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Characterization Of Cytidylyltransferase Enzyme Activity Through High Performance Liquid Chromatography, James Brault

Theses and Dissertations

The cytidylyltransferases are a family of enzymes that utilize cytidine 5â?? triphosphate (CTP) to synthesize molecules that are precursors to membrane phospholipids. There are four well known enzymes: CTP: phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase (ECT), CTP: glycerol-3-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (GCT), 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate cytidylyltransferase synthetase (CMS), and CTP: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT). Previously, a radioisotope tagging method was employed to study cytidylyltransferase catalysis. Using CCT as a model, a method utilizing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed to replace the radioisotope scintillation technique. The development of this new HPLC method is cheaper, more efficient, and more accurate than the previously established method.

The targets of separation …

The Effects Of Modafinil And Atomoxetine On Dopamine Signaling In The Striatal Subregions Of The Rat, Martin Bobak

Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to combat diseases and disorders that impede our health, comfort and well-being, an abundance of prescription drugs have emerged in the past 60 years. Many prescription drugs have remarkable efficacy for treating the primary symptoms of these diseases and disorders; however, some drugs carry negative side effects that impose their own adverse symptoms, albeit, often to a lesser degree than the primary symptoms. Thus, one of the main objectives of the pharmaceutical industry is to innovate and develop novel therapeutics, which remediate the primary symptoms of disease and lack undesirable negative side effects. However, in order to …

Using An Agent-Based Model To Study The Effect Of Reproductive Skew On Mongoose Populations, Stacy Lee Mowry

Theses and Dissertations

Reproductive skew is the name given to the unequal partitioning of breeding

within social groups. Within these groups a mating hierarchy emerges wherein one dominant mating pair holds an unproportional majority of the group's reproductive benefit, while other members mate infrequently, yet allocate energy and resources toward the offspring of the dominant group members. In this paper, we use an agent-based model, which mimics dwarf and banded mongoose populations, to investigate how reproductive skew aftects the speed natural selection, and thus how reproductive skew affects fitness. The results of the model show that due to the geometric structure of skewed …

Biophysical Properties Of Cellular Membranes In Gram-Positive Bacterial Pathogens And Their Impact On Major Physiological Attributes And Virulence Determinants, Suranjana Sen

Theses and Dissertations

The cytoplasmic membrane of bacterial cells, forming an essential barrier from the surroundings, is a critical component of cellular physiology ensuring proper survival and maintenance of major cellular functions. The integrity of the membrane is an important feature that plays an essential role in the transport of solutes and nutrients through active and passive pathways, functions of membrane-associated proteins, electron transport and ATP synthesis, maintaining turgor pressure and combating environmental stresses, and thus is a crucial factor of a majority of cellular adaptations. The various biophysical properties affecting the integrity of this membrane are mainly determined by the composition and …

Genomic Deoxyuracil: Targeting, Regulation And Repair, Nate Warren Holton

Theses and Dissertations

Maintaining genomic integrity is critical to avoid sequence mutations and genetic disease. However the immune system requires genomic rearrangements in order to produce novel antibodies and illicit a full immunological response. The expression of DNA modifying enzymes is essential for antibody production but the off target effects are not well understood. The work presented here was performed to elucidate molecular mechanisms responsible for the regulation and targeting of DNA editing enzymes, as well as characterize repair of these lesions at off target loci.

Bacterially-Based Immune Challenges And Trauma Elicit Terminal Investment In Male Aedes Aegypti, Molly K. Schumacher

Theses and Dissertations

Investment in life history traits such as immune function and reproduction is constrained by finite available resources. A cost-of-immunity trade-off may occur in response to infection when resources are diverted away from reproductive effort and into an immune response. Alternatively, an infected individual may enhance reproductive effort to maximize terminal reproductive success in response to the survival threat inherent to infection (terminal investment). We measured male Aedes aegypti reproductive behavior following inoculations with: living bacteria; killed bacteria as an immune elicitor; and a sham control. Mating competitiveness relative to naïve males was also determined through a binary mate choice experiment …

An Approach To An Agave Problem: The Bioremediation Of Agricultural Waste By Yeast Fermentations, Joshua Michael Jarodsky

Theses and Dissertations

The agricultural waste products created by industries, such as the Tequila manufacturing industry, create thousands of tons of waste material every year. This agricultural waste often becomes an environmental and ecological problem for fields and surrounding areas. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of using the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus 7-1 and Kluyveromyces marxianus 8-1 to ferment the leaf waste from the harvesting of the Agave tequilana as a form of bioremediation. Fermentations (anaerobic, under constant shaking, and at room temperature) were monitored for colony forming units, pH of fermentation broth, concentration of reducing sugars, and protein …

The Perceptions Of The Unwanted Horse Population In Illinois 2015, Kelsey Annette Schueler

Theses and Dissertations

A survey to measure the perceptions of the unwanted horse population in the state of Illinois was developed. Horse owners, non-horse owners, and equine industry stakeholders in Illinois were the focus of the study. Participants were surveyed on their perceptions, awareness, and knowledge of the unwanted horse population in the state. Each survey included questions of current knowledge of legislation, background with equine, current methods to control the unwanted horse population, and methods they believe would benefit the population. A block style survey was developed, emailed to a statewide equine association listserv, and advertised through articles online. Findings show that …

Expression, Localization, And Kinetic Characterization Of The Phospholipid Biosynthesis Enzyme Ctp: Phosphocholine Cytidylyltransferase From The Protozoan Parasite Leishmania Major, Justin Daniel Theodore Lange

Theses and Dissertations

The eukaryotic parasite Leishmania is the causative agent of the disease leishmaniasis. L. major is the most common of 21 species that causes visceral leishmaniasis in humans, and 30 that cause the same disease in other mammals. Visceral leishmaniasis causes fever, weight loss, and over a short amount of time, multiple organ failure, and has a 100% mortality rate within 2 years. This makes it the second largest parasitic killer in the world behind malaria. Over 90% of the worldâ??s cases of visceral leishmaniasis have been reported in underdeveloped countries of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sudan, Ethiopia and Brazil, with 500,000 …

Analysis Of Plant Lignin Formation And Engineering For Biofuels Production, Deborah Lynn Petrik

Theses and Dissertations

ANALYSIS OF PLANT LIGNIN FORMATION AND ENGINEERING FOR BIOFUELS PRODUCTION

Deborah L. Petrik

149 Pages August 2015

Grasses such as switchgrass and Miscanthus are attractive feedstock candidates for second generation biofuels because they are perennials that can grow on less fertile or "marginal" lands not used for food crops, require little fertilizer and modest pest and disease management, and are not a human food source. Releasing the energy potential contained in plant-based cellulosic material requires either conversion to a liquid biofuel such as ethanol or burning. Thus, much of the current research focuses on not only understanding grass development as …

Factors Constraining The Reproductive Output Of Baptisia Alba Macrophylla, Ashley Morgan Hembrough

Theses and Dissertations

Baptisia alba macrophylla, a native, herbaceous perennial legume, produces inflorescences with a large number of flowers, yet matures relatively few fruits. We hypothesized that the number of seeds matured by B. alba macrophylla is maximized based on resource availability at each stage of development, but this optimal number is further compromised by extrinsic factors including pollen limitation and pre-dispersal seed predation by the weevils Apion rostrum and Tychius sordidus. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a field experiment at two sites: (i) the John English Prairie, located in Hudson, IL, and also (ii) the Sugar Grove Nature Center and Funks …

Cell Wall Mutants In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Christy Jane Moore

Theses and Dissertations

Plant cell walls are versatile structures, playing important roles in communication, defense, organization and support. The importance of each of these functions varies by cell type, with specialized cells often utilizing one or two functions more than others. Trichomes, or leaf hairs, and hypocotyl cells for instance, exhibit distinct cell wall characteristics. Trichomes have developed very thick cell walls with several raised structures, known as papillae, on their surfaces. It is believed that these cells function in defense against predators, making it difficult to crawl on the leaf surface, and in protection against ultra violet radiation, through refraction of light …

Effects Of The Developmental Environment On Oxidative Damage And Antioxidants In Red-Eared Slider Turtle ( Trachemys Scripta Elegans ) Hatchlings, Lisa Allison Treidel

Theses and Dissertations

Developmental environments influence many individual phenotypes. However, currently we have a limited understanding of how the developmental environment influences oxidative stress resistance phenotypes. Oxidative stress is defined as a physiological state during which the production of harmful free radicals exceeds the protective capabilities of antioxidants. Variations among adults in susceptibility to oxidative stress can have important consequences for life history strategies and fitness related traits. Our work was aimed at providing insight in to the role that the developmental environment plays on oxidative stress phenotypes in the model oviparous reptile the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans). Here, we conducted …

Switching Tactics: Phenotypic Plasticity In The Alternative Mate-Finding Tactics Of Burying Beetles, Theresa Mulrey

Theses and Dissertations

Male Nicrophorus burying beetles utilize two alternative mate-finding tactics, representing an ideal model system to test the influence of environmental cues on the expression of alternative tactics. The "searching" tactic involves flying in search of a carcass on which to mate. This tactic can result in high levels of paternity, but is risky in that carcasses are rare and competition for carcasses is fierce. The "signaling" tactic, which involves emitting pheromone in the absence of a carcass to attract females, is energetically less costly, but a signalling male must mate with multiple females to achieve the same reproductive returns as …

Investigations Into The Genomes Of Two Ascomyetes, Jay Wilbur Pyle

Theses and Dissertations

Fusarium verticillioides is a filamentous ascomycete that is both a plant endophyte and pathogen, causing disease during any life stage of the plant. When F. verticillioides grows in maize the fungus can synthesis a number of mycotoxins including the fumonisins, which have been linked with human esophageal cancer and neural tube associated birth defects. In an attempt to control fumonisin production our lab is searching the genome of F. verticillioides for a selfish genetic element known as Spore killer. The plan is simple; we envision creating a bio-control strain capable of harnessing the genetic transmission-distorting properties of Spore killer to …

Investigating The Initial Detection Stage Of Meiotic Silencing By Unpaired Dna In The Model Organism Neurospora Crassa, Pegan A. Sauls

Theses and Dissertations

In an attempt to neutralize transposable elements or retrovirus invasions Neurospora crassa will rely on one of its many genome defense mechanism, Meiotic Silencing by Unpaired DNA (MSUD). MSUD works in a two-step process that first detects unpaired sequences between homologous chromosomes followed by downstream silenced expression of the sequence. The ultimate silencing stage of MSUD is widely accepted to operate through an RNAi-like system. However, the mechanics of the detection step of MSUD remains elusive. The research presented attempts to elaborate on how the initial stage of MSUD occurs and its specifics. First, a genetic approach is utilized to …

Hatching Asynchrony In European Starlings ( Sturnus Vulgaris ), Jason Hanser

Theses and Dissertations

Across a wide range of avian taxa, eggs within clutches hatch asynchronously, placing later hatched nestlings at a disadvantage. Here, we explore the proximate and ultimate causes of hatching asynchrony within European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris. Specifically, we investigate the effect of ambient temperature on egg viability and incubation behavior prior to clutch completion. Additionally, we examine the potential for storage time and maternally-deposited yolk testosterone to influence rates of embryonic development and hatching patterns within European starlings.

Seta Structure In Members Of The Coleochaetales ( Streptophyta ), Timothy Richard Rockwell

Theses and Dissertations

The charophycean green algae, which include the Coleochaetales, together with land plants form a monophyletic group, the streptophytes. The order Coleochaetales, a possible sister taxon to land plants, is defined by its distinguishing setae (hairs), which are encompassed by a collar. Previous studies of these setae yielded conflicting results and were confined to one species, Coleochaet. scutata. In order to interpret these results and learn about the evolution of this character, setae of four species of Coleochaete and the genus Chaetosphaeridium within the Coleochaetales were studied to determine whether cellulose, callose, and phenolic compounds contribute to the chemical composition of …

The Effect Of Self-Adherent Tape And Lace Up Ankle Braces On Ankle Range Of Motion And Dynamic Balance In Collegiate Football Players, Kristin Willeford

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in the physically active population. Previous research has shown that supporting the ankle with taping or bracing methods is effective at preventing ankle sprains. However, no research exists on the effects of self-adherent tape and lace up ankle braces on the restriction of range of motion and dynamic balance in collegiate football players. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of self-adherent tape and lace up ankle braces in reducing ankle range of motion and improving dynamic balance before and after a typical collegiate football practice. Design: Crossover. Setting: Athletic Training Room. …

Identification Of The Practices, Preferences, Knowledge, Attitudes And Barriers To Strength Training Participation Of Young College Aged Women, Brianna Ackerman

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and United States Department of Health and Human Services classify muscular fitness as a key component of health (13,20). While important for both men and women, women can benefit from resistance training, specifically strength training, in many ways. Muscular strength gains, increases and maintenance of lean body mass such as muscle and bone and possible fat loss are some benefits that women who regularly participate in resistance training can achieve (4,5,6,9,18).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the practices, preferences, knowledge, attitudes and barriers to strength training participation in …

Associations Between Physical Activity And Weight Status With Grade-School Performance, Taylor Panfil

Theses and Dissertations

Physical activity and weight control are predictive of childhood health, but more recent research suggests they may also be associated with academic success.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationships between physical activity, weight status, and academic performance in children.

METHODS: 614 third-to-fifth grade children (53.9% female, age 9.6 ± 0.9 years) from two Midwestern communities participated. Physical activity was assessed using a Digiwalker 200-SW pedometer worn for seven consecutive days. Teachers provided an estimate of general academic performance, and children were categorized into three performance groups (high, moderate, low). School behavior (attentiveness, staying on task, interruptive behavior) was assessed by the …

Integrating Experiential Learning Into Animal Science Curriculum Through A Hands-On Beef Cattle Management And Marketing Contest, Corinne J. Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

According to the Illinois Agricultural Education, nearly 61% of students beginning their undergraduate studies in Agriculture at a 2-year college in Illinois come from non-farm backgrounds. Yet, knowledge of and experience in livestock operations is still a requirement for many careers in the animal science industry. In response to this predicament, the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University has implemented a course that provides students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with beef cattle management and marketing. The course was designed to enhance learning by requiring students to develop and execute a management and marketing plan for a pen …

Assessing The Perceptions Of Faculty Advisors And Green Industry Professionals On The Value Of Student Participation In A Professional Development Competitive Event, Katelynn Diane Clement

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Student Career Days (SCD) professional development experience has on conceptual learning, job opportunities and placement, and job retention in the green industry. Student participants, PLANET judging team faculty advisors, and green industry professionals who attended the career fair were surveyed on their perceptions of PLANET Student Career Days and its related events. A block style survey was sent out to the participant groups. Depending on the participant's affiliation with PLANET Student Career Days, participants were asked a different set of questions in the survey. Each survey …

Investigating Seed Dispersal Distances And Long Distance Dispersal Mechanisms Of The Invasive Plant, Alliaria Petiolata, Christopher Loebach

Theses and Dissertations

Alliaria petiolata, an herbaceous plant, has aggressively invaded North American woodlands. It has been extensively studied to understand why it is a successful invader, but certain aspects of its biology have been understudied such as seed dispersal distances and long distance dispersal mechanisms (LDDM). My thesis experimentally measured A. petiolata seed dispersal distances and determined if epizoochory (external animal transport) is a LDDM. To measure dispersal distances, seed traps were placed around three A. petiolata seed point sources to capture dispersed seeds at increasing distances away from the point sources. Eight mathematical functions that describe dispersal distances were fitted to …

The Effect Of A Fruit And Vegetable Program On Diet Quality And Produce Consumption, Jeanne Arbuckle

Theses and Dissertations

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of our diet, yet few individuals consume the recommended amounts. Incorporating produce in our diet provides many necessary nutrients and may aid in decreasing the risk of chronic disease, controlling obesity and improving mental functioning. In an attempt to increase intake, a program was created to provide fresh fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis to an Illinois State University population for eight weeks. Participants chose from three sizes of produce bags and were supplied with seven different types of fruits and vegetables each week. Dietetic interns performed the planning, ordering, organizing and …

Dietary Supplement Use, Perceptions, And Associated Lifestyle Behaviors In Undergraduate College Students, Student-Athletes, And Rotc Cadets, Arthur A. Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

The use of dietary supplements has steadily increased among the American population in recent years; however, little is known about current trends in dietary supplement use in the collegiate population. The purpose of this study was to investigate dietary supplement use, perceptions of knowledge and efficacy of dietary supplements, and lifestyle behaviors of supplement users and non-users in a university population. Undergraduate students, NCAA division I student-athletes, and Army ROTC cadets at a midsized Midwestern University were recruited for a single-stage cross-sectional online survey via email and also through the use of fliers. Participants included 381 undergraduate students, 56 student-athletes, …

Analysis Of Heart Rate Training Responses In Division I Collegiate Athletes, Maria Canino

Theses and Dissertations

New technology continuously develops to assist with enhancing athletic performance. Assessing the physiological responses athletes experience from training is crucial when developing programs to simultaneously optimize performance and improve fitness levels. By combining coaching expertise with scientific technology, coaches can monitor and obtain their athletes' individual objective physiological responses (i.e. heart rates) on the effectiveness of the applied external stimuli or training program(s). PURPOSE: To examine the physical training doses through heart rate monitoring of strength and condition (S&C) sessions compared to a typical game setting in female soccer and basketball collegiate athletes. METHODS: Participants were nine female soccer players …

Environmental Impacts On Life History In Container Breeding Mosquitoes, Kathleen May Westby

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation I explore different ways that the environment impacts life history in mosquitoes in ways that may alter vectorial capacity. In chapter I, I tested if short-term sugar deprivation experienced after exposure to La Crosse virus altered infection rates in Aedes albopictus and if sugar treatment and virus infection status altered blood feeding behavior and fecundity. I found no evidence that sugar deprivation impacted infection rates or fecundity. Sugar deprivation did increase blood feeding. There was no effect of infection status on blood feeding or fecundity. In chapter II, I tested for effects of seasonal cues (temperature and …

In Vivo Modulation Of Rhythmically Active Neural Networks In The Crustacean Stomatogastric Ganglion, Alexandra Mead Yarger

Theses and Dissertations

Rhythmic motor patterns are found throughout all living organisms and are responsible for maintaining some of our most fundamental behaviors. The motor circuits producing these behaviors are flexible and able to adapt to changing internal and environmental conditions, yet stable enough to maintain function within certain boundaries. Central pattern generators (CPGs), which are the primary source of this stability, reliably maintain activity patterns and thus the behaviors they drive. The crab stomatogastric nervous system contains the well-characterized gastric mill (chewing) and pyloric (filtering of food) CPGs. In vitro, the pyloric rhythm is stereotyped with little variation over time. Temperature, inter-circuit …

The Effect Of Muscle Energy Technique On Forward Shoulder Posture, Pectoralis Minor Length, And Upper Extremity Blood Flow In Collegiate Female Swimmers, Elizabeth Gross

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Overhead sports are at an increased risk of shoulder injury, particularly when scapular posture is restricted. Pectoralis minor length has been linked to scapular malpositioning and forward shoulder posture. Upper extremity blood flow has also been linked to shortened pectoralis minor length, which could lead to thoracic neurovascular occlusion. Swimmers specifically may be at an increased risk for shoulder injury if the pectoralis minor is shortened. Stretching of the pectoralis minor has been suggested as a treatment to correct shortening of the muscle, however research examining muscle energy technique (MET) applied to the pectoralis minor is limited. Objective: To …