Life Sciences Commons^™

Variations In Stomatal Traits Of 14 Bornean Tree Species Growing On Soils With Different Moisture Contents In Lambir Hills National Park, Whitney Logan Cannon

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The goal of this study was to look at variations in stomatal traits of tree species on soils with different moisture contents and fertility at Lambir Hills National Park. Stomates are important structures on the surface of leaves that mediate conduction of moisture and gassesin and out of the leaf. If stomatalt raits are important for regulation, then there should be variation in stomatal traits in regards to their soil specialization. The 14 Borneant ree speciess ampledi ncluded6 sandyl oam specialists6, clay specialistsa nd 2 generalistsfo und growing with equald istributionso n both sandyl oam and clay. Confocal microscopy was …

Summaries Of Arkansas Cotton Research 2007, Derrick M. Oosterhuis

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

No abstract provided.

Adapting Ranking Functions To User Preference, Keke Chen, Ya Zhang, Zhaohui Zheng, Hongyuan Zha, Gordon Sun

Kno.e.sis Publications

Learning to rank has become a popular method for web search ranking. Traditionally, expert-judged examples are the major training resource for machine learned web ranking, which is expensive to get for training a satisfactory ranking function. The demands for generating specific web search ranking functions tailored for different domains, such as ranking functions for different regions, have aggravated this problem. Recently, a few methods have been proposed to extract training examples from user clickthrough log. Due to the low cost of getting user preference data, it is attractive to combine these examples in training ranking functions. However, because of the …

Description Logic Reasoning With Decision Diagrams: Compiling Shiq To Disjunctive Datalog, Sebastian Rudolph

Kno.e.sis Publications

We propose a novel method for reasoning in the description logic SHIQ. After a satisfiability preserving transformation from SHIQ to the description logic ALCIb, the obtained ALCIb Tbox T is converted into an ordered binary decision diagram (OBDD) which represents a canonical model for T. This OBDD is turned into a disjunctive datalog program that can be used for Abox reasoning. The algorithm is worst-case optimal w.r.t. data complexity, and admits easy extensions with DL-safe rules and ground conjunctive queries.

Induction Of Winter Breeding In Small Mammals By 6-Mboa, Robert K. Rose, Roger K. Everton, Gregory E. Glass

Virginia Journal of Science

A plant-derived cyclic carbamate, 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone (6-MBOA), is

known to initiate reproductive activity in Microtus montanus. We studied

overwintering populations of four other rodent species, and observed increased

reproduction in experimental populations of two herbivorous species, Microtus

pennsylvanicus and Sigmodon hispidus, but not in two omnivorous species,

Oryzomys palustris and Mus musculus. These results suggest that low

concentrations of 6-MBOA may trigger seasonal breeding primarily in

herbivorous small mammals.

Community-Based Inquiry Improves Critical Thinking In General Education Biology, Ian J. Quitadamo, Celia L. Faiola, James E. Johnson, Martha J. Kurtz

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

National stakeholders are becoming increasingly concerned about the inability of college graduates to think critically. Research shows that, while both faculty and students deem critical thinking essential, only a small fraction of graduates can demonstrate the thinking skills necessary for academic and professional success. Many faculty are considering nontraditional teaching methods that incorporate undergraduate research because they more closely align with the process of doing investigative science. This study compared a research-focused teaching method called community-based inquiry (CBI) with traditional lecture/laboratory in general education biology to discover which method would elicit greater gains in critical thinking. Results showed significant critical-thinking …

Determinants Of Success In National Programs To Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis: A Perspective Identifying Essential Elements And Research Needs, Dominique Kyelem, Gautam Biswas, Moses J. Bockarie, Mark Bradley, Maged El-Setouhy, Peter U. Fischer, Ralph H. Henderson, James W. Kazura, Patrick J. Lammie, Sammy M. Njenga, Eric A. Ottesen, Kapa Ramaiah, Frank O. Richardson, Gary J. Weil, Steven A. Williams

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was launched in 2000. To understand why some national programs have been more successful than others, a panel of individuals with expertise in LF elimination efforts met to assess available data from programs in 8 countries. The goal was to identify: 1) the factors determining success for national LF elimination programs (defined as the rapid, sustained reduction in microfilaremia/ antigenemia after repeated mass drug administration [MDA]); 2) the priorities for operational research to enhance LF elimination efforts.

Of more than 40 factors identified, the most prominent were 1) initial level of LF …

Synthesis And Antimicrobial Evaluation Of Carbohydrate And Polyhydroxylated Non-Carbohydrate Fatty Acid Ester And Ether Derivatives, Aoife Smith, Patricia Nobmann, Gary Henehan, Paula Bourke, Julie Dunne

Articles

A series of fatty acid ester and ether derivatives have been chemically synthesised based on carbohydrate and non-carbohydrate polyhydroxylated scaffolds. The synthesised compounds, along with their corresponding fatty acid monoglyceride antimicrobials, were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Of the derivatives synthesised several of the carbohydrate based compounds have antimicrobial efficacy comparable with commercially available antimicrobials. The results suggest that the nature of the carbohydrate core plays a role in the efficacy of carbohydrate fatty acid derivatives as antimicrobials.

Undergraduate Research. Genomics Education Partnership, D Lopatto, C Alvarez, D Barnard, C Chandrasekaran, H-M Chung, C Du, T Eckdahl, A Goodman, C Hauser, C Jones, O Kopp, G Kuleck, G Mcneil, R Morris, J Myka, A Nagengast, P Overvoorde, J Poet, K Reed, G Regisford, D Revie, A Rosenwald, K Saville, M Shaw, G Skuse, C Smith, M Smith, M Spratt, J Stamm, J Thompson, B Wilson, C Witkowski, J Youngblom, Wilson Leung, Christopher Shaffer, Jeremy Buhler, Elaine Mardis, Sarah C.R. Elgin

Biology Faculty Research

The Genomics Education Partnership offers an inclusive model for undergraduate research experiences incorporated into the academic year science curriculum, with students pooling their work to contribute to international data bases.

Sfa Gardens Newsletter, Fall 2008, Sfa Gardens, Stephen F. Austin State University

SFA Gardens Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Gordie News, October 2008, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

Gordon Natural Area History & Strategic Plan Documents

No abstract provided.

Planting Prosperity And Harvesting Health: Trade-Offs And Sustainability In The Oregon-Washington Regional Food System, Sheila A. Martin, Tia Henderson, Meg Merrick, Elizabeth Mylott, Kelly Haines, Colin Price, Amy Koski, Rebecca Dann

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

This assessment reveals food system sustainability trends in Oregon and Washington, focusing specifically on the producers in both states and the consumers in the Portland- Vancouver region. We began the assessment by asking a group of food system stakeholders from Oregon and Washington to define broadly supported goals for a sustainable food system. They also helped us identify the data necessary to understand trends in the food system. This information can be used in the future to establish benchmarks and to assess future progress toward food system sustainability goals. Framed by stakeholder concerns, this report will assist program and policy …

Northern Range Expansion And Coastal Occurrences Of The New Zealand Mud Snail Potamopyrgus Antipodarum (Gray, 1843) In The Northeast Pacific, Timothy Mathias Davidson, Valance E. F. Brenneis, Catherine E. De Rivera, Robyn Draheim, Graham E. Gillespie

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

The New Zealand mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1843) is a common invasive species in fresh and brackish water ecosystems in Europe, Australia, Japan, and North America. In some invaded habitats, P. antipodarum can reach high densities (over 500,000 snails m^-2) and dominate the biomass of the benthos, leading to detrimental impacts to native biota and changes in ecosystem dynamics. We report the previously unpublished occurrence of P. antipodarum in thirteen fresh and brackish water systems adjacent to the Pacific coast of North America including a new northern range for P. antipodarum: Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, British …

Characterization Of Ten Novel Ty1/Copia-Like Retrotransposon Families Of The Grapevine Genome, Cédric Moisy, Keith Garrison, Carole Meredith, Frédérique Pelsy

School of Science Faculty Works

Background

Retrotransposons make a significant contribution to the size, organization and genetic diversity of their host genomes. To characterize retrotransposon families in the grapevine genome (the fourth crop plant genome sequenced) we have combined two approaches: a PCR-based method for the isolation of RnaseH-LTR sequences with a computer-based sequence similarity search in the whole-genome sequence of PN40024.

Results

Supported by a phylogenic analysis, ten novel Ty1/copia families were distinguished in this study. To select a canonical reference element sequence from amongst the various insertions in the genome belonging to each retroelement family, the following screening criteria were adopted to …

Flowers And Feeders: A Comparison Of Hummingbird Feeding Activity, Caitlin A. Mchugh

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Hummingbird feeders are the best way to see high species abundance and diversity, but few studies examine the differences in species abundance, diversity, feeding patterns, and aggression between flowering plants and artificial feeder sites within the same habitat. Are there significant affects on local hummingbird ecology by the presence of feeders? This paper explores possible answers to this question by investigating discrepancies between the two types of site and the implications of said discrepancies. A high count method was used to estimate species abundance and diversity along with qualitative observation was used to analyze aggression. The study found that, in …

Estatus Actual De Los Búhos Terrestres (Athene Cunicularia) En La Zona De Puerto López, Ecuador: Efectos De Las Creencias Y Sentimientos Hacía Los Animales Silvestres, Allison Qubain

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In response to negative attitudes towards the existing biodiversity in the region of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador and as a follow-up of a study conducted in 2006 on the status of Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) populations, through informal interviews and observation, this investigation focuses on how local sentiments towards nature have affected the current status of the Burrowing Owl populations and their habitat. The investigation revealed that in addition to the effects of legends and beliefs, there is an existing lack of knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for the extremely high biodiversity, which has created an evident fear instilled in the people. …

Glandular Secretions Of Male Pteropus (Flying Foxes): Preliminary Chemical Comparisons Among Species, Jamie Wagner

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Chemosignaling – passing information by means of chemical compounds that can be detected by members of the same species – is a very important form of communication for most mammals. Flying fox males have odiferous marking secretions on their neck-ruffs that include a combination of secretion from the neck gland and from the urogenital tract; males use this substance to establish territory, especially during the mating season. The secretions of flying fox males from three Australian species – spectacled (Pteropus conspicillatus), grey-headed (P. poliocephalus), and black (P. alecto) – were compared using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC); two spectacled females …

Corallivorous Reef Fishes As Potential Vectors Of Coral Disease Based On A Study Of Dietary Preferences, Tanya Rogers

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The prevalence of coral disease appears to be increasing worldwide, although little is known about how these diseases are transmitted between coral colonies. To examine whether corallivorous fishes could potentially act as disease vectors, this study examined whether and which fish species feed on diseased coral, and whether these fishes actively target diseased coral sections. Branches of Acropora muricata with brown band disease were filmed in the field, and bites taken by fishes on different sections of the coral (live tissue, tissue margin, disease band, dead skeleton, and algae) were recorded. For each fish species, electivity indices were calculated for …

Vertical Distribution Of Spiders (Araneae) On A Tropical Island, Eric Brown

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The distribution of spiders into vertical layers was studied on Misali Island. In particular, differences in diversity, species richness, abundance, and body length were analyzed. A variety of collection methods were used in order to capture as many different species as possible from three levels of forest: leaf litter, groundcover (up to 1m), and understory (up to 3m). After being sorted to the morphospecies level, the spiders were cataloged and several statistical tests were run. These tests show that spiders do show species-level stratification between different levels of forest. They also pointed towards a particularly firm dividing line between species …

Improving Beekeeping On Unguja Island, Larken Root

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current practices and methods for improvement of beekeeping on Unguja Island in Zanzibar. Beekeeping has been occurring for many years in Unguja but has retained traditional techniques with little improvement. Improvement can occur in the form of introduction of modern equipment, formation of beekeeping organizations, advancing and diversifying products, and gaining governmental support. Beekeeping is worthy of expansion because of its potential to increase rural income in a sustainable way as well as support conservation of forest areas. The study found that there has so far been little improvement of income …

Evaluation Of An Oral Vaccination Program To Control Raccoon Rabies In A Suburbanized Landscape, Jason R. Boulanger, Laura L. Bigler, Paul D. Curtis, Donald H. Lein, Arthur J. Lembo Jr.

Biology Faculty Publications

We evaluated the efficacy of an oral rabies vaccination (ORV) program conducted in Erie County, New York, from July through September, 2002–2005. Ingress of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) rabies variant first occurred along the southern border of Erie County, New York, during 1992 and began to spread northward at a velocity of 31 km/year. Fixed-wing aircraft dropped ORV baits in rural landscapes; helicopters, hand baiting, and bait stations distributed baits in suburban landscapes (x̄ bait densities ranged 59–118 baits/km²). Our study objectives were to quantify rabies case densities, evaluate efficacy of intervention efforts, and determine biological, …

Examining Neurophysiological Evidence Of Age-Related Interactions Of Sensory And Cognitive Processes During Speech Processing, Cady Kristen Block

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The present study sought to examine the contribution of sensory and cognitive factors on speech processing as evidenced by ERP measures and to find support for the Sensory Cognitive Interaction Theory (SCIT) and the Effortfulness Hypothesis in that older adults. who experience sensory deficits with normal aging. must put forth increased effort during early sensory stages of speech processing that may compromise subsequent semantic performance and recall of information. In the present investigation. younger and older adults performed a sentence verification task at low and high presentation levels (PL). Accuracy and response time to sentence verifications were assessed along with …

Disseminated Leishmania Infantum Infection In Two Sibling Foxhounds Due To Possible Vertical Transmission, Katherine N. Gibson-Corley, Jesse M. Hostetter, Shannon J. Hostetter, Kathleen Mullin, Amanda Ramer-Tait, Paola M. Boggiatto, Christine A. Petersen

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Two sibling foxhounds born to a Leishmania seropositive bitch were presented after testing seropositive for Leishmania. Leishmania infantum infection was detected via histopathology, culture, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). This is the first report of natural infection with Leishmania infantum with the possibility for vertical transmission in North America.

Infection disséminée à Leishmania infantum chez deux chiots Fox hound d’une même portée reliée possiblement à une transmission verticale. Deux chiots Fox hound d’une même portée nés d’une mère séropositive à Leishmania ont été présentés après un contrôle sérologique positif. Une infection à Leishmania infantum a été détectée par …

Convergence Of Agriculture And Energy: Iii. Considerations In Biodiesel Production, Jon Van Gerpen, Allan Gray, Brent H. Shanks, Beth Calabotta, Drew Kershen, Alan Weber, Richard Joost, Todd A. Peterson

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Concern about rising prices and unstable sources of petroleum fuels is driving the search for U.S. domestically produced, renewable transportation fuels, such as biodiesel. Federal incentives of up to $1.10 per gallon have been supplemented by additional incentives and mandated biodiesel use in many states. The Renewable Fuel Standard in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires the domestic use of 1 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel fuel by 2012, most of which likely will be biodiesel.
U.S. biodiesel production is primarily from soybean oil, but recent high prices have forced many producers to use lower-cost feedstocks such …

Early Attachment Sites For Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Experimentally Inoculated Weaned Calves, Evelyn A. Dean-Nystrom, William C. Stoffregen, Brad T. Bosworth, Harley W. Moon, Joachim F. Pohlenz

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Weaned 3- to 4-month-old calves were fasted for 48 h, inoculated with 10¹⁰ CFU of Shiga toxin-positive Escherichia coli (STEC) 0157:H7 strain 86-24 (STEC 0157) or STEC 091:H21 strain B2F1 (STEC 091), Shiga toxin-negative E. coli 0157:H7 strain 87-23 (Stx^- 0157), or a nonpathogenic control E. coli strain, necropsied 4 days postinoculation, and examined bacteriologically and histologically. Some calves were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) for 5 days (3 days before, on the day of, and 1 day after inoculation). STEC 0157 bacteria were recovered from feces, intestines, or gall bladders of 74% (40/55) of calves 4 days after …

Helium Quality Affects Thermal Desorber Calibration, Joseph F. Romagnano, Bruce Bugbee

Techniques and Instruments

Thermal desorption technology increases the sensitivity of gas chromatography, but it also can concentrate contaminants from any gas stream that passes over a trap.

If contaminants interfere with the elution of the compound of interest, it is impossible to get a clean blank run (no sample applied yet there is still a peak) and the calibration curve will not pass through zero. This may be the result of contamination in either the gases used to blend the standards (trap tubes) or gases used internally by desorber (cold trap). However, when combined with an inability to get a clean zero, the …

Maternal Photoperiodic History Affects Offspring Development In Syrian Hamsters, Annaliese K. Beery, Matthew J. Paul, Irving Zucker

Neuroscience: Faculty Publications

During the first 7 weeks of postnatal life, short day lengths inhibit the onset of puberty in many photoperiodic rodents, but not in Syrian hamsters. In this species, timing of puberty and fecundity are independent of the early postnatal photoperiod. Gestational day length affects postnatal reproductive development in several rodents; its role in Syrian hamsters has not been assessed. We tested the hypothesis that cumulative effects of pre- and postnatal short day lengths would restrain gonadal development in male Syrian hamsters. Males with prenatal short day exposure were generated by dams transferred to short day lengths 6 weeks, 3 weeks, …

Cross Mating Studies Among Five Fruit Fly Parasitoid Populations: Potential Biological Control Implications For Tephritid Pests, Maxwell K. Billah, Susan W. Kimani-Njogu, Robert A. Wharton, William A. Overholt, David D. Wilson, Millicent A. Cobblah

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The reproductive compatibility between four different species/populations of the tephritid parasitoid Psyttalia (Walker) species from Kenya and individuals of the morphologically identical Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from a laboratory culture in Italy used in augmentative biological control of olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was assessed through cross mating tests using single-pair and group mating methods. Reciprocal crosses among the species resulted in the production of viable offsprings up to the second generation. In spite of the successful production of viable offspring in the laboratory, Psyttalia species are known to have specific host fruit and/or host fly preferences …

Endoparasites Of Fat-Tailed Mouse Opossums (Thylamys: Didelphidae) From Northwestern Argentina And Southern Bolivia, With The Description Of A New Species Of Tapeworm, F. Agustin Jimenez Ruiz, Janet K. Braun, Mariel Campbell, Scott Lyell Gardner

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

The parasite fauna of two species of fat-tailed mouse opossums from northwestern Argentina is herein presented. Five species of helminths were found, i.e., Pterygodermatites kozeki, Hoineffia simplispicula, Oligacanthorhynchus sp., and a new species of tapeworm, Mathevotaenia sanmartini n. sp. (Cyclophyllidea: Anoplocephalidae). The new species is characterized by a calyciform scolex, relatively few testes (32), and a long cirrus sac; it occurs in fat-tailed mouse opossums at localities above 4,000 m. Those characters make it different from 6 species known to occur in marsupials from the New World, and from other species occurring in armadillos and bats. Didelphoxyuris thylamisis …

A New Species Of Lentiella (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) From Proechimys Simonsi (Rodentia: Echimyidae) In Bolivia = Una Especie Nueva De Lentiella (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) De Proechimys Simonsi (Rodentia: Echimyidae) En Bolivia, Terry R. Haverkost, Scott Lyell Gardner

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

During a biodiversity survey of mammals and their parasites in the Beni, Bolivia in the summer of 2000, several spiny rats, Proechimys simonsi Thomas, 1900, were collected and examined for parasites. Herein we describe Lentiella lamothei n. sp. from one of these hosts. This species is can be distinguished from L. machadoi Rêgo, 1964 by having a greater total length but smaller maximum width, a greater number of segments, a smaller cirrus sac, a smaller scolex diameter, and in the eggs, a larger pyriform apparatus. In addition, we formally validate the genus Lentiella Rêgo, 1964, that had been placed in …