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Examination Of Adolescent Physical Activity And Overweight Levels , Maika Elizabeth Nelson Mar 2004

Examination Of Adolescent Physical Activity And Overweight Levels , Maika Elizabeth Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests declines in physical activity may occur after age 12. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between adolescent physical activity, BMI, and nutrition. Adolescents, ages 12-17 (N = 223), wore pedometers for 11 consecutive days and completed a nutrition survey, the Youth Adolescent Questionnaire. Activity levels did not differ among the ages of 12-17 year old adolescents, and boys were more active than girls. There was a low, but significant relationship between BMI and physical activity levels for both boys and girls. Energy intake was not related to BMI or physical activity levels in boys …


Phylogenetic Systematics And Evolution Within The Family Scincidae, Alison Swindle Whiting Mar 2004

Phylogenetic Systematics And Evolution Within The Family Scincidae, Alison Swindle Whiting

Theses and Dissertations

Scincidae (skinks) comprise one of the largest families of lizards, and the more than 1300 species show great variation in body size and form, and are found worldwide in a diversity of habitats. The group presents many interesting questions ranging from the colonization of oceanic islands, to the evolution of limb loss, yet most of these and other questions remain understudied. The purpose of this dissertation is to use multiple mitochonidrial and nuclear DNA markers in connection with current cladistic methods to address evolutionary questions at many levels within Scincidae. In chapter one, a molecular phylogenetic study, based on six …


Regulation Of Fc Receptor Expression And Signaling On Murine Mast Cells, Hey Jin Chong Jan 2004

Regulation Of Fc Receptor Expression And Signaling On Murine Mast Cells, Hey Jin Chong

Theses and Dissertations

Mast cells have long been appreciated as the primary effector cells in allergy and asthma, and recently have been implicated in other inflammatory diseases. Using high density oligonucleotide probe arrays, we assessed genome-wide transcriptional profiles after FcεRI aggregation for 90 minutes, 5 hours and 24 hours. We describe novel gene regulation in response to FcεRI signaling, including altered expression of CD44, Pari, osteopontin, Nur77, E4BP4, and NDRG 1. In addition, the gene encoding FcεRI β was downregulated 5 hours after mast cell activation according to both microarray analysis and RPA, and western blotting confirmed the downregulation of the beta subunit …


Surface Characteristics Of Bacillus Spores, Darlene Danette Sabio Jan 2004

Surface Characteristics Of Bacillus Spores, Darlene Danette Sabio

Theses and Dissertations

Rapid isolation and identification of spores from various environmental samples is necessitated because anthrax spores can be used as biological weapons. The hydrophobic nature of spores may allow for their rapid concentration and partial purification from contaminating materials. In this study, spores from four taxonomic groups of Bacillaceae were isolated, purified and characterized for hydrophobicity by hexadecane partitioning, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, and steady-state fluorescence by spectroscopy. The morphology of spores was similar within taxonomic groups and dissimilar between groups. Spore hydrophobicity ranged from 0.3% to 65% and all spores had fluorescence emission peaks at 335 nm and …


The Effects Of A One-Tesla Magnet On Human Fibroblast Cell Growth, Ashley Chaplin Jan 2004

The Effects Of A One-Tesla Magnet On Human Fibroblast Cell Growth, Ashley Chaplin

Theses and Dissertations

The controversy regarding the ill effects of electromagnetic fields began in 1979 when Nancy Wertheimer and Ed Leeper claimed to have found a connection between childhood leukemia and power lines. In 1997, a group of researchers led by Martha Linet, M. D., attempted to provide evidence that there was no link between cancer and electromagnetic fields. The study showed that the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia did not escalate with increasing electromagnetic field levels in the children's homes. When compared to the Earth's static magnetic field of 0.5 Gauss, these fields were extremely small. Within the past decade, magnets have …


Effect Of Bulbourethrectomy And Collection Frequency On Macro- And Microscopic Characteristics Of Llama (Lama Glama) Ejaculate, Víctor Efrain Gonzáles Vargas Jan 2004

Effect Of Bulbourethrectomy And Collection Frequency On Macro- And Microscopic Characteristics Of Llama (Lama Glama) Ejaculate, Víctor Efrain Gonzáles Vargas

Theses and Dissertations

This study occurred in the Rural Academic Unit-Tiahuanaco installations, of the Bolivian Catholic University-La Paz, Bolviia, with the objective of evaluating macro- and microscopic characteristics of sperm ejaculation from bulbourethrectomized llamas. Six q'ara-variety male llamas of 3, 4, and 5 years of age were used over 8 weeks during which they were fed with natural and cultivated pastures. Ejaculate was collected with an artificial vagina with stimulation (libido) of male llamas by female llamas, for macro- and microscopic evaluation (volume, pH, color, appearance, motility, concentration, and sperm vitality). The results obtained were: average volume of 0.55[+or-]0.36 ml, with a CV …


Evaluation Of Drip And Microasperation Irrigation Methods In Spinach (Spinaca Oleracea) And Swiss Lettuce (Valerianella Locusta) In Walipinis, Marina Roxana Luque Quispe Jan 2004

Evaluation Of Drip And Microasperation Irrigation Methods In Spinach (Spinaca Oleracea) And Swiss Lettuce (Valerianella Locusta) In Walipinis, Marina Roxana Luque Quispe

Theses and Dissertations

This study occurred at the Ventilla Ecologic farm, situated in the central Altiplano of the Murillo province, 26 km from La Paz. Its objectives were to evaluate two types of irrigation, by drip and by microasperation, in spinach and Swiss lettuce in Walipinis, and to conduct an economic analysis. The genetic material used was spinach (viroflay variety) and Swiss lettuce (large-leaved variety). Chapin irrigation belts and nebulizers were used, and two tensiometers were used to determine the soil moisture. Manual planting occurred on September 1, 2002, in all experimental areas. Seeds were dispersed in a continual flow with Swiss lettuce …


Effect Of Canihua (Chenopodium Pallidicaule Aellen), Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.), And Soybean (Glycine Max M) Sprouts On The Feeding Of Guinea Pigs For Growth, Eddy Wilfredo Calle Ayma Jan 2004

Effect Of Canihua (Chenopodium Pallidicaule Aellen), Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.), And Soybean (Glycine Max M) Sprouts On The Feeding Of Guinea Pigs For Growth, Eddy Wilfredo Calle Ayma

Theses and Dissertations

This study occurred during July, August, and September in the Small Animals Investigation and Production Center (CIPAM), dependent of the Faculty of Agricultural, Livestock, and Veterinary Sciences of the Technical University of Oruro, of the Central Highland of Bolivia. In order to satisfy guinea pig nutrition requirements, which are 2800.00 kcal/kg of energy, 18.00% protein, 10.00% fiber, 1.00% calcium, and 0.60% phosphorus, the following ingredients were used in feed: 11.30% yellow corn, 30.00% milled wheat [Bromus catharticus], 14.00% soy cake, 32.00% wheat bran, 9.00% alfalfa flour, 1.80% bone flour, 1.00% conchilla, 0.50% common salt, and 0.40% methionine. The effect that …


Determination Of The Nutritional Level Of Calcium And Phosphorus In Llamas (Lama Glama) In Two Seasons In The Condoriri Agricultural Experiment Center, Gustavo Adolfo León Titichoca Jan 2004

Determination Of The Nutritional Level Of Calcium And Phosphorus In Llamas (Lama Glama) In Two Seasons In The Condoriri Agricultural Experiment Center, Gustavo Adolfo León Titichoca

Theses and Dissertations

The concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were determined in 12 llamas from the Condoriri Agricultural Experiment Center (Oruro Technical University) of Oruro, Bolivia during two seasons (wet and dry) and at three ages (newborn, juvenile, and adult). Samples of flesh were taken from the arm, leg, back, rib, and neck. Pasture samples (grassland and prairie) were used to determine the rate of biting of each animal studied. The blood samples were taken by extracting blood from a jugular vein. The minerals (Ca and P) in the flesh are highest in the wet season, 113.78 mg/100 g. The newborns were found …


Evaluation Of The Use Of Climatically Controlled Pankar-Huyus Modules For Cultivating Lettuce, Lucio Guillermo Rocabado Paco Jan 2004

Evaluation Of The Use Of Climatically Controlled Pankar-Huyus Modules For Cultivating Lettuce, Lucio Guillermo Rocabado Paco

Theses and Dissertations

Pankar-huyus are becoming an alternative solution to the Bolivian Altiplano's climate problems for agriculture and to help provide adequate nutrition for the inhabitants of this region. Pankar-huyus are small modules with mild ambient temperatures that cover roughly 4 m^2. They are built underground and are covered by agrofilm caps that, in this study, were partially opened by day and closed at night. This study evaluated the climactic parameters of minimum and maximum temperature, minimum and maximum relatively humidity inside the pankar-huyus, wind velocity outside and inside the pankar-huyus at 40 cm from the soil and at the level of the …


Effects Of Emphysema And Chronic Hypoxemia On Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Supply And Demand, John D. Lowman Jr. Jan 2004

Effects Of Emphysema And Chronic Hypoxemia On Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Supply And Demand, John D. Lowman Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Skeletal muscle dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition in which peripheral skeletal muscle undergoes myopathic changes which impair muscle function, limit physical performance, and can lead to significant disability. While the etiology of the dysfunction is unknown, this study was conducted to test the hypothesis that chronic hypoxemia leads to alterations in oxygen transport and muscle function. A primary objective was to validate elastase-induced emphysema in rats as an animal model of skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD.Arterial blood gases were used to determine the severity of hypoxemia and sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used …


Determination Of Four Production Indicators In Llama (Lama Glama) Herds In Ayllu Pumasara, Saucari, Oruro, Magin Herrera Lopez Jan 2004

Determination Of Four Production Indicators In Llama (Lama Glama) Herds In Ayllu Pumasara, Saucari, Oruro, Magin Herrera Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

Camelid exploitation, despite its economic antiquity in our nation, recently has awakened greater interest in investigators. Currently, there are more than 2,500,000 llamas in the Altiplano, which is the highest number of camelids on the world. Production is organic, with the llama capital of Bolivia being the department of Oruro. This work's objective is to determine four production parameters: composition and structure of llama herds, percentage of births, cria [calf] mortality, and crias that reach 5 months old, in 3 communities of Ayllu Pumasa of Saucar’ province, department of Oruro. The llama-raising system is traditional and herds contain more than …


Botanical And Chemical Composition Of Diets Selected By Alpacas (Lama Pacos) Pastured In The Ulla Ulla Wetlands, Lino Constancio López López Jan 2004

Botanical And Chemical Composition Of Diets Selected By Alpacas (Lama Pacos) Pastured In The Ulla Ulla Wetlands, Lino Constancio López López

Theses and Dissertations

This study was done in the subtropical high Andes of Ulla Ulla. Its objectives were to determine the botanical composition, nutritional value, and preferred forages in the wetlands (hydromorphic and mesico) diet, by season (dry and wet), and by botanical family (12 families). Three-hundred sixty samples were collected from 6 alpacas with esophageal fistulations, and from them nutritional value and botanical composition were determined; the latter was compared with the botanical composition of the wetlands to determine preference. The results are highly significant (p<0.01) for botanical families, interaction between season and family, interaction of wetland type and family, and interaction of the season with wetland type and family. Species from the family Juncaceae were the most consumed with 27.78%, followed by moderate consumption of Cyperaceae (21.03%), Gramineae (15.02%), and Rosaceae (12.39%). Lower consumption occurred with Umbeliferaceae and Asteraceae with 6.61% and 5.64%, respectively, and the lowest consumption was of Plantaginaceae, Scrophulariaceae, minor plants, Gentianiaceae, unidentified plants, and Ranunculaceae with 2.86%, 2.50%, 2.17%, 2.08%, 1.03%, and 0.89%, respectively. The botanical families with the greatest preference value (PV) were Gramineae (PV=6.48), Scrophulariaceae (PV=8.75), Gentianiaceae (PV=7.55), and Ranunculaceae (PV=8.16). Proportional preference was observed in Juncaceae (PV=1.49), Cyperaceae (PV= -1.72), Rosaceae (PV=1.82), and Umbeliferaceae (PV= -0.82). The Asteraceae family was classified as a forced preference (PV= -6.29). The average nutritional value of the diet shows high values: 14.69% of raw protein, 14.58% ash, 85.42% organic matter, 21.43% raw fiber, and 31.00% neutral detergent fiber. It was concluded that alpacas efficiently select their diet for nutritional value, however, consumption is not appropriate, which results in negative live weight gain, especially in the dry season. On the other hand, the plants' preference values correspond to the lowest and one of the highest is a forced preference, according to the botanical composition of the wetland, which suggests that the preferred plants are repeatedly consumed in current continual pastures, and that alpacas are forced to consume unpalatable plants. This reflects on bad CANAPAS wetlands management in Ulla Ulla. Consequently, reversing this situation implies changes in pasture management and a reduction of the animal load.


Evaluation Of Agronomic Performance Of Forage Grasses In Tiahuanaco, Justiniano Mamani Condori Jan 2004

Evaluation Of Agronomic Performance Of Forage Grasses In Tiahuanaco, Justiniano Mamani Condori

Theses and Dissertations

Most families in the area of Tiahuanaco, Bolivia participate in livestock production, mainly cattle breeding. The primary feed sources for livestock in this area are native grasses, barley, and, to a smaller degree, oats. These grasses have low yield because of climate and soil conditions. This area does not have enough forage, especially during the dry season, and the animals are not regularly fed during the year. Consequently, animal production is low. This research was conducted during 2001 and 2002 at the Bolivian Catholic University campus, Farmer’s Academic Unit of Tiahuanaco, Ingavi Province, La Paz, Bolivia. Study site locations were …