Life Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Prostaglandin Inhibitor On Pregnancy Rates Of Heifer Embryo Transfer Recipients, Jared William Mcnaughtan

Theses and Dissertations

Manipulation of the reproductive tract results in increased levels of prostaglandin, which may, in turn, reduce pregnancy rates in embryo recipients. Administration of a prostaglandin inhibitor prior to embryo transfer improves pregnancy rates in cows. Embryo transfer into heifers is more difficult and often requires additional manipulation of the uterus. This study was designed to determine whether administration of the prostaglandin inhibitor, flunixin meglumine, immediately prior to embryo transfer increases pregnancy rates in heifers. Heifers (n=466) were divided into two equal groups based on BCS (range=6-7) and weight (range=256-455). Estrus was synchronized in heifers by giving two injections of prostaglandin …

Registered Dietitans Practicing Advanced Level Skills In The State Of Tennessee And Their Perceived Job Satisfaction., Charlotte Norene Cochran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the number of registered dietitians in Tennessee who perceive they are practicing at advanced levels versus those making recommendations only. Job satisfaction according to order writing privileges was also assessed. A five question survey was sent to hospitals meeting selection criteria. Thirty-three surveys (89%) were returned. Eighty-nine percent of dietitians with order writing privileges considered themselves to be advanced level practitioners compared to 60% in the group of dietitians who did not have order writing privileges. Dietitians with order writing privileges indicated greater job satisfaction compared to dietitians that did not have …

A Comparison Of Linear And Daily Undulating Periodizied Strength Training Programs., Andrew Morrow Caldwell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to compare linear periodized (LP) and daily undulating (DUP) periodized strength training programs, and determine if either method of periodization elicits superior gains in 1 Repetitions maximums (1RM) for back squat (BS) and bench press (BP) (core exercises). Nineteen subjects (n=19) underwent a 6-week resistance-training (RT) program. Participants performed both BS and BP two day a week. The LP group linearly increased intensity while decreasing volume. While the DUP group daily changed intensity and volume. Total volume for both BS and BP were equal for both LP and DUP. Both BP and BS increased …

Effect Of Stocking Density On Sunshine Bass (Morone Chrysops X M. Saxatilis) Production And Water Quality At Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Kentucky, Todd A. Leonard

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Todd A. Leonard on December 15, 2004.

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Sprinters Vs. Distance Runners At Equal And Maximal Speeds, Tyler D. Bushnell

Theses and Dissertations

In the sport of track and field, sprinting and distance running represent two major categories of athletes. Sprinting is associated with power and speed, whereas distance running focuses on the economy of movement. With distance running there are elements of sprint technique that overlap. With distance events, there comes a time near the end of the race where economy gives way to speed. If the distance runners knew how to alter their technique in a way to become more sprint-like, this process could possibly be more successful. PURPOSE: This study compared the differences in technique between sprinters and distance runners …

Effects Of Video Modeling On Skill Acquisition In Learning The Golf Swing, Joshua L. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of video modeling on skill acquisition in learning the golf swing. One-hundred-eight college students participated in this study. All participants were pre-tested via videotaping to determine initial skill level. The pre-test videotaping was analyzed using DartTrainer software. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of three groups (1) control (2) single-view or (3) multi-view. Participants in the control group viewed a compact disc (CD) with a putting demonstration repeated 40 times. The participants in the single-view group viewed a CD with a front view only demonstration repeated 40 times of …

Identification Of Proteins Involved In Chloroplast Dna Replication, Matthew G. Lassen

Theses and Dissertations

Chapter 1

Chloroplast nucleoids (ct-nucleoids) are DNA/protein complexes involved in compacting the chloroplast genome, and may play a role in regulating DNA replication. Ct-nucleoids were isolated from young soybean plants and separated by 2-D gel electrophoresis. Gel spots were excised and analyzed by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry, resulting in several protein identifications. The proteins identified all have functions unrelated to DNA replication. While some of these proteins may be due to contamination, it is possible that some of these proteins are dual-functional, playing direct roles in the regulation of DNA replication.

Chapter 2

A 28 kDa soybean protein was isolated by …

A Multi-State Molecular Epidemiological Survey Of 16 Beef, Dairy, Poultry And Swine Farms To Facilitate Risk Assessment Of Listeria Monocytogenes, David Dean Rasmussen

Doctoral Dissertations

Listeria monocytogenes s an intracellular pathogen that poses serious risks for immuno-compromised individuals. On the farm risk assessment is needed to reduce exposure of such individuals to this pathogen. Base line epidemiological surveys for this pathogen are needed to identify common ecological reservoirs and sources. A 21 month survey of 4 animal farm types for L. monocytogenes in five different states was conducted to determine the level of occurrence in various environments. An overall occurrence of 1.4% (20/1432 samples) for L. monocytogenes was observed in this 21 month survey. Each sample type (soil, bedding/litter, feed/grass and animal rectal swabs) produced …

Immunotoxicological Study Of Depleted Uranium, Bin Wan

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine toxicity of depleted uranium (DU) to the immune system and the gene expression profile of DU-exposed immune cells including peritoneal macrophages, primary CD4⁺ T-cells and T Cell Hybridoma (TCH) PLP1 5B6. Flow cytometry analysis of annexin-V and Propidium Iodide (PI) binding revealed that DU causes death in those cells at various concentrations. The non-cytotoxic concentrations of DU determined in macrophages, primary CD4⁺ T-cells, and T cells hybridoma are 50µM, 100 µM, and 500 µM, respectively. Findings also revealed that DU-exposed macrophages are able to promote CD4⁺ T-cell proliferation in …

Antimicrobial Activity And Effect Of Selected Essential Oil Components On Cell Membrane Lipids, Valerie W. Ling

Doctoral Dissertations

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of essential oil components (EOC) against Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes and evaluate changes in bacterial membrane composition by observing changes in the fatty acids of Salmonella associated with exposure and adaptation to (or growth in the presence of) cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and carvacrol (CRV) EOC. Ten EOC were tested for efficacy using the broth microdilution and macrodilution methods. Beta-caryophyllene, limonene, alpha-pinene, and thymol were not lethal to Salmonella and Listeria at 2800mg/L. Dose-response models showed that the most effective EOC against Salmonella were CIN and CRV (50% probability of …

In Vitro Propagation, Regeneration, Attempted Tetraploid Induction, And Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation Of Euphorbia Pulchurrima ‘Winter Rose’™, Kimberly Ann Pickens

Doctoral Dissertations

Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulchurrima, is the number one potted flowering plant in the United States. ‘Winter Rose’™ is a very popular cultivar with more than one million plants sold each year. To further improve this cultivar, particularly for larger flower heads and free branching, this research aimed at establishing some in vitro systems for application of biotechnology to poinsettia genetic improvement.

A protocol was established for in vitro axillary bud proliferation using greenhouse grown terminal buds. Buds were placed on Murashige-Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with benzlyaminopurine (BA). Explants produced the greatest number of axillary buds on medium containing between 2.2-8.8 …

Using A Bioluminescent Bacterial Bioreporter To Assess Iron Bioavailability In The Oceans, Cecile Elise Mioni

Doctoral Dissertations

Recent improvements in modern analytical methods have considerably increased our understanding of Fe biogeochemistry in the Ocean. Compiled data have shown that Fe concentrations are low in most open ocean surface waters and that the bioavailability of this Fe is influenced by organic complexation. Of presumed biotic origin, the importance of this organic complexation to Fe availability remains to be elucidated. Unfortunately, current analytical tools do not allow for a linkage to be established between Fe speciation to Fe bioavailability.

To supplement chemical analyses, we have developed a bioanalytical tool: a heterotrophic bacterial bioluminescent reporter system that responds quantitatively to …

Structure–Function Studies Of The Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Α–Mating Factor Pheromone Receptor Ste2p, Ayça Akal–Strader

Doctoral Dissertations

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven transmembrane domain cell surface proteins that respond to a variety of environmental cues. Response of these receptors to their cognate stimuli on the extracellular region of the cell results in a concurrent activation of a complex series of intracellular signaling pathways that prepare the cell for the required adjustments through regulation of gene expression levels. Participation of GPCRs in such intricate signal transduction pathways renders them important players in human diseases. The GPCR family of proteins therefore represents one of the largest classes of proteins to be targeted in the development of drug design …

The Role Of History In The Diversification Of The Funnel-Web Spiders, Agelenopsis Aperta, And Its Congeners, Nadia Antoine Ayoub

Doctoral Dissertations

Identifying the influence of history on the diversity of life is an important goal of evolutionary biology, whether it is an historical event that is extrinsic to the organism such as past climate change or an intrinsic event such as a single switch in behavior. Phylogenetic trees offer an indirect record of the history of diversification in a group of organisms and can be used in conjunction with other information to deduce the multiple roles of history affecting a particular group. Intra- and inter-specific phylogenetic relationships in the spider genus Agelenopsis Geibel (Araneae: Agelenidae) were analyzed using sequence data from …

An Analysis Of The End-Of-Life Choices Of Elderly Patients And Their Healthcare Providers At A Community Hospital In Tennessee, Elizabeth Harder Dobbins

Doctoral Dissertations

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 was expected to popularize the use of advance directives (living wills and durable powers of attorney for healthcare (DPOA-HC)). Since the law was passed, researchers have found that the use of the documents has not increased as expected and that the documents, when present, were not always respected by healthcare providers.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the end-of-life choices of elderly patients and their healthcare providers in a community hospital setting. The subjects of this study were 160 patients, aged 65 years and older, who died in a community hospital in …

Online Atmospherics: An Investigation Of Feeling And Internet Purchase Intention, Kelly Price Rankin

Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines the online atmospheric cues of color and music and their impact upon feeling, attitude and purchase intention of consumers in the online environment. The research design was experimental and used data from a questionnaire. A pilot test of the instrument was conducted. The final questionnaire contained 39 items and a demographic section. A total of 200 questionnaires were collected. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Each group of 50 participants was exposed to a specific set of online atmospheric elements. The results indicated that Hypotheses 1, 3 and 4 were rejected while Hypotheses 2 …

Assessing Capacity For Collaborative Land Management In A Western Tennessee Community, Leslie Ann Horner

Masters Theses

Human and natural alterations resulting in sedimentation, flooding, and hardwood tree mortality in western Tennessee’s Hatchie River watershed represent a landscape-level natural resource problem. Flooding and tree mortality have significant negative economic impacts on the residents of the watershed’s communities. Efforts to address these ecological problems will need to be conducted at a landscape level, across various boundaries, involving multiple private landowners. In order to succeed in a cross-boundary restoration approach, the needs of the people and the ecosystem must be addressed. Collaboration in natural resource management has emerged as one tool for discovering and maintaining a balance between community …

Relationships Between Muskrats And Freshwater Mussels Prior To River Otter Restoration At Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, Kimberly Ann Asmus

Masters Theses

The southeastern United States has a great diversity of freshwater mussel species, many of which are threatened with extinction. The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is one of the few animals to extensively prey on freshwater mussels, and it has been implicated in retarding the recovery of, or further threatening, some endangered mussel populations. Muskrat predation on mussels may be significant at Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP) where a river otter (Lontra canadensis) restoration has been proposed. Anecdotal observations suggest that the reintroduction of river otters dramatically reduces muskrat populations, which, in tum, may reduce the number of …

European Fire Ants On Mount Desert Island, Maine: Population Structure, Mechanisms Of Competition And Community Impacts Of Myrmica Rubra L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Jeffrey Garnas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the early to mid-201h century, Mvrmica rubra Latreille established in various communities in Maine, mostly along the coast. Since its establishment, the ant has spread both locally via vegetative colony budding and regionally via human commerce to no fewer than 30 Maine communities, including one inland site. Studies were undertaken in the summer of 2002 to address questions of the ants' population structure in its introduced range by testing for intercolony aggression within and between local infestations. Using captive nests maintained in their original nest soil, M. rubra was tested against its close neighbors, neighbors of lorn within the …

Environmental Conservation On Agricultural Working Land: Assessing Policy Alternatives Using A Spatially Heterogeneous Land Allocation Model, Kelly M. Cobourn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Multifunctionality refers to the ability of agricultural systems to produce an array of non-market goods and services in addition to market commodities. This thesis focuses explicitly on the provision of environmental benefits, through reduced soil erosion and fertilizer applications, by agricultural producers. Soil erosion and nutrient contamination from agricultural production are the foremost contributors to ground and surface water degradation in the United States. Reducing their production implies gains in social welfare, but may generate significant private losses to producers. The objective of this analysis is to quantify the tradeoff between environmental improvements and producer welfare and to examine the …

Development And Characterization Of Monoclonal Antibodies Directed Against Tanapox Virus, Michael Franz

Masters Theses

The initial symptoms of a Tanapoxvirus (TPV) infection are indistinguishable from smallpox, which is caused by variola virus (VV). In the post-9/11 area, reagents that can quickly differentiate a TPV infection from smallpox are very desirable, but currently unavailable. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed specifically against TPV can be used for this purpose. Six mAbs were developed and characterized that specifically bind to TPV infected owl monkey kidney (OMK) cells, but not uninfected cells. The apparent molecular mass of the TPV protein(s) recognized by 5 mAbs were calculated using the Western blot technique. One mAb demonstrated no binding using the Western …

Wetland And Nest Scale Habitat Use By The Four-Toed Salamander (Hemidactylium Scutatum) In Maine, And A Comparison Of Survey Methods, Rebecca J. Chalmers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Conserving amphibian populations requires knowledge of a species and its habitat relationships. The four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) is listed as Special Concern in Maine and 11 additional states and provinces, Threatened in Illinois, and Endangered in Indiana (Appendix A). Little is known of H. scutatum ecology despite the species' extensive range. Infrequent sightings of H. scutatum throughout its range may indicate either low numbers or that the species' behavior make detection difficult. Records for H. scutatum in Maine existed from only 32 sites before my study, and the total number of occurrences of this species in Maine is …

Use Of Pedometers To Promote Improvement In Selected Physiological Measurements In An Older Female Mexican American Population, Zasha Romero

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The problem of this study was to determine if pedometers promoted daily walking exercise reflected by changes on selected physiological measurements in older Mexican American females. Significance in the study was determined at the 95% level of confidence. The researcher offered the null hypothesis of no difference in results from the pretest to the posttest in both the control and treatment groups for the selected physiological measurements. The subjects of this study were 55 Mexican-American females ages 60 to 75. The subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) method was used to …

The Effect Of Topical Fluorides On The Microleakage Of Sealants, N. Jared Nation

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible microleakage found in two groups of sealants; a group bonded with a dentin bonding agent (DBA), and a group bonded without a DBA after exposure to a variety of topical fluorides.

Materials and Methods: Extracted, human molars were placed into 8 groups. Half of the groups contained sealants that were bonded with a DBA and the other remaining groups of sealants were bonded without a DBA. There were two control groups, one that had sealants bonded with a DBA and the other had sealants bonded without a DBA, but …

The Effect Of Naocl, Ca(Oh)2, Mta And Mtad On Root Dentin Fracture Resistance, Sunil Ilapogu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Various materials are used for the treatment of immature teeth that have been subjected to trauma or decay. It is not well established what effect these materials may have on the immature root dentin. A concern would be the resistance to fracture of the remaining root dentin. The purpose of this study was to compare the resistance of fracture of bovine teeth treated with sodium hypochlorite, calcium hydroxide, gray MTA and gray MTA in conjunction with MTAD after certain periods of time. One hundred and ninety five freshly extracted, intact bovine incisors were prepared using a modified Haapasalo and Orstavik …

Historical Biogeography Of Lowland Species Of Toads (Bufo) Across The Trans-Mexican Neovolcanic Belt And The Isthmus Of Tehuantepec, Benson H. Morrill

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The eastern extension of the massive Trans-Mexican Neovolcanic Belt 1 (TMNB) contacts the Atlantic Coast in central Veracruz, Mexico. Although it is not a massive structure at this eastern terminus, the TMNB has nonetheless effected vicariance and subsequent speciation in several species groups, including bufonid toads and freshwater fishes. In this study, we examined mtDNA sequences (cyt b, 16S) from populations of two different species groups of toads (B. marinus, and the B. nebulifer-B. valliceps species pair) from a lowland transect across the eastern end of the TMNB. We also included samples from outside this region (e.g., Costa …

Prostaglandin E2 Secretion And Effect On Adipocyte Lipogenesis, Patrick Allen Wortman

Masters Theses

With the current focus on the role of n-3 PUFAs as beneficial dietary interventions in the fields of cardiovascular disease and cancer, there has been a vastly increased awareness and focus on the mechanism of action for these essential fatty acids.

Many of the effects of PUFAs are mediated via changes in prostaglandin (PG) levels. One primary substrate for PGs is arachidonic acid (AA) (20:4 n-6), which results in the production of 2-series PGs. Increased concentrations of AA have been shown to increase levels of PGE₂ in vitro and in vivo. The omega-3 fatty acid EPA (20:5 n-3) is …

The Long Term Effects Of Short-Wave Diathermy And Long-Duration Static Stretch On Hamstring Flexibility, Daniel Joseph Graham

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To compare changes in hamstring flexibility from treatments of pulsed short- wave diathermy and prolonged stretch versus sham diathermy and prolonged stretch and control and to observe how long those changes last.

Background: Heat and stretch techniques have been touted for years. To date, the effect of short-wave diathermy and hamstring stretching has not been thoroughly studied. Because diathermy heats a large area and penetrates deep into the muscle, use of this device prior to or during hamstring stretching may increase flexibility and these gains may last longer.

Study Design: A randomized, counterbalanced 3x2x6 repeated measures design. The 3 …

Evaluation Of Botanical Oil Formulations For Management Of Powdery Mildew And Mites, Adriane Lorraine Cannon

Masters Theses

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of newly created soybean oil formulations on powdery mildew (Erysiphe pulphra ), photosynthesis, phytotoxicity, and broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks)) on dogwood ( Cornus florida (L.) 'Cloud Nine') trees, and to evaluate the amounts of formulations that are deposited and washed off of peach (Prunus persica, (L.)) leaves, dormant oak (Quercus phellos, (L.) ), and viburnum ( Viburnum x juddii) twigs after simulated rainfall. Oil treatments were applied using a back pack mist blower sprayed pre- and post- inoculation of powdery mildew to evaluate powdery mildew, …

Occurrence Of Escherichia Coli0157:H7 In Diverse Farm Environments In Five States, Carl Andrew Doane

Masters Theses

In the United States, foodborne outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 illness have often been linked to the consumption of contaminated, undercooked ground beef. However, the occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in other animals has also been reported. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle, swine, poultry, and farm environments. Environmental samples (n=576) and fecal swab samples (n=1686) from sixteen locations in the U.S. were collected over 22 months. Overall, in fecal swabs E. coli O157:H7 was positive (serologically confirmed) in 4.7% of beef cattle (n = 408), 3.9% of dairy cattle …