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Nitrogen Fixation Mutants Of The Actinobacterium Frankia Casuarinae Cci3, Ken-Ichi Kucho, Daiki Tamari, Shintaro Matsuyama, Takeshi Nabekura, Louis S. Tisa

Molecular, Cellular & Biomedical Sciences

Frankia is a representative genus of nitrogen-fixing (N2-fixing) actinobacteria; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying various phenomena such as the differentiation of a N2 fixation-specific structure (vesicle) and the regulation of N2 fixation (nif) genes, have yet to be elucidated in detail. In the present study, we screened hyphal fragments of Frankia casuarinae that were mutagenized by 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine or gamma rays, and isolated 49 candidate N2 fixation mutants. Twelve of these mutants were selected for further study, and their abilities to grow in NH3-deficient (N-) liquid media and their rates of acetylene reduction activities were evaluated. Eleven mutant strains were confirmed …

From Replication To Assembly, A Thesis On The Fate Of The Alphavirus Rna Genome During Infection, Adriano Mendes

Open Access Dissertations

Positive strand RNA viruses employ a similar strategy with regards to their replication cycle. Generally, these viruses insert their RNA genome into a cell, followed by the replication of the genome and then the assembly of a particle. This pathway makes the genomic RNA of the virus, a substrate for at least three different reactions within an infected cell. These being translation, RNA synthesis/ RNA replication and assembly of a virion. This thesis will outline studies, which aimed at understanding how a model RNA virus controls when and where each process is carried out. The alphaviruses are a group of …

Measurement Of Airport Operations Using A Low-Cost Transponder Data Receiver And Collection Unit, John H. Mott

Open Access Dissertations

Accurate counts of aircraft operations at unmonitored or partially-monitored general aviation airports are important due to their role in the allocation of funds for airport development and improvement. While the Federal Aviation Administration annually invests approximately $1B in small commercial and general aviation airports, fewer than 270 of these 2,950 airports have either full- or part-time air traffic personnel available to register operations counts. Aircraft operations at airports with limited personnel may be counted using temporary acoustic, pneumatic, or video devices, and observations from contract staff. The related sample sizes are inherently small, leading to inaccuracies in the extrapolation of …

Additive Manufacturing Of Energetic Materials And Its Uses In Various Applications, Trevor J. Fleck

Open Access Theses

The work discussed in this document seeks to utilize traditional additive manufacturing techniques to selectively deposit energetic materials. The goal was to gain a fundamental understanding of how to use commonplace 2D inkjet printing and 3D fused deposition technology to selectively deposit reactive materials. Doing so provides the ability to manipulate the geometry, as well as composition, of the energetic material during the manufacturing process. Achieving this level manipulation and control has shown to be nontrivial, if not impossible, using traditional manufacturing methods. The ability to change the geometry of the energetic material at will greatly increases the ability of …

Revealing The Role Of Tet2 In Stem Cell Fate Decision Using Genetically Modified Mouse Model, Mi Ran Kim

Open Access Theses

Epigenetic control plays a key role in regulation of stem cell fate and tumorigenesis. My research project is focused on determining the physiological and pathological roles of a critical epigenetic regulator, TET2, in regulation of mammary stem cell fate and mammary gland development using a mouse model with mammary specific deletion of the Tet2 gene. Our data show that knock-out of Tet2 in mouse mammary gland leads to disrupted mammary epithelial morphology and aberrant mammary stem cell (MaSC) fate determination, contributing to an expansion of the MaSC population and development of mammary lesions. Since aberrant MaSC fate is often linked …

Experimental Investigation Of Injector Spacing Effects On Injector Behavior During Transverse Instability, Michael R. Orth

Open Access Theses

An experimental rocket combustor was designed and tested to investigate the effects of injector element location on transverse combustion instability in ox-rich staged combustion type engines. The combustor consisted of a two-dimensional chamber with a linear array of nine injector elements. The combustor design was based on previous designs that presented self-excited instabilities. We built and tested three injector configurations; a baseline injector pattern with equal spacing between each of the elements. A second configuration to test the effects of reduced spacing between the central three elements, where the velocity fluctuations due to transverse instabilities would be greatest. and a …

Nonlinear Design, Modeling, And Simulation Of Magneto-Rheological Suspension: A Control System And Systems Engineering Approach., Hrishikesh B. Zambare

Open Access Theses

Suspension has been the most important subsystem of the vehicle viewed as a system. The ride comfort and vehicle handling performance are affected by the suspension design. Automotive technology has been continuously incorporating developments over the past few decades to provide the end users with a better comfort of driving. Multi-objective optimization of MR damper with objective function of maximizing damping force generated by MR damper with the geometrical parametric constraint function is achieved in this research using pattern search optimization technique.

Research focuses on design, modeling, and simulation of active suspension using non-linear theory of the Magneto-Rheological (MR) damper …

Greenhouse Gas Offset Programs For Bates Study Abroad Air Travel, Caitlin Keady, Sarah Sachs

Community Engaged Research Reports

In 2010, after signing on to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), Bates College set out a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020. While the gap between GHG emissions and neutrality has been significantly decreased by emissions reductions, increased energy efficiency and increased awareness of sustainability on campus, Bates still has a substantial amount of emissions to reduce over the next few years to reach neutrality. Currently, emissions resulting from Bates-associated travel, including student study abroad programs, are not included in Bates College’s total carbon footprint. This project is part of a larger proposal to quantify …

2017 Q4 Private Capital Access Index Report, Craig R. Everett

Pepperdine Private Capital Access Report

The Pepperdine Private Capital Access Index (PCA) is a quarterly indicator produced by the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University, and with the support of Dun & Bradstreet. The index is designed to measure the demand for, activity, and health of the private capital markets. The purpose of the PCA Index is to gauge the demand of small and medium sized businesses for financing needs, the level of accessibility of private capital, and the transparency and efficiency of private financing markets.

Depression Treatment And Healthcare Expenditures Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries With Newly Diagnosed Depression And Incident Breast, Colorectal, Or Prostate Cancer, Monira Alwhaibi, Usha Sambamoorthi, Suresh Madhavan, James T. Walkup

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Objectives—Depression is associated with high healthcare expenditures, and depression treatment may reduce healthcare expenditures. However, to date, there have not been any studies on the effect of depression treatment on healthcare expenditures among cancer survivors. Therefore, this study examined the association between depression treatment and healthcare expenditures among elderly with depression and incident cancer. Methods—The current study used a retrospective longitudinal study design, the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database. Elderly (≥66 years) fee-forservice Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed depression and incident breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer (N = 1502) were followed for a period of 12 months after …

Longitudinal Patterns Of Emergency Department Visits: A Multistate Analysis Of Medicaid Beneficiaries, Parul Agarwal, Thomas K. Bias, Usha Sambamoorthi

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Objective. The objective of this study was to examine the longitudinal patterns of emergency department (ED) visits among adult fee-for-service Medicaid. Data Sources. Data were obtained from the Medicaid analytic eXtract files, Area Health Resource File, and County Health Rankings. Study Design. A retrospective longitudinal study design, with four observations for each individual was used. The study population consisted of 33,393 Medicaid beneficiaries who met inclusion criteria. ED visits were time-lagged and time-varying patient-level factors were measured for each year. Time-invariant characteristics (gender and race/ethnicity) were measured in 2006. Multivariable hurdle models with logistic (ED use versus no ED use) …

Cardiovascular Mortality And Oral Antidiabetic Drugs: Protocol For A Systematic Review And Network Meta- Analysis, Rashmi Goyat, James Douglas Thornton, Xi Tan, George A. Kelley

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Introduction Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes. Despite the beneficial effects of antidiabetic drugs (ADDs) in terms of lowering haemoglobin A1c, several ADDs have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Given the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease among individuals with diabetes, it is important to weigh the benefits of ADDs against their cardiovascular safety. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare the effects of different oral pharmacological classes of ADDs on cardiovascular safety. Methods and analysis Randomised clinical …

The Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitor Kml29 With Gabapentin Synergistically Produces Analgesia In Mice, Molly S. Crowe, Catheryn D. Wilson, Emma Leishman, Paul L. Prather, Heather B. Bradshaw, Matthew L. Banks, Steven G. Kinsey

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for nerve pain but may also cause dizziness, sedation and gait disturbances. Similarly, inhibition of the endogenous cannabinoid enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties but also induces sedation in mice at high doses. To limit these side effects, the present study investigated the analgesic effects of coadministering a MAGL inhibitor with gabapentin. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mice subjected to the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain were administered the MAGL inhibitor KML29 (1–40 mg·kg1 , i.p.), gabapentin (1–50 mg·kg1 , i.p.) or both compounds. Mice were tested for mechanical and cold …

A Scoping Review Of Health Outcomes Examined In Randomized Controlled Trials Using Guided Imagery, Peter R. Giacobbi Jr., Jonathan Stewart, Keeley Chaffee, Anna-Marie Jaeschke, Meagan Stabler, George A. Kelley

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Introduction—Guided imagery involves the controlled visualization of detailed mental images. This integrative health technique is used for healing, health maintenance, or the treatment of specific conditions. Guided imagery is an integral part of mindfulness meditation, hypnosis, and various relaxation exercises. However, evidence to support the widespread use and dissemination of guided imagery interventions has been lacking. The purposes of this scoping review were to document the scope of health outcomes and disease processes examined by guided imagery researchers and the journal outlets where this work has been published. Secondary purposes were to review the efficacy of guided imagery, risk of …

Use Of Multisource Feedback To Improve Interdisciplinary Care Among Oncologists, Kristen A. Catherman, Carl Grey, Malcolm D. Mattes

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

No abstract provided.

The Psychological Significance Of Play With Imaginary Companions In Early Childhood, Tracy R. Gleason

Faculty Research and Scholarship

Although social play is common to many species, humans are unique in their ability to extract some of the benefits of social play through imagination. For example, in play with imaginary companions (ICs), children often practice skills that might be useful for later adaptive social, relational, and emotional functioning. While play with ICs does not provide the same immediate feedback that play with real others affords, this imagined, quasisocial context allows children to experiment with or rehearse events that might occur in real relationships. This symbolic enactment of social relationships might afford opportunities to experience not just social situations but …

Who Knew Black Was Required?, Katie Kotynski

The Montana English Journal

Please leave the word "dawn" as is. I did put it in italics to indicate that that is the correct spelling intended.

Black Hole For Nona, Katie Kotynski

The Montana English Journal

Fiction writing

Refueling Through Scholarship, Student Authors, And Curricular Connections, Allison Wynhoff Olsen, Aaron Yost, Katie Duncan, Emily Nelson, Hali Kirby-Ertel

The Montana English Journal

This article created space for five writing project colleagues to both reflect on our experiences from a recent conference and fuse our writing together to share our message: We need one another to stay connected as a writing community and to help us engage with our writing selves. In this collaborative reflection, we weave our voices together to offer multifarious experiences and writing moments.

Hold Steady In The Wind: Reclaiming The Writing Workshop, Sheryl A. Lain Ms.

The Montana English Journal

Abstract of Article:

This article, rooted in the knowledge of pioneer researchers and practitioners, urges teachers to hold on to their writing workshop, because this classroom method not only promotes student voice and choice, but also achieves the fundamental aim of the education reform movement: to foster student success. As students become better writers, their test scores improve. The writing workshop offers students the opportunity to explore their own voices, to write all kinds of modes of writing, and to experience some autonomy, so important if they are to persist in the hard work of learning.

Tim Tingle: Choctaw Author, Storyteller, And Cultural Ambassador, Joyce Herbeck 5798005

The Montana English Journal

Tim Tingle is an award-winning author of Native American children's and young adult literature. In this interview, he discusses three of his most popular titles: Crossing Bok Chitto, How I Became a Ghost, and House of Purple Cedar.

Writing Coaches Of Montana: Providing In-Class Support To Middle And High School Writers, Beverly Ann Chin Ph.D, Catherine Filardi Ph.D

The Montana English Journal

Teachers of writing know the importance of giving students feedback throughout the writing process. Teachers of writing also know the value of having students write for authentic audiences. However, classroom teachers often face challenges in these two areas. Writing Coaches of Montana (WCM) is a non-profit, independent, community-based organization that addresses these challenges. WCM’s mission is to help Montana students write competently, think critically and express themselves confidently. WCM supports teachers by recruiting, training and supervising community volunteers who work individually with students in middle and high school classrooms on writing assignments that require critical thinking and revision. The success …

Gichi-Ayaa Mashkawziiwin, Suzette E. Lacasse (Anishinaabe-Ojibwe)

Conspectus Borealis

No abstract provided.

A Generalized Intervallic Approach To Metric Conflict In Liszt, Robert L. Wells

Music

The music of Franz Liszt has become widely recognized by music theorists for its harmonic and formal innovations. However, little attention has been given to adventurous rhythmic/metric aspects of Liszt’s compositional style: specifically, he frequently incorporates rich metric structures in which the notated metric layer, indicated by time signatures and bars, and heard metric layer, given by cues in the sounding music, are locked in an evolving conflict. To model such interactions, this article develops a new analytical system based on Lewin’s generalized interval system (GIS) concept, constructing a new three-component metric direct product GIS called Met. The article …

Economic Contribution Of The Agricultural Sector To The Arkansas Economy In 2015, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Agriculture and associated agricultural activities are major contributors to the Arkansas economy. Agriculture is defined as the sum of agricultural production and processing activities, unless otherwise specified, and includes crop and animal production and processing, agricultural support industries, forestry and forest products, and textile goods. Agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production and value-added processing, and also leads to economic activity in other parts of the economy. This report is the tenth in a series of reports examining agriculture’s economic contribution to the Arkansas economy. The total economic contribution of agriculture (direct, indirect, and induced effects) on value …

2017 Bot Motion Index, Central Washington University Central Washington University

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

Motion Index of the Board of Trustees at Central Washington University, March 17, 2017.

The Rise And Fall Of Brick And Mortar Retail: The Impact Of Emerging Technologies And Executive Choices On Business Failure, Nikaela Jacko Redd, Lutisha S. Vickerie

Journal of International Business and Law

This paper examines business decline in relation to department stores and recent technological shifts in retail. Our perspective describes how management's failure to properly utilize technology and the resulting decline of international brick and mortar department stores was significantly influenced by emotional posturing disguised as strategic choices. To track the changes in the retail landscape based on new technological business models, we chronicle the shift from department store culture to online e-commerce by exploring a primary case, JCPenney, and the following exemplary cases: Macy's, H&M, Amazon, and Walmart. We also conduct a systematic research synthesis on a small sample of …

Selected Characteristics For Nebraska Counties From The 2012-2016 American Community Survey, Center For Public Affairs Research (Cpar)

Past Publications

On December 7, 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau released five‐year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates for the combined years of 2012 through 2016, making available social, economic, housing and demographic statistics for Nebraska’s counties. Also available are estimates for every community and legislative district in Nebraska and the nation.

The data are based on a rolling national sample survey mailed to about 3 million addresses each year, resulting in nearly 2 million final interviews each year from 2012 through 2016. By pooling several years of survey responses, the ACS can generate detailed statistical portraits of smaller geographies such as counties. …

Good Neighbor Iowa: Progress Report To The Ceres Trust On Accomplishments 2017, University Of Northern Iowa. Center For Energy & Environmental Education.

UNI Conservation Corps Projects

Overall Goal: Launch a statewide public education campaign to significantly reduce and eliminate pesticide use in schools, parks, child care centers, churches, businesses, and all other large expanses of turf in communities throughout Iowa.

Translating Genetic And Preclinical Findings Into Autism Therapies, Maria Chahrour, Robin Kleiman, M Chiara Manzini

Pharmacology and Physiology Faculty Publications

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive/restrictive interests. ASD is associated with multiple comorbidities, including intellectual disability, anxiety, and epilepsy. Evidence that ASD is highly heritable has spurred major efforts to unravel its genetics, revealing possible contributions from hundreds of genes through rare and common variation and through copy-number changes. In this perspective, we provide an overview of the current state of ASD genetics and of how genetic research has spurred the development of in vivo and in vitro models using animals and patient cells to evaluate the impact of genetic mutations …