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The Role Of Perturbation On Biochemical Systems: Salt, Ph, And Microgravity Effects On Protein-Ligand And Small Molecule Interactions, Gregory S. Thompson Jan 2005

The Role Of Perturbation On Biochemical Systems: Salt, Ph, And Microgravity Effects On Protein-Ligand And Small Molecule Interactions, Gregory S. Thompson

LSU Master's Theses

DNA binding by the type I DNA polymerases from Escherichia coli (Klenow) and Thermus aquaticus (Klentaq) has been examined under varying ionic conditions. Klenow and Klentaq both show increased affinity for DNA substrate in the presence of KAcetate over KCl. Ionic linkage relationships were determined for Klenow and Klentaq in KAcetate. Klenow and Klentaq DNA binding show similar ion releases in KAcetate and KCl (~4-5 ions in Klenow, and ~3-4 ions in Klentaq). Interestingly, Klenow and Klentaq exhibit differential ion release in KGlutamate (~4-5 ions in Klentaq and ~2 ions in Klenow). DNA structure dependence of binding was examined for …

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An Analysis Of Human Alu Element Lineages, Anthony Bronson Carter Jan 2005

An Analysis Of Human Alu Element Lineages, Anthony Bronson Carter

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The Alu Ya and Yb-lineages are distinct groups of Short INterspersed Elements (SINEs) found exclusively in primates. These lineages are comprised of several distinct subfamilies, which contain elements that are evolutionarily-related because they share common diagnostic mutations. Some of these Alu subfamilies are still actively mobilizing in the human genome. We have recovered 4333 Ya and Yb-lineage elements that reside in the human genome draft sequence and focused our analyses on the 4051 autosomal Alu elements. A total of 2672 autosomal loci were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays that allow analysis of individual elements for insertion presence and …

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Supercritical Fluid Extraction Of Rice Bran With Adsorption On Rice Hull Ash, Paresh Manilal Patel Jan 2005

Supercritical Fluid Extraction Of Rice Bran With Adsorption On Rice Hull Ash, Paresh Manilal Patel

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Rice bran oil was extracted using environmentally-friendly supercritical carbon dioxide at varying conditions. Experimental treatments included pressure (27.6, 41.4 and 55.2 MPa), temperature (40 and 60 oC) and flow rates (25, 45 and 65 g/min) of supercritical carbon dioxide. Extracts collected at different time intervals during 4-hour extraction runs in a 3-L extractor were analyzed for oil yield and antioxidants. Normal-phase HPLC was used for analyzing the extract for important antioxidant compounds of oryzanol, tocopherols, tocotrienols. Silica rich rice hull ash adsorbent was also incorporated in combined extraction-adsorption experiments under similar supercritical fluid conditions. Supercritical extraction yields of rice bran …

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Cognitive Adaptation's Implication On Diabetic Adherence, Martin Ancona Jan 2005

Cognitive Adaptation's Implication On Diabetic Adherence, Martin Ancona

LSU Master's Theses

Diabetes, affecting more than 18 million people in the United States, is an epidemic problem. The illness is usually progressive, leading to neuropathy, blindness, and limb amputation. The most common type of the illness, Type 2 diabetes, is usually controllable through a strict combination of diet, exercise, and medication. However, non-compliance, rather than compliance, to prescribed diabetes regimens is the norm. Although past research has uncovered many of the reason that diabetics may fail to adhere to their regimen, the whole puzzle has not yet been solved. This study looked at the Cognitive Adaptation Theory in relation to diabetic adherence. …

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Effects Of 5-Ht2 Receptor Ligands On Tail Pinch-Induced Stress Responding And Open Field Behavior, John K. Hearn Jan 2005

Effects Of 5-Ht2 Receptor Ligands On Tail Pinch-Induced Stress Responding And Open Field Behavior, John K. Hearn

LSU Master's Theses

Stress is known to exert an influence on neuroendocrine, autonomic, hormonal, and immune functioning. As a result of the debilitating effects of stress on numerous bodily systems, there exists a large body of research devoted to the etiology, physiological sequelae, and treatment of the condition. Further, the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has been implicated in stress responding. Presently, there is conflict in the literature as to the precise role serotonin plays in mediating the stress response. This study was an attempt to further elucidate the role of 5-HT in mediating an organism’s response to tail pinch stress and the open field. …

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Red Rice Competition And Control In Cultivated Rice, Christopher Todd Leon Jan 2005

Red Rice Competition And Control In Cultivated Rice, Christopher Todd Leon

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Studies were conducted to evaluate rice competitiveness with red rice and how to utilize glufosinate- and imazethapyr-resistant rice in water-seeded rice to control red rice. In the interference study, CL 121, Cocodrie, Drew, and Jasmine were seeded to obtain 95, 190, and 290 plants/sq m. Red rice density was 0 or 20 red rice plants/sq m. Jasmine, a tall, vigorous tillering, mid-season cultivar was more competitive with red rice. With the exception of Cocodrie grown red rice free, no benefit existed from increasing the seeding rate above 190 plants/sq m. Another study examined the effect of permanent flood establishment in …

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Photocatalysis In A Novel Semiconducting Optical Fiber Monolithic Reactor For Wastewater Treatment, Hongfei Lin Jan 2005

Photocatalysis In A Novel Semiconducting Optical Fiber Monolithic Reactor For Wastewater Treatment, Hongfei Lin

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The development of photocatalytic reactors is essential for the successful exploitation of heterogeneous photocatalysis on semiconductor particles, which has been shown to be an effective means of removing organic pollutants from wastewater streams. In this dissertation, a novel photocatalytic optical fiber monolith reactor (OFMR), which employed a ceramic multi-channel monolith as a support for TiO2 and quartz fibers inserted inside the monolithic channels as both a light-transmitting conductor and a support for TiO2, was developed for wastewater treatment by investigating the photocatalytic degradation of o-dichlorobenzene (DCB) and phenanthrene (PHE). This configuration provides a high surface area for catalyst coating per …

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The Role Of Heparanase In Malignant Melanoma And The Development Of A Brain Slice Model To Study Mechanisms Of Brain Metastatic Melanoma In Vivo, Brian Paul Murry Jan 2005

The Role Of Heparanase In Malignant Melanoma And The Development Of A Brain Slice Model To Study Mechanisms Of Brain Metastatic Melanoma In Vivo, Brian Paul Murry

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis focuses on the study of heparanase which is an enzyme involved as a molecular determinant of cancer metastasis. The purpose of this study was to first quantitate heparanase mRNA levels in both normal and tumorigenic samples from the same tissue specimen. Laser capture microdissection was used in the isolation and extraction of melanoma cell populations from normal tissue. There was a 29 fold upregulation of heparanase expression, detected by real-time PCR, in metastatic melanoma of the lung in comparison to normal lung tissue in mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed stronger staining in human metastatic melanoma when compared to primary …

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Nekton Utilization Of Black Mangrove (Avicennia Germinans) And Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina Alterniflora) Sites In Southwestern Caminada Bay, Louisiana, Melanie Christine Caudill Jan 2005

Nekton Utilization Of Black Mangrove (Avicennia Germinans) And Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina Alterniflora) Sites In Southwestern Caminada Bay, Louisiana, Melanie Christine Caudill

LSU Master's Theses

This is the first study to compare nekton use and habitat value among Spartina alterniflora (Spartina), Avicennia germinans (black mangrove), and transition (S. alterniflora and A. germinans) sites within Louisiana's salt marsh-mangrove ecotone. Fishes and crustaceans were collected in Caminada Bay during fall 2003 and spring 2004 using 4 m2, bottomless lift nets. Although analyses were unable to demonstrate significant differences in fish (p=0.0753) and crustacean (p=0.1457) densities and species composition (p=0.8801) across sites, habitat-specific trends in nekton use were evident. Fishes, including gulf killifish and sheepshead minnows, showed affinities for the Spartina site, while crustaceans, especially white shrimp, were …

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Effects Of Gender Role On The Judgment Of Masculine Signs, Joseph C. Mitchell Jan 2005

Effects Of Gender Role On The Judgment Of Masculine Signs, Joseph C. Mitchell

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Masculinity is a multi-dimensional, fairly pliable construct that some scholars approach from a biological perspective, others approach from a social constructionist perspective, and others approach from a unifying perspective. Part of the environment that informs the meaning of masculinity to a given culture is the mass media. This study takes the constructivist theoretical perspective, which attempts to explain the activation of schemata. The schematic process for this study concerns how people perceive, process, and judge masculine signs. This study seeks to explain gender role orientation’s influences on the development of schemata for masculinity as evidenced by differences in assessments of …

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Revision Of Pocadius Erichson (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), Andrew R. Cline Jan 2005

Revision Of Pocadius Erichson (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), Andrew R. Cline

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A revision of Pocadius Erichson (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) was completed. A total of 46 species were (re)described, including 25 new species, a key to species constructed, and phylogenetic analysis performed. Taxonomic changes, including nomenclatural emendations, reinstatement of species, and description of new taxa, within this dissertation do not constitute formal changes as defined by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Illustrations of the genitalia, key characters, and dorsal habitus of species are provided. The phylogeny demonstrates a monophyletic Pocadius. The phylogeny suggests a Palearctic origin of the genus with subsequent speciation into the Old World tropics and New World. Host specialization …

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The Effects Of Sex And Context On Student's Interpretation Of Teachers' High Immediacy Messages, Carolyn Hornsby Rester Jan 2005

The Effects Of Sex And Context On Student's Interpretation Of Teachers' High Immediacy Messages, Carolyn Hornsby Rester

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Teacher immediacy has been positively associated with many desirable academic outcomes, including quality student-teacher relationships, student participation in the classroom and in extra-class interaction, and increased student learning. Thus, scholars have consistently encouraged educators to increase their use of immediacy in contacts with students. However, some previous research found that high levels of teacher immediacy can be problematic in relationships and detrimental to desirable educational outcomes. Immediacy behavior tends to promote personal relationships and inclusion. However, excessive immediacy may change the meaning that students receive from the behavior. Using a message interpretation perspective, this study examined how sex of the …

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Voluntary Exercise In The C57b1/6j Mouse: Phenotypic Effects Of Varying Dietary Fat Levels And Hippocampal Gene Expression Differences Between High-Level And Low-Level Exercisers, Leslie Debardeleben Mclaughlin Jan 2005

Voluntary Exercise In The C57b1/6j Mouse: Phenotypic Effects Of Varying Dietary Fat Levels And Hippocampal Gene Expression Differences Between High-Level And Low-Level Exercisers, Leslie Debardeleben Mclaughlin

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The drive to exercise voluntarily likely results from complex interactions between genes in many organ systems and various psychological parameters, such as motivation and the perception of fatigue. Reproducible variations in exercise intensity and duration are well established in laboratory rodents, but the genes responsible remain largely unknown. Also, to date, studies addressing the adaptive changes to exercise that might prevent dietary-induced obesity have focused primarily on energy intake and nutrient oxidation/partitioning, as opposed to genetics. We hypothesize that increased voluntary physical activity may be a normal mechanism in certain rodent strains to deter dietary-induced obesity and that in an …

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Medical Image Enhancement, Alina Monica Trifas Jan 2005

Medical Image Enhancement, Alina Monica Trifas

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Each image acquired from a medical imaging system is often part of a two-dimensional (2-D) image set whose total presents a three-dimensional (3-D) object for diagnosis. Unfortunately, sometimes these images are of poor quality. These distortions cause an inadequate object-of-interest presentation, which can result in inaccurate image analysis. Blurring is considered a serious problem. Therefore, “deblurring” an image to obtain better quality is an important issue in medical image processing. In our research, the image is initially decomposed. Contrast improvement is achieved by modifying the coefficients obtained from the decomposed image. Small coefficient values represent subtle details and are amplified …

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Enantioselective Syntheses And Chemical Investigations Of Plant-Derived Bioactive Volatile Compounds, Anne Marie Sauer Jan 2005

Enantioselective Syntheses And Chemical Investigations Of Plant-Derived Bioactive Volatile Compounds, Anne Marie Sauer

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Research, inspired by nature, provides ample opportunity for discovery, ingenuity, and creative endeavor. For these reasons, the work and accomplishments presented herein focus on the total syntheses and related investigations of a variety of natural product derivatives, specifically (+)-nootkatone and jasmone. While the former consists of several independent projects: (a) an enantioselective synthetic route to (+)-nootkatone and derivatives, (b) examination of the valencane ring system, (c) determination of the absolute configuration of (+)-nootkatone, and (d) rearrangements of various sesquiterpenoid derivatives; the latter focuses on the construction ofƒndelta, epsilon-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, hetero Pauson-Khand substrates, via [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements.

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Sinker Cypress: Treasures Of A Lost Landscape, Christopher Aubrey Hurst Jan 2005

Sinker Cypress: Treasures Of A Lost Landscape, Christopher Aubrey Hurst

LSU Master's Theses

Sinker cypress (Taxodium spp.) logs are timbers that were lost during transit from harvest locations in the swamps and mill sites during the industrial cypress harvest from 1880-1930. A small industry has developed, concentrated on the recovery of sinker logs. Most of the persons involved in the recovery of sinker cypress, mill the logs into lumber, and sell the timber directly to consumers or to distributors. A smaller number of pullers retain the logs for personal use. Recovery operations are a costly endeavor and require a significant investment on the part of the harvesters. Most pullers are owner/operators who do …

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Osteoporosis And Osteopenia Management In Women: Survey, Case-Referent Study, And Interventional Exercise Trial, Rania A. Mekary Jan 2005

Osteoporosis And Osteopenia Management In Women: Survey, Case-Referent Study, And Interventional Exercise Trial, Rania A. Mekary

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Three studies are presented; the first epidemiological study was a survey of Baton Rouge/New Orleans physicians who manage osteoporosis. When the respondents’ answers were compared to selected guidelines, they displayed poor knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment (X2=39.88; P<0.0001). Rheumatologists and endocrinologists scored globally better on osteoporosis management when compared to ObGyn (OR= 6.98) (CI=2.4; 22.8). Physicians with more years of experience were more knowledgeable of osteoporosis care (OR=1.04) (CI=1.014; 1.071). The second epidemiological study was a case referent study looking at osteoporosis treatment and patient adherence of selected women in Baton Rouge. Results showed that osteoporosis management depended partly on patient adherence. Barriers to patient’s adherence varied from physiological to psychological reasons. Physicians need to provide more explanation and motivation to the patients. Spine was the area most affected and showed more improvement with treatment than the femur (P<0.01). Bisphosphonates were the most effective treatment for the spine (P<0.05). In patients with osteoporosis, being on just calcium and exercise is not enough to counteract bone resorption. They also need to be on an anti-resorptive therapy. Low body mass index, genetics, and history of fractures were negatively correlated to bone mineral density (BMD) increase (P<0.05). The third interventional pilot study was a non-randomized controlled study done on osteopenic postmenopausal women to examine the effect of calcium supplements and core/lower back strengthening exercises on lumbar density and muscle strength. Repeated measures analysis showed that both groups increased in isometric lumbar strength with time (P=0.02). When fosamax and exercise were taken as treatments, with baseline BMD as a covariable, the one-tailed P value of the two-way ANOVA showed a numerically positive but not significant increase in the exercise group (yearly change=2.373 ± 2.625; T value=0.9; P=0.21). Also, the exercise group showed increased feelings of well-being as opposed to the control group who showed no change or worsening. One woman in the control group fractured a bone. Ultimately, osteoporosis management relies on physicians’ knowledge, involvement, and patient adherence. Calcium, exercise and anti-resorptive treatments are needed in case of osteoporosis. Calcium supplements and site-specific strengthening exercises may be enough in case of osteopenia.

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Integrated Pest Management Of The Mexican Rice Borer In Louisiana And Texas Sugarcane And Rice, Francis P. F. Reay-Jones Jan 2005

Integrated Pest Management Of The Mexican Rice Borer In Louisiana And Texas Sugarcane And Rice, Francis P. F. Reay-Jones

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Interactions between sugarcane, Saccharum spp., and the invasive species Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), were evaluated in field experiments and in the greenhouse with rice, Oryza sativa L., as an additional host. By determining adult emergence holes together with percent bored internodes, a novel method for evaluating sugarcane cultivar resistance was developed. In 2001, LCP 85-384 had the greatest moth production per hectare, significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than HoCP 85-845. High levels of sodium and magnesium salt stress in the soil were associated with higher E. loftini injury in all cultivars except HoCP 91-555 and CP 70-321. Irrigation …

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Host-Parasite Cophylogeny And Rates Of Evolution In Two Rodent-Louse Assemblages, Jessica E. Light Jan 2005

Host-Parasite Cophylogeny And Rates Of Evolution In Two Rodent-Louse Assemblages, Jessica E. Light

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Studies of cophylogeny greatly increase understanding of associations between hosts and their parasites. This study uses molecular data to test the hypothesis that members of two rodent families (Geomyidae and Heteromyidae) and their associated lice (Geomydoecus and Fahrenholzia, respectively) show a statistically significant pattern of cophylogeny. Both host groups are generally solitary organisms and both louse groups are obligate ectoparasites, often exhibiting extreme degrees of host specificity. This intimate and potentially long-term association likely has resulted in coevolutionary adaptations and counter adaptations on the part of both symbiotic partners. Phylogenetic analysis of chewing lice (Geomydoecus) reveals two major clades corresponding …

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Detection Of Biologically Important Molecules, Kyukwang Kim Jan 2005

Detection Of Biologically Important Molecules, Kyukwang Kim

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Anions play important roles in biological systems. The design of anion sensors has been of great interest. The selective detection of a specific anion is particularly challenging. In the first chapter, I describe the synthesis of a TBS-protected fluorescein dye (1.1) and its use for the selective detection of fluoride. Solutions of 1.1 either in DCM or in aqueous media at physiological pH show the excellent selectivity towards fluoride to afford color formation while solutions of other interfering anions remain colorless. The monitoring of homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cys) levels is important since they are biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s and …

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Pah And Pcb Distribution In Sediment Fractions And Sorptive Phases, Trudy J. Estes Jan 2005

Pah And Pcb Distribution In Sediment Fractions And Sorptive Phases, Trudy J. Estes

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Contaminant distribution is integral to environmental evaluations of contaminated sediment on every level. The technical and economic feasibility of treatment or beneficial use is a function of the accessibility or separability of the contaminants within the sediment. The magnitude of release to the environment during dredging and disposal is dependent upon the partitioning behavior of the contaminants. Yet, little attention has been paid to contaminant distribution in the fine sediment fractions. Further, conventional distribution coefficients provide little information regarding the relative contaminant loading of each of the sorptive phases. Bioavailability of contaminants in oil and grease, soot and organic carbon, …

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Denitrification And Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Cultivated And Wetland Alluvial Soils, Sami Ullah Jan 2005

Denitrification And Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Cultivated And Wetland Alluvial Soils, Sami Ullah

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Agricultural development in the Mississippi River Basin has contributed to an 3-fold increase in NO3 loading of the river. Increased NO3 loading is a primary cause of eutrophication in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Identification of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce NO3 loss and wetlands restoration to remove NO3 through denitrification are critically needed. The objectives of this research were to determine factors controlling denitrification potential of different landscape units in an agricultural watershed and quantify the effects of BMPs and organic C amendments on denitrification rates of cultivated lands and restored forested wetlands. N2O, CH4 and CO2 emissions …

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Evaluation Of Vetiver Oil And Alate Biology As Preventative Measures Against The Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes Formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), Karen Elizabeth Nix Jan 2005

Evaluation Of Vetiver Oil And Alate Biology As Preventative Measures Against The Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes Formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), Karen Elizabeth Nix

LSU Master's Theses

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is responsible for over $1 billion in property damage, repairs, and control in the United States. Presently, control of this exotic pest depends mainly on chemical methods. There is an increasing interest in using natural products in pest control because of their low mammalian toxicity and environmental safety. Chemical components of the roots of vetiver grass, Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, have shown to be effective repellents and toxicants to Formosan subterranean termites. Objectives of this research were to evaluate: 1) vetiver grass root growth and its oil distribution; 2) vetiver oil, nootkatone, and …

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Macroinvertebrate Community Of Ecology Of Lowland, Subtropical Streams In Louisiana, Michael Douglas Kaller Jan 2005

Macroinvertebrate Community Of Ecology Of Lowland, Subtropical Streams In Louisiana, Michael Douglas Kaller

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Freshwater ecosystems, particularly streams and rivers, have been the subject of prodigious research. Unfortunately, in comparison to neighboring regions, the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain has not received as much attention. Therefore, I collected data on the macroinvertebrates of these streams to begin the understanding of the relationships between community structure and environmental characteristics. In contrast to the hypothesized ancestral streams of these macroinvertebrates, coastal plain streams are commonly devoid of rocks leaving only woody debris as usable hard substrates and are typically lower in dissolved oxygen. I examined habitat selection by colonization of woody debris with large and small …

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The Evolution Of Prezygotic Reproductive Isolation In The Drosophila Pseudoobscura Subgroup, Sheri Dixon Schully Jan 2005

The Evolution Of Prezygotic Reproductive Isolation In The Drosophila Pseudoobscura Subgroup, Sheri Dixon Schully

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Newly forming species that have differentiated in allopatry may evolve numerous barriers that prevent the interbreeding when they come back into contact with each other. The objective of this dissertation is to evaluate some mechanisms of prezygotic reproductive isolation in the D. pseudoobscura subgroup. I begin by evaluating how the evolution of female preferences and male sexual characters lead to reinforcement between Drosophila pseudoobscura and its congener D. persimils. In particular, I will evaluate two alternative hypotheses; Preference Evolution and Discrimination Enhancement, to determine how selection reduces hybridization between these sister species. Both hypotheses predict a reduction in the overlap …

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Dna Supercoiling With A Twist, Edwin Kamau Jan 2005

Dna Supercoiling With A Twist, Edwin Kamau

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The level of torsion in double-stranded DNA regulates base-pair stability and DNA conformation. It is important in initiation and regulation of specific DNA metabolic processes as well as chromatin assembly. High mobility group proteins (HMGB) are architectural proteins whose HMG DNA binding domains confer significant preference for distorted DNA, such as supercoiled DNA and 4-way junctions. HMGB proteins play a role in transiently regulating or conserving DNA torsion. Topoisomerases regulate DNA supercoiling, which has been argued to provide a coherent explanation for the main modes of transcriptional control - stringent control, growth-rate control and growth-phase control during the normal cell …

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Evaluation Of The Spatial Removal Of Nitrogen In The Marshland Upwelling System, Andrea Reneé Turriciano Jan 2005

Evaluation Of The Spatial Removal Of Nitrogen In The Marshland Upwelling System, Andrea Reneé Turriciano

LSU Master's Theses

The Marshland Upwelling System (MUS) is an alternative onsite wastewater treatment technology designed to utilize the natural ecology of saltwater marshes to remove human-borne contaminants. Over the past twelve years, MUSs have been installed in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, Moss Point, Mississippi, and Bayou Segnette, Louisiana. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nitrogen reduction capabilities of the Bayou Segnette system. The objectives of this research were to: 1) determine the first-order removal constants necessary for the development of nitrogen transport equations, 2) explore the spatial dependencies of nitrogen concentrations within the Bayou Segnette system, and 3) determine the …

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Sites Of Resistance: Language, Intertextuality, And Subjectivity In The Poetry Of Diane Wakoski, Cordelia Maxwell Hanemann Jan 2005

Sites Of Resistance: Language, Intertextuality, And Subjectivity In The Poetry Of Diane Wakoski, Cordelia Maxwell Hanemann

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the interconnectedness of language and related cultural texts and women’s subjectivity. The poststructuralist feminist enterprise of examining and critiquing language and signifying practices for the ways in which they impose social values and of interrogating and undermining the fixity of meanings in cultural texts will serve as my primary frame. Concerned with the individual (gendered) consciousness, poststructuralist feminist theory of subject formation posits that while language, along with ideologically biased texts of the culture, construct subjects, language and the cultural texts also serve as sites of resistance for the deconstruction and reconception of individual and collective subjectivities. …

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Regulatory Intricacies That Confer Temporal Control Of Conjugation And Antibiotic Production Functions In Streptomyces: New Variations On Old Themes, Kevin Lee Schully Jan 2005

Regulatory Intricacies That Confer Temporal Control Of Conjugation And Antibiotic Production Functions In Streptomyces: New Variations On Old Themes, Kevin Lee Schully

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The complex life style of streptomycetes requires that the appropriate program of genes be expressed at the appropriate times. For example, conjugation occurs solely within the substrate mycelium stage of development while antibiotic production occurs in the aerial mycelium. Thus, complex regulatory mechanisms involving numerous modes of control have evolved that confer temporal regulation of functions governing these expression programs. Conjugation of the Streptomyces lividans plasmid pIJ101 utilizes only seven plasmid functions in its transmission. Two of these, tra and clt, are essential while three additional functions, spdA, spdB and kilB augment the process, with KorA and KorB regulating the …

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Alu Retrotransposition-Mediated Genomic Variation Within The Primate Order, Pauline Ann Callinan Jan 2005

Alu Retrotransposition-Mediated Genomic Variation Within The Primate Order, Pauline Ann Callinan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Retrotransposons are an active family of mobile elements within primate genomes and the Short INterspersed Element (SINE) Alu is the most abundant member. These non-autonomous elements are responsible for introducing genomic diversity on an intra- and inter- species level that is useful in studies of forensic identity, population genetics, and evolutionary biology. In a computational survey of the human sex chromosomes, 344 recently integrated Alu elements were detected and subjected to empirical testing by polymerase chain reaction to determine presence/absence polymorphism. Sixteen elements were found to be polymorphic on the X chromosome, and only one polymorphic element on the Y …

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