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Articles 1 - 18 of 18
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Examining The Nutritional Requirements Of Acidophilic Archaea "Ferroplasma Acidarmanus" Strain Fer1, Yudong Qu
Examining The Nutritional Requirements Of Acidophilic Archaea "Ferroplasma Acidarmanus" Strain Fer1, Yudong Qu
Masters Theses
Ferroplasma acidarmanus strain fer1 (fer1) is an archaeal microaerophilic acidophile (pH 0 to pH 3) with a chemolithotrophic metabolism. As an efficient consumer of sulfate, fer1 plays an important role in the biogeochemical process of pyrite dissolution at acidic site. Confirming the genomic prediction of metabolic gene functions in this organism requires functional assays, which cannot be carried out until a defined medium is obtained. The objective of the current study was to replace the 0.1% (w/v) yeast extract component in the growth medium, mfer, with defined components for carbon, nitrogen, and vitamin needs. In order to replace the 0.1% …
Morphological And Ecological Investigations Of Species Of Bulrush (Scirpus) In Illinois, Julian G. Moore
Morphological And Ecological Investigations Of Species Of Bulrush (Scirpus) In Illinois, Julian G. Moore
Masters Theses
Two closely related species of bulrush, Scirpus atrovirens (Green bulrush) and Scirpus georgianus (Georgia bulrush), are widely distributed in Illinois. They are difficult to separate in the field, but readily distinguishable under magnification in the lab. These two species have been found in moist meadows, shallow marshes, edges of wet forests, and ditches. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological and ecological distinctness of the species with the aim toward discovering and describing other features to distinguish them reliably. Eighty plants of Scirpus atrovirens and 80 of Scirpus georgianus were examined. Fifty S. atrovirens and 50 S. …
Functions Of Mitoneet: What The Protein-Protein Interactions Reveal, Fran Hirschfelder
Functions Of Mitoneet: What The Protein-Protein Interactions Reveal, Fran Hirschfelder
Masters Theses
MitoNEET is a [2Fe-2S] cluster protein found on the outer mitochondrial membrane. First discovered as a binding site for pioglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, it was the first protein described containing a CDGSH iron-sulfur domain (CISD). However, the function(s) of mitoNEET in both normal cellular physiology and the physiology in type-2 diabetes remains unclear. The proposed functions of mitoNEET, include cluster transfer, electron transport and oxidative respiration. This thesis describes the use of proteomic pull-down techniques to identify possible protein binding partners of mitoNEET from both mouse and human liver cell lysates. In order to accomplish this, the expression and purification …
A Comparison Of The Effects Of Static Stretching With And Without Whole Body Vibration On Hip Flexion Range Of Motion In College Age Males, Jessica Lynn Wilson
A Comparison Of The Effects Of Static Stretching With And Without Whole Body Vibration On Hip Flexion Range Of Motion In College Age Males, Jessica Lynn Wilson
Masters Theses
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a single bout of static stretching with and without whole body vibration on hip flexion range of motion in college age males. A second purpose was to determine whether any acute effects would persist after one hour of rest. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant increase from baseline to posttest hip range of motion with both static stretching only and static stretching with whole body vibration. Further, the improvement would be significantly greater with the addition of whole body vibration. It was also hypothesized that any …
The Effects Of Aerobic And Muscular Endurance Based Resistance Exercises On The Cardiorespiratory System In College Age Females, Victoria Streif
The Effects Of Aerobic And Muscular Endurance Based Resistance Exercises On The Cardiorespiratory System In College Age Females, Victoria Streif
Masters Theses
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiorespiratory response in college age females, between the ages of 19 and 24, before and after participating in a six week moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise program compared to a six week moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise program combined with a muscular endurance based resistance training program. Specifically, which mode of exercise has the most significant effect on cardiorespiratory fitness? Methods: Twelve sedentary college age females between the ages of 19 to 24 years, with a mean age of 20.9 years, participated in the study. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: …
Wastewater Influent And Effluent Concentrations Of 17 Beta-Estradiol: A Study Of The Influence Of A University Community And The Risk To Environmental Health, Kyle Heffron
Masters Theses
The concentration of 17β-estradiol (E2) was measured through stages of wastewater treatment at a central Illinois wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). E2 concentration was quantified using a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The concentration of E2 was compared with demographic effects of a university, physical parameters of the wastewater (dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature) and daily influent and effluent flow rates. Effluent concentrations ranged from 0 to 25.3 ng L-1 with an average discharge of 3.6 ng L-1. E2 concentration was shown to increase at the start of each university semester, however, this trend was not observed …
Comparison Of Oak And Sugar Maple Distribution And Regeneration In Central Illinois Upland Oak Forests, Peter J. Frey
Comparison Of Oak And Sugar Maple Distribution And Regeneration In Central Illinois Upland Oak Forests, Peter J. Frey
Masters Theses
Although white oak (Quercus alba) dominated much of the mid-west and eastern US hardwood forests prior to European settlement, changes in disturbance frequencies and habitat fragmentation, coupled with other biotic pressures, are allowing sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) to displace oak in the upland forest understory. Since our understanding of how disturbance mechanisms influence oak regeneration is not fully clear, there is lack of consensus on how to employ management practices. We collected seedling microhabitat data from 5 upland oak forest sites in central Illinois, each differing in age class and/or silvicultural treatment to determine: 1) Whether …
Effects Of Dams On Fish And Macroinvertebrate Communities In The Vermilion River, Il, Ryan Patrick Hastings
Effects Of Dams On Fish And Macroinvertebrate Communities In The Vermilion River, Il, Ryan Patrick Hastings
Masters Theses
Dams are a main source of anthropogenic disturbances on river systems and can affect rivers in a variety of ways. Dams have the ability to change rivers from lotic to lentic habitats, affect sediment transportation, connectivity, water quality, linkages with wetlands and the quality of in-stream and riparian habitats. The Danville Dam was constructed in 1914 on the Vermilion River in Danville, Illinois and is becoming a safety hazard for human recreation on the Vermilion River, resulting in three deaths in the last 10 years. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the city of Danville has proposed …
Do Artificial Riffles Enhance Nutrient Retention In Restored Streams?, Adam Thomas Hughes
Do Artificial Riffles Enhance Nutrient Retention In Restored Streams?, Adam Thomas Hughes
Masters Theses
Kickapoo Creek, a tributary of the Embarrass River in Central Illinois, has undergone a stream restoration that included the construction of two artificial riffles. These structures were designed to slow flood waters, increase channel and substrate stability, and increase habitat heterogeneity in a stream impacted by erosion and sediment deposition. They may also provide stable substrates that affect the algal community, leading to shifts in algal community composition, increases in the biomass of primary producers, and subsequent increases in nutrient retention. I explored the effects of the restoration on instream nutrient retention by measuring and comparing phosphate uptake lengths, velocities, …
Assessment Of Range, Habitat Use, And Diel Movement Of Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis Olivaris) In The Wabash River Using Ultrasonic Telemetry, Sarah Mary Huck
Assessment Of Range, Habitat Use, And Diel Movement Of Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis Olivaris) In The Wabash River Using Ultrasonic Telemetry, Sarah Mary Huck
Masters Theses
Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are one of the most targeted species for recreational and commercial fishing within the Mississippi River Basin. With heavy harvest pressure placed on many populations, proper management is crucial; however, the species range, habitat requirements, and diel movement patterns have rarely been investigated in free flowing rivers. Therefore, I used ultrasonic telemetry with active tracking to monitor movement and habitat use of 44 Flathead Catfish from August 2012 to December 2013 in the lower 280 km of the Wabash River. This system is ideal to evaluate broad and fine scale movement of Flathead Catfish …
Demographics And Seasonal Diet Composition Of Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus Rafinesque) In Wabash River, Vaskar Nepal
Demographics And Seasonal Diet Composition Of Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus Rafinesque) In Wabash River, Vaskar Nepal
Masters Theses
Shovelnose sturgeon Schaphirhynchus platorynchus Rafinesque, one of the only sturgeon species that support a sustainable commercial harvest, are fished in a substantial caviar fishery in the lower Wabash River. However, ecological information on the population is sparse. In this thesis, I present information on the status and seasonal diet characteristics of the population. A 14-year long shovelnose sturgeon monitoring survey conducted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources shows that the population is in relatively good condition, faces low mortality rates, and has a high potential for recruitment. Study of the seasonal composition of diet suggests that shovelnose sturgeon generally get …
The Effects Of Theophylline And 8-Cyclopentyltheophylline On The Respiratory Response To Carbon Dioxide In Neonatal Rats, Christine E. Albers
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 …
The Role Of Landmarks In Territory Maintenance By The Black Saddlebags Dragonfly, Tramea Lacerata, Jeffrey Lojewski
The Role Of Landmarks In Territory Maintenance By The Black Saddlebags Dragonfly, Tramea Lacerata, Jeffrey Lojewski
Masters Theses
Territoriality can reduce competition for resources, but territorial defense can be costly. Therefore any behavior that reduces territorial costs may increase the net benefit of territoriality. Some species will align their territory boundaries with conspicuous landmarks that may serve to reduce defense costs. Dragonflies, including black saddlebags (Tramea lacerata), defend territories at breeding sites, keeping rival males away to allow themselves access to females. We used three treatments to investigate whether T. lacerata used landmarks: constraining landmarks (an object that provided a physical barrier to flight), non-constraining landmarks (an object of the same dimensions and construction that did …
Comparison Of Muscular Strength And Hypertrophy In High Repetition Training Versus Low Repetition Training For The Bench Press Exercise, Tyler Mink
Masters Theses
No abstract provided.
The Effects Of 1, 3, & 7 Trisubstituted And 8-Cyclopentyl Alkylxanthines On Respiration In Newborn Rats, Nathan Creel Davidson
The Effects Of 1, 3, & 7 Trisubstituted And 8-Cyclopentyl Alkylxanthines On Respiration In Newborn Rats, Nathan Creel Davidson
Masters Theses
Methylxanthines have been shown to be promising respiratory stimulants in newborns suffering from recurrent apnea. The respiratory stimulant effects of methylxanthines are most likely due to their antagonism of adenosine receptors. These drugs have been shown to stimulate respiration in newborn rats in doses in excess of 10 mg/kg body weight. Structure-activity studies have shown that methylxanthines not only differ in the antagonism of A1 and A2 adenosine receptors but also, as a consequence of their different chemical structures, differ in potency as respiratory stimulants. To assess this, two potent A1 adenosine receptor antagonists, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and …
Habitat Associations Of Larval And Juvenile Fishes In A Large Unimpounded River, Sharon V. Rayford
Habitat Associations Of Larval And Juvenile Fishes In A Large Unimpounded River, Sharon V. Rayford
Masters Theses
Larval and juvenile life stages of fish are numerically the dominant component of fish populations. These early life stages experience high levels of mortality due, in part, to anthropogenic disturbances, but little is known about which habitats they utilize in large-rivers, as they are often difficult to sample and identify. My study examined the larval and juvenile fish assemblages in different habitats within the lower 322 km of the Wabash River. Fish were sampled with a conical-cylindrical ichthyoplankton net (larvae) and a DC-electrified mini-Missouri trawl (juveniles) between May and October 2013. Larval fish were collected every two weeks from mid-May …
Effects Of Instream Habitat Restoration On Macroinvertebrate And Fish Communities In A Small Midwestern Stream, Manisha Pant
Effects Of Instream Habitat Restoration On Macroinvertebrate And Fish Communities In A Small Midwestern Stream, Manisha Pant
Masters Theses
Although millions of dollars are spent annually on stream habitat restoration, the biological responses to these restorations are rarely monitored. I assessed the impact of habitat enhancement on fish and macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity in a small Midwestern stream. Fish and macroinvertebrate communities were sampled annually in two restored and two unrestored sites beginning two years before and continuing four years after restoration. Habitat heterogeneity increased in the restored sites following the restoration, but there were no significant changes in most macroinvertebrate and fish community indices. Macroinvertebrate composition was significantly different between spring and fall, but in general, assemblages within …
Aspects Of The Trophic Ecology Of An Invertivorous Snake Community, Meagan Amanda Thomas
Aspects Of The Trophic Ecology Of An Invertivorous Snake Community, Meagan Amanda Thomas
Masters Theses
Understanding the significance of trophic links has been of interest to ecologists for decades, likely because food web studies have the potential to reveal a considerable amount of information in the fields of ecosystem and community ecology. Despite the intrinsic benefits that come from elucidating food web structures, doing so is often problematic because of the complex and dynamic nature of ecological communities. The dietary ecology of small-bodied invertivorous snakes remains relatively understudied compared to other snake species. Many of these species are abundant throughout their range, making them ideal organisms for studying community-level questions. I employed a combination of …