Digital Commons Network^™

Changes In Gene Expression During Nitrogen Starvation Are Mediated By Targeted Degradation Of Translation And Mrna Decay Factors In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Shane Patrick Kelly

All ETDs from UAB

Autophagy is the cellular mechanism of recruitment and decay of cytoplasmic molecules, proteins, and organelles that are obsolete for a particular growth condition. Autophagic degradation is distinct from proteasomal degradation by the formation of a de-novo double membrane which engulfs its cargo to be delivered for degradation to the yeast vacuole. Once thought to be only a general phenomenon of bulk decay, several autophagic pathways have demonstrated selectivity. In the following work we show that during nitrogen starvation (a potent inducer of autophagy) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a subset of translation factors are degraded selectively and rapidly. We go …

Impact Of Algae On Sugar Mill Effluents: Water Treatment And Added Value Assessment, Jacob Stephen Foy

LSU Master's Theses

Installations similar to Louisiana sugar mills have been proposed as potential biorefineries for sugarcane, energy cane, and sweet sorghum. The nutrient-rich wastewater generated from the milling process can be used as an algal growth medium. Simultaneously, algae can serve as a water treatment strategy to deplete these effluents of excess nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon. In this research the effluents of a sugar mill were characterized for water quality and nutrient characteristics; the effluents were determined to be suitable for growth of a native Louisiana co-culture of microalgae and cyanobacteria (Chlorella vulgaris/Leptolyngbya sp.); growth rate, biomass productivity and nutrient uptake …

Salt Tolerance Of Lactococcus Lactis R-604 As Influenced By Exposure To Various Stress Conditions, Ernesto Emilio Gonzalez Duran

LSU Master's Theses

Lactococcus lactis is a dairy culture bacterium widely used in dairy products that contain salt (NaCl) such as cheese and salted butter. Osmotic conditions generally hinder the growth of both pathogen and desirable bacteria. It has been observed that many stress-induced proteins are produced after exposure to an environmental stress protecting the cell against other stresses since the first exposure starts the defense mechanisms of the cells creating an effect of cross-protection. If salt tolerance is enhanced in desirable bacteria they would survive better in salty environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the salt tolerance of Lactococcus …

Antioxidant Activity Of Lutein Entrapped In Poly (Dl-Lactide Co-Glycolide) Acid And Plga/Chitosan Nanoparticles, Toni Borel Lousteau

LSU Master's Theses

Polymeric nanocarriers improve cellular uptake, stability, solubility, and functionality of entrapped drugs and nutraceuticals. The hypothesis of this study was that entrapping lutein, a hydrophobic antioxidant, in different polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) will improve its stability and antioxidant activity. The following objectives were proposed: 1. Synthesize and characterize polymeric nanoparticles of poly lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and PLGA NPs covered with a layer of chitosan (PLGA/Chi) from a physicochemical perspective, and 2. Assess functionality of the entrapped lutein as a function of type of polymer in which entrapped. Nanoparticles were synthesized by emulsion evaporation method. Characterization included size, zeta potential, and …

Life Cycle Analysis Of An Airlifted Recirculation Aqualculture Facility, Marlon Alberetos Greensword

LSU Master's Theses

Airlift-equipped recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) provide water-circulation, aeration, and degassing efficiently and reliably. This project investigated the need for biofilters in a fish hatchery environment to address biofouling of tank water from hatching eggs. Eggs of various fish species were selected and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and protein loading and content were measured and compared. Means for all samples were: 0.67±0.05g BOD₅/g, 10.89 nitrogen±0.84% and the mean protein content 69.22±3.82%. A statistical analysis indicates that Rachycentron canadum (cobia) and Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish) is the most representative of the multi-species lot when compared to Balantiocheilus melanopterus …

A Study Evaluating Genetic Trends And Molecular Predisposition To Improved Carcass Quality Of Brahman And Brahman Influenced Cattle, Amanda M. Royer

LSU Master's Theses

The first objective of the current study was to evaluate genetic trends from 10 years of the American Brahman Breeders Association Carcass Evaluation Program from 2004 to 2013. Changes of performance in growth, carcass composition, and carcass quality traits were evaluated. Overall means were calculated to report the total average for each trait along with an average rate of change per year. Growth traits evaluated included feedlot entrance weight (INWT), harvest weight (HRVWT), and average daily gain (ADG). Carcass composition and quality traits evaluated included hot carcass weight (HCW), rib eye area (REA), marbling score (MARB), dressing percent (DP), quality …

Characterization Of Adaptive Hyperplasia Of The Intestines Following Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass And Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy In Rats, Michael Brodie Mumphrey

LSU Master's Theses

Bariatric surgery is currently the only treatment for obesity that is effective in both the short and long term. Despite this, little is known about the mechanisms through which these surgeries act. While no single critical system has yet been identified, a number of major hypotheses have been proposed. One hypothesis is that adaptive hyperplasia of the intestines following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is required in order to receive the beneficial effects of the surgery. In this thesis I characterized the adaptive response of the intestines following RYGB and showed that significant hyperplasia occurs in the intestinal mucosa. In …

Herbivore Response To Soybean Under Differing Induction Methods, John L. Dryburgh

LSU Master's Theses

Plants are attacked by a variety of herbivore feeding guilds and respond with specific responses to specific attacks, which may be localized or systemic. How a plant defends against one feeding guild may alter the plant’s response against a different feeding guild. A better understanding of these interactions will allow for the development of refined pest management programs. One situation in which this may occur is in interactions between chewing and piercing/sucking herbivores, such as aphids. Aphids are important crop pests primarily due to their ability to transmit viruses, the efficacy of which can be affected by plant defenses. To …

Evaluating The Effects Of Vacuum Tumbling With Chitosan Nanoparticles And Water-Soluble Chitosan On The Shelf Life Of Cryogenically Frozen Shrimp, Alexander Chouljenko

LSU Master's Theses

Chitosan (CH) is a biopolymer obtained from the deacetylation of chitin, a polysaccharide present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans and cell walls of fungi. Application of CH may be limited by its water-insolubility. It can be dissolved in acids and forms relatively high viscosity solutions. CH solutions have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. CH penetration into shrimp may be facilitated by vacuum tumbling with low viscosity chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (CH-TPP) nanoparticle or water-soluble chitosan (WSC) solutions. It is expected that this would reduce lipid oxidation and microbial loads. In this study, CH-TPP and WSC solutions were developed and applied to shrimp, and …

Stress, Anxiety Symptomology, And The Need For Student Support Services For University Freshmen Of First-Generation Status, Low-Ses Backgrounds, And Those Registered With Disabilities, Kelly Dale Allison

LSU Master's Theses

Three populations of concern for professional social workers in higher educational settings include first-generation college students (FGCSs), students from low socio-economic (low-SES) backgrounds, and students with disabilities. As the national demand for degrees in higher education rises both socially and economically, the push for young adults’ postsecondary success becomes increasingly crucial. In college and university settings, a significant portion of students may be classified as FGCSs, low-SES, or may be registered with a disability. Examining these vulnerable populations within higher education settings, particularly regarding stress and anxiety symptomology, can help social workers recognize the social, developmental, and academic inhibitions that …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Changes In Commodity Income Support Measures Included In The Agricultural Act Of 2014 On Equitable Louisiana Rice Production Rental Arrangements, Abdallahi Ould Abderrahmane

LSU Master's Theses

ABSTRACT This research uses a Simetar simulation technique to evaluate the effect of the adoption of the Price Loss Coverage program included in the 2014 Agricultural Act on Louisiana’s rice equitable rental arrangement choices. Two scenarios are examined: one in which prices of the last three years are detrended and a second one in which they are not detrended. Each scenario includes six rental arrangements (Cash rent, Fixed Price, Fixed Yield, 60/40, 70/30, 80/20) and each rental arrangement has four adjustments (base, price trigger, yield trigger, and price and yield trigger). Three different risk measure analysis were conducted: Mean-Variance, Value …

Effects Of Minor Elements On Cercospora Kikuchii, Cercospora Leaf Blight And Rust On Soybeans, Brian Michael Ward

LSU Master's Theses

Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most widely grown crops in the world. Many pathogens attack soybeans, but of particular importance to tropical and subtropical areas such as Louisiana is Cercospora leaf blight (CLB). This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora kikuchii and favored by high temperatures. This fungus utilizes a toxin, cercosporin, as its primary pathogenicity factor. Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is another common disease that occurs in Louisiana under cooler environmental conditions of spring and fall. Both diseases occur regularly in Louisiana and may result in severe yield losses. Cercospora kikuchii has recently …

Evaluation Of Whey-Protein-Isolate Edible Films Containing Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) Essential Oil To Improve Shelf Life Of Cheeses During Refrigerated Storage, Cristhiam Gurdian

LSU Master's Theses

Oregano essential oil (OEO) is recognized for antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Incorporation of OEO into an edible film prepared with whey protein isolate (WPI) may improve the shelf-life of queso blanco (cheese). The overall goal of the proposed study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial and antioxidant WPI edible films (WPIFs) with OEO to improve the shelf life of queso blanco wrapped in the WPIFs during one month of refrigerated storage. Production of potential antimicrobial and antioxidant WPIFs with OEO (WPIOF) was possible. Flaxseed oil (FO) was incorporated into cheese by homogenization (HFQ), which caused significant susceptibility …

The Production Of Marketable Vegetable Transplants Using Sustainable Locally Sourced Soilless Media Amendments, Amber Dawn Parker

LSU Master's Theses

Public demand for sustainable local and organic food products has led these systems to become one of the fastest growing sectors in the agricultural food market. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for food produced using organic or sustainable practices. Local and small-scale farmers are striving to develop sustainable and in some cases USDA certified organic systems in production of vegetables and fruit. Warm season crops are commonly produced using transplants. Evaluation of nutrient availability is needed for the use of readily available local waste-streams byproducts, such as manures and composts, for amendments or fertilizers in order to manage …

A Quantitative And Molecular Evaluation Of Bovine Respiratory Disease, Growth Traits, And Carcass Traits In Crossbred Steers, Samantha Lidia Miller

LSU Master's Theses

The first objective of the two studies presented herein evaluated on farm sources of variation and correlated effects contributing to BRD incidence in a population of crossbred steers sent to the feedlot from 2010-2013. Analyses revealed that incidence of BRD was lowly positively correlated to birth weight (BW) and lowly negatively correlated to weaning weight (WW), hip height (HH), sire breed, site, and birth year. These results indicate that the traits analyzed herein are not precursors for BRD in the current population. However, since little is still known about the correlation between genetic predisposition to BRD and animal performance, further …

Oil And Gas Platforms On Ship Shoal, Northern Gulf Of Mexico As Habitat For Reef-Associated Organisms, David Bradley Reeves

LSU Master's Theses

Nearshore Louisiana has experienced substantial changes within the last half-century, including the annual formation of the world’s second largest hypoxic zone and the construction of thousands of oil and gas platforms (rigs). Ship Shoal and its rigs may provide important substrate in nearshore Louisiana because rigs act as de facto artificial reefs and the shoal’s bottom waters were well oxygenated on 43% of days when surrounding areas were hypoxic. From July to September of 2014, fish assemblages and hydrography were compared at shoal rigs, rigs inshore of the shoal, and rigs offshore of the shoal, and stone crab populations were …

The Effect Of Processing Method Of Distiller's Dried Grains With Solubles On Hen Egg Production, Egg Quality, And Yolk Color, Lindsay Renee Brunet

LSU Master's Theses

Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a common byproduct of the ethanol industry and is used in animal feeds. Carotenoids (xanthophylls) are already present in the human eye, and increasing the amount of carotenoids in the eye can help prevent eye diseases. The purpose of this research was to confirm that adding DDGS to standard corn and soybean meal hen diets may increase the amount of lutein available in egg yolks. An experiment was conducted with Hy-Line W-36 hens to evaluate the effects of DDGS in corn-soybean meal diets. Three hundred fifteen hens were fed one of seven treatment …

Live And Carcass Characteristics Of Boer- And Savannah-Cross Kid Buckling Goats Fed Dried Distillers Grain With Solubles, James Neil Maynard

LSU Master's Theses

The available supply of domestic goat meat has not matched the increased demand for goat meat. High cost of production is a concern of goat producers, with feed being a major factor in input expenses. Increasing slaughter weight of kid meat goats would increase the available goat meat, but requires added nutrition beyond that obtained from typical forage based systems for goat production. Savannah bucklings (n=31) and Boer bucklings (n=28) were stratified by weight and breed and were randomly assigned a treatment of 0 (T1), 15 (T2), 30 (T3), or 45 (T4) percent dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS). One …

Evaluation Of Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers On Corn Production Systems In The Mid-South, Shanice M. Jones

LSU Master's Theses

Nitrogen (N) is often the most yield limiting nutrient, particularly in corn (Zea mays L.) production systems. In the Mid-South, high N application rates have the potential to lead to high N loss. To minimize this loss, proper N management should focus on improving N use efficiency (NUE) while optimizing productivity. The potential to achieve both tasks can be met using enhanced efficiency N fertilizer (EENF). However, limited research has directly compared the active chemicals in EENFs for corn production in the Mid-South. A study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 at two locations in Louisiana to determine the effectiveness …

Why Healthy Behavior Is The Hard Choice, Lawrence O. Gostin

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Our society is structured to encourage unhealthy diets and physically inactive lifestyles, which are key risk factors for chronic diseases including diabetes, heart diseases, and cancers. We are bombarded with advertisements for hyperprocessed foods laden with saturated fat, salt, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, “low-fat” foods often contain high amounts of sugar and salt, and parks and recreation spaces are often inaccessible or unsafe.

Four simple ideas - taxes on unhealthy products, product reformulation, improving the informational environment, and increasing healthy food accessibility - could make healthy behaviors the “default” choice for most consumers. First, taxes on unhealthy products, such as …

The Accuracy Of A Clinician's Assessment Of Insertion Torque At Implant Placement, Britany Fabian Matin

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Primary implant stability contributes to the success of dental implant placement and affects long-term function. Factors that contribute to the primary stability and osseointegration of a dental implant include the quality and quantity of bone present at the site of placement as well as the shape and surface treatment of the implants. There are numerous methods that assist the clinician in determining implant stability during placement and to confirm osseointegration after a period of healing. Their reliability to predict implant success, however, has not been proven. Torque measurements acquired during implant placement have been used as a method for …

Building Capacity For Advocacy For Local Food Systems Change: An Ethnographic Study Documenting The Process Of Change In South Carolina Communities, Casey Denise Childers

Theses and Dissertations

The Guide to Community Preventive Services currently does not have sufficient evidence to recommend any nutrition strategies for obesity prevention. Nonetheless, food systems changes are recommended for childhood obesity prevention by the C.D.C., U.S.D.A., and many thought-leading organizations. Creating healthy food communities will require physical and social environmental changes. Community-based groups need to build their capacity to frame community health issues as physical and social environmental issues. This research partnered with community-based groups to build their capacity for advocacy by using media framing research and strategic communications training. Specifically we: 1) conducted a media content about food systems, childhood obesity …

Mind-Craft: Exploring The Relation Between "Digital" Visual Experience And Orientation In Visual Contour Perception, Daniel Hipp

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

Visual perception depends fundamentally on statistical regularities in the environment to make sense of the world. One such regularity is the orientation anisotropy typical of natural scenes; most natural scenes contain slightly more horizontal and vertical information than oblique information. This property is likely a primary cause of the “oblique effect” in visual perception, in which subjects experience greater perceptual fluently with horizontally and vertically oriented content than oblique. However, recent changes in the visual environment, including the “carpentered” content in urban scenes and the framed, caricatured content in digital screen media presentations, may have altered the level of orientation …

2014 Annual Town Report Lempster, New Hampshire., Lempster Town Representatives

Lempster, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Latino Family Childcare Providers’ Beliefs, Attitudes, And Practices Related To Promotion Of Healthy Behaviors Among Preschool Children: A Qualitative Study, Ana C. Lindsay, Judith A. Salkeld, Mary L. Greaney, Faith D. Sands

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background. The continuing rise of obesity among Latinos is a public health concern with an immediate need for early prevention. Changes in family structures have increased demand and reliance for child care for young children. Latino children are the fastest-growing segment of the child population in the United States, and research shows that Latino families use preschools and day care centers much less than those of other ethnic groups, apparently because of cultural preferences for family-like care. Objectives. Given that many low income Latino children attend family child care homes (FCCHs), there is a need to explore the …

Perspectives Of Wic Staff Regarding Physical Activity Levels And Behaviors Of Latino Preschool Children, Ana Cristina Lindsay, Mary L. Greaney, Judith A. Salkeld, Jennifer Walsh

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in physical activity (PA) are evident, with non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American children engaging in less vigorous activity than non-Hispanic White children. Collaborating with public health programs serving at-risk populations, such as the WIC program may be an effective way to promote the development of healthful PA behaviors among low-income preschool children and families. This paper explores WIC staff perceptions, attitudes, barriers, and facilitators related to PA levels and behaviors among low-income Latino preschool children and families, as well as the role the WIC program may play in promoting PA among low-income populations.

Methods …

Exercise As Medicine For Diabetes: Prescribing Appropriate Activities And Avoiding Potential Pitfalls: Preface, Sheri R. Colberg

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

(First Paragraph) In this issue, I have the pleasure of further reinforcing for you the benefits of engaging in regular exercise, along with the more expansive realm of appropriate physical activities for people with diabetes. Although physical activity is a cornerstone in the management of diabetes, and the health benefits of exercise are widely touted as "medicine" for diabetes, many individuals with this chronic disease fail to become or remain regularly active.

Advice Giving In Online Eating Disorder Forums : What Clinical Social Workers Need To Know, Elizabeth C. Reali

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study expanded the limited existing research on online eating disorder forums by examining the thematic content of advice giving on three different types of online eating disorder forums: 1) professional-operated, pro-recovery forums; 2) peer-operated, pro-recovery forums; and 3) peer-operated, pro-eating disorder forums. Additionally, the study sought to elucidate the comparative relationships amongst different forums between advice content, aims, and accuracy and key forum characteristics, such as forums' missions and methods of moderation. Two publicly available websites for each forum type were studied. From these, a total of 60 advice messages consisting of 91 advice units were …

Mothers Experiencing Homelessness : An Exploratory Study On Parental Involvement In Children's Education And Perceived Barriers To Involvement :, Marla G. Maccia

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative exploratory study examines the experience of mothers that are homeless with school-age children. The primary research questions were: What is the level of parental involvement of homeless mothers in their children's education? What are the perceived barriers to their involvement? The study was conducted using semi-structured open-ended interviews of eight women that were homeless with at least one school-age child. Study results indicated that level of parental involvement varied depending on the specific temporary living situation of the participant, in addition to her demographics and history of homelessness. Parental involvement was low not due to perceived stigma but …

It Takes A Village : A Survey Of Women's Experiences Of Emotional Support During Prenatal Care Visits, Elizabeth M. Du Toit

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

Research has shown that post-partum depression often begins during pregnancy. This study seeks to examine the extent to which prenatal care providers (PNCP's) are sufficiently attending to the emotional concerns of their patients. This study consisted of 117 women. Participants were asked a series of rating questions to determine their overall satisfaction with their PNCP's ability to attend to their emotional concerns. In addition to the rating questions, respondents were asked two open ended questions to better illustrate their experience with their PNCP, as well as to discuss which resources they felt would be helpful to women during pregnancy. While …