Life Sciences Commons^™

Culturally Speaking: You Don't Know Beans About Cottage Cheese, Phillip Tong

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Census And Mapping Of Chorro Creek Bog Thistle In Reservoir Canyon, San Luis Obispo, Ca, Tyler Michael Lutz

Biological Sciences

Chorro Creek bog thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense) is a federally endangered variety of Fountain thistle endemic to western San Luis Obispo County. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service knows of nineteen populations, many with multiple colonies. A population was discovered in the Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve in 2001, but has not been monitored or described since the time of its discovery. In fall of 2013, a census of the population was performed, the four colonies were mapped, and a floristic survey was conducted. A field experiment was initiated to determine if reducing the riparian canopy coverage can …

Common Core 4th Grade Environmental Science Lesson Plans For California Teachers, Gillian Schoenfeld

Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences

This project and its analyses were conducted to assist California fourth grade elementary school teachers in adjusting to teaching Common Core standards and science curriculum in their classrooms. The project included the creation of lesson plans, which could be utilized throughout the state of California.

As the Common Core standards, California’s Next Generation Science Standards for K- 12, were just proposed in June of 2013, these lesson plans would help teachers update their lessons and provide them materials and concepts of how to do so. These lessons provide higher-order thinking for students, which is the whole concept of the new …

Managing The Veterinary Clinic Enterprise, Shelby N. Smyly

Animal Science

This document serves as a guideline for the student management of the Veterinary Clinic Enterprise.

The Imperative Of Conserving California's Foothill Oak Woodlands, Lauren Phillips

Social Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Behavioral And Physiological Effects Of Long-Distance Translocation On Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Oreganus), Kory Hayden Heiken

Master's Theses

Long-distance translocation (LDT), the relocation of an animal outside of its home range, is a popular strategy for mitigating conflict between humans and venomous snakes. While LDT has been demonstrated to prevent a snake’s return to the location of capture, it may result in increased mortality, magnitude and frequency of movements, and activity range sizes. Thus, it has generally been discouraged. However, the effects of LDT on stress physiology and thermoregulation have gone largely unstudied in reptiles. To elucidate these effects, we conducted an experimental LDT on Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) on Vandenberg Air Force base in California. …

An Assessment Of Habitat Suitability For Pronghorn Populations Of The Central Valley Region Of California, Virginia Burroughs

Master's Theses

Efforts to reintroduce and maintain populations of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) to the California Central Valley, specifically the Carrizo Plain National Monument (CPNM) and the Mojave Desert (Antelope Valley) portion of Tejon Ranch, have largely been unsuccessful due to dwindling numbers of translocated animals. The objective of this study was to improve upon previous models for the CPNM using aerial survey data and then apply the model to the Tejon Ranch. Aerial survey data collected from 2000-2010 on the CPNM was used to establish “use” and “non-use” areas in the model. Model variables included vegetation type (forest, shrub, grassland, …

The Influence Of Hydrogeomorphology, Soil Redox Conditions, And Salinity On The Spatial Zoning Of Saltgrass, Salt Rush, And Cattails In Scotts Creek Marsh, Swanton Pacific Ranch, Ca, Mark D. Gormley

Master's Theses

Scotts Creek Marsh (SCM) is a small coastal wetland ecosystem in Davenport, CA. The vegetation of SCM is dominated by three halophytic zones comprised of saltgrass, salt rush, cattails. The objectives of the study were (i) to investigate the variables that influence the zoning of the three dominant halophyte communities in SCM and (ii) to the test the effectiveness of Indicator of Reduction in Soil (IRIS) tubes to indicate the reduction of S. The study examined the following parameters from April 6 to July 21, 2013: (i) the HGM of Scotts Creek Marsh, (ii) soil oxidation and reduction (redox) conditions, …

The Effects Of 8 Weeks Of Low Dose Supplementation Of Creatine And Sodium Bicarbonate On Exercise Performance, Amanda Jessica Morris

Master's Theses

Short-term (3-7 days), high doses of creatine (20g/d) and/or sodium bicarbonate (0.5g/kg body weight) supplementation increase exercise performance during short term high intensity activities; however, it remains unclear whether long-term, low doses of these supplements have a positive impact on exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term (8 weeks), low dose creatine supplementation on exercise performance, and whether combining creatine and sodium bicarbonate supplementation has an additive effect. Sixty-three healthy, habitually active, adults (28 M, 35 W; 22+2 years; 23+ 3 BMI) were randomly assigned by sex to one of three supplement groups: …

Effect Of Antimicrobials And Sodium Replacement Agents On The Survival Of Pathogenic Bacteria In Low Sodium Low-Moisture Part-Skim (Lmps) Mozzarella Cheese, Tiffany M J Taylor

Master's Theses

Recent increases in chronic cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, have put pressure on the food industry to reduce sodium levels. Dairy products, though full of vital nutrients, are perceived as being high in sodium. However, the reduction of salt in dairy products could potentially alter the microbial stability, as well as cause unfavorable changes in flavor. In order to reduce the sodium level, while maintaining acceptable flavor and microbial stability, salt replacers and alternative antimicrobial agents may need to be introduced into the food matrix. To identify potential antimicrobials for use in reduced sodium dairy products, this study evaluated the …

Variability Of Practice And Strength Training Periodization: When Theories Collide, Katherine Lauren Streder

Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether variability of practice enhances neuromuscular adaptations when compared to traditional strength training. The secondary purpose was to investigate whether there was a difference in perception of exertion between the two strength programs. Forty one subjects (23 women and 18 men) were assigned to either the control group or one of two treatment groups by a blocked-random method. Subject's one repetition maximum (1RM) for the kettlebell press and leg press were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of training, and after 8 weeks of training. The treatment groups completed 8 weeks …

Protective Effects Of Sphingomyelin Against Uv Photodamage In Human Keratinocytes, Kathleen De Guzman

Master's Theses

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been demonstrated in numerous studies to be a major risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer development. Despite the emergence of current UV-preventative strategies, such as sunscreens and skin-protective clothing, the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer has continued to rise. This has encouraged investigations on alternative methods for UV prevention. In particular, bovine milk sphingomyelin has been studied for its potential in protecting human skin against UV photodamage. While the previous studies have suggested that sphingomyelin exhibits UV-protective properties in a human skin equivalent model, the exact mechanisms behind sphingomyelin’s photoprotective effects are yet unknown.

This thesis …

Lipid Production By Microalgae Treating Municipal Wastewater, James Edward Kelley

Master's Theses

Microalgae hold much promise as a feedstock in liquid biofuel production. Lipid content of microalgae cells range from 30-80% dry weight of biomass. It is projected that microalgae can produce between 1,000-6,500 gallons/acre/year of oil. Currently, production of industrial algae operates in open raceway ponds that use minimal capital and energy inputs to culture algae. Raceway ponds can also be used to grow microalgae from municipal waste streams. Although high biomass productivity can be achieved in these systems, there remains a large production gap between large volumes of biomass cultivation and high lipid content from microalgae cells. Low lipid content …

Conjugated Linoleic Acids Alter Body Composition Differently According To Physiological Age In Moulard Ducks, Jeff Fesler, Daniel Peterson

Master's Theses

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have been shown to have remarkable yet inconsistent metabolic effects in mice, rats, hamsters, chickens, cattle, and humans. In particular, effects on lipogenesis vary with tissue, physiological state and specie. In this study we tested the hypothesis that CLA would differentially affect ducks of the same genetic background but of differing age. Growing (7 wk) and maintenance (11 wk) Moulard ducks were grouped by age and fed a standard diet supplemented with either 5% soybean oil (control) or 5% CLA isomer mixture. Animals were harvested after 3 weeks or 6 weeks for assessment of body composition …

The Envenoming Pandemic And The Misguided Views Of Snakes: Developing Sustainable Relationships Between Native Poisonous Snakes Of India And The Citizens Of Maharashtra Through The Use Of The Irula Model., Destiny Villanueva

Animal Science

Due to its vast population and general negative consensus regarding snakes, India is notorious for having more snakebite incidents than any other country. Snakes are simultaneously revered and feared in Indian religion and culture. This stigma is perpetuated through propaganda, family beliefs, and innate fears of snakes.These stigmas are more pronounced within rural areas, such as the region of Mahad within the state of Maharshtra. Envenoming is endemic in these areas, and others like them. The World Health Organization identified envenoming as one of the most neglected tropical diseases of the 21st century (Nature India, 2013). Additionally, both nonvenomous and …

Phylogeography Of The California Sheephead, Semicossyphus Pulcher: The Role Of Deep Reefs As Stepping Stones And Pathways To Antitropicality, Marloes Poortvliet, Gary C. Longo, Kimberly Selkoe, Paul H. Berber, Crow White, Jennifer E. Caselle, Alejandro Perez-Matus, Steven D. Gaines, Giacomo Bernardi

Biological Sciences

In the past decade, the study of dispersal of marine organisms has shifted from focusing predominantly on the larval stage to a recent interest in adult movement. Antitropical distributions provide a unique system to assess vagility and dispersal. In this study, we have focused on an antitropical wrasse genus, Semicossyphus, which includes the California sheephead, S. pulcher, and Darwin's sheephead, S. darwini. Using a phylogenetic approach based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers, and a population genetic approach based on mitochondrial control region sequences and 10 microsatellite loci, we compared the phylogenetic relationships of these two species, as well …

Luxs In Bacteria Isolated From 25- To 40-Million-Year-Old Amber, Tasha M. Santiago-Rodriguez, Ana R. Patrício, Jessica I. Rivera, Mariel Coradin, Alfredo Gonzalez, Gabriela Tirado, Raúl J. Cano, Gary A. Toranzos

Biological Sciences

Interspecies bacterial communication is mediated by autoinducer-2, whose synthesis depends on luxS. Due to the apparent universality of luxS (present in more than 40 bacterial species), it may have an ancient origin; however, no direct evidence is currently available. We amplified luxS in bacteria isolated from 25- to 40-million-year-old amber. The phylogenies and molecular clocks of luxS and the 16S rRNA gene from ancient and extant bacteria were determined as well. Luminescence assays using Vibrio harveyi BB170 aimed to determine the activity of luxS. While the phylogeny of luxS was very similar to that of extant Bacillus spp., …

Identifying Chromosome Rearrangements In The Allopolyploid Brassica Napus Using Pyrosequencing, Alexandra R. Barbella

Master's Theses

Allopolyploids form through the hybridization of two or more diploid genomes. A challenge to reproduction in allopolyploids is that pairing can occur between homologous chromosomes or homeologous chromosomes (i.e.different subgenomes.). Crossover between homeologous chromosomes can result in chromosome rearrangements that lower fertility and overall fitness. Rearrangements can alter the dosage of either entire chromosomes or just parts of chromosomes. Understanding the frequency and extent of rearrangements will help to explain the evolution and genome stabilization of agriculturally important allopolyploid species. Pyrosequencing is a useful tool in the study dosage changes in allopolyploids because it allows quantification of the relative contribution …

Rov-Based Tracking Of A Shallow Water Nocturnal Squid, Samuel Yim, Christopher M. Clark, Timothy Peters, Vladimir Prodanov, Pat Fidopiastis

Biological Sciences

This paper describes the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped with a monocular vision system to find and track the squid Euprymna scolopes, so that motion behaviors of the squid could be characterized through the use of off-line image processing and state estimation. The ROV was deployed for several nights at several nearshore locations off Oahu, resulting in 10 hours of squid footage. Using blob-tracking image processing techniques and a Particle Filter state estimator, the squid can be detected and tracked. The position, velocity, and acceleration of the squid relative to the stationary ROV can be determined. Experiment …

School Gardens, David W. Hey

Kinesiology and Public Health

School gardens can have great promise as they can positively impact children's food choices by improving their preferences for vegetables, increasing their nutrition knowledge, and prevent nutritionally related diseases (i.e., diabetes and obesity). In their natural state, fruits and vegetables have high water and fiber content and are low in calories and energy density. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the use of a garden as part of an outdoor environmental studies program can have a beneficial impact on performance of standardized achievement tests, as well as attention and enthusiasm for learning in school children.

In June of 2004, national …

Culturally Speaking: Lactose Intolerance: A Condition As Old As The Stone Age, Phillip Tong

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Promoting Weight Loss Before Pregnancy: Feasible Or Futile?, Suzanne Phelan, Todd Hagobian, Anna Brannen, Ana Stewart, Brianna Schmid, Leonard Cedars

Kinesiology and Public Health

Pre-pregnancy obesity is a well-established risk factor for several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean sections, and fetal macrosomia. Weight loss before pregnancy could help prevent such complications, but the feasibility of such an approach remains unknown. The current study examined the feasibility of a 3-month pre-pregnancy behavioral weight loss program in 12 overweight/obese women planning pregnancy. The 3 month program resulted in an average 5.4 ± 3.0 kg weight loss and significant improvements in self-monitoring, physical activity, eating and exercise self-efficacy, and healthy eating (p < 0.04). By the end of the 9 month follow-up, half of sample (n = 6) had conceived. Women reported significant increases in weekly or more frequent self-weighing (p < 0.0001), counting calories (p < 0.001), consuming fruit and vegetables (p = 0.007), and cutting out fat (p = 0.0001) and junk foods (p = 0.002). A lifestyle modification program to promote weight loss before pregnancy promoted clinically significant weight loss and appeared feasible.

The History Of Trial Gardens, Hallie Schmidt

Horticulture and Crop Science

Essay explores the history of home gardening and seed industry in America and the conditions that led to the development of the All-America Selections.

Evaluation Of Species Distribution Models By Resampling Of Sites Surveyed A Century Ago By Joseph Grinnell, Adam B. Smith, Maria J. Santos, Michelle S. Koo, Karen M.C. Rowe, Kevin C. Rowe, James L. Patton, John D. Perrine, Steven R. Beissinger, Craig Moritz

Biological Sciences

Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly applied to predict species’ responses to anticipated global change, but lack of data from future time periods precludes assessment of their reliability. Instead, performance against test data in the same era is assumed to correlate with accuracy in the future. Moreover, high-confidence absence data is required for testing model accuracy but is often unavailable since a species may be present when undetected. Here we evaluate the performance of eight SDMs trained with historic (1900–1939) or modern (1970–2009) climate data and occurrence records for 18 mammalian species. Models were projected to the same or the …

Effect Of Warm-Up Activity On Vertical Ground Reaction Forces In Basketball Players During Drop Jump Landings, Jacob Wesley Hinkel-Lipsker

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Effect of Warm-Up Activity on Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Basketball Players During Drop Jump Landings

Jacob Hinkel-Lipsker

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of certain warm-up activities on vertical ground reaction forces (GRF_v) during a drop jump landing. Methods: Eight women and twelve men (mean age 22.6 ± 1.82 years) completed three warm-up activities on three separate days in a counterbalanced order: a passive stretching warm-up, a dynamic warm-up, and a no warm-up control. After completing each activity, participants were asked to perform eight drop jump landings on a force platform. …

Traversing Swanton Road, 13th Ed., James A. West

Academic, Government & Associated Organizational Research Resources

Situated at the northwest end of Santa Cruz County and occupying circa 30 square miles of sharply contrasted terrain, the Scott Creek Watershed concentrates within its geomorphological boundaries, at least 10-12% of California's flora, both native and introduced. Paradoxically, the use/abuse that the watershed has sustained over the past 140+ years, has not necessarily diminished the biodiversity and perhaps parallels the naturally disruptive but biologically energizing processes (fire, flooding, landslides and erosion), which have also been historically documented for the area for +60 years. This is an early edition of an extensive document by James A. West. Please visit the …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Thermally-Responsive Coatings Based Upon Diels–Alder Chemistry And Renewable Materials, Dahlia N. Amato, Gregory A. Strange, John P. Swanson, Anton D. Chavez, Suzanne E. Roy, Kim L. Varney, Craig A. Machado, Douglas V. Amato, Philip Costanzo

Chemistry and Biochemistry

A soybean based coating with thermally responsive Diels–Alder linkages has been prepared following an automotive 2-component formulation. The resulting coatings displayed the capability to be healed following physical deformation by a thermal stimulus, and such a material has significant potential for end users. Various curing agents were employed, and resulted in variation of scratch resistance and re-healablity. Different thermally responsive soybean resins were synthesized to have varying amounts reversible and nonreversible linkages when incorporated into the coating. Additionally, different isocyanates were added at differing ratios of NCO:OH in search of the optimum coating. It was found through the analysis of …

Evaluation Of Fungicides For Control Of Dollar Spot Of Fairway Height Creeping Bentgrass In Kansas, 2012, C Thompson, Z Raundenbush, Megan Kennelly

Horticulture and Crop Science

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Granular Fungicides For Control Of Brown Patch Of Lawn Height Tall Fescue In Kansas, 2012, Cole Thompson, M. Kennelly

Horticulture and Crop Science

No abstract provided.

Zooplankton Trophic Ecology In The San Francisco Estuary During Summer As Determined By Stable Isotope Analysis, Kyla Bradylong, Steven Westbrook, Julien Moderan, Wim Kimmerer

STAR Program Research Presentations

Declines in the abundance of several pelagic fish species in the upper San Francisco Estuary have prompted investigation into food web interactions within the estuary and delta (the lower Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers). This area is characterized by low primary production and pelagic food webs much longer and reticulated than previously thought, implying low efficiency in the energy transfers from primary producers to planktivorous fish. We determined the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope (SI) composition of zooplankton samples collected monthly between June 2012 and February 2013 at eight stations along the salinity gradient. As consumers SI composition reflects that …