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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Parasitism And Feather Reflectance In Mourning Doves (Zenaida Macroura), Wesley Youngblood Jan 2014

Parasitism And Feather Reflectance In Mourning Doves (Zenaida Macroura), Wesley Youngblood

Honors Theses

The theory of sexual selection has proven to be an important factor in understanding the mechanisms behind the evolution of secondary sexual traits. The Hamilton and Zuk (1982) hypothesis of parasite-mediated sexual selection postulates that birds evolved ornamentation to indicate parasite resistance to potential mates. My research explores the relationship between parasite load and plumage coloration in hunter-harvested mourning doves. Plumage from seven body areas was collected, ectoparasites were quantified and blood smears made so that intracellular hematozoan parasites could be quantified. Tarsometatarsi were measured, and the testes of males were collected to determine any effects of parasite load on …


Understanding The Karoo: Investigating The Function Of A Copulation Call In Female Wild Turkeys Meleagris Gallopavo, Callie Grey Jan 2014

Understanding The Karoo: Investigating The Function Of A Copulation Call In Female Wild Turkeys Meleagris Gallopavo, Callie Grey

Honors Theses

Even with the vast amount of research regarding mating vocalizations and their adaptive functions, the copulation call of female wild turkeys, Meleagris gallopavo, has yet to be described. The purpose of this study was to describe this novel call, referred to as karoo and to test three hypotheses for its function. Previously collected data in the form of video tapes and data sheets provided the basis of this study. Dr. Richard Buchholz conducted experimental trials in 2008 and 2009. Male behavioral data was recorded on the videos. The videos and the data sheets were used to collect female behavioral data. …


Simulated Diabetes Testing Experiment Using Artificially Manipulated Livestock Blood, Hollie E. Ables Jan 2014

Simulated Diabetes Testing Experiment Using Artificially Manipulated Livestock Blood, Hollie E. Ables

Honors Theses

Due to the prevalence of diabetes and lack of simple endocrine experiments, a laboratory protocol was developed in order to increase student knowledge of the disease and the diabetic testing process. In this paper, we present the protocol for manipulating the glucose concentration of commercially available bovine blood. The bovine blood was manipulated using Ringer's solution to which glucose was added, and six samples were prepared (pre-prandial and postprandial, normal; pre-prandial and postprandial, pre-diabetic; pre-prandial and postprandial, diabetic). This laboratory exercise provides a physical, hands-on student activity that highlights pancreatic endocrinology and the results of pancreatic malfunction. The laboratory exercise …


Bacteria Con Leche: Bacterial Populations And Antibiotic Resistance Within Conventional, Usda Organic, And Local Milk, Kristen M. Wilson Jan 2014

Bacteria Con Leche: Bacterial Populations And Antibiotic Resistance Within Conventional, Usda Organic, And Local Milk, Kristen M. Wilson

Honors Theses

Concerns over food production and processing, along with increasing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and antibiotic resistant infections have led many consumers to seek alternative food sources in the organic and local food markets. This study compared conventional, USDA certified organic, and local farmer's market milk types to determine whether there is any noticeable benefit to purchasing organic or locally harvested milk in terms of their bacterial populations and level of antibiotic resistance. Samples from various milk types were plated on Tryptic Soy Agar and Milk Agar plates to enumerate bacteria, and the cultivated bacteria tested for resistance to the antibiotics …


The Effects Of Adrenergic Antagonists On Spatial Memory In The Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Guttata), Taylor Williams Jan 2014

The Effects Of Adrenergic Antagonists On Spatial Memory In The Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia Guttata), Taylor Williams

Honors Theses

The adrenergic system appears to be involved in the consolidation and reconsolidation of hippocampally dependent spatial memories in mammals. Based on connectivity, cell types, ontogeny and receptor distribution, the avian hippocampus is thought to be a homolog to the mammalian hippocampus. The adrenergic system appears to be fairly conserved but may show some species specializations. To determine if the adrenergic system plays a role in spatial learning and memory in birds, we used a series of experiments to investigate the role of α- and β-adrenergic receptors on spatial navigation and memory in an avian species, zebra finches, using the Day …


Identification And Characterization Of Human Plasma Prekallikrein-Prolylcarboxypeptidase Interaction Sites, Jingjing Wang Jan 2014

Identification And Characterization Of Human Plasma Prekallikrein-Prolylcarboxypeptidase Interaction Sites, Jingjing Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prolylcarboxypeptidase isoform1 (PRCP1, also known as angiotensinase C, PCP, PRCP, PrCP) is a widely distributed serine protease found throughout the human body. PRCP1 removes the C-terminal amino acid which is next to a proline residue of a peptide. Through this activity, PRCP1 is postulated to play distinct biological roles including the regulation of vascular homeostasis, the induction of inflammation and the adjustment of metabolism. Compelling evidence indicates that human PRCP1 activates plasma prekallikrein (PK) to kallikrein on endothelial cells. However, the mechanism of this activation is yet unknown. The formation of kallikrein leads to the generation of proinflammatory factors and …


Can Student-Driven Changes Increase Salad Bar Usage In Schools?, Shannon Leeke Jan 2014

Can Student-Driven Changes Increase Salad Bar Usage In Schools?, Shannon Leeke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increasing student salad bar participation may increase students' consumption of fruits and vegetables while decreasing their risk of chronic disease. This study observed student perception, experience, and participation of the school salad bar in two northwest Mississippi high schools. The subjects were students' age 15-18 years old. One school served as the control variable and one served as the intervention variable. A three-week baseline of salad bar participation was collected before surveying students at the intervention school. Surveying student perception and experience of the salad bar provided data to implement changes to the salad bar. Student perception and experience was …


Evaluation Of Wild Yam (Dioscorea Villosa) As A Demethylating Agent And Its Anti Metastatic Activity In Human Breast Cancer Cells, Pranapda Aumsuwan Jan 2014

Evaluation Of Wild Yam (Dioscorea Villosa) As A Demethylating Agent And Its Anti Metastatic Activity In Human Breast Cancer Cells, Pranapda Aumsuwan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Effects Of Nanosilver And Silver Nitrate Exposure On Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas) And Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Adam D. Hawkins Jan 2014

Effects Of Nanosilver And Silver Nitrate Exposure On Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas) And Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Adam D. Hawkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) due to their unique antimicrobial properties are among the most widely utilized nanoparticle. Because of the nature of the products that utilize AgNPs, environmental release of AgNPs is inevitable. At greatest risk is the aquatic ecosystem due to known toxicity of the Ag + ion to aquatic organisms. Our goal was to use two fish models, fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas; FHMs) and zebrafish ( Danio rerio; ZFs), to study the effects of AgNPs on gill histopathology, Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity, mucus production, bioaccumulation, particle uptake characterization, gill gene expression, and lethality in varying water parameters in comparison to the …


Biomechanics Of Slips In Alternative Footwear, Harish Chander Jan 2014

Biomechanics Of Slips In Alternative Footwear, Harish Chander

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Injuries in the workplace pose a significant burden to the health of human beings as well as financial or economic losses to occupational organizations. Slips, trips and an induced loss of balance have been identified as the major causative factor for workplace injuries involving falls (Courtney et al, 2001; Redfern et al, 2001). The bureau of labor statistics reported 15% of a total of 4,693 workplace fatalities and a total of 299,090 cases of non-fatal workplace injuries that were due to slips, trips and falls (BLS, 2011). The purpose of the study was to analyze the biomechanics of human locomotion …


Comparing Distance-Based Vs. Time-Based Exercise Prescriptions Of Walking And Running For Improvement Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, Cody Edward Morris Jan 2014

Comparing Distance-Based Vs. Time-Based Exercise Prescriptions Of Walking And Running For Improvement Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, Cody Edward Morris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The many benefits of participation in a regular physical activity program are well-documented (Haskell et al., 2007; Pate et al., 1995). Brisk walking and jogging are commodes of exercise that is easily measured and evaluated by a self-report method that is comin both clinical and research settings. Some research has suggested that walking for distance as opposed to walking for time may be a stronger predictor of overall amount of accumulated exercise or physical activity (Williams, 2012a). To our knowledge, research has not been conducted directly comparing a distance-based versus time-based brisk walking prescription for the improvement of cardiovascular risk …


Parent's Use And Likely Use Of Nutrition Education Resources In The Mississippi Delta Region, Rachel Jessica Scoggins Jan 2014

Parent's Use And Likely Use Of Nutrition Education Resources In The Mississippi Delta Region, Rachel Jessica Scoggins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To identify nutrition education resources currently being used and those likely to be used if made available by parents of elementary-aged children in the Mississippi Delta region. Methods: Surveys were completed by 214 parents (92% female, 88% African American) of children in grades K-2nd from three schools in the Mississippi Delta region. Survey items obtained nutrition education resources currently used by parents , those likely to be used if made available, mode of delivery and mediators (individuals) providing nutrition education. Results: Parents reported high importance that their child eats healthy. Physicians were identified as the primary mediator for delivering …


Regulators Of Repo: A Search For Gcm/Repo Transcription Factors, Kathy Ann Nipper Jan 2014

Regulators Of Repo: A Search For Gcm/Repo Transcription Factors, Kathy Ann Nipper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The role of the Drosophila melanogaster gene glial cells missing (gcm) is that of a binary switch in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in specification of the glial fate for multipotent precursor cells. However, Gcm is also essential for maturation of hematocytes and tendon cells ( Alfonso and Jones, 2002; Jones, et al., 1995; Hosoya et al., 1995; Soustell et al., 2004). The varied outcomes of gcm expression imply the interaction of co-factors capable of giving the Gcm protein different "meanings" in different developmental contexts. The Gcm target repo is expressed exclusively in …


Characterization Of Prolylcarboxypeptidase Expression Pattern In Rat Cardiomyocytes In Nutrition Overload Conditions, Tahmineh Tabrizian Jan 2014

Characterization Of Prolylcarboxypeptidase Expression Pattern In Rat Cardiomyocytes In Nutrition Overload Conditions, Tahmineh Tabrizian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a serine protease that cleaves the last amino acid at the carboxy-terminus of peptides with a penultimate proline such as angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin III (Ang III), prekallikrein (PK) and α-melanocyte-stimulating-hormone (1-13) (α-MSH1-13). By inactivating Ang II and Ang III, PRCP promotes vasodilation and insulin sensitivity. As well by activating PK, PRCP increases nitric oxide (NO) generation and vasorelaxation through bradykinin (BK) liberation from high molecular weight kininogen (HK). PK is activated to kallikrein by PRCP, implicating a role for PRCP in the coagulation pathway. The resultant kallikrein will activate FXII which in a reciprocal manner …


Evaluation Of Effects Of Epigenetic Modifications, Macromolecular Crowding, Degree Of Hydration, And Transcription Factor Binding On The Thermodynamic Stability Of Dna I-Motif Structures, Yogini Bhavsar Jan 2014

Evaluation Of Effects Of Epigenetic Modifications, Macromolecular Crowding, Degree Of Hydration, And Transcription Factor Binding On The Thermodynamic Stability Of Dna I-Motif Structures, Yogini Bhavsar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Efficacy Of Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibition On Attenuating Pressure Overload Induced Cardiac Remodeling, Krishna T. Nagalla Jan 2014

The Efficacy Of Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibition On Attenuating Pressure Overload Induced Cardiac Remodeling, Krishna T. Nagalla

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chronic hypertension has long been known to cause left ventricular remodeling. Although previous studies pointed towards inflammation as the pathological driver of cardiac remodeling, the exact mechanistic pathway associated with pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling remains to be elucidated. In order to address this issue, we designed this study to determine pathways associated with pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling and identify therapeutic targets to attenuate this maladaptive cardiac remodeling. Rats with surgically constricted abdominal aorta were used as an animal model for pressure overload and associated Left ventricular (LV) structure and functional changes were measured by pressure-volume admittance catheterization. Human cardiac …


Influence Of Whole-Body Vibration On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Cecilia Drennen Jan 2014

Influence Of Whole-Body Vibration On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Cecilia Drennen

Honors Theses

Exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) results in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Whole body vibration (WBV) may be a method that can be implemented to allow a subject suffering from DOMS to recover more quickly. The purpose of this study was to determine if WBV aids in managing symptoms of EIMD over a recovery period of 72 hours and to determine the effects of WBV on jumping performance following exercise-induced muscle damage. Measurements of performance like vertical jump height, peak-Z force, and pain pressure threshold were recorded. Twenty-seven recreationally trained females participated, and were damaged by performance of the eccentric …


Meta-Analysis Of Melanoma Incidence In The United States: Demographic Variation And Relationship With Uv Index And Latitude, Charles Thomas Pritchard Jan 2014

Meta-Analysis Of Melanoma Incidence In The United States: Demographic Variation And Relationship With Uv Index And Latitude, Charles Thomas Pritchard

Honors Theses

A link between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and melanoma skin cancer formation has generally been accepted in the scientific community, but precise quantification of such a link into a predictive equation is difficult to find in scientific literature. It was the aim of this study to determine if a quantifiable relationship exists between UV exposure and melanoma rates in the United States. Prior to the initiation of this study, it was hypothesized that existing predictive equations using accumulated UV index and latitude for general skin cancer incidence (i.e., including both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers) in Chile would be …


Investigation Of Bax Vdac Interactions And Their Relationship Regarding Apoptosis In Drosophila Melanogaster, John Sullivan Jan 2014

Investigation Of Bax Vdac Interactions And Their Relationship Regarding Apoptosis In Drosophila Melanogaster, John Sullivan

Honors Theses

Cell mediated death, or apoptosis, is a critical biological process that once fully understood could unlock a potentially new understanding of the mechanisms of both cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The general mechanism of apoptosis includes cytochrome c being released from the mitochondrial membrane through a channel created by an activated pro-apoptotic BH123 protein. Once the cytochrome c leaves the mitochondrial membrane it goes on to ultimately activate a caspase cascade, which results in cell apoptosis. Similar to BH123 channels, VDACs (voltage-dependent anion channels) are also pore-forming proteins that regulate the intake and output of metabolites from the mitochondrial intermembrane space …


An Evaluation Of Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activity In Response To Burning As A Forest Restoration Technique, William M. Steward Jan 2014

An Evaluation Of Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activity In Response To Burning As A Forest Restoration Technique, William M. Steward

Honors Theses

Burning is a method of forest restoration with the goal of returning natural tree species to ecosystems. Burning has a wide range of effects on an ecosystem, including the alteration of important soil processes and characteristics. One of the key components of soil is the activity of extracellular enzymes, which can be used to provide insight into the nutritional requirements of soil microbes as well as nutrient availability and cycling. Because enzymes are important in the overall functioning of soil and can be used to assess soil health, there is great need to examine the effects of burning on soil …


Dna-Based Species Identification And Population Genetics Of The Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes Flavipes, In The Southern Appalachian Mountains, Benjamin Collins Jan 2014

Dna-Based Species Identification And Population Genetics Of The Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes Flavipes, In The Southern Appalachian Mountains, Benjamin Collins

Honors Theses

This study investigates the distribution patterns of Reticulitermes flavipes, an important recycler of nutrients and well-known destroyer of man-made structures, in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. As a precursor to this work, it was first necessary to distinguish the target species from other co-occurring termite species. To combat this problem, a modified Polymerase Chain Reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay that uses a 384-bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) gene was designed. To test the accuracy of this tool, predictions made from using this method were compared to predictions made by genetic sequencing. This modified PCR-RFLP …


The Acute Influence Of Occupational Footwear On Balance, Caroline Borland Jan 2014

The Acute Influence Of Occupational Footwear On Balance, Caroline Borland

Honors Theses

There is a great number of potential risks for falls and injuries because of problems in the workplace. In 2010, there were almost 3.1 million nonfatal and 646 fatal illnesses and injuries disclosed in the workplace (BLS, 2010). Fatal and nonfatal occupational injuries have decreased in the recent years but there is still much room to improve. Inappropriate footwear has been attributed to 45% of all falls (Menant et al. 2008). Past studies have shown that industrial footwear can have a detrimental effect on balance (Menant et al. 2008, Chander, Garner & Wade 2013). Occupational footwear have not been designed …


Octocoral Physiology: Calcium Carbonate Composition And The Effect Of Thermal Stress On Enzyme Activity, Hadley Pearson Jan 2014

Octocoral Physiology: Calcium Carbonate Composition And The Effect Of Thermal Stress On Enzyme Activity, Hadley Pearson

Honors Theses

Octocorals are a diverse group of organisms, and within the Caribbean they contribute substantially to coral-reef cover. In this thesis, two different studies performed on these marine organisms are detailed. In Section I, the percent calcium carbonate composition of several species was analyzed. Octocorals produce sclerites: calcium carbonate crystals that serve as the skeletal elements of the coral. Determining the percent calcium carbonate composition of eight Caribbean octocoral species can give comparative insight into the form and function in these animals. This study also offers clues about potential evolutionary tradeoffs between rigidity and flexibility, as well as establishes some basic …


Effects Of Globalization On The Use Of The Mediterranean Diet In Spain, Jacob J. Mcgee Jan 2014

Effects Of Globalization On The Use Of The Mediterranean Diet In Spain, Jacob J. Mcgee

Honors Theses

Spain is known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and incredible foods. The Mediterranean diet of Spain is praised for its health benefits, but recently it appears that the population has begun to turn away from their original diet. Studies have shown that the Spanish have been experiencing a constant culture change due to globalization since the 1950s when the General Francisco Franco allowed the technocrats to have some control over the government. With a new economic policy, new people and their new ideas flooded the country bring with them their cultures. These cultures influenced the Spanish life changing many …


Essential Roots: Planting Seeds For A Bright Future; A Pilot Implementation Of Transitional Service That Promotes Nutritional Health And Business Skills For Students With Idd, Jennybeth S. Hendrick Jan 2014

Essential Roots: Planting Seeds For A Bright Future; A Pilot Implementation Of Transitional Service That Promotes Nutritional Health And Business Skills For Students With Idd, Jennybeth S. Hendrick

Honors Theses

Too many men and women with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) are unable to live autonomously due to economic instability and the lack of knowledge to successfully make appropriate and healthy life choices. To improve attainment of financial independence and autonomous living, transitional services must be implemented into grade schools so that adolescents can master basic life skills to help their future quality of life. Essential Roots: Planting Seeds for a Bright Future, a pilot transitional program and evaluation was conducted in a classroom at the Scott Child Development Center, Oxford, MS. The goal of the non-randomized, controlled research study …


Electromyography Of Mastication Muscles In College Athletes, John Ratliff Jan 2014

Electromyography Of Mastication Muscles In College Athletes, John Ratliff

Honors Theses

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if co-activation in enhanced neck muscles increased surface electromyography (sEMG) activity in the masseter while chewing with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd molars. Sixteen football players from The University of Mississippi volunteered for this study. Football players were examined because they strengthen their neck 4 days a week to help prevent neck injuries and concussions. Participants' average body fat was 15.68% and average body mass was 100.69 kilograms showing that the participants were larger, muscular individuals compared to non student-athletes and represent a unique, study group. Participants performed maximum weight on a …


The Effects Of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage On Aerobic Capacity Tested Through Repeated Vo2max Tests, Luke Burnett Jan 2014

The Effects Of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage On Aerobic Capacity Tested Through Repeated Vo2max Tests, Luke Burnett

Honors Theses

High-intensity resistance training alongside aerobic training has been seen to improve aerobic performance due to the gains strength that accompany said resistance training. However, it has been documented that the exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) that results from the resistance training can impair aerobic performance in the days following. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the time-course of recovery from EIMD for up to seven days following muscle-damaging protocol. Eight recreationally trained participants (age 21.88 ± 0.99 yr., mass 70.02 ± 11.14 kg, height 171.61 ± 8.99 cm) volunteered to participate in five testing sessions over the course …


Preliminary Investigations Into The Population Genetics Of The Horned Passalus Beetle, Odontotaenius Disjunctus (Coleoptera), In Forests Of The Southeastern United States, Rachel Yi Jan 2014

Preliminary Investigations Into The Population Genetics Of The Horned Passalus Beetle, Odontotaenius Disjunctus (Coleoptera), In Forests Of The Southeastern United States, Rachel Yi

Honors Theses

As a major hotspot of biodiversity, the Appalachian Mountains have been a source of great interest for ecologists in many ways. The mountains' north-south orientation, varying degrees of elevation and environmental conditions, and historical cycles of glacial encroachment have been thought to contribute to this unusual level of population variation. As such, population genetic studies of species have been a growing area of investigation. Phylogeography, the study of how historical processes could lead to current geographic distributions of individuals and populations of a species, is a particularly prominent direction. The focus of this study examines the horned passalus and its …


Evaluation Of Microbial Diversity Present In Herbal Supplements As Revealed By Pcr-Based 16s Sequence Analysis, Stephen Stone Jan 2014

Evaluation Of Microbial Diversity Present In Herbal Supplements As Revealed By Pcr-Based 16s Sequence Analysis, Stephen Stone

Honors Theses

Over the last few decades people have become more aware of their general wellness and have turned towards alternative measures to ensure good health. One of these alternative measures, the herbal supplement market, has risen significantly in recent years, even though there is no conclusive research that points to the effectiveness of herbal supplements. Also, because of sparse regulation from the FDA, there are many questions related to the efficacy, composition, processing methods, and, consequently, safety of these supplements. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial composition of herbal supplements in an attempt to identify potential targets …


Attempts To Determine The Community Structure Of Archaea In Major Tributaries Of The Mississippi River, Thomas Douglas Bateman Jan 2014

Attempts To Determine The Community Structure Of Archaea In Major Tributaries Of The Mississippi River, Thomas Douglas Bateman

Honors Theses

Archaea were once thought to be limited to extreme environments, but it has now been established that they are found in diverse ecosystems worldwide. Archaea may possess distinctive properties that affect biogeochemical processes, which makes understanding their distribution crucial in determining their effect on these processes. Little research has been done on the ecology of Archaea in rivers, and this study represents the first attempt to gain an understanding of the diversity of Archaea within major tributaries of the Mississippi River. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of archaeal DNA and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was used to examine community …