A molecular characterization of the fungal endophytes within the needles of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Fungal endophytes (microbial fungi that live in plant tissues without causing disease) are ubiquitous in plants studied to date. Many conifers host endophytes that produce important bioactive secondary metabolites. While the endophytes in Pinus ponderosa roots have been studied, the endophyte communities within the needles are not well characterized by molecular means: thus, the goal of this study was to do so. Needles were sampled at two sites located five kilometers apart along a slight precipitation gradient in Eastern Washington State. Fungal DNA (along with pine DNA) was isolated directly from needles of two ages. Internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal RNA gene form fungi were amplified by PCR, cloned, and sequenced. Many of the sequences described have high homology matches in GenBank with known fungi, though most have not previously been directly associated with ponderosa pine. Some sequences were highly homologous with previously published sequences of fungi that have yet to be assigned a taxonomic designation , which suggests some previously undescribed fungi occupy ponderosa pine needles. Despite the proximity of sites, only 18% of the endophytes sequenced were common to both sites. Forty one percent of endophytes were unique to needles from 2012, while 45% of endophytes were unique to needles that emerged in 2014. Although more data from a deep sequencing project will be required to confirm this, the results presented here suggests that fungal endophyte communities in ponderosa pine are fairly diverse geographically, and that communities in the same tree differ depending on the age of the needles --Leaf iv

Results of a Stages of Change Pilot Survey from an Osteoporosis Prevention Outreach Program

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem and crippling condition that often results in premature mortality and significant morbidity that may be manifested in the form of fractures, bone deformity, and pain. Osteoporosis affects almost 44 million people in the United States, 80% of whom are women. The purpose of this project was to test a pilot survey using the Stages of Change Model for health behaviors that may affect the risk of osteoporosis. Current research is lacking in use of the Stages of Change model for studying behaviors related to the prevention and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Three surveys were developed to evaluate behavior changes and behavior change intentions resulting from an osteoporosis outreach program for middle-aged women. The program provided educational classes, screening, individual counseling, and referral for 342 women in Northwest Arkansas. The program took place from January to October 2001. The stages surveyed included contemplation, preparation, and action stages, referring to them respectively, as thinking, planning, and have made changes. Subjects were surveyed regarding behavior changes and behavior change intentions that occurred as a direct result of the program. Behaviors surveyed included nutritional habits, specifically calcium intake, level of physical activity, and other behaviors, such as hormone replacement therapy, smoking, and prescription drug use, which affect osteoporosis. Results regarding nutrition variables concluded, 60% started consuming more dairy products, 29% started eating more calcium-rich vegetables, 42% began consuming calcium fortified products such as orange juice, 39% started taking a calcium supplement, 28% started eating more calcium-rich vegetables, and 25% modified their food preparation techniques to include more calcium. Reports of physical activity changes include, 20% started yard work, 19% began walking and 14% began a weight-training program, 13% reported making some other change in their activity level that was not listed on the survey. Regarding other behavior changes, 7% started on hormone replacement therapy and 26% reported some other behavior change that was not listed on the survey. An osteoporosis outreach program may be instrumental in facilitating behavior changes that support bone health and, therefore, osteoporosis prevention

Impacts of Human Disturbance on the Behavior of Sanderlings on the Georgia Coast

Habitat loss has a serious impact on wildlife. However, even when humans do not destroy habitat, their activity can have negative impacts on behavior. The purpose of my study was (1) to test whether the presence of humans altered the behavior of Sanderlings (Calidris alba), (2) to quantify the impacts of staged human encounters on Sanderlings, and (3) to assess whether Sanderlings on high-disturbance beaches habituate to the presence of humans. The study was conducted on two Georgia barrier islands with varying levels of human disturbances, Tybee Island and Sapelo Island. I found that Sanderlings on a high-disturbance beach had lower foraging success than those on a low-disturbance beach. Across sites, Sanderling foraging success decreased with increasing number of people. Staged encounters on a low-disturbance beach reduced Sanderling foraging activity to that of a Sanderling on a high-disturbance beach. There was no evidence of habituation to people on high-disturbance beaches

Just Play: On Being Fully Human in Sport

Bird, Amy, S.G. “Just Play: On Being Fully Human in Sport.” Master’s thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2018. 73 pp. Is competing in competitive sport worthy of a Christian’s time, energy, and resources? If so, how does one compete in a God-pleasing way? Certainly, several factors are at work here, but to gain a theologically faithful understanding of sport this paper considers two concepts as vital: the Lutheran doctrine of vocation and the concept of leisure as articulated by Catholic moral theologian Josef Pieper. This thesis considers both vocation and leisure and explores how when taken together vocation and leisure clarify the application of the two kinds of righteousness for a Christian athlete and equips that athlete to make wise and faithful decisions regarding her participation in sport. Ultimately, this thesis argues that a life lived to the fullest is one practicing the ongoing rhythm and balance of both vocation and leisure

Current Issues on Joint Operating Agreements

This paper discusses current issues regarding joint operating agreements, focusing on recent decisions from courts in Louisiana. For the purposes of this paper, the current timeframe is roughly ten years, although there will be some reference to older cases that touch on issues that we think are pertinent today. Because it is the most frequently used form for onshore operations, AAPL Form 610, last revised in 1989, will be used as the contract of reference

The Effects of Subjective Age and Aging Attitudes on Mid to Late Life Sexuality

Sexuality is being recognized by the medical community as an increasingly important factor for well-being in older adults. Age and well-being are important factors that contribute to older adults’ sexuality. Subjective age and attitudes towards aging are known to impact physical and mental wellness for adults over 40. However, there is no research that looks at the impact of subject age and aging attitudes on older adult sexuality. This secondary analysis of longitudinal Mid-Life in the United States (MIDUS) study data will explore the relationship between subjective age and attitudes toward aging from MIDUS Wave I on sexual activity, frequency of sex, quality of sex, and interest in sex, among adults 40 and older from MIDUS Wave II. Data were analyzed to determine the relationship between the independent variables subjective age and aging expectations on the four dependent sexuality variables.The interaction terms subjective age by aging expectations, subjective age by gender, aging expectations by gender. A three way interaction between subjective age, aging expectations, and gender was also included in the analyses.Subjective age was significantly associated with quality of sex and interest in sex such that the older people felt, the less likely they were to rate their sex life positively or put much thought and/or effort into sex. Aging expectations were significantly associated with quality of sex such that the worse people felt about getting old, the less likely they were to have good quality sex later in life. Neither subjective age nor aging expectations had an impact on the behavioural variables number of sex partners and frequency of sex. None of the interaction terms tested were statistically significant. As such, people who feel better about aging and who feel younger than their actual age are more likely to rate the quality of the sexual aspects of their lives positively and are also more likely to put thought and effort into their sex lives

The Willingness of Older Adults to Evacuate in the Event of a Disaster

The issue of rising number of disasters, the overwhelming increase in number of older adults, and historically flawed evacuations presents real challenges. Disasters can strike anywhere, any time, and have devastating consequences. Since 1900, the number of Americans 65 and older has increased 12 times (from 3.1 million to 36.3 million). During the next two decades, the number of American baby boomers, now aged 45-64, who turn 65, will increase by 40%. As evidenced by recent disasters, the imperfections and vulnerabilities of flawed evacuations for older adults are still present. This study examined the level of willingness to evacuate among older adults in the event of a disaster. Despite the extensive literature on disasters and evacuation, some significant questions regarding evacuation and older adults have not been addressed. This study addressed the following concerns: (1) What is the willingness among older adults to evacuate when asked to do so by emergency management officials? (2) Does the call to evacuate being mandatory versus voluntary influence the willingness of seniors to evacuate? (3) Do preconditions (Gender, Marital Status, Age, Ethnic Origin, and Education Levels) influence the willingness to evacuate among older adults? The sample population consisted of 765 voluntary participants aged 60 years and older from thirty senior/community centers within seven counties in the State of Oklahoma. A group administered survey (The Disaster Evacuation Survey) included a total of 15 questions. This study revealed the following findings: older adults are more likely to comply with a mandatory evacuation order. Individuals with college degrees are more likely to comply with mandatory evacuations. African Americans are more likely to comply with a voluntary request. American Indian/Alaskan Native are more likely to comply with mandatory evacuation orders from emergency officials. Important practical implications for emergency officials responding to vulnerable older adults in disaster situations are also provided