Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 40

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Enhancement Of Ehrlichia Canis Infection Of Canine Blood Monocytes In Vitro Through The Addition Of Seropositive And Monoclonal Antibody, John Paul Gniady May 2003

Enhancement Of Ehrlichia Canis Infection Of Canine Blood Monocytes In Vitro Through The Addition Of Seropositive And Monoclonal Antibody, John Paul Gniady

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


The Identification And Isolation Of A Full Length Beta Carbonic Anhydrase Cdna In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Lisa Michelle Ballard May 2003

The Identification And Isolation Of A Full Length Beta Carbonic Anhydrase Cdna In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Lisa Michelle Ballard

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


Protein Crystallography Retinol Dehydratase Y135f Mutant Project Expression, Purification, And Crystallization, Samuel Costa Araujo May 2003

Protein Crystallography Retinol Dehydratase Y135f Mutant Project Expression, Purification, And Crystallization, Samuel Costa Araujo

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


Characterization Of The Histone-Like Hu Protein From Helicobacter Pylori, Christina Chen May 2003

Characterization Of The Histone-Like Hu Protein From Helicobacter Pylori, Christina Chen

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


The Effect Of Scaffolding Movement Challenges On Students' Task-Related Thoughts And Performance, Paul Bernard Rukavina Jan 2003

The Effect Of Scaffolding Movement Challenges On Students' Task-Related Thoughts And Performance, Paul Bernard Rukavina

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of teaching approaches on thoughts and practice behaviors of students, and how those thoughts and behaviors affect transfer of learning. First, a self-report instrument for assessment of cognitive processes that meditate motor skill outcomes was validated. The cognitive processes included prior knowledge usage, self-efficacy, critical thinking and attention-concentration. University students who had taken a physical activity class (N=409) completed the questionnaires. Three out of the initial four subscales were confirmed as fitting the data. In a university golf activity class, students were assigned into three groups for instruction to learn …


Quantitative Inheritance Of Calpastatin Activity As An Assessment Measure For Meat Tenderness In Brahman Steers, Fuad Mohammad Tawfiq Odeh Jan 2003

Quantitative Inheritance Of Calpastatin Activity As An Assessment Measure For Meat Tenderness In Brahman Steers, Fuad Mohammad Tawfiq Odeh

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Calpastatin activity at 24 h postmortem is inversely proportional to postmortem tenderization and accounts for a greater proportion of the variation in beef tenderness. Tenderness was determined by measurement of 24 h postmortem longissimus muscle calpastatin activity (CA) and Warner-Bratzler shear force after 7 and 14 d of steak aging. The quantitative inheritance of tenderness in Brahman steers was investigated phenotypically by Multiple Trait Derivative-Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (MTDFREML) procedures and genotypically by using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP), a microsatellite marker, and DNA sequence analyses. In experiment 1, MTDFREML was used to obtain the genetic parameters of tenderness traits …


Sugarcane Seed Response To 2,4-D And Alternative Herbicides For Red Morningglory (Ipomoea Coccinea L.) Control, Jonathan Daniel Siebert Jan 2003

Sugarcane Seed Response To 2,4-D And Alternative Herbicides For Red Morningglory (Ipomoea Coccinea L.) Control, Jonathan Daniel Siebert

LSU Master's Theses

Field studies conducted over two growing seasons evaluated the effect of 2,4-D applied at 1.6 kg ai/ha to LCP 85-384 sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrid) 7, 5, 3, and 1 wk before planting (WBP). Sugarcane was planted in mid-September using both whole stalk and billet (45 cm) seed pieces. When 2,4-D was applied 5 wk or closer to planting, sugarcane shoot emergence and population averaged across planting methods was reduced 5, 7, and 28 wk after planting (WAP) when compared to the nontreated control. Sugarcane height in one of two years was reduced when 2,4-D was applied 5 wk or closer …


Establishing The Economic Impact Of The Green Industry On Louisiana's Economy, Raul A. Pinel Jan 2003

Establishing The Economic Impact Of The Green Industry On Louisiana's Economy, Raul A. Pinel

LSU Master's Theses

The general objective of this study was to provide updated estimates of value of the green industry in Louisiana. Data collection was conducted for the production sector (Nursery Growers and Sod Producers, and Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance Services) and the Golf Industry. In addition, expenditures on green industry products and services incurred by other sectors were obtained. Among those sectors were churches and cemeteries, public schools (elementary and secondary), public colleges and universities, private schools (elementary, secondary and college/university), parish/city grounds, state parks, road shoulder and median maintenance, and airports. To conduct the surveys, listings from those sectors were …


Population Structure And Genetics Of Longevity In A Colony Of Dog Guides, John B. Cole Jan 2003

Population Structure And Genetics Of Longevity In A Colony Of Dog Guides, John B. Cole

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The objectives of this study were the description of changes in genetic diversity in a colony of dog guides since its founding, and the investigation of the genetics of longevity in that population. Two breeds of dog, German Shepherds (GS) and Labrador Retrievers (LR), were evaluated. There were rapid increases in average pairwise relationship in both breeds, although the average was approximately one-third higher in the GS population than in the LR population. A similar trend was observed for average inbreeding. In the current generation, relationship and inbreeding for all animals averaged 25.3% and 26.2% in GS and 15.5% and …


Using Self-Determination Theory To Understand African American Women's Physical Activity Patterns, Joan B. Landry Jan 2003

Using Self-Determination Theory To Understand African American Women's Physical Activity Patterns, Joan B. Landry

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Physical inactivity is a major health risk factor in our society. Women and minority populations are especially at risk with regard to physical inactivity. This three-part study employed quantitative and qualitative methodologies to investigate physical activity behaviors in middle aged and older African American women. This population was chosen because African American women are the least active segment of our society. In the first phase, a quantitative approach was used to investigate relationships between Self-Determination and the Stage of Change for physical activity in a sample of 105 African American women. This study provided validation for using this theoretical approach …


Random Centroid Optimization Of Lutein-Enriched Oil In Water Emulsion At Acidic Ph, Armen Khachatryan Jan 2003

Random Centroid Optimization Of Lutein-Enriched Oil In Water Emulsion At Acidic Ph, Armen Khachatryan

LSU Master's Theses

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a physiological condition that affects the elderly, diabetic patients, and leads to loss of vision. There are no effective therapies for AMD. The role of nutrition in preventing AMD is receiving strong scientific scrutiny. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been identified as dietary strategies that can delay the onset of AMD. Consumption of at least six milligrams of lutein per day has been reported to delay the onset of AMD by as much as 43%. However, most available food sources contain such low levels of lutein that it would be difficult to meet the daily requirement. …


Use Of Urine Ph To Predict Incidence Of Ketosis In Transition Dairy Cows, Amy Elizabeth Beem Jan 2003

Use Of Urine Ph To Predict Incidence Of Ketosis In Transition Dairy Cows, Amy Elizabeth Beem

LSU Master's Theses

Forty-one (10 primiparous and 31 multiparous) Holstein cows were used in an experiment to determine the effects of prepartum dietary energy (PDE) and supplemental Ca-propionate on the incidence of ketosis in transition dairy cows and to evaluate the usefulness of urine pH as a predictor for ketosis. Treatment factors were prepartum dietary energy concentration (normal vs. high) with or without 113.5g Ca-Propionate/day (Nutro Cal®, Kemin Industries, Inc., Des Moines, IA). All cows were fed the same basal diet postpartum. Ca-propionate supplementation continued postpartum. Cows were individually fed and dry matter intakes (DMI) were measured daily. Milk production was measured and …


A Comparison Of Microbial Communities In Soil With And Without A Sugarcane Cropping, Carolyn Faye Savario Jan 2003

A Comparison Of Microbial Communities In Soil With And Without A Sugarcane Cropping, Carolyn Faye Savario

LSU Master's Theses

Sugarcane (inter-specific hybrids of Saccharum) is grown largely under long-term monoculture production in Louisiana. This can lead to a complex problem termed "yield decline" that results in poor root health and reduced productive capacity of sugarcane. This problem has been documented to be a limiting factor for sugarcane production in diverse regions, including Louisiana, Hawaii, Jamaica, and Australia. Previous work showed that biological factors affect root health and contribute to yield decline. The objectives of this study were to increase our understanding of microbial communities in sugarcane soils, to determine if there are differences in microbial communities associated with sugarcane …


Economic Analysis Of The Best Management Practices (Bmps) In Louisiana Sugarcane Production, Ying Zhong Jan 2003

Economic Analysis Of The Best Management Practices (Bmps) In Louisiana Sugarcane Production, Ying Zhong

LSU Master's Theses

Agriculture has been identified as one of the major sources of nonpoint water pollution due to discharges running off farmland. This study assessed the current adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the Louisiana sugarcane industry and provided policy recommendations based on the empirical results. Fifteen BMPs recommended by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center were examined in three categories: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, Nutrient Management, and Pesticide Management. Based on neoclassical economic principles of individual’s utility maximization, this study evaluated seven multivariate probit models using primary data collected from a mail survey of Louisiana’s sugarcane producers. The results indicated …


Studies On Rice Transformation And The Use Of Transformed Plants [Electronic Resource], Qiming Shao Jan 2003

Studies On Rice Transformation And The Use Of Transformed Plants [Electronic Resource], Qiming Shao

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This research was conducted to enhance utilization of the Liberty herbicide resistance transgene in rice. Non-lethal methods to determine the sensitivity of transgenic rice plants to hygromycin B and Liberty were developed, tested and used in this research. Four homozygous transformed plants were selected to make reciprocal crosses with their non-transformed parent cultivars Taipei 309 and Nipponbare. Their resistances to Liberty and hygromycin B were controlled by the closely linked single dominant genes bar and hpt. Some non-resistant phenotypes in the F2 populations were due to gene silencing. The bar gene in some of these plants were allelic and some …


Potential Functionality And Digestibility Of Oryzanol As Determined Using In Vitro Cell Culture Models, Chih-Chun Jean Huang Jan 2003

Potential Functionality And Digestibility Of Oryzanol As Determined Using In Vitro Cell Culture Models, Chih-Chun Jean Huang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A mouse lymphatic endothelial cell (SVEC4-10) model and a human intestinal cell (C2BBe1) model in vitro were developed and capable to be used to study antioxidant activity, hypocholesterolemic capability and digestibility of γ-oryzanol. The critical and vital parameters in developing these cell models were the emulsion preparation of hydrophobic compounds for cell models, the consistent management of cell culture, and the selection of cell viability detection methods compatible with the cell lines and the test substances. The results showed that, in some situations, γ-oryzanol could present a more effective antioxidant activity than α-tocopherol, in terms of reducing tert-butyl hydroperoxide promoted …


Arterial And Venous Adaptations To Short-Term Handgrip Exercise Training, Mahmoud Awad Alomari Jan 2003

Arterial And Venous Adaptations To Short-Term Handgrip Exercise Training, Mahmoud Awad Alomari

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Four studies on vascular and exercise physiology are presented in this document. The 1st study examined the relationships between measures of fitness and FVF in 55 young [22.6 ± 3.5 years] adults. Estimated VO2peak correlated with arterial inflow (Ainf) [r=0.54; p=0.012] and resting venous outflow (Vout) [r=0.56; p=0.016]. Lastly, HG strength was associated with Vcap [r=0.57; p=0.007] and Vout [r=0.67; p=0.001]. The 2nd study examined the relationship between FVF and exercise tolerance (ExT) in 20 patients with HF [age: 59 ± 13 years] and 10 age-matched controls [age: 51 ± 16 years. The ExT was measured as the maximum …


Thrips Species Composition In Louisiana Cotton And Associated Management Strategies, Donald Ray Cook Jan 2003

Thrips Species Composition In Louisiana Cotton And Associated Management Strategies, Donald Ray Cook

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The common species of thrips infesting cotton seedlings include flower thrips, Frankliniella tritici (Fitch); tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds); western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande); onion thrips, Thrips tabaci (Lindeman); and soybean thrips, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach). In surveys of cotton seedlings at several locations in Louisiana, tobacco thrips was the most common species. The occurrence of flower thrips and soybean thrips was variable. Western flower thrips accounted for < 15% of adults collected at all locations, except two. The performance of acephate and imidacloprid applied as seed treatments and in-furrow, and aldicarb applied in-furrow was evaluated for thrips management across different production environments. Insecticide treatments reduced thrips densities and delayed development of thrips larval populations. The at-planting insecticides influenced thrips species composition in some instances. In studies to evaluate the effects of winter-spring vegetation type (native vegetation and wheat) on aldicarb efficacy, vegetation type did not influence thrips densities on cotton, with one exception. Aldicarb reduced thrips densities regardless of vegetation type. Vegetation type or insecticide treatments did not influence lint yield. Increasing aldicarb rates generally did not improve thrips control. Aldicarb rates currently recommended in conventional tillage systems should be adequate for systems that incorporate winter-spring vegetation as cover crops. Additional studies were conducted to further investigate the influence of thrips on crop maturity and yield. The addition of an at-planting insecticide improved lint yield in one of six tests. Thrips infestations did not affect crop maturity, and with few exceptions boll distribution and boll retention. The majority of these exceptions were associated with the test where the addition of an at-planting insecticide improved lint yield. Several soil applied at-planting insecticides were evaluated against tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), in a field caged infestation study. Acephate and imidacloprid provided little control of tarnished plant bugs. Thiamethoxam and aldicarb resulted in ≥ 50% tarnished plant bug mortality until 10 and 18 DAE, respectively. These are the first reports of western flower thrips infesting cotton seedlings in Louisiana. The addition of an at-planting insecticide provided control of thrips, but affects on crop maturity and yield were variable.


Proportional Assessment Of X And Y Chromosome-Bearing Spermatozoa In Bull And Boar Ejaculates Using Conventional And Real-Time Pcr Techniques, Julius Braden Paul Jan 2003

Proportional Assessment Of X And Y Chromosome-Bearing Spermatozoa In Bull And Boar Ejaculates Using Conventional And Real-Time Pcr Techniques, Julius Braden Paul

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Considerable variation in the percentage of Y-chromosome bearing spermatozoa (%Y-CBS) between ejaculates in the same male has been reported. Collection regime has been speculated to influence the degree of variation in %Y-CBS in bull ejaculates (Chandler et al., 1998). Experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of two collection regimes on %Y-CBS. Conventional PCR combined with gel electrophoresis and image analysis was employed to determine %Y-CBS in ejaculates from two bulls collected on 7-day intervals and two bulls on 21-day intervals. Real-time PCR technology was used to quantify %Y-CBS in the same ejaculates. Boar ejaculates were also analyzed with both …


Factors Affecting Plant Location Decisions Of U.S. Broiler Executives, Pramod Sambidi Jan 2003

Factors Affecting Plant Location Decisions Of U.S. Broiler Executives, Pramod Sambidi

LSU Master's Theses

The broiler operations in the United States, which are concentrated in the southeast and south central regions are unevenly distributed within those states. The major concern for Louisiana¡¯s broiler industry is that even though its production is increasing every year it is relatively low compared to many other southeastern states. This study analyzes the relative importance of factors that affect location decision of a broiler complex. A national survey of broiler industry executives is conducted to analyze site-specific factors related to the broiler-complex location problem. Conjoint analysis is used to measure the relative importance of each attribute in the location …


Analyzing Changes In Contractual Practices In The Louisiana Nursery Industry, Roberto E. Navajas Jan 2003

Analyzing Changes In Contractual Practices In The Louisiana Nursery Industry, Roberto E. Navajas

LSU Master's Theses

The flow of nursery products through the different market channels has changed over the past decade. As mass-merchandisers’ market share increased, buyers of nursery product imposed conditions on nursery growers in terms of their business practices as well as the presentation of the product itself. This study analyzed changes in contractual terms between buyer and sellers for two market channels; mass-merchandisers and garden centers. The items evaluated were that product information tags be applied, barcode stickers be applied, special containers be used, transportation to retailer be paid by the seller, returnable shipping equipment be supplied by the grower, on-time delivery …


Cryopreservation By Pellet Freezing Of Epididymal And Ejaculated Spermatozoa From Male Dogs, Brooke Fahrig Jan 2003

Cryopreservation By Pellet Freezing Of Epididymal And Ejaculated Spermatozoa From Male Dogs, Brooke Fahrig

LSU Master's Theses

In this study, I evaluated the cryopreservation by pellet freezing of spermatozoa from individual dogs. In Experiment I, spermatozoa from 15 pairs of epididymides were suspended in glycerol, frozen as pellets of 10, 50, 100, or 200 μl volumes, and thawed by dilution with TALP (Tyrode's solution plus albumin, lactate, pyruvate). In Experiment II, spermatozoa from 16 pairs of epididymides were suspended in glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide, or ethylene glycol, frozen as 100 μl pellets, and thawed by dilution with TALP, canine capacitation medium (CCM), or 3% sodium citrate solution. In Experiment III, spermatozoa from 15 pairs of epididymides were suspended …


The Effect Of Environmental Context On Performance Outcomes And Movement Coordination Changes During The Learning Of Complex Motor Skills, Jennifer Johnson Jeansonne Jan 2003

The Effect Of Environmental Context On Performance Outcomes And Movement Coordination Changes During The Learning Of Complex Motor Skills, Jennifer Johnson Jeansonne

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Four experiments presented here investigated the task demand relationship of intertrial variability (IV) and regulatory conditions (RC), on the outcome and movement changes that occurred with dart throwing practice. The four tasks included: (1) a stationary target with one location (closed w/no IV), (2) a stationary target with five possible locations (closed w/IV), (3) a moving target with one movement pattern (open w/no IV), (4) a moving target with five possible movement patterns (open w/IV). After each throw, the X, Y coordinates of the dart and the target were recorded to calculate radial error (RE). Kinematics was recorded using an …


An Economic Analysis Of Homeowners' Preferences And Perceptions Regarding Termite Prevention And Control In Louisiana, Doleswar Bhandari Jan 2003

An Economic Analysis Of Homeowners' Preferences And Perceptions Regarding Termite Prevention And Control In Louisiana, Doleswar Bhandari

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis used a mail survey to collect data on homeowners' preferences and perceptions regarding termite prevention and control in four metropolitan areas of Louisiana (Monroe, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans). Respondents were asked to rank four different alternatives differing in cost, treatment choice, and number of inspections on termite control options. These ordered preference data were then analyzed using a contingent ranking method to determine the homeowner's choice for termite control. It was found that more than three-fourths (77%) of homeowners preferred to control termites and were willing to pay for it. In addition to contingent ranking, willingness …


Gender Differences In Participation Of Physical Activities: A Comprehensive Model Approach, Kay Gordon Daigle Jan 2003

Gender Differences In Participation Of Physical Activities: A Comprehensive Model Approach, Kay Gordon Daigle

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships among gender, perceptions of peer, parent, and teacher support, perceived value and meaningfulness, perceived competence, and the intention to be physically active within a proposed model. Female and male students (N=801) enrolled in a traditional multi-activity physical education class responded to a 52-item questionnaire addressing the constructs in the model. Structural equation modeling, using LISREL, was used to identify the relationships among the constructs. Gender differences emerged in this model through direct paths as well as indirect paths among these variables. Girls were more influenced than boys by their perceptions …


Oocyte Production In The Early Postpartum Cow, Oscar Perez Jan 2003

Oocyte Production In The Early Postpartum Cow, Oscar Perez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The postpartum period has been the focus of numerous studies; however, there is no information available relating to oocyte production in early postpartum cows. Ovaries of early postpartum cows were stimulated with FSH to produce follicular development and oocytes. The objectives of these studies were: (1) to evaluate the use of FSH for oocyte production in early postpartum beef cows, (2) to evaluate follicular response and oocyte quality of beef cows treated with FSH shortly after calving, (3) to evaluate FSH for oocyte production in early postpartum dairy cows, (4) to evaluate responses of FSH-treated, early postpartum beef cows in …


Purification And Antioxidant Activities Of Soybean Isoflavones, Qiju Wu Jan 2003

Purification And Antioxidant Activities Of Soybean Isoflavones, Qiju Wu

LSU Master's Theses

An efficient procedure was developed and used to extract and purify isoflavones from defatted soy flour. The purity of the final product reached 94%. The antioxidant activities of soybean isoflavones (genistein and daidzein purchased from Sigma Chemical Co, and a mixture of isoflavone glycosides extracted from defatted soy flour) were investigated by a cholesterol oxidation model accelerated by 2,2’-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). All components exhibited very high antioxidant activities in the inhibition of cholesterol oxidation. Genistein had higher inhibition to the formation of 5,6beta-epoxycholesterol (5,6b-EP) and 7-ketocholesterol (7-keto), while no significant difference was found between the antioxidant activities of daidzein and …


Biology And Ecology Of Leptographium Species And Their Vectos As Components Of Loblolly Pine Decline, Lori G. Eckhardt Jan 2003

Biology And Ecology Of Leptographium Species And Their Vectos As Components Of Loblolly Pine Decline, Lori G. Eckhardt

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) decline (LPD) has been present in upland sites of central Alabama since the 1960s. Symptoms of LPD (fine root deterioration, short chlorotic needles, sparse crowns, reduced radial growth) begin in the 30-40 yr age class, resulting in premature death at ages 35-50. Previously, declining loblolly was diagnosed as littleleaf disease (LLD); however, site conditions associated with LPD are different from LLD sites. Littleleaf disease only occurs on eroded, heavy clay soils and is secondarily associated with the fungus, Phytophthora cinnamomi. In contrast, LPD occurs on sandy, well-drained soils and is associated with Leptographium spp., as …


The Effects Of Composition And Processing Of Milk On Foam Characteristics As Measured By Steam Frothing, Michael Levy Jan 2003

The Effects Of Composition And Processing Of Milk On Foam Characteristics As Measured By Steam Frothing, Michael Levy

LSU Master's Theses

Steam frothing of milk is required to produce an acceptable foam for many espresso coffee drinks. Specific aspects of composition and processing may affect the foaming properties of milk. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fat content, heat treatment, free fatty acid addition and storage time on the frothing properties of milk. The four treatments included: fat content (0.08% and 3.25%), pasteurization temperatures (171°F for 15 seconds and 210°F for 45 seconds), pre and post-pasteurization addition of lauric acid solution (0.0% and 2.0% of 0.5 M concentration) and storage time (1 and 10 days). For …


Collective Efficacy: A Framework For Understanding Classroom Teacher's Perceptions Of Integrating Physical Activity, Melissa Ann Park Jan 2003

Collective Efficacy: A Framework For Understanding Classroom Teacher's Perceptions Of Integrating Physical Activity, Melissa Ann Park

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Children’s physical inactivity is becoming an important health concern, and it has been suggested by professionals that school programs can be important in the effort to increase activity levels. Physical education specialists cannot achieve the goal of significantly increasing children’s activity in isolation, and it is apparent that whole school programs at the elementary level have the potential to foster active lifestyles. If those programs are to be successful, all school personnel must play a role, so it is important to find ways to facilitate their involvement. The purpose of this study was to use collective efficacy as a framework …