Distribution and habitat use of the western sand darter (Ammocrypta clara) and the eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) in the Elk River, West Virginia

This thesis examines the distribution and habitat use of two sympatric sand darter species, the western sand darter (Ammocrypta clara) and the eastern sand darter (A. pellucida). This thesis includes three chapters: (1) an introduction and literature review on the western and eastern sand darters, habitat use, and species distribution models; (2) a substrate selection laboratory experiment; and, (3) an evaluation of sympatric sand darter habitat use at multiple scales in the Elk River. Sand darters are slender, sand-dwelling fishes that were once broadly distributed, but have since undergone range-wide population declines, presumably owing to habitat loss. Habitat use studies have been conducted for the eastern sand darter, but literature on the western sand darter remains sparse, and is an essential element for the conservation of the species. The laboratory study (chapter 2) evaluated substrate selection for each species by conducting 15 trials in four aquaria; two aquaria contained six western sand darters in each, while the other two held a combination of both species, three eastern sand darters and three western sand darters. The sand darters were given the choice to bury into five equally available and randomly positioned substrates: fine sand (0.12-0.25 mm), medium sand (0.25-0.5 mm), coarse sand (0.5-1.0 mm), very coarse sand (1.0-2.0 mm), and granule gravel (2.0-4.0 mm). The western sand darter selected for coarse and medium sand, while the eastern sand darter was more of a generalist selecting for fine, medium, and coarse sand. Substrate selection was significantly different (p = 0.02) between species in the same environment, where the western sand darter selected for coarser substrate more often compared to the eastern sand darter. The habitat use assessment (chapter 3) addressed the distribution, sandbar habitat use, and landscape scale analysis of sand darter habitat in the lower 190 river km of the Elk River. A total of 63 sites were sampled. Western sand darters were detected at eight sites, eastern sand darters were detected at 47 sites, and neither species was detected at 14 sites. The two species were sympatric at six sites. At the sandbar scale, western sand darters were detected in sandbars with greater area, higher proportions of coarse grain sand and faster average current velocity, while the eastern sand darter was more of a generalist using a wider range of sandbar habitats. The landscape-level analysis revealed that drainage area was an important predictor for both species, while sinuosity also contributed to the western sand darter\u27s habitat suitability. Sandbar quality (area, grain size, and velocity) and fluvial geomorphic variables (drainage area and sinuosity) are likely key driving factors structuring sand darter distributions in the Elk River. This multiscale study of species substrate selection, distribution and habitat use is unique, given that only a few sympatric populations are known of western and eastern sand darters

Perspectives of Teacher Quality: Perceptions from Secondary Educators in Private and Public Schools

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of teachers regarding teacher quality. Specifically, this research study examined how the twelve high school teachers’ perceptions of teacher quality related to four research categories defining teacher quality: teacher qualifications, personal attributes, pedagogical practices, and teacher effectiveness. Specifically, this study sought to examine: 1) how perceptions of teacher quality in the private schools compared to those in the public schools; 2) how socio-economic demographics in schools affected the teachers’ perceptions of teacher quality; 3) how high school administrators evaluated teacher quality in the selected schools; and 4) how the teachers’ perceptions of teacher quality linked to the schools’ evaluation system systems. Results of this study suggest that different types of teachers in various settings discussed teacher quality in similar ways. Teachers agreed that strong teacher student relationships, content mastery and relevance were keys to quality teaching. In addition, the socio-economic status of students influenced how teachers viewed teacher quality. Surprisingly, many teachers did not discuss the inter- relationships between content standards, pedagogical practices, and teacher effectiveness, and teachers’ perceptions of teacher quality measurements did not match measurements within their respective schools

A Multiscale Investigation of Habitat Use and Within-river Distribution of Sympatric Sand Darter Species

The western sand darter Ammocrypta clara, and eastern sand darter Ammocrypta pellucida are sand-dwelling fishes of conservation concern. Past research has emphasized the importance of studying individual populations of conservation concern, while recent research has revealed the importance of incorporating landscape scale processes that structure habitat mosaics and local populations. We examined habitat use and distributions of western and eastern sand darters in the lower Elk River of West Virginia. At the sandbar habitat use scale, western sand darters were detected in sandbars with greater area, higher proportions of coarse grain sand and faster bottom current velocity, while the eastern sand darter used a wider range of sandbar habitats. The landscape scale analysis revealed that contributing drainage area was an important predictor for both species, while sinuosity, which presumably represents valley type also contributed to the western sand darter’s habitat suitability. Sandbar quality (area, grain size, and velocity) and fluvial geomorphic variables (drainage area and valley type) are likely key driving factors structuring sand darter distributions in the Elk River. This multiscale study of within-river species distribution and habitat use is unique, given that only a few sympatric populations are known of western and eastern sand darters

Using the Culturally Proficient Continuum to Evaluate the Cultural Relevance of Gifted and Talented Programs

This study examined the gifted and talented (GT) curriculum of a suburban school district in a southwestern state through the lens of Lindsey, Robbins, and Terrell’s (2009) Culturally Proficient Continuum (CPC) model. The study sought to determine if the district’s GT curriculum and program activities supported cultural proficiency, utilized any of the six CPC levels within the curricular and program practices, and examine how using the CPC model to evaluate other GT programs could be used. The primary evaluation sources used for collecting data for this study were: (a) document reviews, (b) inspection of school district external communication and (c) observation of instructional activities within the organization. Findings uncovered by this study revealed the district had practices that were supportive of culturally relevant practices with opportunities for students to learn about diversity and a few of the practices were supportive of multicultural education

The Effect of Glutamine in Modulating Exertional Heat Stress Response of Intestinal Cells in Trained and Untrained Runners

Glutamine is the preferred substrate of intestinal cells and is required for the protection of intestinal cells integrity, helping to prevent exercise-induced endotoxin leakage from the intestine during stressful conditions. Increased endotoxins in the blood circulation (also known as endotoxaemia) has been shown to trigger systemic inflammation which is implicated in exertional heat stroke. This study examined firstly whether orally administered glutamine helps to reduce intestinal injury following an acute high intensity exercise session in hot conditions and secondly whether there is a different outcome according to fitness levels in runners. A randomized, double-blinded crossover study design was utilized. Twelve runners unacclimatised to heat, divided into trained [T; n=6; maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) = 61.2 ± 1.0 ml∙kg-1∙min-1] and untrained (UT; n=6; VO2max = 51.0 ± 0.7 ml∙kg-1∙min-1) groups, ingested either a placebo or glutamine dipeptide supplement (L-alanyl-L-glutamine; 0.2 g/kg bodyweight/day) for 5 consecutive days before running at 70%VO2max in a climate chamber (30°C, 40% relative humidity) for 1 hour. Cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rates, sweat loss, percent dehydration, rectal and skin surface temperatures were measured. Venous blood samples at baseline, immediately after completion of run and 1-hour post run were analysed for endotoxins and intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABP) as markers of intestinal injury. Intestinal permeability was measured at pre and post exercise using dual sugar probes (L-R; lactulose and rhamnose). No significant difference was observed in all responses for training status. L-R ratios remained unchanged with or without glutamine. However, a significant main effect for time and treatment was observed for plasma I-FABP (

Lymphocyte and Monocyte Hsp72 Responses to Exercise in Athletes with Prior Exertional Heat Illness

ABSTRACT Introduction. Exertional heatstroke is a serious disorder that can be fatal especially if treatment is delayed. Heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) is strongly induced by heat, and can be protective against a subsequent stress that may be the same or of a different form. In animal models it has been shown that upregulation of Hsp72 is protective against heatstroke. There is a natural variability in the amount and/or inducibility of Hsp72 in cells and tissues between individuals, and it is possible that impaired expression levels could make some athletes more prone to heat illness. The purpose of this study was to examine Hsp72 expression in lymphocytes and monocytes of young (\u3c40 years) athletes who had previously experienced, but recovered from serious heatstroke during exercise in the heat. Methods. Fourteen athletes ran on a treadmill for 60 min at 72% maximal oxygen uptake (o2max) in warm conditions (30°C, 40% relative humidity). One group consisted of athletes who had a previous history of exertional heat illness (EHI), while the control group (CON) had no previous history of EHI. Both groups were of similar age (29.7 ± 1.2 and 29.1 ± 2 years, CON vs EHI) and fitness (o2max 65.7 ± 2 and 64.5 ± 3 ml.kg-1.min-1, CON vs EHI). Rectal temperature was measured using a thermistor inserted to a depth of 10 cm past the anal sphincter. Hsp72 levels were measured in both monocytes and lymphocytes by flow cytometry before and immediately after the 60-min run, then after 60 min of recovery at an ambient temperature of 24°C. Results. Rectal temperature increased during the exercise period but there was no difference between groups, demonstrating that the EHI group had recovered from their heat illness and were not heat intolerant. Lymphocyte Hsp72 was lower in the EHI group after 60 min of exercise (p\u3c0.05), while monocyte Hsp72 was not different between groups. Conclusion. Our study found a lower lymphocyte Hsp72 concentration during exercise in athletes who had previously collapsed with serious EHI. Further research is needed to determine whether lower lymphocyte Hsp72 is a factor that may predispose athletes to develop EHI

Green Inequities: Examining the Dimensions of Socioenvironmental Injustice in Marginalized Communities

In the realm of socioenvironmental justice, much discourse centers on equal access to green areas and on climate injustice in the United States. Marginalized communities, including Indigenous populations, are being excluded from current narratives surrounding the natural spaces that in many cases are historically tied to under-represented groups. This article aims to explore some of the many dimensions of environmental racism, green inequities, climate injustice, and access. The dimensions include but are not limited to racial gatekeeping, nature deprivation in low-income communities, green gentrification, light pollution, and access to clean water. The recommendations section serves as a guide during decisionmaking processes at the local, state, and federal level, as well as moving forward in offering impacted communities protection from environmental racism and socioenvironmental injustice to impacted communities

Family history of breast and ovarian cancer and triple negative subtype in hispanic/latina women.

Familial breast and ovarian cancer prevalence was assessed among 1150 women of Mexican descent enrolled in a case-only, binational breast cancer study. Logistic regression was conducted to compare odds of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) to non-TNBC according to family history of breast and breast or ovarian cancer among 914 of these women. Prevalence of breast cancer family history in a first- and first- or second-degree relative was 13.1% and 24.1%, respectively; that for breast or ovarian cancer in a first-degree relative was 14.9%. After adjustment for age and country of residence, women with a first-degree relative with breast cancer were more likely to be diagnosed with TNBC than non-TNBC (OR=1.98; 95% CI, 1.26-3.11). The odds of TNBC compared to non-TNBC were 1.93 (95% CI, 1.26-2.97) for women with a first-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer. There were non-significant stronger associations between family history and TNBC among women diagnosed at age <50 compared to ≥50 years for breast cancer in a first-degree relative (P-interaction = 0.14) and a first- or second-degree relative (P-interaction = 0.07). Findings suggest that familial breast cancers are associated with triple negative subtype, possibly related to BRCA mutations in Hispanic/Latina women, which are strongly associated with TNBC. Family history is an important tool to identify Hispanic/Latina women who may be at increased risk of TNBC, and could benefit from prevention and early detection strategies

Mid-Atlantic forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis: a report from the Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Response Framework project

Forest ecosystems will be affected directly and indirectly by a changing climate over the 21st century. This assessment evaluates the vulnerability of 11 forest ecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic region (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, eastern Maryland, and southern New York) under a range of future climates. We synthesized and summarized information on the contemporary landscape, provided information on past climate trends, and described a range of projected future climates. This information was used to parameterize and run multiple forest impact models, which provided a range of potential tree responses to climate. Finally, we brought these results before two multidisciplinary panels of scientists and land managers familiar with the forests of this region to assess ecosystem vulnerability through a formal consensus-based expert elicitation process