Digital Commons Network^™

The Combined Influence Of Diving Physiology And Stressors On Immune Cell Function In A Deep Diving Monodontid And Three Shallow Diving Phocid Species, Laura A. Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations

Marine mammals possess adaptations for repetitive and extended diving to great depths without suffering the ill effects seen in humans [e.g. decompression sickness (DCS)] which involve altered immune activity. In recent decades, DCS-like symptoms in marine mammals have increased concerns about marine mammal health and whether anthropogenic activities can interfere with adaptive dive responses, increasing susceptibility to dive related pathologies. The purpose of this work was to address these concerns by: 1) evaluating the in vitro response of marine mammal immune cells to increased pressure, 2) comparing the response of cells between baseline and stressor conditions, and 3) developing a …

Effects Of Human-Modified Landscapes On Metacommunity Structure And Multiple Dimensions Of Biodiversity, Laura Marie Cisneros

Doctoral Dissertations

Anthropogenic modification of landscapes is global and pervasive. Such landscapes comprise more native vegetation than do landscapes with no human impact. Moreover, these alterations have contributed to the accelerated loss of biodiversity and compromised ecosystem services. Consequently, development of appropriate conservation policies requires an understanding of how communities are affected by human-modified landscapes.

Despite considerable efforts towards understanding the effects of human-modified landscapes on communities, two critical aspects of landscape ecology have received scant attention. First, little is known about the effects of landscape modification on ecological and evolutionary characteristics of assemblages, as most studies have focused on taxonomic biodiversity …

Depredating Sperm Whales In The Gulf Of Alaska: Local Habitat Use And Long Distance Movements Across Putative Population Boundaries, Janice M. Straley, G. S. Schorr, A. M. Thode, J. Calambokidis, C. R. Lunsford, Ellen M. Chenoweth, V. M. O'Connell, R. D. Andrews

Faculty, Staff, and Students

Satellite tags were attached to 10 sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus (1 whale was tagged in 2 different years) to determine the movements of sperm whales involved in removal of sablefish from longline fishing gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Tags transmitted from 3 to 34 d (median = 22) in 2007 and 7 to 158 d (median = 45) in 2009. Seven whales stayed in the GOA; all were associating with fishing vessels along the slope. Two whales headed south in June shortly after being tagged; one reached the inner third of the Sea of Cortez; the other’s last …

Unh Researchers Find Promise In Strawberry Cultivation System, Lori Tyler Gula

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Greek Life And God Attachment: The Interaction Of Sorority Influence And Religiosity On Women's Body Shame, Monica Burney

Honors Theses

The present study investigated the relationships between sorority women’s internalization of Greek thin ideals and body image, and dimensions of sorority women’s religiosity and body image. A combined relationship among sorority women’s internalization of Greek thin ideals, body image, and religiosity was also examined. Based on previous research it was expected that women’s internalization of Greek thin ideals would be associated with worse body image (in terms of body shame, body esteem, and drive for thinness) and that women’s religiosity (in terms of secure attachment to God) would be associated with better body image. Combinations of Greek thin ideal internalization …

Treating Wastes With Microbial Fuel Cells(Mfcs) And Microbial Electrolysis Cells(Mecs), Yan Li

Master's Theses

Two typical oxidized-status metals (Fe (III) and Cr (VI)) were studied as electron acceptors on cathodes in single chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs) to explore novel sustainable technology for metal treatment in wastewater. The batch-mode tests indicated that the voltages of SCMFCs steadily increased with Fe(III) concentrations (10mg L-1, 30mg L-1, and 50mg L-1) and Cr (VI) concentrations (1mg L-1, 3mg L-1, and 10mg L-1). The maximum power density and current density reached at 658.34mW m-2 and 0.46mA cm-2 at 50mg L-1 of Fe(III), and reached at 419.31mW m-2 and 0.27mA cm-2 at 10 mg L-1 Cr (VI). The conversion …

Re-Emerging Vaccine Preventable Diseases: United States State Immunization Exemption Laws And The Relation To Annual State Pertussis Incidence-Trend Analysis, Evan M. Timme

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Evolution Of The Morphology Of Bottom Walking Turtles, Victor David Munteanu

Honors Theses

Ecomorphology and functional morphology are two distinct disciplines within biology that are often conflated and erroneously used interchangeably. By investigating the morphological distinctiveness of bottom-walking turtles relative to aquatic swimmers and terrestrial walkers, we can disentangle the effects of ecology and performance. Shell morphology, tail length, digit length, webbing length, and integumental differences were examined using dry and wet preserved specimens. Bottom-walkers were hypothesized to be distinct in all measurements. Instead, bottom-walkers were typically distinct from terrestrial taxa but not aquatic taxa, although for integumentary structures, only bottom-walkers were found to have significantly more integumentary structures than terrestrial turtles. This …

Sexing The Male: Manifestations Of Masculinity In Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, And Villette, Emma Foye Quinn

Honors Theses

Abstract: This project considers Emily and Charlotte Brontë's constructions of masculinity in Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Villette. There is a vast proliferation of scholarship focusing on gender in the Victorian Era, but as much of this criticism focuses on women, the analysis of heterosexual masculinity in these novels provides a unique perspective on the complexities involved in gender constructions during this period. Masculine identity was in a transitory state in the early nineteenth century, as Romantic values were replaced by Victorian conceptions of masculinity, largely influencing the expectations of men. This paper argues that based on an understanding of …

Exome-Wide Association Study Of Endometrial Cancer In A Multiethnic Population, Maxine M. Chen, Marta Crous-Bou, Veronica W. Setiawan, Jennifer Prescott, Sarah H. Olson, Nicolas Wentzensen, Amanda Black, Louise Brinton, Chu Chen, Constance Chen, Linda S. Cook, Jennifer Doherty

Dartmouth Scholarship

Endometrial cancer (EC) contributes substantially to total burden of cancer morbidity and mortality in the United States. Family history is a known risk factor for EC, thus genetic factors may play a role in EC pathogenesis. Three previous genome- wide association studies (GWAS) have found only one locus associated with EC, suggesting that common variants with large effects may not contribute greatly to EC risk. Alternatively, we hypothesize that rare variants may contribute to EC risk. We conducted an exome-wide association study (EXWAS) of EC using the Infinium HumanExome BeadChip in order to identify rare variants associated with EC risk. …

The Colby Echo (2014-05-08), Colby College

The Colby Echo

Published by the students of Colby College since 1877, The Colby Echo is the weekly, editorially independent student-run newspaper of Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Published monthly, 1877-1886; semi-monthly, 1886-1897; and weekly, during the academic year, 1898-present.

Effects Of Incremental Dietary Macronutrient Changes On Fat Oxidation And Body Composition, Laura J. Kunces

Doctoral Dissertations

Despite evidence that low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) can improve metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics and risk for cardiovascular disease, concerns remain regarding the potential deleterious effects of higher fat intake. If higher fat intake (in the context of lower carbohydrate intake) is accompanied by higher fat oxidation, there would likely be more efficient fat loss and improved health parameters. Our aim was to examine how diets spanning a broad range of carbohydrate levels ranging from very low (<50 g/day) to current dietary guidelines (~350 g/day) affect substrate oxidation patterns and changes in body composition within the same person while keeping caloric and protein intake constant. After an initial 3-wk run-in LCD, 16 adults with MetS (age 44.9 ± 9.9 yr, BMI 37.9 ± 6.3 kg/m²) were fed six sequential moderately hypocaloric 3-wk diets that progressively increased carbohydrate (CHO) (from 47 to 344 g/day) with concomitant decreases in …

National Identity At The Margins Of Europe: History, Affect And Museums In Slovenia, Robert Booth

Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines the historical and idiographic aspects of national identity in Slovenia and brings empirical data to bear on the question of the effect of museums and their identity narratives on citizen museum attendees. Museums have often been portrayed as such sites of identity construction and as important state-making and state-maintaining institutions that educate citizens on the history and heritage of nationhood and nationality. This empirical data is coupled with ethnographic and discourse analytic approaches to demonstrate that the apprehension of identity is predicated on broader historical, socio-political, emotional, moral and economic aspects of society. This dissertation specifically engages …

Using A Visual Analogue Scale To Assess Delay, Social, And Probability Discounting Of An Environmental Loss, Brent A. Kaplan, Derek D. Reed, Todd Mckerchar

Research, Publications & Creative Work

As anthropogenic influences on climate change become more readily apparent, the role of behavioral science in understanding barriers to sustainable actions cannot be overstated. Environmental psychologists have proposed that a major barrier to sustainability is the delayed, socially distant, and probabilistic effects of public policy efforts aimed at preserving Earth’s resources. This proposal places sustainability squarely within the research topic of delay, social, and probability discounting – processes well known to behavioral scientists. To date, there has been surprisingly little behavioral research examining the role of discounting processes in environmental decision making. In the present study, we examined the degree …

D-Aspartic Acid As A Nutritional Aid To Increase Serum Testosterone, Logan Joseph Rodgers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The purpose of this proposed study was to determine the potential changes in testosterone (free and total) and estradiol over a four-week intervention period using D-aspartic acid (DAA) in men. Twenty-four physically active men, aged 18-39 years, were randomly assigned to two groups (conditions) using a placebo-controlled, double-blind design. Baseline values for all hormones were compared to values measured at the end of two and four weeks of DAA administration, provided at a dosage of 3.12g, compared to the placebo. Data were analyzed using a 2 (condition) x 3 (time) analysis of variance. No interaction or main effects were noted …

Digitalcommons@Unmc Launch, Paul Royster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Presentations

1.Who I am and why I am here

2.Institutional Repositories
a. Theory and history
b. Experience at UN-Lincoln

3.Your opportunity & why you should participate

My hope: That the UNMC DigitalCommons launched this term has a long and successful flight … and a smooth touchdown.

Modeling Mglur1 Mediated Synaptic Depression In Cerebellar Purkinje Cells, Yizhen Su, Huo Lu

Research Day

In our previous study, we have successfully simulated mGluR1 mediated sEPSP based on experimental and is associated with parallel fiber – Purkinje cell LTD [1, 2, 3]. Recent studies have shown that the mGluR1 mediated sEPSP is generated by calcium signaling through the TRPC channel which is crucial in cerebellar LTD induction [4]. Behavior study using mutant mice that lack this type of LTD has shown no motor learning impairment [5]. We hypothesize that cerebellar TRPC mediated synaptic depression shifts the excitatory and inhibitory balance to down regulate ongoing simple-spike activity. To test our hypothesis we modified our previous model …

A Habitable Madness: Inclusion Of Feminist Thought In The Development Of Mad Theory, Casadi "Khaki" Marino

Student Research Symposium

Objectives: Mad theory is in the early stages of development. This paper draws on disability studies and feminist thought in theorizing models of madness.

Methods: This paper explores the available literature in order to explore the contribution of feminism to mad theory.

Results: Disability studies have challenged hegemonic concepts of normality and the definition of disability as individual deficit. Disability becomes framed as a social construction involving power relations. Feminist perspectives on disability honor lived experience and human variation. In feminist thought, different ways of being are valued and people are recognized as equal in terms of …

Phenotypic Variation In The Model Organism, Danio Rerio, Rachel D. Champaigne, Kim H. Brown

Student Research Symposium

Model organisms are used to study evolutionary conserved traits. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used a model organism because of their highly fecundity, external fertilization, and robust nature, making them highly adaptable to environmental and genetic variation. In an effort to limit data variation that lies outside of topic interest, phenotypic measures of variation must be performed, understood, and taken into consideration for future studies. A common measurement of phenotypic variation in fish is in the maximum (Ucrit) swimming speeds. Inter and intra-strain variation in zebrafish Ucrit swimming speeds will be observed in a swim tunnel. Baseline values will …

Celebration Of Learning 2014: Full Program, Augustana College, Rock Island Illinois

Celebration of Learning

Full program of the 2014 Celebration of Learning at Augustana College.

Analysis Of Extracellular Atp Distribution In The Intervertebral Disc Using A Finite Element Model, Byron Che-Fu Hsu

Open Access Theses

Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from cells can mediate a diverse number of biological responses, such as cell secretion, inflammation, and immune reactions through signaling pathways. According to Wang et al. (2013), the extracellular ATP concentration has been measured to accumulate to a high level in the nucleus pulposus (NP) region in the intervertebral disc (IVD), approximately 165 ?M. Since extracellular ATP is involved in a variety of cellular activities, the role of ATP distribution and accumulation in the IVD should be investigated. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of mechanical compression on the distribution of …

The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: A Tragedy Of The Commons On The High Seas, Janice G. Boswell

2014 Student Theses

Considered the biggest threat to marine ecosystems today, it is estimated that three fourths of the world’s fish stocks are being harvested faster than they can reproduce. Because the ocean is not subject to defined property rights, there exists a “race to the bottom” encouraged by the rise of industrial fishing, as well as a voracious global demand. The Atlantic bluefin tuna provides a glaring example of an overfished species on the brink of extinction due to its popularity in the Japanese market. Its rarity and esteem have made it the most expensive fish in the sea and policy has …

Got Milk?: Exploring The Truth Behind America’S Drink And Nature’S Perfect Food, Andora Leung

2014 Student Theses

The product of milk is a staple to American culture and diet. Described as the “perfect food,” this notion has been ingrained through decades of misleading information as well as persuasive marketing and advertisement implemented by government officials and industry leaders. However as health risk rise, questions concerning the validity of milk calorie and nutritional value, the use of bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and subtherapeutic antibiotics rise as well. In my thesis paper, I will study the history of the dairy industry and how their agenda quickly transitioned from the benefit of the customer to the benefit of the industry. …

A Decrepit New York: Synthesizing New York’S Infrastructure Problems, Connor Farrell

2014 Student Theses

Coastal living has become a very popular, often fantasized, way of life. This lifestyle is easy, relaxing, and, above all, it soothes the stress. However, mankind’s innate desire to live near America’s oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water have allowed its population to become vulnerable to super storms. Super storms, such as Hurricane Sandy, have become more prevalent over recent years, and America needs to take into account the massive population whom call the East coast home. Focusing in on the New York area, I will be able to show how our thoughtless designs and locations of towns/cities have …

If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls: The Truth Behind The History, Economics, And Ethics Of Factory Farming, Deanna Ripley

2014 Student Theses

In recent years, the awareness of factory farming has raised many questions regarding the treatment of animals, the health risks towards humans, and the affects it has on the environment. In the United States today, factory farming is the largest form of food production, where it is estimated that over a billion animals each year are killed to meet the high demand in the meat industry. The goal of factory farming is to maximize the amount of meat and dairy in a given amount of time through the cheapest forms of production. Thus, animals continuously live in inhumane conditions and …

Macroinvertebrate Prey Availability And Food Web Dynamics Of Nonnative Trout In A Colorado River Tributary, Grand Canyon, Daniel P. Whiting, Craig P. Paukert, Brian Healy, Jonathan Spurgeon

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Nonnative fishes have been linked to the decline of native fishes and may affect aquatic food webs through direct and indirect pathways. These concerns have led to efforts to remove nonnative Brown and Rainbow Trout, which are abundant in tributaries of the Colorado River, to enhance native fish communities. We sampled fish, benthic, and drifting macroinvertebrates in November 2010, January 2011, June 2011, and Septem- ber 2011 to assess resource availability and to evaluate the effects of nonnative Brown and Rainbow Trout in a tributary of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. We evaluated trout diets from stomach samples …

We Are...Marshall, May 7, 2014, Office Of Marshall University Communications

We Are ... Marshall: the Newsletter for Marshall University 1999-2023

No abstract provided.

Spartan Daily, May 7, 2014, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 142, Issue 39

Minutes Of The Faculty Senate Meeting, May 7, 2014, University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Bioplastics: Reinventing Conventional Plastic Production And The Future Of Biodegradable Materials, Ruby Roca

2014 Student Theses

The use of plastic is prevalent in our society due to the increasing amount of new products entering the market that need some form of packaging that is solid enough yet disposable. From everything to yogurt containers to diapers, plastic containers are a large part of our society’s consumption culture and often goes unnoticed. However, people point to plastic water bottles and containers as the only culprit, and often times forget that almost all packaging contains some form of plastic. For my thesis I want to examine how the use of plastics has increased waste material, considering that it takes …