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Robust copper braze for hermetic sealing of solid oxide fuel cells: Author: Ator, Danielle Elizabeth; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Mechanical Engineering; Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are becoming of increasing interest as a primary power source in today's industrial market. The voltage of a single cell under load is approximately 0.7 volts necessitating the use of many cells in series to generate useful electrical potentials, which gives rise to the SOFC stack. One of the key technical challenges in improving the long term performance and reliability of stacks is in the effective sealing of stack interfaces, particularly in planar stacks for which a hot seal (700-900°C) is required. SOFC stack seals must be: resistant to oxidation...; Download File | View full details

Feasibility in developing smart structures for use in wind turbine blades: Author: Blockey, James Craig; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Mechanical Engineering; Abstract: Recently the use of wind as an alternative energy source has developed quickly. The length of the blades is a leading factor in the power output of a wind turbine and as a result, blade length has grown at a similar pace to the growth of the industry. The rapid expansion in use and size of wind turbines is not without its problems, though. As the industry has changed and grown, the overall design of the blades has remained relatively stagnant. This is evident in two primary areas, power control and health monitoring. Power control mechanisms are generally unchanged, utilizing either pitch cont...; Download File | View full details

Effects of water temperature and angling on mortality of salmonids in Montana streams: Author: Boyd, James W.; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Fish and Wildlife Management; Abstract: In Montana, angling closures are used to protect salmonids from the deleterious impacts of angling at elevated water temperatures (23°C). Catch-and-release angling (CR) studies have reported high levels (30-40%) of salmonid mortality at water temperatures >20°C, but few studies assess CR mortality of salmonids at water temperatures observed in Montana streams during mid-summer (23°C). The primary objective of this study was to measure CR mortality of rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish in three water temperature treatments; when daily maximum ...; Download File | View full details

Axial capacity of piles supported on intermediate geomaterials: Author: Brooks, Heather Margaret; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Civil Engineering; Abstract: Pile foundations used to support bridges and other structures are designed and installed to sustain axial and lateral loads without failing in bearing capacity and without undergoing excessive movements. The axial load-carrying capacity of a driven pile is derived from friction or adhesion along the pile shaft and by compressive resistance at the pile tip. There are well established analytical methods for evaluating pile capacity and for predicting pile driving characteristics for cohesive soil, cohesionless soil, and rock. However, past experience indicates these methods may not be reliable f...; Download File | View full details

The spatial ecology and mating system of black bears (Urus americanus) in New Mexico: Author: Costello, Cecily Marie; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Fish and Wildlife Biology; Abstract: In summary, our results show that high rates of male dispersal and female philopatry combine to create a spatial genetic structure that generates low rates of inbreeding and little need for kin discrimination among potential mates. Thus, evidence supports the hypothesis that inbreeding avoidance is achieved by means of male-biased dispersal in black bears. Our results also suggest the general pattern of male-biased dispersal is modified by competition for mates or resources....; Download File | View full details

Do carbohydrates increase the magnitude of the inflammatory response?: Author: Depner, Chris Michael; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Exercise and Nutrition Sciences; Abstract: Inflammation is the body's response to tissue damage and infection and is correlated with several chronic diseases like type II diabetes. Cytokines are cell signaling proteins with multiple functions including control of inflammation. Cytokines are influenced by several factors such as carbohydrate intake and exercise. Thus, carbohydrate intake and exercise can influence inflammation. Purpose: To determine the influence of high carbohydrate intake on the inflammatory response to exercise that induces muscle damage and inflammation. Methods: The study was a cross-over design. Each subject comp...; Download File | View full details

Rotavirus NSP1 is an interferon system antagonist: Author: Graff, Joel Wallace; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Veterinary Molecular Biology; Abstract: Rotaviruses cause severe gastroenteritis in mammals, including humans and livestock. Most rotavirus proteins have known functions, either as a mediator of virus replication or as a component of the infectious virus particle. The function of nonstructural protein 1 (NSP1) was unknown. However, it has been suggested that the function of NSP1 involved interactions with cellular proteins. Using the NSP1 encoded by a bovine rotavirus as the bait protein of a yeast-two hybrid interaction trap, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) was identified as an NSP1-interacting protein. Due to the importance ...; Download File | View full details

Cultural perceptions of American Indian women in Southcentral Montana regarding pre-diabetic education: Author: Hartford, Lori Ann; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Nursing; Abstract: Treatment of prediabetes includes education which provides the prediabetic person with information to help them make lifestyle modification choices regarding their nutrition, exercise and weight control; in order that they control their illness and delay or prevent the development of diabetes. American Indians have a high incidence of both prediabetes and diabetes as a group compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S. There is a lack of data in the literature about what American Indians from the Crow Tribe in Montana consider to be cultural information that they feel should be included in educ...; Download File | View full details

Estimating quality of traffic flow on two-lane highways: Author: Karjala, Sarah Renee; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Civil Engineering; Abstract: Since the publication of the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), there have been several studies that indicate that the HCM equations for Percent Time-Spent- Following (PTSF) on two-lane highways do not correspond to field-based measurements. This discrepancy was the motivation for this research project. The purpose of this project was two-fold. First, it aimed to find an alternative performance measure to PTSF that could be measured directly in the field and could adequately describe the quality of traffic flow. Secondly, the project aimed to investigate the inter-vehicular interaction betwee...; Download File | View full details

Dietary protein versus supplemental protein in collegiate football athletes: Author: Kirwan, Rochelle Dian; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Health and Human Development; Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in athletes can be equally attained through dietary protein intake versus protein supplementation. Methods: Performance measures, body composition, and blood lipids were compared in redshirt football players who completed an eleven week protocol of either protein supplementation (S, n=6, 28 grams 3x/week) versus whole food protein (NS, n=9, 8-28 grams 3x/week). Subjects completed two 3-day diet records to determine nutrient intake. Results: Both groups reported meeting their protein requirements, but c...; Download File | View full details

An evidence-based approach to managing neonatal abstinence syndrome: Author: Kusak, Kimberly Larsen; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Nursing; Abstract: Neonates born to mothers addicted to opiates may develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). An infant exposed to opiates in-utero causes the neonate to withdraw from the substance after birth. Neonates with NAS are at risk for adverse outcomes including seizures and death along with many adverse symptoms related to neurological excitability and gastrointestinal dysfunction as described by the American Academy of Pediatrics (1998). As mentioned by Hunt et al. (2008), neonates exposed to opiates are at higher risk for prematurity, low birth weight and adverse neurodevelopment. These risk factor...; Download File | View full details

Integrated management and causes of damping off disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Montana: Author: Leisso, Rachel Sue; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Plant Pathology; Abstract: Chickpea is a minor crop in Montana with great potential for increase in both the conventional and organic sector. The semi-arid climate of much of Montana is well-suited to organic chickpea production, which commands a higher market price than conventional chickpea. Ranking third in the nation for certified organic cropland acres, many operations in Montana are already capable of organic chickpea production. There is a need for rotational crops such as chickpea that are compatible with organic wheat production. In addition to their profit potential, chickpea can perform valuable functions in ...; Download File | View full details

Physically aware agile optical networks: Author: Lin, Wenhao; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Abstract: With the development of new laser sources, fiber amplifiers, and other optical components, optical communication systems have undergone enormous growth and evolution in recent decades. The current trend of optical networking is to move towards dynamic, all-optical networks. In all-optical networks, information signals are transmitted from source to destination totally in the optical domain, without the usual optical-electrical-optical conversions at intermediate nodes. New challenges and opportunities emerge in different layers of the optical network architecture in this transition process. Th...; Download File | View full details

Perceptive Connectivity: Author: Lindgren, Amy Jo; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: This thesis will investigate how architecture can heighten the experience of obtaining information in a sensual environment. As such, I will explore the use of perception as a physical and mental tool to gather and share information of one's sensual environment. I have looked at perception into two parts, Activity and Passivity. Activity is defined as obtaining information of an environment through sensory experience focusing on sight, sound and touch. Passivity is the way in which our minds filter and render the physical environment into memorable experiences. By reestablishing a connection ...; Download File | View full details

Teachers' beliefs regarding effective teaching strategies for American Indian students in mathematics: Author: Mira, Raquel Vallines; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Mathematics; Abstract: Extensive research has been conducted on teaching strategies that are effective for American Indians in mathematics. Despite the variety of cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors influencing student learning within and among American Indian communities, common characteristics of learning styles and effective teaching practices have been identified. Though the wording in each definition varies, research based on a variety of theoretical frameworks and using a variety of methodologies and instruments suggests that among American Indian students, there is a tendency to learn ...; Download File | View full details

An estimation of the demand for gasoline in Montana, and projections of future gasoline consumption: Author: McNay, Aaron David; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Applied Economics; Abstract: How gasoline consumption responds to changes in its own price is of interest to many different groups. States fund a large portion of their road construction and maintenance by a direct tax on gasoline. The federal government also receives revenue by directly taxing gasoline. Automobile manufacturers are interested in how consumers' demand for fuel efficiency changes with changes in the price of gasoline. For these reasons, and more, it is important to understand how gasoline consumption will respond to changes in price. Other researchers have already attempted to measure gasoline demand at t...; Download File | View full details

The private lives of scientists: revealing the human-side of science film: Author: Misztal, Stefanie Snioszek; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: As a genre, science films have routinely dehumanized the scientists who appear in them, portraying these characters as simple, one-dimensional encyclopedias of knowledge, whose sole purpose is to relay facts and provide expert testimony in support of the filmmaker's agenda. These films fall short of their true potential when they neglect to present their subjects as complex, multidimensional human beings with fascinating stories, opinions, tragedies and comedies to share about their lives. As science filmmakers we should attempt to re-humanize the way science is portrayed on film by looking t...; Download File | View full details

Myxobolus cerebralis in native Cutthroat trout of three spawning tributaries to Yellowstone Lake: a qualitative ecological risk assessment: Author: Murcia, Silvia; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Fish and Wildlife Biology; Abstract: Most environments impose periodic or stochastic stress on natural populations, which increase susceptibility to diseases. Infection by Myxobolus cerebralis (exotic parasite causing salmonid whirling disease) is strongly influenced by a stream's physicochemical attributes and stressors, which may also affect host pathology. Susceptibility to M. cerebralis varies greatly among different species and subspecies of the salmonid host, but little is known about lesion severity or location of infection among the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri). In 2002 and 2003 we pe...; Download File | View full details

Anti-Stokes generation in a continuous wave raman laser: Author: Murphy, Sytil Kathleen; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Physics; Abstract: The continuous-wave Raman laser system differs from other Raman systems in that it uses cavity enhancement to augment the pump laser source rather than a high-power pulsed laser source. Through interactions of the pump laser with the Raman active medium, all Raman systems can produce both red-shifted, Stokes, emission and blue-shifted, anti-Stokes, emission. Previous, continuous-wave Raman laser systems have focused on the Stokes emission. This dissertation presents theory and data on the anti-Stokes emission. Specifically, it investigates the anti-Stokes mode structure and the emitted power a...; Download File | View full details

Pollinators of slender white prairieclover: Author: Pearce, April Marie; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Entomology; Abstract: Slender white prairieclover (Dalea candida) is a perennial angiosperm, grown at Bridger plant materials center (BMPC) for reclamation purposes. Interest in the pollinators and pests of this plant developed at BPMC following the death of a 5year old stand. The objectives of these experiments were to (1) determine the diversity and identify the potential pollinators on D. candida and other cultivated and non-cultivated angiosperm species using sweep samples and pan traps; (2) determination of pollen load size and composition of individual insects collected on angiosperm plant species; (3) use of...; Download File | View full details

Armored stanchion cattle water access effects on E. coli, suspended sediment, and nutrient loading to spring creeks: Author: Sigler, William Adam; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Land Resources and Environmental Sciences; Abstract: Livestock grazing activities contribute to impairment of 5,200 miles of Montana streams. Implementation of most water quality improvement efforts addressing this issue is voluntary. Thus, it is important to present land owners with simple, cost effective approaches to mitigate water quality impairment. An armored stanchion (AS) water access was designed, implemented, and tested on Thompson and Story Creeks near Belgrade, MT. Riparian fencing was constructed to allow access at a water gap where the AS was constructed. The AS allows animals to access spring creek water to drink but does not allo...; Download File | View full details

Design and synthesis of fluorescent dyes for use in proteomic research: Author: Spicka, Kevin James; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Chemistry; Abstract: Proteomics is a rapidly developing field requiring powerful new technology in order to be able to detect proteins at increasingly lower concentrations. To aid in the detection of proteins at lower concentrations, DIGE dyes, a family of spectrally resolved fluorescent dyes, are currently available to proteomic researchers for 2D gel analysis. However, the demands of protein detection dictate that dyes that are even more sensitive and versatile be created. The syntheses of highly sensitive, water soluble BODIPY fluorophore dyes are described. These dyes are proposed to have the necessary sensiti...; Download File | View full details

Creating tools to educate and engage: how interactive media can aid in scientific understanding: Author: Citrola, Penny; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: A well-educated citizenry, armed with an awareness of science and technological principles, is vital to the success of our society. In order to keep the public interested in scientific topics, it is important that students become engaged with science in their younger years. Interactive media technology provides a means to achieving this goal by developing students' investigative abilities. Creation and use of interactive media technology is an essential step toward bridging these two imperatives: the need to connect students with science topics in order to pique and maintain interest in these...; Download File | View full details

Reduction of EDFA optical power transients using power shaping: Author: Jackson, James Trent; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Electrical Engineering; Abstract: Many erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) based multi-wavelength optical networks employ techniques such as burst-switching or packet switching where the time interval between traffic blocks can be long enough to induce EDFA optical power transients. The optical power transients are created by abrupt changes in the average input power to the EDFAs and can adversely affect the performance of the network. To mitigate the effects of EDFA optical power transients on optical networks, a method called power shaping where heads and tails are joined to the beginning and end of a traffic block is invest...; Download File | View full details

Keys to unlocking the biofilm phenotype of a virulent environmental isolate of Salmonella: Author: Clark, Stewart James; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Microbiology; Abstract: The aim of this research was to elucidate the phenotypic adaptation of an environmental isolate of Salmonella enterica grown in a single species biofilm using transcriptomic analysis. This environmental isolate was obtained from an outbreak in Gideon, MO, and was classified as Salmonella enterica serotype Missouri. Gene expression profiles obtained from this environmental isolate were compared with profiles of the ATCC type strain Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium LT2 grown under the same conditions. It was shown that there were distinct transcriptional differences in both of the strain...; Download File | View full details

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