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92nd Bomb Group pix
(Argus Press, 1947)
A comparison of semen thawing for artificial insemination in cattle.
(2011-05-26T18:13:05Z) Kaczyk, Brittni L.; Kaczyk, Brittni Lanay; Serrano, Gabriela I.; May, Brain J.; Scott, Cody B.; Salisbury, Michael W.; Angelo State University. Department of Agriculture.
Beef cows (n=23) were used to compared conception rates of two different thawing methods used for artificial insemination (AI). Cows were divided into the treatment or control group based on time of estrus. In the treatment, frozen semen was placed directly into the AI gun and inserted into the female for deposition after a minimum of 30 seconds. The control females experienced the typical thawing process of semen straws placed in a water bath for a minimum of 30 seconds, then loaded into the AI gun and deposited into the uterus of the female. Conception rates were similar between semen thawing methods (P > 0.51). Additionally, the study analyzed semen motility using the two different thaw methods and found no difference (P = 1.0). In conclusion, thawing semen directly in the reproductive tract of the female provides the same conception rates as traditional thaw methods.
A Comparison Pilot Study of Motor-level Electrical Stimulations for Lowering Postprandial Glucose Levels
(2016-05) Johnson, Annika; Hansen, Trevor; McCluskey, Charity; Huang, Han-Hung; Weise, Shelly; Ko, Man-Soo
Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of three Motor-level Electrical Stimulation (MES) parameters, NMES, Russian current, and low-rate transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on non-diabetic healthy subjects’ postprandial glucose levels, heart rate, and oxygen consumption (VO2). Background: MES has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and glucose uptake in both animals and humans. The effects of MES include increasing the following: heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen uptake, ventilatory capacity, muscle bulk, muscle oxidative process, and muscle glycogen depletion. Recently, MES has been shown to improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, limited research is available that comprehensively compares varying MES parameters on the effects of postprandial glucose levels. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy student subjects were randomly assigned to either the NMES, Russian current, TENS, or control group without any MES. Subjects participated in an overnight fast of at least 8 hours and had their fasting blood glucose measured. Subjects were given a glucose supplement to drink within 10 minutes, rested in supine for 30 minutes then the second glucose level was taken. Subjects received a 30 minute treatment intervention followed by the third blood glucose measurement. Subjects then rested an additional 30 minutes followed by obtaining the final blood glucose measurement. VO2 levels were monitored every 30 seconds, and heart rate was monitored every 3 minutes throughout the 90 minute study. Results: There were no significant differences between groups on glucose levels and heart rates throughout the study. The Russian group demonstrated a statistically significant increase up to 10% in VO2 compared to the control group. Conclusion: MES seems to have no effects on postprandial glucose levels in non-diabetic healthy subjects. While 30-minute MES treatment did not change the heart rate, Russian current significantly increased the VO2. Our findings indicate Russian current may have the potential to be applied to mimic exercise better than NMES or TENS. Further research is required to explore the effects of Russian current on blood glucose levels in people with T2D.
A Dietary Analysis of the Microwhip Scorpion (Arachnida: Palpigradi) from Val Verde County, Texas
(2017-05) Jones, Mary Patricia; Strenth, Ned E; Ammerman, Loren K; Negovetich, Nicholas J; Siefker, Andrew J
Palpigrades comprise a poorly known group of arachnids found in caves and soil from numerous localities worldwide. Prior and preliminary studies have suggested arthropods and cyanobacteria as possible diet items of these organisms. This current study uses DNA sequencing to identify contents of the digestive tract of eleven palpigrade specimens, Eukoenenia florenciae (Rucker) from Val Verde County, Texas. Three universal primer sets were used to target the COI region of arthropods, the 16S rRNA of cyanobacteria, and the ITS region of fungi. Additionally, a blocking primer was designed to prevent amplification of the palpigrade DNA itself. DNA from these specimens was extracted, amplified by PCR, and then sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequences were compared to the NCBI GenBank nucleotide database. The presence of arthropods, cyanobacteria, and fungi supports the premise of generalist feeding habits for this species.
A Game of Drones: Comparing the U.S. Aerial Assassination Campaign in Yemen and Pakistan
(2014-12) Hoyt, Melanie Raeann; Hoyt, Melanie Raeann; Celso, Anthony; Ehlers, Robert; Bechtol, Bruce; Lamberson, Christine
To combat the terrorist threat the United States faces in Yemen and Pakistan, Remotely Piloted Vehicles have been employed to deter, deflect, and defend. These RPV’s operate thousands of miles from the closest military base in states that are not officially engaged in war. In these sovereign lands, cultures that have existed for thousands of years are torn between corrupt governments, terrorist insurgency cells, and sudden death from above. Reports on whether the aerial assassination campaign has impacted terrorist activity have been interpreted very differently among analysts. This thesis will explore how RPV’s have affected foreign policy, terrorism, and the security threats these places pose to the United States. Answers to these questions directly affect the future of international law, and how war will be waged in future combat.
A morphological comparison of Holospira monclovana and Holospira picta (Gastropoda: Urocoptidae) using X-ray computed tomography
(2012-05-12) Rilling, Rigel Keith; Rilling, Rigel Keith; Strenth, Ned E.; Maxwell, Terry C.; Negovetich, Nick J.; Cordell-McNulty, Kristi; Angelo State University. Department of Biology.
This study was undertaken to re-evaluate the taxonomic placement of two species of xeric-adapted holospirids from near Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico using techniques unavailable to researchers at the time of the original descriptions of these species. X-ray computed tomography was used to scan the complete series of Holospira monclovana (n=24, including holotype) and of Holospira picta (n=27, including holotype), as well as 26 of another series of specimens (assigned to Holospira picta by the original author) from approximately 35 km southeast of Monclova. The program ImageJ was used to analyze Xray CT scans of all specimens. Analyses of Similarities (ANOSIM) were conducted using the statistical suite R to compare the three populations, both pairwise and all together (Null hypothesis: R≈0; dissimilarities within groups ≥ dissimilarities between groups). Analysis shows all three populations to be statistically distinct (R=0.398, p<0.001), supports the retention of H. monclovana within subgenus Holospira, and supports reassignment of both populations of H. picta to the subgenus Bostrichocentrum.
A NEW COLD WAR? A RESURGENT RUSSIA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY
(2016-05) Tanner, Ashley N.; Ehlers, Robert S; Dailey, Jeffrey D; Taylor, William A; Lamberson, Christine M
Recent events in Eastern Europe and the Middle East have prompted world leaders to opine that the world is entering a new Cold War. These concerns are based on the recent invasions of Crimea and Ukraine, action in Syria, Russian rhetoric, and military posturing by both sides. Russian history, strategy, and strategic culture provide context for the current state of affairs. These do not, however, guarantee that the present implementation of strategy will mirror the past and that the goals are to return to a Soviet-style, Cold War-era, bipolar world order. The issue is more complex then our own cognitive biases have allowed us to comprehend. Russia is resurgent and does pose a threat to stability, but its goal is neither a Cold War nor a hot war. Rather, it seeks to be treated as an equal and to reassert a greater level of control and influence over its former lands.
A Pentadic Analysis of a Norwegian Health Communication Outreach Program
(2015-05) Hagland, Maria; Smith, June H.; Battaglia, Adria; Bolen, Derek M.; Pierce, Jason E.
This thesis uses Burke Dramatism to analyze a Norwegian Health Communication Outreach Program. The program was developed to reduce the number of no-shows at the hospitals on the West Coast of Norway. No-shows is used for the act of people not showing up. Burke’s dramatism was chosen as the method of analysis because it allows me to see the program creator’s hidden motives, and the terministic screens that are not represented in the development of the program. I believe that the more terministic screens the hospitals consider when analyzing patients’ behaviors, the more ways they can identify with patients and influence them to come to their appointments. The results show that Burke’s dramatism can be used in analyzing health outreach programs. The analysis discovered that Health West might have focused more on the act-purpose and act-agent ratio, when they should have also added the scene-act and the agent-act ratio
A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION INTO THE EXTENDED LIFESPAN OF BAT SPECIES: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX PROTEIN HAS2 AND LONGEVITY
(2015-06-05) Denham, Aimee N.; Eoff, Shirley M; Ammerman, Loren K; Wilke, Russell
Investigation into physiological and molecular factors influencing the extended lifespan of long-lived species significantly contributes to clinical research aimed at improving the lives of humans. Bats have a significantly longer lifespan than other mammals of similar size and have not been recorded to develop cancer. The longevity and anti-cancer properties displayed by bats are features shared by another well-studied mammal, the naked mole rat. The naked mole rat is currently the longest living rodent with a maximum lifespan of over 30 years, and the species exhibits a novel anti-cancer mechanism involving the rapid production of hyaluronan. The naked mole rat has a unique sequence of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) which rapidly produces high molecular mass hyaluronan and contributes to reduced activity of hyaluronan degrading enzymes. Known genomic sequences of several species of bats were analyzed to determine differences in amino acid sequence for the HAS2 gene. Furthermore, RNA extracted from captured bats was subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure the expression level of HAS2 in various tissues. Genomic sequence analysis revealed that the bat species examined did not have the same amino acid substitutions in HAS2 as the naked mole rat. Real-time PCR trials using multiple primers designed to be specific for the HAS2 region resulted in inconclusive data. Therefore, gene expression analysis conclusions cannot be made until successful HAS2 primers are generated to amplify the HAS2 region. Further research needs to be directed towards determining alternative methods to study the longevity and anti-cancer mechanisms bats possess.
A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DNA TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF RARE EURYCEA SALAMANDERS IN THE DEVILS RIVER, TEXAS
(2014-06-05) Serio, Tara Camille; Serio, Tara Camille; Dixon, Micheal T.; Dixon, Michael T; Eoff, Shirley M; Ammerman, Loren K
Preliminary surveys at the Southern Unit of the Devils River State Natural Area (DRSNA-SU) near Del Rio, Texas, suggest that two undescribed species of Eurycea salamanders may inhabit this westernmost area of their projected habitat range, but no research has specifically investigated their presence. Members of the genus Eurycea found in central Texas are primarily aquatic and inhabit aquifers. Most species of Hill Country Eurycea salamanders are suspected to be threatened or endangered. Following an unsuccessful trapping effort, primers were designed from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene that have the potential to be specific to the genus Eurycea. As part of an introductory investigation these primers were used to explore the potential of extracting environmental DNA (eDNA) to demonstrate species presence. While these methods did not yield conclusive results, this project contributes to the growing body of work on eDNA as an inexpensive way to monitor freshwater species.
A review of Salsuginus seculus (Platyhelminthes: Monogenean) in the western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) from Texas
(2016-05) Vasquez, Gizell; Negovetich, Nicholas J.; Strenth, Ned E.; Ammerman, Loren K.
Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are cosmopolitan in warmer climates and can serve as a host for a number of parasites. The gill monogeneans from this host are especially interesting because of the very low species diversity that has been reported in the literature. In the United States alone, only a single species, Salsuginus seculus, is reported from the gills of fish collected across the country. To assess the validity of a single species on the gills of G. affinis, fish were collected from 11 geographically-distant aquatic systems in Texas and surveyed for monogenean infections. The gill monogeneans were then subjected to morphological and molecular analyses. Preliminary analyses suggested that more than one species of monogenean may be infecting the gills of G. affinis in Texas. Morphologically, most of the monogeneans resemble S. seculus, but parasites from a few locations exhibited anatomical differences that did not conform to the description of S. seculus. They are smaller in overall size and differ in their opisthaptor, including the size of the hamuli and the length of the haptoral bars. Sequence analysis on these parasites was performed to determine if consistent patterns of genetic differences exist between specimens collected from the various locations. Based on analysis of a partial 28S rRNA gene region, sufficient support is lacking to distinguish these parasites as different species.
A Review of Wildfires and Drought Conditions for the Capital Area Council of Governments: 2002 to 2012
(2014-05-30) Rubio Perez, Emmanuel; Rubio Perez, Emmanuel; Phelps, James
An analysis of available national data on droughts and wildfires indicate that Texas has encompassed a fluctuating drought for over a decade. The central and western portions of the state have been affected particularly severely. In 2011 for example, the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) endured drastic drought and wildfire conditions. Counties such as Bastrop, made major news headlines as the Bastrop County Complex Fire consumed more than 30,000 acres. While the use of technology to track and manage wildfire threat has increased in recent years, a project I just completed in BOR 6302, Introduction to GIS, found that many smaller county and city fire services are lacking the historical digital data that could be used to prepare for future wildfires, mitigate the damage caused, and expedite recovery operations. Therefore, the purpose of research is to muster the data of the enduring wildfire and drought conditions over the decade spanning 2002 to 2012 across the CAPCOG. The research of acquired data incorporated within the archives kept by various organizations to include the Texas A&M Forest Service, Water Data for Texas Organization, Southern Regional Climate Center, Water Development Board, and the United States Drought Monitor. This project produced a visual data set of the historical drought and wildfire conditions for the fire services, emergency managers, and community leaders within that jurisdiction in order to help enhance their planning efforts for future events.
A STUDY OF THE RISE AND THREAT OF THE ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND SYRIA
(2015-12) Fisher, Michael; Celso, Anthony N.; Bechtol, Jr., Bruce E.; Taylor, William A.; Wright, Andrew P.
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took the international community by surprise in June 2014 by defeating the Iraqi military in multiple battles that culminated in the seizure of Mosul, Iraq on 10 June 2014. On 30 June 2014, ISIS publicly declared a Caliphate that stretches from northern Syria to the outskirts of Baghdad. This occurred due to corruption and sectarian strife of the Maliki regime, alongside the departure of US forces in 2011. The issue of ISIS is a sectarian issue 1,400 years in the making and likely to be unresolved short of overwhelming military force in Iraq and Syria combined with sweeping sectarian focused political changes.
A STUDY OF THE UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY’S ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF
(2014-05-09) Huntley, Shannon Nichole; Huntley, Shannon Nichole; Ehlers, Robert S; Dailey, Jeff D; Pullin, Mark
The topic of research is an analysis of the intelligence community’s (IC) roles and responsibilities during catastrophic events in overseas locations. The research has involved gathering and studying journal and news articles about IC involvement in disaster relief and national security protection during disastrous events. A comparative analysis was done from the gathered information and examination of two cases -the 2010 Pakistan Floods and the July 7, 2005 London Bombings. Analysis of these events led us to conclude that the IC’s function in HA/DR operations was in line with the IC’s primary function. Further, it played an important role in mitigating suffering while countering potential human threats in the midst of these chaotic events. Finally, we conclude that the IC’s involvement in natural disasters is an effective combination of support to disaster-relief efforts and a furthering of national-security interests because in a man-made disaster, relief and policy efforts are intertwined.
A STUDY ON THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF YOGA AND DYNAMIC STRETCHING
(2016-05) Schroeter, Barton Lee; Daniel, Jordan A.; Parker, Adam G.; Eoff, Shirley M.
This study was performed in order to determine which stretching style impacts acute range of motion more, static yoga stretching or dynamic stretching. Eighteen participants between the ages of nineteen and twenty four were recruited from Angelo State University. Participants were subjected to a series of range of motion tests targeting major muscle groups. These tests were performed once for a control score, then two more times following static and dynamic stretching sessions. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvement on all tests between the control scores and the interventions. Analysis also revealed that yoga improved scores significantly more than dynamic stretching in the Sit and Reach test. Based on this information it is clear that there are benefits obtained by engaging in both static and dynamic stretch routines, though for some regions of the body yoga may be more effective at increasing range of motion.
A Study on the Relationship Between Security and Prosperity in Pakistan
(2016-05) Hubbard, Austen Cross; Dailey, Jeffery; Ehlers, Robert; Martinez, Eduardo; Abernathy, Susan
Since 2014 Pakistan has reported improvements in their security and their economy. The aim of this study is to determine if those improvements are a result of counterterrorism policies implemented that same year, along with aggressive military operations. By utilizing a linear regression model, the hope was to identify a direct negative relationship between Pakistan’s Market Potential Index scores from 2007-2014 and their reported fiscal loss due to terrorism during the same years. If a relationship exists between those two variables, then there is an opportunity to argue that Pakistan has improved their economic situation by reducing domestic terrorism within their borders. Other research on this topic only measures Pakistan’s economic loss from acts of terrorism; there is no record of research gauging the effects of reported improvements. By studying the effects of a reduction in terrorist acts on the economic potential of Pakistan, the goal is to support increased security reform in Pakistan and international cooperation in their road to stability.
A Survey of the Fish Ectoparasites of the Essequibo River in the Iwokrama Forest, Guyana
(2018-12) Hubbell, Carl Bryce; Negovetich, Nicholas J.; Strenth, Ned E.; Dowler, Robert C.; Howard, Herman O.
Very few surveys on ectoparasites have been done in Guyana. To address this deficit, a collecting expedition for fish and their ectoparasites was conducted on the Essequibo River within the Iwokrama Forest. During the 2014 wet season, 210 fish of 26 species were captured and analyzed for ectoparasites. Approximately 12% of fish had ectoparasites. Infected fish included 10 species from 2 orders (Characiformes and Siluriformes). Thirteen species of ectoparasites were found including 9 branchiurans, 2 isopods, 1 parasitic catfish (Stegophilinae), and 1 leech (Hirudinea). Characiformes hosted the majority of parasitic isopods where they occurred primarily on the body of the host, but some were found on the fins. Siluriformes hosted the majority of branchiurans. These ectoparasites were predominately found on the body of the host, with several attached to the head of the fish. Siluriformes also hosted most of the parasitic catfish that attached primarily to the fins with some parasites attaching to the body. Hirudinea was found exclusively on the fins of Siluriformes. Newly reported parasite species for Guyana include Argulus multicolor, Argulus juparanaensis, Argulus spinulosus, Argulus silvestrii, Dolops discoidalis, Dolops bidentata, Dolops nana, Dolops geayi, and Braga sp. This is the second reported Vanamea symmetrica encounter in Guyana since 1925, and the first report for the Essequibo River. Several new records of parasite-host interactions are also reported in this study.
A systematic review of the use of robots for college students
(2023-08) Stewart, Ashley; Lozano, Nicole M.; van Ittersum, Kyle; Trubenstein, Paige; Lee, JongHwa
Robot pets have been used to decrease depression and loneliness with older adults; however, there is very limited research on the effects of the use of robot pets in the college population. To address this gap, a review of the literature has been conducted to look at the potential benefits robot pets may have on college students. After examining the research, three hypothetical studies were developed to test whether robot pets could be used to benefit the mental health of college age students. The first proposes a study that compares times spent with a robopet versus time coloring and changes in stress levels. The second study plans to compare the robot pets to therapy dogs to determine if the benefits between the two will be similar. The final study will look at the effects of prolonged exposure to robot pets.
A Usability and Eyetracking Study Over the Effectiveness of the Layouts of Three Video-Based Websites: YouTube, Hulu, and Vimeo
(2015-05) Ricard, Sawyer Lynn; Eoff, Shirley M; Garrison, Kevin; Dilts, Nicole
Website usability is a practice commonly explored in various studies throughout the past several years (Cha; Madsen; Roth). The feedback gained through these projects allows companies to build sites that best fit their users’ needs and preferences. Most usability studies have focused on traditional web design, and Jakob Nielsen found that users frequently read websites in an “F-shaped” pattern where content is located along the left side and top of the webpage (Nielsen 1). As there has been little research over how best to design the layout of a website whose content relies mostly on videos, it is difficult to determine what ‘rules’ designers should follow for these sites. In this study, we hypothesized that a pattern for video-based websites similar to that of other websites existed and decided to test several sites for the usability of their layouts. The results divided into five categories: account creation, search bar, advertisements, general design, and the video player. In short, some websites caused problems when creating an account, the search bar brought up confusing results for the participants, the participants largely ignored advertisements, the general design can be overwhelming, and the participants preferred a video player without suggestions or other content around it. Overall, results revealed certain patterns followed by the users when interacting with the tested sites and led to the suggestions for the preferable overall design of a video-based website.
[Aaron Hess's genealogy project]
(1997) Hess, Aaron

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