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Ontogenetic Habitat Shift Of Juvenile Bear Lake Sculpin (Cottus Extensus), James R. Ruzycki

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Bear Lake sculpin (Cottus extensus) exhibited an ontogenetic habitat shift during their first year of life. Soon after hatching in the littoral zone, the fry swam to the surface where they dispersed throughout the lake. Most juveniles that initially settled in the profundal zone returned to the littoral zone during their first summer. Patterns in the daily growth increments of otoliths confirmed the history of habitat residence and the individual size at the habitat switch. We used this habitat shift to test a μ/g model incorporating a growth rate-mortality risk trade-off. A trade-off occurred in the littoral …

Lake Evaporation: A Model Study, Jumah Amayreh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Reliable evaporation data are an essential requirement in any water and/or energy budget studies. This includes operation and management of both urban and agricultural water resources. Evaporation from large, open water surfaces such as lakes and reservoirs may influence many agricultural and irrigation decisions. In this study evaporation from Bear Lake in the states of Idaho and Utah was measured using advanced research instruments (Bowen Ratio and Eddy Correlation). Actual over-lake evaporation and weather data measurements were used to understand the mechanism of evaporation in the lake, determine lake-related parameters (such as roughness lengths, heat storage, net radiation, etc.), and …

In Vitro Evaluation Of Anti-Eimeria Tenella, Gamont-Specific, Monoclonal Antibodies And Partial Characterization Of Their Target Antigens, Eric Wilson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study represents an effort to interrupt the life cycle of Eimeria tenella, the parasite that causes cecal coccidiosis in chickens, with a panel of 12 gamont-specific monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). To facilitate Mab screening, it was first necessary to develop a cell culture-adapted strain of E. tenella (field strain 80) from primary chicken kidney cells (PCKC) to white Leghorn chickens and back to PCKC. This alternation was repeated through 12 such passages. As a result, we have developed a cell culture-adapted strain of E. tenella that produces over 280% more oocysts in vitro than the original parent strain, and …

Characterization Of An Axial Ligand Substitution In Sperm Whale Myoglobin, Michael J. Chen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Of central importance to the study of heme proteins are the effects imposed by axial ligand(s) on the heme structure and, therefore, on the overall activity of the protein. In this study, we confirm and extend the spectroscopic characterization of a mutated sperm whale myoglobin in which the proximal Histidine is replaced with a Tyrosine residue (MbH93Y). The MbH93Y, as well as wild-type sperm whale myoglobin and horse erythrocyte catalase (HEC), was purified and characterized by optical absorption and x-ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopies. Optical absorption spectra of HEC and the metmyoglobin, cyanometmyoglobin, reduced, oxy, and carbon-monoxy forms of both sperm …

Effects Of Graded Levels Of Dietary Lasalocid On Performance Of Holstein Cows During Early Lactation, Dennis E. Christensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to one of three dietary levels of lasalocid· 0, 180, or 360 mg/hd/d in a completely randomized design Cows were assigned to treatments 1 wk postcalving and remained on treatment until 11 wk postcalving Basal diets were composed of ground corn, alfalfa hay, alfalfa haylage, corn silage, and soybean meal, fortified with vitamins and minerals as needed. All ingredients were ground and fed as a total mixed ration Daily rations were fed in two equal portions at 0500 and I 700 h at a rate to allow a 5- 10% refusal. Daily measurements included …

The Effects Of Feeding Chelated Metal Proteinates On Milk Production And Reproductive Performance In Holstein Dairy Cows, Ben James Hardcastle

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Twenty-two primiparous Holstein heifers were allocated to one of two treatments. Treatments consisted of: 1) basal ration plus 226.8 g inorganic mineral supplement (control); and 2) basal ration plus 226.8 g inorganic mineral and metal proteinate supplement (50:50). Individual heifer performance was measured during the final 10 weeks of the prepartum period. Feed intake and refusals were recorded daily. Individual heifer body weights recorded weekly did not differ significantly. Blood samples taken at 4-week intervals did not differ in plasma concentration between treatments. Calf birth weights for control heifers were not significantly higher than calves from the treatment heifers.

The …

Use Of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor As An Adjunct In Antifungal Chemotherapy In Various Animal Model Systems, Lindi Farrell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The growing neutropenic patient population provides an ideal target for opportunistic fungal infections. Several effective antifungal drugs are toxic at high doses and contraindicated for long-term treatment. Recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) has been shown to increase neutrophilic numbers and functions, thus providing enhanced host defense. Improved efficacy by using rhG-CSF in conjunction with various antifungal agents was the primary focus of these studies. Use of rhG-CSF in a murine model of vaginal candidiasis did not reduce vaginal colony counts, or improve vaginal histophathology scores. Administration of rhG-CSF in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis improved survival, clinical …

Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure And Redox Potential Studies Of Heme-Substituted Horseradish Peroxidase And Myoglobin, Bing He

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Heme-substituted horseradish peroxidases and myoglobins were reconstituted from the apoenzyme using mesoheme and diacetyldeuteroheme. X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the dimensions of the active sites of these heme-substituted proteins, and were compared with those of the proto-hemeproteins. The change in the active-site structure corresponded with the electron withdrawing and donating effects of the different side chains. The oxidation-reduction potentials of Fe⁴⁺/Fe³⁺ couples of the heme-substituted proteins were measured at pH 7 with K₂IrCl₆. The oxidation-reduction potential sequence for compound I/compound II was diacetyldeutero- > proto- > meso- in horseradish peroxidase. The oxidation-reduction potential …

Evaluation Of Lake Fertilization As A Tool To Assist In The Recovery Of The Snake River Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus Nerka), Howard P. Gross

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

I analyzed lake fertilization (with nitrogen and phosphorus) as a tool to assist in the recovery of the Snake River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in the oligotrophic Sawtooth Valley Lakes in southcentral Idaho. These analyses involved monitoring, manipulating, and modelling several aspects of the lakes' primary producer, nutrient, and light parameters.

In Pettit Lake, I evaluated the effects of metalimnetic and epilimnetic fertilization in 330-m³ mesocosms. The metalimnetic treatment was equal to or more effective than the epilimnetic treatment in increasing chlorophyll a, phytoplankton biovolume, and primary productivity, yet caused smaller changes in periphyton growth and …

Disease And Habitat Change As Factors Associated With Mourning Dove Population Decline, William D. Ostrand

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The western mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) population has been declining since 1966. Data collected in 1951-52, in Fillmore, Utah, provided us a baseline for comparison with our study in the same area. Our approach was to determine whether a local population decline had occurred since the original data were collected, assess if trichomoniasis has impacted the local population, determine if changes in habitat structure affect foraging site selection, quantify changes in habitat, identify which habitats doves preferred, ascertain whether doves had responded to habitat change by changing food habits, and assess if changes in habitat were responsible in …

Competitive Interactions Between Two Closely Related Rhizomatous And Caespitose Perennial Grasses Under Varying Conditions, L. David Humphrey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Biomass, tiller numbers, flowering, and genet survival were accessed for the rhizomatous Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus and caespitose E. l. ssp. wawawaiensis growing in mixtures with a range of densities of each taxon. Models of aboveground biomass of each taxon as a function of mixed densities were used to calculate competition indices. Tiller numbers and biomass of ssp. lanceolatus were higher than those of the caespitose taxon in the first year, but declined in the second year, while biomass and tiller numbers of ssp. wawawaiensis changed little. All tillers of ssp. wawawaiensis emerged in autumn; tillers of ssp. …

Alteration Of Key Cytokine Levels By Aflatoxin B1 And T-2 Toxin In Male Cd-1 Mice, Raviprakash R. Dugyala

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Aflatoxin B₁ and T-2 toxin are mycotoxins, which produce their immunotoxic effects by affecting nonspecific and acquired immunity in different species. The mechanisms of their immunotoxicity are still obscure. Cytokines are the key signaling molecules during the immune response. In this study, expression of macrophage-produced cytokines Interleukin-lα (IL-lα), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and IL-6, and lymphocyte-produced cytokines IL-2, interferon y (IFNy), and IL-3 was measured at the mRNA and protein levels, after in vitro activation with mitogens in AFB₁-and T-2-toxin-exposed mice.

Significant changes in the organ weights, especially in the mice exposed to a high dose of …

Metabolism Of Selected Antiviral Agents In Cells Infected With Drug-Resistant And Wild-Type Strains Of Murine Cytomegalovirus, Kevin M. Okleberry

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Resistance of human viral pathogens to various antiviral drugs is a serious medical problem. Two modes of drug resistance in cytomegalovirus infections have been observed, the first being altered (decreased) drug metabolism by the infected cells, and the second reduced sensitivity of the viral deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase enzyme to the active form of the drug. Mice infected with the murine cytomegalovirus have been used extensively as an animal model for the human cytomegalovirus, and drug-resistant strains in this model have been identified. To better understand the mode of drug resistance of the virus, the metabolism of two antiviral drugs, 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine …

Functional Study Of The Structural Vp6 Protein Of Bluetongue Virus, Emiko Hayama

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was undertaken to investigate the structure-function relationship of VP6 protein of bluetongue virus (BTV) using molecular cloning techniques. VP6 is present in small quantities in BTV and its enzymatic activity and role in the viral replication cycle have not been studied. Since the availability of large amounts of purified VP6 is essential for the analysis of VP6, a BTV-11 S3 gene was cloned into a prokaryotic protein expression system. VP6 protein was expressed in large amounts and purified to near homogeneity. A series of C-terminal and internal deletion mutants of S3 gene was constructed and the truncated VP6 …

Spatial Variability And Error Limits Of Reference Evapotranspiration Estimates, Thomas W. Ley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The overall objective of this research was to develop a methodology for assessing the spatial variability and error limits of reference evapotranspiration (ET_r) estimates from a weather station network. Likely errors introduced into ET_r estimates due to sensor measurement variability and nonstandard site conditions were investigated. Temporal and spatial correlation structures of the weather variables used to compute ET_r and of ET_r data collected over a three-year period by an operational agricultural weather station network were studied.

Results indicated that ET_r errors are minimal compared to inherent model error when sensors (of the type …

The Relationship Between Depression And Anxiety, And The Personality Traits Of Dependency And Self-Criticism, Douglas E. Craig

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The relationships between depression and the traits of dependency and self-criticism are well documented in the research literature. However, relatively few studies have investigated anxiety in relation to the two traits. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship each trait has with general anxiety and with social anxiety. Also, because depression and anxiety overlap, a multivariate analysis examined the relationships among the trait and mood constructs while accounting for the overlap between constructs. Subjects completed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (assessing dependency and self-criticism), the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Fear of Negative Evaluation …

Evaluation Of Wildlife Depredation At Fish Hatcheries In The Intermountain West, William C. Pitt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

During 1993- 1994, I investigated wildlife depredation at Intermountain West fish hatcheries to quantify losses, determined the reliability of bioenergetics models and hatchery manager perceptions to predict losses, and investigated the effectiveness of simple control measures. I observed predators and surveyed managers to quantify the extent of depredation losses and to identify the species responsible. Great blue herons (Ardea herodias), black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax), ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), and California gulls (Larus californicus) were the most significant predators of hatchery fish in the field study, and were perceived as such by hatchery …

Effects Of Iron Fortification On Microbiological, Physical, Chemical, And Organoleptic Properties Of Yogurt, Sharareh Hekmat

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It has been shown that iron binds strongly to the proteins in milk, and our aim was to determine whether or not this binding was affected by lowering pH in the manufacture of yogurt. Iron-protein complexing was studied using two different techniques. 1) Skim milk was fortified with 10 mg iron/100 ml and the pH of the milk was adjusted to 6.7, 6.2, 5.8, 5.3, 4.5, and 4.0. The milk was fractionated by ultracentrifugation at 52,000 x g for 60 minutes. The pellets and serum were then analyzed for iron, calcium, and phosphorus content by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. SDS-PAGE …

The Effect Of Iron Fortification On The Chemical, Physical, And Sensory Properties Of Mozzarella Cheese, Wendy Haws Rice

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Mozzarella cheese was made from milk fortified with iron so that the cheese contained 25 and 50 ppm iron. Iron was added to the milk in three ways: (1) complexed to casein (ferric-casein), (2) complexed to whey protein (ferric-whey protein), and (3) ferric chloride (FeCl3·6H20) added directly to milk. Cheese quality was determined by chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics and compared with a control cheese.

Chemical oxidation, during 28 days storage, was determined by absorbance of malondialdehyde at 535 nm using the thiobarbituric acid assay (TBA). Physical properties were assessed by the Arnott test for melt, helical viscometer for stretch, …