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Louisiana Agriculture Fall, 2006, Lsu Agcenter Oct 2006

Louisiana Agriculture Fall, 2006, Lsu Agcenter

Louisiana Agriculture

No abstract provided.


Louisiana Agriculture Summer, 2006, Lsu Agcenter Jul 2006

Louisiana Agriculture Summer, 2006, Lsu Agcenter

Louisiana Agriculture

No abstract provided.


Calcium Intake, Bone Mineral Density, And Percent Body Fat Of University Students, Beth Peterson May 2006

Calcium Intake, Bone Mineral Density, And Percent Body Fat Of University Students, Beth Peterson

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


Louisiana Agriculture Spring, 2006, Lsu Agcenter Apr 2006

Louisiana Agriculture Spring, 2006, Lsu Agcenter

Louisiana Agriculture

No abstract provided.


Louisiana Agriculture Winter, 2006, Lsu Agcenter Jan 2006

Louisiana Agriculture Winter, 2006, Lsu Agcenter

Louisiana Agriculture

No abstract provided.


Sensory Characteristics Of Salt Substitute Containing L-Arginine, Pamarin Waimaleongora-Ek Jan 2006

Sensory Characteristics Of Salt Substitute Containing L-Arginine, Pamarin Waimaleongora-Ek

LSU Master's Theses

Dietary salt restriction is a common approach recommended by physicians in the treatment and prevention of hypertension. Salt substitute is a potential alternative. The most popular salt substitute is KCl, having similar physical properties to NaCl. Because of the higher molecular weight of cations (K+), KCl imparts undesired bitterness and metallic aftertaste. L-arginine has been found to have the bitterness-suppression property. Therefore, it may be used in the mixture of salt substitutes. In the first study, NaCl and four salt substitute solutions consisting of KCl, NaCl, and L-arginine, were developed at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% w/v. A discriminative test was …


Inhibition Of Hormone Dependent And Independent Breast Cancer Cells By Oyster(Crassostrea Virginica) Ceramide, Madhavi Chintalapati Jan 2006

Inhibition Of Hormone Dependent And Independent Breast Cancer Cells By Oyster(Crassostrea Virginica) Ceramide, Madhavi Chintalapati

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this research was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic properties of ceramide isolated from oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Ceramide was isolated from oyster by silicic acid chromatography, purified by alkaline hydrolysis, and analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). In vitro, the activity of ceramide on human hormone-dependent (MCF-7) and hormone-independent (MDA-MB-435s) breast cancer cells was evaluated for cell viability and proliferation, VEGF-induced cell migration and invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy. The activity of ceramide was also evaluated for VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) tube formation. The protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor …


Examination Of The Constructs Of The Transtheoretical Model In Patients With Heart Failure: A Focus On Physical Activity Readiness, Tracie Rena Parish Jan 2006

Examination Of The Constructs Of The Transtheoretical Model In Patients With Heart Failure: A Focus On Physical Activity Readiness, Tracie Rena Parish

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this research was to gain greater understanding about the management of heart failure patients. A particular focus was to evaluate exercise tolerance and behavior. The major findings of the first study included: (1) evidence that few heart failure patients receive adequate information regarding physical activity; (2) performance on a six-minute walk test were ~42% lower, and SF-36 scores were also lower in heart failure patients compared to controls; (3) stability in hemodynamic measures and distance walked on the 6-minute walk test were adequate, and (4) home exercise resulted in 19% improvement in maximum walking distance and 30% …


Vitrification And Dehydration For The Preservation Of Gametes, Allison E. Moisan Jan 2006

Vitrification And Dehydration For The Preservation Of Gametes, Allison E. Moisan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Of the 36 species of felines in the world, all except the domestic cat are listed as endangered or threatened. To preserve the genetic diversity of felines and other species, genome resource banks have been established. Due to limited availability of germ cells for research, studies must use models to optimize the techniques before they are applied to endangered species. In this study, preservation of oocytes and spermatozoa was examined using the bovine as a model for felines. In the first series of experiments, bovine and feline oocytes were dehydrated, vitrified, warmed and cultured to assess their ability to undergo …


Validity Of The Yale Physical Activity Survey For Older Adults, Angela Nickole Solomito Pugh Jan 2006

Validity Of The Yale Physical Activity Survey For Older Adults, Angela Nickole Solomito Pugh

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the validity of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) in a population of oldest-old adults residing in Southeastern Louisiana. Methods: Participants were older adults (n=273) in two distinct age groups; 60-81 years of age (YOUNG-OLD) AND 29-103 years of age (OLDEST-OLD). YPAS estimates of physical activity will be compared to physical function as measured by the continuous scale physical function performance test. Results: The OLDEST-OLD demonstrated lower physical function scores and reported less physical activity (and more time sitting) in comparison to the YOUNG-OLD. The correlation between Total Time Summary Index and …


Evaluation Of A Plasmid Delivery System For Production Of Gnrh And Ghrh In The Horse And Goat, William Andrew Storer Jan 2006

Evaluation Of A Plasmid Delivery System For Production Of Gnrh And Ghrh In The Horse And Goat, William Andrew Storer

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The efficacy of a novel plasmid delivery system was assessed for long-term expression of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) in horses and goats. The efficacy of the technology was demonstrated using 3 novel plasmids: pSEAP [expressing secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP)], pGHRH (expressing GHRH), and pGnRH (expressing GnRH). Geldings were electroporated with a reporter plasmid expressing SEAP in 3 muscle sites. Expression of SEAP, measured from jugular plasma samples, indicated muscle specificity for uptake and expression of the plasmid. Concentrations of SEAP were greatest (P < 0.05) after pectoralis injection, which was chosen as the site for electroporation in subsequent studies. In a second experiment, stallions were electroporated with pGHRH or pSEAP to evaluate the effect of long-term GHRH treatment on the growth hormone (GH) axis and testicular function. Stallions treated with pGHRH had increased (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of IGF-I, increased (P < 0.05) volume of accessory sex gland fluid, and increased (P < 0.05) number of normal spermatozoa in the ejaculate relative to controls. In the third experiment, stallions were electroporated with pGnRH or pSEAP to test the effects of GnRH on the reproductive axis. Treatment with pGnRH increased (P < 0.05) plasma testosterone concentrations to d 56 and increased (P < 0.01) the LH response to GnRH on d 21, but did not alter (P > 0.1) seminal characteristics evaluated after 36 d of treatment. In …


Self-Determination In Injury Rehabilitation: Designing A Climate For Promoting Adherence, Ryan Mark Green Jan 2006

Self-Determination In Injury Rehabilitation: Designing A Climate For Promoting Adherence, Ryan Mark Green

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to use self-determination as a theoretical framework to investigate factors that influence college athletes’ adherence to injury rehabilitation programs. A two-part study, quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to gain insight into athletes’ motivation and decisions that they make regarding their engagement in injury rehabilitation. The focus of the quantitative study was to investigate the relationships between personal autonomy, levels of self-determination, perceived autonomy support, and perceived competence in injury rehabilitation. Participants (N=193 college athletes) completed surveys in a retrospective design. Autonomy orientations were positively related to higher levels of self-determination and the perception …


Econometric Essays On Specification And Estimation Of Demand Systems, Anil Kumar Sulgham Jan 2006

Econometric Essays On Specification And Estimation Of Demand Systems, Anil Kumar Sulgham

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on two research themes related to econometric estimation of linear almost ideal demand systems (LAIDS) for U.S. meats. The first theme addresses whether nonstationarity (unit-roots and cointegration) contributes to a dynamic specification of LAIDS models. The results of the effect of nonstationarity are reported in two case studies. The second theme explores the relationship between age and household size with budget shares to specify semiparametric LAIDS model. The results are reported in a third case study that compares parametric and semiparametric models estimates of price and expenditure elasticities. The first case study conducts a comparative analysis of …


Measuring The Degree Of Market Power In The Export Demand For Soybean Complex, Dwi Susanto Jan 2006

Measuring The Degree Of Market Power In The Export Demand For Soybean Complex, Dwi Susanto

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Previous studies on market power hypothesis strictly assumed that the data used in the analysis were a stationary process. This assumption has been argued that not all time series exhibit a stationary process such that conventional asymptotic theory cannot be applied. This study adopts the “New Empirical Industrial Organization” (NEIO) approach developed by Bresnahan (1982) and Lau (1982) to measure the degree of market power in the export market for soybean complex. The non-stationary properties of the data were accommodated by formulating the model in an error correction framework (ECM) developed by Bårdsen (1989) and applied by Steen and Salvanes …


Assessment Of Interactions Amoung Viruses Infecting Sweetpotato, Charalambos D. Kokkinos Jan 2006

Assessment Of Interactions Amoung Viruses Infecting Sweetpotato, Charalambos D. Kokkinos

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Viral diseases, especially those caused by mixed infections, are among the economically most important diseases of sweetpotato. Real-time PCR assays were developed for the detection and quantification of the potyviruses Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato virus G (SPVG), Ipomoea vein mosaic virus (IVMV); the crinivirus Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), and the begomovirus Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) directly from infected sweetpotato plants. Titers of SPFMV, IVMV, and SPVG were lower in singly-infected sweetpotato plants compared to singly-infected plants of the standard indicator host Brazilian morning-glory (Ipomoea setosa) and the standard propagation host I. nil …


Analysis Of U.S. Aquacultural Producer Preferences For Genetic Improvement And Cryopreservation, Brian Paul Boever Jan 2006

Analysis Of U.S. Aquacultural Producer Preferences For Genetic Improvement And Cryopreservation, Brian Paul Boever

LSU Master's Theses

Aquaculture industries in the U.S. generate $1 billion in farm-level sales. Genetic improvement of fish stocks may be a way to increase the market share of aquaculture within the U.S. seafood market as well as the market share within the world market. This study evaluates the preferences, beliefs, and opinions of aquaculture producers across the U.S. about topics such as cryopreservation, genetic improvement, and the future of the aquaculture industry. Willingness-to-pay values for specific genetic improvements by aquaculture grow-out producers were elicited. A national survey of aquaculture producers was used to elicit the information used in the analysis. The survey …


Evaluation Of Bovine Spermatid Sex Ratio By Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, Michael Alan Stout Jan 2006

Evaluation Of Bovine Spermatid Sex Ratio By Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, Michael Alan Stout

LSU Master's Theses

The objective of this study was to use fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine if a skew in the sex ratio was present at the level of the bovine round spermatid. Paraffin embedded bovine testicular tissue obtained from biopsies were used to perform FISH, and the seminiferous tubules were examined. Our findings show that the skew does exist within the round spermatids. Analysis of variance on X- and Y-chromosome bearing round spermatids as affected by sex, slide, picture set, and tubule was performed. Sex showed that the variation in round spermatid sex ratio differed between slides (P = 0.0001). …


Antimicrobial Activity Of Cpc And Asc Against Foodborne Pathogens And The Physiological Effect On Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe Cubes At Refrigerator Temperatures, Allison Marie Dumas Jan 2006

Antimicrobial Activity Of Cpc And Asc Against Foodborne Pathogens And The Physiological Effect On Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe Cubes At Refrigerator Temperatures, Allison Marie Dumas

LSU Master's Theses

In the last few decades, fresh-cut fruit products have gained popularity with consumers. They require little to no further processing prior to consumption. Fresh-cut products also make fruits and vegetables more conveniently available to consumers year-round. There are limitations, however, to fresh-cut fruit and vegetables in the marketplace. These products are very perishable and could become contaminated with foodborne pathogens. Most fresh-cut fruits and vegetables will only last a short period of time at refrigerator temperatures. There are many possible routes of bacterial contamination in the fresh-cut produce industry. There is a need for antimicrobial compounds that can be applied …


Effect Of Light Intensity And Weld Thickness On The Performance Of Uv-Cured Frp Composite Joints, Jerry Alan Peck Jan 2006

Effect Of Light Intensity And Weld Thickness On The Performance Of Uv-Cured Frp Composite Joints, Jerry Alan Peck

LSU Master's Theses

Thirty-six FRP composite welds were wetted with UV curing vinyl ester resin and used to join fiberglass tubes. The effects of UV light intensity and weld thickness on performance (as measured by bursting pressure and stiffness) were evaluated to determine optimal conditions for joint construction. The joined composite pipes were cured vertically with UV lamps at three different light intensities, 80 mW/cm2, 35 mW/cm2 and 15 mW/cm2 to isolate the effect of UV light intensity. Eight-layer, five-layer and three-layer joints were prepared and cured at constant light intensity to evaluate the effect of reducing the thickness of the composite joint. …


Determination Of Antioxidant Capacity In Corn Germ, Wheat Germ And Wheat Bran Using Solvent And Microwave-Assisted Solvent Extraction, David Swenson Oufnac Jan 2006

Determination Of Antioxidant Capacity In Corn Germ, Wheat Germ And Wheat Bran Using Solvent And Microwave-Assisted Solvent Extraction, David Swenson Oufnac

LSU Master's Theses

ABSTRACT Solvent extraction methods are widely used for extracting antioxidant in foods and other sources. In this study, Traditional Solvent Extraction (TSE) and Microwave-Assisted Solvent Extraction (MASE) were utilized to determine the content of antioxidants in corn germ, wheat bran and wheat germ. Corn germ, wheat bran and wheat germ all contain different levels of antioxidants; TSE and MASE were utilized to determine the content of antioxidants in these three samples. TSE was performed at 60 ¨¬C employing three solvents, acetone, hexane and methanol. MASE was performed using the solvent methanol at four different temperatures, 60, 80, 100 and 120 …


A Semiparametric Assessment Of Export-Led Growth In The Philippines, Lorna E. Amrinto Jan 2006

A Semiparametric Assessment Of Export-Led Growth In The Philippines, Lorna E. Amrinto

LSU Master's Theses

This study contributes to the literature on the export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis by adopting a semiparametric approach under two levels of temporal aggregation to investigate the ELG hypothesis in the Philippines. To assess the impact of model specification on the ELG hypothesis, parametric and semiparametric ECMs are estimated using Philippine annual and quarterly data on GDP, exports, exchange rates and gross fixed-capital formation, focusing on the role of exchange rates. The causal relationship between exports and economic growth is examined using the Granger-causality procedure. It can be concluded that for the Philippines, the ELG hypothesis is (a) sensitive to model …


Trade Creation And Trade Diversion Effects In The Eu-South Africa Free Trade Agreement, Gregory Emeka Kwentua Jan 2006

Trade Creation And Trade Diversion Effects In The Eu-South Africa Free Trade Agreement, Gregory Emeka Kwentua

LSU Master's Theses

This study examines trade creation and trade diversion effects in the EUSAFTA using the standard gravity model of bilateral trade flows. The estimation of the gravity equation was carried out using the OLS analysis. In order to ascertain the overall trade creation and trade diversion effects explanatory variables such as GDP, distance and dummy variables were incorporated into the estimation equation to explain bilateral trade flows and exports respectively. The main focus was on the estimation of trade creation and trade diversion effects, resulting from participation in selected regional and preferential trade agreements like EU, COMESA, SACU and EUSAFTA. Additionally, …


Examination Of Blood Flow Using Vasoconstrictor And Vasodilator Stimuli: Stability And Reproducibility, Robert B. Lestage Jan 2006

Examination Of Blood Flow Using Vasoconstrictor And Vasodilator Stimuli: Stability And Reproducibility, Robert B. Lestage

LSU Master's Theses

Blood flow distribution relies on the vasculature’s ability to vasodilate and vasoconstrict throughout the body. Most previous research has focused on only one of these abilities, either vasodilation or vasoconstriction. For example, Thijssen et al. (2005) focused their research on vasodilation by studying reactive hyperemia, while Kinuyoshi et al. (2003) studied the possible vasoconstriction effect with increasing muscle sympathetic nerve activity. The purpose of this study was to assess vascular function using a variety of stimuli to potentially learn more about overall vascular health, while determining the stability and reliability of blood flow measurements using strain gauge plethysmography. Measures of …


Estradiol Interactions With Dopamine Antagonists In Mares: Prolactin Secretion And Reproductive Traits, Kristian Kandis Kelley Jan 2006

Estradiol Interactions With Dopamine Antagonists In Mares: Prolactin Secretion And Reproductive Traits, Kristian Kandis Kelley

LSU Master's Theses

Two experiments studied the effects of pretreatment with estradiol benzoate before treatment with a dopamine antagonist on prolactin secretion and reproductive traits in mares during 1) the seasonal anovulatory period and 2) the normal breeding season. Experiment 1 was performed in winter with 17 mares selected for low follicular activity. Nine mares received estradiol benzoate injections every other day for a total of 10 injections; 8 mares received similar injections of vehicle. Ten days after onset of injections, all mares were placed on a daily injections of sulpiride (250 mg) for 45 d or until ovulation. Plasma prolactin concentrations were …


Quality Characterization Of Cholesterol-Free Mayonnaise-Type Spreads Containing Rice Bran Oil, Karen Melissa Garcia Jan 2006

Quality Characterization Of Cholesterol-Free Mayonnaise-Type Spreads Containing Rice Bran Oil, Karen Melissa Garcia

LSU Master's Theses

Traditional mayonnaise is manufactured with soybean oil (SBO) and egg-yolk containing ingredients. About 1/4 of American consumers have some forms of cardiovascular disease, accounting for >40% of all deaths in USA. Rice bran oil (RBO), a healthy lipid source, has cholesterol-lowering effects, and could be used to replace SBO in mayonnaise preparation. To take advantage of the health benefits associated with RBO, food products containing RBO need to be developed and characterized. Cholesterol-free mayonnaise-type spreads containing RBO were developed using a constrained mixture design. Two studies were performed to determine sensory attributes driving acceptance and purchase intent and to optimize …


College Student's Motivation For Physical Activity, Lori Lynn Delong Jan 2006

College Student's Motivation For Physical Activity, Lori Lynn Delong

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine college students' motivations to be physically active by merging the perspectives of self-determination theory and the transtheoretical model. The secondary purpose was to examine the effects of a required physical activity course on college students' levels of physical activity. The premise is that both the theory and model can be used to help predict physical activity outcomes. Participants were 277 male and female students at a small private college. Motivation, self-determination, stage of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and leisure time activity levels were assessed using an online survey. Results revealed that activity …


Detection And Survival Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Cattle Water Troughs And The Effects Of Cetylpyridinium Chloride Against Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Biofilms On The Surface Of Stainless Steel, Sajida Begum Plauche Jan 2006

Detection And Survival Of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Cattle Water Troughs And The Effects Of Cetylpyridinium Chloride Against Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Biofilms On The Surface Of Stainless Steel, Sajida Begum Plauche

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an emerging food pathogen that was first identified as a cause of illness in 1982. According to CDC (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates, E. coli O157:H7 is responsible for about 73,000 illnesses, 2,000 hospitalizations and 60 deaths in the United States each year. Cattle are the principal reservoir of E. coli O157:H7. Contamination of feed and drinking water with cattle feces is an importance factor in the prevalence of infection in cattle which, in turn, results in contamination of food and the environment. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a very persistent pathogen and has …


Self-Regulation In Physical Activity: Understanding Decisions That Older Adults Make, Janene Marie Grodesky Jan 2006

Self-Regulation In Physical Activity: Understanding Decisions That Older Adults Make, Janene Marie Grodesky

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Physical activity and exercise have been shown to strongly contribute to an extended quality of life. Half of all physical declines in aging can be prevented by engaging in adequate levels of daily physical activity. Only one in four older adults over the age of 65 participates in regular physical activity. There are various factors that have been identified in this population that influence physical activity behaviors including gender, ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status. Though important for providing baseline data on older adults, these descriptions do not fully explain why or why not this population engages in physical activity; or …


Gamete And Cell Technologies For Use In Biological Resource Banking, Liesl Nel-Themaat Jan 2006

Gamete And Cell Technologies For Use In Biological Resource Banking, Liesl Nel-Themaat

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Biological resource banking is becoming important for endangered species conservation. A series of experiments were conducted to address issues concerning collection and utilization of biomaterials from Gulf Coast Native (GCN) sheep (model species) (Ovis aries) and Eland antelope (Taurotragus oryx). In the first experiment, two ejaculates were collected 10 minutes apart from each of five rams three times a week for three weeks to maximize output and minimize handling time. Semen volume, concentration and total number of spermatozoa were significantly greater in first ejaculates, whereas pre-cooled, cooled and post-thaw motility, as well as sperm survival, were greater in second ejaculates. …


Cryopreservation And Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection With Bovine Epididymal Spermatozoa, Carlos Andres Guerrero Jan 2006

Cryopreservation And Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection With Bovine Epididymal Spermatozoa, Carlos Andres Guerrero

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Recently, interest in the preservation of epididymal sperm as a potential source of valuable genes for genome resource banks has escalated. The development of a successful protocol to recover and cryopreserve sperm harvested from the epididymides would salvage germplasm from genetically valuable males that are injured and can no longer mate or have unexpectedly died and can be used as a model for the preservation of male gametes from endangered species. In a series of experiments, epididymal sperm was successfully harvested, cryopreserved and used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In Experiment I, ethylene glycol was found to cause significantly (P<0.05) less osmotic damage to bovine sperm during a one step addition and/or removal at 4°C as compared with glycerol in all concentrations evaluated. Furthermore, prolonged exposure (5 days at 4°C) of ethylene glycol was found to be less toxic than glycerol to sperm. In Experiment II, it was demonstrated that glycerol was more effective than ethylene glycol in providing protection against freezing injury during the cryopreservation process in the concentrations evaluated. In Experiment III, it was demonstrated that epididymal sperm retrieval using seminal plasma is beneficial to enhance sperm overall and progressive motility characteristics and to protect it from morphological abnormalities derived from the freezing process. In Experiment IV, a one step dilution process for removal of glycerol from cryopreserved epididymal sperm was found to significantly affect plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial function of sperm previously exposed to seminal plasma. However, seminal plasma exposure did not have any significant detrimental effect on acrosome integrity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the longevity and survivability in vitro during a 4-hour incubation period at 37°C of post-thaw epididymal sperm exposed to seminal plasma prior to cryopreservation was not compromised when compared with the control extended sperm. In Experiment V, we have demonstrated that fertilization, blastocyst and fetal development could be achieved with cryopreserved bovine epididymal sperm by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). To our knowledge, this is the first report in the United States and second in the world to use bovine epididymal sperm for ICSI. We achieved far markedly improved blastocyst rates over those results recently reported in the first study originating in Japan.