Digital Commons Network^™

Carbohydrate Derivatives In Antibiotics Research, Yi Liang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In this study, we investigated the potential applications of carbohydrates in the development of new antibiotics. To tackle the problem of multidrug-resistant variants of M. tuberculosis (MDR-TB), we investigated the biosynthesis pathways of trehalose, which has contributed to significant drug resistance. Some new methods were developed for the synthesis of potential inhibitors (6-azido-trehalose and 6,6'-diazido-trehalose) that have been designed to imitate the intermediate molecule (trehalose 6-phosphate, TPP) of OtsA-OtsB pathway. At the same time, some new antibacterial agents based on trehalose have been synthesized. Members of the 1,2,3-triazole family have shown interesting biological properties. Steroid derivatives have been developed in …

A Choice Model Approach To Business And Leisure Traveler's Preferences For Green Hotel Attributes, Michelle Millar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There has been an increase in environmental concern by travelers in the United States (U. S.). As a result, hospitality companies are taking note and have begun to incorporate environmentally friendly or green practices into their operations. What remains relatively unclear, though, is if the increase in environmental consciousness has translated into a demand for environmentally friendly tourism products, such as hotels. There are a few studies related to the demand for environmentally friendly hotel attributes, but none of them have looked at a bundle of environmentally friendly attributes and how customers would react to a hotel room incorporating not …

Evaluation Of X-Ray Fluorescence (Xrf) Lead Detection Method For Candy, Ashley Marie Phipps

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The harmful effects of childhood exposure to environmental lead continue to be a major health concern. Due to the significance of this hazard, a Healthy People 2010 objective was set to reduce all young children's blood lead levels to less than 10 micrograms per deciliter. Identification and removal of lead-contaminated candies is an integral part of the primary prevention of lead poisoning in children.

This research examined the efficacy of a protocol to use a portable XRF to screen candies for lead contamination. Method Detection Limits (MDLs) of 5.45 ppm and 7.05 ppm were determined in the Bulk Sample and …

Design Of A "Figure-8" Spherical Motion Flapping Wing For Miniature Uav's, Zohaib Parvaiz Rehmat

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Hummingbirds and some insects exhibit a Figure-8 motion, which allows them to undergo variety of maneuvers including hovering. It is therefore desirable to have flapping wing miniature air vehicles (FWMAV) that can replicate this unique wing motion. In this research, a design of a flapping wing for FWMAV that can mimic Figure-8 motion using a spherical four bar mechanism is presented. To produce Figure-8 motion, the wing is attached to the coupler point of the spherical four bar mechanism and driven by a DC servo motor. For verification of the design, a prototype of the wing and mechanism is fabricated …

Book Review: Margaret L. Moses, The Principles And Practice Of International Commercial Arbitration (Cambridge Univ. Press 2008), Jack J. Coe Jr.

Penn State Law Review (2003 - Present)

No abstract provided.

My Two Boots ... A Walk Through The Wetlands. An Annual Outing For 700 Middle School Students, Julie Cwikla, Mark Lasalle, Sybil Wilner

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Among The Stars, Bradley Cook

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The left-fielder lays the boy’s things across the passenger seat: a jersey worn by the left-fielder two seasons ago, an autographed baseball in a glass cube, new glove. He folds the note from the boy’s father and slides it into his shirt pocket. Errands: bank deposit, clothes to the cleaners, a list from his wife of items at the store—bread, coffee, Capri Sun for Karl’s lunches. He sits behind the wheel and watches Karl, his son, roughhouse with the neighbor kid. His son is tough, like he used to be. Different neighborhoods, but boys can be tough anywhere. The left-fielder …

Analysis Of Phase Ii Metabolites Of Methamphetamine By Solid-Phase Extraction And Liquid Chromatography With Tandem Mass Spectrometric Detection, Jordan Carbary, Howard P. Hendrickson

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is one of the most serious health problems in the United States and Europe due to its addictive properties and potential neurotoxic effects [1, 2, 3]. METH abuse appears to have stabilized or decreased slightly in the general populations, however abuse in certain populations is increasing [4, 5]. Treatments for drug abuse are often tested in animal behavioral pharmacology models. One of the first in vivo tests conducted in animals is to follow the concentration of the drug and its metabolites as a function of time. In this way, one can determine how long a potential medication …

Seed Predation On Slickspot Peppergrass By The Owyhee Harvester Ant, Joshua P. White

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

1. (1) Seed predation can significantly restrict the reproductive output and individual fitness of plants, particular those plants that are rare or endangered. In some cases the total seed loss can reach 100%. Owyhee harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex salinus, actively remove the fruits and seeds of slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum, a rare mustard endemic to southwest Idaho.
2. (2) Several experiments were conducted to quantify seed predation on L. papilliferum located within the foraging distance of P. salinus. Individuals exposed to harvester ants experienced a direct loss of fruits and seeds ( > 40%), whereas plants shielded from ants suffered almost …

Static And Accent, Naomi Beth Tarle

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This thesis continues my ongoing interest with art and writing, and my concern with investigating both of them as a subject I find difficult and frightening. I manipulated, and integrated sources from various disciplines, until the major source text became accessible. Tension regarding inheriting personal and general history is a vital aspect of the work. My engagement with art and writing is in line with Max Ernst and Norma Cole. Their works exhibit the energy of collaboration between multiple mediums and forms.

The rewrites are a type of translation, interpretation; they are an alternate version of the original. The rewrites …

Water Quality Changes In A Constructed Wetland At The Springs Preserve In Las Vegas, Nevada, Aaron Mathis Miller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Springs Preserve near downtown Las Vegas, Nevada contains a seven-acre constructed wetland. Springs Preserve managers are planning to use water from the constructed wetland to irrigate creeks immediately north of the wetland. These creeks will be used by a variety ofaquatic wildlife, including endangered amphibians sensitive to harmful metalloids, such as selenium, lead, and arsenic.

In an attempt to answer toxicological questions about contaminant concentrations in the constructed wetland, three metals and metalloids (selenium, arsenic, and lead), two nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and the major ionic species were analyzed at four sampling locations for aqueous concentrations, in two separate …

An Evaluation Of Group Differences In Mentoring Programs' Perceived Outcomes, Jennifer Sue Anderson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Mentoring programs, like Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BBBS), focus on targeting at-risk youth in a preventative effort to increase pro-social behaviors as well as improving one's confidence, competence, and caring. These factors are important as they are indicative of the types of attachment bonds that insulate juveniles from delinquent behavior. Using data from a BBBS located in the Southeast part of the United States, the current study examined whether different groups of juveniles in mentoring programs are considered to be equally successful in promoting feelings of confidence, competence, and caring. Employing a series of one-way ANOVAs, no significant relationships were found …

An Evaluation Of Plastic Toys For Lead Contamination In Day Care Centers In The Las Vegas Valley, Joseph Alan Greenway

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The harmful effect of childhood exposure to environmental lead continues to be a major health concern. This study examined lead contamination within the plastic of children's toys. It was also hypothesized that the use of lead as a stabilizer would result in higher incidents of elevated lead (> 600 ppm) in polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC) than non-PVC plastics. It was also hypothesized that, due to the use lead chromate, yellow toys would have higher incidents of elevated lead (> 600 ppm) than toys of other colors. Toy samples were limited to those found in day care centers in Las Vegas, …

City Of Las Vegas Detention And Enforcement Commission On Accreditation Of Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Evaluation Report, Karen Kelly, Cecelia Mcneely, Sandy Seda

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The City of Las Vegas Detention and Enforcement (CLVDE) is a highly efficient, professionally managed, unique law enforcement agency. The CLVDE has a multifaceted mission and is responsible for providing diverse law enforcement, patrol, code enforcement and support services for the City of Las Vegas. The agency is comprised of several operational divisions: A city Jail, an Animal Control division, Parking Enforcement and the Marshals (police). For many years, the CLVDE, has enjoyed the unique distinction of being a "Triple Crown" accredited agency1. The agency currently has attained accreditation status from several nationally recognized professional organizations such as: The American …

Deconstructing Our Dark Age Future, P. Michael Phillips

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

No abstract provided.

Best Management Practices For Corn Production In South Dakota : Corn Diseases In South Dakota, Troy Bauder, Dwayne L. Beck, Sue L. Blodgett, C. Gregg Carlson, Michael A. Catangui, David E. Clay, Sharon A. Clay, Darrell L. Deneke, Martin A. Draper, B. Wade French, Billy W. Fuller, Robert G. Hall, Curt A. Hoffbeck, Daniel S. Humburg, Marie A. Langham, Douglas D. Malo, Mike J. Moechnig, Richard E. Nicolai, Kurtis D. Reitsma, Bradley E. Ruden, Thomas E. Schumacher, Dennis P. Todey, Todd P. Trooien, Hal D. Werner, James A. Wilson, Howard J. Woodard, Leon J. Wrage

SDSU Extension Circulars

Corn diseases can be separated into 1) seed and seedling diseases, 2) root-infecting nematodes, 3) leaf diseases, 4) rusts, 5) stalk rots, and 6) ear and grain molds. Yield losses can result from diseases directly reducing yields or from harvestability, spoilage, or marketing and/or use issues associated with mycotoxin contamination. See Table 9.1 for corn disease management information. Attention to optimal seed quality, hybrid selection, seed treatments, weed and insect control, crop rotation, soil fertility, irrigation, and prompt harvest can reduce disease impacts. This chapter discusses aspects of recognizing and managing South Dakota corn diseases.

Changes In Female Behavior In Eusocial Wasp Mischocyttarus Mastigophorus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Due To The Removal Of Males From The Nest, May 2009, Elizabeth C. Feit

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Males of independent founding hymenoptera contribute little to the nest by not foraging for food or feeding larvae. Males are a potential cost to the nest because they consume resources and are not used for reproduction, but males of Myschocyttarus mastigophorus can be found on the nest year. To investigate if the behavior of females changes when the males are not present, baseline behaviors of both males and females were recorded for four nests M. mastigophorus, then the males were removed and observations continued. Baseline behaviors indicate that females departed (t = 2.33) and arrived (t = 2.81). Departures increased …

Vocal Signaling In Henicorhina Leucosticta (Troglodytidae), May 2009, Amber Desneige Fandel

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

The communication between organisms has long been a fascination of mankind. Birds have been the subject of many such studies as they commonly have a large repertoire of communication techniques. This study examines the changes in several song measurements in order to determine the vocal responses of the breeding pairs to playbacks of various con-specifics. The researcher found that using measurements of low, high, center, maximum, and delta frequency of each pair before and after a playback, the pairs were easily differentiated from one another (Wilks != 0.61629, F20.455=3.57, p<0.001). Following playbacks, all pairs evaluated showed a decrease in maximum frequency of song phrases and a narrowing of frequency ranges (smaller delta frequency). Such changes in song characteristics may function to make the singing pair sound larger to intruders or to decrease call interference and the distance that the call travels.

Through The Eyes Of The Locals: The Role Of Ecotourism In The Monteverde Region Of Costa Rica, May 2009, Jenna Diggs

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Identifying economic and environmental gains and losses from the ecotourism industry in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica is easy because these factors are well studied. Recognizing the influence of ecotourism over political, social and cultural factors of the region can be more difficult. One way to study all of these aspects is to gather information from the locals themselves. The majority viewed it as the most important industry and maintained that the natural and social environment had changed significantly in their time spent living in Monteverde. Also, their jobs depended on the industry. The participants in the study generally …

Human Population Density Effects On Soil Nematode Abundance And Nitrogen Levels, May 2009, Sarah Hulick

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

This study investigates the effects on human population density on soil properties and found significant effects in nematode abundance and soil nitrogen levels. Five locations with differing human population densities around Monteverde, Costa Rica were chosen for soil sampling to conduct chemical tests and microfauna extractions. Chi square test (p = 0.02) prove that the differing soil location caused changes in nematode abundance, and a regression between nematode abundance and soil nitrogen (R square = .96) proved a strong relationship between the two. From this study we can see the impacts of human disturbance on levels of nitrogen and nematode …

The Effects Of Xanthosoma Spp. (Araceae) Temperature, Scent, And Flowers On The Mating Frequency Of Cyclocephala Sexpunctata (Scarabaeidae), May 2009, Sonia Lorraine Ghose

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Many pollinators have evolved very specified obligate mutualisms with the plants that they pollinate. One example of this kind of mutualism, in which the reproduction of both organisms relies on their relationship, is Xanthosoma spp. and Cyclocephala sexpunctata in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Xanthosoma spp. thermoregulate, attracting beetles because of a combination of heat, scent, and visual components of the inflorescence. The beetles crawl inside of the spathe and spadix inflorescence, where they both eat and mate. The specific stimuli that prompt the beetles to mate once inside the flower had not yet been widely examined. Through my experiments, I found …

Guidelines For Sustainable Ecotourism In Monteverde, Costa Rica, May 2009, Valerie Caldas

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Tourists are increasingly attracted to the world’s natural wonders (Honey 1999). The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognized that tourism can also negatively impact the natural areas and formulated guidelines for the proper management of ecotourism. Costa Rican tourism has experienced a boom in the past two decades, and one of its most popular destinations is Monteverde, an area composed of many private reserves. Eleven of these reserves were investigated using the guidelines provided by the CBD. It was found that Monteverde’s private reserves followed some guidelines, such as offering local employment, local access to reserves and following good waste …

Effect Of Color And Height On Oviposition Preference And Attraction Of Volant Insects, May 2009, Emily Daniel

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Abundance of volant insects and aquatic larvae was investigated in relation to vertical stratification and color of either required resource or oviposition site within the understory at the Finca Cataracta, in San Luis, Costa Rica. Three insect traps were hung per tree (three trees total used) at heights of 8 ft, 4 ft, and ground level. Each platform at the respective height consisted of four bottles that were green, red, black, or clear. Oviposition in different colors by Ephydridae and Psychodidae was affected by height. Both larvae were most abundant at the bottom level, though Ephydridae showed significant preference for …

The Effects Of Farming Practices On Nectar Quality And Quantity In Coffea Spp, May 2009, Jennifer Carter

Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

In the developing world traditional low-input farming practices are being replaced with high-input practices as a way to increase yield. The environmental and economic impact of inputs has driven researchers to seek ways to minimize inputs while maximizing crop yields. In some crops, like Coffea spp., pollination plays an important role in yield. The purpose of this experiment is to compare nectar quality and quantity of Coffea flowers between low-input and high-input farms, demonstrating a link between practices, pollination, and crop yield. I found that more traditional, low-input practices have higher sugar concentration than high-input practices (t = 2.82; p …

Antibodies Targeting Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor As A Novel Strategy In Treating Lung Cancer, Hening Ren, Zuoming Chu, Li Mao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is overexpressed in lung cancer and the overexpression correlates with aggressive biological behaviors and poor clinical outcomes. We developed anti-HDGF monoclonal antibodies and tested their antitumor activity in lung cancer xenograft models. We also determined biological effects in tumors treated with the antibody alone or in combination with bevacizumab/avastin (an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody) and/or gemcitabine (a chemotherapeutic agent). We found the anti-HDGF was effective to inhibit tumor growth in non-small cell lung cancer xenograft models. In the A549 model, compared with control IgG, tumor growth was substantially inhibited in animals treated with anti-HDGF antibodies, …

Understanding Gender Differences In Online Experience And Internet Advertising, Seema Harryginsingh

Honors College Theses

The purposes of this article is to first review the literature on gender differences in advertising then explore areas that are important in today’s online environment including differences in the various areas of online experience and behavior such as shopping, privacy issues, internet usage, use of website, and new media and user generated content considerations. I will also look at online advertising particularly, online video ads and banner ads. I will attempt to show through research that there are differences that exist among the genders, which also translate to the online environment and specifically in the various areas of experience …

Incremental Validation Of Formal Specifications, Paul S. Corwin

Master's Theses

This thesis presents a tool for the mechanical validation of formal software specifications. The tool is based on a novel approach to incremental validation. In this approach, small-scale aspects of a specification are validated, as part of the stepwise refinement of a formal model.

The incremental validation technique can be considered a form of "lightweight" model checking. This is in contrast to a "heavyweight" approach, wherein an entire large-scale model is validated en masse.

The validation tool is part of a formal modeling and specification language (FMSL), used in software engineering instruction. A lightweight, incremental approach to validation is beneficial …

Agricultural Buffer Criteria For The City Of Arroyo Grande, Laura A. Pennebaker

Master's Theses

The conservation of agricultural land is an important and challenging part of local and regional planning. Prime agricultural soils and viable agricultural operations serve as a vital part of California’s identity and economy. The conversion of land from farming to non-agricultural use significantly increases the potential for conflict between adjoining land uses and intensifies the pressure to develop adjacent farmland. Agricultural buffers serve as a tool to mitigate potential conflict between adjacent non-compatible land uses and protect both farming operations and residents from nuisance complaints. The City of Arroyo Grande has agricultural buffer policies which apply to development taking place …

Evaluation Of Herbicide Efficacy As Influenced By Adjuvant And Nozzle Type, Catherine L. (Grissom) Ansolabehere

Master's Theses

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a common and difficult weed to control in turfgrass as it is a highly visible and unsightly weed that disrupts the uniformity of the turfgrass surface. This weed is a serious problem in the turfgrass industry in California and there is a need for better methods of control. With more regulations on pesticides and less information about efficient application techniques, controlling white clover with available herbicides can be difficult.

Compatibility trials were conducted during the summer of 2005 to determine the compatibility of the herbicides and adjuvants planned for use in subsequent greenhouse and field …

Hartford Circus Fire (1944), John Surowiecki

Bryant Literary Review

All we were told was that the animals
were saved and the children died;