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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Effects Of Soil Environment On Abundance, Diversity And Community Structure Of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi In Pinus Radiata, Sarah C. Steele
Effects Of Soil Environment On Abundance, Diversity And Community Structure Of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi In Pinus Radiata, Sarah C. Steele
Honors Theses
Balanced and sustained nutrient cycles are critical to the success of the world's forest ecosystems. Research has shown ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) play a vital role in regulating these systems, as they store and mobilize cycled nutrients for the trees they colonize. Not all species of ECM allocate essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon) to their host with the same efficiency. Studies have shown the soil environment is important for determining fungal distribution. To better understand the ECM fungal community of Pinus radiata, I explored the effects of soil characteristics (percent silt, percent clay, percent sand and soil water content) on …
Does This Have Gluten? Comparison Of Gluten-Free And Unrestricted Diets In Intestinal Bacterial Populations And Diversity, Bradshaw Hammond
Does This Have Gluten? Comparison Of Gluten-Free And Unrestricted Diets In Intestinal Bacterial Populations And Diversity, Bradshaw Hammond
Honors Theses
As different diets continue to grow in popularity within the United States, the effect of these diets upon bacteria in the intestines is only beginning to be understood. This study focused on the effect that a shift to a gluten-free diet has on the human gut microbiome. Three genetically close subjects were selected for observation over a six month time period. One subject observed a consistent gluten-free diet. A second subject started on an unrestrictive diet, switched to a gluten-free diet for three months, then returned to an unrestricted diet for an additional three months. The third subject left an …
Knowledge And Perceptions Of Vegetarian Diets Among College-Aged Students, Haley Marie Berich
Knowledge And Perceptions Of Vegetarian Diets Among College-Aged Students, Haley Marie Berich
Honors Theses
As health becomes a more primary focus for many Americans, people are turning to new diet choices. Vegetarian diets are available in a wide range of choices and have been found to provide many health benefits. However, adequate knowledge within the general public is lacking when it comes to vegetarian diets. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions held by college-aged students at the University of Mississippi. A survey was developed and distributed in health and wellness classes that were offered to students of all majors. 187 completed surveys were returned, of which 7 (3.7%) …
The Effects Of Mouth Guards And Clenching On Strength And Power Measures Of A Countermovement Vertical Jump: A Pilot Study, Hannah M. Hudson
The Effects Of Mouth Guards And Clenching On Strength And Power Measures Of A Countermovement Vertical Jump: A Pilot Study, Hannah M. Hudson
Honors Theses
Strength and power gains from either mouth guards or clenching have been reported in highly trained athletes from a number of studies utilizing different testing measures. However, there have not been statistically significant effects in a recreationally trained population; and there has not been a research design to combine multiple mouthpiece conditions (mouthpiece designed for performance, a traditional mouth guard, and no mouthpiece condition) with a clench and no clench sub-condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate potential ergogenic effects of mouth guards and clenching on strength and power measures of a countermovement vertical jump. Three recreationally …
Spatial Variation Of Bacterial Communities On The Leaves Of Southern Magnolia Trees, Heather L. Valdin
Spatial Variation Of Bacterial Communities On The Leaves Of Southern Magnolia Trees, Heather L. Valdin
Honors Theses
Bacteria are found in almost all environments on earth, including on the surface of other living things. Bacteria that exist on the leaves of plants (the phyllosphere) are of interest because of the potentially harsh nature of the environment they inhabit, and of applied interest. Although there has been a substantial amount of research in phyllosphere microbiology, few studies have examined the effect of spatial variation on phyllosphere community composition. This project investigated the effect of spatial variation on the bacterial communities living on the surface of Magnolia grandiflora leaves. Following DNA extraction, next generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene …
Differences In Bacterial Communities On Decaying Leaf Litter Of Different Tress In Response To Burning As A Forest Restoration Technique, Allison Marcum
Differences In Bacterial Communities On Decaying Leaf Litter Of Different Tress In Response To Burning As A Forest Restoration Technique, Allison Marcum
Honors Theses
Decomposition is the process by which organic matter gets degraded into basic components to provide energy for decomposer microorganisms and to also make nutrients available for plant uptake. Leaf litter decomposition is an important process and influences the nutrient cycling and the productivity and structure of the entire ecosystem; however, few studies have examined the bacterial communities on decomposing litter, especially how they may vary between tree species or in woodlands subject to ecological restoration. Such restoration has become important, as fire suppression beginning in the 1920s has impacted the structure of forest ecosystems through the process of mesophication, diminishing …
The Effects Of Acoustic Signals On The Endocrine Physiology Of Female Green Treefrogs, Hyla Cinerea, Melissa Paige Dent
The Effects Of Acoustic Signals On The Endocrine Physiology Of Female Green Treefrogs, Hyla Cinerea, Melissa Paige Dent
Honors Theses
The vocalizations of male H. cinerea stimulate cortisol production in male receivers during close-range interactions. In many vertebrate species, males and females possess similar sensory neuroendocrine pathways, suggesting that acoustic signals may also stimulate CORT production in females. Males of this species would potentially benefit from stimulating CORT production in females because elevated CORT levels significantly decrease the strength of female preferences for energetically costly calls (i.e., calls produced at rapid rates). The primary objective of my honors research was to assess how the acoustic signals produced by male green treefrogs, Hyla cinerea, influence the endocrine physiology of female signal …
Investigating The Effects Of Alternative Footwear On Balance, David S. May
Investigating The Effects Of Alternative Footwear On Balance, David S. May
Honors Theses
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and unintentional deaths in the United States, with 27,800 fatalities attributed to falls in 2012 (National Safety Council, 2014). With two thirds of our body mass located two thirds of our body height above the ground, humans require constant work from balance control systems to prevent these falls (Winter, 1995). Because shoes can alter somatosensory input from the mechanoreceptors on the bottom of the foot and affect these balance control systems (Menant et al, 2008), they must be taken into account when looking into the causes of falls. Traditional footwear designs …
The Acute Effect Of A Mandibular Repositioning Appliance On Force Production During An Isometric Clean Pull In Recreationally Trained Males, Daniel L. Hartman
The Acute Effect Of A Mandibular Repositioning Appliance On Force Production During An Isometric Clean Pull In Recreationally Trained Males, Daniel L. Hartman
Honors Theses
The use of a performance mouthpiece may cause notable performance changes in an isometric mid-thigh clean pull (iMTCP) due to altered muscular force production. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing various mouthpieces coupled with a clenching of the jaw on iMTCP force production. Three recreationally trained college-aged males (Age: 26.67 ± 2.89) volunteered to participate in three testing sessions separated by one week each. In the three sessions, the subject performed repetitions of an iMTCP under the following conditions: performance mouthpiece with jaw clenched (PMP-JC), performance mouthpiece with no clench (PMP-NC), traditional mouthpiece with …
The Effects Of Testosterone On Calling Behavior In Green Treefrogs, Hyla Cinerea, Brandon Bunol
The Effects Of Testosterone On Calling Behavior In Green Treefrogs, Hyla Cinerea, Brandon Bunol
Honors Theses
Circulating androgen levels can have a profound effect on the expression of elaborate male traits and courtship behaviors that are important in attracting females. For example, elevated androgens are necessary for the expression of vocal displays used by male anurans (frogs and toads) to attract mates. However, the nature of the relationship between androgen levels and the extent, or magnitude, of vocalization in male anurans is unclear. For example, androgens may have a threshold effect on vocalization wherein elevation in androgens is required for vocal expression, but elevations above threshold do not mediate an increase in the magnitude or extent …
Sandy Symbionts: How Tree Identity Shapes Ectomycorrhizal Fungus In Sand Pine, John Culbertson
Sandy Symbionts: How Tree Identity Shapes Ectomycorrhizal Fungus In Sand Pine, John Culbertson
Honors Theses
The purpose of my thesis was to investigate the structure and composition of the ectomycorrhizal (EMC) fungal communities of sand pine (Pinus clausa var. immuginata). Root tips were sampled from four trees located within Eglin Air Force Base. Colonization was shown to differ significantly based on tree identity. Abundance, species diversity, and the ratio of ECM fungi to pathogenic fungi did not differ significantly based on tree identity. A total of 35 ECM operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were shown to colonize the four trees. Helotiales4, Lactarius2, and Cenococcum geophilum were found to be the most abundant OTUs, while Lactarius1 was …
Feasibility Of Incorporating Electrogastrography Into An Undergraduate Physiology Laboratory Curriculum, Lauren A. Foropoulos
Feasibility Of Incorporating Electrogastrography Into An Undergraduate Physiology Laboratory Curriculum, Lauren A. Foropoulos
Honors Theses
This study aimed to detect the effects of mental stress on gastric motility in college students through the use of cutaneous electrogastrography (EGG). Additionally, the study aimed to determine the feasibility of creating a laboratory curriculum for a cutaneous electrogastrography experiment that an undergraduate could perform, analyze, and interpret during a three hour physiology lab. Through this study and the laboratory procedures designed from the experiment, undergraduates will be able to interpret the physiological aspects of gastrointestinal function within the human body, including how it is effected by mental stress. According to previous studies by Yin et al. (2004) and …
An Examination Of Microbial Populations In Different Brands And Flavors Of Ice Cream, Madeline Campbell
An Examination Of Microbial Populations In Different Brands And Flavors Of Ice Cream, Madeline Campbell
Honors Theses
Outbreaks of foodborne illness are of concern to many Americans. While pasteurization of ingredients and freezing eliminates most microbiological hazards, ice cream can act as a vehicle for pathogen transmission and be a cause of foodborne disease. This study examined the bacterial content of seven nationally distributed brands of ice cream and one local farmer's market brand. The aims of the study were to (1) determine if there was a higher bacterial content in chocolate and strawberry ice cream compared to vanilla ice cream, potentially because of more ingredients and more opportunities for bacterial contamination in those flavors, and (2) …
A Translational Study Of The Correlation Between Low Birth Weight, Hypertension, And Kidney Function Using A Rat Model, Marcus Daniels
A Translational Study Of The Correlation Between Low Birth Weight, Hypertension, And Kidney Function Using A Rat Model, Marcus Daniels
Honors Theses
We studied the correlation between low birth weight, hypertension, and kidney function using a rat model. There is a strong correlation between these three phenomena especially in the Southeastern United States and in non-White populations. We hypothesized that the anti-hypertensive drugs Reserpine and Hydralazine would prevent hypertension and improve renal function in low birth weight rats. We used a rat model created by Dr. Barbara Alexander in this study. Pregnant rats were subjected to Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure surgery. Silver clips were placed on the abdominal aorta and uterine arteries approximately two weeks after fertilization in order to restrict blood …
Muscle Fatigue Resistance Via Energy Drink Consumption — Assessment Of Pre- And Post- Experiment Participant Feedback, Mary Kathleen Robbins
Muscle Fatigue Resistance Via Energy Drink Consumption — Assessment Of Pre- And Post- Experiment Participant Feedback, Mary Kathleen Robbins
Honors Theses
Energy drink consumption poses a health risk among college students, and long-term health implications are unclear. Because energy drinks are classified as dietary supplements, the FDA is not responsible for proving consumption is safe for the consumer. This research project studies the consumption of an energy drink and an energy bean's effect on muscle fatigue using a grip force transducer, subjective perceptions of the participants after consumption across the two trials, and subjects' opinion of energy drinks after the conclusion of the experiment. All subjects, ages 18-24 and regular users of caffeine, were recruited through email at the University of …
Understanding The Implications Of Climate Change For Birds Of The Family Phasianidae: Incorporating Fleshy Structures Into Models Of Heat Dissipation Capacity, Megan L. Smith
Honors Theses
Though widespread acceptance of global warming has generated a plethora of studies evaluating the potential responses of species to increased temperatures, until recently, species and genus-specific studies were not common and for many taxa such studies have yet to be completed. One particularly understudied group in this regard is the avian order Galliformes. In this study, I focus on the tribe Phasianidae. Furthermore, most studies evaluating the potential range changes of species in response to a changing climate fail to account for the ability of organisms to adapt to the changing climatic conditions, either via plastic adaptations or genetic adaptations. …
Oxygen Saturation During A Simulation Dive Response: Development Of An Experimental Protocol For An Undergraduate Physiology Laboratory, Michael S. Pergola
Oxygen Saturation During A Simulation Dive Response: Development Of An Experimental Protocol For An Undergraduate Physiology Laboratory, Michael S. Pergola
Honors Theses
There are issues concerning the amount of learning that actually takes place in the laboratory environment, and whether or not it is worth the investment of money, resources, and time. A laboratory protocol was designed to examine the human dive response, with the goals of generating multiple robust variables, creating a truly integrative laboratory experiment and improving lab education. The objectives of this exercise were to promote critical thinking, maximize collaboration, minimize social loafing and student engagement, promote critical thinking, and meet as many of the National Science Foundation's core competencies and assess effectiveness in achieving these objectives. The dive …
Not Got Milk? The Effect On The Gut Microbiome Of Removing Dairy From The Diet, Patrick Tyler Stovall
Not Got Milk? The Effect On The Gut Microbiome Of Removing Dairy From The Diet, Patrick Tyler Stovall
Honors Theses
The human gut contains a highly diverse set of bacteria that perform a wide range of duties that include much more than just nutrient acquisition. However, the composition of this community is subject to change, with diet, age and lifestyle playing roles in the development and maintenance of the gut microbiota. This study compared the bacterial composition of the human gut when consuming a normal diet versus a dairy-free diet. Samples were taken from a single subject during three periods: 1) control (normal) diet, 2) dairy-free diet, and 3) a return to normal diet. Gut bacterial communities were identified and …
Phylogeography Of The Australian Common Froglet, Crinia Signifera, Rosetta C. Williams
Phylogeography Of The Australian Common Froglet, Crinia Signifera, Rosetta C. Williams
Honors Theses
Australia is an ancient continent with equally antiquated fauna. Crinia signifera, the Australian common froglet, is one of Australia's oldest species and has a geographic range covering much of the southeastern coast of Australia and much of Tasmania. Such broad dispersal makes C. signifera susceptible to genetic variation due to changes in the landscape. While many have studied the morphology of C. signifera, few have studied its phylogeographic history. In this study I compared mitochondrial DNA clades to nuclear DNA clades to analyze the role geography plays on genetic variation. I hypothesized that (i) sympatric nuclear clades and subclades would …
Androgen Mediation Of Elaborate Male Traits: The Effects Of Dihydrotestosterone Administration On Vocal Quality In Male Green Treefrogs, Hyla Cinerea, Thor M. Goodfellow
Androgen Mediation Of Elaborate Male Traits: The Effects Of Dihydrotestosterone Administration On Vocal Quality In Male Green Treefrogs, Hyla Cinerea, Thor M. Goodfellow
Honors Theses
Elevated androgen levels are well known to mediate the expression of male courtship behaviors and elaborate traits, but whether androgens act via threshold or graded effects is less clear. Models linking elaborate male traits to the endocrine system often assume that androgens have a graded effect on the magnitude or extent of elaborate male traits and that female preference for more elaborate male traits thus drives concordant directional selection on circulating androgen levels. To test this hypothesis, I examined the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration on the quality of advertisement calls produced by male Hyla cinerea. Advertisement calls are an …