Human alterations of landscapes take many forms, one of which is anthropogenic pollution. Mercury (Hg) is a complex contaminant because its uptake into the food web is not driven entirely by loading to the system; methylation is necessary to make Hg bioavailable and toxic to fish and wildlife. Because methylation...
This dissertation describes patterns in epiphytic macrolichen community composition along a nitrogen deposition gradient in the Yosemite region of the Sierra Nevada in California. This region is part of the largest federal air quality Class 1 designated air-shed in the western United States, covering the entire crest of the Sierra...
A laboratory-prepared hot-water extract of yeast is required
for vigorous growth of San Francisco sourdough bacteria (Lactobacillus
sanfrancisco) in pure culture. This requirement was examined
with the goal of determining what is unique about fresh yeast extractives
(commercial extractives exhibit much lower growth promoting
activity), and which components of fresh...
Reforestation of Pacific Northwest forest-lands with western hemlock has been hindered by unexplained plantation failures.
The purpose of this thesis is to provide information that will help in determining the cause of seedling damage and mortality. The studies focused on the relationship between xylem water potential, xylem cavitation and the...
Aquatic animals are exposed to a variety of natural and
anthropogenic xenobiotics. Biotransformation of xenobiotics was
examined in three aquatic animals: a primitive mollusc (chiton);
a shellfish which is an important human food source (oyster);
and, a lower vertebrate model for toxicological studies (rainbow
trout). Since digestive glands of Cryntochiton...
Reported here is an investigation to determine the in vitro and in vivo metabolism
of xanthohumol (XN). XN is the major prenylated flavonoid of the female
inflorescences (cones) of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus). It is also a constituent of
beer, the major dietary source of prenylated flavonoids. Recent studies...
Lamellar x-ray diffraction was studied from thin films of L-α-1,2-dipalmitoyl lecithin (DPL) and a 1:1 mixture (BrDPL) of L-α-l-palmitoyl-2-(9- bromopaimitoyl) lecithin and its 10-bromo analog. The specimens had high lamellar order, with an upper bound on the mosaicity of 6 mrad (0.4°) for DPL and BrDPL. With various water contents,...
Several dolphin species have global distributions. The extent of their radiation and limits to gene flow are presumably a product of oceanographic features both recent and historical, behavioral specializations and social organization. Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) are globally distributed in tropical and subtropical waters and are generally found in depths...
The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the underlying mechanisms within community colleges that influence cross-functional collaboration. The study also explored the role of community college leadership in fostering internal collaboration. The following questions guided the research: (1) What does cross-functional collaboration look like at a community...
Improvement behaviors, specifically double loop, have been linked to successful lean implementations. Although the lean literature supports individual cognitive transformation to double loop learning as an important element of lean success, there remains a strategic methodology to achieve sustainable double loop behavior. Perceptions toward behavior and employee satisfaction have been...
There is no doubt that adhesive penetration plays an important role in wood bondline joint performance and durability; yet, to date there is no direct experimental evidence linking penetration depth with bond performance. This is, in part, because adhesive penetration is commonly assessed with various 2D microscopy techniques that are...
Western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn.) is a valuable commercial species found in
the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. This dissertation includes four
papers focused on wood and stem characteristics of second-growth western redcedar, and
how those characteristics vary within the stem or how they are influenced by cultural
practices....
There are a number of wood properties which affect the quality of forest products such as lumber and pulp. Of these, wood density is considered by some to be the single most important physical characteristic because it is an excellent predictor of strength, stiffness, hardness, and paper-making capacities. Accurately assessing...
The purpose of this study is to critically explore low-income women's experience as they negotiate post secondary education in community colleges. Three research questions explore the context through which low-income women have entered the college experience, what that experience is like for them, and how the community college experience has...