Life Sciences Commons^™

Carnitine Mediated Alterations Of Ethanol And Fatty Acid Metabolism, Randall L. Mynatt

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the effect of dietary carnitine supplementation on ethanol and fatty acid metabolism. Rats were fed Purina chow as such (non-supplemented, NS) or supplemented with 0.5% L-carnitine supplemented CS). Carnitine supplementation for 7d resulted in decreased oxidation of an oral dose of [1-¹⁴C]-ethanol. Expired ¹⁴CO₂ was significantly reduced at hours 4-12 in the CS group. There were no significant differences in urinary excretion of the ¹⁴C-label remaining in tissues after 12h was also not significantly affected by carnitine supplementation. Blood-ethanol concentrations (BEC) were 88.5 and 125.9 mg/dl in …

The Demographic And Morphological Characteristics Of Black Bears In The Smoky Mountains, Peter Kleppinger Mclean

Doctoral Dissertations

Data on age, sex, body measurements, survival, and reproductive condition were collected from 1702 black bears (Ursus americanus) trapped in the Smoky Mountains (SM), 1972-1989. The age structure suggested a lightly to moderately exploited bear population. Bears of Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP or Park) were significantly (P = 0.026) older (mean = 4.52 yr) than those of Pisgah (3.86 yr) National Forest (P < 0.076). SM females had a mean minimum reproductive age of 4.2 yr, birth interval of 2.4 yr, and litter size of 2.0 cubs. The percentage of lactating females was significantly associated with age (X² = 20.6, 2 df, P < 0.001), and lactation rates were significantly related to white oak mast production (r² = 0.51, P < 0.01). The annual mortality rate was 26% and was lowest for Park bears (22%) and highest for those of the national forests (30%). Density ranged from 0.09 to 0.35 bears/km², and the intrinsic rate of growth (2-11%) indicated a slightly to moderately increasing population.

Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors govern the population. Food …