Digital Commons Network^™

What Kind Of Seed Dormancy Might Palms Have?, Jerry M. Baskin, Carol C. Baskin

Biology Faculty Publications

Palm diaspores are reported to have various kinds of dormancy. However, (1) the embryo is underdeveloped; (2) the endocarp is water permeable; and (3) the diaspores take a long time to germinate. Thus, we conclude that the diaspores of the majority of palm species have morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). The ones that do not have MPD are morphologically dormant.

Mechanisms Of Soil Carbon Accrual And Storage In Bioenergy Cropping Systems, Lisa K. Tiemann, A. Stuart Grandy

Faculty Publications

Annual row cropping systems converted to perennial bioenergy crops tend to accrue soil C, likely a function of increased root production and decreased frequency of tillage; however, very little is known about the mechanisms governing the accrual and stability of this additional soil C. To address this uncertainty, we assessed the formation and stability of aggregates and soil organic C (SOC) pools under switchgrass, giant miscanthus, a native perennial grass mix and continuous corn treatments in Michigan and Wisconsin soils differing in both texture and mineralogy. We isolated different aggregate size fractions, >2 mm, 0.5–2 mm, and <0.5 mm, using a procedure intended to minimize alterations to aggregate biological and chemical properties. We determined SOC, permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), and microbial activities (i.e. enzyme activities and soil respiration rates) associated with these aggregates. Soil type strongly influenced the trajectory of aggregate formation and stabilization with differences between sites in mean aggregate size, stability, SOC and microbial activity under perennial vs. corn cropping systems. At the Michigan site, soil microbial activities were highest in the >2 mm aggregates, …

Numerical Analysis Of Cold Injury Of Skin In Cryogen Spray Cooling For Laser Dermatologic Surgery, Dong Li, Bin Chen, Wen-Juan Wu, Ya-Ling He, Lin Zhuang Xing, Guo-Xiang Wang

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

In laser dermatologic surgery, cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is used to avoid unwanted thermal damage such as scars from skin burning due to the melanin absorption of the laser beam. As the cryogen is fully atomized from the nozzle, temperature of the droplets can quickly drop below -60 oC because of evaporation. Such low temperature may lead to cold injury of skin. Therefore, spray cooling process should be accurately controlled during clinical practice to achieve sufficient protection and avoid cold injury. This study presents a numerical analysis for cold injury of skin in cryogen spray cooling for dermatologic laser surgery …

What Will It Take To Observe Processes In 'Real Time'?, Stephen R. Leone, C. William Mccurdy, Joachim Burgdörfer, Lorenz S. Cederbaum, Zenghu Chang, Nirit Dudovich, Johannes Feist, Chris H. Greene, Misha Ivanov, Reinhard Kienberger, Ursula Keller, Matthias F. Kling, Zhi Heng Loh, Thomas Pfeifer, Adrian N. Pfeiffer, Robin Santra, Kenneth Schafer, Albert Stolow, Uwe Thumm, Marc J.J. Vrakking

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Preface

Communications on Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

A Conceptual Framework For Analyzing Social-Ecological Models Of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Melissa L. Finucane, Jefferson Fox, Sumeet Saksena, James H. Spencer

Faculty Publications

Unraveling mechanisms that underlie new and reemerging infectious diseases (EID) requires exploring complex interactions within and among coupled natural and human (CNH) systems. This scientifi c problem poses one of the most diffi cult challenges for society today (Wilcox and Colwell 2005 ). EID are diseases that have recently increased in incidence or in geographic or host range (e.g., tuberculosis, cholera, malaria, dengue fever), and diseases caused by new pathogens and new variants assigned to known pathogens (e.g., HIV, SARS, Nipah virus, and avian infl uenza) (Morse 2005 ). Wilcox and Gubler ( 2005 ) and Wilcox and Colwell ( …

A Modified Approach To The Implementation Of Dynamic Written Corrective Feedback, Brooke Elizabeth Eddington

Theses and Dissertations

Grammatical accuracy in second language (L2) writing is one of the key issues that English as a Second Language (ESL) learners struggle with, both in intensive English language programs and continuing after their university matriculation. Numerous instructional methodologies exist that center around the concept of error correction—how can or should ESL instructors correct grammatical errors in L2 students' writing to best facilitate improvements in written linguistic accuracy? Error correction in L2 writing has been a controversial issue for over a decade (e.g., Ferris, 1999; Truscott, 1996), and in an effort to contribute to an understanding of this controversial topic, this …

Timing Of Dental Development In Saudi Cleft Lip And Palate Patients, Naif A. Bindayel, Maan A. Alsultan, Samar O. Elhayek

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To assess the timing of dental development in Saudi patients affected with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP), and further investigate patients9 demographics. METHODS: The panoramic radiographs of 51 Saudi subjects (5-14 years) with CLP were assessed cross-sectionally in January 2012. The data were collected at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the study was completed in February 2013. Demirjian9s method was used to evaluate the crown and root developmental stages of mandibular permanent teeth to quantify the dental age. Patients9 medical records were used to specify the chronological age, and utilized to divide all participating subjects …

Genetics, Race And Substantive Due Process, Christian B. Sundquist

Washington and Lee Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Homology Modeling And Molecular Docking For The Science Curriculum, Owen M. Mcdougal, Nic Cornia, Chris Mallory, Julia Thom Oxford, Tim Andersen

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

DockoMatic 2.0 is a powerful open source software program (downloadable from sourceforge.net) that allows users to utilize a readily accessible computational tool to explore biomolecules and their interactions. This manuscript describes a practical tutorial for use in the undergraduate curriculum that introduces students to macromolecular structure creation, ligand binding calculations, and visualization of docking results. A student procedure is provided that illustrates the use of DockoMatic to create a homology model for the amino propeptide region (223 amino acids with two disulfide bonds) of collagen α1 (XI), followed by molecular docking of the commercial drug Arixtra^® to the …

Trophic Dynamics And Feeding Ecology Of The Southeast Florida Coastal Pelagic Fish Community, Travis Allan Moore

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

The combined methods of stomach content analysis and stable ¹⁵N and ¹³C isotope biochemistry analysis were used to investigate the trophic dynamics and feeding ecology of coastal pelagic fishes in the waters off southeastern Florida, USA. The coastal pelagic fish complex includes blackfin tuna Thunnus atlanticus, dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus, king mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla, little tunny Euthynnus alletteratus, skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis, and wahoo Acanthocybium solandri. These coastal teleosts, particularly the tunas and wahoo, are primarily targeted by recreational anglers. However, there is a shortage of available trophic and diet composition data concerning …

Training The Resident In Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, Muhammad Hammad Ather, Chi-Fai Ng, Gholamraza Pourmand, Palle J. Osther

Section of Urology

Objective: From the trainers' perspective percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is one of the most challenging endourological procedures. In this review we examine the problems arising when training residents in PCNL, and how to facilitate this process.
Methods: The recommendations are derived from discussions and consensus during the First European Urolithiasis Society (EULIS) meeting held in London in September 2011. In addition, we searched Medline for articles identified using the keywords 'training', 'percutaneous surgery', 'renal calculi', 'PCNL', 'virtual reality' and 'simulators'. We also assessed the effect of modern technology, including the availability of virtual reality models vs. operating room training, and how …

Oncolog, Volume 59, Number 03, March 2014, Bryan Tutt, Joe Munch, K. Stuyck

OncoLog MD Anderson's Report to Physicians (All issues) Archives

• Expanding the Use of Laparoscopic Liver Resection: Minimally invasive surgical resection of liver tumors once was used only in select patients with easily accessible lesions located in the anterior of the liver. However, recent improvements in surgical techniques and the use of preoperative imaging have made laparoscopic approaches possible for even compels liver resection
• Physicians Refining Lung Cancer Screening Program: Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) has been shown to reduce the rate of lung cancer-specific mortality in people at high risk for the disease
• Should the Primary Tumor Be Treated in Patients With Metastatic Prostate Cancer?: Researchers …

Male Call: The Role Of The Church In Awakening Young Men To Their Vocational Purpose, Thomas G. Shaw

Doctor of Ministry

Many young adult men are struggling in their transition from adolescence to adulthood. Unique challenges converge in their quest for vocational discovery and career choice. The church is largely ignored as a guide as they make choices about work and career. Christian churches have been slow to provide practical guidance in faith and work; especially for disciples with an interest in professions and careers outside Christian ministry. There is a need for an informed church to guide young men so that they may reach their potential through the discovery of calling and vocation. I propose that the church must assume …

The Role Of Different Types Of Feedback In The Reciprocal Interaction Of Teaching Performance And Self-Efficacy Belief, Nalan Akkuzu

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of feedback based on self-efficacy belief sources in the reciprocal interaction of teaching performance and self-efficacy beliefs. A single case study design was employed to address and began to bridge the gap in our understanding of the relationship between feedback, self-efficacy belief and teaching performance. The data for this study were collected in the form of semi-structured interviews from 6 volunteer 5^th-grade chemistry student teachers. The data were analyzed based on an inductive analytical approach. The results indicated that different types of feedback based on self-efficacy belief …

Discourses Of Experience: The Disciplining Of Identities And Practices In Student Teaching, Anita Sanyal Tudela

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The aim of this paper is to understand how ideas about teaching and learning to teach are structured and regulated in the student teaching component in university teacher education, and how these ideas are linked to the constructed identities of the student- and the collaborating teacher. I use critical discourse analysis to unpack the everyday language of collaborating teachers. I argue that, through the continued citation of assumptions about experience, the student teacher and collaborating teacher are constructed within prefigured and recognizable categories. This process sanctions and forecloses particular practices. I argue that this mechanism makes way for the reproduction …

Structural And Functional Analyses Of A Glutaminyl Cyclase From Ixodes Scapularis Reveal Metal-Independent Catalysis And Inhibitor Binding, Kai-Fa Huang, Hui-Ling Hsu, Shahid Karim, Andrew H.-J. Wang

Faculty Publications

Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) from mammals and Drosophila are zinc-dependent enzymes that catalyze N-terminal pyroglutamate formation of numerous proteins and peptides. These enzymes have been found to be critical for the oviposition and embryogenesis of ticks, implying that they are possible physiological targets for tick control. Here, 1.10–1.15 Å resolution structures of a metal-independent QC from the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis (Is-QC) are reported. The structures exhibit the typical scaffold of mammalian QCs but have two extra disulfide bridges that stabilize the central β-­sheet, resulting in an increased thermal stability. Is-QC contains ∼0.5 stoichiometric zinc ions, which could …

Priming In The Microbial Landscape: Periphytic Algal Stimulation Of Litter-Associated Microbial Decomposers, Kevin A. Kuehn, Steven N. Francoeur, Robert H. Findlay, Robert K. Neely

Faculty Publications

Microbial communities associated with submerged detritus in aquatic ecosystems often comprise a diverse mixture of autotrophic and heterotrophic microbes, including algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Recent studies have documented increased rates of plant litter mass loss when periphytic algae are present. We conducted laboratory and field experiments to assess potential metabolic interactions between natural autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial communities inhabiting submerged decaying plant litter of Typha angustifolia and Schoenoplectus acutus. In the field, submerged plant litter was either exposed to natural sunlight or placed under experimental canopies that manipulated light availability and growth of periphytic algae. Litter was collected …

Family Incivility And Job Performance: A Moderated Mediated Model Of Psychological Distress And Core Self-Evaluation, Sandy Lim, Kenneth Tai

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

This study extends the stress literature by exploring the relationship between family incivility and job performance. We examine whether psychological distress mediates the link between family incivility and job performance. We also investigate how core self-evaluation might moderate this mediated relationship. Data from a 2-wave study indicate that psychological distress mediates the relationship between family incivility and job performance. In addition, core self-evaluation moderates the relationship between family incivility and psychological distress but not the relationship between psychological distress and job performance. The results hold while controlling for general job stress, family-to-work conflict, and work-to-family conflict. The findings suggest that …

A Lipid-Rich Gestational Diet Predisposes Offspring To Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Potential Sequence Of Events, Alexandria N. Hughes, Julia Thom Oxford

Biomedical Research Institute Publications and Presentations

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. It affects 20%–30% of the US population, and it is increasing worldwide. Recently, the role of lipid-rich maternal gestational nutrition in spurring the development of NAFLD among offspring has been indicated. Fetal predisposition to NAFLD involves numerous physiological reroutings that are initiated by increased delivery of nonesterified fatty acids to the fetal liver. Hampered ß-oxidation, uncontrolled oxidative stress, increased triacylglycerol synthesis, and the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response are all implicated in sculpting a hepatic phenotype with a propensity to develop NAFLD in the postnatal state. This review …

Nebline, March 2014

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Make a Difference -- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Food & Health

Family Living

Farm & Acreage

Home & Family Living

Horticulture

Pests & Wildlife

4-H & Youth

Extension Calendar

and other extension news and events

Deference Mistakes, Jonathan Masur, Lisa Larrimore Ouellette

Coase-Sandor Institute for Law & Economics Research Paper Series

This Article begins with what should seem a relatively straightforward proposition: it is impossible to fully understand the holding of a case without understanding its “deference regime”—the standard of review or burden of proof that governs the case. If a court holds in the context of a habeas petition that a constitutional right was not “clearly established,” that does not mean that the court would hold that the right does not exist were it writing on a blank slate. If a court refuses to invalidate a granted patent, which is presumed valid and can only be held invalid upon a …

Ailanthus Altissima In Urban Neighborhoods Of Denver, Colorado, Jenny Todd

Geography and the Environment: Graduate Student Capstones

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, also known as Tree of Heaven, is a non-native tree found throughout North America. The competitive advantages of Ailanthus make it a formidable invader that reduces biodiversity, especially in urban environments. In these areas, Ailanthus can cause structural damage to buildings, pavement, and other infrastructure such as plumbing. Although Ailanthus can commonly be observed throughout neighborhoods of Denver, Colorado, its prevalence and frequency are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and abundance of Ailanthus among selected urban, residential areas and parks within the City of Denver. This was accomplished …

Hp1a: A Structural Chromosomal Protein Regulating Transcription, Joel Eissenberg, Sarah C.R. Elgin

Biology Faculty Research

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1a in Drosophila) is a conserved eukaryotic chromosomal protein that is prominently associated with pericentric heterochromatin and mediates the concomitant gene silencing. Mechanistic studies implicate HP1 family proteins as 'hub proteins,' able to interact with a variety of chromosomal proteins through the chromo-shadow domain (CSD), as well as to recognize key histone modification sites [primarily histone H3 di/trimethyl Lys9 (H3K9me2/3)] through the chromodomain (CD). Consequently, HP1 has many important roles in chromatin architecture and impacts both gene expression and gene silencing, utilizing a variety of mechanisms. Clearly, HP1 function is altered by context, and potentially by post-translational …

A Rehabilitation Program For Lung Cancer Patients During Postthoracotomy Chemotherapy, Amy J. Hoffman, Ruth Ann Britnall, Alexander Von Eye, Lee W. Jones, Gordon Alderink, Lawrence H. Patzelt, Jean K. Brown

Peer Reviewed Articles

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to describe the effects of a 16-week home-based rehabilitative exercise program on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), other symptoms, functional status, and quality of life (QOL) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after thoracotomy starting within days after hospital discharge and continuing through the initiation and completion of chemotherapy.

Materials and methods: Five patients with NSCLC completed the Brief Fatigue Inventory (measuring CRF severity) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (measuring symptom severity) before and after thoractomy, and at the end of each week of the 16-week exercise program. Additionally, the Medical …

Classification Of Human Retinal Microaneurysms Using Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscope Fluorescein Angiography, Michael Dubow, Alexander Pinhas, Nishit Shah, Robert F. Cooper, Alexander Gan, Ronald C. Gentile, Vernon Hendrix, Yusufu N. Sulai, Joseph Carroll, Toco Y.P. Chui, Joseph B. Walsh, Rishard Weitz, Alfredo Dubra, Richard B. Rosen

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose.

Microaneurysms (MAs) are considered a hallmark of retinal vascular disease, yet what little is known about them is mostly based upon histology, not clinical observation. Here, we use the recently developed adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) fluorescein angiography (FA) to image human MAs in vivo and to expand on previously described MA morphologic classification schemes.

Methods.

Patients with vascular retinopathies (diabetic, hypertensive, and branch and central retinal vein occlusion) were imaged with reflectance AOSLO and AOSLO FA. Ninety-three MAs, from 14 eyes, were imaged and classified according to appearance into six morphologic groups: focal bulge, saccular, fusiform, mixed, …

Determinants Of Physical Activity In Arab American Children, Wearn Alkhatib Phd

Dissertations

Physical activity is an integral part of preventing and managing childhood and adolescent obesity. Lack of regular physical activity has negative impact on physical and psychosocial health. Arab Americans (AAs), one of the most rapidly growing minorities in United States, tend to have a high prevalence of obesity and low participation in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to describe determinants of physical activity, including self-efficacy, social support, physical environment, and selected demographics among AA children in Southern California. A descriptive correlational study using a cross sectional design was conducted. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by children (N=206) recruited …

Conditional Tests On Basins Of Attraction With Finite Fields, Ian H. Dinwoodie

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

An iterative method is given for computing the polynomials that vanish on the basin of attraction of a steady state in discrete polynomial dynamics with finite field coefficients. The algorithm is applied to dynamics of a T cell survival network where it is used to compare transition maps conditional on a basin of attraction.

Apolipoprotein E Pathology In Vascular Dementia, Troy T. Rohn, Ryan J. Day, Colin B. Sheffield, Alexander J. Rajic, Wayne W. Poon

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common form of dementia and is currently defined as a cerebral vessel vascular disease leading to ischemic episodes. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism has been proposed as a risk factor for VaD, however, to date there are few documented post-mortem studies on apoE pathology in the VaD brain. To investigate a potential role for the apoE protein, we analyzed seven confirmed cases of VaD by immunohistochemistry utilizing an antibody that specifically detects the amino-terminal fragment of apoE. Application of this antibody, termed N-terminal, apoE cleavage fragment (nApoECF) revealed consistent labeling within neurofibrillary tangles …

Minimal Intervention Needed For Change: Definition, Use, And Value For Improving Health And Health Research, Diane King

Reports

Much research focuses on producing maximal intervention effects. This has generally not resulted in interventions being rapidly or widely adopted or seen as feasible given resources, time, and expertise constraints in the majority of real-world settings. We present a definition and key characteristics of a minimum intervention needed to produce change (MINC). To illustrate use of a MINC condition, we describe a computer-assisted, interactive minimal intervention, titled Healthy Habits, used in three different controlled studies and its effects. This minimal intervention produced modest to sizable health behavior and psychosocial improvements, depending on the intensity of personal contacts, producing larger effects …