Digital Commons Network^™

Dental Microwear And Diet Change During The Greek Bronze And Iron Age In Coastal East Lokris, Greece, J Rocco De Gregory

Theses and Dissertations

This research utilizes two analytical methods to examine the dental microwear of two skeletal samples from East Lokris, Greece. The samples are from the Bronze age/Early Iron age sites of Mitrou and Tragana Agia Triada. The samples were tested according to various temporal and geographic designations in an attempt to determine if any differences in dietary constituent could be discerned from their dental microwear signatures. Both traditional dental microwear analysis using a scanning electron microscope and dental microwear texture analysis employing scale sensitive fractal analysis and a Sensofar Plµ Confocal Profiler were used. The results of analysis for both methods …

Chronobiology Of Lygus Lineolaris (Heteroptera: Miridae): Implications For Rearing And Pest Management, Sarah Rose Self

Theses and Dissertations

This research project consisted of three primary objectives: (1) Improve rearing methods for L. lineolaris, (2) Determine if selected behaviors displaying photoperiodicity are under circadian control, and (3) Estimate phase angle shifts of selected circadian rhythms, in an effort to contribute toward the future improvement of current integrated pest management techniques. Improving rearing methods was accomplished in three areas: (1) Estimating the optimal stocking rate to maximize production while maintaining acceptable insect quality as a function of photoperiodic regime, (2) Estimating fecundity at the optimal stocking rate and photoperiodic regime, and (3) Determining the timing of oviposition, mating, feeding and …

Crappie Population Characteristics Relative To Inundation Of Floodplain Habitats In Reservoirs, Jonah Dennis Dagel

Theses and Dissertations

Catch rates of age-0 and adult crappies Pomoxis spp. were compared between floodplains and coves to determine if differences in densities existed between habitats, and to determine if water levels influenced density relationships. Habitat in a cove and a floodplain of Enid Reservoir was mapped to describe differences in vegetation. Adult crappies were collected with electrofishing and age-0 crappies were collected with trap nets. Coves had the greatest spring densities of adults in 2009 and 2010, whereas floodplains attracted adults earlier in the spawning season. Recruitment of age-0 crappies was related inversely to high water levels during months preceding the …

Ecology And Disease Potential Of The Black-Legged Deer Tick, Ixodes Scapularis Say, In Mississippi, Lauren Goltz

Theses and Dissertations

To assess the seasonality and disease potential of Ixodes scapularis Say in north Mississippi, ixodid ticks were collected by drag cloth method at two sites in north Mississippi weekly from August 1, 2010 through July 31, 2011 and tested for molecular evidence of disease agents via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. In addition, environmental data were observed and recorded for each collection date. I. scapularis nymphs (n=6) were collected in August, September, March, and May, perhaps reflecting a seasonally bimodal distribution, while adults (n=256) were found October through May with a peak in March. No statistically significant relationship between environmental …

Economic Evaluation Of Biofuel Production Through Bio-Gasification Power Facility Using Modeling Method, Yangyang Deng

Theses and Dissertations

Since bio-gasification is a potentially more efficient way to utilize bio-energy, the economic feasibility becomes one of the greatest issues when we apply this new technology. Evaluation of economic feasibility of a bio-gasification facility needs understanding of its production unit cost under different capacities and different working shift modes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the unit cost of bio-syngas and biouel products at different capacities by using economic modeling method. Result showed that economic feasibility of a power facility was significantly affected by its production capacity and operating mode (one shift, two shifts, or three shifts mode). …

Educational And Informational Delivery Method Preferences Of Mississippi Beef Cattle Producers, Garrett Michael Steede

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the production costs associated with beef cattle production, it is important to equip beef cattle producers with sound, research-driven information to aid in the decision making process regarding their operation. Extension personnel as well as other organizations involved with beef cattle producers should be knowledgeable of the audience that they are disseminating information to and how this audience prefers to receive information. Knowing the demographics and educational and informational needs of the audience helps shape programming endeavors to meet the needs of the audience. The beef cattle producers surveyed indicated that they preferred to receive information from farm …

Effects Of Sodium Methyldithiocarbamate-Induced Oxidative Stress On Nf-Kappa B Activation, Monica Cherie Gadson

Theses and Dissertations

Sodium methyldithiocarbamate (SMD) is commonly reported to cause health risks in humans. Previous reports indicate SMD causes oxidative stress, which can contribute to the activation of NF-êB and cause other characteristics of inflammatory responses to be altered. Almost all pro-inflammatory cytokines require NF-êB activation for full expression and development of an innate immune or inflammatory response. This study evaluated NF-êB activation, providing new information regarding reactive oxygen in macrophages from SMD-treated mice. Studies were conducted in which NF-êB reporter mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), SMD, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). BSO depletes glutathione (GSH) and increases oxidative …

Establishment Methods Of Arundinaria Species For Restoration Purposes, David Pierce Russell

Theses and Dissertations

Rivercane, Arundinaria gigantea, is the native woody evergreen grass that has exhibited rapid population decline since European colonization of North America. Agriculture and urban expansion have reduced this important ecosystem type to remnant populations. This poses challenges to current restoration efforts by minimizing genetic diversity and limiting healthy host sites for propagation. Objectives of this research were to test four methods of establishment that would promote the greatest survivability and growth of propagules. Non-irrigated field studies indicated greatest rivercane growth response when planted in increased shade (60 - 85% light reduction). Monthly plantings indicated that February offered the greatest probability …

Addressing Sample Bias And Representativeness At The Kinlock Site (22su526) A Freshwater Mussel Shell Ring In The Mississippi Delta, Joseph Alan Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

Applied zooarchaeology provides baselines which can be used in modern conservation biology to better understand how faunal communities have changed over time. This goal can only be accomplished, however, by first accounting for the multiple biases present within the archaeological record, and how they may affect sample representativeness. Taxonomic analysis was conducted on freshwater mussel shell from the late prehistoric (ca. A.D. 700 - 1200) Kinlock site, Sunflower County, Mississippi. Species-area curves and biodiversity indices demonstrate that random sampling of surface clusters of shell, up to about 4,000 valves, provides an adequate picture of the overall surface assemblage. Comparison of …

Analysis Of Relaxin And Acute-Phase Proteins In Urine And Feces For Canine Pregnancy Diagnosis, Vanna Gail Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

Measurements of relaxin and acute-phase proteins have not been validated for use in canine serum as a method of pregnancy diagnosis. This means that handling and anesthesia is still necessary to check the pregnancy status of most non-domestic canines. Therefore, the intention of this study was to determine whether relaxin and/or acute-phase proteins could be detected in the urine and/or feces of the domestic dog in order to evaluate the potential for a noninvasive pregnancy test in canines. Blood, urine and feces were collected from 18 domestic dogs and assayed for the presence of relaxin, fibrinogen, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, and …

Use Of Whey-Based Edible Coatings As Antioxidative And Antimicrobial Agents, Sashie Weerasinghe

Theses and Dissertations

Edam and Cheddar whey were thermized (T) for different time periods (5–30 min) at 70 degrees Celsius, vacuum evaporated, and spray dried to obtain whey powders (WP). Native and thermized WP were evaluated for antioxidative properties. Edam and Cheddar WP significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide value (PV) in ferric-catalyzed soybean oil emulsions. Thermization significantly improved antioxidative properties of WP with 5T, 10T, and 15T treatments showing better protective effects compared to 20T and 30T treatments. Based on these results, native (0T) and thermized (5T, 10T, and 15T) Edam and Cheddar WP coatings, with and without enzymatically hydrolyzed …

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae, Rickettsia Parkeri And "Candidatus Rickettsia Andeanae", Associated With The Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma Maculatum Koch, Flavia Araujo Girao Ferrari

Theses and Dissertations

The public health and veterinary importance of Gulf Coast ticks, Amblyomma maculatum Koch (1844) have become more apparent during the last several decades. In addition, new records of this three-host ixodid tick presently show a geographic distribution throughout much of the southern United States. Rickettsia parkeri, a spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) that is commonly found infecting the Gulf Coast tick, was only recently recognized as a human pathogen. Over the last decade, more than 20 human cases of disease caused by R. parkeri have been recognized in the Americas, all of which were similar in presentation to mild Rocky …

The Analysis Of The Expression And Phenotype Of The At3g02400 Gene In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Will Gray

Theses and Dissertations

The involvement of several genes in DNA repair in animals and bacteria, and the induced expression of At3G02400 by Mitomycin C, suggest that this gene is involved in DNA repair in plants. I have tested this hypothesis by studying the regulation of its expression and identifying the function of this gene. To study the expression of this gene, I used a reporter line and bio-computing tools. To identify the function of the gene, I have isolated two T-DNA mutants and screened Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) mutants. T-DNA mutagenesis is the process of inserting transfer DNA into the …

In Vitro Catalytic Activity And Inhibition Study Of Prnb From Burkholderia Ambifaria, Qi Ge

Theses and Dissertations

PrnB is a heme-containing enzyme, which catalyzes the ring rearrangement reaction of 7-chlorotryptophan to produce 3-(3-Chloro-2-nitrophenyl)pyrrole. This thesis describes the initial isolation and characterization of PrnB, the second enzyme associated with the pyrrolnitrin biosynthetic pathway in Burkholderia ambifaria. Additionally, alternative peroxidase reactivity was used to study how amino-acids bind to the substrate binding pocket of PrnB. The peroxidase activity of PrnB was measured using three different peroxidase activity assays at various pH values. The peroxidase data was compared to similar studies with the classic peroxidase, Horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Generally, PrnB showed weak peroxidase reactivity. However this weak reactivity was an …

Influence Of Fresh And Processed Tannic Acid, And Fresh Tannic Acid, And Fresh Tannic Acid Plus Phosphate On Catfish Fillet Color, Microbial Shelf Life And Oxidation, Guilherme Filizzola Cury

Theses and Dissertations

Fresh tannic acid (5%) (FTA), heated to 121C for 15 min (PTA), and the combination of FTA and phosphates (FPH) were vacuum tumbled with catfish fillets and compared to water tumbled fillets (CTL). Fillets treated with FTA or PTA had higher whiteness whereas all treated fillets had higher chroma values than CTL, resulting in a deeper yellow color fillet. Microbial shelf life (CTL, log CFU/g, APC) of FTA and PTA treated fillets was extended by two days, to11.8 d at 4C, but FPH fillets did not reach over 5 log CFU/g for 15 d of storage. Fat from FTA and …

Logging Cost And Productivity Associated With Labor And Mechanization In The Eastern United States, Dustin Wayne Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Forty-eight harvesting contractors over 13 state submitted data on cost and production over a period from 2003-2006. Within this group, 30 harvesting contractors submitted data for all four years in the study period. Discussions of logging development is presented in Chapter II focusing on labor and equipment. Data analysis focused on production estimates and cost information from a firm size and regional standpoint in Chapter IV. Analysis of consecutive data in Chapter V focused on shifts over time in labor, equipment and related cost categories. Contractors in the Coastal Plains were most numerous and demonstrated a distinct difference in sub-groups. …

Impact Of Sodium Lactate And Acetic Acid Derivatives On The Quality Of Fresh Italian Pork Sausage Links, Courtney Alissa Crist

Theses and Dissertations

Sodium lactate and acetic acid derivatives were evaluated for their impact on fresh Italian pork sausage links using commercial pork trimmings. Treatments included: 2.5% acetic acid (48.5%) –sodium lactate mixture (51.5%) (V), 2.5% sodium lactate (60% solids) (S), control –0.02% BHA/BHT (B) and negative control –seasoning only (C). Analysis over storage included total plate count (TPC), oxidative rancidity (TBARS), sensory analysis (descriptive and consumer), cooking loss, pH, and color. The S and V treatments had lower TPC (P<0.05) from days 5 through 14 when compared to B and C. TBARS values increased (P<0.05) for treatments C, S, and V while B was did not change (P>0.05) over time. While CIE a* surface values for redness generally decreased over time for all treatments, treatment B maintained more redness …

Temporal Characteristics Of Monoptic, Dichoptic And Half-Binocular Collinear Lateral Masking Of Contrast Detection, Wesley Tod Kinerk

Dissertations

Purpose: The temporal characteristics of dichoptic contrast integration across space in primary visual cortex are relatively unknown. This study investigated the effect of varying interstimulus interval (ISI) and flank duration on contrast detection threshold (CDT) of a sinusoid target under monoptic, dichoptic and half-binocular viewing. Methods: Eleven subjects with normal vision participated for a mean of 25 hours each. In the main experiment, target and flanks were 3 cpd vertical sinusoids with 6 lambda (sigma = 1.5 lambda) center-to-center vertical separation. Flank contrast was normalized to 3X flank CDT. Flanks were presented at 4 durations (67-500ms) and ISIs were presented …

Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling In Vascular Disease: Anti-Inflammatory Action Through Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor A, Dahai Wang, Jamunabai Prakash, Peter H. Nguyen, Brandi N. Davis-Dusenbery, Nicholas S. Hill, Matthew D. Layne, Akiko Hata, Giorgio Lagna

Biology

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) patients exhibit elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung. Concurrently, mutations of bmpr2, the gene encoding the type II receptor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), are found in ∼75% of patients with familial PAH, but a possible nexus between increased inflammation and diminished BMP signaling has hitherto remained elusive. We previously showed that BMP4 triggers nuclear localization of the Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), resulting in the induction of contractile proteins. Here we report the BMPR2-dependent repression of a set of inflammatory …

The Making Of A Eurasian: Writing, Miscegenation, And Redemption In Sui Sin Far, Juanita C. But

Asian American Literature: Discourses & Pedagogies

This paper examines the literary itinerary of Sui Sin Far/Edith Eaton with a specific focus on the shaping of her Eurasian authorship .

Present And Potential Future Distribution Of Common Vampire Bats In The Americas And The Associated Risk To Cattle, Dana N. Lee, Monica Papeş, Ronald A. Van Den Bessche

KIP Articles

Success of the cattle industry in Latin America is impeded by the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, through decreases in milk production and mass gain and increased risk of secondary infection and rabies. We used ecological niche modeling to predict the current potential distribution of D. rotundus and the future distribution of the species for the years 2030, 2050, and 2080 based on the A2, A1B, and B1 climate scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We then combined the present day potential distribution with cattle density estimates to identify areas where cattle are at higher risk for the …

Sharing Science: A Study On The Effects Of Informal Science Education Outreach With Elementary Students, Martha Jo Vargas, Diane L. Marshall, Teresa E. Sheldahl

Biology ETDs

Science education reform has prompted scientists, engineers, and politicians alike to act on the growing need for improved educational programs in the STEM fields. Informal science programs that provide an educational experience outside of a traditional classroom and involve students on real-life and hands-on experiments are among these initiatives. It is hypothesized that informal science programs may increase students interest and performance in science and related subjects. Here we evaluate this by assessing the impacts of one such program, the Junior Scientist Outreach Program (JSOP), a weeklong, free-of-cost camp with fourth and fifth grade students in a predominately Hispanic/Latino community …

State V. Ruck Clerk's Record V. 2 Dckt. 39830

Idaho Supreme Court Records & Briefs, All

No abstract provided.

Analyses Of Chromosome Copy Number And Expression Level Of Four Genes In The Ciliate Chilodonella Uncinata Reveal A Complex Pattern That Suggests Epigenetic Regulation, Laure Bellec, Laura A. Katz

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Chilodonella uncinata, like all ciliates, contains two distinct nuclei in every cell: a germline micronucleus and a somatic macronucleus. The macronucleus develops from the zygotic nucleus through a series of chromosomal rearrangements. Macronuclear development in C. uncinata yields a nucleus with highly amplified gene-sized chromosomes. The macronucleus is transcriptionally active during vegetative growth while there is no expression in the micronucleus except during a brief period following conjugation. Gene family evolution in ciliates occurs through complex processes including gene duplication and an alternative processing of scrambled genes. Here we use quantitative PCR to compare relative expression levels of eight genes …

The Relationship Between Liv-1 And E-Cadherin (Cdh1) In Prostate Cancer Cells, Lei Cao

Master's Theses

BACKGROUND

The zinc importer LIV-1 is widely distributed, mainly in hormonally controlled tissues. Attention has focused on its role in breast cancer, especially its regulation by estrogen and epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its link to the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) marker, E-cadherin (CDH1). EMT is important for tumor progression and metastasis. CDH1 expression is under complex control, including by two transcriptional repressors, Snail and Slug. Contrast to CDH1, elevated MMP-9 expression has been linked to increased metastasis and tumor stage.

METHODS

The role of LIV-1 in prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and DU145 was investigated. Cells were treated with or …

Structural Dynamic Modification Of Vibrating Structures Using Topology Optimization / Sajjad Zargham, Zargham Sajjad

Student Works (2010-2019)

This thesis presents a structural dynamic modification of vibrating structures by using topology optimization method in order to find the most effective design of a structure supporting rotating machinery. Modal testing and operating deflection shape (ODS) measurement were applied to identify the dynamic characteristics of a pedestal structure. The dynamic characteristics of the structure were ascertained to validate the finite element model. Then, topology optimization method was used to determine the optimum design of the structure. Results from modal testing showed that the structure has two natural frequencies at 12.1 Hz (left to right bending), and 16.7 Hz (rear to …

Chemical Constituents And Antiplasmodial Activity Of Indole Alkaloids From Ochrosia Oppositifolia / Mehran Fadaei Nasab, Mehran Fadaei Nasab

Student Works (2010-2019)

The chemical constituents of Ochrosia oppositifolia have been studied. The compounds were extracted from the bark and leaves of this plant by using n-hexane,dichloromethane and methanol as solvents. The crudes were subjected to extensive chromatographic techniques like preparative thin layer chromatography, column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of six compounds were obtained. Structural elucidation was established through several spectroscopic methods, such as 1D-NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT, NOE), 2D-NMR (COSY,NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC), UV, IR, and MS (GCMS, LCMS and HRMS) and comparison with the published data. Three compounds were isolated from the bark of Ochrosia oppositifolia, …

Clemson Commencement Program, August 2012, Clemson University

Clemson Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

The Abjection Of James Dean: Mixed Media/Mixed Race Performances In Ai's Poem, "James Dean", Cathy Irwin

Asian American Literature: Discourses & Pedagogies

This paper investigates how the developmental process of the Japanese-Black-Choctaw-Irish American poet Ai translates into a creative process that integrates aspects of identity thrown out or made abject by dominant cultural norms and ideals. Just as Ai once disidentified with parts of her identity to discover and integrate her abject Japanese heritage, Ai's dramatic monologue "James Dean" explores the intersections where the poetic voice-the narrator or subject speaking-disidentifies with the cinematic and textual image of iconic white, heterosexual masculinity in order to integrate a sexuality that usually constitutes its "outside." In the process, this paper argues that by mixing print …

Analysis Of Microbial Diversity By Amplicon Pyrosequencing, Ryan Legge

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Microorganisms numerically dominate terrestrial biodiversity, and play important biochemical and geochemical roles in the environments they inhabit. To understand structure and function of complex ecosystems, it is essential to identify primary drivers of microbial diversity and community structure. Historically, the study of microbial ecology was reductive, limited to microbes able to be cultured and enumerated. Microbes meeting this criterion were thought to comprise the dominating members of the environments they were isolated from, however, estimates suggesting up to 99% of the endogenous species are uncultivable with existing methodologies; a concept that reflects experimental failure, rather than a verifiable conclusion. Therefore …