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THE LATERAL ENTORHINAL CORTEX PROCESSES MULTIFACETED INFORMATION FOR SOCIAL RECOGNITION MEMORY
No full textRemembering others is an essential part of social interactions and a crucial aspect of survival. This capacity, known as social recognition memory (SRM), is of particular importance for an animal’s ability to navigate relationships in complex societies and supports many critical aspects of an animal’s life, such as maternal care, mate selection, the ability to collaborate within a group, and defending resources from strangers. The hippocampus (HC), known for its contributions to spatial and contextual memory, has also been implicated in social recognition memory in both humans and rodents. Our recent research highlights the crucial role of lateral entorhinal cortical (LEC) inputs to HC, and in particular to the HC CA2 region, in social memory. However, the specific nature of the social information relayed by the LEC remains unclear. Here, we expressed a calcium sensor in LEC superficial neurons projecting to the dorsal CA2 (dCA2) to record neural activity in this population as mice explored two conspecifics confined to wire cup cages in opposite corners of an oval arena during a series of 5-minute trials. The positions of the mice were swapped in successive trials to disentangle spatial (cup position), social (mouse identity), and temporal (trial number) information. We found that LEC neurons contain significant information about the identity of explored conspecifics. Thus, a linear classifier trained on LEC neuronal activity was able to decode the identity of the animal being explored significantly above chance, independently of their degree of familiarity. Additionally, LEC activity can distinguish between temporal and spatial information during exploration. However, spatial information (location of the conspecifics in the arena) was decoded with much less precision than social identity or trial information. These results emphasize the unique contribution of LEC neurons to social cognition and establish a foundation for further investigation into the neural circuits that underlie social recognition memory in health and disease
Structured decision-making to develop decision analysis tools for Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) management in Nebraska.
No full textDecision making in conservation planning requires recognition of ecological, social, and
political perspectives and the economics of management strategies. Through the process
of structured decision-making, stakeholders can provide expertise, and beliefs are used
for deliberation of important ecological and population processes and uncertainties to
identify management strategies most likely to achieve agency and stakeholder desires.
The Nebraska Games and Parks Commission (NGPC) recognized implementing
structured decision making was needed for Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus,
PTM), a prioritized species for management lacking an organized management plan in
Nebraska. In collaboration with NGPC, we have designed decision analysis tools to aid in
managing PTM in Nebraska. Two models have been developed to the α-level with a
Bayesian belief network to target management and a Bayesian decision network to rank
management actions at stream sites. I have outlined further sensitivity analysis and
recommendations for alterations needed to complete these modeling efforts. Through this
approach, a standardized, non-regulatory management plan can be used to conserve PTM
in Nebraska through defensible management decisions
Discrete Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) Versus Traditional Interventions : A Childhood Apraxia of Speech Case Study
No full textColor poster with text, images, charts, and graphs.This research project's purpose was to study the intersection between childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and traditional speech sound intervention to determine if there is a correlation between discriminative characteristics for CAS and those consistent with a diagnosed articulation disorder. Through examining this intersection, we hope to determine the effectiveness of DTTC for children presenting with CAS characteristics, and the correlation between DTTC treatment and traditional approach for children with articulation and phonological delays. CAS is often over-diagnosed in children, therefore, we wanted to evaluate the two treatment approaches, DTTC and traditional approaches, to determine if children previously presented with CAS characteristics will still benefit from these motor-based interventions. We are conducting a mixed methods study that will utilize a convergent parallel design to analyze a pediatric case study with the diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The quantitative methods will investigate the effects of the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) intervention and traditional speech sound disorder interventions including components of dynamic assessment that facilitate change. The qualitative methods will identify parent perspectives of the demographic profile of CAS characteristics and the efficacy of DTTC. Recorded video sessions using VALT will be analyzed, and data will be compiled using these videos for scoring. As a result of this study, we are hoping to determine if DTTC should be used in therapy approaches for other children rather than those who just have CAS, and if DTTC presents with more efficient outcomes across targets. Limitations of this study include the influence of CAS-based treatment using DTTC on the subject as this motor-based approach will be used before the traditional approach. Another limitation of this study is that the data being collected is only compiled from one client, therefore, for the results to be applicable, a larger study population would be required for generalization across populations. A point for discussion regards the idea of whether DTTC should be used in therapy approaches for other children rather than those who just have CAS.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Effectiveness and Outcomes of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) among A Naturalistic Sample of Patients Receiving Comprehensive DBT
No full textDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT; Linehan, 1993) and Prolonged Exposure (PE; Foa et al., 2019), and the relatively new, integrated treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE; Harned, 2022) have all shown to be efficacious in highly controlled randomized clinical trials. Limited research has investigated the effectiveness of DBT PE in naturalistic clients outside of the context rigorous controls within randomized clinical trials. As such, there is a relative lack of research on the effectiveness of DBT PE, especially in comprehensive DBT settings. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness and outcomes of DBT and Prolonged Exposure as well as characterize the number of DBT PE sessions and changes in PTSD severity over the course of DBT PE among a sample of 89 adult patients receiving comprehensive DBT services within a Linehan-certified clinic specializing in the delivery of comprehensive DBT. Specific recommendations were offered that may help improve the implementation of evidence-based assessment practices and overall clinic-wide standard operating procedures with the ultimate goal of supporting survivors in the treatment of trauma in the context of DBT.2028-01-0
What Changed on the Journey? : How Chinese Food Carries Culture and its Adaptation to the American Market
No full textColor poster with text, charts, photographs, and graphs.This research explores how Chinese cuisine has evolved in the United States, focusing on the historical adaptations made by early Chinese immigrants and the ongoing cultural shifts reflected in contemporary Chinese food. Existing scholarship highlights how immigrant communities modify traditional cuisine to align with local tastes, often creating a hybrid culinary identity. To investigate this phenomenon, I conducted interviews with Chinese exchange students to compare authentic Chinese food with its American counterpart and surveyed American students to understand their perceptions of American Chinese cuisine. The findings suggest that the evolution of Chinese food in the U.S. reflects broader cultural adaptation processes, where historical necessity has given way to modern innovation and cross-cultural exchange. As cultural identity continues to shape perceptions of authenticity, food remains a powerful medium for connection and mutual understanding. Future research should further examine how cultural adaptation extends beyond cuisine into markets, traditions, and perspectives, deepening our understanding of how cultures influence and reshape one another.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Exploratory Analysis of Race and Sexual Assault Wrongful Convictions
No full textColor poster with text, charts, and graphs.Despite only making up 13% of the American population, Black Americans comprise 53% of the 3,466 exonerations listed in the National Registry of Exonerations (NRE). There has been minimal criminological research conducted exploring how race impacts exonerations. Throughout history evidence of differential treatment in prescribing penalties for people convicted of sexual assault depending on race is well documented in statutes, disparities in execution data, and the presence and impact of lynch mobs. This study explores the intersections of race and sexual assault wrongful convictions. Using a content analysis of the 387 sexual assault wrongful conviction cases included in the NRE, a mixed-methods analytical approach considered: (a) victim and offender case demographics, (b) types of contributing factors present, (c) victim-offender relationship, and (d) how race impacts the narratives and outcomes.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
Designing and implementing a pre-burn monitoring protocol for Wisconsin Point
No full textThis poster includes plant monitoring protocol and results collected on Wisconsin Point prior to culturally prescribed fire in 2025.Wisconsin Point is a baymouth bar separating the St. Louis River Estuary from Lake Superior. Its forests have long been stewarded by Ojibwe people, including regular use of ishkode (fire) on the landscape before fire suppression over the last 150 years. Pine forests are fire-dependent. Fires encourage growth of pyrogenic plants like red pine and blueberry. This monitoring project is part of plans to reintroduce cultural prescribed fire to Wisconsin Point. Burns are currently planned at two sites on Wisconsin Point: a dense red pine plantation (expected spring 2026) and a roadside mixed stand of older growth red and white pines (in fall 2025). We developed a pre- and post-burn vegetation monitoring plan which will allow the team to assess whether project goals are met.National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Ernest F. Hollings Scholar progra
Behaviors Associated with the Novel Hunting of California Voles by California Ground Squirrels : Quantifying Animal Behavior to Examine Novel Hunting
No full textColor poster with text, charts, photographs, and graphs.Natural selection is expected to favor foraging behaviors that allow animals to maximize energy gain in novel situations. Whereas many species are known to regularly hunt prey and eat meat, squirrels are largely considered to be flexible omnivores that consume mainly grasses and seeds. However, our team recently documented the widespread hunting of California voles (Microtus californicus) by California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi). This novel behavior is unusual for the species and has not been studied before. Here, we analyze the behavior of ground squirrels during these predation events (N=22 events). We characterized the hunting sequence for the first time in the California ground squirrel. We define hunting as the active pursuit of prey. We know that some mammalian hunters (cursors) chase prey over distances whereas sit-and-wait predators use stealth to ambush prey. We found that California ground squirrels were successful in 59% of their hunts, typically chasing, pouncing, and then biting the neck or head of the vole before consuming it. Revealing these opportunistic patterns of behavior contributes to our broader understanding of mammalian hunting styles.National Science Foundation; Mary Bowerman Science and Research (MBSR) Program; Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Program; University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR IN-SITU GAS ANALYSIS DURING BATTERY OPERATION
No full textGas generation during battery operation is known to adversely affect electrochemical performance, reduce cycle life, and compromise operational safety. These gases arise from electrolyte decomposition and electrode side reactions, and their accumulation can lead to pressure buildup or cell swelling. Traditional analysis methods rely on manual sampling and offline testing, which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and fail to capture real-time, transient gas evolution events. To address these challenges, we developed a custom LabVIEW-based automated gas analysis system. This system integrates a spring-driven gas collection cell, which actively channels evolving gases from the cell, with a Hiden HPR-20 quadrupole mass spectrometer for continuous sampling and analysis. The platform enables continuous, in situ monitoring of battery exhaust gases during cycling without interrupting operation. Real-time detection of gas species during the formation cycle was demonstrated using lithium-ion cells with high-energy nickel-rich NMC622 cathodes. This automated approach improves measurement accuracy, significantly reduces human intervention and sampling errors, and provides high-resolution insight into dynamic gas generation processes. Furthermore, the design’s scalability and programmability allow multi-cell monitoring, making it suitable for industrial research, development, and quality-control applications. Future work will extend this methodology to other battery chemistries (e.g. alternative cathodes or electrode materials) to systematically investigate chemistry-dependent side-reaction pathways and gas evolution patterns. These advances in automated gas analysis are expected to facilitate a deeper understanding of electrolyte decomposition reactions, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and ultimately contribute to the development of safer, longer-lasting battery technologies
PRODUCING PROTEIN FILMS WITH BIOBASED ADDITIVES AS A SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC PACKAGING ALTERNATIVE
No full textAs an alternative to traditional plastic food packaging, interest has increased in biopolymers because they are more sustainable than conventional plastics. For example, plant-based proteins can be sourced from various waste streams and have the innate ability to form films projected to be home-compostable. Plasticizer and solvent choice are important when casting films to reduce brittleness and improve film tenacity through cross- linking. Glycerol, the most used bio-plasticizer, is prone to migrate out of films, thus reducing the films’ flexibility and shelf life. Our study aimed to couple the plasticizing effects of phenolic compounds with the protein solubilizing properties of formic acid to enhance protein film integrity. Films were solution-cast by dissolving plant proteins (gluten, zein, or soy) in combination with polyphenol extracts (green tea extract and grape seed extracts with low or high proanthocyanidin content – 26 or 48%, respectively) and
glycerol at different concentrations (10% or 20% w/w protein) in formic acid. Our results show that polyphenol addition improved tensile strength, generally concentration- dependent and increasing with polyphenol polymerization, as a result of covalent crosslinking as shown by the SDS-PAGE. For all protein types, the 4% GSE-HP/10% glycerol formulation produced the highest tensile strength, yielding a 2.11–3.72x increase compared to their respective glycerol controls. Notably, 1% GSE-HP/10% glycerol increased strength by 2.47x over its control while maintaining elongation statistically similar to both the untreated film and layered 0.1 mm cling wrap. SEM revealed overall smoother, more cohesive surfaces in polyphenol-treated films, illustrating enhanced film integrity. Polyphenol addition also reduced water uptake across all protein films. Polyphenol effect on water vapor permeability diverged where they decreased it in soy and zein films at higher glycerol levels, but increased it in wheat, likely due to matrix heterogeneity. For example, 1% GTE/20% glycerol increased WVP by 1.48X in wheat films, whereas the same formulation reduced WVP by 16% in zein, highlighting protein- specific responses. All in all, our protein film casting conditions with phenolic additives can successfully produce robust plastic alternatives, however, high solubility due to residual formic acid limits current food-contact applications, highlighting the need for post- processing to enable safe, functional packaging solutions