Life Sciences Commons^™

Rapid Method Of Processing Sperm For Nucleic Acid Extraction In Clinical Research, Matthew K. De Gannes

Masters Theses

Background: Sperm contain highly compact nuclei, inhibiting DNA extraction using traditional techniques. Current methods extracting sperm DNA involve lengthy lysis and no means of stabilizing DNA, hindering clinical research.

Objective: We sought to optimize an efficient method of extracting high quality human sperm DNA.

Methods: Sperm from three volunteers were isolated using PureCeption. We tested 1) proteinase K with DNA/RNA Shield, 2) DTT and TCEP as reducing agents, 3) QIAshredder homogenization, and 4) stability of sperm DNA fresh (baseline) or after 4 weeks of storage at 4^OC in DNA/RNA Shield using modified Quick-gDNA MiniPrep. DNA was PCR amplified …

Aminocyclopyrachlor Efficacy For Non-Cropland Weed Control, José Javier Vargas Almodóvar

Masters Theses

The production of chemicals for crop protection purposes evolved after World War II with the commercialization of the auxin herbicides 2,4-D and MCPA. Their utility and effectiveness created an interest for North American and European companies to develop and research thousands of agrochemicals available today.

Recently discovered and introduced to the market by DuPont Crop Protection, aminocyclopyrachlor is the first broad spectrum synthetic auxin herbicide in this chemical class, and is structurally similar to the auxin herbicides: aminopyralid, clopyralid and picloram. Aminocyclopyrachlor has activity on broadleaf weed species with limited activity on monocot species. Aminocyclopyrachlor is absorbed via plant roots …

The Effects Of Theophylline And 8-Cyclopentyltheophylline On The Respiratory Response To Carbon Dioxide In Neonatal Rats, Christine E. Albers

Masters Theses

Premature infants are often plagued with respiration problems ranging from periodic breathing to apnea. These respiratory complications can be a result of underdeveloped respiratory organs, immaturity of the brainstem respiratory control center, genetic irregularities, or a combination of all three. This study sought to increase respiration with the administration of methylxanthines, which are respiratory stimulants, coupled with carbon dioxide (CO₂), also a respiratory stimulant. Neonatal rats aged 4 to 7 days old were used to mimic premature infants' response to the interaction of methylxanthines and CO₂. Before beginning the respiratory studies, sections of a 4- and …

Eccentric Resistance Training And Blood Flow Restriction, Zachary Pope

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscular strength and hypertrophic response following a four week training intervention involving resistance exercise utilizing only eccentric muscle contractions with, or without blood flow restriction (BFR), as well as a control group maintaining their current training regimen. Sixteen young male volunteers were recruited to participate in this study. Prior to the training intervention, subjects attended three sessions in order to obtain demographic information (age, height, body mass) and familiarize each of the participants with the testing and training equipment. After the familiarization session, muscular strength was assessed via elbow flexion one …

Why Is There Still So Much Confusion About Vo2 Plateau? A Re-Examination Of The Work Of A.V. Hill, Richard Vincent Castle

Masters Theses

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) is regarded as the gold standard for assessing aerobic fitness. In 1923, Hill et al. proposed that VO_2max represents the maximal ability of the body to take in and consume O₂ during strenuous exercise. Recently, however, controversy has arisen over the issue of whether a leveling off, or "plateau" in VO₂ is necessary to verify attainment of VO_2max. Purpose: To compare two different VO_2max protocols and determine if both protocols show direct evidence of an upper limit on VO₂. Methods: Nine runners (18-35 years old) completed …

Accuracy Of Physical Activity Monitors In Pregnant Women, Christopher P. Connolly

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine the step count accuracy of three pedometers and one accelerometer in pregnant women during treadmill walking. Methods: Subjects were 30 women in the second or third trimester (20-36 weeks) who were screened for pregnancy-related risk factors. Each subject was fitted with a belt containing three physical activity monitors: Yamax Digiwalker SW-200 (DW), New Lifestyles NL 2000 (NL), and GT3X Actigraph accelerometer (ACT). The Omron HJ-720 (HJ) was placed in the pants pocket. Subjects walked at 54, 67, 80, and 94 m•min-1 for two minutes each. Actual steps were determined by an investigator using a hand-tally counter. Percentage …

Early Vessel Evolution And The Diversification Of Wood Function: Insights From The Malagasy Canellales, Patrick Joseph Hudson

Masters Theses

Xylem vessels have long been proposed as a key innovation for the ecological diversification of angiosperms by providing a breakthrough in hydraulic efficiency to support high rates of photosynthesis and growth. However, recent studies demonstrated that angiosperm woods with structurally ‘primitive’ vessels did not have greater whole stem hydraulic capacities as compared to vesselless angiosperms. As an alternative to the hydraulic superiority hypothesis, the heteroxylly hypothesis proposes that subtle hydraulic efficiencies of primitive vessels over tracheids enabled new directions of functional specialization in the wood. However, the functional properties of early heteroxyllous wood remain unknown. We selected the two species …

Changes In Body Composition And Physical Activity Behavior In A Group Of College Freshmen, Tracy A. Swibas

Masters Theses

PURPOSE: To compare: 1-the physiological profile of former athletes (Ath) and non-athletes (Non-Ath) upon college entrance, 2-PA levels in these groups, and 3-changes in physiological profile and PA level of former Ath and Non-Ath and females and males over the course of freshman year. Sixty-two college freshmen were tested during the initial weeks of the school year and again during the final weeks of the school year; the sample consisted of 32 former Ath (18 females and 14 males) and 30 Non-Ath (19 females and 11 males). METHODS: Body composition (BC) was assessed using the Bod Pod with a conversion …

Physical Activity Levels Of College Freshman: Comparison Of Surveys With Objective Measures Of Physical Activity, Lois Amber Mcmahan

Masters Theses

PURPOSE: This study compared measures of physical activity (PA) taken from the 7- day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) with those obtained from the NL 2000 (NL) and Lifecorder (LC) accelerometers in entering, college freshmen.

METHODS: 47 males and 64 females (overall age =18.5±.3 yrs, wt. = 68.7±14.4 kg, and BMI = 23.7 ±4.9) volunteered and signed an informed consent form. All subjects wore the NL for 7 days, and half wore the LC as well. After the 7 days the subjects completed the PAR and IPAQ.

RESULTS: There was a strong agreement between …

The Influence Of Landing Technique Versus Technique And Strength Training On Valgus Knee Deformity In Females, Kirsten R. Holmes

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of landing technique training versus landing technique and plyometric/strength training program on knee valgus during landing in females. Subjects participated in a 6-week training program. A 2 X 3 repeated measures ANOVA with two within subjects’ factors Test and Group was used to test for differences in the knee valgus angle in the landing condition and the five jump condition. A 2 x 2 repeated measures ANOVA with two within subjects’ factors, was used to test for difference in knee extension strength and knee flexion strength. Pre-test knee-valgus 4.76 ± …

The Effects Of Strength Training On The Bone Mineral Density Of Aerobically Trained Perimenopausal Women, Jill Marie Kowalski

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a strength training program has an effect on the bone mineral density of aerobically trained perimenopausal women. The study also hoped to determine if high intensity strength training with low repetitions will result in a greater increase in bone density as compared with low intensity strength training with high repetitions. The duration of the study was six months.

The participants were twenty-five aerobically trained perimenopausal female volunteers. They were randomly selected to be in one of three groups. Group 1 was the aerobic control where the participants continued with their aerobic …

The Effect Of Two States Of Hydration On Muscular Endurance In Men, Melissa L. Petrucci

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two states of hydration has an effect on muscular endurance in men. Two groups of four men randomly assigned to each group participated in both states of hydration. Both groups were tested at baseline for height, weight, intra- and extra-cellular water, total body water, and a one-repetition maximum strength test. Subjects were then tested after a 24 hour period of water deprivation, and after a 24 hour period of normal water intake (8 ten oz glasses of water). A urine specific gravity test, intra- and extra-cellular water, total body …

A Comparison Of Nutritional Knowledge, Eating Attitudes, Training Regimens, And Body Composition Between Normal And Abnormal Menstruating Female Adolescent Cross Country Athletes, Dena Maureen Block

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare factors that may influence menstrual irregularities of female adolescent high school cross-country runners, ranging from 13-18 years of age. A survey was utilized to determine the subjects age, year in school, exercise history, menstrual history, and training regimens and where the subjects sought nutritional information. The groups were separated according to their current menstrual status. One group (normal) consisted of subjects who currently had a normal menstrual cycle for at least one year (n=17), while the other group (abnormal) (n=18) experienced an irregular menstrual cycle.

A twenty item questionnaire was administered to …

A Kinematic And Kinetic Analysis Of First, Fourth, And Fifth Positions In The Classical Ballet Method, Mary Sue Hill

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to compare electromyography (EMG) responses, ground reaction forces, and torques on female college-age dancers' knees in selected positions. Subjects were 18 female dancers, aged 18 to 30 years, with 6 subjects from each of three levels: Ballet Technique I, II, and III. The rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis were analyzed in a grande plie in three positions, (1) first, (2) fourth, and (3) fifth, with two phases: (1) eccentric, and (2) concentric. No differences in force or EMG data were found for the concentric phases of the three positions. Significant differences were …

The Influence Of Environmental Ph And Bicarbonate Concentration On The Excretion Of Nitrogenous Waste Products In Two Species Of Freshwater Teleost, Paul D. Fabsits

Masters Theses

The catabolism of amino acids derived from dietary protein results in the production of ammonia and bicarbonate ion, waste products that an animal must eliminate. Often, animals excrete a nitrogenous waste product that is correlated with water availability: Freshwater fish, living where water is abundant, usually excrete ammonia while terrestrial animals excrete urea or uric acid. Recent studies report that fish inhabiting alkaline waters (pH 10) characterized by high bicarbonate concentrations do not excrete ammonia, instead synthesize urea, an energetically expensive process. The conversion to urea excretion by a normally ammonotelic animal is likely to be stimulated by a specific …

The Effect Of High Intensity Exercise Training Verses Low Intensity Exercise Training On Fractionated Plasma High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Teresa L. Spate

Masters Theses

Exercise training is thought to result in an elevation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the cardioprotective subfraction HDL{dollar}\sb2{dollar}. Twenty-five healthy women (39 {dollar}\pm{dollar} 7.8 yrs; 70 {dollar}\pm{dollar} 14 kg) walked two miles three times per week for 12 weeks to examine the effect of exercise intensity on the HDL profile. The L.I. group (N = 12) walked at 60% of the heart rate reserve (HRR) and the H.I. group (N = 13) walked at 80% HRR both maintaining the prescribed distance and frequency. A 22% increase in total HDL (from 32 {dollar}\pm{dollar} 6 to 39 {dollar}\pm{dollar} 8 mg/dl) and a …

Frequency Of Attainment Of Plateau In Maximal Oxygen Consumption In Differentially Trained Athletes, Jeffrey Michael Seda

Masters Theses

A plateau in oxygen consumption during exercise testing has been considered a requisite indicator of achievement of true maximal oxygen consumption. The wide range of reported percentages of subjects revealing a plateau (7 to 80 percent) indicates that closer analysis of factors that may influence plateau attainment is necessary. This study examined the frequency of plateau attainment in two groups of differentially trained subjects. One group (TR) of 12 males (ages 18-36) were trained runners and the other group (WL) of 12 males (ages 18-31) consisted of trained weight lifters. The subjects participated in a series of maximal exercise tests …

Can Critical Power Predict And Monitor Swimming Performance?, Michelle L. Stoppenhagen-Noll

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if critical power (CP) can be used to predict and monitor swimming performance. Fifteen female collegiate swimmers from Eastern Illinois University volunteered as subjects for this study. CP was measured on an arm ergometer. Freestyle performances in the 50 and 100 yard distances were also measured. All three tests were measured both pre- and post-season. Results indicated that CP can predict performance in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle swims. Those with higher CP will swim faster. CP can monitor improvement in 50 yard times. CP is not a good indicator of …

An Electromyographic Study Of Forward Vs Retrograde Stair Climbing On The Stairmaster 4000 Pt Machine, W. Lynette Rasmussen Thornburgh

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate, through electromyography, whether forward or retrograde stair climbing on the StairMaster 4000 PT machine demonstrates a greater muscle contraction duration, differences in intensity of muscle contractions, or variation in initiation of muscle contractions. The muscles examined were the Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, and Biceps Femoris. A gender difference was also evaluated.

Twenty-one subjects apparently healthy volunteered for this study. There were two groups of ten male subjects and eleven female subjects. Subjects were assigned to subgroups according to gender. The subgroups determined which position the subject was tested in first.

The descriptive …

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 …

Total Blood Cholesterol, Blood Triglyceride, And Blood Hdl Correlation, Rebecca Lynn Babler

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between total blood cholesterol levels, blood triglyceride levels, and blood HDL levels in men and women 20 to 80 years of age. All subjects fasted for 12 hours prior to having their blood drawn.

The computer program SPSSX (SPSSX, Inc., 1988) was used along with subprograms CONDESCRIPTIVE, CORRELATION, and ANOVA. Pearson Product Moment Correlations were calculated for all subjects, for male subjects, and for female subjects.

The study revealed a low correlation coefficient between blood cholesterol levels and blood triglyceride levels for all subjects, female subjects and male subjects. There …

A Comparison Between Physiological And Perceived Exertion During Maximal And Submaximal Treadmill Exercise At Three Menstrual Cycle Phases, Kathleen M. Mccune

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in physiological and subjective perceived exertion levels at maximal and submaximal treadmill exercise between three phases of the menstrual cycle in eumennorheic women.

Nine females of varying fitness levels were subjects in the study. None of the subjects were using oral contraception or hormone altering medications at the time of the study.

The subjects performed three separate maximal graded exercise tests (GXT) using the Balke protocol. During each GXT, oxygen uptake (VO₂), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory quotient (RQ), rate of perceived exertion, and total time …

Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Electromyographic, And Rpe Responses To Isotonic Versus Isokinetic Exercise Performed On The Monark And Fitron Bicycle Ergometers, Patrice Annette Keil

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if any differences exist in relative efficiency of the subjects when riding a Monark bicycle ergometer as compared to a Fitron bicycle ergometer ridden at the same work rate. This efficiency was determined from levels of oxygen consumption, exercise heart rates, ratings of perceived exertion, blood pressure, and electromyographic recordings of four right leg muscles during exercise bouts on the two different bicycle ergometers.

Seventeen apparently healthy male subjects aged 42 to 78 years performed two tests, one on the Monark bicycle ergometer and one on the Fitron bicycle ergometer. Each test …

The Accuracy Of A Post-Exercise Heart Rate Determined By Electronic Monitoring And Radial Artery Palpation Following Swimming Exercise, Jonathan Kevin Kessel

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate through electronic monitoring whether immediate post-exercise heart rates determined in an erect position are an accurate representation of heart rates achieved during swimming exercises performed in the prone position. In addition, a comparison was made to determine what differences, if any, existed between immediate post-exercise heart rates determined by radial palpation and immediate recovery heart rates determined by electronic monitoring.

Fourteen male and four female members of the Eastern Illinois University Swim Program volunteered to be subjects.

Each of the subjects swam eight lengths of the pool (200 yds.) at approximately 60-70 …

The Effect Of Horseback Riding Activity On The Tibialis Anterior, Vastus Lateralis, And Rectus Abdominis Of A Paraplegic, Laurie A. Price

Masters Theses

Horses are now being used in various programs under various conditions. The use of horses for therapy and recreation for the physically and mentally disabled first began in Germany and Switzerland. The United States now has many schools and different riding programs as well.

Riding seems to be especially beneficial to those with neurological impairments. Treatment of paraplegia is very limited but recreational activities are advancing. The use of the horse is beneficial for paraplegics emotionally as well as physically. Measurements and evaluations of these benefits are lacking. This project analyzes and measures the physical benefits of horseback riding on …

The Effect Of Caloric Restriction And Exercise On Plasma Lipid And Lipoprotein Concentration, Jeffrey J. Zachwieja

Masters Theses

The independent and combined effects of exercise training and caloric restriction on the plasma concentration of lipid and lipoprotein was studied. Thirty-two female volunteers were assigned to one of three treatment groups; exercise only, diet only or diet plus exercise. The exercise only group participated in a walk/jog program three days per week. For 30 to 45 minutes these individuals either walked or jogged at a intensity which elicited a heart rate that was 70% of the max heart rate reserve. The diet only group participated in a behavior modification weight loss program which restricted caloric intake to 1200 kcals …

Steady State Oxygen Cost Of Arm Ergometry Using The Monark Rehab Trainer, Gregory R. Grazen

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine the steady state oxygen cost of arm crank ergometry with the Monark Rehab Trainer, a device used for exercise training in many cardiac rehabilitation programs. Fifteen male (25.2 yrs. ± 4.1) and fifteen female (23.8 yrs. ± 4.0) subjects were tested in the seated position with the mid-point of the crank wheel adjusted to shoulder height. No attempt was made to stabilize the shoulder girdle, as this is typically not done when training with this device. The test protocol for both groups consisted of progressive three minute work stages followed by a thirty second …

Menstrual Cycle Effects On Blood Pressure, Body Weight And Heart Rates During Rest, Exercise And Recovery On College Athletes, Dawn J. Shutter

Masters Theses

Ten members of the Eastern Illinois University women's track team were used as subjects to determine the relationship of body weight, blood pressure and heart rate during rest, exercise and recovery to menstruation.

The subjects were tested on two different occasions. The first test was administered within twenty-four hours of the onset of menstruation. The second test was conducted seven days later. During both testing periods blood pressure, body weight and resting heart rate measurements were taken before beginning the treadmill protocol (progressive grade and speed increases up to 4% and 8 mph, respectively). The subjects ran on a motor …

The Effect Of Walk Or Jog Recovery From Anaerobic Work On Blood Lactate Levels And Subsequent Two-Minute Run Performance, Rick Alan Livesey

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a walk or jog recovery on two-minute run performances and the concentrations of blood lactate.

Eight highly trained male subjects were selected from the Eastern Illinois University Track Team. The test procedure consisted of two, maximal two-minute runs on the track for distance, separated by a 30-minute recovery. The recovery consisted of a walk at 20-minutes per mile pace or a jog at 7½ to 8 minutes per mile pace. Venous blood samples were drawn three minutes after the first run, two minutes prior to the second run, and …

A Cardiovascular Exercise Program For A Paraplegic Amputee, Roger D. Wells

Masters Theses

The intent of the study was to establish a ten week cardiovascular exercise program for a paraplegic amputee and evaluate the effects through a selected battery of physiological tests and measurements. Included were body weight, skinfold thickness, reaction time, grip strength, static and dynamic lung volumes, heart rate, blood pressure, resting VO2 and maximum VO2. A careful training record was kept and the subject also made observations concerning his feelings about the training.

The subject, D.L.W. was a 37 year old male faculty member at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. He was given a complete physical examination and a …