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Zooplankton Community Composition And Abundance Is Structured By Aquatic Fungi In A Large Estuary
No full textFungi are a little known but important part of pelagic aquatic ecosystems. A recent hypothesis – the “mycoloop hypothesis” – proposes that fungal parasites of algae improve energy transfer to the zooplankton and higher trophic levels by converting the biomass of inedible algae to highly nutritious fungal biomass and by separating phytoplankton aggregates into smaller and more ingestible fragments. This interaction can form an important resource for zooplankton during blooms of inedible or graze-resistant algae. Previous work in freshwater lakes and marine environments suggests that the mycoloop is most influential in highly productive systems such as estuaries, though no previous study has focused on this pathway in estuaries. To address this research gap we conducted a survey of the aquatic fungi within the third largest estuary and one of the most productive bodies of water in the world, Chesapeake Bay, USA. We compared the efficacy of two widely used fungal metabarcoding markers, the ITS and LSU regions, and examined correlations between the algal parasites and zooplankton abundance and community composition. Sampling was conducted over 3 months (June, July, August) in 2023 at 24 sites throughout the estuary, totaling 70 sampling events. We collected samples of zooplankton using traditional methods and characterized fungal communities in the water and the gut contents of zooplankton by DNA metabarcoding of the fungal LSU (28S) region. We found that zooplankton and aquatic fungal communities both had spatial and temporal variation in diversity and community structure that correlated with environmental variables. Congruent with our predictions based on the mycoloop hypothesis, the density of zooplankton was positively correlated with the diversity of algal parasites. A trophic connection between algal parasites and zooplankton was confirmed by zooplankton gut DNA contents. This study improves our understanding of the functional roles of fungi in estuarine systems and supports the importance of the aquatic fungi in the lower food web of a major estuary.BiologyMaster of Science (M.Sc.
Total Synthesis Of 1,5-Acrylodan As A Novel Fluorescent Probe For The Study Of Chemical Denaturation Dynamics In Human Serum Albumin
No full textWe report the succinct total synthesis of 1,5-Acrylodan, a novel solvatochromic fluorophore for the study of microenvironmental polarity in biological and biochemical systems. The reaction sequence proceeds via an aryllithium-directed nucleophilic addition, catalytic Kulinkovich cyclopropanation, and copper-catalyzed oxidative ring-opening to generate the critical acryloyl moiety. The identity of the carbonyl is set in a late-stage procedure; the functionalizable 5-bromo-1-dimethylaminonaphthalene intermediate can be isolated. All organic/catalytic reagents and naphthalic precursors are inexpensive and commercially available. The fluorescence characteristics of the unbound 1,5-Ac are reported, demonstrating strong fluorescence quenching in polar protic solvents. A mild conjugate addition procedure can be employed to afford fluorophore-labelled Human Serum Albumin, an important biomolecular system; the labelling procedure is both site-selective and singular. The 1,5-Ac-HSA complex can be applied to the study of environmental solvation as a function of molecular unfolding patterns; the fluorescence characteristics of the native-state and chemically denatured 1,5-Ac-HSA complex are reported and employed for the determination of denaturation dynamics.ChemistryMaster of Science (M.Sc.
T.R. Tonight: the Strenuous Life
No full textRecommended that this play be watched or acted out while reading the script.This play is a solo three act reconstruction of Theodore Roosevelt’s career and personal life through the lens of his own individual struggles, depression, and uncertainties in his pursuit of the Strenuous Life. Each act occurs at a different stage and age of the former president's life: a recent Harvard graduate at age 21, Vice President at 42, and the last day of his life at 60. This analysis includes performances of the "Strenuous Life", diary passages, and political letters, re-enactment of the death of Roosevelt's first wife, breaking down his career into a series of trading and balancing hats, and competing in a judo match with the Christian god over the death of his son, Quentin.HistoryBachelors of Arts (BA
Promoting Counselor Trainees’ Clinical Skill Development Using Virtual Reality Simulations
No full textAlthough research on virtual reality (VR) as a pedagogical tool within counselor education is scarce, the parallel use of VR in health sciences education indicates VR simulations may have similar utility and effectiveness in training counselors. This conceptual piece aims to assist counselor educators in building VR simulations for counselors-in-training (CITs). The authors review the research on VR usage in counselor education and explore the practical implications of VR simulations for training counselors. The authors describe the development and utilization of VR simulations across multiple stages of training in a counselor education master’s program to support CITs’ clinical skill development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advantages, limitations, and diversity and equity considerations of VR simulation usage in counselor training are discussed.Educatio
Estimation of Juvenile Striped Bass Relative Abundance in the Virginia Portion of Chesapeake Bay Annual Progress Report: 2023 - 2024
No full textThe 2023 juvenile Striped Bass abundance index was 4.26 and was significantly lower than the reference mean of 7.77 for the period 1980 to 2009. Abundance indices were below average in the James and Rappahannock rivers and average in the York River in 2023 compared with the river-specific reference means (1980-2009). Relatively low catches of young‐of‐the‐year Striped Bass from sites upriver and downriver of core nursery areas suggest juvenile Striped Bass largely remained within core nursery areas in 2023. Indices of abundance were calculated for three additional economically and recreationally important fishes in Virginia waters. Juvenile White Perch abundance indices in 2023 were below historic averages in the James, York, and Rappahannock river systems. Atlantic Croaker abundance in 2023 was greater than the historic average observed in Virginia waters. In contrast, the abundance index for Spot in 2023 was generally below the historic average in Virginia waters. Indices of abundance were calculated for seven common forage species within the tidal nearshore zone of Virginia waters. In 2023, the abundance index was also calculated for another common forage species in Virginia waters, Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). Abundance indices for Atlantic Silverside and Mummichog were generally below their historic averages in 2023. The abundance indices for Banded Killifish, Inland Silverside, and Spottail Shiner were generally similar to their historic averages in 2023. For the second consecutive year, a record high abundance index was recorded for American Shad in the Rappahannock River. The abundance index for American Shad was average in the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers, and below average in the James, Chickahominy, and York rivers. The abundance indices for Alewife were below average in the James and York rivers, but average in the Rappahannock River. Abundance indices for Blueback Herring were average in the James and York rivers, but below average in the Rappahannock River. Together, these results suggest modest production of forage fish prey for piscivores in Virginia.Virginia Institute of Marine Scienc
Priestesshoods as Expressions of Civic Identity
No full textThis thesis offers a comprehensive examination of the role of priestesshoods in shaping the civic identity of women in Classical Athens. It challenges the traditional narrative that confines Athenian women to the domestic sphere by highlighting their public and influential roles in religious practices. Through a meticulous analysis of archaeological, literary, and epigraphic evidence, the study traces the journey of Athenian females from childhood rituals to the esteemed positions of the High Priestess of Athena Nike and Athena Polias, revealing how these religious roles served as both a spiritual passage and a civic curriculum. The thesis argues that these priestesshoods were not only a form of religious service but also a public affirmation of citizenship, essential to the polis's health and functions. It explores the transformation of Athenian citizenship post-Pericles' Citizenship Law of 451 BCE and how the priestesshoods provided a platform for women to perform and validate their civic identities. By examining the lived experiences of these women, the research invites a reevaluation of the dimensions of civic identity and the relationship between gender, religion, and civic participation in ancient Athens. The narrative story of an elite Athenian citizen girl, interwoven with historical analysis, brings a humanizing perspective to the scholarly discourse, emphasizing the personal lives and societal contributions of these women. This thesis stands as a call to reconsider the complexities of women's experiences and their integral role in the public life of Classical Athens.Classical StudiesBachelors of Arts (BA
To Hope For A Better Future: Haiti As A Symbol Of Black Excellence In Early Nineteenth-Century America
No full textHaiti, Africa, and Black Identity: Prince Saunders and the Haitian Emigration Movement in Early Nineteenth Century America.Haiti served as an important symbol to Black Americans following its revolution. The country represented Black achievement, and the potential for an alternative to the white supremacy of the United States. Thus, during the early nineteenth century, Black Americans began migrating to Haiti. This paper explores African American emigration to Haiti through the life of Prince Saunders, an early proponent of the movement. Thousands of Black Americans emigrated to Haiti during the early nineteenth century, in part due to the work of Saunders. The paper includes a comparison to African colonization, another prominent migration movement at the time. Essentially, this paper demonstrates why, for free Black American communities, Haitian emigration was preferable to African colonization. Haiti was proof of racial equality; it represented Black success and competence. The paper illustrates how African American perceptions of Haiti shaped the emigration debate and ideas about Black identity. Solidarity Beyond Borders: The Relationship between Early Haitian Sovereignty, Nationality, and Race. The memory of the Haitian revolution has overshadowed much of the country’s history, defining Haiti in the eyes of many. However, following independence, the political elites of Haiti continued to actively shape their country’s image at home and abroad. Haitians identified with Black people throughout the world, understanding how important their country was to Black emancipation broadly. The early governments of Haiti played a role in this identification, each making an attempt to establish the relationship between Blackness and Haitian identity. This paper analyzes these efforts, examining the rhetoric of early Haitian regimes through several constitutions, legislation, and the writings of political elites. These political actors positioned Haiti as an active player in the Black Atlantic, a leader in the Black diaspora. The paper explores how Haitians related to Black identity, within and beyond Haiti.HistoryMaster of Arts (M.A.