Spatial summation of individual cones in human color vision.

The human retina contains three classes of cone photoreceptors each sensitive to different portions of the visual spectrum: long (L), medium (M) and short (S) wavelengths. Color information is computed by downstream neurons that compare relative activity across the three cone types. How cone signals are combined at a cellular scale has been more difficult to resolve. This is especially true near the fovea, where spectrally-opponent neurons in the parvocellular pathway draw excitatory input from a single cone and thus even the smallest stimulus projected through natural optics will engage multiple color-signaling neurons. We used an adaptive optics microstimulator to target individual and pairs of cones with light. Consistent with prior work, we found that color percepts elicited from individual cones were predicted by their spectral sensitivity, although there was considerable variability even between cones within the same spectral class. The appearance of spots targeted at two cones were predicted by an average of their individual activations. However, two cones of the same subclass elicited percepts that were systematically more saturated than predicted by an average. Together, these observations suggest both spectral opponency and prior experience influence the appearance of small spots

ZOOS AS EXPERIMENT ENVIRONMENTS: BIOLOGY OF LARVAL AND ADULT MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Zoos are a unique environment where humans and animals are in close daily contact, potential mosquito habitats exist, exotic plants and animals are introduced regularly, and wild animals roam. Studies of mosquito behaviors in zoos will lead to a better understanding, both within and outside zoos, of disease transmission routes and mosquito biology. To investigate whether the unique assemblage of habitats in zoos affects mosquito behavior, I sampled larvae and adults in the Greenville Zoo and the Riverbanks Zoo, South Carolina, USA, from March 2008 to January 2011. The objectives of my study were to investigate mosquito oviposition behavior, blood-host usage, and transmission of the causative agent of dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis); document the structure of the mosquito pyloric armature; and provide zoos with suggestions for mosquito control. My results underscore the medical and veterinary importance of studying mosquito blood feeding ecology in zoos, and the experimental utility of zoos for studying mosquito behavior. A total of 1,630 larvae and 4,349 adults representing 16 species was collected and identified. The most common species were Aedes albopictus, Ae. triseriatus, Culex erraticus, Cx. restuans, and Cx. pipiens complex. Principal components and multiple logistic regression analyses showed that across both zoos the overall larval mosquito presence (regardless of species) was predicted by ambient and site temperature, precipitation, dissolved oxygen, presence of natural habitats, and absence of aquatic vegetation. Pairwise species associations indicated significant habitat-based relationships between larvae of Ae. albopictus and Ae. triseriatus, and Cx. pipiens complex and Cx. restuans. Recommendations to zoo personnel, regarding larval mosquito habitat management, were to reduce or eliminate artificial containers and shade sources greater than or equal to 2 m above standing water, use mosquito larvicides when source reduction is not possible, and receive training in recognizing and mitigating larval mosquito habitats. Mosquitoes fed on captive animals, humans, and wild animals, and took mixed bloodmeals. Blood hosts included 1 amphibian species, 16 bird species, 10 mammal species (including humans), and 2 reptile species. Minimum flight distances (dispersal) from host locations ranged from 15.5 m to 327.0 m, with a mean of 94.1 m ± 13.4 m. No mosquitoes tested (n = 45) were positive for D. immitis. The pyloric spines of Ae. albopictus, Ae. j. japonicus, Ae. triseriatus, An. punctipennis, Cx. pipiens complex, Cx. restuans, Or. signifera, and Tx. rutilus were photographed and measured. Differences exist in qualitative and quantitative spine structure, with Aedes spp. forming one general group, Culex spp. another, and An. punctipennis and Or. signifera a third. The one specimen of Toxorhynchites rutilus examined was most like Culex spp. mosquitoes. Larval mosquito-habitat, adult mosquito-host associations, and pyloric armature and spine structures generally conformed to previously published accounts, indicating that mosquito biology inside zoos represents mosquito biology outside zoos. Therefore, zoos can be used for experiments not feasible in the field. However, novel variation (e.g., new, exotic host records) recorded in mosquito species warrants further investigation in zoos. My study demonstrates that zoos can be used as experiment environments to study mosquito behaviors (e.g., oviposition cues, innate versus learned host preferences, mosquito dispersal, and home range memory), and that findings can be extrapolated to non-zoo areas, while also providing medical and veterinary benefits to zoo animals, visitors, and the public

Creating Consumuments: The Use of Artistic Interpretation of Text as an Insight Mining Device in Advertising Courses

The goal of any approach used to gain a foundation of knowledge about a consumer segment is to ensure one can make decisions that are sound strategically and effectively serve the segment. This paper describes a new technique for profiling a consumer segment: creating a consumument. A consumument is an artistic interpretation of text which reflects insight into a consumer segment. The exercise, based on Tom Phillips’ (2005) A Humument, seeks to encourage students to mine for meaning, reflect on consumer perceptions, emotions, and aspirations, and ultimately express their understanding of a consumer group artistically

The Language of Sexuality: Walt Whitman and Galway Kinnell

Explores Kinnell\u27s "indebtedness to Whitman" by examining Kinnell\u27s prose statements and his poems, especially "The Waking" and "Flying Home"; argues that "Kinnell\u27s verse echoes Whitman\u27s not only in its claim that the soul is not to be revered above the body but in its understanding of humanity\u27s need to realign itself with the rest of creation.

Modular and Dynamic Approaches to the Formation of Single-chain Polymer Nanoparticles

The methodology towards the creation of nanoscale polymeric objects by way of the folding of single polymer chains has been enjoying success in the field of polymer chemistry and materials science. By synthesizing polymer chains with built in functionality either through functional side groups, or direct incorporation into the polymer backbone, polymer chemists are able to fold single polymer chains onto themselves through a broad range of covalent and non-covalent interactions in dilute solution. These compact, nano-sized objects can now be used in a wide arrange of functions and applications. The aim of this dissertation is to provide first, a comprehensive overview of the recent advances and success enjoyed by this field and second, to showcase some of the various routes towards the dynamic and modular creation of these single-chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs). Chapter 2 of this work discusses the use of dynamic covalent cross-linking chemistry via reversible disulfide bridges in the folding and unfolding of SCNPs. Through the use of triple detection size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) it was shown through changes in retention time, a phenomena indicative of hydrodynamic volume, a polymer was being folded into compact SCNPs and then unfolded and refolded via redox chemistry. Chapter 3 explores the design of polymers that had various different cross-linkable moieties incorporated into the monomer side units. By having cross-linkable moieties that can undergo different chemical cross-linking reactions (i.e thiol-yne click reactions, epoxide ring-opening reactions, activated esters), a modular approach towards the folding and subsequent functionalization of SCNPs is created. Looking to design a system with a greater degree of control over the modular functionality, chapter 4 investigates the use of norbornene imide monomers containing pentafluorophenyl activated esters with varying methylene spacer unites between the polymerizable olefin and the activated ester. It was here that an unexpected phenomena was observed; the doping effects of fluorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (FAHs) on second and third generation Grubbs’ catalysts. This chapter aims to shed some light on this subject. Finally in chapter 5 an additional click-chemistry reaction is observed to take place with pentafluorophenyl methacrylate. Thiol-para fluoro click reactions are used to react with the pentafluorophenyl activated esters, while still leaving the ester moiety reactive towards primary alkyl amines

Acquisitions and Collections or Access and Public Services: Where does Resource Sharing Fit in an Academic Library?

At the 2018 Southeastern Resource Sharing Conference I gave a lightning talk titled “Where Do We Belong? Where Does Resource Sharing Fit in an Academic Library?” to share the results of an informal survey to find where resource sharing departments are found in academic library organizational structures. Since then, Clemson University Libraries engaged in a reorganization and the resource sharing team will be moved (as of July 1, 2022) from the new Teaching, Learning, and Research Division (a division centered around public services) to the new Collections and Discovery Division (a more technical services-based division). This lighting talk will share the results of a 2022 redux of the 2018 survey and compare the two sets of data to see if resource sharing departments have moved within organizational structures. Also discussed will be the transition of the Clemson Libraries resource sharing team to a new division, how the team’s roll in that division has been defined, and how resource sharing stays connected to public services within the Libraries

Electronic methods of collecting survey data: a review of 'E-Research'

In dem vorliegenden Arbeitsbericht werden drei Methoden elektronischer Datensammlung vorgestellt: computergestützte Umfragen, E-mail-Umfragen und Internet-Umfragen. Die Vor- und Nachteile der einzelnen Methoden werden anhand eines Überblicks über die einschlägige Literatur diskutiert. Vorteile computergestützter Umfragen sind u.a., daß die Befragten weniger sozial erwünschte Antworten geben und die Befragung als kürzer und angenehmer empfinden. Als nachteilig können sich Softwareprobleme auswirken sowie Probleme der Befragten im Umgang mit Computern. Umfragen, die sich auf e-mail und Internet stützen, zeichnen sich u.a. durch geringe Kosten und geringen Zeitverlust aus. Von Nachteil ist, daß nicht alle Zugang zu dieser Technik haben, und daß aufgrund der Informationsflut Umfragen oft nicht beachtet werden. (prg

Getting a foot in the electronic door: understanding why people read or delete electronic mail

Thema des vorliegenden Arbeitsberichts ist die Nutzung von E-mail für Umfragen. Vorraussetzung für die Nutzung dieses Mediums ist, daß die Nachrichten vom Empfänger geöffnet und gelesen werden. Es wird mit Hilfe von Telefoninterviews untersucht, welche Faktoren bei der Entscheidung, eine Nachricht zu lesen oder zu löschen, eine Rolle spielen. Der Autor kommt zu dem Schluß, daß Nachrichten vor allem dann gelöscht werden, wenn der Betreff die Empfänger nicht interessiert oder wenn diese den Namen des Absenders nicht kennen. Die Befragten zeigen eine Vorliebe für E-mail-Umfragen im Rahmen wissenschaftlicher Forschungen und äußern deutliche Abneigung gegen kommerzielle E-mail-Umfragen. (prg)'For researchers, a key issue in developing electronic mail as a survey method is to understand what factors are at play as a potential respondent chooses to open or delete a mail message. This research investigated the process by which individuals make decisions about opening and reading versus deleting electronic mail and also assessed attitudes towards electronic mail surveys. The sample received an electronic mail message followed by a telephone interview. Results indicated that individuals delete mail when the subject line does not interest them or when they do not recognize the name of the individual sending the email. Those interviewed reacted favorably to electronic mail surveys for scientific research despite issues on anonymity. However, respondents overwhelmingly described a dislike for commercially based electronic mail surveys.' (author's abstract)