Digital Commons Network^™

A Lizard Is Never Late: Squamate Genomics As A Recent Catalyst For Understanding Sex Chromosome And Microchromosome Evolution, Brendan J. Pinto, Tony Gamble, Chase H. Smith, Melissa A. Wilson

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

In 2011, the first high-quality genome assembly of a squamate reptile (lizard or snake) was published for the green anole. Dozens of genome assemblies were subsequently published over the next decade, yet these assemblies were largely inadequate for answering fundamental questions regarding genome evolution in squamates due to their lack of contiguity or annotation. As the “genomics age” was beginning to hit its stride in many organismal study systems, progress in squamates was largely stagnant following the publication of the green anole genome. In fact, zero high-quality (chromosome-level) squamate genomes were published between the years 2012 and 2017. However, since …

Intragraft B Cell Differentiation During The Development Of Tolerance To Kidney Allografts Is Associated With A Regulatory B Cell Signature Revealed By Single Cell Transcriptomics, Michael Tyler Guinn, Edward S Szuter, Takahiro Yokose, Jifu Ge, Ivy A Rosales, Kashish Chetal, Ruslan I Sadreyev, Alex G Cuenca, Daniel Kreisel, Peter T Sage, Paul S Russell, Joren C Madsen, Robert B Colvin, Alessandro Alessandrini

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Mouse kidney allografts are spontaneously accepted in select, fully mismatched donor-recipient strain combinations, like DBA/2J to C57BL/6 (B6), by natural tolerance. We previously showed accepted renal grafts form aggregates containing various immune cells within 2 weeks posttransplant, referred to as regulatory T cell-rich organized lymphoid structures, which are a novel regulatory tertiary lymphoid organ. To characterize the cells within T cell-rich organized lymphoid structures, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on CD45

Neural Correlates Of Individual Differences In Speech-In-Noise Performance In A Large Cohort Of Cochlear Implant Users, Joel I. Berger, Phillip E. Gander, Subong Kim, Adam T. Schwalje, Jihwan Woo, Young Min Na, Ann Holmes, Jean M. Hong, Camille C. Dunn, Marlan R. Hansen, Bruce J. Gantz, Bob Mcmurray, Timothy D. Griffiths, Inyong Choi

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Objectives: Understanding speech-in-noise (SiN) is a complex task that recruits multiple cortical subsystems. Individuals vary in their ability to understand SiN. This cannot be explained by simple peripheral hearing profiles, but recent work by our group (Kim et al. 2021, Neuroimage) highlighted central neural factors underlying the variance in SiN ability in normal hearing (NH) subjects. The present study examined neural predictors of SiN ability in a large cohort of cochlear-implant (CI) users. Design: We recorded electroencephalography in 114 postlingually deafened CI users while they completed the California consonant test: a word-in-noise task. In many subjects, data were also collected …

Technical Analysis And Treatment Of A Folk Art Portrait Of A Boy, Khanh P. Nguyen

Art Conservation Master's Projects

This Master’s Project is a multidisciplinary technical study and conservation treatment of Portrait of a Boy, a 19th century oil painting on canvas and thought to be an example of the American Folk Art movement. Research into Folk Art traditions was executed to inform the context of the artwork. Comprehensive imaging and scientific analyses provided additional historical and material context for the painting. The painting was imaged with the following techniques: visible illumination, ultraviolet (UV) reflectography, ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence, infrared reflectography, visible-induced infrared (IR) luminescence, x-radiography, and multispectral imaging (MSI). Scientific and materials analyses included: optical microscopy of fiber …

Drselects: Tincuta Heinzel On Textiles, Material Experiences, Design And Philosophy And Open Design, Tincuta Heinzel

DRSelects

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Prevention, Management, And Eradication Strategies Of Brucellosis In Cattle In Albania, Nesturi Mario

International Programs

The aim of this poster is to evaluate the control strategies of Brucellosis diseases in Albania and to highlight specific challenges that Albania faces with the management of this disease.Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by a type of bacteria called Brucella spp. that affects approximately 500,000 humans annually.[����] It affects various animals, including big and small ruminants, swine, and dogs. The bacteria can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated raw animal products, inhaling airborne agents.[����] Even though it has rarely been reported (in humans) it can also be transmitted sexually or vertically (from mother …

Roost Selection By Synanthropic Bats In Rural Kenya: Implications For Human-Wildlife Conflict And Zoonotic Pathogen Spillover, Reilly T. Jackson, Paul W. Webala, Joseph G. Ogola, Tamika J. Lunn, Kristian M. Forbes

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Many wildlife species are synanthropic and use structures built by humans, creating a high-risk interface for human–wildlife conflict and zoonotic pathogen spillover. However, studies that investigate features of urbanizing areas that attract or repel wildlife are currently lacking. We surveyed 85 buildings used by bats and 172 neighbouring buildings unused by bats (controls) in southeastern Kenya during 2021 and 2022 and evaluated the role of microclimate and structural attributes in building selection. We identified eight bat species using buildings, with over 25% of building roosts used concurrently by multiple species. Bats selected taller cement-walled buildings with higher water vapour pressure …

Effect Of Bovine Respiratory Disease On The Respiratory Microbiome: A Meta-Analysis, Samantha Howe, Beth Kegley, Jeremy Powell, Sicheng Chen, Jiangchao Zhao

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most devastating disease affecting beef and dairy cattle producers in North America. An emerging area of interest is the respiratory microbiome’s relationship with BRD. However, results regarding the effect of BRD on respiratory microbiome diversity are conflicting.

Results: To examine the effect of BRD on the alpha diversity of the respiratory microbiome, a meta-analysis analyzing the relationship between the standardized mean difference (SMD) of three alpha diversity metrics (Shannon’s Diversity Index (Shannon), Chao1, and Observed features (OTUs, ASVs, species, and reads) and BRD was conducted. Our multi-level model found no difference in Chao1 …

Bioe 406.01: Behavior And Evolution, Douglas J. Emlen

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

The Economic Impact Of The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Christian Glupker, Paul Isely

Other Faculty Publications

SUMMARY OF ECONOMIC IMPACT

• The total annual economic impact of FMG is $138 million in economic activity, supporting 1,167 jobs, and contributing $77.6 million to Kent County’s GDP.
• The visitor direct spending, operational spending, and capital investment spending generate $353,115 in annual tax revenue for Kent County.
• There were 755,000 visitors to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park (FMG) with 62% of these visitors coming from outside Kent County (nonlocal visitors).
• 50% of the nonlocal visitors were visiting FMG for the first time and 48% of the local visitors visit FMG six or more times a year.
• 40% of all …

Summary Of The 2023 Western Bird Banding Association Annual Meeting At Bear Divide, Santa Clarita, California, Danielle Kaschube

North American Bird Bander

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, North American Bird Bander

North American Bird Bander

No abstract provided.

2023 Wbba Annual Meeting Scientific Sessions And Poster Abstracts 7-9 May 2023 Bear Divide, Santa Clarita, California, North American Bird Bander

North American Bird Bander

No abstract provided.

Building Seats At The Table: The Use Of Worker-Driven Social Responsibility Agreements To Address Forced Labor In The Global Value Chain, Natasha H. Sarna

Journal of International Business and Law

No abstract provided.

Vol. 52, No. 1: Full Issue, Denver Journal Of International Law & Policy

Denver Journal of International Law & Policy

No abstract provided.

Which Environmental Social Work? Environmentalisms, Social Justice, And The Dilemmas Ahead, John Mathias, Amy Krings, Samantha Teixeira

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

Social work has traditionally been concerned with the welfare of humans, a mission that some scholars want to expand to include other beings. How can concern for nonhumans and the natural environment best be integrated with the profession’s commitment to social justice? Although commentators have made several proposals, few have critically examined the dilemmas or trade-offs that may await a more expansive social work. Examining such challenges in environmental movements past and present, we identify three logics by which some varieties of environmentalism have perpetuated inequity among humans. We then explore how diverse movements for environmental justice—which make equity among …

Degredation Of Organic Pollutants In Flocculated Liquid Digestate Using Photocatalytic Titanate Nanofibers: Mechanism And Response Surface Optimization, Yiting Xiao, Yang Tian, Yuanhang Zhan, Jun Zhu

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Titanate nanofibers (TNFs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and were employed for the first time in this study to photocatalytically degrade organic pollutants found in flocculated liquid digestate of poultry litter. The photocatalytic performance of TNFs, with a bandgap of 3.16 eV, was tested based on degradation of organic pollutants and removal of color. Five combinations of pollutant concentration and pH were examined (0.2 to 1.3 g·L⁻¹ at pH 4 to 10). Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied in order to optimize the removal rates of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and chemical oxygen …

September 2023, Robert Kelly

Robert Kelly Manuscripts

No abstract provided.

Finding Synergy: Improving Biopesticide Efficacy For Disease Control Through Co-Application With The Natural Product Chitosan, Liza M. Degenring

Doctoral Dissertations

Annual crop losses caused by plant diseases are estimated worldwide at 220 billion US dollars. Conventional fungicides are the primary means to control these diseases, however there are growing concerns over human health, effects on non-target species, and environmental contamination. Furthermore, many plant pathogens have developed fungicide resistance due to overexposure to chemicals with single modes of action. There is a worldwide trend to explore alternative tools to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides while continuing to reduce plant disease. Among these control strategies are the use of antagonistic microorganisms (biopesticides) and naturally occurring compounds that have fungicidal activity. Chitosan …

Effects Of Dietary Cation Anion Difference And Nicotinic Acid Supplementation On Jersey Prepartum Cows, Colostrum, And Calves And Creating A Model For The Prediction Of Colostrum Quality And Quantity In Jersey Cows From Performance In The Previous Lactation And Environmental Changes, Tess Catherine Stahl

Doctoral Dissertations

Two experiments were conducted. The objectives of the first experiment were to evaluate colostrum quantity, quality, nutrient composition, and bioactive compounds from Jersey cows fed two levels of dietary cation anion difference (DCAD; –40 or –80 mEq/kg) with or without 23 g/d unprotected nicotinic acid (NA) and its effect on cow and calf performance. The hypothesis is that both DCAD and nicotinic acid could improve colostrum quality, increase quantity and bioactive compound concentration, and improve calf intestinal development. Previous research indicated the benefits of supplementing NA in prepartum Holsteins towards improved colostrum quality, as well as enhanced feed efficiency (FE) …

Physiological And Biochemical Analysis Of The Nitrogen Metabolism And Lead Treatment In Hybrid Poplar Clone Nm6 (Populus Nigra L. X P. Maximowiczii A. Henry), Medini Weerasinghe

Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACTThe first objective of my Ph.D. research was focused on understanding the reasoning for changes observed in the physiology and metabolism of the poplar plants in response to foliar application of nitrogen. Increased use of nitrogen in the soil in agriculture, in the form of nitrogen fertilizers, has helped to promote high-yield agriculture over the past decades. However, a large fraction of nitrogen applied to croplands in the form of fertilizer and manure ends up entering the freshwater system causing degradation of the water quality and eutrophication of groundwater, rivers, lakes, and coastal and marine ecosystems. Chemical fertilization is also …

Building An Open Source Toolkit For Integrating Multiple Datasets For Seafloor Characterization And Habitat Mapping, Massimo Di Stefano

Doctoral Dissertations

Characterizing and mapping the seafloor and its features requires collecting and analyzing datasets of varied types and scales. Remotely-sensed data can increase our understanding of seafloor processes by providing insight into seabed geomorphology, substrate characteristics, etc., over large areas. Collecting direct observations or physical samples of the seafloor, also known as ground-truth data, holds the key to interpreting and validating remote sensing data. In this thesis, the case is made that by concurrently analyzing some or all of these datasets, knowledge about seafloor processes is gained more efficiently and I develop tools for seafloor habitat mapping.

In Paper I, I …

Securing Approximate Computing Systems, Pruthvy Yellu

Doctoral Dissertations

Approximate Computing (AC) techniques have been leveraged to improve computing performance and energy efficiency with minor degradation in accuracy. Different than conventional computing, AC allows the computation to deviate from the reference or deterministic execution behavior. Thus, AC has emerged as a new paradigm of computing systems, especially for the applications such as image processing, audio recognition, and artificial intelligence. The majority of research efforts on approximate computing focus on new approximation mechanism design and implementation, rather than examining the security vulnerabilities of AC systems. To fill this gap, we first analyze the potential security threats induced by the AC …

Homesteading In Maine: Motivations And Current Trends, Alexandrea Merchant

Master's Theses and Capstones

People in the United States who practice the alternative lifestyle of “homesteading” seek to live self-sufficient lives by growing food, building dwellings, and living with resolute autonomy. Great variation exists in the degree of self-sufficiency attained and desired by individuals engaged in homesteading. It was the purpose of this study to illuminate the motivations underlying adopting and engagement in this lifestyle in Maine homesteaders. Through interviews with 10 homesteaders in Maine and participant observation, I documented the narratives and elucidated the motivations of this under researched group. Common themes emerged. Participants expressed concerns about personal health, the environment, and institutions. …

Impacts Of Human Development On Mammalian Wildlife In An Exurban And Rural Landscape, Mairi Poisson

Master's Theses and Capstones

Urbanization is increasing worldwide, with over half the world’s population living in urban areas. Urbanization impacts wildlife by fragmenting habitat and restricting space use, which can in turn lead to a decrease in biodiversity, ecosystem services, and species abundance. In some cases, wildlife can adapt to land-use change present in urban areas and will respond positively to urbanization. In these cases, urbanization can create new niches and enhance niche partitioning. With increased urban growth, suburban and exurban sprawl has also increased. Globally, this “exurbanization” is the most rapidly developing land use type, though research into the impacts of exurban development …

Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Journal, Volume 12, William & Mary Law School

Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Journal

The Importance of Property Rights

September 29-30, 2022

Panel 1: The Importance of Property Rights: A Tribute to James S. Burling

Panel 3: Roundtable: Emerging Issues in Takings and Property Rights Litigation

Featured Authors (Burling, Kanner, and Valois)

Biol 475-H01: Ecological Field Methods, Maria Stanko

Biology Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Biol 321-001, 003: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Brooke Flammang

Biology Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Biol 338-001: Ecology Of The Dining Hall, Maria Stanko

Biology Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Social Noting Meditation: Social Connection And Intersubjective Awareness Through Online Interpersonal Practice, Jennifer Carter

Mindfulness Studies Theses

While an abundance of research exists on various aspects of meditation, relatively few studies explore interpersonal practice. Those that do often explore the outcome of mindfulness where an individual practitioner applies mindfulness in a relational context. However, there is a lack of research into interpersonal practice involving intersubjective awareness with two or more practitioners engaging in synchronous interpersonal practice. In addition, while research into the consistently growing field of online meditation practice is expanding, studies examining interpersonal meditation practices taking place online are few and far between. In response to this situation, the following thesis explores existing studies on interpersonal …