Life Sciences Commons^™

Preparation Of Divalent And Trivalent Antigens For Immunogical Studies On Degranulation Of Mast Cells And Preparation Of Ceragenins For Antiviral Studies Against Vaccinia Virus., Dianliang Geng

Theses and Dissertations

CHAPTER 1

Aggregation of receptors for IgE (Fc RI) causes mast cells and basophils to release preformed contents of granules, including histamine and a variety of enzymes. This process, called degranulation plays a central role in allergic reactions. Methods to study this process are to create multivalent ligands which can interact with the receptors and, in turn, lead to aggregation of the receptors. We prepared a series of fluorophore-labeled divalent and trivalent antigens to study the degranulation of mast cells. Trivalent antigens proved to be much better stimulators for degranulation of mast cells than divalent antigens. These results indicate that …

Pyridinium Bisretinoids: Synthesis And Photoactivated Cytotoxicity, Junping Gao

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis discusses pyridinium bisretinoid compounds (PBRs), which were prepared for two purposes: 1) to use them as standards for detection of novel fluorophores in human RPE cells, which may be involved in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and 2) to use them in the development of a targeted and triggered drug delivery system for cancer therapy. We prepared a selection of PBRs using a one-pot biomimetic method; synthesis, mechanisms for formation, and characterization of these compounds is described. We also explored the photoreactivity of three novel PBR compounds and found that these PBRs form oxidation products under blue-light irradiation. The …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Male And Female Intermediate Hurdlers And Steeplechasers, Laurence R. Bollschweiler

Theses and Dissertations

In the sport of track and field, proper hurdling technique is a complicated combination of various running and jumping kinematics. With most research having been done on sprint hurdling, there is a growing need for research on hurdling events of different lengths. The intermediate hurdles (IH) and the steeplechase (SC) are two events where there are a number of differences in hurdling technique. This study compared the differences in hurdling technique between events (IH and SC) as well as the differences in technique between genders. Subjects for this study consisted of 20 elite intermediate hurdlers (10 male, 10 female) and …

Study Of The Reproducibility Of Proteomics Methods And Variability Of Fruit Fly Proteomes., Thomas Franklin Culwell

Theses and Dissertations

The reliability of biomarker discovery by means of proteomics has been called into question. It was speculated that "background noise" variation resulting from differences in preparation and handling of samples and proteome dynamics may mask subtle, yet important, differences due to the biological condition. Little is understood about complex proteomes and their variability. A critical aspect of proteomic biomarker research that is largely unexplored is the comparative reproducibility of certain methods such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. In particular, with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, it is not known whether variability in peptide quantitation is dependent on any of …

Thermodynamic Evidence That Ganglioside-Mediated Insertion Of Botulinum A Into The Cholinergic Nerve Ending May Precede Endocytosis And Acidification: A Langmuir Film Study, Bradley Adam Strongin

Theses and Dissertations

Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) is one of the most potent toxins known to human kind. The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) was employed to investigate the conditions under which BoNT type A heavy chain would bind and/or insert into mica supported dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers. As an alternate technique, DPPC/GT1b or total ganglioside extract (80:20) monolayers of a Langmuir Blodgett (LB) Trough were adapted to be artificial membrane models for toxin insertion studies. We conclude that LB monolayer studies are a promising candidate for BoNT/A membrane insertion investigation. Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A insertions into the LB monolayers in the presence of BoNT/A …

Pyridinium Bis-Retinoids A2-Dopamine And A2-Cadaverine: Implications In Age-Related Macular Degeneration And Cancer, Mckenzie Ruth Pew

Theses and Dissertations

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the United States of America. The pyridinium bis-retinoid A2-ethanolamine (A2E) has been implicated to play a role in AMD. We have observed novel pyridinium bis-retinoids through melanolipofuscin and human RPE extractions that may also play a role in the pathology of AMD. We have begun the construction of an amino-retinoid library in order to identify these ocular compounds. The compounds from the amino-retinoid library are also used in a targeted and triggered drug delivery system for treating cancer. Folic acid is coupled with the amino-retinoids to specifically target cancer …

The Effect Of Febrile Temperature On Plasmodium Falciparum, Heidi Sue Porter

Theses and Dissertations

Previously it has been shown that cultures of Plasmodium falciparum died following exposure to a febrile temperature of 40°C, as demonstrated by a decrease in parasitemia of the following generation. In the current study, the effect of 40°C treatment on culture media, erythrocytes, and parasite glucose consumption, were ruled out as possible influences on parasite death, demonstrating that 40°C impacted the parasites directly. Metabolic profiling of DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and glucose utilization during exposure to 40°C clearly indicated that febrile temperatures had direct effect on major metabolic pathways and parasite development, beginning 20-24 hr after erythrocyte invasion. The ring …

Effects Of Endurance Training On The Ampk Response To Exercise., David Gerald Chesser

Theses and Dissertations

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) results in the upregulation of several intracellular systems which help to prepare a cell for a high energy challenge. The magnitude of the AMPK response to a 10 min bout of exercise has been found to decrease in red quadriceps (RQ) following training, while putative AMPK roles seem to be maintained; specifically, the biogenesis of mitochondria and higher levels of hexokinase II and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). If the AMPK response to exercise is responsible in part for these adaptations, how can they be maintained if the AMPK response is attenuated? The purpose of …

Registered Dietitian Dress And The Effect Of Dietitian Dress On Perceived Professionalism, Connie Lynn Packer

Theses and Dissertations

People use others' dress to make assumptions, including how they believe the wearer will behave. Observers then adjust their behavior in response to the anticipated behavior of the wearer. Physician or nurse dress affects the degree to which patients perceive the medical professional as confident, experienced, competent, mature, trustworthy, and professional. Dietitian dress has not been studied. Our purpose was to identify 1) the current level of formality of dress of registered dietitians (RD), 2) characteristics of dress codes, 3) the effect of RD dress on patient/client perceptions of professional traits, and 4) the level of formality at which an …

Calcium Dynamics Affecting Egg Production, Skeletal Integrity, And Egg Coloration In Ring-Necked Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus), Landon R. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

These 4 chapters represent manuscripts formatted for submission to journals based on an experiment conducted on Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Calcium limits the distribution of this species, which produces 7-15 eggs per clutch. They may renest up to 5 times per breeding season on a diet low in calcium. The first chapter examines egg production in laying hens on 7 different diets from 0.19-4.47% calcium in the absence of calcium loading. Calcium-loaded pheasants store calcium in medullary bone before an experiment and can draw on this surplus during egg production, possibly skewing experimental results. We measured egg production, egg characteristics, …

Beneficial Fungal Interactions Resulting In Accelerated Germination Of Astragalus Utahensis, A Hard-Seeded Legume, Sean D. Eldredge

Theses and Dissertations

Seed germination is pivotal in the life cycle of native plants in a restorative context because initiation of the metabolic processes critical to establishment is key to survival in such a competitive environment. Dormancy characteristics of some native plants including the subject species, Astragalus utahensis, have evolved mechanisms to control germination in order to maintain a seed bank and ensure germination at the right time under optimal conditions. In vitro germination studies confirm beneficial interactions between Alternaria and Aspergillus fungi and Astragalus utahensis seed. Inoculated seed trials (1.0 x 106 spores/mL) exhibited a highly significant difference in percent germination between …

A Study Of Habitat Variables Associated With Northern Goshawk Nest Site Activity On The Three National Forests In Southern Utah, Keeli Shea Marvel

Theses and Dissertations

The Northern Goshawk has been a species of concern since its decline in the early 1990s, which has been attributed in part to loss of critical breeding and wintering habitat. Nest site selection of goshawks has been correlated with certain specific site characteristics including, but not limited to, forest species composition, forest stand size, diameter of nest tree, percent cover, tree height, site slope, and aspect. The goshawk holds the status of a Management Indicator Species (MIS) on all of the six national forests in Utah. This status requires annual monitoring to track goshawk numbers and to address any activities …

Phylogeography Of The Livebearer Xenophallus Umbratilis (Teleostei: Poeciliidae): Glacial Cycles And Sea Level Change Predict Diversification Of A Freshwater Tropical Fish, Carissa Poole Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The biogeography of Central America is considered a classical case study in understanding the impact of vicariant events on patterns of biotic dispersal. While many biogeographers have focused on community composition and geographic limits of species at broad scales across Central America, much less work has focused on post-colonization diversification patterns at finer scales. The livebearing freshwater fish Xenophallus umbratilis presents an ideal system for determining the impact of recent earth history events on biodiversity in northern Costa Rica. Here, we test the hypothesis that marine inundation of the San Carlos and Northern Limón basins during the Miocene has caused …

The Role Of Secreted Phosphoprotein-24 In Osteoblast Differentiation And Matrix Mineralization, Samuel Ramage

Theses and Dissertations

Secreted Phosphoprotein-24 (Spp24) was initially isolated and characterized as a component of bovine cortical bone matrix. Subsequent characterization has shown it is multiply phosphorylated and homologous to cystatin and TGF-β receptor type II. Spp24 is a minor component of the serum fetuin mineral complex that binds calcium-phosphate minerals and prevents their deposition. The TGF-β receptor homology domain binds BMP-2 weakly in vitro and enhances BMP-2’s osteogenic effects in vivo. The ability of Spp24 to affect BMP activity suggests an important role for Spp24 as a native, bioactive componentof bone that regulates bone development.

Spp24 was highly up-regulated in rat cortical …

Niche Separation Along Environmental Gradients As A Mechanism To Promote The Coexistence Of Native And Invasive Species, Edmund R. Priddis

Theses and Dissertations

Niche separation may be the key to promoting the long-term coexistence of introduced and native species. Physical alterations to the environment (habitat manipulation) or re-introducing native species to former habitats can exploit the maladapted traits of introduced species to create a refuge for native species. No two species have identical niches because evolutionary constraints differ between species with different evolutionary histories. Our objectives were to determine if cold temperatures could promote coexistence between native least chub and introduced western mosquitofish. We used individual scale and population scale experiments to test four hypotheses: 1) colder temperatures would reduce the aggressive behavior …

Effects Of Water Vapor On The Kinetics Of The Methylperoxy Radical Self-Reaction And Reaction With Hydroperoxy, Alecia Mower

Theses and Dissertations

The gas phase reactions of CH3O2 + CH3O2, HO2 + HO2, and CH3O2 + HO2 in the presence of water vapor have been studied at temperatures between 263 and 303 K using laser flash photolysis coupled with UV time-resolved absorption detection at 220 nm and 260 nm. Water vapor concentration was quantified using tunable diode laser spectroscopy operating in the mid-IR. The HO2 self-reaction rate constant is significantly enhanced by water vapor, consistent with what others have reported, whereas CH3O2 self-reaction and the cross-reaction (CH3O2 + HO2) rate constants are nearly unaffected. The enhancement in the HO2 self-reaction rate coefficient …

Neuronal And Molecular Adaptations Of Gaba Neurons In The Ventral Tegmental Area To Chronic Alcohol, Kimberly Hales

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis project was to examine the effects of chronic alcohol on the excitability and molecular adaptation of GABA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). GABA neurons are of interest with regards to ethanol intoxication, reinforcement, and dependence due to their widespread distribution and connectivity to mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons implicated in alcohol reward and addiction. Since we have previously shown adaptation of VTA GABA neuron firing rate to chronic ethanol (Gallegos, Criado et al. 1999) and suppression of gap-junction (GJ) mediated coupling between these neurons by acute ethanol (Stobbs, Ohran et al. 2004), we wanted …

Implications Of Introduced Mule Deer On Santa Catalina Island, California : Their Impacts, Population Ecology, And Management, Thad A. Manuwal

Theses and Dissertations

A small group of mule deer were introduced to Santa Catalina Island in the early
1930s. The mule deer population increased through the 1940s and 1950s and remains widespread and abundant today. Large browsing ungulates are not native to Santa Catalina Island and there is concern that nonnative mule deer are damaging endemic trees and shrubs on the island when foraging. This study was designed to develop quantitative information on diets, foraging behavior, movements, and population biology of mule deer on Catalina Island.

Diet analysis indicated mule deer are consuming a wide variety of native and
endemic plants found on …

The Population Genetics Of The Wood Frog, Rana Sylvatica, Across Its Geographic Range, Tina M. Squire

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to determine the level of genetic variation across the continental-wide range of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica. Levels of genetic differentiation between sampled populations were investigated as was the possible locations of glacial refugia for this species. DNA microsatellites were used as the genetic marker. This study found significant genetic differentiation across the geographic range of Rana sylvatica that increased with geographic distance. In addition three likely glacial refugia, Alaska, New York and the southern Appalachians, were identified.

A subset of the populations used in the geographic range study was used to investigate the patterns at a …

Trapping, Survival, And Probable Causes Of Mortality Of Chukar Partridge, Aaron Clark Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

We present an efficient and effective method for trapping chukars (Alectoris chukar) on artificial water sources. We compared a B-trap, a prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) walk-in trap, a modified quail recall trap, and a newly designed Utah walk-in-funnel trap. Our Utah funnel trap outperformed standard techniques by more than 65%, and exceeded previous published results by 35%. Use of this method allows researchers and managers the ability to capture large numbers of Chukars relatively efficiently. With appropriate modifications this design is applicable for capturing a variety of bird species using small water developments. Chukars (Alectoris chukar) have been introduced throughout …

Microchip Liquid Chromatography And Capillary Electrophoresis Separations In Multilayer Microdevices, Hernan Vicente Fuentes

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, several microfabricated devices are introduced to develop new applications in the area of chemical analysis. Electrochemical micropumps, chip-based liquid chromatography systems and multilayer capillary electrophoresis microdevices with crossover channels were fabricated using various substrates such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), glass, and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). I have demonstrated pressure-driven pumping of liquids in microfabricated channels using electrochemical actuation. PDMS-based micropumps were integrated easily with channel-containing PMMA substrates. Flow rates on the order of ~10 µL/min were achieved using low voltages (10 V). The potential of electrolysis-based pumping in microchannels was further evaluated for pressure driven microchip liquid chromatography (LC). …

The Ecology Of Translocated Greater Sage-Grouse In Strawberry Valley, Utah, Rick Joseph Baxter

Theses and Dissertations

Manuscript No. 1 Translocations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have been attempted in 7 states and one Canadian province with very little success. To recover a small remnant population and test the efficacy of sage-grouse translocations, we captured and transported 137 adult female sage-grouse from 2 source populations to a release site in Strawberry Valley, Utah during March-April 2003-2005. The resident population of sage-grouse in Strawberry Valley was approximately 150 breeding birds prior to the release. We radiomarked each female and documented survival, movements, reproductive effort, flocking with resident grouse, and lek attendance. We used Program MARK to calculate annual …

Microfluidic Electro-Osmotic Flow Pumps, John Mason Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

The need for miniaturized, portable devices to separate and detect unknown compounds has greatly multiplied, leading to an increased interest in microfluidics. Total integration of the detector and pump are necessary to decrease the overall size of the microfluidic device. Using previously developed thin film technologies, an electroosmotic flow (EOF) pump was incorporated in a microfluidic liquid chromatography device. An EOF pump was chosen because of its simple design and small size. EOF pumps fabricated on silicon and glass substrates were evaluated. The experimental flow rates were 0.19-2.30 microliters/minute for 40-400 V. The theoretical pump efficiency was calculated along with …

Counter-Flow Ion Mobility Analysis: Design, Instrumentation, And Characterization, Nosa Agbonkonkon

Theses and Dissertations

The quest to achieve high resolution in ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has continued to challenge scientist and engineers in the field of separation science. The low resolution presently attainable in IMS has continued to negatively impact its utility and acceptance. Until now, efforts to improve the resolution have mainly focused on better instrumentation and detection methods. However, since the resolution of IMS is diffusion limited, it makes sense to address this limitation in order to attain high resolution. This dissertation presents a new IMS technique, which utilizes a high electric field and opposing high gas flow velocity with the aim …

Exercise Induced Hypervolemia: Role Of Exercise Mode, William Bradley Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The supine posture has been shown to limit exercise-induced plasma volume expansion. Differences in hydrostatic pressure gradients between the standing and seated position indicate that treadmill exercise might promote a greater plasma volume expansion than cycle ergometer exercise. To test this hypothesis ten subjects performed intermittent high intensity exercise (4 min at 85% VO2max, 5 min at 40% VO2max repeated 8 times) on separate days on the treadmill and cycle ergometer. Changes in plasma volume expansion were calculated from changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Stroke volume (SV), trans-thoracic impedance (Z0), HR, and arterial blood pressure (non-invasive arm cuff, SBP & …

The Effectiveness Of Prophylactic Eye Drops On The Reversal Of Uv-Light Induced Cataracts, Contessa Bly Bowman

Theses and Dissertations

Cataracts are a cloudiness of the lens within the eye which obstructs vision. They are found in many species including rats, dogs, and humans. Vision is hindered where this "cloudiness", made of water build up and broken crystalline, proteins take form. Oculvet is an eye medication, used by veterinarians, containing carnosine as its active ingredient. Topical application of carnosine is reported to be an effective treatment for the prevention and removal of pre-existing cataracts. For this experiment, Sprague- Dawley rats were anesthetized and exposed to ultraviolet radiation, UVB and UVC. They were divided into four groups (n = 32), three …

Plasma Volume And Albumin Mrna Expression In Exercise Trained Rats, Nathan Alex Bexfield

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction- Exercise-induced plasma volume (PV) expansion is typically associated with an increase in plasma albumin content. Increased hepatic albumin synthesis, a transcriptionally regulated process, is thought to contribute to the increase in albumin content. Objective- We tested the hypothesis that exercise training induces an increase in albumin gene expression in relationship to the increase in PV. Methods and Results- 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 245-350 grams were randomly assigned to one of four groups: cage control (CC); sham exercise 10 min/day at 48% VO2max (NE); continuous exercise training, 60 min /day at 72% VO2max (LI); and high intensity, …

Differential Response Of Various Spore Species To Sporicidal Disinfectants, Michael David Pratt

Theses and Dissertations

In the fall of 2001, letters laced with anthrax spores were delivered to various news organizations in New York and Florida, as well as to two Senators in Washington, D.C. Over 22 anthrax infections and five deaths resulted from exposure to these spores, and decontamination of the affected buildings was both time consuming and costly. Since these attacks, interest in sporicidal disinfectants has increased greatly. Many chemical sporicidal disinfectants are available commercially, but the exposure time required to sterilize can be relatively long. In addition, some spores are simply injured or inhibited by chemical disinfectants, but not necessarily killed. Studies …

Maternal High-Salt Diet During Pregnancy In Sprague Dawley Rats Programs Exaggerated Stress-Induced Blood Pressure And Heart Rate Responses In Adult Female Offspring, Summer Hayes King

Theses and Dissertations

The prenatal environment has been shown to have lasting effects on cardiovascular health. In the present study, pregnant rats were fed a 0.7% NaCl normal salt (NS) diet or an 8% NaCl high salt (HS) diet throughout pregnancy. Adult offspring were fitted with radiotelemetry probes to continuously measure blood pressure and heart rate. Rats were placed in restraining cages to test for a programmed acute stress hyperresponsiveness. Offspring were challenged with HS diet for one week to determine if blood pressure salt sensitivity had been programmed by the prenatal HS diet. Animals were killed following resting and acute stress conditions, …

Compartmentalization Of Hiv-1 In The Secondary Lymphoid Tissues, James Peter Gregson

Theses and Dissertations

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) reside in the lymphoid follicles of the secondary lymphoid tissues (sLTs). Following the infection of an individual with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), viral particles are trapped in massive quantities on the surfaces of FDCs. HIV-1 viral compartments are cell types or tissues between which there is a restriction of virus flow. Compartmentalization of HIV-1 creates numerous sites within the body in which the virus can undergo independent evolution, giving rise to a more diverse total viral population. Given the sessile nature of the FDC, I hypothesized that contrary to common assumptions, FDC-trapped HIV-1 is …