Reactivation and Precise IPN Localization of the Soft Gamma Repeater SGR1900+14

In 1998 May, the soft gamma repeater SGR1900+14 emerged from several years of quiescence and emitted a series of intense bursts, one with a time history unlike any previously observed from this source. Triangulation using Ulysses, BATSE, and KONUS data give a 1.6 square arcminute error box near the galactic supernova remnant G42.8+0.6. This error box contains a quiescent soft X-ray source which is probably a neutron star associated with the soft repeater.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letter

Can eBird Serve as an Adequate Surrogate for Field Observations in Assessing the Prevalence of Virally Competent Avian Hosts for West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a pathogen of concern within Montana. Due to the potential ramifications associated with the contraction of this disease, assessing risks remain significant in ongoing research. Prior evidence indicates that the prevalence of this pathogen is dependent on viral amplification between virally competent host species and mosquito vectors. Specifically, avian species with moderate to high competence can serve as biotic reservoirs for the virus, allowing the continuation of infection in succeeding years. Along with other influential factors, the knowledge of which bird species predominate specific locations can help in providing the general public with a viable forecast, indicating the probable presence of the virus. While comprehensive bird counts across the state remain impractical, Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology may have solved problematic data collection through eBird. This online database allows users to record bird observations with the hope to provide scientists with real-time information of avian distribution and abundance. To evaluate the credibility of the software application, this study aims to determine if eBird data can serve as an adequate surrogate for field observations. Fifteen-minute bird point surveys were conducted to test eBird’s legitimacy; these surveys were located at the same sites in which mosquito trapping occurred. A regression analysis was then performed to distinguish potential correlations between field surveys and data provided from eBird at the same locations. Preliminary analyses suggest significant correlation between the datasets. This indicates that eBird could be implemented with confidence as an assessment of viral reservoirs

Can eBird Serve as an Adequate Surrogate for Field Observations in Assessing the Prevalence of Virally Competent Avian Hosts for West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a pathogen of concern within Montana. Due to the potential ramifications associated with the contraction of this disease, assessing risk remains important. Prior evidence indicates that the prevalence of this pathogen is dependent on viral amplification between virally competent host species and mosquito vectors. Specifically, avian species with moderate to high competence can serve as biotic reservoirs for the virus, allowing the continuation of infection in succeeding years. Along with other influential factors, the knowledge of which bird species predominate specific locations can help in providing the general public with a viable forecast, indicating the probable presence of the virus. While comprehensive bird counts across the state remain impractical, Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology may have solved problematic data collection through eBird. This online database allows users to record bird observations with the hope to provide scientists with real-time information of avian distribution and abundance. To evaluate the credibility of the software application, this study aims to determine if eBird data can serve as an adequate surrogate for field observations. Fifteen-minute bird point surveys were conducted to test eBird’s effectiveness; these surveys were located at the same sites in which mosquito trapping occurred, bettering association between the bird hosts and mosquito vectors. A regression analysis was then performed to distinguish potential correlations between field surveys and data provided from eBird at the same locations. Analyses suggest significant correlation between the datasets. This indicates that eBird could be used to assess the distribution of viral reservoirs

Calotte Hat

Calotte style hat of brown straw cloth with brown veil

Picture Hat

Picture style hat of black felt

Picture Hat

Picture hat of light tan straw. The hat has a high, conical crown that is flattened at top. The wide straw brim curves up slightly from base of crown, then curves gently downwards to edge. At back of crown is large navy blue grosgrain ribbon bow, and around the top of the hat is a "cloud" of navy blue veiling. Hat is unlined, with inner light tan grosgrain ribbon inner hatband, and a black elastic cord to help secure hat to wearer's head. Designer's label inside: "John Frederics Inc / New York"; "Made in America"; and size label "22"

Erec and Enide: A prose version of the poem by Chrétien de Troyes

An senior honors thesis submitted to the Deparment of English, Colby College

Study Collection, Westheimer Research Gallery

Hat of red straw with high crown

Study Collection, Westheimer Research Gallery

Hat of colored knitted yarn. Tall, conical crown with flattened top. Crown has horizontal bands of knitting in browns, blues, and beige, alternating with bands of "puffed" yarn areas of blue, pink, beige, and brown. No brim. Unlined, but with inner brown grosgrain ribbon hatband. Designer's label sewn to inner hatband: "John Frederics Inc / New York" and "Made in America"