stabilized and the complexes are rapidly internalized into the cell body by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The accumulation of protein complexes in the cytoplasm eventually results in photoreceptor cell death. We now show that the endocytic adapter protein AP-2 is essential for rhodopsin endocytosis through an Arr2-AP-2beta interaction, and mutations in Arr2 that disrupt its interaction with the beta subunit of AP-2 prevent endocytosis-induced retinal degeneration. We further demonstrate that if the interaction between Arr2 and AP-2 is …

Soil Amino Composition Across A Boreal Forest Successional Sequence, Nancy R. Werdin-Pfisterer

Biological Sciences

I examined the landscape, temporal, and vertical patterns of soil amino acid composition across a primary successional sequence encompassing a natural gradient of plant productivity and soil physicochemical characteristics. Soil was collected from five stages (willow, alder, balsam poplar, white spruce, and black spruce) of the Tanana River successional sequence in interior Alaska in June, August, and September 2001; water-extractable amino acid composition and concentration were determined by HPLC. I also assessed differences among the forest floor (Oe/Oa), buried organic horizons (BOHs), and mineral horizons in balsam poplar and white spruce soils. Irrespective of successional stage, month, or horizon, the …

A Morphological And Genetic Investigation Of The Highest-Latitude Endemic Passerine: Mckay's Bunting, James Michael Maley

Biological Sciences

I used two different approaches to investigate different aspects of the highest latitude endemic passerine, McKay's Bunting (Plectrophenax hyperboreus). I tested whether or not the juvenal plumage of McKay' s Bunting is different from its closest relative, Snow Bunting (P. nivalis). Using light reflectance spectrophotometry to quantify visual differences, I found that McKay's and Snow buntings have significantly different juvenal plumages. This analysis supports their separation into two distinct species. Second, I investigated the genetic consequences of refugial isolation and the model of speciation that the genetic data fit. This species pair provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the genetic …

Migrant Bird Stopover Ecology And Resident Species Loss In A Fragmented Tropical Landscape, The Sierra De Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, David Williams Shaw

Biological Sciences

I conducted two studies of avian ecology over the course of two spring field seasons (2003, 2004) in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico. I examined mass gains in spring Nearctic-Neotropic migrants at a stopover site near the Estacion de Biologia Tropical Los Tuxtlas. Birds were captured using mist nets. A condition index (mass/wing chord) was calculated for each individual and regressed against time of day to determine if a net gain in condition occurred at the site. Seven of 13 taxa examined showed significant gains in body condition. The average individual of none of these species carried sufficient …

Temporal And Spatial Distribution Of Interior Alaska White-Fronted Geese (Anser Albifrons Frontalis), Deborah Dawn Webb

Biological Sciences

To address the question if white-fronted geese molting in Interior Alaska could be temporally and spatially delineated from the rest of the mid-continent white-fronted goose population, I (1) determined interannual variation in temporal and spatial distribution of geese from Interior Alaska during fall and winter, (2) contrasted temporal and spatial distribution of Interior Alaska geese with Arctic Slope (Alaska) geese, and (3) contrasted migration timing of Interior Alaska geese with Canadian Arctic geese on fall staging areas in prairie Canada. Migration of Interior Alaska geese occurred synchronously and earlier than migration of Arctic Slope geese between Alaska and fall staging …

Snowshoe Hare Densities In Post-Fire Vegetation, Hans Mathias Eriksson

Biological Sciences

The objective of this study was to investigate if patterns of snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) densities in interior Alaska are influenced by post-fire successional stage. Stages of succession were classified using the proxy Time Since Last Fire (TSLF). I estimated snowshoe hare densities during the summers of 2003 and 2004 in 5 young (10-20 yrs) and 5 old (44-46 yrs) burns, each with an adjacent unburned control, using indirect distance sampling methods. Because indirect distance sampling has not previously been applied for snowshoe hares, I compared these results with a traditional mark-recapture analysis. Hare density estimates from both methods were …

Spartan Daily, May 16, 2006, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 126, Issue 58

Undergraduate Schedule Of Classes For 2006, Fall [Full Fall Semester Session] | Academic Calendar | Class Schedule, Office Of The Registrar, Stony Brook University

Calendars

No abstract provided.

System For And Method Of Performing Evaluation Techniques On A Log Or Round Timber, Xiping Wang, Robert J. Ross, James A. Mattson, John Erickson, John W. Forsman, Earl A. Geske, Michael A. Wehr

Michigan Tech Patents

A system for and method of evaluating a log. The system includes an analysis module having at least one input terminal connectable to the at least one input device. The at least one input terminal is operable to receive at least one signal representing at least one measured property of the log and at least one determined parameter of the log determined in response to an energy being applied to the log. The analysis module further includes a processor coupled to the at least one input terminal. The processor determines a predictive modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the log based …

Changes In Co-Survivorship Of Adult Children And Parents: Ju/'Hoansi Of Botswana In 1968 And 1988, Patricia Draper, Nancy Howell

Department of Anthropology: Faculty Publications

Our study addresses these issues in a sociological microcosm that makes questions about population aging particularly interesting. The group on whom we report are the Ju|'hoansi (!Kung) of western Ngamiland, part of the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. They constitute a noteworthy case for several reasons. Discussion of modernization and its impact on the lives of elderly in traditional society has focused most often on agricultural and peasant societies, rather than on economically simpler groups such as hunter gatherers1). Ju|'hoansi, though now living in permanent settlements, have a recent past of mobile hunting and gathering. Over the past sixty years, Ju|'hoansi …

Faculty Retirement Recognition Dinner 2006, Western Michigan University

Faculty Recognition

Faculty Retirement Recognition Dinner Program

May 16, 2006

Honored Guests:

• Gregory W. Boothroyd
• Robert O. Brinkerhoff
• Rollin G. Douma
• Adrian E. Edwards
• Sandra J. Edwards
• Alonzo E. Hannaford
• Dona G. Icabone
• David K. Issacson
• F. William McCarty
• Janet I. Pisaneschi
• Mary E. Ross
• Linda Trotter-Heger
• Edo Weits
• William R. Wiener
• Lawrence A. Williams
• Benjamin C. Wilson

Opioid Receptor Active Compounds, William J. Welsh, Seong Jae Yu, Anil Nair

UMSL Patents

The invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein R¹ to R⁴ and n have any of the meanings defined in the specification and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I, processes for preparing compounds of formula I, intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula I, and therapeutic methods for treating pain and treating other conditions which involve, for example, binding opioid receptors using compounds of formula I.

Effects Of Pre-Natal Exposure To Arsenic On Gene Expression In Fetal Rat Kidney, Deshonta Holmes

Theses (Pre-2016)

Several types of cancer have been linked to arsenic in water. Recently, the EPA set the arsenic standard for drinking water at 10 parts per billion to protect consumers served by public water systems from the effects of long-term, chronic exposure to arsenic. Arsenic concentrations in ground water are generally higher in the Western United States, and appear to be lower in the Southeastern United States. Higher doses of arsenic are known to induce apoptosis whereas the chronic exposure of lower doses may lead to various adverse effects. Thus it is crucial to understand the genotoxicity and alteration in gene …

Ada News - 05/15/2006, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

Established in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care.

Ists E-Newsletter, May 15, 2006, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--A Message from Your (New) President

--Announcements

--Opportunities

--Your ISTS Leadership

120th Spring Commencement (2006)

Commencement Activities

No abstract provided.

Graduate Schedule Of Classes For 2006, Fall [Full Fall Semester Session] | Academic Calendar | Class Schedule, Office Of The Registrar, Stony Brook University

Calendars

No abstract provided.

Economic Liberalization And The Empowerment Of Gays And Lesbians In India, Priyanka Gupta

Economics Honors Papers

Economic liberalization in India has transformed Indian gay identity. The information revolution and expansion of employment in high-paying jobs have brought about significant changes in the economic independence of the youth in urban parts of the country. Improved economic opportunity strengthens the fall-back position of many young gays and lesbians, in so far as they are better equipped to locate their sexuality within the Indian context. Drawing on feminist and queer theory, I hypothesize that economic liberalization has contrasting effects on the autonomy, freedom and bargaining power of middle class gays and lesbian young adults. I contribute to the research …

May 15, 2006 Reporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Soundings 2006-05-15 (V.18 No.23), N/A N/A

Soundings

No abstract provided.

An Assessment Model For Rating High-Threat Crop Pathogens, N. W. Schaad, J. Abrams, L. V. Madden, R. D. Frederick, D. G. Luster, V. D. Damsteegt, A. K. Vidaver

Department of Plant Pathology: Faculty Publications

Natural, accidental, and deliberate introductions of nonindigenous crop pathogens have become increasingly recognized as threats to the U.S. economy. Given the large number of pathogens that could be introduced, development of rapid detection methods and control strategies for every potential agent would be extremely difficult and costly. Thus, to ensure the most effective direction of resources a list of high-threat pathogens is needed. We address development of a pathogen threat assessment model based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) that can be applied worldwide, using the United States as an illustrative example. Previously, the AHP has been shown to work …

Mustang Daily, May 15, 2006

Cal Poly Student Newspaper

Student newspaper of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.

Bounded Search For De Novo Identification Of Degenerate Cis-Regulatory Elements, Jonathan M. Carlson, Arijit Chakravarty, Radhika S. Khetani, Robert H. Gross

Dartmouth Scholarship

The identification of statistically overrepresented sequences in the upstream regions of coregulated genes should theoretically permit the identification of potential cis-regulatory elements. However, in practice many cis-regulatory elements are highly degenerate, precluding the use of an exhaustive word-counting strategy for their identification. While numerous methods exist for inferring base distributions using a position weight matrix, recent studies suggest that the independence assumptions inherent in the model, as well as the inability to reach a global optimum, limit this approach.

Illinois Wesleyan University Honors 492 Graduates: Iowa, Ann Aubry

News and Events (Discontinued Series)

No abstract provided.