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Wolf Predation: Where And How Wolves Kill Beavers, And Confronting The Biases In Scat-Based Diet Studies, Thomas Gable

All NMU Master's Theses

Beavers can be a significant prey item for wolves in boreal systems but how wolves hunt beavers is largely unknown. I inferred how wolves hunt beavers by identifying 22 kill sites using clusters of locations from GPS-collared wolves in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. Where wolves killed beavers varied seasonally with the majority (58%) of kills in the spring occurring below dams and on shorelines while the majority (80%) of kills in the fall were near feeding trails and canals. I deduced that the typical hunting strategy has 3 components: 1) waiting near areas of high beaver use until a beaver …

The Relationship Between P300 Evoked Potentials And Prefrontal Cortex Oxygen Use: A Combined Eeg And Nirs Study, Will S. Rizer

All NMU Master's Theses

The P300 subcomponent, P3b, is an event related potential detected at the scalp surface when a working memory comparison results in differences between the contents of working memory and incoming stimulus information. Previous research has indicated that as infrequent targets become more difficult to detect (morphologically similar to a frequent non-target stimulus) the P300 becomes attenuated. fMRI research has also indicated increased prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during P300 generation. To examine the relationship between P3b amplitude and PFC activity participants performed an easy and difficult target detection task in both EEG and NIRS called the oddball. The EEG and behavioral …

The East Texan, 2016-12-01, Texas A&M University-Commerce

All Issues

A color copy of The East Texan, a student newspaper published at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Profiles Encouraged--Profiles For 13 Authors And Seven Companies Or University Presses

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Building A List, Richard Carlin

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

International Dateline--Worlds Apart, Rita Ricketts, Lydia Weyers

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Minor Transnational Writing In Ireland, Borbála Faragó

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

In her article "Minor Transnational Writing in Ireland" Borbála Faragó investigates the poetic work of some of Ireland's migrant writers through the lens of minor transnationalism. Ireland's peculiar migration history where there are two quite distinct groups of inward migrants, requires careful rethinking of terminology. Faragó proposes to circumnavigate the binary approach of investigating center versus periphery and instead look for lateral connections between marginalized groups. Reading the works of Ireland's internal others brings to the fore issues of authenticity, ethics, and identity that can foreground some of the ambiguities inherent in transnational studies today. Interpreting the oeuvre of these …

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Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Recent Advancements In Regenerative Dentistry: A Review, Pouya Amrollahi, Brinda Shah, Amir Seifi, Lobat Tayebi

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Although human mouth benefits from remarkable mechanical properties, it is very susceptible to traumatic damages, exposure to microbial attacks, and congenital maladies. Since the human dentition plays a crucial role in mastication, phonation and esthetics, finding promising and more efficient strategies to reestablish its functionality in the event of disruption has been important. Dating back to antiquity, conventional dentistry has been offering evacuation, restoration, and replacement of the diseased dental tissue. However, due to the limited ability and short lifespan of traditional restorative solutions, scientists have taken advantage of current advancements in medicine to create better solutions for the oral …

Development Of Plga-Coated Β-Tcp Scaffolds Containing Vegf For Bone Tissue Engineering, Arash Khojasteh, Farahnaz Fahimipour, Mohamadreza Baghaban Eslaminejad, Mohammad Jafarian, Shahrbanoo Jahangir, Farshid Bastami, Mohammadreza Tahriri, Akbar Karkhaneh, Lobat Tayebi

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Bone tissue engineering is sought to apply strategies for bone defects healing without limitations and short-comings of using either bone autografts or allografts and xenografts. The aim of this study was to fabricate a thin layer poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) coated beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold with sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). PLGA coating increased compressive strength of the β-TCP scaffolds significantly. For in vitro evaluations, canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) and canine endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) were isolated and characterized. Cell proliferation and attachment were demonstrated and the rate of cells proliferation on the VEGF released scaffold was …

Efficacy Of The Biomaterials 3 Wt%-Nanostrontium-Hydroxyapatite-Enhanced Calcium Phosphate Cement (Nanosr-Cpc) And Nanosr-Cpc-Incorporated Simvastatin-Loaded Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic-Acid) Microspheres In Osteogenesis Improvement, Reza Masaeli, Tahereh S. Jafarzadeh Kashi, Rassoul Dinarvand, Vahid Rakhshan, Hossein Shahoon, Behzad Hooshmand, Fatemeh Mashhadi Abbas, Majid Raz, Alireza Rajabnejad, Hossein Eslami, Kimia Khoshroo, Mohammadreza Tahriri, Lobat Tayebi

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Aims

The purpose of this multi-phase explorative in vivo animal/surgical and in vitro multi-test experimental study was to (1) create a 3 wt%-nanostrontium hydroxyapatite-enhanced calcium phosphate cement (Sr-HA/CPC) for increasing bone formation and (2) creating a simvastatin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (SIM-loaded PLGA) microspheres plus CPC composite (SIM-loaded PLGA + nanostrontium-CPC). The third goal was the extensive assessment of multiple in vitro and in vivo characteristics of the above experimental explorative products in vitro and in vivo (animal and surgical studies).

Methods and results pertaining to Sr-HA/CPC

Physical and chemical properties of the prepared Sr-HA/CPC were evaluated. MTT assay and …

Opportunity To Improve Public Perceptions Of Arthropods And Arthropod-Related Benefits, Bethany A. Harris, S. Kristine Braman

Journal of Extension

The general public may not recognize the value of conserving insects and spiders in home landscapes. We surveyed individuals to assess public perceptions of 10 arthropods—nine common insects and one common spider species—and to determine whether arthropod-related attitudes could be altered. Additionally, we collected data on survey respondent gender, age, and level of entomology education and found that level of entomology education was strongly associated with respondents' perceptions about arthropods. Moreover, 60% of respondents were willing to change their attitudes after learning about an arthropod's benefits. By promoting arthropods at outreach events, Extension educators could alter arthropod-related attitudes among the …

The Local Food Grower's Behavior During Planning, Growing, Harvesting, And Selling, J. Dominique Gumirakiza

Journal of Extension

This article presents a perspective on the behavior of the local food grower during the market-related decision-making process. The relevant behavior is manifested during the planning, growing, and harvesting and selling phases of the agricultural business cycle. The local food grower faces a set of market alternatives from which, if applying a rational approach, he or she selects one option or a combination of options that allows for profit maximization. Decisions about timing of planting and harvesting are important and are dictated by market conditions and the biological nature of the grower's product. This article contains a number of suggestions …

Analyzing The Implementation Of Nutrient Management Plans By Farmers: Implications For Extension Education, Haiying Tao, Thomas F. Morris, Boris Bravo-Ureta, Richard Meinert

Journal of Extension

We conducted case studies on four Connecticut dairy farms to evaluate how well farmers implemented their nutrient management plans (NMPs). Our findings can help Extension educators develop programs to improve NMPs and NMP adoption by farmers. We identified three educational topic areas that would likely increase NMP understanding and acceptance: (a) soil testing protocol, results interpretation, and nutrient recommendations; (b) manure fertilizer-equivalent value, proper application, and effective distribution; and (c) costs and benefits of substituting on-farm manure for purchased commercial fertilizer. A new adaptive nutrient management program presents a timely opportunity for cost-effective and collaborative on-farm education efforts by Extension …

Sharing Resources: A Bistate Extension Specialist Position, Londa Nwadike, Jo Britt-Rankin, Paula Peters

Journal of Extension

As Extension budgets across the United States continue to tighten, sharing a specialist between states could become an increasingly effective way to provide high-quality programming at a lower total cost. This article describes the working modalities, benefits, challenges, and outputs of an existing two-state Extension consumer food safety specialist position. Overall, this bistate position has been beneficial to both states involved. The model could be implemented in other states, and the descriptions of aspects of the position provided in this article may be instructive for states considering such an option.

Advanced Biotechnologies For Wildlife Fertility Preservation, Pierre Comizzoli

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Reproductive biotechnologies are critical tools for saving and maintaining endangered species. Some successes have been reported with the use and integration of artificial insemination (with fresh or frozen-thawed semen) in conservation programs. However, not a single species is currently managed through oocyte freezing or embryo-based technologies. This is primarily due to the lack of knowledge of species biology, as well as inadequate facilities, space, expertise, and funding needed for their successful application. More fundamental studies of animal reproductive biology as well as more fertility preservation options are needed with all parties involved (reproductive technologists, zoo biologists and conservationists) adopting parallel …

Bovine And Ovine Schistosomiasis: Prevalence And Associated Host Factors In Selected Sites Of South Achefer District, Northwest Ethiopia, Yirsaw Kerie, Zewdu Seyoum

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Schistosomiasis is a snail-borne trematode infection in man and animals in tropical and subtropical countries. It is an economically important disease caused by several Schistosoma species and results in economic losses through mortality and morbidity from severe infection and from long-term effect of moderate- and long-standing chronic infection. This study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 to determine the prevalence and potential host-related risk factors of bovine and ovine schistosomiasis in selected sites of South Achefer district, northwest Ethiopia. About 532 faecal samples were collected from randomly selected cattle and sheep from three purposively selected peasant associations. The …

Modulatory Effects Of Pg102 (Actinidia Arguta) On Inflammatory Cytokine Mrna Expression In Canine Atopic Dermatitis, Yong-Uk Lee, Seol-Hee Park, Eui-Hwa Nam, Tae-Ho Chung, Cheol-Yong Hwang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease. An aqueous extract, PG102, derived from Actinidia arguta fruit, has been investigated as an anti-inflammatory agent in humans and atopy-like animal models, but its underlying mechanism for canine AD treatment has not been fully understood. This study evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of PG102 with respect to the representative allergy-related cytokine panel from dust mite allergen extract (DME)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of canine AD patients using quantitative real-time PCR. PBMCs were isolated from eight dogs with definite diagnoses of AD and stimulated with DME for …

Chikungunya Virus Infection In Balb/C And Icr Mouse Models, Sonthaya Tiawsirisup, Ranida Tuanudom, Nichapat Yurayart

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is an emerging or re-emerging infectious disease found in several countries. The ecology of this virus involves humans, reservoir animals, and mosquito vectors. Two experiments were conducted in this study. Blood samples were collected and tested for CHIKV infection by using immunocytochemistry (ICC) staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For the first experiment, BALB/c mice were inoculated with 106.3 CID50/mouse. Mean CHIKV titers in the BALB/c mice were 103.3, 101.5, 102.3, and 102.3 CID50/ml of serum on day 1 to day 4 post inoculation (PI), respectively. For the second experiment, there were two groups …

Balloon Valvuloplasty For Pulmonic Stenosis In Two Dogs: Case Report, Chollada Buranakarl, Anusak Kijtawornrat, Wasan Udayachalerm, Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong, Saikaew Sutayatram, Pasakorn Briksawan, Sumit Durongpongtorn, Rampaipat Tungjitpeanpong, Nardtiwa Chaivoravitsakul

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Balloon valvuloplasty for correction of congenital pulmonic stenosis (PS) in two dogs by intervention technique was first reported in Thailand. Both dogs did not show any clinical signs related to congestive heart failure. Physical examination in both dogs revealed heart murmur. Electrocardiographs of both dogs were recorded and showed normal sinus rhythm with deep S wave. In the first dog, thoracic radiograph revealed cardiomegaly with enlargement of the main pulmonary artery and left deviation of the apex due to right ventricular enlargement. Definitive diagnosis of PS was performed by echocardiography. Computed tomography (CT) of both dogs demonstrated stenosis of the …

Nanomanufacturing Outside Of The Lab: An Academic-Industry Partnership Case Study, Ann E. Delaney

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

In 2003, policy entrepreneur Dr. Mihail Roco wrote in Nature Biotechnology, “The key goals of nanotechnology are advances in molecular medicine, increased working productivity, extension of the limits of sustainable development and increased human potential.” From initial visions like Roco’s until now, there has been significant investment and research progress in the field of nanotechnology. According to the White House, over $20 billion has been invested in nanotechnology research and development by the United States government since 2000.¹ There is now a growing emphasis on transitioning from a focus on fundamental research towards a focus on overcoming …

Bi-Directional Fatigue Life Behavior Of Bovine Meniscus, Jaremy Creechley

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Meniscal injuries due to tissue tearing are prevalent in the U.S. yet the failure behavior of the meniscus is poorly understood. Clinical studies indicate that fatigue failure causes many of these tears. The highly circumferentially aligned fibers result in transversely isotropic material properties. Tears preferentially align bi-directionally to the fiber orientation. The aim of this study is to present the bi-directional fatigue life behavior of meniscal fibrocartilage. A novel fatigue life approach was developed to achieve this aim. Forty-eight bovine specimens were subjected to cyclic sinusoidal tension-tension stress at 2 Hz until rupture. Normalized peak tensile stresses were determined at …

Selling Narratives Of A Mexico In Crisis: Environmental Reporting In Excélsior And Uno Más Uno, 1983-84, Adam Behrman

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes the diverse environmental narratives found in more than 200 stories published by two Mexican national newspapers, Excélsior and Uno Más Uno, in 1983 and 1984, a period of economic and environmental crisis. It argues that the popularity of environmental issues permitted column space for journalists, environmentalists, researchers, rural peasants, the urban poor, and government administrators to present their many different environmental narratives for the reading public’s consideration. Focusing on how journalists and their sources described air pollution, forests, and water crises in the pages of Excélsior and Uno Más Uno, this thesis brings out many …

Analog Spiking Neuromorphic Circuits And Systems For Brain- And Nanotechnology-Inspired Cognitive Computing, Xinyu Wu

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Human society is now facing grand challenges to satisfy the growing demand for computing power, at the same time, sustain energy consumption. By the end of CMOS technology scaling, innovations are required to tackle the challenges in a radically different way. Inspired by the emerging understanding of the computing occurring in a brain and nanotechnology-enabled biological plausible synaptic plasticity, neuromorphic computing architectures are being investigated. Such a neuromorphic chip that combines CMOS analog spiking neurons and nanoscale resistive random-access memory (RRAM) using as electronics synapses can provide massive neural network parallelism, high density and online learning capability, and hence, paves …

Endocannabinoid-Mediated Synaptic Plasticity In The Ventral Tegmental Area And Hippocampus, Lindsey Nicole Friend

Theses and Dissertations

Synaptic plasticity is the process whereby connections between neurons can be altered in an experience dependent manner. For example, drugs of abuse alter plasticity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain. A large amount of research has been applied to uncovering the mechanism whereby synapses on the reward signaling dopamine cells is altered, however, less is known regarding the VTA inhibitory GABA neurons. Our objective was to examine the ability of GABA neurons to exhibit plasticity, and determine how drugs of abuse could influence it. Here we report a novel type of plasticity of excitatory neurotransmission onto VTA …

Preventing Vocal Fold Dehydration Using Aerosolized Salinein An Excised Porcine Model, Mallory Lynn Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Vocal fold hydration is important for efficient oscillation during voice production. Dehydration of the vocal fold surface is believed to produce adverse effects on the voice. Specifically, low environmental humidity, mouth breathing, and certain medical conditions may contribute to laryngeal and vocal fold dehydration. This dehydration effect may be quantified using the observed pressure and flow at the onset of phonation, operationally defined as phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and phonation threshold flow (PTF), respectively. Previous research has documented that nebulized isotonic saline (0.9% Na+Cl-) can reduce PTP. Additionally, the topical application of liquid saline increases vocal fold hydration in excised …

Examining Intrinsic Motivation And Holistic Functioning: The Role Of Therapeutic Recreation In Residential Substance Use Treatment, Damien Christopher Cavanaugh

Theses and Dissertations

This evaluative study examined the impact of recreational therapy interventions on intrinsic motivation and holistic functioning among adults at a substance use treatment facility. West (2001) identified motivation as a key variable in treating substance use disorders, and self-determination theory, specifically intrinsic motivation, provided a useful framework for this study. Intrinsic motivation is grounded in self-determination theory and defines various motivation types and how to increase participants' engagement. Holistic functioning is another tool in assessing a participant's recovery. For this evaluation, four domains were specifically assessed: (a) physical, (b) leisure, (c) social, and (d) daily living functioning. These quality of …

Relative Importance Of Microplastics As A Pathway For The Transfer Of Hydrophobic Organic Chemicals To Marine Life, Adil Bakir, Isabel A. O'Connor, Steven J. Rowland, A. Jan Hendriks, Richard C. Thompson

More Faculty of Science and Engineering Research

No abstract provided.

Determining The Effects Of The Think Risk Initiative As Implemented By The Southern Nevada Health District, Karalin Nichole Cronkhite

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the United States, someone becomes infected with a foodborne illness every 2 seconds, is hospitalized by a foodborne illness every 4 minutes and dies due to a foodborne illness every 3 hours. Foodborne illness is preventable, yet each year, 1 in 6 Americans is affected by it from contaminated foods or beverages. There are over 250 different foodborne diseases, and in 2015, there were 73 confirmed cases of Salmonella infection in Southern Nevada alone. Since the emergence of public health, food establishment inspections have been an important part of the regulation of food safety. Risk-based inspections were developed by …

Andre Jolivet's Fusion: Magical Music, Conventional Lyricism, And Japanese Influences Network To Create Concerto Pour Flute Et Piano And Sonate Pour Flute Et Piano, Kelly A. Collier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

André Jolivet’s Fusion, represents his formative style period, post-World War II. Fusion is a combination of Jolivet’s two earlier style-writing periods for flute, “magical music” and conventional lyricism. This study presents detailed analyses of two compositions reflecting this style period, Concerto pour flûte et piano and Sonate pour flûte et piano, by André Jolivet. In order to acquaint the reader with Jolivet’s interest in ancient musical cultures, a brief biography offers information on Jolivet’s interests in ancient rituals and mysticism. As appointed Director of the Comédie-Française in 1945, Jolivet extensively travelled and experienced new musical phenomena. These musical phenomena, Japanese …