Life Sciences Commons^™

Electrochemical Sensing In Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices, Zhihong Nie, Christian A. Nijhuis, Jinlong Gong, Xin Chen, Alexander Kumachev, Andres W. Martinez, Max Narovlyansky, George M. Whitesides

Chemistry and Biochemistry

This paper describes the fabrication and the performance of microfluidic paper-based electrochemical sensing devices (we call the microfluidic paper-based electrochemical devices, μPEDs). The μPEDs comprise paper-based microfluidic channels patterned by photolithography or wax printing, and electrodes screen-printed from conducting inks (e.g., carbon or Ag/AgCl). We demonstrated that the μPEDs are capable of quantifying the concentrations of various analytes (e.g., heavy-metal ions and glucose) in aqueous solutions. This low-cost analytical device should be useful for applications in public health, environmental monitoring, and the developing world.

Growth From Birth To Adulthood And Abdominal Obesity In A Brazilian Birth Cohort, D. A. Gonzalez, Aydin Nazmi, C. G. Victoria

Food Science and Nutrition

Background: Rapid weight gain in childhood may increase the risk of chronic adult diseases. Few studies have examined the effects of lifecourse weight gain on waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).
Objective: To evaluate the effects of birthweight and weight gain from birth to age 23 years on WC, HC, and WHR in young adults.
Design: Population-based birth cohort study started in 1982. A sample of 856 individuals was examined in 2006. Conditional growth analyses were carried out with adjustment for confounders. WC and HC were also mutually adjusted.
Results: Weight gains during all age ranges …

Investigating The Protective Properties Of Milk Phospholipids Against Ultraviolet Light Exposure In A Skin Equivalent Model, Ashley Russell, Andrea Laubscher, Rafael Jiménez-Flores, Lily H. Laiho

Dairy Science

Current research on bioactive molecules in milk has documented health advantages of bovine milk and its components. Milk Phospholipids, selected for this study, represent molecules with great potential benefit in human health and nutrition. In this study we used confocal reflectance and multiphoton microscopy to monitor changes in skin morphology upon skin exposure to ultraviolet light and evaluate the potential of milk phospholipids in preventing photodamage to skin equivalent models. The results suggest that milk phospholipids act upon skin cells in a protective manner against the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Similar results were obtained from MTT tissue viability assay …

Small Heat Shock Protein Responses Differ Between Chaparral Shrubs From Contrasting Microclimates, Charles A. Knight

Biological Sciences

Small heat shock protein (sHsp) responses were studied for two evergreen perennial shrubs in the northern California chaparral; one common on warm, south-facing slopes (Ceanothus cuneatus), and the other on cooler, north-facing slopes (Prunus ilicifolia). Small Hsp expression was induced experimentally for field collected leaves. Leaf collections were made where the species co-occur. Small Hsp expression was quantified using two antibodies, one specific to a chloroplast 22 kD sHsp and another that detects a broad range of sHsps. Differences between chloroplast sHsp accumulation, which protects thermally labile proteins in PSII, and the general sHsp response were …

On The Relationship Between Pollen Size And Genome Size, Charles A. Knight, Rachel B. Clancy, Lars Götzenberger, Leighton Dann, Jeremy M. Beaulieu

Biological Sciences

Here we test whether genome size is a predictor of pollen size. If it were, inferences of ancient genome size would be possible using the abundant paleo-palynolgical record. We performed regression analyses across 464 species of pollen width and genome size. We found a significant positive trend. However, regression analysis using phylogentically independent contrasts did not support the correlated evolution of these traits. Instead, a large split between angiosperms and gymnosperms for both pollen width and genome size was revealed. Sister taxa were not more likely to show a positive contrast when compared to deeper nodes. However, significantly more congeneric …

Effects Of Yogurt Starter Cultures On The Survival Of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Elizabeth W. Ng, Marie Yeung, Phillip S. Tong

Biological Sciences

Recognized to confer health benefits to consumers, probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus are commonly incorporated into fermented dairy products worldwide; among which yogurt is a popular delivery vehicle. To materialize most of the putative health benefits associated with probiotics, an adequate amount of viable cells must be delivered at the time of consumption. However, the loss in their viabilities during refrigerated storage has been demonstrated previously. This study focused on the effects of yogurt starter cultures on the survival of five strains of L. acidophilus, with emphases on low pH and acid production. Differential survival behavior between L. acidophilus strains …

Programmable Diagnostic Devices Made From Paper And Tape, Andres W. Martinez, Scott T. Phillips, Zhihong Nie, Chao-Min Cheng, Emanuel Carrilho, Benjamin J. Wiley, George M. Whitesides

Chemistry and Biochemistry

This paper describes three-dimensional microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (3-D μPADs) that can be programmed (postfabrication) by the user to generate multiple patterns of flow through them. These devices are programmed by pressing single-use ‘on’ buttons, using a stylus or a ballpoint pen. Pressing a button closes a small space (gap) between two vertically aligned microfluidic channels, and allows fluids to wick from one channel to the other. These devices are simple to fabricate, and are made entirely out of paper and double-sided adhesive tape. Programmable devices expand the capabilities of μPADs and provide a simple method for controlling the movement …

Millimeter-Scale Contact Printing Of Aqueous Solutions Using A Stamp Made Out Of Paper And Tape, Chao-Min Cheng, Aaron D. Mazzeo, Jinlong Gong, Andres W. Martinez, Scott T. Phillips, Nina Jain, George M. Whitesides

Chemistry and Biochemistry

This communication describes a simple method for printing aqueous solutions with millimeter-scale patterns on a variety of substrates using an easily fabricated, paper-based microfluidic device (a paper-based ―stamp‖) as a contact printing device. The device is made from inexpensive materials, and it is easily assembled by hand; this method is thus accessible to a wide range of laboratories and budgets. A single device was used to print over 2500 spots in less than three minutes at a density of 16 spots per square centimetre. This method provides a new tool to pattern biochemicals—reagents, antigens, proteins, and DNA—on planar substrates. The …

Using On‐Line Data Sources To Allow Students To Test Hypotheses About River Flow And Effects On Remotely Sensed Coastal Ocean Properties., Lawrence B. Cohoon, Kristin M. Hardy, Dustin M. Allen

Biological Sciences

This exercise shows students how to relate remotely sensible properties of coastal waters to variations in river discharge using on‐line data resources. Students can then test hypotheses about the effects of climate changes (drought and wet periods), anthropogenic impacts (urbanized, agricultural, or undeveloped watersheds), or seasonality on river discharges and their consequences, if any, on coastal water quality as determined from remotely sensed properties. River flow has been measured for various periods of time, in some cases from almost the beginning of the 20^th century, at many locations throughout the U.S. by the U.S. Geological Survey, with data on …

Physical Activity And Hormonal Regulation Of Appetite: Sex Differences And Weight Control, Todd A. Hagobian, Barry Braun

Kinesiology and Public Health

Physical activity is an important contributor to regulation of energy balance and body composition. In this article, we separate the impact of exercise from the confounding influence of energy imbalance and highlight sex differences in hormonal and appetite responses to physical activity. The evolving story may influence our thinking regarding the use of physical activity to manage body composition.

What Type Of Weight Loss Program Do Postpartum Women Want? Treatment Preferences Of Postpartum Women In Two Community Settings, Suzanne Phelan, Katelyn Smith, John-Mark Steele, Dawn Wilt, Sally Ames, Linda Mcclure

Kinesiology and Public Health

Approximately 25% of women experience major weight gain after pregnancy, retaining more than 4.5 kg. Preliminary efforts to promote postpartum weight loss have encountered some success, but little is known about the types of programs of greatest interest to postpartum women. The purpose of this study was to better understand the weight control needs and preferences of postpartum women in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition program (N = 100) and an Adult Education Parenting (AEP) program (N = 75). A self-report questionnaire was used to collect participants’ demographic and weight history information as well as participants’ degree of …

Growth And Yield Of Cultivated Grape With Native Perennial Grasses Nodding Needlegrass Or California Barley As Cover Crops, Michael J. Costello

Wine and Viticulture

Two California native perennial grasses, nodding needlegrass [Nassella cernua (Stebbins & R.M. Love) Barkworth] and California barley [Hordeum brachyantherum Nevski ssp. californicum (Covas & Stebbins) Bothmer, N. Jacobsen & Seberg], were compared with a conventional grass cover crop, ‘Blando’ brome (Bromus hordeaceus L.), as well as resident (weedy) vegetation and a clean cultivated control for effects on growth and yield of cultivated grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Barbera). Statistical analyses did not reveal yield differences between treatments with floor vegetation (the native grasses, ‘Blando’ brome, and resident vegetation) and clean cultivation, the cover crop treatments (the native grasses and ‘Blando …

Bioluminescence In The Sea, Steven H.D. Haddock, Mark A. Moline, James F. Case

Biological Sciences

Bioluminescence spans all oceanic dimensions and has evolved many times—from bacteria to fish—to powerfully influence behavioral and ecosystem dynamics. New methods and technology have brought great advances in understanding of the molecular basis of bioluminescence, its physiological control, and its significance in marine communities. Novel tools derived from understanding the chemistry of natural light-producing molecules have led to countless valuable applications, culminating recently in a related Nobel Prize. Marine organisms utilize bioluminescence for vital functions ranging from defense to reproduction. To understand these interactions and the distributions of luminous organisms, new instruments and platforms allow observations on individual to oceanographic …

The Metabolic Demands Of Swimming Behavior Influence The Evolution Of Skeletal Muscle Fiber Design In The Brachyuran Crab Family Portunidae, Kristin M. Hardy, Sean C. Lema, Stephen T. Kinsey

Biological Sciences

We investigated the influence of intracellular diffusion on muscle fiber design in several swimming and non-swimming brachyuran crabs. Species with sustained swimming behavior had aerobic dark fibers subdivided into small metabolic functional units, creating short diffusion distances necessary to support the high rates of aerobic ATP turnover associated with endurance activity. This dark fiber design was observed in all swimming species including Ovalipes ocellatus, which has apparently evolved swimming behavior independently of other Portunidae. In addition, we observed fiber and subdivision size-dependent differences in organelle distribution. Mitochondria, which rely on oxygen to function, were uniformly distributed in small fibers/subdivisions, …

Culturally Speaking: Ethnic Dairy Foods, Phillip S. Tong

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Overexpression And Partial Purification Of Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase, Kimberly Rose Stevens

Chemistry and Biochemistry

No abstract provided.

Dairy Cow Grouping, Allison Mcmillan

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Relationship Of Copper, Zinc And Selenium Status With Udder Health And Mastitis Incidence In The Cal Poly Holstein Herd, Michelle Van Ryn

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Lameness And Locomotion Scoring Of Dairy Cows, Haley Lynne Aquino

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Algae As An Economical Protein Source For Dairy Cattle Nutrition, Brian Azevedo

Dairy Science

Dairying continues to change with economic and environmental demands of today’s fast moving society. Feed costs continue to rise and now account for a large majority of expenses on dairies; especially protein, which has become expensive to purchase. I believe that Algae can serve as a possible solution to aid in alleviating this problem. Algae grow rapidly and consume undesirable carbon dioxide to release oxygen to the environment, making it an environmentally friendly source of feed. There are particular strands of algae that are high in protein. During the course of this project, I intend to discover how effective protein …

Usage Of The Penn State Forage Separator For Evaluating Particle Size Of Tmrs, Ashley Rene Garcia

Dairy Science

Particle size has many effects on the cow. Adequate forage particle length is necessary for proper rumen function. Dairymen are also having a hard time measuring particle size. Proper particle size distribution of feeds is an important part of ration formulation. Management of forage particle size starts with harvesting forages at the proper stage of maturity. Chopping the crop at the right length helps to achieve the desired particle length in a TMR. Measuring particle length of the forages is only a portion of the solution. Analyzing the TMR particle size is the main goal in measuring the distribution of …

Where The Wild Stuff Grows: Bacteria From The Cow To The Pasture-Izer, Michael Stewart

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Student Sample Perceptions Of Organic Food Products And Buying Habits, Alycia M. Deus

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purposes of this senior project were to identify college students’ perceptions and knowledge of organic food. This study also focuses on the respondents’ purchasing and budgeting of organic food. This information is essential to inform farmers and ranchers because it serves as an indicator of future market’s demands.

A thirteen item questionnaire was distributed to sixty-five students attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, enrolled in either Agricultural Education and Communication courses or Agricultural Business courses. Both upper and lower division classes were surveyed. The questionnaires were distributed and collected from June 2, 2009 to June 4, 2009. …

Effects Of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride On Growth Rates, Feed Converstion, And Carcass Traits In Calf-Fed Holstein Steers, J. L. Beckett, R. J. Delmore, G. C. Duff, D. A. Yates, D. M. Allen, T. E. Lawrence, N. Elam

Animal Science

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) to enhance growth performance and carcass characteristics in calf-fed Holstein steers. In Exp. 1, Holstein steers (n = 2,311) were fed in a large-pen trial in 2 phases at a commercial feed yard in the desert Southwest. In Exp. 2, a total of 359 steers were fed in a small-pen university study. In Exp. 1 and 2, cattle were implanted with a combination trenbolone acetate-estradiol implant approximately 120 d before slaughter. Cattle were fed ZH for 0, 20, 30, or 40 d before slaughter at a rate of …

First Record Of The Extinct Sawfish Propristis Schweinfurthi Dames, 1883 (Batoidea: Pristiformes: Pristidae) From The Middle Eocene Of Spain, Francesc Farrés, Harry L. Fierstine

Biological Sciences

A partial rostrum of Propristis schweinfurthi Dames, 1883 was collected in the Bartonian strata of northeastern Spain. The specimen represents the second record of the species from Europe, and the second occurrence of a sawfish (Mesopristis osonensis Farrés, 2003) from the Vic-Manlleu Marls Formation. In spite of some evidence to the contrary, Propristis probably preferred ecological conditions similar to extant sawfishes, i.e., inhabiting near shore tropical to subtropical seas with occasional excursions into freshwater.

Creating A Rabbitry For A High School Agricultural Program: A Guide For The Approval Process And Materials Required, Anne Marie Katuin

Agricultural Education and Communication

The proposal for a rabbitry to be added to the campus of Liberty High School in Golden Valley Unified School District in the designated agricultural area was proposed to the agricultural teacher and site administration for the high school. A floor plan was designed to fit the needs of a small rabbit breeding operation for the use of the LHS FFA students who wished to have a breeding or meat rabbit SAE.

Guidelines and plans were created in order to help an agricultural teacher or community member go through the previously mentioned approval process if they were to want to …

Organic Carbon Content In Surface And Subsurface Soil On A Toposequence On The Peterson Ranch In Poly Canyon, San Luis Obispo, Renee Michelle Nall

Earth and Soil Sciences

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is directly related to soil organic matter (SOM), and is important in the functionality and stability of terrestrial ecosystems. Soil organic carbon is also an important pool for C storage and small changes of SOC may cause significant gains and losses in the large scale carbon cycle. The mechanisms by which SOC is transported and stored however are not widely studied. This study was conducted to determine if there is a relationship between toposequence and SOC in a small watershed on the Peterson Ranch, San Luis Obispo, CA. Nine soil pits were dug on various hillslope …

Relationship Between Tissue Carotenoid Concentrations In The Pacific Mole Crab, Emerita Analoga, And Parasitism By The Acanthocephalan, Profilicollis Altmani, Whitney Melroy

Biological Sciences

Acanthocephalan worms infect two hosts to reach full development. Some species have been demonstrated to change their intermediate host’s behavior or coloration to increase the likelihood they will reach the final host. The pacific mole crab, Emerita analoga, is commonly parasitized by Profilicollis altmani along the Pacific coast of North and South America, but the impact of parasitism on the crab intermediate host is unclear. We investigated whether P. altmani alters the concentration of dietary carotenoids present in E. analoga tissues and if the parasite may also acquire pigments normally allocated to the host. Fifty eight gravid female crabs were …

Training Manual And Protocol For Ultrasound At Cal Poly, Brian Andrew Waymire

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.

Selecting, Marketing And Rebuilding A Herd Of Genetically Superior Animals, Katherine Rector

Dairy Science

No abstract provided.