Life Sciences Commons^™

Cultural Thinning Of Native Sagebrush Stands To Increase Seed Yields, Kurt David Elder

Theses and Dissertations

Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) is an important native shrub in the Great Basin because of its wide distribution where it dominates over 60 million ha and provides essential habitat and forage for many varied species. The hand collection of sagebrush seed often results in seed scarcity and the available seed quantities are at times inadequate to revegetate large areas that have been disturbed, resulting in a demand for sagebrush seed. Study locations were selected near Scipio and Sahara sand dunes of Utah, and treatments were 1-) control, no treatment applied area left undisturbed 2-) general chemical strip …

Transcriptome And Methylation Analysis Of Gossypium Petal Tissue, Aditi Rambani

Theses and Dissertations

Polyploidization instantly doubles all genome content by combining two genomes that have markedly different methylation and gene expression levels. This process may be accompanied by genetic and epigenetic changes in each genome. Sequencing of the transcriptome (RNA-seq) and the methylome (bisulfite treated libraries whole genome libraries) were used to measure gene expression and methylation levels of genic regions of allopolyploid cotton petals and petals of their diploid relatives. Many differentially expressed genes detected by RNA-seq were consistent with expression levels previously detected by microarrays. RNA-seq results also reconfirmed the presence of general polyploid gene expression trends like expression level dominance …

Transcriptome Analysis Of Drought Induced Stress In Chenopodium Quinoa, Joshua Arthur Raney

Theses and Dissertations

RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of Chenopodium quinoa at different water treatment levels was conducted in a greenhouse study using four water treatments (field capacity to drought) on a valley ecotype quinoa (variety Ingapirca) and an Altiplano Salares ecotype quinoa (variety Ollague). Physiological results support the earlier findings that the Salares ecotypes display greater tolerance to drought-like stress conditions than the valley ecotypes (as determined by growth rate, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and stem water potential). cDNA libraries from root tissue sample for each treatment x variety combination were sequenced using Illumina Hi-Seq technology in an RNA-seq experiment. De novo assembly of …

The Pre-Application Of Hydrocortisone Cream And Its Effect On Transdermal Drug Delivery By Phonophoresis, Patrick Thomas Webb

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Transdermal delivery of hydrocortisone by phonophoresis is used for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Research shows hydrocortisone and other white or opaque topical preparations transmit ultrasound energy poorly. Effective transmission of ultrasound is important in phonophoresis. Main Outcome measured: Samples of subcutaneous interstitial fluid were collected during and for 20 minutes following phonophoresis treatment. Cortisol concentrations were analyzed by an enzyme linked immune-assay (ELISA) test. Objective: Determine the subcutaneous cortisol concentration after two different phonophoresis treatments using a 2.5% hydrocortisone preparation. Design: Randomized design in which 22 healthy participants were assigned to receive a phonophoresis treatment where: 1) hydrocortisone …

Long-Term Depression Of Excitatory Inputs To Gabaergic Neurons In The Ventral Tegmental Area, Philip J. Sandoval

Theses and Dissertations

Dopamine cells within the ventral tegmental area of the brain are involved in motivation and reward. Drugs of abuse target these dopamine cells altering their activity and plasticity resulting in addiction. While dopamine cell activity is primarily involved in addiction, the GABA neurons in the VTA have also been shown to have an indirect role. By decreasing the activity of the inhibitory GABA inputs onto dopamine neurons abusive drugs can indirectly increase dopamine cell activity resulting in addictive behaviors. However, although GABA neurons are important in the perception of reward, much less is known about how the excitatory inputs to …

A Tree Theory Case Study In Steinernema, Camille Eileen Finlinson Porter

Theses and Dissertations

It is widely assumed that current phylogenetic methods are fairly accurate at recovering the evolutionary relationships among different species, but evaluating the relative success of this enterprise is a difficult task. This study addresses some fundamental questions associated with generating phylogenetic trees. The complete genomes of five species of Steinernema were sequenced and assembled. Genes were predicted in AUGUSTUS and orthologous genes were found from those data using OrthoMCL. I aligned 3890 genes in MAFFT and eliminated poorly aligned positions with GBlocks. I created individual trees for each gene as well as a supermatrix tree in PAUP*, using a closely …

Mtor Pathway Activation Following Sciatic Stimulation In Wild-Type And Desmin Knockout Mice, Daniel S. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The 52 kDa intermediate filament protein desmin plays an important role in force transmission in skeletal muscle by connecting myofibrils at Z-lines and to the sarcolemma. Desmin content in muscle adapts to contractile activity and may be involved in cellular signaling mechanisms responsible for muscle growth. Purpose: To compare signaling responses of the mTOR pathway in wild type (WT) vs desmin knock out (KO) mice. Methods: WT (n=12) and KO (n=12) mice were exposed to high frequency electric stimulation of the left hindlimb to elicit an acute response of the mTOR pathway. Non-stimulated right hindlimbs were used as a within …

Thin Soils And Sacbes: The Soil Resources Of Uci, Yucatan, Mexico, Zachary S. Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to use pedological evidence in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems, and soil physical and chemical analyses as means to better understand the agricultural landscape surrounding the ancient Maya city of Uci. Specifically, the query of this thesis is to determine whether there is an association between settlement density and soil resources, and what relationship if any there is between the ancient sacbe of Uci and its surrounding agricultural potential. Stable carbon isotope analysis of the humin fraction of the soil organic matter was conducted on several profiles from karst depressions known as rejolladas near …

Functional Significance Of Ilk-Elmo2 Interactions In Epidermal Keratinocytes, Ernest Ho

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The epidermis consists of a basal layer of undifferentiated keratinocytes and multiple suprabasal layers of differentiated keratinocytes. Undifferentiated keratinocytes are adherent and highly motile, whereas differentiated keratinocytes are comparatively less motile and downregulate cell attachments to the extracellular matrix. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a scaffold protein implicated in the regulation of many cellular functions in keratinocytes, including cell attachment, migration, phagocytosis, and protein trafficking. To determine the mechanisms by which ILK is involved in these processes, I sought to identify other proteins which may interact with ILK in keratinocytes. I identified Engulfment and Cell Motility 2 (ELMO2) to interact with …

Functional Genomic Investigation Of Aromatic Aminotransferases Involved In Ephedrine Alkaloid Biosynthesis In Ephedra Sinica (Stapf), Korey G. Kilpatrick

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae) is a broom-like shrub cultivated in arid regions of China, Korea and Japan. This medicinal plant accumulates large amounts of the ephedrine alkaloids, including (S)-cathinone, (1R,2S)-norephedrine, (1R,2S)-ephedrine and (1S,2S)-pseudoephedrine in its aerial tissues. These analogues of amphetamine mimic adrenaline and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. While much is known about their pharmacological properties, the biological mechanisms by which they are synthesized remains largely unknown. A functional genomics platform was established in order to investigate alkaloid biosynthesis. RNA was extracted from Ephedra sinica stems …

Characterization Of Sterile Tassel Silky Earl: A Homeotic B-Class Gene Involved In Specification Of Floral Organ Identity In Zea Mays, Steven Keith Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Specification of floral organ identity in angiosperm flowers is accomplished by the coordinated activity of A-, B-, C-, and E-class MADS-box genes. In the eudicots, B-class genes specify petal and stamen identity. This eudicot B-class function depends on the simultaneous expression of genes from two paralogous B-class lineages (the DEFICIENS/APETALA3 lineage and the GLOBOSA/PISTILLATA lineage). Proteins produced by genes from these two lineages interact as obligate heterodimers and together regulate the transcription of various downstream targets. These obligate heterodimers also positively regulate the transcription of the B-class genes themselves, thereby mediating a unique B-class autoregulatory feedback loop. There is compelling …

Photocalytic Degradation Of Malic Acid Under Thin Coated Tio2, Vanessa Silveira Rodgher

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Opaque fluids have a limited irradiation transmission. Thus, their decontamination employing near UV irradiation poses significant technical challenges. In the present study, a thin UV-transparent/waterproof glue layer coated with a 1.5 wt% of TiO₂ and a new PhotoReactor Cell were implemented. TiO₂ irradiation in the PhotoReactor Cell was effected on the TiO₂ particle side, not directly in contact with the fluid, allowing the postulation of an “h⁺” site mobility mechanism on photocatalysis.

Photocatalytic degradation experiments with malic and malonic acid in water at 10, 20, 30 and 40 ppm showed the complete degradation of malic …

Application Of Cytotoxicity Assays For Detection Of Potentially Harmful Bioactive Compounds Produced By Freshwater Bloom-Forming Algae, Jace Thomas Mclaughlin

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Detection of harmful bioactive compounds produced by bloom-forming pelagic algae is important to assess the potential risks to communities. We applied two cell-based assays, an erythrocyte lysis assay (ELA) that assesses membrane integrity, and a RTgill-W1 cytotoxicity assay (RCA) that detects changes in cell metabolism, to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of: (1) individual toxins and noxious compounds; and (2) complex mixtures of compounds produced by cyanobacteria and chrysophyte isolates. ELA was insensitive to toxins and noxious compounds except at exceptionally high concentrations (EC₅₀≥10⁶ nM). RCA was sensitive to noxious compounds only, at concentrations greater than reported environmental …

Tremulous Jaw Movements Induced By The Vmat2 Inhibitor Tetrabenazine, Samantha J. Podurgiel

Master's Theses

Parkinsonism is a movement disorder characterized by several cardinal motor symptoms: resting tremor, akinesia, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. Parkinsonian resting tremor can be modeled in rodents using the tremulous jaw movement model. Tremulous jaw movements (TJMs) are defined as “rapid vertical deflections of the lower jaw that resemble chewing but are not directed at any particular stimulus.” TJMs occur in a frequency range of 3-7 Hz and are induced by a number of pharmacological manipulations that parallel those seen in human Parkinsonism including dopamine (DA) depleting agents, DA antagonists, and cholinomimetic administration. Additionally, TJMs can be attenuated using antiparkinsonian …

Theta Dynamics: Speed, Acceleration And Contribution To Cognition, Lauren L. Long

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Psychological Well-Being And Dietary Quality Of College Women: Examining The Confounding Influence Of Sleep And Physical Activity, Whitney Ann Hebbert

Theses and Dissertations

Objective. To determine the relationship between overall psychological well-being and stress on diet quality among young adult women and to examine the potential confounding influence of season, physical activity and sleep on these relationships. Design/Participants. The study used a cross-sectional design. Three hundred and fifty-one women were recruited to participate in the study. All participants were university students (20.2 ± 1.6 y). Overall psychological well-being was assessed using the General Well-being Schedule (GWB) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Diet intake was measured using three 24-hour recalls over a seven day period. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was calculated to …

Error Correction In Next Generation Dna Sequencing Data, Michael Z. Molnar

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Motivation: High throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies can sequence the genome of a species quickly and cheaply. Errors that are introduced by NGS technologies limit the full potential of the applications that rely on their data. Current techniques used to correct these errors are not sufficient, and a more efficient and accurate program is needed to correct errors.

Results: We have designed and implemented RACER (Rapid Accurate Correction of Errors in Reads), an error correction program that targets the Illumina genome sequencer, which is currently the dominant NGS technology. RACER combines advanced data structures with an intricate analysis of …

The Near Wake Of A European Starling, Adam J. Kirchhefer

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The wake of a freely flying European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was measured using high speed, time-resolved, particle image velocimetry, simultaneously with high speed cameras which imaged the bird. These measurements have been used to generate vector maps in the near wake that can be associated with the bird’s location and wing configuration. A kinematic analysis has been performed on select sequences of measurements to characterize the motion of the bird, as well as provide a point of comparison between the bird of the present study and other birds or flapping wings. Time series of measurements have been expressed …

Reliability And Validity Of Knee Moments: 3d Gait Analysis In Subjects With And Without Knee Osteoarthritis, Sara E. Richardson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Quantifying the reliability and validity of gait data in patients with knee osteoarthritis is required to more confidently evaluate effects of interventions and identify potential responders. 109 patients after high tibial osteotomy underwent 3-dimensional gait analysis consisting of four walking trials to calculate the external knee moments in three anatomical planes. The first two trials were compared to the second two trials to evaluate within-session test re-test reliability. 61 patients were matched to 61 healthy controls of similar age, sex and body mass index. Intraclass correlation coefficients were very high, ranging from 0.93 for peak knee adduction moment to 0.84 …

Life History Analysis Of James River Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser Oxyrinchus Oxyrinchus) With Implications For Management And Recovery Of The Species, Matthew Balazik

Theses and Dissertations

Sturgeon species (family Acipenseridae) are threatened globally due to habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. The Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus was listed as a federally endangered species in 2012. Atlantic sturgeon have a complex life history that utilizes a wide range of habitats. Timing of life history varies in different areas requiring each population to be studied. Very little work has been published on Atlantic sturgeon reproduction in the James River, Virginia. To aid the recovery of James River Atlantic sturgeon, aspects of life history need to be addressed. To increase understanding of Atlantic sturgeon life history a length at …

Nucleoredoxin And Wnt Signaling In F9 Cells, Leanne Sandieson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Nucleoredoxin is a redox sensitive protein recently shown to be involved in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through binding dishevelled. When Wnt is present, dishevelled prevents a destruction complex from degrading β-catenin. This facilitates the translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus where it binds to TCF-LEF to impart changes in gene expression. This study used mouse F9 cells as a model to examine whether or not nucleoredoxin is involved in augmenting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling required for extraembryonic endoderm differentiation. It was found that nucleoredoxin and three dishevelled isoforms were present in F9 cells. Furthermore, nucleoredoxin was found to bind to dishevelled-2, and …

A Survey Of Invasive Exotic Ants Found On Hawaiian Islands: Spatial Distributions And Patterns Of Association, Camie Frandsen Martin

Theses and Dissertations

An intensive sampling of all ant species encountered on 6 Hawaiian Islands: Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai took place between 1988 and 1996. Species presence and absence was recorded at each site. Using remote sensing, variables were added insitu and used throughout my analysis. Species accumulation curves suggest that sampling was comprehensive. There is a significant trend between island area and species richness which validates the Theory of Island Biogeography for invasive species. Islands were found to be significantly nested by area, order, and tourism. Cluster analysis shows a link between elevation, land-use and island, and species …

Effects Of Chemical Stimulation And Tumor Co-Incubation On Macrophage Activation And Aggressiveness, Measured Through Phagocytosis And Respiratory Burst, Bo Marcus Gustafsson

Theses and Dissertations

Macrophages are a cornerstone in innate immunity, especially important in detecting and killing invading microorganisms. In tumor biology, the macrophages can contribute both to anti-tumor activity and tumor promotion depending on individual tumor microenvironment and therefore have a large impact on both tumor progression and prognosis. Two of the most important functions of macrophages are the ability to phagocytose microorganisms and then kill them through the respiratory burst. Phagocytosis activates the respiratory burst, but the more subtle interactions between these processes are less known. Since phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species production are two attributes that change between the classically and …

Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency Through Organically Bonded Phosphorus, Micheal W. Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Current maximum efficiency of phosphorus (P) fertilizers that is utilized by plants in the same year of application ranges from near zero to thirty percent. Despite low utilization of P in crop production, yields are often limited by P deficiencies. Innovative technology is requisite to achieve greater efficiency as fertilizer demands are increasing, while phosphorus mineral resources are rapidly being depleted. A growing environmental concern for nutrient pollution of surface waters also carries significant weight. A novel new product, Carbond® P, is promising technology to increase P use efficiency. Research is needed to understand its capabilities and the functioning mechanisms …

Coexistence Of Sympatric Taxa Of Chamaecrista Section Xerocalyx: Addressing The Interplay Between Morphology And Biotic Interactions, Beatriz Baker-Méio

Dissertations

Animal-plant interactions may prevent gene flow and promote divergent selection among closely related plants, ultimately leading to formation of new species. This may be the case for Chamaecrista sect. Xerocalyx, in which two or more of the 24 varieties often are encountered in the same area, with marked morphological and phenological differences among them. Over a broad geographical range, however, the morphological gaps among varieties disappear. Several biotic interactions contribute to the fitness of Chamaecrista species. Their flowers are pollinated by bees, and herbivores attack their leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. In addition, all species produce extrafloral nectar, which …

Winter Site Fidelity In Secretive Marsh Sparrows Along The Coast Of South Carolina, Susan M. Shaw

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Salt marshes, which are threatened by sea level rise and development, provide habitat for a distinctive suite of specialized vertebrates, and knowledge of the life histories of salt marsh specialists may help preserve salt marsh fauna in the face of change. I studied wintering site fidelity of Seaside (Ammodramus maritimus), Saltmarsh (A. caudacutus) and Nelson's (A. nelsoni) Sparrows by mist-netting and banding birds at six sites in two salt marshes in South Carolina. I banded 261 sparrows over two winters, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, and recaptured 92. Across-year return rates were high, but significantly different across species: 43% for Seaside, 63% …

Microfluidic Devices With Integrated Sample Preparation For Improved Analysis Of Protein Biomarkers, Pamela Nsang Nge

Theses and Dissertations

Biomarkers present a non-invasive means of detecting cancer because they can be obtained from body fluids. They can also be used for prognosis and assessing response to treatment. To limit interferences it is essential to pretreat biological samples before analysis. Sample preparation methods include extraction of analyte from an unsuitable matrix, purification, concentration or dilution and labeling. The many advantages offered by microfluidics include portability, speed, automation and integration. Because of the difficulties encountered in integrating this step in microfluidic devices most sample preparation methods are often carried out off-chip. In the fabrication of micro-total analysis systems it is important …

Habitat Selection Of Greater Sage-Grouse Centrocercus Urophasianus And Northern River Otters Lontra Canadensis In Utah, Matthew D. Westover

Theses and Dissertations

Greater sage-grouse populations have decreased steadily since European settlement in western North America. Reduced availability of brood-rearing habitat has been identified as a limiting factor for many populations. We used radio-telemetry to acquire locations of sage-grouse broods from 1998 to 2012 in Strawberry Valley, Utah. Using these locations and remotely-sensed imagery, we proceeded to 1) determine which features of brood-rearing habitat could be identified using widely available, fine-scale imagery 2) assess the scale at which sage-grouse selected brood-rearing habitat in our study area, and 3) create a predictive habitat model that could be applied across our large study area to …

The Effects Of Climate Change And Overexploitation On Birds And Mammals: Phenological Shifts, Range Shifts, And Population Changes, Rachel Denny

Honors Theses

Our world is changing more than many individuals could imagine. Climate change is not a hoax. Comprehensive empirical records of changes since 1900 in local, regional, and global temperature clearly indicate that Earth is warming more rapidly than ever in recorded history. In response, some bird species are already shifting, both phenologically (timing) and geographically. However, the majority of birds are not shifting or not shifting fast enough, and this is resulting in population declines. A much smaller number of studies suggest that mammals are also shifting phenologically and geographically.

If we do not alter our current behaviors soon, Earth …

Summer Watering Patterns Of Mule Deer And Differential Use Of Water By Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Mule Deer, And Pronghorn In Utah, Andrew V. Shields

Theses and Dissertations

Changes in the abundance and distribution of free (drinking) water can influence wildlife in arid regions. In the western USA, free water is considered by wildlife managers to be important for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), elk (Cervus elaphus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). Nonetheless, we lack information on the influence of habitat and landscape features surrounding water sources, including wildlife water developments, and how these features may influence use of water by sexes differently. Consequently, a better understanding of differential use of water by the sexes could influence the conservation and management of those ungulates and water …