Digital Commons Network^™

Influence Of 17-B-Estradiol And Progesterone On The In Vitro Cultured Mouse Preimplantation Embryos, Matthew L. Offutt

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Matthew L. Offutt on December 10, 1992.

Sediment-Water Nutrient Flux In Tidal Creeks Of North Inlet, South Carolina, Michael Duane Quillen

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Michael Duane Quillen on December 7, 1992.

A Preliminary Preview Of Compensatory Forest Plantation In Peninsular Malaysia, Tuck Chin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Projections of supply and demand for timber appear to indicate a domestic shortage in Peninsular Malaysia by the year 2000. Timber shortage will result in loss of foreign exchange, retrenchment of timber workers, inflate prices and depress construction and housing industries. Compensatory Forest Plantation Program (CFPP) is one of the methods taken by the Malaysian Government to avert this impending crisis. CFPP was officially launched in 1983, in four States of Peninsular Malaysia. By 1989, forest plantations totaling 36,874 hectares were established. A final analysis of CFPP is premature, as the program is only in its seventh year of a …

Identification And Characterization Of Possible Multiple Binding Sites For ((3)H)8-Oh-Dpat In The Hippocampus, Dawna Lea Evans

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Dietary Calcium And Fasting On Osteoclast Recession And Recruitment In Calcium Deficient Rats, Kenneth R. Wright

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The osteoclast, a multinucleated giant cell, has as its role the resorption of bone matrix with consequent release of calcium. The osteoclast is thought to derive from a pluripotent stem cell which also gives rise to monocytes and macrophages. The development, activation, and inhibition of osteoclasts are influenced by a number of systemic and local factors. The release of these factors is influenced by changes in the dietary status of the animal. Calcium deficiency is known to stimulate the recruitment and activity of large numbers of osteoclasts. These osteoclasts can subsequently be inhibited by increasing dietary calcium intake. Disappearance of …

The Effect Of Black Plastic Mulch Alone And In Combination With Various Types Of Plastic Row Covers On Production Of Sweet Corn, Morteza Jabalameli

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects of black polyethylene (PE) mulch alone and in combination with plastic film tunnels (Agronet, Reemay, whiteperforated, clear, and clear-slitted) were studied on morphology and yield of sweet corn in North Logan, Utah. Yields of "Miracle" sweet corn (Zea mays L.) were increased significantly by using black PE mulch and with a combination of various types of plastic row covers, as compared to unmulched soil. Standard-growth analysis procedures were conducted to verify responses among treatments. Treatment effects were determined by measuring days to first flowering, ear weight, number of side tillers, cob length, cob circumference, cob fill length, number …

The Effect Of Trimethyltin On The Cholinergic System Of The Rat Hippocampus, Richard L. Cannon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Trimethyltin (TMT) is a neurotoxin occurring in the environment. Exposure to (TMT) is known to destroy specific neuronal components of the hippocampus in the rat and to cause clinical symptoms in exposed humans, including mnemonic deficits, that indicate hippocampal involvement. In addition to hippocampal cell loss TMT causes significant increases in cholinergic markers such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) stain density and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the hippocampus of rats. However, despite these observations the effect of TMT on hippocampal cholinergic system has not been investigated in detail. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate more fully the consequences …

Neurophysiologic Bases For Abnormal Muscle Coactivation Patterns In Hemiparetic Stroke, Julius P.A. Dewald

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To study disturbed muscle activation patterns in hemiparetic stroke, the EMG activity in spastic-paretic and contralateral elbow muscles of 10 stroke subjects were compared during graded directionally varying voluntary isometric contractions. We observed significant shifts in the peak EMG angle and increases in the angular range of EMG activity in the impaired upper limb. Furthermore, we observed stereotypic coactivation of many muscles acting at the same joint or at different joints across all subjects.

The effect of elbow angle changes on muscle coactivation patterns was studied by examining isometric torque-angle relations under passive and active conditions in 8 stroke subjects. …

The Black Flies (Simuliidae:Diptera) Of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park And Vicinity, Sitan Traore

Masters Theses

Larval black flies were collected monthly from four selected streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park between June 1991 and July 1992. One large size (13 m wide Little River), one small (1m wide Tipton Place) and two medium sized streams, one in the sun (6.45 m wide Mill Creek site #1) and one in the shade (6m wide Mill creek site #2) streams and additional creeks in Knox, Monroe, Morgan, Blount counties in eastern Tennessee and Haywood County in western North Carolina will be discussed.

Larvae of Simulium tuberosum (Lundstrom) complex, S. venustum/ verecundum Say, S. quebecense Twinn, …

In Vitro Methodologies To Assess The Effect Of Processing Of Rice On Protein Quality, Jeanne Ejigui Bitondo

All Theses

No abstract provided.

Cytogenetics Of Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) Species Native To Oregon, Jill Yeatman Turner

Dissertations and Theses

Evidence of hybridization, known to occur in the genus Delphinium (Ranunculaceae ), has recently been discovered among certain Delphinium species native to Oregon. This issue was investigated by cytogenetic analysis of four native species of Oregon, D. trolliifolium, D. menziesii, D. pavonaceum and D. leucophaeum, and an unidentified purple delphinium, which is possibly a hybrid. Although many species in this genus are karyotypically similar, any variations found among the karyotypes of these Oregon species might be used to identify parental chromosomes in the purple delphinium (proposed hybrid). Meiotic analysis was used to detect structurally heterozygous homologues that …

College And University Administrators' Attitudes Concerning Contract-Managed And Self-Operated Food Service, Thomas F. Gaddis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to ascertain factors which influence college and university administrators' decisions to change the management format of their food service operation. Specifically this included 1) developing a list of potential factors which could influence an administrator's decision in this area, 2) determining administrators perceived importance of the factors, 3) determining the attitudes of administrators toward contract companies and the services provided, and 4) determining if significant differences existed between attitudes toward contract companies as they related to size and type of institution (public or private).

A list of potential decisional factors was developed by both …

Changes In Intracellular Chloride During Osmotic Stress And L-Alanine Uptake In Mouse Hepatocytes, Kening Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A stable intracellular ionic environment is necessary for hepatocytes to function normally. Thus, during hypotonic shock or L-alanine uptake, hepatocytes swell and then exhibit a regulatory volume decrease (RVD), which comprises an increase in K$\sp+$ conductance (G$\sb{\rm K}$), an increased K$\sp+$ efflux, and a hyperpolarization of transmembrane potential (V$\sb{\rm m}$). Since hepatocyte intracellular Cl$\sp-$ has been demonstrated to distribute passively with V$\sb{\rm m}$, this study is designed to test the hypothesis that the hypotonic shock- or L-alanine uptake-induced hyperpolarization of V$\sb{\rm m}$ might provide an electromotive force for the efflux of hepatocyte intracellular Cl$\sp-$, which in turn would contribute osmotically …

A Multivariate Characterization Of Assemblages Of Planktonic Mysids Decapods And Sergestids In The Chesapeake Bay Mouth Area, John Charles Seibel

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

This study is the first to focus on the assemblages of the planktonic mysids, decapods, and sergestids found in the lower Chesapeake Bay. The assemblages of these organisms in the lower Chesapeake Bay and nearby shelf were characterized using three different statistical approaches, and the methods used were evaluated for their effectiveness at delineating ecologically meaningful assemblages. Three stations were sampled across the Chesapeake mouth and one offshore, with oblique and neuston net tows. Twenty-seven larval stages, representing at least 23 species, were found in sufficient numbers to be analyzed statistically. The statistical approaches were each based upon a different …

Evidence For The Sensory Receptor(S) Of The Mounting Sex Pheromone In Two Species Of Ixodid Ticks, Dermacentor Variabilis (Say) And Dermacentor Andersoni Stiles, James Stephen Phillips

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The foreleg claw sensilla were determined to be the receptors of the female contact sex pheromone, MSP (mounting sex pheromone), in D. variabilis, D. andersoni and A. americanum male ticks. In all three tick species, the claw sensilla consists of six anteriorly-directed setae arranged in three symmetrical pairs, two each on the opposite sides of the apotele of the claw and one on the ventral side. Behavioral bioassays and morphological study of these setae revealed that only the dorsal and middle (= lateral) pairs of claw sensilla are mechanogustatory, while the ventral pair are strictly mechanoreceptors. The dorsal and …

Structural Characterization Of Fucoidan And Its Role In The Hemizona Assay, Manish S. Patankar

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Fucoidan is a polysaccharide commonly found in brown algae. It is a sulfated polymer of the monosaccharide L-fucose. Fucoidan is thought to function in water retention by algae. Commercially available fucoidan is extracted from a brown algae called Eurus vesiculosus.

This polysaccharide has immense potential as a biologically active agent: (i) it exhibits anticoagulant action, (ii) it has also been reported to block retroviral replication and (iii) it is capable of blocking sperm-egg binding in sea urchin, mouse and rabbit. Recently, fucoidan has also been shown to block the interaction of human sperm and egg in the hemizona assay …

Plankton Transport Patterns And Residence Times Around A Tall Seamount: Simulation Results, Dorlisa Louise Hommel

OES Theses and Dissertations

A semi-spectral primitive equation circulation model was used to simulate flow over an isolated gaussian seamount. Model configuration was such that a Taylor Cap was generated in the flow over the seamount. Arrays of 100 drifters were released in the simulated flow fields at several depths (50, 100, 200, and 400 m) both upstream and over the seamount. For several experiments vertical behaviors were imposed on the drifters to simulate zooplankton migration patterns. The drifter simulations extended for three months. Drifter transport patterns were determined by the initial release position of the drifter relative to the Taylor Cap as well …

Retention Of Cellular Viability And Growth Potential In Cryopreserved Bovine Arterial Tissue: Implications For Clinical Use Of Cryopreserved Vascular Allografts, Kip G. Gardner

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Segments of bovine calf aortas and pulmonary arteries were cryopreserved at -196° C for two weeks to 18 months and subsequently thawed. Cellular morphology, viability, and growth potential in these segments were then compared with the same attributes in segments from fresh (control) arteries. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no disruption of intimal surfaces attributable to cryopreservation. Endothelial cells were successfully cultured from all cryopreserved arterial segments. Endothelial monolayers grown from cryopreserved arteries had a cobblestone appearance and expressed Factor VIII antigen but not smooth muscle alpha-actin. Plating efficiency in primary cultures of endothelial cells was lower for cryopreserved arteries than …

Development Of A Semi-Synthetic Medium Supporting Adherent Growth In Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci, Abbas Sadeghi

Dissertations and Theses

A semi-synthetic medium for use in determining adherent growth with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus was developed. Production of an adherent biofilm was dependent upon the presence of hematin in the growth medium. Clinical strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis were tested for production of an adherent biofilm in trypticase soy broth, the semi-synthetic medium and the hyperalimentary nutrient solution used in the neonatal hospital unit. An adherent biofilm was obtained when Staphylococcus epidermidis was cultured m hematin supplemented hyperalimentary solution. Growth in the hyperalimentary nutrient solution diluted with fetal calf serum showed the same growth rate as when the nutrient solution …

The Effect Of Nutrition Education In The Form Of Cafeteria Posters On Knowledge, Attitudes, And Plate Waste Of Sixth Graders, Camille L. Ivey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to determine whether there was a difference in nutrition knowledge scores, nutrition attitude scores, and plate waste of 6th graders who received nutrition education in the form of cafeteria posters for a period of 19 days and 6th graders who received no nutrition education. In addition, the effects of gender, weight control action, and source of lunch on these scores were assessed.

Nutrition knowledge and attitudes regarding dietary fat were assessed in 6th grade students in 3 middle schools using pretest and posttest questionnaires. Nutrition education in 2 of the middle schools consisted of …

Isolation And Characterization Of The Triiodothyronine Regulatory Region Of The Fatty Acid Synthase Gene In Avian Species, Delfina Rivera Valencia

Masters Theses

Fatty acids are utilized for energy storage in the form of triglycerides or neutral fats. One way to regulate fatty acid biosynthesis is to regulate the activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS), the enzyme that catalyzes the reaction. Previous studies have shown that regulation of FAS activity and synthesis is regulated by the hormone triiodothyronine, T₃, at the level of transcription. Thus, isolation and characterization of the promoter region o f the FAS gene will enable the identification of the thyroid hormone response elements (TREs). This study could shed light on the mechanisms on how this gene can …

The R Value At Vo2 Max During Maximal Graded Exercise Treadmill Tests Of Coronary Artery Diseased And Nondiseased Subjects, Sherry S. Williams

Masters Theses

This study examined the R value at VO2 max during maximal graded treadmill exercise tests to determine if it was a reliable indicator of VO2 max and could therefore be used as a test termination criterion. The subjects in this study were 160 coronary artery diseased (CAD) patients and 170 nondiseased individuals. Data were collected from existing stress test records. The R value was also analyzed to determine if proportions of diseased and nondiseased subjects were the same. The time it took 100 CAD patients to reach VO2 max and exhaustion once R rose above 1.00 was also examined.

The …

Mate Choice: Investigation Of Mating Preference For Siblings Versus Nonsiblings In The Solitary Vespid Wasp Euodynerus Foraminatus, Omoury A. Chambegga

Masters Theses

Caged wasps of Euodynerus foraminatus were given a choice of a sibling or a nonsibling for mates. Two types of experiments were conducted: female choice and male choice. For female choice experiments one female, a sibling male, and an unrelated male were introduced into an observation cage. For male choice experiments one male, a sibling female, and an unrelated female were introduced into an observation cage. Females preferred to mate with siblings, but males mated randomly with regard to family relationship.

Habitat, Diurnal, And Tidal Effects On The Behavior Of Glaucous- Winged Gulls (Larus Glaucescens), Dean Pearson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of habitat, time of day and tide on the behavior of Glaucous-winged gulls nesting on Protection Island, Jefferson County, Washington. During the period of March - June, 1991, more gulls were present in the colony and their rates of behavior were greater during the morning and evening hours than during midday.

Though gull numbers and their rates of behavior in the colony tended to increase with tidal cycle, a plateau in these numbers and rates consistently occurred between +0.3m to +1.2m above mean tide.

More intrusion and courtship-related activity occurred …

F Response Frequency For The Median And Ulnar Nerves In A Normal Population, Patricia J. Killea

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The F wave or F response results form the recurrent discharge of antidromically activated anterior horn cells. F response latency represents an impulse which travels to and from the spinal cord through the central segment of a nerve. Study of the F wave is commonly done to assess proximal conduction in motor nerves, to measure motor nerve conduction velocity over a longer pathway than in orthodromic motor studies, and to assess motor neuron excitability. F response characteristics less commonly studied include duration, chronodispersion, shape, amplitude, and frequency. The primary purpose of this study was to determine F response frequencies of …

Development Of Periapical Lesions In Immunosuppressed Rats, Phillip A. Waterman Jr.

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The pathogenesis of periapical lesions is the interaction of the oral flora with the existing host defenses. The role of bacteria has been established in endodontic disease but the contribution of the host defenses in periapical lesion formation is less clear. The purpose of this study was to compare periapical lesion development in immunosuppressed rats with that in normal rats. Thirty-five, eight-week old Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into seven groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were given weekly injections of Cytoxan, an immunosuppressive agent. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received no immunosuppressive therapy. Group 7 served as a control, …

Fixed-Ratio Size As A Determinant Of The Development Of Tolerance To Morphine, Mark J. Nickel

Masters Theses

The acute and chronic effects of morphine were examined in pigeons exposed to a multiple schedule with fixed ratio 5, 25, and 125 components. Acute exposure to morphine (0.56-10.0 mg/kg) resulted in rate reductions under each component when the dose was 1 mg/kg or higher. With chronic exposure to 5.6 mg/kg, tolerance to the rate-reducing effects of morphine was evident under each fixed ratio component. The development of tolerance was determined to some extent by fixed-ratio size, a result similar to earlier findings with cocaine.

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 Expression In Developing Ovine Teeth As Visualized By In Situ Hybridization, Søren Jepsen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Recently we demonstrated that human dentin contained relatively high amounts of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and proposed that dentin TGF-ß originated from odontoblasts. Because of the suggested role of TGF-ß in mediating cellular interactions in dental cell development by paracrine mechanisms, we studied the expression of TGF-ß message in developing teeth by in situ hybridization. 5 µm serial sections of neonatal sheep mandibular third molars that had been fixed in glutaraldehyde and paraffin-embedded were used for in situ analysis. An [³⁵S]-labeled cRNA probe, complementary to TGF-ß1 mRNA, was constructed from human TGF-ß1 cDNA. Northern analysis of total …

The Role Of Fire In The Regeneration Of Table Mountain Pine In The Southern Appalachian Mountains, Gregory L. Sanders

Masters Theses

Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens Lam.) is highly intolerant, serotinous-coned species endemic to the Appalachian Mountains. Before it can successfully be regenerated, three conditions must occur--(1) heat must be present to open its serotinous cones, (2) seed must fall on mineral soil, and (3) the existing forest canopy must be removed in to expose seedlings to full sunlight. These conditions are only met in the advent of fire.

This study was conducted in stands of Table Mountain pine that were burned by wildfires to see which burning conditions best regenerate the species. It showed that the best regeneration occurred …

Coyotes In Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Evaluation Of Methods To Monitor Relative Abundance, Movement Ecology, And Habitat Use, Barron Allen Crawford

Masters Theses

Introduction: In North America, coyotes (Canis latrans) are the most primitive members of the genus Canis and are believed to have evolved from the ancestral coyote (C. leophagus) (Nowak 1978). During the late Pleistocene period, coyotes were found throughout North America. However, until the 1900's the range of modern coyotes only extended as far east as Wisconsin and south to central Texas (Nowak 1978). It appears that wolf populations were the major factor limiting coyotes in Eastern North America (Nowak 1978, Parker 1988).

Coyotes are adaptable carnivores that have survived human persecution and expanded their range …