Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Soybean-Derived Phytoestrogens On Reproductive Tract Development In Neonatal Male And Female Pigs:, Kevin Wade Necaise

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of orally administered soy-derived extracts on normal reproductive development in neonatal pigs as a model for infants on soy formula. Yorkshire-Landrace crossbred sows were randomly assigned to a lactating diet supplemented with either Novasoy 70 or without. Feed was top-dressed from d 100 of gestation until farrowing. Neonatal pigs (NPs) were weighed on post natal day (PND) six then randomly assigned to one of four treatments 1) control, 2) estradiol, 3) low, or 4) high genistein dose. This study demonstrates that oral exposure of NPs to estradiol but not genistein …

A Study Of Selection On Microsatellites In The Helianthus Annuus Transcriptome, Sreepriya Pramod

Theses and Dissertations

The ability of populations to continually respond to directional selection even after many generations instead of reaching response plateaus suggests the presence of mechanisms for rapidly generating novel adaptive variation within organismal genomes. The contributions of cis regulation are now being widely studied. This study details the contributions of one such mechanism capable of generating adaptive genetic variation through transcribed microsatellite mutation. Microsatellites are abundant in eukaryotic genomes, exhibit one of the highest known mutation rates; and mutations involve indels that are reversible. These features make them excellent candidates for generating variation in populations. This study explores the functional roles …

An Applied Investigation Of Corn-Based Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles In The Production Of Natural Fiber-Plastic Composites, Hugo Eudosio Castillo

Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this research was to examine uses for distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a coproduct of ethanol production plant, in the fiber-reinforced plastic composites industry. Initially the effort intended to take advantage of the DDGS components, using chemical reactions, to produce coupling agents to improve the physical properties of the composite. Four different chemicals plus water were used to convert proteins into soluble amino acids. The results were not as expected, and appeared to show an early pyrolysis of DDGS components. This may be due to regeneration of proteins when pH of solutions is neutralized. Procedures …

2012 Lynn University Commencement Program - Undergraduate Day Students, Lynn University

Commencement Programs

The commencement program for Lynn University's 2012 Undergraduate Day Students, held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in the Count and Countess de Hoernle Sports and Cultural Center.

The commencement speaker was Dr. Peter Diamandis, Chairman and CEO, X PRIZE Foundation.

The Effect Of Bmp-13 On The Chondroinduction Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Hilary Wynne Zelenka

Theses and Dissertations

Articular cartilage is a smooth, white connective tissue that covers and protects the ends of long bones to allow for a smooth, frictionless surface on which to glide for easy movement. Once the tissue is damaged, articular cartilage lacks a direct blood supply, which results in a limited ability to repair itself. This study explores the effect of the growth factor BMP-13 on the chondroinduction of primary human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The results demonstrate the limited ability of BMP-13 to exert a strong chondroinductive effect on human bone marrow-derived MSCs. However, the results do indicate that BMP-13 has …

The Effects Of Aspirin And Cyclosporine On Canine Platelet Function And Cyclooxygenase Expression, John Metcalfe Thomason

Theses and Dissertations

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is one of the most common causes of anemia in dogs. Despite aggressive therapy, there is a 50% mortality rate in IMHA patients, and the most common cause of death is thromboembolic disease, particularly pulmonary thromboembolism. With the high thromboembolism rate in dogs with IMHA, anti-platelet therapy with aspirin can be a life-saving preventative therapy. Along with anti-platelet therapy, immunosuppressive therapy is needed to decrease erythrocyte destruction. Cyclosporine has become a popular medication for immunosuppression in IMHA patients. Unfortunately, recent human reports have suggested that cyclosporine could activate platelets and contribute to a hypercoagulable state. With …

The Effects Of Land Use And Contaminant Transport At A Proposed Reservoir Site In Smith County, Mississippi, William Earl Cherry

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates nutrient and contaminant transport within the Oakohay Creek watershed in order to (1) demonstrate the effects of land use on water quality, (2) model and predict the trophic state of the proposed reservoir given current nutrient loads, and (3) understand potential groundwater flow paths within the reservoir footprint. This study demonstrates that the current, large-scale poultry industry, though not statistically significant with a confidence of 95%, does have a negative impact on the surface water quality. The study also shows evidence for a eutrophic reservoir (TSI-P of 59.4 area-weighted mean) with an increased potential for nuisance algal …

The Impact Of Organochlorine Pesticides And Lipid Biomarkers On Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Paul Robert Eden

Theses and Dissertations

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is classified as a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia that results from defects in insulin action and/or secretion, and currently affects 8.3% of the US population according to the CDC’s 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Several contributing factors have been identified to development of this disease. Published evidence indicates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients display lower overall paraoxonase activity and that this may be partially due to genetic variations in the paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) gene. Some bioaccumulative organochlorine (OC) pesticides have been shown to contribute to increased T2DM prevalence. In addition, these OC compound levels …

The Origin Of Banana Holes On San Salvador Island, The Bahamas, Louis R. Infante

Theses and Dissertations

Banana holes are a common karst feature of The Bahamas and several theories have been presented to explain their origin. The current model for banana hole formation places their dissolution at the mixing zone at the top of the fresh water lens. This theory is based on the observation that banana holes are often found in the interior of islands, far from the dissolutionally aggressive fresh water lens margin. This study proposes that banana holes form at the lens margin as it follows a prograding strandplain. Spatial observations show that banana holes appear to be associated with low inland ridges …

Response Of Listeria Monocytogenes To Bile Salts, Angela Inez Payne

Theses and Dissertations

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen responsible for the disease listeriosis. The infectious process depends upon survival in high bile salt conditions encountered throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the gallbladder. However, it is not clear how bile salt resistance mechanisms are induced, especially under physiologically relevant conditions. This study sought to determine how L. monocytogenes responds to bile salts under anaerobic conditions. The study found resistance to be strain specific and not dependent upon virulence. Changes in the expressed proteome were analyzed using multidimensional protein identification technology coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. A general response among virulent and …

Roles Of Vitamin D And Calcium In Cancer And Diet History Of Vitamin D And Calcium In Cancer Patients And Participants Without Cancer, Gwendolyn Mcneely Howard

Theses and Dissertations

Vitamin D and calcium play major roles in our bone health in addition to roles in tissues and cells. These roles in tissues and cells are associated with some cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes of cancer patients towards their dietary intakes of vitamin D and calcium. A questionnaire was completed by 128 volunteers (mean age=53.5 years±16.6, 94 women, 34 men) from the Montgomery Cancer Clinic in Montgomery, Alabama. Cancer-reporting participants (n=59) were likely to agree more (p=0.048) to the statement, “I try to eat healthy every day” compared to non-cancer reporting participants (n=69) on a …

Salmonella Source And Rate Of Colonization In Two Newly Constructed Commercial Broiler Houses And The Effect Of Used Litter Inoculation In A New House, Lauren Elizabeth Dodds

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of Salmonella within poultry environments and on poultry products has been well documented. However, there has not been a study documenting the effect of utilizing used litter in newly constructed commercial broiler houses on Salmonella status or on the rate and source of Salmonella contamination within new houses. Objectives of this study are to 1) determine environmental source and rate of Salmonella spp. colonization in two newly constructed broiler houses 2) to evaluate the effect of mixing used broiler litter with clean litter in a new broiler house. Results of this study suggest that Salmonella contamination of the …

Oil Related Environmental Degradation And Human Displacement: Case Study Of Niger Delta Nigeria, Joshua Onyemachi

Theses and Dissertations

Oil wealth enriches Nigeria, but it has not improved the lives of the majority of the masses living in the oil-bearing areas of the Niger Delta. Niger Delta region has been exposed to environmental risks that have caused many to lose their means of livelihood, triggering high level of poverty in the region. This study examines the impact of oil-related environmental problems and how it has induced human displacement in the Niger Delta. Furthermore, it examined the efficacy of the Nigerian environmental policies as it related to the oil-bearing areas. The research found that oil activities have caused more harm …

Optical And Laser Spectroscopic Diagnostics For Energy Applications, Markandey Mani Tripathi

Theses and Dissertations

The continuing need for greater energy security and energy independence has motivated researchers to develop new energy technologies for better energy resource management and efficient energy usage. The focus of this dissertation is the development of optical (spectroscopic) sensing methodologies for various fuels, and energy applications. A fiber-optic NIR sensing methodology was developed for predicting water content in bio-oil. The feasibility of using the designed near infrared (NIR) system for estimating water content in bio-oil was tested by applying multivariate analysis to NIR spectral data. The calibration results demonstrated that the spectral information can successfully predict the bio-oil water content …

Optimization Of Seed Propagation Of Seven Native Plant Species, Shane H. Huff

Theses and Dissertations

Seven plants native to the moist habitats of the pine savannas, woodlands, and Hillside Bog natural area at the Crosby Arboretum, Picayune, MS, were evaluated under laboratory and nursery conditions to determine seed germination percentage, optimal germination temperature, and the effect of substrates on germination. These native plants include: titi (Cyrilla racemiflora L.), buckwheat tree (Cliftonia monophylla Britt.), flameflower (Macranthera flammea (Bartr.) Pennell), deertongue (Carphephorus odoratissimus (Gmel.) Herb. var. odoratissimus), pink coreopsis (Coreopsis nudata Nutt.), tall ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia Michx.), and swamp bay (Persea palustris (Raf.) Sarg.). Laboratory experimentation concluded with germination and determination of optimal temperature regimes. Tall ironweed …

Why Can't A Woman Fly?: Nasa And The Cult Of Masculinity, 1958-1972, Erinn Catherine Mccomb

Theses and Dissertations

This is an investigation into the history of masculinity in spaceflight during some of the tensest years of the Cold War era. This dissertation asks why the U.S. did not counter the Soviet launch of the first woman into space. Scholars have pieced together the story of American women’s fight for spaceflight. The dissertation adds another layer to this narrative by analyzing the construction of the astronaut image from 1958 to 1972, a period characterized by a widespread masculinity crisis. Scholars of Cold War America suggest that Americans saw communism, conformity, feminism, homosexuality, bureaucracy, corporations, male consumerism, leisure, automation, and …

Diagnosis And Characterization Of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus, Lifang Yan

Theses and Dissertations

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important viral pathogen affecting all ages of cattle, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. BVDV infection is associated with a diverse array of symptoms including gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory distress, fetal malformation, stillbirth, abortions, and mucosal disease (MD). Transplacental infections of fetuses between 42 and 125 days of gestation can result in immune-tolerance and the surviving fetuses become persistently infected (PI). PI animals are major reservoir of BVDV and it becomes problematic to control the disease. The objectives of this dissertation were to: 1) develop a cost-effective testing scheme to detect BVDV PI animals …

Island Karst Classification: Spatial Modeling-Oriented Approach With Multispectral Satellite Imageries, Hung Chak Ho

Theses and Dissertations

This project developed a series of spatial models to classify the island karst landforms and predict the island karst feature distribution. Spatial models with unsupervised classified images, and fuzzy-based spatial models were used in this study. Forecasting verification and spatial regressions were used to validate the models. The case study was conducted on San Salvador Island, the Bahamas, a recognized carbonate island with island karst features. Fieldwork data on banana holes on the island were used for model validation. The results showed that most models had accuracy higher than 90%, and were statistically proved that they could be used as …

Movement, Space Use, And Cause-Specific Mortality Of Translocated Wild Turkeys In The Mississippi Delta, Kyle Marable

Theses and Dissertations

The eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallapovo silvestris) was nearly extirpated from the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) from overharvesting and habitat loss in the early 1900s. Habitat restoration with hardwood regeneration has likely improved habitat suitability for turkeys in the MAV. I studied establishment and movement of translocated turkeys to assess feasibility of turkey restoration in the MAV. Turkeys were translocated to 2 study sites in the MAV during winters of 2009 and 2010. I monitored movement, survival, and resource selection of translocated turkeys using radio telemetry (February 2009–April 2011). Movement increased with increasing resource dispersion. Mortalities did not differ among …

Multi-Scale Response Of Upland Birds To Targeted Agricultural Conservation, Kristine Oswald Evans

Theses and Dissertations

As human populations rise exponentially, agricultural production systems must be adapted to sustain ecosystem function. Government administered agricultural conservation programs may actualize greater gains in ecosystem services, including wildlife population gains, if conservation practices designed to target specific environmental outcomes are implemented strategically in agricultural landscapes. I evaluated multi-scale, multi-species, and multi-season avian population responses to a targeted native herbaceous buffer practice (CP33: Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds) under the continuous sign-up Conservation Reserve Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. CP33 is the first conservation practice targeted directly to support habitat and population recovery objectives of a national …

Crop Stress Detection And Classification Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing, J Trenton Irby

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural production has observed many changes in technology over the last 20 years. Producers are able to utilize technologies such as site-specific applicators and remotely sensed data to assist with decision making for best management practices which can improve crop production and provide protection to the environment. It is known that plant stress can interfere with photosynthetic reactions within the plant and/or the physical structure of the plant. Common types of stress associated with agricultural crops include herbicide induced stress, nutrient stress, and drought stress from lack of water. Herbicide induced crop stress is not a new problem. However, with …

Cultivation Of Oleaginous Microorganism Consortium On Municipal Wastewater For The Production Of Lipids, Jacqueline Isonhood Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Alternative fuels are necessary to meet the increasing demands for fuels. Alternative fuels such as biodiesel are produced using vegetable oils, which are prominentt in the food industry. An alternate feedstock could be oil-producing microorganisms. These oleaginous microorganisms are defined as accumulating more than 20% of their weight in oil as lipids. Cultivating these microorganisms for oil production is not economical due to the high production costs from the sugars in the culture medium. Municipal wastewater could be a potential growth medium that has not previously been considered for cultivating oleaginous microorganisms. However, municipal wastewater contains a low concentration of …

Decellularized Porcine Myocardium As A Scaffold For Cardiac Tissue Engineering, Bo Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure are leading causes of mortality globally. Recently, cardiac tissue engineering has become an attractive option for MI treatment due to the following advantages: it might provide optimal tissue performance maintained by viable transplanted cells, and might also stimulate the formation of vasculature supplying oxygen and nutrients in the patched region. However, fabrication of a thick viable cardiac patch with 3D scaffolds that are thoroughly recellularized with desired cells remains a challenge. We hypothesize that the decellularized porcine myocardium scaffold can preserve natural extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, cardiomyocyte lacunae, mechanical properties, and vasculature templates that …

Description Of Spatial And Temporal Water Quality And Nitrogen Dynamics In A Split-Pond Aquaculture System, Andrew William Mcdonnell

Theses and Dissertations

Production limits have been maximized in earthen pond (EP) aquaculture. Pond design innovations may increase limits of catfish production by enhancing nitrogen processes. The split-pond system (SPS) partitions a pond into fish (20%) and waste treatment/oxygen production compartments (80%). In 2010, an SPS and EP were stocked (March) and harvested (October) with 25,000 catfish ha-1. Water quality (DO, pH, temp, ORP, CHL-a), nitrogen dynamics (TN, TAN, NO2-, NO3-), nitrogen pathway estimation, and nitrogen budgets were compared. In the waste treatment compartment, maximum DO concentrations exceeded 40 mg L-1, whereas ORP values provided favorable denitrification conditions. October EP NO2- concentrations were …

Development Of An Innovative Detection Technology For Escherichia Coli O157:H7, Qian Gu

Theses and Dissertations

Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection in food is conducted mainly by DNA/PCR, immunoassay or conventional methods. However, all the methods require multiple incubation steps. Antibiotic and isolation agars were found as the main factors that lead to false-positive results. An improved rapid detection method was developed by decreasing detection time and enhancing easiness of detection without the need for any analytical instrumentation. A combination of selective ingredients and temperature was utilized to allow the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the detection. The detection method minimized the effects of the main false positive bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacter spp. The sensitivity, …

Comparison Of Properties Of Pine Scrim Lumber Made From Modified Scrim, Weiqi Leng

Theses and Dissertations

In this study southern pine scrim was treated with low molecular weight melamine formaldehyde (MF), phenolic formaldehyde (PF), and furfuryl alcohol (FA) at different loadings and formed into 25-mm thick panels. Mechanical, dimensional and biological properties were evaluated. Results showed that samples treated with 5 percent MF had the highest MOE, MOR and work to maximum load values (15.3 GPa, 54.2 MPa and 25.4 KJ/m3, respectively), while those treated with 10 percent MF had the highest internal bond and edgewise toughness values of 390 kPa and 12 N•m, respectively. With respect to dimensional stability, samples treated with 20 percent FA …

Control Of Salmonella Biofilms By Essential Oils And Reduction Of Salmonella In Ground Turkey By Lauric Arginate And Carvacrol, Ademola Oladunjoye

Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella is often associated with retail poultry products. Our research evaluated the effect of temperature on the biofilm formation by Salmonella spp. and the efficacy of essential oils in controlling these biofilms on stainless steel surfaces. The sublethal concentrations of thyme, oregano and carvacrol at 0.006-0.012% suppressed biofilm formation by Salmonella spp. while concentrations at 0.05-0.1% reduced the biofilms of a three-strain mixture of Salmonella spp. by 7 logs. Carvacrol was evaluated in combination with lauric arginate for controlling the three-strain mixture of Salmonella spp. in ground turkey containing 1%, 7% or 15% fat. Higher concentrations of carvacrol (1%) or …

Cow-Calf Operations In The Southeastern United States: An Analysis Of Farm Characteristics And Production Risks, Tracey Scott Adkins

Theses and Dissertations

Beef cattle production in the southeastern United States differs in size, practice, and production type from other U.S. regions. Smaller, cow-calf type operations dominate in this region because the climate, forage availability, and other land use practices of farmers make this type of cattle operation more ideal for the Southeast. This research summarizes the current practices and characteristics that define the Southeastern cow-calf operation of today’s market and operating environment; it also examines the factors that influence the variability of beef production in these operations. Results indicate the following major points: 1.) 53.0% of respondents with commercial cows have fewer …

Effects Of Defoliation In Soybeans And Susceptibility Of Soybean Loopers To Reduced Risk Insecticides, Lucas Neil Owen

Theses and Dissertations

Insect defoliation thresholds were reevaluated to determine their effectiveness during vegetative and reproductive stages of soybean. Field experiments were planted with maturity group IV soybeans and subjected 17, 33, 66, and 100% defoliation during R3, R5, and R6 growth stages. In addition to different amounts of defoliation for each growth stage, defoliation occurring within different portions of the plant canopy was also evaluated. Results of this experiment confirmed that soybeans during R3 and R5 stages are more susceptible to yield loss at high levels (>57%) of defoliation than R6 growth stage. However, yield loss was not significantly different below …

Effects Of Different Oral Doses Of Cyclosporine On T-Lymphocyte Biomarkers Of Immunosuppression In Normal Dogs, Todd Marlow Archer

Theses and Dissertations

Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent used to treat a wide range of canine inflammatory diseases. Unfortunately, optimal dosing protocols for achieving immunosuppression with cyclosporine in dogs remain unclear, and standard methods that objectively monitor effectiveness of immunosuppression have not been established. We evaluated an already established panel of biomarkers of immunosuppression in vivo with two oral dosages of cyclosporine in seven normal dogs, a high dosage known to induce immunosuppression and a lower dosage used to treat atopy, with a washout period between the two dosages. The biomarker panel included the flow cytometric evaluation of T-lymphocyte cytokine expression (IL-2, …