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Investigating the Presence of the Nematode \u3ci\u3eContracaecum multipapillatum\u3c/i\u3e in Brook Stickleback and Intermediate Hosts in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
No full textParasitic infections play a significant role in shaping aquatic ecosystems, yet the distribution and environmental reservoirs of many freshwater parasites remain poorly understood. In this project, we will investigate the presence of the parasitic nematode Contracaecum multipapillatum in brook stickleback from three lakes—Blackhorse Lake, Middle Pine Lake, and Kepple Lake—within Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Washington. Preliminary dissections of brook stickleback from these lakes have revealed consistent infections by this nematode in the body cavity, prompting further investigation into the parasite\u27s distribution and environmental reservoirs.
To explore the environmental presence of this nematode, we will collect zooplankton and sediment samples from each lake. Zooplankton will be examined for larval stages of the nematode, which may serve as intermediate hosts, while sediment samples will be analyzed for the presence of nematode eggs or resting stages. Both sample types will be tested using PCR to detect the presence of nematode DNA, providing molecular evidence of the parasite in the environment.
In addition to environmental sampling, brook stickleback will be dissected to check for the presence of nematodes, further confirming the distribution of this parasite within host populations.
This research will contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of this nematode in freshwater ecosystems and its potential ecological impacts. These findings may also have broader implications for fish health, aquatic food web structure, and biodiversity within the unique habitats of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
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Are Gorgonopsids (Therapsida) Sabertoothed Predators?
No full textThis study investigates the hunting strategies and anatomical features of gorgonopsid (Therapsida or “mammal-like reptiles” of Late Permian age, 270 - 252 mya) species, to determine whether they represent one of the first identifiable saber-toothed predators. By comparing the skeletal structures of gorgonopsids to later saber-toothed predators, we aim to shed light on the evolutionary development of saber-tooth traits and predation techniques. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on dental morphology, feeding behavior, jaw structure, and forelimb anatomy, with particular emphasis on traits indicative of saber-tooth adaptations.
We analyzed gorgonopsid tooth structure, including size, shape, and serration patterns, to understand their predatory capabilities, as well as the angular movement of the jaw. With studying the movement and gape that the jaw was potentially capable to achieve, we were able to determine the strength and techniques that assists in determining additional hunting tactics. Additionally, we examined the proportions of forelimb bones—humerus, ulna, and radius—to assess their adaptations for ambush hunting or powerful strikes. A broader examination of the overall skeleton provided context for understanding how robust gorgonopsid anatomy supported predatory behaviors.
Our findings suggest that gorgonopsids’ distinctive tooth morphology and specialized forelimb proportions align with traits typically seen in later (i.e., Cenozoic mammalian) saber-toothed predators. These results support the hypothesis that gorgonopsids were among the earliest species to exhibit saber-toothed characteristics. This study contributes to understanding the evolutionary origins of saber-toothed predation and highlights gorgonopsids’ role in the early development of predatory strategies in therapsid “mammal-like” reptiles
The Impact of Simulated Wildfire and Biochar Amendments on Soil Structure and Function at the EWU Prairie Restoration Site
No full textThis study investigates the effects of simulated wildfire and biochar amendments on soil health at Eastern Washington University’s (EWU) Prairie Restoration site, using indicators such as soil nematode communities, pH, organic matter (SOM), and nutrient abundance. The site, used for wheat cultivation, has topographical gradients in soil conditions. Ridges had less SOM, 85% fewer nematodes (p\u3c0.0001), and more alkaline soils than troughs. With the increasing wildfire frequency in semi-arid ecosystems, understanding post-fire soil recovery is essential for effective soil restoration. The experiment uses microcosms to simulate wildfire at two intensities (low and high) and biochar applications at two concentrations (2% and 5%) to assess their combined effects on soil health. Baseline measurements on pH, SOM, and nematode communities were collected before treatments, and impact was recorded immediately post-fire. Biochar was applied to each treatment pre-fire and soil indicators were monitored over two- and three-month periods. I hypothesize that biochar will stabilize pH and increase SOM, particularly in ridge soils, and that it will facilitate nematode recovery by improving soil health. The results will inform how fire and biochar interact with existing soil variation and whether biochar serves as an effective amendment across diverse soil conditions. By examining biochar’s role in soil recovery, this study aims to contribute to sustainable restoration practices in fire-affected prairie ecosystems
Modern Procedural Terrain Generation Techniques and Their Background
No full textProcedural terrain generation has become a staple in many digital environments, enabling the automated creation of large-scale and realistic landscapes for applications such as video games and movies. This paper provides an in-depth look at smooth noise functions and their use for terrain generation, as well as an overview of some more modern methods of generation. A method utilizing machine learning stlye transfer was reproduced for this paper with some alterations to improve visualization and realism
Geotechnical Analysis of Soil Sample PP-11 from the Palouse Prairie Restoration Site in Cheney, WA
No full textThe purpose of conducting a geotechnical analysis of the soil from the Palouse Prairie was to help with site development for the Palouse Prairie Restoration Project. Sample PP-11 was collected behind the Roo’s Field in Cheney, WA in potential preparation for constructing an Amphitheater. To do this, we had the task of conducting ASTM Standardized tests on sample PP-11 to determine the geotechnical properties and ultimately the USCS Classification of our soil. It is important to test the soil before construction to determine the soils property in Unconfined Compressive Strength. A variety of tests are performed before this and include, specific gravity, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, and compaction
Death by Design: Self-Destructing Containers for Security
No full textIn 2024, attackers can capitalize on vulnerable Kubernetes clusters within minutes, accentuating a need for more resilient defenses. Kubernetes thrives on self-healing and scalability but remains susceptible to security gaps that enable lateral movement. This project builds onto Kubernetes cluster security through a preemptive lens, introducing the Cluster Life-cycle Management Systems (CLMS). Inspired by the biological process of apoptosis, the CLMS systematically replaces aging containers and services to prevent exploitation before it begins. By addressing both performance degradation and evolving cyber-security threats, this work raises the bar for the future of secure, highly available Kubernetes environments by protecting next generation cloud-native applications from modern adversaries
Using a Mutagenesis Strategy to Identify Dissimilatory Sulfate Reducing Genes in the Gut Bacterium \u3ci\u3eDesulfovibrio piger\u3c/i\u3e
No full textDesulfovibrio piger is an anaerobic, sulfate-reducing bacterium naturally found in the human colon. It produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a byproduct of its dissimilatory sulfate reduction (DSR) metabolism, playing a role in gut health and immune function. Excessive growth of D. piger is correlated with excess H2S levels, which damages gut epithelial cells and may contribute to inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease. Specific genes involved in sulfate reduction and H2S synthesis in D. piger remain largely unidentified. To address this gap, our goal is to develop UV mutagenesis and H2S detection protocols for D. piger, followed by genome sequencing of DNA from H2S defective strains, that will allow us to identify genes essential for DSR. We are developing this protocol for the challenging-to-culture D. piger by first practicing experimental techniques with the model bacterium E. coli. Thus far, serially diluted E. coli has been irradiated in several independent kill curve experiments that correlate UV exposure with percent bacterial killing. After some troubleshooting with the UV machine, we are poised to conduct these experiments with D. piger. Mutagenized D. piger cells will then be cultured on Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose (TCBS) agar to identify the ones defective in H2S production; H2S producers form black colonies and H2S mutants form white colonies. Genome sequencing of DNA from white colonies will identify the mutated genes, and thus those involved in H2S production
Geochemistry and Thermobarometry for Granitic Rocks at the Intersection of the Sevier Orogeny and Priest River Core Complex near Tumtum, WA
No full textEastern Washington hosts an array of granitic intrusions ranging from about 96 to 48 million years old. EWU has collected about 20 U/Pb ages in Spokane, Lincoln, and Stevens Counties; this project focuses on samples from one outcrop outside of Tumtum, WA. The outcrop consists of two different granitic textures, one of which has been dated to 68.7 Ma +/- 0.9 (1.4). The dated sample is course-grained and best represents the outcrop as whole, while the other sample is an inclusion of finer-grained material with more mafic mineralization. Analysis of both samples included thin section observation, whole rock X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively-coupled mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS), micro-XRF scans, SEM imaging and EDS analyses. A close look at feldspar minerals and biotite alteration using these methods provide thermobarometer indicators, allowing for creation of a graph for the Pressure-Temperature-Time (P-T-t) Path. Understanding the pressure and temperature conditions for crystallization and subsequent alterations contributes to the ongoing data collection that increases our understanding of the formation and timing of Washington and Idaho’s regional tectonics, specifically the Priest River Core Complex (PRC). Understanding how the PRC has developed and stressed the crust will allow us to better understand the mechanisms and structures that have a large impact on economic mineralization, groundwater flow through structures, and potentially continued seismic issues (like the Spokane Earthquake Swarm of 2001) in the Spokane region