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An Investigation Of The Environmental Relationships Of Selected Forest Habitat Types In Northern Utah, Penelope Morgan Lawton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It was the purpose of this study to examine an assumption basic to the forest habitat type classification system. Included in each habitat type is all land capable of supporting a single climax plant community type. In practice, land is grouped based on species camposition, relative abundance, and successional trends of the vegetation supported by the land. Land units of the same habitat type are assumed to represent similar environments. No previous critical evaluation of this assumption has been done.

Land in the study area had been previously classified under the habitat type system. Relationships between vegetation and environment were …

Cow Brain Glutaminase: Purification, Characterization, And Mechanism Of Action, Fulung John Chiu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A simple, quick, and sensitive radiometric assay for glutaminase has been established. This assay uses L-(U-¹⁴C)-glutamine as the substrate and measures the ¹⁴CO₂ produced when the reaction is coupled to glutamate decarboxylase. An efficient purification procedure for cow brain glutaminase has also been developed; the yield is 12%. Steps include acetone extraction, ammonium sulfate fractionation, calcium phosphate gel treatment, and differential gel filtration on Sepharose 4B. The final preparation has a specific activity of 385 μmole/min/mg and shows a single protein band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate; this band corresponds to a …

An Electron Microscopic Examination Of Spermiogenesis In The Recessive Sex-Linked Male-Sterile Mutant, Ms(1)10s Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Lizabeth A. Perkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Electron microscopy of the testes of mutant ms(1)10S of Drosophila melanogaster is characterized by three major defects in the tail region of the developing spermatid. One is the apparent lack of paracrystalline body formation. The second is the loss of the primary derivative as development proceeds, and the third is the breakup and incorporation of the plasma membrane and periaxonemal sheath into membranous whorls. The mutant shows different patterns of axonemal breakup depending on the stage of differentiation in which degeneration begins. Degeneration continues until only cellular debris, scattered axonemal profiles and membranous whorls are all that are seen …

Sodium And Potassium Nutrition Studies Of Halogeton Glomeratus (M. Bieb) C.A. Mey, Ali A. Alhelal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Halogeton glomeratus (M. Bieb) C.A. Mey when grown in nutrient solution, caused the solution pH to decrease very rapidly as plants increased in size, especially during the fifth week of growth. This might be attributed to hydrogen ion exchange for cations. Also, the cation uptake, especially K and Na, may exceed that of the major anions. The control of pH is effective in increasing shoot weights markedly.

In general there was no difference between plants grown at the same NaCl concentration at low and high relative humidity. An increase in plant size, shoot weights, leaf length and diameter was detected …

Coyote-Prey Relationships In Curlew Valley During A Period Of Low Jackrabbit Density, Stephen W. Hoffman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Coyote-prey relationships were examined in Curlew Valley, northern Utah and southern Idaho, during a period of low jackrabbit density (from September 1973 to May 1975). The Utah and Idaho portions of Curlew Valley were treated separately. Field work provided estimates of relative and absolute rodent densities as well as relative coyote density each spring and fall. Laboratory analysis of over 2,300 scats and 249 stomachs provided detailed information on coyote diets. Jackrabbit population data for northern Utah were obtained from L. Charles Stoddart.

Four species, Peromyscus maniculatus, Perognathus parvus, Eutamias minimus, and Dipodomys ordii comprised over 90 …

Reproductive Modes Of The Least Chub (Iotichthys Phlegethontis - Cope), Marianne Crawford

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The reproductive biology of the least chub Iotichthys phlegethontis (Cope) was studied from June 1976 to March 1978. Fish from both field and laboratory populations of the Leland Harris Spring Complex, Juab Co., Utah were utilized in the study. Reproduction in 1977 occurred from April to July in the field population and from April through August in the laboratory population.

Reproduction was determined from gross examination and weight measurements of testes and ovaries, breeding coloration in males and diameter measurements of ova.

Males and females matured at about the same size, 28 to 30 mm TL. The number of mature …

The Covalent Interaction Of Hepatic Metabolites Of The Insecticide Chlordane With Cellular Macromolecules In The Rat And Mouse In Vitro, Alan A. Brimfield

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This investigation addressed several aspects of the covalent interaction of metabolites of the insecticide chlordane with cellular macromolecules in vitro. Microsomal preparations from the liver of mice and rats were used and covalent binding to microsomal protein and RNA or to added calf thymus DNA was studied. Pure ¹⁴C-labelled cis- and trans-chlordane isomers as well as an isomeric mixture (¹⁴C-cis-chlordane plus ¹⁴C-trans-chlordane 3:1, w:w) were used as substrates for the in vitro system. Biochemical parameters investigated included inhibition of microsomal mixed-function oxidase and epoxide hydratase plus the induction of these enzymes by pretreatment with chlordane …

A Rapid And Specific Gas Chromatographic Analysis For Cysteine-S-Sulfonate To Determine The Distribution Of Sulfite In Mammalian Plasma, Joseph Don Debethizy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It has been shown in previous studies that when sulfite is absorbed by rabbits via either inhalation of SO₂ or oral exposure to sulfite, the hydrated form, bisulfite, interacts with plasma disulfides where it is suspected to be in the form, cysteine-S-sulfonate. A rapid and specific gas chromatographic analysis procedure for cysteine-S-sulfonate has been developed to better study the distribution of sulfite in biological systems. Sulfonated proteins are enzymatically hydrolyzed to ensure stability of the acid labile S-sulfonate disulfide. The hydrolysate is then applied to a 6 cm cation-exchange column and eluted with 0.1 N HCl which elutes the …

The Flora Of Leslie Gulch Malheur County, Oregon, James W. Grimes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A study of the flora of Leslie Gulch Malheur County, Oregon was undertaken to elucidate the relationships of the flora and of the endemic species in the flora, and to determine if these endemic species are restricted to their present distribution by chemical factors of their substrate.

A checklist of native plants and a description of the major communities was made and floristic relationships were studied.

Chemical and mineralogical tests such as emission spectrography, x-ray diffraction and cation-exchange capacity as well as physical tests such as particle-size distribution and gravimetric water content were performed.

The results of the tests gave …

Causative Factors And Some Consequences Of Dystocia In Two-Year-Old Heifers, Delyn Jensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Causative factors and some consequences of dystocia were examined in 3923 parturitions among Hereford and Angus x Hereford crossbred two-year-old heifers. Fifty percent of the parturitions required some assistance. Minor assistance was required in 34.5% of the parturitions and major assistance involving use of a calf puller, in 15.1%. Caesarean section and foetotomy were rendered in 0.3% and .05% of the cases, respectively. Abnormal presentation at birth, which included leg back, head back, backwards, hiplock and breech, was observed in only 2.9% of the births and therefore is a minor contributor to dystocia. The major causes of dystocia were not …

Larval Biology Of Some Utah Chrysididae, Bakary Vassery Ouayogode

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Biologies of eight chrysidid species were described. These wasps parasitized bees and wasps collected in trap nests set at several sites in two canyons near Logan, Utah. The completed nests were taken to the laboratory and the parasitized ones were kept for study of the development a l biology and behavior of both host and parasites.

The larval stages of Chrysura smaragdicolor, Chrysura sonorensis, Chrysis parkeri, Chrysis derivata, Chrysis coerulans, Cerotachrysis enhuycki, Trichrysis doriae and Hedychridium solierellae were studied. Omalus iridescens and Omalus purpuratus larvae were observed only in the fifth instar. The major …

The Wood And Bark Biomass And Production Of Populus Tremuloides, Abies Lasiocarpa And Picea Engelmannii In Northern Utah, George L. Zimmerman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Thirty-two engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) ranging in d.b.h. from 9.4 to 84.6 cm, twenty subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) with d.b.h.'s from 8.1 to 58.8 cm, and twenty aspen (Populus tremuloides) ranging in d.b.h. from 4.5 to 48.2 cm. were destructively sampled in Northern Utah to construct wood and bark biomass and production prediction equations for above and below ground parts. These prediction equations were then applied to stand table data from 20 x 25 meter plots representing a sere that changes from subalpine meadow to aspen to fir to a 'climax' stand of spruce. …

A Comparison Of Vocational Agricultural Facilities In Utah High Schools And Those In Selected States Of The Western Region As Perceived By Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Ray J. Tubbs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was limited to vocational agricultural teachers in Utah and ten agricultural teachers randomly selected from each of the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Questionnaires were completed and returned by a total of 54 Utah vocational agricultural teachers and 50 teachers from the other states. The questionnaires were designed to collect data concerning class size, requirements of the physical facilities and the budget allowed for teaching agricultural mechanics.

The study revealed a larger number of non-vocational agriculture students are enrolled in the agricultural programs in Utah than in the other states. The data …

Feeding Behavior And Habitat Selection Of Deer And Elk On Northern Utah Summer Range, William B. Collins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined feeding behaviors and habitat preferences of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) and elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) in aspen (Populus tremuloides) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) types. Specific purposes were 1) to determine where deer and elk, undisturbed by humans, prefer to graze and rest within these two types and 2) to consider what species- specific characteristics contribute to their differing forage and habitat preferences.

Tame free-ranging mule deer and elk were observed for 24-hour periods biweekly through summer to determine their grazing and resting preferences for various habitat subunits. …

Diffuse Irradiance In The Rocky Mountains At 40° Latitude, Brock Allen Lebaron

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A study of the parameters effecting diffuse irradiance in mountainous terrain was made. Ground/location parameters of site elevation, ground albedo, elevated horizon and surface tilt were examined under the pertinent atmospheric conditions of clear, polluted, overcast, and cloudy. Measured diffuse irradiance data used for comparisons were taken from fall 1977-spring 1979 at four sites located in northern Utah.

Diffuse irradiance varied with elevation according to the existing atmospheric conditions. For clear sky, diffuse irradiance decreased with elevation due to the shorter optical pathlength, thus less scatter of the direct beam. However, with completely overcast sky, diffuse irradiance increased with elevation. …

Population Limitation Of Jackrabbits: An Examination Of The Food Hypothesis, William R. Clark

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The study was conducted to examine the importance of forage resources in limiting peak population density of black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus). The research design combined field studies of jackrabbit diet and vegetation impact with computer simulation of herbivore nutrition and population dynamics. The relationships between available forage, dietary intake, energy and protein balance and population changes were compared for high and low population density. Hypotheses tested were : (1) Dietary composition is unaffected by availability above 10 kg/ha; (2) Jackrabbits do not require more forage than is available at high population densities; (3) Dietary composition is not significantly …

Estimation Of The Pantothenic Acid Content Of Foods Using A Microbiological Assay And A Radioimmunoassay, Joan Howe Walsh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Seventy-five processed and prepared foods commonly consumed in the United States were analyzed for pantothenic acid. The foods were analyzed using the traditional microbiological assay for the vitamin and using a new radioimmunoassay (RIA).

The preparation of food sample extracts for both assays was modified. After the food samples underwent enzyme hydrolysis, the food-enzyme mixture was dialyzed to obtain a clear extract for use in the assays. Previously, the food-enzyme mixture was poured through filter paper for clarification.

A very high correlation (r²= .937) between the results from the RIA and the microbiological assay was found. There was …

Enlightening Consumer Nutrition Decisions: Comparison Of A Graphical Nutrient Density Labeling Format With The Current Food Labeling System, Kristy Gregerson Mohr

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Providing consumers with usable nutrition information requires an effective labeling format. The objective of this study, which was conducted in a supermarket setting, was to determine whether consumers could, without previous instruction, make equally effective nutrition decisions using a graphic format based on nutrient density as when using the current labeling format. For comparison with other studies, a demographic, nutrition knowledge and nutrition labeling data base was collected. The questionnaire completed by each participating consumer included items regarding demographic data and shopping preferences, and questions evaluating nutrition knowledge for comparison as a data base with other studies. It also appraised …

Growth Of Phytophthora Infestans Race 1.2.4 And Synthesis Of Steroid Glycoalkaloids By The Fungus In Synthetic Media, Melanie R. Maas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A chemically defined synthetic medium was developed in which Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary race 1.2.4 grew extensively. This medium consisted of: 90.0 grams maltose, 20.0 grams DL-alanine, 20.0 grams L-proline, 1.0 gram KNO₃, 0.5 gram KH₂PO₄, 0.25 gram MgSO_4. 7H₂O, 1.0 milligram thiamin per liter of distilled water. The average level of growth in this medium was 0.5864 gram dry weight mycelium per 50 milliliters medium.

The glycoalkaloids, solanidine and solanine, were synthesized by Phytophthora infestans in the above medium with 62.5 percent of the samples positive and an overall …

Production Of Quick-Cooking Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.): Investigations On Antinutrients And Quality, Vishalakshi G. Iyer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Three bean varieties, namely, great northern, kidney, and pinto (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), were subjected to several physico-chemical treatments to reduce their cooking time. Soaking in a combination of salt solutions (sodium chloride, 2.5 percent+ sodium bicarbonate, 1.5 percent+ sodium tripolyphosphate, 1.0 percent + sodium carbonate, 0.5 percent) resulted in 80-85 percent reduction in cooking time. Irradiation (Γ-rays) at 500 Krads of soaked and dehydrated beans caused nearly 50 percent reduction in cooking time. High temperatures (37 and 45°C) and pH (9.0) caused greater water imbibation and total solids loss than room temperature (22°C) and pH 7.0. Organoleptic evaluation of beans …

Nutrient Intakes Of An Elderly Nursing Home Population, Gaynell Hutson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A dietary nutrient intake study of ninety-five residents of a nursing home in a rural community was conducted. Nutrient intakes were determined for seven consecutive days using the method of weighing food served and weighing food left by subjects. Patients on regular, diabetic, soft and sodium restricted diets were included in the study. Snacks consumed between meals and vitamin and mineral supplements were included in the nutrient intakes.

Height, weight, body mass index, tricept skinfold measurement and serum blood laboratory data were obtained for each subject. Activity levels were also determined.

Results showed the mean caloric intake of the men …

Cheese Flavor Development In Ultrafiltered Whole Milk Concentrates, David Long-Ying Hwang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The development of cheese flavor in ultrafiltered whole milk retentates was investigated. Acidified (pH 5.7) pasteurized whole milk was concentrated to 21% fat, 17% protein and 41% total solids, and then divided into six lots. Each lot was subdivided into three groups of two samples each. Each group was inoculated with one of three lactic cultures -- Streptococcus lactis C₆ , commercial mixed concentrated Marschall's MD294S or CCI299S. One sample in each group was treated with rennet and the other sample left rennet free. All samples were incubated at 30 C until the pH reached 5.2-5.1. Each of the …

Central Nervous System Toxicity Of Alpha-Chaconine In Rats, Charles Newell Aldous Iii

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Effects of alpha-chaconine were examined in the central nervous system on the basis of electrophysiological tests and by assaying for changes in the levels of several known neurotransmitters of the brain. The possibility that brain acetylcholine levels might increase corresponding to acetylcholinesterase inhibition in treated rats was investigated where an increase would suggest that the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of alpha-chaconine was physiologically significant.

Various doses of alpha-chaconine were given to rats prepared for physiological tests. Some symptoms were observed at relatively low doses (8 to 10 milligrams per kilogram). These included constriction of abdominal muscles, respiratory impairment, and sedation. At the …

Effects Of Acid Fermentation, Dry-Heat And Wet-Heat Processing On The Bioavailability Of Calcium, Iron And Fluoride In Mechanically-Deboned Beef, Tzy-Bin Nancy Tso

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Mechanically-deboned beef shank (MDS) and hand-deboned beef shank (HDS) were prepared into thuringer (acid fermented), canned meat (retorted) and bologna (dry-heated). Raw meat and these products were then lyophilized and mixed into balanced diets and fed to weanling male rats for three weeks to evaluate the bioavailability of calcium, iron and fluoride. Bioavailability of calcium from MDS and its processed products was determined by feeding growing male rats with 5.01 to 5.53 g Ca/kg from MDS. HDS diets with 0.18 to 7.13 g Ca/kg added from calcium carbonate were also fed to rats for a relative comparison. The bioavailability of …

The Effects Of Added Dietary Fat On Turkey Carcass Composition, Steven Ray Jensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The turkey industry is concerned with the effects of added dietary fat on turkey carcass composition. Rations were formulated containing different levels of added dietary fat, both with and without an adjustment in dietary protein level. Orlopp 91 tom turkeys were fed diets containing 2 percent added fat (control), 4 percent added fat (energy/protein ratio constant with the control), 6 percent added fat (energy/protein ratio constant with the control), and a diet containing 6 percent added fat with a higher energy/protein ratio than the control.

Data collected in the study showed that the percent fat in the dry matter of …

An Evaluation Of Heat Treatment And Ultrafiltration Of Skim Milk For Increasing Cottage Cheese Yields, Rajagopalan Narasimhan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The study involves two different approaches to increasing cottage cheese yields by the inclusion of whey proteins in the curd. They were the use of high heat treated skim milk and ultrafiltered skim milk retentates for cottage cheese making. Increasing the pasteurization temperature of skim milk from 61.8 to 79.4 C for 30 minutes resulted in 15.6% increase in cultured cottage cheese yields. However, the high heat cheese exhibited variable quality and was generally inferior to the control. Cheese making from high heat skim milk was done by cutting at the A.C. end point and using 30 ml of rennet …

Pollination Dynamics In Two Subalpine Flower Meadows, Peter Andrew Beedlow Iii

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Plant-pollinator interactions were studied in two subalpine meadows to determine the role of pollination in structuring the herbaceous flower communities. The majority of the entomophilous plant species set significantly less seed when caged to prevent visitation than when exposed to flower visitors. Visitation rate was directly related to temperature and radiation. The number of animal species visiting flowers each week was directly related to the number of plant species in bloom. Most visitor species used ≤3 species of plants, while most plant species hosted ≤8 species of flower visitors. Floral niche breadth increased with increasing animal species diversity, but animal …

Biology, Reproductive Potential And The Impact Of Fishing Pressure On The Bluegill Fishery Of Pelican Lake, Uintah County, Utah, Bob D. Burdick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Certain aspects of the biology of two species of fish, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and the assessment of fishing pressure upon the sport fishery of Pelican Lake, Uintah County, Utah, a 680 ha warmwater lake, were studied between April 1, 1976 and June 30, 1978. The growth rate of bluegills (sexes combined) was fairly rapid; the mean back-calculated total lengths from ages one through nine were 55, 112, 166, 194, 211, 229, 245, 256 and 259 mm. The growth of largemouth bass was 104, 194, 271, 316, 350, 405 and 416 mm …

Development And Validation Test Of A Mule Deer Habitat Rule, Glenn Gephart

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A mathematical description of Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) habitat was developed and subjected to validation testing using correlation and multiple regression statistical techniques. Data were collected on a central Utah study area, which was divided into mountain and desert regions.

Data on deer utilization and several habitat components from 86 study plots visited in 1976 were used to develop a habitat rule. Data from 46 study plots visited in 1977 were used to test the accuracy of the rule. Deer utilization was determined from pellet group counts on 20 0.001 ha pellet plots at each …

Two Basic Methodological Choices In Wildland Vegetation Inventories: Their Consequences And Implications, Donald Alan Shute

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In designing inventories of wildland vegetation, two of the many basic methodological choices are: 1) whether data are collected, reduced, and stored in discrete classes or as continuous variables, and 2) whether data are gathered as general purpose variables to bear upon many questions, or as specific purpose variables optimized for only one type of prediction. The effects of these two choices on accuracy of vegetation inventories to predict plant community production were examined by comparing regression models built upon differing sets of independent variables "inventoried" from a common data base. Contrary to expectations, discrete variables of classified community types …