Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of Tsetse Fly (Diptera: Glossinidae) Blood Meals Using Mitochondrial Cytochrome Genes For Vertebrate Host Identification, Catherine Ngambi Nyawira

All Master’s Theses

Information on the vertebrate hosts of blood feeding vectors forms a useful decision-making tool in the planning of tsetse fly control and eradication operations. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase I and Cytochrome b gene sequences in the identification of tsetse fly blood meals in order to provide a basis for more rational control of trypanosomosis in East Africa. Blood fed Glossina swynnertoni were sampled from the Serengeti (Tanzania) and G. pallidipes were from Nguruman and Busia in Kenya.Tsetse blood meal analysis was carried out by amplification and sequencing, to score …

Translating Unocal: The Expanding Web Of Liability For Business Entities Implicated In International Crimes, Anita Ramasastry, Robert C. Thompson, Mark B. Taylor

Articles

The Ninth Circuit ruled that a corporation could be held liable under the federal Alien Tort Claims Act for its complicity in a violation of international criminal law occurring outside the U.S. (Doe I v. Unocal Corp., 395 F.3d 932 (9th Cir. 2002)). Since then, litigants have filed increasing numbers of such cases. These cases raise two questions: (1) Is the United States the only country that provides judicial accountability for business entities involved in international crimes abroad? and (2) How are other countries "translating" the basic kinds of accountability that Unocal recognized into their own legal systems? This Article …

A Local Government By Any Other Name, In Proceedings Of The Washington State Association Of Municipal Attorneys, Hugh D. Spitzer

Articles

This paper reviews the categories that Washington legislators and the Washington State Supreme Court have used to classify and describe local government units. It then describes how the large array of classifications—and the lack of consistent interpretation and use of those labels—leads to confusion and unnecessary litigation. After presenting several case studies of the effects of confusing definitions, the paper suggests that legislation reducing the number of terms classifying local governments would benefit lawyers, judges, local government and the general public. It specifically recommends that "municipal corporation" become the standard category for almost all local governments, and that "governmental body" …

A Precautionary Tale: Assessing Ecological Damages After The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Sanne Knudsen

Articles

To address the shortcomings of our existing damages paradigm--exemplified by the response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound--this article suggests that we invoke the burden-shifting attributes of the precautionary principle to transfer the risk of long-term, unknown ecological harm to those who have caused the injury. Through such a risk transfer, this article posits that true costs of ecological injury would more properly be borne by actors capable of altering their behavior to avoid such injury in the first place. In addition, this article suggests offering defendants two options for incurring damages for ecological injuries--either accepting …

Proposing A Place For Politics In Arbitrary And Capricious Review, Kathryn A. Watts

Articles

Current conceptions of “arbitrary and capricious” review focus on whether agencies have adequately explained their decisions in statutory, factual, scientific, or otherwise technocratic terms. Courts, agencies, and scholars alike, accordingly, generally have accepted the notion that influences from political actors, including the President and Congress, cannot properly help to explain administrative action for purposes of arbitrary and capricious review. This means that agencies today tend to sweep political influences under the rug even when such influences offer the most rational explanation for the action.

This Article argues that this picture should change. Specifically, this Article argues for expanding current conceptions …

A Working Conference On Students With Disabilities In Stem Coursework And Careers, Audrey C. Rule, Greg P. Stefanich, Charlotte W. Haselhuhn, Belinda Peiffer

Faculty Publications

Background: Few teachers and special education specialists are aware of the materials and resources available to support science; technology; engineering; and mathematics instruction for the scattered and isolated 3000 students with sensory and motor disabilities in Iowa's K-12 schools. Additionally; faculty at many community colleges and regent institutions are not aware of possible accommodations for their students with disabilities who have interests in pursuing STEM careers. Unfortunately; this often leads to discouragement and lack of success for students with motor or sensory disabilities. This conference brings together experts and conference attendees involved in instruction; support; or transitions for these students …

Contributions Of Family Leisure To Family Functioning Among Families That Include Children With Developmental Disabilities, Dorthy C. H. Dodd, Ramon Zabriskie, Mark A. Widmer, Dennis Eggett

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family leisure involvement and family functioning among families that include children with developmental disabilities. The sample consisted of 144 families (144 parents and 60 youth). Data were analyzed from the parent, youth, and family perspective. The Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP) was used to measure family leisure involvement. FACES II was used to measure family functioning. A scale based upon the definition, classification, and systems of support manual of the American Association on Mental Retardation adapted by Dyches was used to measure the level of support needed by the …

The Taxonomic Designation Of Eriogonum Corymbosum Var. Nilesii (Polygonaceae) Is Supported By Aflp And Cpdna Analyses, M. W. Ellis, J. M. Roper, R. Gainer, J. P. Der, Paul G. Wolf

Biology Faculty Publications

We examined populations of perennial, shrubby buckwheats in the Eriogonum corymbosum complex and related Eriogonum species in the subgenus Eucycla, to assess genetic affiliations of the recently named E. corymbosum var. nilesii. The known populations of this varietyare all located in Clark County, Nevada, U. S. A. We compared AFLP profiles and chloroplast DNA sequences of plants sampled from populations of E. corymbosum var. nilesii with those of plants representing other E. corymbosum varieties and related Eriogonum species from Colorado,Utah, northern Arizona, and northern New Mexico. We found evidence of genetic cohesion among the Clark County populations as well astheir …

Global Chloroplast Phylogeny And Biogeography Of Bracken (Pteridium: Dennstaedtiaceae), J. P. Der, J. A. Thomson, J. K. Stratford, Paul G. Wolf

Biology Faculty Publications

Bracken ferns (genus Pteridium) represent an ancient species complex with a natural worldwide distribution. Pteridium has historically been treated as comprising a single species, but recent treatments have recognized several related species. Phenotypic plasticity, geographically structured morphological variation, and geographically biased sampling have all contributed to taxonomic confusion in the genus. We sampled bracken specimens worldwide and used variable regions of the chloroplast genome to investigate phylogeography and reticulate evolution within the genus. Our results distinguish two major clades within Pteridium, a primarily northern hemisphere Laurasian/African clade, which includes all taxa currently assigned to P. aquilinum, and a primarily southern …

Conservation Of Selection On Matk Following An Ancient Loss Of Its Flanking Intron, A. M. Duffy, S. A. Kelchner, Paul G. Wolf

Biology Faculty Publications

The chloroplast gene trnK and its associated group II intron appear to be absent in a large and ancient clade that includes nearly 90% of fern species. However, the maturase protein encoded within the intron (matK) is still present and located on the boundary of a large-scale inversion. We surveyed the chloroplast genome sequence of clade-member Adiantum capillus-veneris for evidence of a still present but fragmented trnK intron. Lack of signature structural domains and sequence motifs in the genome indicate loss of the trnK intron through degradation in an ancestor of the clade. In plants, matK preferentially catalyzes splicing of …

Functionally Similar Species Confer Greater Resistance To Invasion: Implications For Grassland Restoration, Stephen L. Young, Jacob N. Barney, Guy B. Kyser, Tracy S. Jones, Joseph M. Ditomaso

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

Plant community functional composition can be manipulated in restored ecosystems to reduce the establishment potential of invading species. This study was designed to compare invasion resistance among communities with species functionally similar or dissimilar to yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), a late-season annual. A field experiment was conducted in the Central Valley of California with six experimental plant communities that included (1) six early-season native annual forbs (AF); (2) five late-season native perennials and one summer annual forb (NP); (3) a combination of three early-season native annual forbs and three late-season native perennials (FP); (4) six early-season non-native annual …

Differences In Nitrate Uptakeamong Benthic Algal Assemblages In A Mountain Stream, Michelle A. Baker, G. De Guzman

Biology Faculty Publications

We evaluated how benthic algal assemblages that vary in composition, richness, and other diversity metrics remove NO 3 -N from the water column of a mountain stream. Ecological theory and empirical studies suggest that ecosystem process rates should increase as richness increases because of niche separation or activity of dominant taxa. Accordingly, we predicted that algal assemblages with highest richness would show the highest rates of NO 3 -N uptake. To test this prediction, we transplanted 225 rocks representing 3 patch types (green, yellow, and brown) that differed macroscopically in algal composition from a lake outflow stream to a lake …

Heritability And Variance Component Estimates Of Meat Quality In Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica), Yakut Gevrekçi̇, İsmai̇l Oğuz, Mustafa Akşi̇t, Alper Önenç, Demi̇r Özdemi̇r, Özge Altan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

A comparison of 3 methods for variance component estimation to compute the heritability of meat quality characteristics (body weight, breast meat weight, breast yield, l, a, b, c, h, and ph) was performed using the methods of maximum likelihood (ML), restricted maximum likelihood (REML), and minimum variance quadratic unbiased estimator (MIVQUE). The parent population was set up at random from a closed population of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Selection was not applied for any productive characteristics and no special care was taken to avoid inbreeding. After 12-h feed withdrawal, the birds were weighed and slaughtered at 35 days of …

Concentration Of Products Of Nitric Oxide Oxidation And Some Vitamins In Sheep With Naturally Acquired Babesiosis, Handan Mert, İbrahi̇m Yörük, Yeter Değer, Ni̇hat Mert, Semi̇ha Dede, Fatmagül Yur

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the present study was to determine serum concentrations of the products of nitric oxide oxidation (nitrate and nitrite) and some vitamins (retinol acetate, \alpha- and \delta-tocopherol, and vitamin D_3) in sheep naturally infected with Babesia ovis. The investigation included 30 infected and 10 control sheep. Serum \alpha -tocopherol levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and nitrate and nitrite concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in infected animals than in controls. It is thought that the elevated nitrate and nitrite levels of the sheep infected with babesiosis were due to the result of damage caused by Babesia. On the other hand, a significant decrease was observed in \alpha -tocopherol levels in sheep with babesiosis because of damage and pathophysiological changes to erythrocytes.

Serum Adenosine Deaminase Activity In Domestic Animals: Reference Values, Nuri̇ Altuğ, Nazmi̇ Yüksek, Zahi̇d Ağaoğlu, İhsan Keleş

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was aimed to determine normal serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in domestic animals in both sexes and that were considered healthy on the basis of clinical and laboratory examinations. In this study, 262 non-pregnant animals of both sexes, belonging to 5 species [cattle (n = 50), sheep (n = 65), goat (n = 52), dog (n = 55), and cat (n = 40)] were used. Serum total ADA and ADA1 isoenzyme activities were found to be 6.34 ± 0.31 IU/l and 6.34 ± 0.31 IU/l in cattle, 7.57 ± 0.30 IU/l and 7.31 ± 0.47 IU/l in sheep, …

Cultural Cognition Of The Risks And Benefits Of Nanotechnology, Donald Braman, Dan M. Kahan, Paul Slovic, John Gastil, Geoffrey L. Cohen

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

We conducted an experimental public opinion study of the effect of balanced information on nanotechnology risk-benefit perceptions. The study found that subjects did not react in a uniform, much less a uniformly positive manner, but rather polarized along lines consistent with cultural predispositions toward technological risk generally.

Accidental Incest: Drawing The Line - Or The Curtain? - For Reproductive Technology, Naomi R. Cahn

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

This article calls for setting limits on the number of offspring born from any one individual's gametes, and for continuing to sanction incest, even when it comes to adult, inter-sibling consensual behaviour. The article examines the issues of inadvertent consanguinity raised by third-party gamete use through a feminist lens on both incest and reproductive technology. The central questions concern regulation of reproductive technology, such as whether legal restrictions on the fertility market might diminish the possibilities of accidental incest, as well as whether criminal and civil sanctions of intrafamilial sexual behavior should apply to relationships created through reproductive technology; these, …

Spectroscopic Study Of The Dimerisation Process Of Iron Protoporphyrin Ix, K. Dziedzic-Kocurek, Hugh Byrne, A. Swiderski, J. Stanek

Articles

The commercial protoporphyrin IX, iron-ferriprotoporphyrin IX-chloride and synthesized iron porphyrin μ-oxo-dimers were examined by UV/vis absorption and fluorescence, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, resonance Raman, X-ray absorption, Mössbauer spectroscopy and SQUID. The evidence of Fe-O-Fe antiferromagnetic coupling concluded from SQUID and Mössbauer in the case of samples containing dimerized forms confirmed the presence of the oxo-bridges. In this paper the results of UV/vis, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared FTIR and Raman spectroscopies are reported and discussed. The study is based on the comparison of the free-base protoporphyrin IX, Fe-PPIX-Cl and the synthesized dimerized specimen. The vibrational modes in two energy regions i.e. …

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce Oxidative Stress And Dna-Adduct Formation But Not Dna-Breakage In Human Lung Cells, Kunal Bhattacharya, Maria Davoren, Jens Boertz, Roel P.F. Schins, Eik Hoffmann, Elke Dopp

Articles

Titanium dioxide (TiO2), also known as titanium (IV) oxide or anatase, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium. It is also one of the most commercially used form. To date, no parameter has been set for the average ambient air concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles (NP) by any regulatory agency. Previously conducted studies had established these nanoparticles to be mainly non-cyto- and -genotoxic, although they had been found to generate free radicals both acellularly (specially through photocatalytic activity) and intracellularly. The present study determines the role of TiO2-NP (anatase, ∅ < 100 nm) using several parameters such as cyto- and genotoxicity, DNA-adduct formation and generation of free radicals following its uptake by human lung cells in vitro. For comparison, iron containing nanoparticles (hematite, Fe2O3, ∅ < 100 nm) were used. The results of this study showed that both types of NP were located in the cytosol near the nucleus. No particles were found inside the nucleus, in mitochondria or ribosomes. Human lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) were more sensitive regarding cyto- and genotoxic effects caused by the NP than human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). In contrast to hematite NP, TiO2-NP did not induce DNA-breakage measured by the Comet-assay in both cell types. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured acellularly (without any photocatalytic activity) as well as intracellularly for both types of particles, however, the iron-containing NP needed special reducing conditions before pronounced radical generation. A high level of DNA adduct formation (8-OHdG) was observed in IMR-90 cells exposed to TiO2-NP, but not in cells exposed to hematite NP. Our study demonstrates different modes of action for TiO2- and Fe2O3-NP. Whereas TiO2-NP were able to generate elevated amounts of free radicals, which induced indirect genotoxicity mainly by DNA-adduct formation, Fe2O3-NP were clastogenic (induction of DNA-breakage) and required reducing conditions for radical formation.

Providing Academic Leadership Through The Role Of Senior Lecturer 1 (Teaching) Using The Theme Of 'Sustainable Energy' As An Example, Jim Mcgovern

Articles

An academic leader should lead in their particular area and should love what they are doing. An example of leadership in the area of 'sustainable energy use' is presented that involves leading through identifying and participating in the development of emerging technologies. Excellent academic leadership can be provided by a Senior Lecturer through active research, incorporating the latest developments in student-centred learning in their work and providing example and encouragement for colleagues and learners.

Effects Of Oocyte Source On The Developmental Competence Of In Vitro Matured Goat Oocytes Fertilized By The Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Technique, Abu Nasar Md. Aminoor Rahman, Ramli Bin Abdullah, Wan Embong Wan-Khadijah

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study evaluated the effects of oocyte source on in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryo developmental competence in goats by the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique. Oocytes were obtained either by laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) or by slicing of abattoir ovaries. The donor does used for LOPU were superstimulated and their estrus was synchronized. Recovered oocytes from both sources were cultured in microdrops of IVM medium in the presence of CO2 (5%) at 38.5 °C in a CO2 incubator for 27 h. The ICSI was performed with immobilized sperm on the lid of a culture dish (35 mm) under an …

Vitamin And Mineral Content Of Pike Perch (Sander Lucioperca), Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio), And European Catfish (Silurus Glanis), Gülsün Özyurt, Abdurrahman Polat, Gül Bri̇ngen Loker

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The vitamin and mineral contents of pike perch (Sander lucioperca), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and European catfish (Silurus glanis) were determined in this study. The lowest water content (76.79 g/100 g) and the highest ash (1.17 g/100 g) and fat (3.5 g/100 g) contents were determined in common carp. The highest water (81.81 g/100 g) and lowest protein contents (17.17 g/100 g) were found in European catfish sample. On the other hand, the fat content of pike perch (0.74 g/100 g) was significantly lower than common carp (3.5 g/100 g) and European catfish (1.12g/100 g). The mean vitamin contents across …

Effects Of Addition Of Vitamin B_{12} To The Extender On Post-Thaw Motility, Acrosome Morphology, And Plasma Membrane Integrity In Bull Semen, Jian Hong Hu, Qing Wang Li, Yu-Lin Chen, Zhong Liang Jiang, Yong Hong Jia, Li Qiang Wang, Bo Bo Ou

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

To investigate the effects of supplementation of vitamin B_{12} on bovine sperm post-thaw quality, vitamin B_{12} was added at the concentrations of 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 mg/mL to bovine semen cryoprotective medium. The results indicated that the motility and VSL, VCL, STR, and VAP values of sperm supplemented with 2.50 mg/mL vitamin B_{12} were significantly higher than those of other concentrations (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed for LIN and ALH values and the percentage of grade a spermatozoa between the extenders containing 2.50 mg/mL and 3.75 mg/mL vitamin B_{12} (P > 0.05). The percentages of acrosome-intact and plasma membrane-intact spermatozoa were significantly improved (P < 0.05) by supplementing with 2.50 mg/mL vitamin B_{12}. With all parameters measured, the concentration of 2.50 mg/mL vitamin B_{12} showed the best results on the quality of bovine semen in freezing-thawing. In conclusion, the addition of 2.50 mg/mL vitamin B_{12} to the extender improved the bovine frozen semen quality.

Laparoscopic Sterilization Vs. Open Method Sterilization In Dogs: A Comparison Of Two Techniques, Anburaja Mahalingam, Naveen Kumar, Swapan K. Maiti, Ashok K. Sharma, Umesh Dimri, Meena Kataria

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Ten clinically healthy, adult male dogs randomly equally divided into 2 groups (I and II) were subjected to laparoscopic sterilization and open method castration under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia. In group I laparoscopic vasectomy by cauterization and cutting of the vas deferens was performed and in group II conventional open castration by the pre-scrotal approach was done. Insufflation of the abdominal cavity was achieved with CO_2 (2 L/min) at 10 mmHg pressure gradient. Two ports were needed to carry out the operation. Clinical observations revealed no significant changes. Differential leukocyte count (DLC) revealed significant neutrophilia and comparative lymphopenia on the 3rd postoperative …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

No abstract provided.

Inorganic Chemical Oxygen Demand Of Re-Suspended Sediments In A Bar-Built Lagoon, Keenan A. Smith

Master's Theses

Rapid dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion, caused by inorganic chemical oxygen demand (COD) of re-suspended sediment compounds, has been documented in few studies, yet fish kills occur often from the process. Pescadero Lagoon, California, USA, a bar-built lagoon that suffers annual fish kills caused by rapid mixing-induced hypoxia upon sandbar breach, was studied to investigate the potential for COD of re-suspended sediment to deplete oxygen. In-situ chamber mixing trials demonstrated that re-suspended sediment can exert powerful oxygen demand on receiving waters. Surface DO depletion upon bar breach was too severe to be explained solely by mixing of the anoxic hypolimnion into …

Music In The Lives Of Two Children With Autism : A Case Study, Elizabeth Ron Fang

Master's Theses

This thesis is a qualitative case study about two children with autism spectrum disorder and the role of music in their lives. It explores how music serves as a non-threatening medium for learning and developing skills necessary to function successfully in life. The stories of the children and their parents are shared through their personal account and the author's observations. The literature in the field reveals that a structured/functional use of music helps communication, social interaction, appropriate behavior, motor skills, and academics in children with autism. Each child is able to actively participate in music-making within varied and appropriate settings …

Job Related Stress And The Ability To Transition Among Life Roles For Police Officers, Stacy Dawn Seay

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Native Californian Prehistory And Climate In The San Francisco Bay Area, Stella D'Oro

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Landmarks, Shannon Bowman-Sarkisian

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.