University of Nevada, Reno

About: University of Nevada, Reno is a education organization based out in Reno, Nevada, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 13561 authors who have published 28217 publications receiving 882002 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Nevada & Nevada State University.

The forensic science implications of site and temporal influences on postmortem blood-drug concentrations

Abstract: The dependence of postmortem blood-drug concentrations on the collection site and on the postmortem interval before specimen collection has been studied. These studies consisted of both sequential sampling from the same collection site at defined time intervals and a comparison of the drug concentrations of postmortem blood simultaneously collected from various sites. A site and time dependence was observed for postmortem blood-drug concentrations. The heart blood-drug concentrations were, in general, significantly higher than those of peripheral specimens. As a result of this phenomenon, the analysis of peripheral blood specimens and solid tissues is often necessary before a definitive interpretation of postmortem toxicological analyses is possible.

A new method for selection of umbrella species for conservation planning

Abstract: Umbrella species, species whose protection serves to protect many co-occurring species, have been proposed as a shortcut for conservation planning. Potential criteria for selection of umbrella species include rarity, sensitivity to human disturbance, and mean percentage of co-occurring species. Using butterflies in montane canyons in the Great Basin (USA) as a case study, we examined correlations among those three selection methods. We also developed a new index that specifically ranks species according to their potential to serve as umbrellas for their taxonomic group. Different methods for prioritizing species generally produced divergent rankings. Although rare butterflies tended to co-occur with more species than widespread butterflies, rare species may be poor umbrellas because their distributions are too highly restricted and often cannot be influenced by managers. Umbrella species are useful in meeting certain conservation challenges, particularly prioritization of habitat remnants for conservation...

Electroactive Polymers for Robotic Applications: Artificial Muscles and Sensors

Abstract: Electroactive polymers (EAPs) respond to electrical stimulation with large deformations. They are dynamic actuators which have attracted attention from an interdisciplinary audience of engineers and scientists. An enabling EAP technology is emerging which attempts to imitate the properties of natural muscle and which, as a result, can perform a unique function in a variety of biologically-inspired robotics applications. Electroactive Polymers for Robotics Applications covers the fundamental properties, modelling and demonstration of EAPs in robotic applications, focusing particularly on artificial muscles and sensors. Ionic PolymerMetal Composite Actuators and Dielectric Elastomers are discussed within the book with chapters on their properties and their uses in robotics applications. With its concentration on devices based on EAPs and their uses, Electroactive Polymers for Robotics Applications will be of interest to researchers working within this field as well as to postgraduate students studying robotics or smart materials and structures. Practitioners working in the mechanical, electrical and materials industries will also find this book of value.

Learning ACT: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Training Manual for Therapists

Abstract: Acceptance and commitment therapy is one of the most exciting developments in psychotherapy to occur in the last fifty years. ACT departs from conventional psychotherapeutic models, which strive to "fix", "control", or "get rid of" unwanted thoughts and behaviours. Instead, it demonstrates how to accept uncomfortable or painful situations without engaging with them, allowing them to pass away or diminish as they will. The therapy helps clients assess their own values and commit to acting on them in ways that lead to richer, more fulfilling lives. ACT is profound, revolutionary - and it works. As a result, thousand of therapists, new and experienced, are seeking to incorporate ACT work into their practices."Learning ACT" describes the six core therapeutic processes of ACT, outlining the theoretical background that sets the stage for the rest of the book. Then it outlines a process for case conceptualization from an ACT perspective and gives readers an opportunity to practice conceptualizing cases. Readers learn the ACT approach to establishing an effective and powerful therapeutic relationship and opportunities are provided for readers to practice their therapeutic relationship skills. A DVD included with the text offers role-played examples of the core ACT processes in action on both audio and video. In these examples, a picture is worth a thousand words, bringing to life the concepts developed in the text.