Life Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Exercise On Tissue Concentrations Of Thyroid Hormones And On Thyroxine Degradation Rate In The Rat, William W. Winder

Theses and Dissertations

Several methods were used to detect changes in thyroid activity and in degradation of thyroxine (T4) in exercising and sedentary control rats. Rats were run in a motor-driven exercise wheel over a three-week period at progressively increasing work loads and then were run 1.5-2 hours per day for 10-14 days before sacrifice. Disappearance of injected T4-125I from plasma was considerably enhanced by exercise. As determined by isotopic equilibration and paper chromatographic methods, T4 concentration was depressed in plasma and elevated in liver of exercised rats. No significant changes in T4 concentration were observed in heart, kidney, or gastrocnemius muscle. Thyroidal …

Population Dynamics, Habitat Selection, And Partitioning Of Breeding Raptors In The Eastern Great Basin Of Utah, Dwight Glenn Smith

Theses and Dissertations

A comparative study of the breeding ecology of 12 raptor species was conducted in the eastern Great Basin from 1967-1970. The project was designed to determine the composition and densities, habitat selection, territoriality and predatory habits of raptorial birds in a semi-arid environment. All topics were analyzed comparatively, relating the requirements and activities of the 12 raptor species. Average yearly population densities of all species approximated 0.5 pairs per square mile. Predominant raptors were the Ferruginous Hawk and Great Horned Owl. The productivity of these and the other large raptors correlated closely with the abundance of their main food source, …

Effects Of Ionizing Radiations On Mite Populations At The Nevada Test Site, Richard Riddle Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Population and community studies dealing with radiation stress have essentially neglected the mites. When references have been made to the responses of mite populations to ionizing radiation, the form of radiation has almost always been gamma. This study reports results of naturally occurring populations of desert mites, at the Nevada Test Site, to ionizing radiation--largely beta. Eighteen species groups were identified from Berlese samples and tested for stress responses with species diversity indices and analyses of variations in predator-prey ratios. General agreement with previous studies showed a decreasing pattern in these two tests within the controls. This was interpreted as …

Post-Mortem Examination Of Cattle And Sheep For Parasitic Helminths, Phil Duke Wright

Theses and Dissertations

A survey of helminth parasites of sheep and cattle was conducted to determine the incidence and distribution of these parasites that could be detected by post-mortem examination. Animals were obtained from local abattoirs within the valley, and the viscera were examined for the presence of helminth parasites. Parasites identifies from sheep in order of highest incidence were: Haemonchus contorus, Ostertagia cicumcinta, Chabertia ovina, Nematodirus spathiger, Trichostongylus colubriformis, Thysanosoma actinioides, Trichuris ovis, N. filicollis, Echinococcus granulosus, Strongyloides papillosus, O. ostertagi, Cooperia oncophora, Cysticercus tenuicollis, Fasciola hepatica, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Moniezia expansa, and M. benedieni. Those recovered from cattle in order of highest …

A Comparative Morphological Study Of Bryobia Rubrioculus (Scheuten) (Acarina: Tetranychidae), Robert Lee Frommer

Theses and Dissertations

A comparative morphological study of Bryobia rubrioculus {Scheuten} from 24 worldwide sites was made to determine if enough significant variation existed to designate the mites from each locale as an isolated population. Forty-seven characters were then selected and measured for each mite and analyzed with Ward's error sum cluster analysis procedures. These analyses led to the conclusion that: {1} B. rubrioculus tends to form distinct populations within each respective locale, and mites from locales that did not form clusters are possibly a result of automictic parthenogenesis and introductions from other areas; {2} B. rubrioculus is distinctly separate from Bryobia praetiosa …

A Study Of Seed Germination And Establishment Of Seedlings Of Lodgepole Pine In Different Soil Types Under Certain Bog Conditions, Yun-Fan Yuan

Theses and Dissertations

Soil texture, organic matter content, and hydrogen-ion concentration of soil samples were determined to find the correlation between soil characteristics, seed germination and seedling establishment of Pinus contorta. Scarification and stratification were treatments used for determining germination requirements of dormant seeds. Seeds were planted in different soils and experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different light intensities, temperatures, and depths of the water table on apparent photosynthesis rate and seedling establishment. Soil samples, pine cones, and young trees needed for the experiments were collected near Lily Lake, in the Uintah Mountains. The greatest and the fastest germination was …

A Pectin Histochemical Study Of The Host Pathogen Relationship Between Pyrenochaeta Terrestris And Allium Cepa, Leroy Richard Cobia

Theses and Dissertations

The involvement of pectin and pectinases in the host pathogen interaction of P. terrestris and Allium cepa were investigated by use of pectin histochemical stains at the electron microscope level. Several different pectin histochemical stains were used, but only two (the hydroxylamine reaction, and the pectin stain developed in this study) gave reliable results. It was observed that by the time the fungus has reached the host cell wall pectinesterase and endoplygalacturonase have fully removed the pectin from the host cell wall. When this has occurred, cellulases are released which continue to degrade the host cell wall. Electron transparent areas …

Predatory Activity Of Chrysopa Carnea Stephens In The Integrated Control Of Mite Pests In Utah Apple Orchards, Ray R. Bingham

Theses and Dissertations

Mite pest problems in Utah apple orchards became generally serious about 1944, when DDT was first used extensively to control Codling moths, Carpocapsa pomonella (Linn.) (Jorgensen, 1967}. Since then several investigators (Pickett et al., 1946; Lord, 1949; Pickett, 1955; Lord, Herbert, and MacPhee, 1958) have examined the influence of various spray programs on apple orchard fauna, while still others (Clancy and Pollard, 1952; Morgan, Anderson, and Swales, 1958; Oat-man and Legner, 1962) have conducted related studies with widely used broad spectrum pesticides on apple mites and their predators. All seem to lend credence to the theory that mite pest problems …

Environmental Factors That Influence The Timing Of A Cyclic En Masse Foraging Migration Of Ligia Occidentalis Dana (Crustacea: Isopoda) On The Northern Gulf Of California, J. Wanless Southwick

Theses and Dissertations

En masse foraging migrations of Ligia occidentalis Dana were conspicuous events on rocky beaches near Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico. Experiments were conducted to determine which factors of the environment contained the regulating rhythm for the migration, if indeed the event were cyclic. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory using a tide-simulation aquarium and in the field using mark and release techniques. A time-lapse photography system was used in the field to quantify isopod activity for comparison with environmental factors. A regular cycle for the foraging migration was found. It was in tune with both insolation and tidal cycles so that …

Autoradiographic Studies Of The Distribution Of Serotonin In The Rat Brain, Brent D. Wagstaff

Theses and Dissertations

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), considered to be a synaptic transmitter within the central nervous system, has been shown to be localized mainly in the paleocortex of the brain. Others have shown disturbances of normal 5-HT metabolism to be associated with mental illness and disease. Attempts to inject tritium labelled 5-HT into cerebrospinal fluid of the rat brain for anatomical localization studies were·made. The following observations were noted, (1) there exists a perivascular space in which fluid flows and distribution is relatively uninhibited as compared to subarachnoid space, (2) the labelled 5-HT penetration of brain tissue parenchyma is restricted and radioactivity is …

Comparative Anatomy And Histology Of The Mantle Cavity Of The Chitons (Polyplacophora) Mopalia Muscosa And Mopalia Lignosa, Theodore P. Winfield

Theses and Dissertations

The chiton Mopalia muscosa ranges from the open rocky coast to the bay environment, whereas the related chiton Mopalia lignosa is restricted to the outer rocky coast. The mantle cavity currents, anatomy and histology were investigated. Mucous gland cells of Mopalia muscosa are goblet type secretory cells. Their apparent ability to deliver their secretion rapidly together with having a short restitution period probably accounts for Mopalia muscosa having success at invading the bay environment. The mucous glands of Mopalia lignosa consist primarily of cells with medium to coarse secretory granules. These cells apparently are not as efficient at handling suspended …

Prey Utilization By Nesting Golden Eagles In (Aquila Chrysaertos) In Central Utah, William Bruce Arnell

Theses and Dissertations

During the spring of 1969 and 1970, 28 Golden Eagle eyries in four locales in central Utah were observed to determine the prey utilized during the nesting season. Visits were made every two weeks to the eyries. Prey were removed from the nests upon counting to avoid recounting at the next visit. Sixteen species of vertebrates were found as prey for nesting Golden Eagles. Mammals comprised 96 per cent of the prey, and lagomorphs alone accounted for 92 per cent. The blacktail jackrabbit occurred as 77.8 per cent of all prey items. Avian species constituted 3.9 per cent of prey …

A Study Of Snail Hosts For Fasciola Hepatica In Utah Valley, Robert Michael Briem

Theses and Dissertations

The Meat Inspection Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry in 195 0 reported that 322,647 livers or 2. 4% of 13,112,802 cattle slaughtered under United States Federal Inspection were condemned due to liver fluke infections (Price, 1953). This would amount to an annual loss of 3 million dollars in livers alone considering each liver weighed 10 pounds and retailed 65 cents per pound. This figure could conceiv-ably double or triple if additional losses due to animal death, decreased milk production, poor economic utilization of feed or lower livestock prices were considered.

Space Usage By The Small Mammal, Dipodomys Microps (Merriam), Barney William Cornaby

Theses and Dissertations

The concept of home range is an important biological phenomenon and has received considerable attention. In applying the concept to mammals Burt (1943) defined it as, "that area traversed by the individual in its normal activities of food getting, mating, and caring for young. " Later, Hayne (1949) defined a circular home range with concentric zones of variable utilization around a center of activity. Both workers emphasized the need to know the behavior patterns of the animals within their respective home ranges. The statistical evaluation initiated by Hayne (1949) has been refined to provide increasingly precise probability estimates of an …

The Biochemical Response Of Provo Bay To Nutrient Inflow, R. Bruce Sundrud

Theses and Dissertations

Provo Bay of Utah Lake, Utah, receives the effluents from farms, industry, and three cities. In order to determine the effects of these effluents, eleven stations were established throughout the Bay. At weekly intervals from June 19 to October 26, 1970, and monthly thereafter until March, 1971, the water at these stations was sampled for dissolved oxygen (DO}, carbon dioxide (CO2), turbidity, pH, phosphates, nitrates, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and coliform bacteria. Due to intense algal blooms, the quality of the water changes as it passes through Provo Bay. Average values for the inflow, mid-Bay, and point of discharge respectively …

Ultrastructural And Histochemical Investigations Of Ipomoea Batatus Lam. Infected By Rhizopus Stolonifer (Fr.) Lind, Kendall O. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The ultrastructural aspects of Rhizopus stolonifer (Fr.) Lind. Infection in Ipomoea batatus Lam. Roots and the histochemistry of cell walls affected by enzymes secreted by the fungus were investigated. Specimens were prepared for viewing in the electron microscope by thin-sectioning techniques. Degradation of cellular membreanes and host tissues in advance of the fungus was evident. Breakdown of the middle lamella was detected by special histochemical stains for pectin. Breakdown occurred in the following was: (1) maceration of the middle lamella before maceration of the cell wall, (2) simultaneous degradation of both the middle lamella and the cell wall, (3) maceration …

An Analysis Of Cattle Grazing On Steep Slopes, William Wayne Patton

Theses and Dissertations

A field study was made to correlate cattle grazing patterns of steep terrain with the rest-rotation grazing system. Line-plot transects were positioned across each of three heavily grazed, steep canyons. The rest-rotation system as practiced on the Gooding Cattle Allotment is resulting in good forage use as the animals are grazing forage on slopes up to 60%. Level contour trails extending across slope faces made it possible for cattle to graze on steep slopes at distances up to 80 chains from water. Contour trails originate at watering loctions; hence better distribution of water could be expected to result in better …

The Hyobranchium And Throat Myology Of The Ambystomidae Of The United States, John E. Krogh

Theses and Dissertations

The 16 species and subspecies of the Ambystomidae of the United States are placed into six groups according to their throat morphology as follows: The Dicamptodon group, the Rhyacotriton group, the A. annulatum-A. cingulatum group, the A. gracile-A. jeffersonianum-A. mabeei-A. macrodactylum-A. maculatum group, the A. talpoideum group, the A. opacum-A. texanum group, and the A. rosaceum-A. t. tigrinum-A. t. melanostictum-A. t. nebulosum group. Dicamptodon appears to be the most primitive group and Rhyacotriton the most specialized. Based on the morphology of the throat region it is suggested that A. rosaceum be placed in the tiger salamander group as a subspecies …

The Physiological Vitality Of Scarlet Globemallow, Sphaeralcea Grossulariaefolia (Hook. And Arn.) Rydberg, Under Drought, Sam Finley Brewster

Theses and Dissertations

Responses to drought were studied on greenhouse grown plants of Sphaeralcea grossulariaefolia (Hook. & Arn.) Rydberg. A pressure bomb was modified to measure leaf water potential (ψ). Leaf water potentials varied from -2 to -80 bars. Matric potential proved negligible. Low osmotic potentials indicated that turgor pressure remained positive. Photosynthesis decreased linearily with leaf water potential decreases. At about -32 bars ψ net photosynthesis became zero and around -45 bars ψ all photosynthesis ceased. Dark respiration decreased below about -18 bars proportionally to leaf water potential decrease until becoming minute at -60 bars. A very rapid rise in CO2 equilibrium …

Bacterial Receptor Sites For Uptake Of Transforming Dna, Douglas Pierre Bingham

Theses and Dissertations

Bacterial transformation is defined as a mechanism of genetic exchange whereby a population of bacteria can obtain genetic informa-tion as a result of cellular uptake and integration of extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid released from other bacteria by natural or in-duced lysis. In order for a transformable strain of bacteria to take up DNA and to undergo transformation, the cells must be in a physiolog-ical state called competence. A cell is referred to as competent if it has the ability to bind extracellular DNA irreversibly and subsequently to integrate and express the DNA.

The Altitudinal Distribution Of Mammals Of The La Sal Mountains, Utah, Stephen Robert Bradley

Theses and Dissertations

This study deals with the distribution of the mammals of the La Sal Mountains, Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah. The distribution of the mammals has been correlated with the distribution of the vegetation zones of the mountains which varies with the elevation. The study points out which of the various mammals are found in the various vegetational communities and how the distribution varies from community to community.

An Ecological Life History Of Tall Bluebell In Utah, Verl B. Matthews

Theses and Dissertations

The ecological life history of tall bluebell, Mertensia arizonica Green var. leonardi (Rydb.) Johnston (M. leonardi Rydb.), was investigated during 1963 and 1964. Summer field studies were conducted on the Mud Creek Sleep Allotment of the Uinta National Forest, Wasatch County, Utah. Laboratory and herbarium studies were carried out at Brigham Young University. Specific objectives were to investigate seed germination, seedling development, root system, phenology, palatability, and describe the physical site factors where bluebell occurred. A study of this species was necessary because much of the herbage produced in certain areas of aspen range is not utilized. This condition occurs …

Characterization Of A Soluble Form Of Structural Protein From Neurospora Crassa, Clarence Denis Perterson

Theses and Dissertations

The study of membrane assembly has, until now, consisted of fractionating a membrane into its components or of assembling model membranes from non-physiological components. A native precursor to membranes was obtained as a quasi-crystalline material. It was the purpose of this work to develop the appropriate techniques for characterizing the material as well as to carry out the characterization. The results of the characterization indicate the quasi-crystalline material contains a single protein, structural protein. This protein is in two forms which may reflect two sequential steps in membrane assembly. One form is solubilized in 2-chloroethanol and isolated by gel filtration. …

Characterization Of Deoxyribonucleic Acid From Actinomycetes, Lynn William Enquist

Theses and Dissertations

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses were used to assess on a molecular level, the relationships among representatives of the genera Streptomyces, Nocardia and Mycobacterium. The methods developed in this study have been used for routine analysis of DNA from a large number of actinomycetes and have given reliable and reproducible data.

DNA isolated from various actinomycetes was characterized by buoyant density determinations in CsCl from which the mole fraction guanine plus cytosine (GC) content was calculated. All the streptomycete DNA preparations studied had buoyant densities in the range of 1.7287 to 1.7312 g cm^-3 which corresponded to GC compositions of …

A Variation Of The Standard Steepest Ascent Search Procedure For Response Surface Experiments, George Whitfield Cobb

Theses and Dissertations

The results of this chapter lead to a modification of the standard stopping rule which breathes new life into the method of steepest ascent, but which is unfortunately not sufficient to effect a total resuscitation. As expected, there is no uniformly optimum stopping rule, nor even a uniformly best test statistic; both the optimum statistic and the optimum test level depend on the model parameters y1 and y2. One can, however, adopt a compromise rule which works reasonably well for all parameter combinations by testing at the 25% level with the statistic zn = 1/2(yn -yn-2). In many cases the …

Glycogen Levels In Cardiac And Skeletal Muscle Of Rats Recovering From Exercise, Walter Talley Judd

Theses and Dissertations

In seeking answers to questions about how the human body functions under stressful situations, scientists, coaches, doctors, and athletes in general have all wondered about the role of exercise in the maintenance of good health. Good cardiovascular health, especially, is sought ardently, as it appears to be a major key to overall body fitness. Good cardiovascular health appears to go hand-in-hand with proper diet, proper rest, and proper exercise (1, 2).

The exercise phenomenon has attracted much attention and poses many questions. Just what is occurring when a person or an animal gets "in shape" by exercising. What bodily changes …

A Comparative Study Of The Relative Levels Of Physical Fitness Of Male Lds Missionaries Who Are Commencing And Those Just Concluding Their Missionary Service, Wilford J. Hoglund

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this study was to determine the relative levels of physical fitness of male L.D.S. Missionaires who were commencing and those just concluding their missionary service. The study was conducted with 50 randomly chosen subjects in each group.

The following conclusions were drawn based on the findings of the study:
1. Returning missionaries were found to have experienced a significant decrease at the .01 level in the following areas: leg and back strength, total strength score, strength quotient, total seconds ran, total endurance score and over-all fitness score.
2. Returning missionaries increased in gripping strength at the .01 …

Home Recreational Activities And The Effect They Have In A Family Home Evening Program, Dwight Rees Butikofer

Theses and Dissertations

The problem in this study was to investigate the effect that home recreational activities have on the attitudes of family members toward a family home evening program. A questionnaire was constructed to gather data regarding these attitudes. The questionnaire was then administered randomly to 250 families residing in Sharon East, Sharon West, Provo, and Provo East Stakes in Provo, Utah. All of the families were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were families of one or more children and held regular family home evening.

The findings indicate that the children had a more positive attitude toward …

A Review Of Statements Made By Certain Leaders Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints Which Refer To Various Objectives, Activities, And Desirable Experiences Inherent In Well Organized And Properly Conducted Physical Education And Recreation Programs, G. Newton Deshazo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to locate and examine statements within the writings and recorded speeches of certain leaders of the L.D.S. Church which refer to various objectives, activities, and desirable experiences inherent in well organized and properly conducted physical education and recreation programs.
Data dating from 1830 through 1969 were gathered from the resources and through the services provided by the historical libraries of the L.D.S. Church and Brigham Young University. Available biographical and historical information was presented to denote circumstances possibly influencing the statement itself, the significance of the statement, or the intent of the statement.
Without …