Life Sciences Commons^™

Recent Decline Of Lowland Populations Of The Western Gray Squirrel In The Los Angeles Area Of Southern California, Daniel S. Cooper, Alan Muchlinski

Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences

We provide an overview of the distribution of lowland and otherwise isolated populations of the western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) in the Los Angeles area of southern California, an area that has experienced a recent and ongoing invasion by the non-native eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), an urban-adapted species introduced a century ago. Away from its strongholds in the western Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and Santa Ana Mountains, the western gray squirrel is resident locally in both the Santa Susana and the Verdugo Mountains, in Griffith Park, in low hills at the eastern periphery of the San Gabriel ...

Effect Of An 8-Week Plyometric Training Program With Raised Forefoot Platforms On Agility And Vertical Jump Performance, Matthieu Pj Voisin, Mikaël Scohier

International Journal of Exercise Science

Some athletes use solid rubber platforms strapped onto the forefoot during plyometric exercises in order to increase their explosive performance including vertical jump height and agility. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a plyometric training program realized with these ‘raised forefoot platforms’, designed to keep the heels off the ground, to the same program conducted with regular shoes. Forty-nine subjects performed 2 sessions of plyometric training for 8 weeks, either with raised forefoot platforms (n=20) or regular shoes (n=29). Countermovement jump (CMJ) height and agility test time were evaluated at pre-, mid- and ...

Monitoring Changes Of Cardio-Respiratory Parameters During 2000m Rowing Performance, Arnab Das, Malay Mandal, Alak K. Syamal, Pralay Majumdar

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 483-490, 2019. The purpose of this study was to characterize the kinetics of cardio-respiratory parameters of elite male rowers during 2000m rowing time trial. 16 lightweight category (LWC) and 11 open category (OC) elite male rowers attending National camp were included in the study. Pulmonary gas exchange and heart rate (HR) during 2000m rowing ergometer test was determined through breath-by-breath analysis, with a portable metabolic gas analyzer and HR monitor. Time to completion, HR, oxygen uptake (V̇O₂), minute ventilation (V̇E) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were recorded at 500m, 1000m ...

A Review Of Orthochirus From Turkey, Iraq, And Iran (Khoozestan, Ilam, And Lorestan Provinces), With Descriptions Of Three New Species (Scorpiones: Buthidae), František Kovařík, Ersen A. Yağmur, Victor Fet, Fenik S. Hussen

Euscorpius

Three new species, Orthochirus fomichevi sp. n. from Turkey and Iraq, O. gantenbeini sp. n. from Iran (Khoozestan Province), and O. navidpouri sp. n. from Iran (Khoozestan and Lorestan Provinces) are described, compared with other Orthochirus species from the region, and fully illustrated with color photos. Lectotype of O. mesopotamicus Birula, 1918 stat. n. from Iran (Khoozestan Province) is designated. Emended diagnoses are given for O. iranus Kovařík, 2004, O. iraqus Kovařík, 2004, O. mesopotamicus Birula, 1918 stat. n., and O. zagrosensis Kovařík, 2004. A key and a distribution map are included.

Validity And Wearability Of Consumer-Based Fitness Trackers In Free-Living Children, Keith Brazendale, Lindsay Decker, Ethan T. Hunt, Michelle W. Perry, Allison B. Brazendale, R Glenn Weaver, Michael W. Beets

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(5): 471-482, 2019. Over the past decade wearable fitness trackers (WFTs) have grown in popularity with more recent versions able to capture the pulse rate noninvasively on the wrist of the wearer. Most of evidence on the validity of WFTs have explored adults in clinical settings. Thus, the purpose of this study is to 1) evaluate the validity of a wrist-placed WFT in determining heart rate, and 2) examine the wear compliance of a wrist-placed WFT, in children in free-living settings. In study 1, 19 children (5-12yrs) wore a Fitbit Charge HR^© and a ...

Effects Of Exercise Environment And Protocol Intensity On The Efficacy Of Rehabilitation Care For Patients With Huntington’S Disease: A Comprehensive Review, James D. Dolbow, Hau Ly, Nicholas Elwert, John Gassler

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(3): 456-470, 2019. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by astrogliosis of the putamen and caudate nucleus. Motor symptoms include progressive chorea, leading to deficits in gait, motor function, and quality of life. While many studies have examined the effects of therapeutic exercise on these factors in individuals with HD, the efficacy of such protocols has yet to be analyzed. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to analyze trends in efficacy reported by studies examining the effects of exercise on motor function, gait quality, and quality of life in individuals ...

Body Composition And Perceived Stress Through A Calendar Year In Ncaa I Female Volleyball Players, Hayden W. Hyatt, Andreas N. Kavazis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(5): 433-443, 2019. The aim of the study was to track changes of perceived stress and body composition across an entire calendar year in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) division I female volleyball players. We hypothesized that perceived stress and body composition would vary between the competitive season and off-season, with the largest changes occurring during time points prior to the onset and after the end of the competitive season. Eight female volleyball players participated in a longitudinal study. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, fat mass, and fat free mass ...

Acute Effects Of L-Arginine Supplementation On Oxygen Consumption Kinetics And Muscle Oxyhemoglobin And Deoxyhemoglobin During Treadmill Running In Male Adults, Claudia M. Meirelles, Cristiane Matsuura, Roberto Silva Jr., Felipe F. Guimaraes, Paulo Sergio C. Gomes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 444-455, 2019. L-arginine is used as a nitric oxide related supplement intended to improve sports performance, and to enhance muscular recovery during exercise. However, the literature is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of acute oral L-arginine supplementation on O2 consumption kinetics and local muscle blood volume and oxygenation during treadmill running at two different intensities. Using a double-blind, crossover and placebo-controlled design, 11 young healthy male adults were randomly assigned to 6 g of L-arginine (ARG) or placebo (PLA) supplementation that was ingested 60 min before the ...

Trypanothacus Gen. N., A New Genus Of Burrowing Scorpion From The Arabian Peninsula (Scorpiones: Buthidae), Graeme Lowe, František Kovařík, Mark Stockmann, František Šťáhlavský

Euscorpius

We define a new fossorial buthid genus Trypanothacus gen. n., similar to Buthacus Birula, 1908, differing primarily in telson shape, with a bulbous vesicle and aculeus shorter than the vesicle, and in heavier dentition on metasomal segments II–III and IV. The new genus includes two species: T. barnesi sp. n. from Oman and T. buettikeri (Hendrixson, 2006) comb. n. from Saudi Arabia, the latter transferred from Buthacus. We provide detailed illustrations of both species from preserved materials, and in vivo habitus and natural habitat are shown for T. barnesi sp. n.. Information is also provided on ecology and captive ...

Cyanobacterial And Algal Abundance And Biomass In Cave Biofilms And Relation To Environmental And Biofilm Parameters, Slađana Popović, Nataša Nikolić, Jelena Jovanović, Dragana Predojević, Ivana Trbojević, Ljiljana Manić, Gordana Subakov Simić

International Journal of Speleology

Due to life in extreme environments, cyanobacteria and algae from cave biofilms that form at the entrances or deep inside the cave around artificial lights are of increasing interest to many scientists. It is well-known that many phototrophic microorganisms are first to colonize exposed substrata and produce the organic matter on which other biofilm constituents relly. Many studies dealing with phototrophic microorganisms from biofilms focus on the diversity and community composition of cyanobacteria and algae, while quantitative assessments are rarely implemented. Biofilm sampling was conducted in Degurić and Vernjikica Cave located in Western and Eastern Serbia, respectively. Ecological parameters (temperature ...

A Comparison Of Blood Viscosity And Hematocrit Levels Between Yoga Practitioners And Sedentary Adults, James Shadiow, Takashi Tarumi, Mandeep Dhindsa, Stacy D. Hunter

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 425-432, 2019. Elevations in whole blood viscosity (WBV) and hematocrit (Hct), have been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endurance training has been demonstrated to lower WBV and Hct; however, evidence supporting the efficacy of yoga on these measures is sparse. A cross-sectional study was conducted examining WBV and Hct levels between yoga practitioners with a minimum of 3 years of consistent practice and sedentary, healthy adults. Blood samples were collected from a total of 42 participants: 23 sedentary adults and 19 regular yoga practitioners. Brachial arterial blood pressure (BP) was ...

Evolutionary Biology Of Diet, Aging, And Mismatch, Grant A. Rutledge, Laurence D. Mueller, Larry G. Cabral, Michael R. Rose

Journal of Evolution and Health

No abstract provided.

Implications Of Evolutionary Mismatch In The Field Of Public Health, George M. Diggs Jr.

Journal of Evolution and Health

No abstract provided.

Evidence On Chronic Ketosis In Traditional Arctic Populations, L. Amber O'Hearn

Journal of Evolution and Health

No abstract provided.

Scorpions Of Iran (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part X. Alborz, Markazi And Tehran Provinces With A Description Of Orthochirus Carinatus Sp. N. (Buthidae), Shahrokh Navidpour, František Kovařík, Michael Soleglad, Victor Fet

Euscorpius

Nine species of scorpions belonging to two families are reported from the Alborz, Markazi and Tehran Provinces of Iran. Of these, Compsobuthus kaftani Kovařík, 2003 is recorded from Tehran Province for the first time; Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905) is recorded from Alborz Province for the first time; Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) is recorded for Alborz and Markazi Provinces for the first time; Iranobuthus krali Kovařík, 1997 is recorded for Tehran Province for the first time; Mesobuthus eupeus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839) is recorded from Alborz, Markazi and Tehran Provinces for the first time; Odontobuthus doriae (Thorell, 1876) is recorded ...

Caffeine Alters Rpe-Based Intensity Production, Tyler Langford, Eric O'Neal, Eric M. Scudamore, Samantha Johnson, Caitlin Stevenson, Veronika Pribyslavska, Matt Green

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 412-424, 2019. This study examined effects of caffeine (CAF) on power output (PO) selection and associated physiological responses during cycling at moderate and high intensities prescribed by RPE (0-10 scale). Participants (n = 9) (VO2peak: 55.4 ± 6.32 mL · kg-1 · min-1) cycled for 20 min at RPE4 and 20 min at RPE7 separated by 10 min recovery following caffeine (CAF) (6 mg · kg-1) and placebo (PLA) ingestion. PO, HR, serum lactate [La], VO2, VE, and RER were recorded every 5 min. Session RPE (S-RPE) was recorded following 10 min recovery. Repeated-measures ANOVA’s ...

Reductions In Kinematics From Brassieres With Varying Breast Support, Taylor M. Gibson, Nilanthy Balendra, Ksenia I. Ustinova, Joseph Langenderfer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(1): 402-411, 2019. Given the abundance of brassieres, manufacturers, and investigations of bras, it remains unclear whether the continued development of bras will provide many additional improvements in support. This study measured performance of sport bras including 4 popular bras and a new style bra at reducing breast motion during five common exercises. Bras demonstrated varying effectiveness and consistency across exercises at reducing undesirable breast motion, (hereafter referred to as kinematics). The new style bra significantly reduced vertical breast displacement and acceleration more consistently than other bras. When significant differences between bras were detected ...

Validity And Reliability Of The Polar A300'S Fitness Test Feature To Predict Vo2max, Kasie D. Cooper, Alex B. Shafer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(4): 393-401, 2019. The Polar A300 fitness watch includes a feature termed the 5-minute fitness test. This feature claims to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Polar A300 “Fitness Test” VO2max estimation feature. Nineteen recreationally active young adult males (n=9) and females (n=10) completed a Bruce protocol treadmill protocol to assess VO2max, followed by two separate 5-minute Polar Fitness Test (VO2max estimation) trials. A Pearson’s r test was used to determine the relationship between VO2max ...

Evaluation Of Earbud And Wristwatch Heart Rate Monitors During Aerobic And Resistance Training, Jennifer A. Bunn, Elizabeth K. Wells, John P. Manor, Michael J. Webster

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(4): 374-384, 2019. Assessment of biometrics during exercise is evolving to create devices that are “all-inclusive", in an effort to decrease the number of devices required during exercise while providing comprehensive and accurate biometric measures. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of two optical heart rate monitors, the Jabra earbud and the Mio Alpha wristwatch, during aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Twenty-two recreationally active participants (25.4 ± 6.9 years, 171 ± 11 cm, 73.9 ± 3.1 kg, and 25.2 ± 9.2% body fat) completed this study. Participants completed 30 ...

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Boot Use Elevates Blood Lactate During Subsequent Exercise, Richard T. Marcello, Lucas Fortini, Beau Kjerulf Greer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 385-392, 2019. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) boot use between submaximal cycling trials on heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations. Ten healthy participants (9M; 1F) performed two consecutive 60 minute rides at 60% of functional threshold power with a 30 minute rest between rides. The rest period was spent in a supine position using IPC boots (BOOT) or sitting in a similar position without boots (CON). HRs were collected every 15 minutes during cycling rides, and lactate was measured at the ...

Evaluation Of Two Implants For Steers On Early-Intensively Grazed Tallgrass Native Range, J. K. Farney, M. E. Corrigan

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two implants that have different lengths of effective use on stocker cattle gains within an intensive early double-stocked native tallgrass prairie grazing system.

Study Description: Stocker steers (n = 281) were implanted with Revalor-G (Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) or Synovex One Grass (Zoetis, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI) and grazed on tallgrass native range for 90 days during the summer. The steers were individually weighed, after an overnight shrink, on the day of implanting, at midpoint of grazing, and the end of the grazing period. Total gains and average daily gain were evaluated.

The Bottom Line ...

Scorpions Of The Horn Of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part Xix. Pandiborellius Meidensis (Karsch, 1879) And Pandinurus Fulvipes Sp. N. (Scorpionidae) From Somaliland., František Kovařík, Graeme Lowe, Tomáš Mazuch

Euscorpius

The male of Pandiborellius meidensis (Karsch, 1879) is introduced for the first time and illustrated in detail with color photos, and sexual dimorphism and occurrence of the species are discussed. Pandinurus fulvipes sp. n. from Somaliland is described and fully complemented with color photos of live and preserved specimens, as well as of its habitat.

Chaerilus Alberti Sp. N. From Malaysia (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae), František Kovařík

Euscorpius

Chaerilus alberti sp. n. from Malaysia (Cameron Highlands) is described and fully illustrated with color photographs of preserved specimens, as well as of their habitat. Males of C. alberti sp. n. have a unique shape of chela which is stout with the manus swollen anteriorly. They are compared to other species from Southeast Asia, from all of which C. alberti sp. n. differs by the shape of pedipalp chela parallel or swollen posteriorly or medially. Pedipalp chela is illustrated with color photographs of 21 of these species.

Combined Effects Of Calcium Ascorbate Treatment And Modified Atmosphere Packaging To Improve Quality Retention Of Fresh-Cut Cantaloupes, Joongmin Shin, Kevin Mis Solval, Bob Xiang, Youn Suk Lee

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

The impact of passive modified atmosphere packaging technique (MP) and calcium ascorbate (CA) on the extension of freshness and shelf life in fresh-cut cantaloupe was studied at two storage temperatures (4 and 10°C). Fresh cantaloupes were cut into uniform size cubes (25.4 mm x 25.4mm x 25.4mm). Then, half of the fresh cut cubes was dipped into the treatment solution, and the others were not. Clamshell tray with snap-on lid (control) and micro-perforated sealable lid (MP) was used as the fresh cut fruits packaging. Fresh cut cantaloupes in CA and MP combination (CA-MP) observed the highest ...

Fifty Years Of Cave Arthropod Sampling: Techniques And Best Practices, J. Judson Wynne, Francis G. Howarth, Stefan Sommer, Brett G. Dickson

International Journal of Speleology

Ever-increasing human pressures on cave biodiversity have amplified the need for systematic, repeatable, and intensive surveys of cave-dwelling arthropods to formulate evidence-based management decisions. We examined 110 papers (from 1967 to 2018) to: (i) understand how cave-dwelling invertebrates have been sampled; (ii) provide a summary of techniques most commonly applied and appropriateness of these techniques, and; (iii) make recommendations for sampling design improvement. Of the studies reviewed, over half (56) were biological inventories, 43 ecologically focused, seven were techniques papers, and four were conservation studies. Nearly one-half (48) of the papers applied systematic techniques. Few papers (24) provided enough information ...

Aerobic Fitness Markers Associated With Post-Paddling Breath Hold Capacity In Competitive Surfers, Cory J. Greever, Kaden K.L. Groseclose, April L. Denny, Danielle C. Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 366-373, 2019. Competitive surfing is a growing sport with evolving performance and safety demands. One particular challenge surfers face is the need to endure long breath-holds following bouts of surf paddling. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between aerobic fitness markers, such as VO_2peak and ventilatory thresholds, and post-paddling breath-hold capacity in competitive surfers. Eleven male collegiate level competitive surfers completed both a maximal graded exercise test and a simulated post-paddling breath-hold challenge on a modified paddling ergometer. Associations between markers of aerobic fitness and post-paddling breath-hold capacity ...

The Effects Of Pre-Workout Supplementation On Anaerobic Power And Maintenance Of Power In College Students, Christine T. Herbe, M. Travis Byrd, Taylor K. Dinyer, Brian J. Wallace, Haley C. Bergstrom

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 355-365, 2019. This study examined the effects of Assault™ pre-workout supplementation on peak power output (PP), mean power output (MP), and percent decline in power output (% decline) during repeated, Wingate anaerobic tests. Thirteen healthy, physically active participants (7 male, 6 female) completed the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design with two conditions, supplement and placebo. The participants visited the laboratory for a total of three visits, 2-7 days apart. During visit 1, the participants completed a 4-minute familiarization warm-up on the Monark cycle ergometer and performed one baseline, 30-second Wingate cycle ergometry test. During ...

The Effect Of Foam Rolling Of The Hamstrings On Proprioception At The Knee And Hip Joints, Erin David, Tal Amasay, Kathryn Ludwig, Sue Shapiro

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(1): 343-354, 2019. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effect of hamstring foam rolling on proprioception at the knee and hip joints. Twenty-five participants completed two proprioceptive tests on separate days, in a random order. The joint position matching test used no visual feedback. Participants were verbally guided to a target lunge position, which was maintained for six seconds while right hip and knee angles were recorded. After rest, participants reproduced this position without guidance for six seconds. Three trials were completed at baseline, and zero, 10, and 20 minutes ...

Investigating The Roles Of Rna Binding Protein Combinations In Neuronal Function And Organismal Behavior, Alexa Vandenburg

SMU Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Norris lab recently identified two RNA binding proteins required for proper neuron-specific splicing. The lab conducted touch- response behavioral assays to assess the function of these proteins in touch-sensing neurons. After isolating C. elegans worms with specific phenotypes, the lab used automated computer tracking and video analysis to record the worms’ behavior. The behavior of mutant worms differed from that of wild-type worms.

The Norris lab also discovered two possible RNA binding protein sites in SAD-1, a neuronal gene implicated in the neuronal development of C. elegans1. These two binding sites may control the splicing of SAD-1. The lab ...

Combinatorial Genetics Of Rna Binding Proteins For Lifespan Regulation In C. Elegans, Nikita Tapiawala

SMU Journal of Undergraduate Research

RNA binding proteins control post-transcriptional aspects of gene regulation. While transcriptional control over the aging process has been well-established, less is known about post-transcriptional control over the aging process. We have used CRISPR/Cas9 genetics to study combinations of RNA binding proteins in C. elegan, a transparent nematode or roundworm one millimeter in length, and their role in aging. The manner in which the research was conducted was through experimental laboratory work in which the lifespan of the nematodes was monitored until their death. The three mutations affecting RNA binding proteins that assays were performed with are exc-7, fox-1, and ...