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Structure Of Rat Kidneys Following Microwave Accelerated Fixation, Jayashree A. Gokhale, Saeed R. Khan

Scanning Microscopy

In contrast to fixation of tissue in externally heated fixative, microwave-irradiation can generate uniform internal heat, which is of utmost importance for successful fixation of biological tissue. To evaluate the effectiveness of microwave-accelerated chemical fixation, we compared the structure of rat kidney fixed by a conventional method and a microwave-accelerated method, by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Following perfusion, rat kidney pieces 1-2 mm in size were irradiated in Karnovsky's fixative in a domestic Amana microwave oven, till the temperature of the fixative reached 45-50°C. For conventional fixation, tissue pieces were fixed overnight at room temperature in the same fixative. …

The Nighthawk Review, 1992, Usu Eastern English Department

Nighthawk Review

An annual publication featuring student work from Utah State University Eastern Campus.

Acetylcholinesterase In Lygus Hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae): Enzymological And Molecular Properties, And Relationship To Insecticide Resistance, Kunyan Zhu

Biology

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) was purified from Lygus hesperus Knight by affinity chromatography following extraction by Triton X-100. The degree of purification ranged from 616- to 900-fold and the yield ranged from 42 to 56% (n = 5). The optimal pH and temperature for purified AChE were 7.5-8.0 and 35-40 °C, respectively, for hydrolyzing selected substrates. The efficiency for hydrolyzing various substrates was acetylthiocholine > acetyl-(β-methyl) thiocholine > propionylthiocholine > S-butyrylthiocholine. The inhibitor and substrate specificities, and substrate inhibition confirmed that the enzyme activity was due to AChE rather than butyrylcholinesterase. The susceptibility of AChE to inhibition by various organophosphrous compounds was mainly …

The Role Of Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase Activase In The Activation Of Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase, Yun Lan

Biology

A spectrophotometric assay for the activity of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activase was developed. This assay was used to examine the effects of CO₂ and the inactive-Rubisco:ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate complex (ER) concentrations on the rate of activase-catalyzed Rubisco activation reaction in a purified preparation. ER and CO₂ in this reaction were consistent with two-substrate Michaelis Menton kinetics. The implications of these data and their relation to previously published data on the effects of ER and CO₂ on activase are discussed. The spectrophotometric activase assay was also used to measure activase activity in extracts from spinach (Spinacea oleracea …

Idaho River Systems Management Study Wetlands Report, United States Department Of The Interior, Bureau Of Reclamations

Natural Resources-Planning, Management, and Conservation

The Bureau of Reclamation is cooperating with the Idaho Department of Water Resources and others in the formulation of a comprehensive water plan for the conservation, development, management, and use of waters within the state's river basins. The impact that wetlands may have on the use of water in the state is a major consideration.

This report identifies opportunities that exist for private citizens, corporations, government agencies, and others to work together to slow the rate of wetland loss and to improve the quality of remaining wetlands. To work together effectively, these groups must reach an understanding of what comprises …

Molecular Basis For Extensin Size Heterogeneity In Two Maize Varieties, Jenifer M. Murphy

Biology

Extensin is a major cell wall structural protein found in both dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants that functions in cell wall support and putatively plays a role in plant defense. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the molecular basis for the protein size heterogeneity of extensin from silk and pericarp tissues of two varieties of maize, Japanese Hulless Popcorn (JHL) and Golden X Bantam (GXB), a sweet corn. JHL and GXB differ in thickness of their pericarp. JHL pericarp is thicker and aids in water retention, which is important for popping. Extensin isolated from GXB has an apparent molecular …

Epitopic Mapping Of Serogroup And Serotype Specific Proteins, Vp7 And Vp5, Among Five U.S. Bluetongue Viruses, Yi-Yuan Yang

Biology

The identification of antigenic epitopes on VP7 and VP5, serogroup and serotype-specific antigens of bluetongue virus (BTV), respectively, was studied using the combination of polyclonal, monoclonal and oligoclonal antibodies and competitive blocking studies. This research is the first to identify the antigenic epitopes on proteins of any orbivirus. Two distinct antigenic determinants have been identified on VP7, the major inner capsid protein. One of the antigenic epitopes, consisting of eleven amino acid residues, was located between residues 339 and 349 at the carboxyl terminus of VP7. The location of this epitope was confirmed by specific inhibition of polyclonal antibody binding …

The Proposed Use Of An Anatomically Marked Presurgically Fitted Prostheses With Infants Who Have Unrepaired Cleft Palates, Amy Moser

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Approximately one out of every 750 children are born with some type of an oral cleft (McWilliams, Morris, & Shelton, 1984) Children with clefts of the palate in general have a higher incidence of articulation disorders than do children without clefts. Typical speech problems which tend to occur are hypernasality and multiple articulation errors, often consisting of atypical tongue placement in the mouth or nontypical articulation at sites in the larynx or pharynx. These speech problems can be severe and may require years of expensive, long-term professional treatment to remediate.

The Siege, Chris Muffoletto

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

A short story written by Chris Muffoletto.

Good To The Last Drop And Crumb: Better Living Through Yeast Byproducts, Brad Willis

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

A crisp pilsner beer, still dripping from its icy spot in the cooler, complements any sunny summer barbecue, while in the winter a rich burgundy warms the throat and soul, a perfect fireside companion. The mothers who frequent the Wonder bread discount outlet demonstrate to what extent our hectic society takes the staff of life for granted. It is difficult to imagine them actually baking every loaf, roll, bun, and donut that they toss into their carts while herding rambunctious broods down the narrow aisles. Rarely does anyone give a second thought to these ancient components of civilized life beyond …

A Comparison Of The Energy Metabolism And Cooling Rate Methods Of Determining Thermal Conductance In Mongolian Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus Mongolicus), Robert Pendleton

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Thermal conductance is defined as the net rate of heat transfer from an organism to its environment. Previous studies have employed two methods of measuring thermal conductance: the oxygen consumption method and the cooling rate method. This study was designed to determine if the two methods give similar conductance values for the same animal. Mongolian Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus mongolicus) were used. The results from this study suggest that the two methods don't give similar conductance values. I found that conductance values measured by the oxygen consumption method on a live animal were lower than those conductance values measured by the …

Relationships Among Birds, Willows, And Native Ungulates In And Around Northern Yellowstone National Park, Sally Graves Jackson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Although the impacts of livestock and human activities on riparian zones and associated wildlife have been well documented, little is known about the impacts that browsing by large native ungulates such as elk and moose may have. In the northern Yellowstone area, some willow stands experience intense browsing by elk and moose whereas others experience medium or very low amounts of browsing. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the species and densities of birds among willow stands that have experienced different intensities of browsing by native ungulates, (2) to measure the relationship between five species of birds …

Neurolinguistic Programming Treatment Of Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Susan Rogers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The goal of the study was to determine the effect of the neurolinguistic programming procedure of visual-kinesthetic dissociation on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in a sample of Vietnam combat veterans. Thirty-eight veterans in a Veterans Administration treatment program were given three sessions of either visual-kinesthetic dissociation or regular program activities. Overall post-traumatic symptoms, re-experiencing symptoms, and amount of sleep were measured before and after treatment and at a three month follow-up. Results indicated that the treatment program itself had no significant effect on symptoms measured, nor did the addition of visual-kinesthetic dissociation provide any incremental symptom relief.

An Examination Of Operant-Respondent Interaction In The Development Of Tolerance To Ethanol, Brady Justin Phelps

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In four experiments, pigeons performed on schedules of food reinforcement across two different contexts. One context consisted of having the operant chamber fully illuminated, with increased noise levels, and reflective aluminum foil draped over the chamber sidewalls. This context was paired with oral injections of water. Another context consisting of having the chamber dark except for response keylight and at ambient noise levels was paired with oral injections of ethanol. Ethanol dosages were determined by using a dose that doubled the average variable-ratio postreinforcement pause. These procedures established the dark context as a conditioned stimulus capable of producing Pavlovian conditioned …

Estimation Of Selected Milk Protein Genetic Variants By Multi-Component Analysis Of Amino Acid Profiles, Carol M. Hollar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Cation-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography separated whole casein into β-casein A², A¹, and B, K-casein, α_s1-casein, and α_s2-casein fractions as well as γ-caseins and several unidentified peaks using a urea-acetate buffer at pH 5 and a NaCl gradient. The whole casein fractions eluted in the following order: breakdown products of β-casein and unidentified peaks; β-casein A², A^l, and B; additional breakdown products of β-casein and unidentified peaks; K-casein; α_s1-casein; and α_s2-casein. The calculated composition of the four major caseins correlated well with values obtained …

Working On Desert Rails: A Social And Environmental History, Ann E. Vileisis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Focusing on the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railway from Grand Junction, Colorado to Green River, Utah, this study examines the working circumstances of nineteenth-century railroad laborers, the ecological limitations of the isolating desert where they worked, and their relations with railroad management and local communities. It begins by investigating the experiences of the railroad surveyors and construction laborers. The study then examines the experiences of workers' response to labor organization in the communities of Green River, Utah and Grand Junction, Colorado. The study identifies ecological changes spawned by the railroad and addresses issues of worker autonomy and labor organization …

Use Of The Polymerase Chain Reaction In The Detection Of Bovine Leukosis, Emma Jane Kelly

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A diagnostic test for bovine leukosis was developed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a 375 base pair region in the gag gene of the proviral genome.

Blood samples were collected from 3 adult Holstein cows shown to be infected with bovine leukosis virus (BLV) by the agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) technique. The 3 samples were mixed and the composite blood was used to inoculate 10 cows. Five of the cows were inoculated with 0.1 ml of blood, and the other cows were inoculated with 1 ml of blood. Five of the cows were negative for BLV by AGID …

Comparative Economics Of Cattle And Wildlife Ranching In The Zimbabwe Midlands, Urs P. Kreuter

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The economics of ranches in the Zimbabwe Midlands, generating income from cattle, or wildlife, or both, were compared during 1989/90 to test the claim that wildlife ranching can generate greater profits than cattle ranching on semi-arid African savannas. Both financial (market) prices and economic prices (opportunity cost) were used.

Financial data were obtained from 15 cattle, 7 wildlife and 13 mixed ranches in four areas with wildlife and from 15 cattle ranches in two areas with sparse wildlife. Estimates of economic prices were obtained from official data.

In the first paper, gross revenues, costs, net revenues, and capital investments of …

Ecological Implications Of Flavor Generalization By Sheep: Role Of Flavor Intensity And Variation In Toxin Dose, Karen L. Launchbaugh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Researchers studying diet selection of ungulate herbivores have generally considered plant palatability independent of animals' dietary history. However, more recent studies demonstrate that experiences within the life of an animal strongly influence plant selection. We are beginning to understand how food preferences and aversions are formed through gastro-intestinal feedback. My research specifically examines factors that influence the formation of conditioned flavor aversions in the generalist herbivore, sheep.

I first examined how variability of food toxicity affects the intake of those foods. I determined that sheep apparently have several mechanisms for regulating intake of toxic foods regardless of whether or not …

The Effects Of Feeding A High Level Of Rumen Protected Fat With Rumen Undegradable Protein With Or Without Niacin On Rumen Fermentation Characteristics, Apparent Nutrient Digestibility, And Milk Production In The Early To Mid Lactation Holstein Cow, Carlos Eduardo Batallas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Forty high producing early to mid lactation Holstein cows were blocked according to stage of lactation and previous two-week milk yield (experiment 1). Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated nonlactating Holstein cows were used for experiment 2. The objective was to determine the effects of the ration's high fat content (11.53%) when rumen degradable or rumen undegradable protein is fed with or without added niacin. Cows received one of five treatments: 1) basal ration (TMR); 2) basal ration with added rumen undegradable fat (RUF) (1.6 kg); soybean meal (SBM) (1.73 kg), and niacin (12 g); 3) same as treatment 2, without …

Red Beet Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinases And Their Role In Syringomycin Action, Yuka S. Suzuki

Biology

The syringomycin stimulated protein phosphorylation of red beet plasma membranes was investigated. Rabbit antisera directed against N- and C-termini and the nucleotide binding site of the H⁺-ATPase detected the 100 kD polypeptide of this enzyme in the plasma membrane. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the 100 kD polypeptide was phosphorylated, and syringomycin stimulated the phosphorylation in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. Phosphoamino acids in the immunoprecipitates were phosphoserine and phosphothreonine. These findings are evidence that syringomycin stimulates the phosphorylation of the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase. Okadaic acid, a phosphatase inhibitor, did not affect protein phosphorylation of syringomycin-treated and …

Synchronous Sporulation And Identification Of Two Secretory Proteins Associated With Sexual Reproduction Of Ascosphaera Proliperda, Meixiong Wu

Biology

Two secretory proteins associated with sexual reproduction m the bee pathogenic fungus Ascosphaera proliperda Skou were identified. In order to obtain sufficient quantities of homogeneous cells for this study, a minimal medium (MM) was developed to synchronously induce sporulation of A. proliperda. By culturing a mixture of sexually compatible mycelial fragments on this MM, a high degree of synchronous sporulation of the fungus was obtained. Monoclonal antibodies (McA) produced against secretory vesicles isolated from the synchronously sporulating cultures of A. proliperda were used to study antigens associated with sexual reproduction of this fungus. Two secretory proteins (SSF3 and SSE4) …

The Behavioral Responses Of Utah Prairie Dogs (Cynomys Parvidens) To Translocation, Steven H. Ackers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In cases where refuge acquisition or captive breeding programs are not practical or justifiable, wild caught animals are frequently translocated into areas of suitable habitat. Such management programs seldom are designed to account for the behavioral responses of translocated animals to an unfamiliar habitat, breakup of social units, and/or interactions with existing social units in the new habitat. Ongoing efforts to translocate threatened Utah prairie dogs (Cynomys parvidens) from areas where conflicts with other land uses are occurring to public land sites have met with limited success. This could be due, in part, to behavioral responses associated with …

Economic Analysis Of Dryland Wheat Tillage Practices In Box Elder County, Utah, Michael Dale Bond

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the economic viability of various dryland wheat tillage systems, many of which were developed from years of cooperative research efforts.

In the study three conventional tillage methods were analyzed along with ten conservation tillage practices. The study farm consisted of 2000 acres, of which 1000 acres are classified as land 1 and its wheat yield is assumed to be 35 bushels per acre for non-continuous tillage methods and 23 bushels per acre for continuous tillage methods. The remaining 1000 acres are classed as land 2 and its assumed wheat yield is 30 …

Sprinkler Irrigation-Pesticide Best Management Systems, A. Y. Ranjha, Richard C. Peralta, Robert W. Hill, A. M. Requena, Howard M. Deer, M. Ehteshami

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The relative reduction in potential groundwater contamination due to pesticides at several sites in Utah was determined by comparing alternative irrigation system designs, water management practices, and pesticides. Alternative sprinkler irrigation distribution coefficients were used to estimate irrigation application depths. The movement of pesticides through soils following sprinkler irrigations was simulated with a one-dimensional model. Pesticide contamination of groundwater can be reduced by careful selection of pesticides, using properly designed irrigation systems, and improved water management techniques. Procedures for selecting an appropriate sprinkler system design and pesticide are presented. KEYWORDS. Pesticides, Leaching, Sprinkler irrigation, Irrigation depth, Irrigation system design, Soil, …

Interactions Between Populations Of Intermediate Wheatgrass And Western Wheatgrass As Influenced By Short-Duration Grazing And Moisture Availability, Gerrit B. Bartels

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects of grazing and moisture availability on the competitive interactions of intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey) and western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii (Rhydb.) A. Love) were examined under a short-duration grazing system in central Utah. The fate of tiller cohorts was observed at approximately monthly intervals at the interface between patches of these two rhizomatous grasses and in monospecific stands. The effects of short-duration grazing, clipping of western wheatgrass following grazing to achieve levels of utilization equivalent to that of intermediate wheatgrass, irrigation, and removal of the competitor were assessed in terms of the …

Physical And Functional Events Involved In Conjugal Transfer Of Lactose Utilization In Lactococcus Lactis Subsp. Lactis, Hua Wang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The nature of the cell surface components involved in donor cell clumping (Clu⁺) and the relationship of Clu⁺ to high frequency conjugal transfer of lactose utilization (Lac) in Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis ML3 was examined. Lactose positive (Lac⁺), Clu⁺ transconjugants, containing a novel 104 kilobase Lac plasmid, were obtained by mating ML3 with LM2301. When used as Lac+ donors in second round matings, these transconjugants transferred Lac at high frequencies ranging from 10^-2 to 10^-4 transconjugants per donor CFU. Treatment of donor cells with EDTA and EGTA containing solutions or proteolytic enzymes …

Characterization Of Pigments Responsible For Red Or Pink Discoloration In Cooked Pork, Viswasrao M. Ghorpade

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The pigments responsible for pink or red discoloration in cooked vacuum-packaged meat products {bratwurst (pork and beef), ground pork, and pork roasts} were investigated. In bratwurst, this study attempted to characterize the red pigment that appears upon refrigerated storage, and to determine the effect of pH, cooking and storage temperature, and sodium lactate on incidence of red discoloration. Myoglobin was identified in the exudate of samples with red discoloration. Myoglobin levels of cooked products were significantly lower in samples of low initial pH (5.5) or cooked to higher than normal internal temperature (74°C). Red discoloration was associated with microbial growth. …

Properties Of Low-Fat Yogurt Made From Ultrafiltered And Ultra-High Temperature Treated Milk, Richard Alan Dargan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Yogurts were made from intermediate-high temperature (100, 110, 120, and 130°C for 4 or 16 s), ultra-high temperature (140°C for 4 or 16 s), and vat heat (82°C for 20 min) treatments of skim milk fortified to 5% protein by either ultrafiltration or the addition of nonfat dry milk (NDM). Whey protein denaturation in heated milks increased with temperature and holding time from indirect plate heating and was highest in vat-heated milks. Whey protein denaturation and yogurt water-holding capacity increased with protein levels in the fortified milks compared to skim milk. Penetrometer gel strength and stirred viscosity in 21 day-old …

Genetics And Applications Of Nisin Production In Lactococcus Lactis Subsp. Lactis And Conjugal Exchange Of This Trait, Jeffery R. Broadbent

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Chapter I reviews current literature on gene transfer systems in lactic acid bacteria, how genetically altered microorganisms for food are presently regulated, and how nisin is used as a food preservative.

Chapter II investigates previous reports which linked genes for nisin biosynthesis and sucrose utilization (Nip⁺Suc⁺) to plasmid DNA in two well characterized L. lactis subsp. lactis strains. Plasmid curing studies, conjugations, and DNA-DNA hybridizations indicated that these genes were encoded by chromosomal loci in all Nip⁺Suc⁺ strains examined. Similar results were noted in nisin-sucrose transconjugants of L. lactis subsp. cremoris and S. …