Life Sciences Commons^™

Comparative Ecology And Conservation Status Of Procambarus (Pennides) Gibbus And Procambarus (Pennides) Versutus In Marion County, Georgia, Joann Chadwick

Theses and Dissertations

Two crayfish species, whose conservation status was of concern, Procambarus (Pennides) gibbus Hobbs and Procambarus (Pennides) versutus Hagen, and one relatively common crayfish, Procambarus (Pennides) spiculifer LeConte were studied at nine creek sites in Marion County, Georgia. Major objectives of the yearlong study were to 1) compare the habitats of these species, looking for environmental differences that might account for their isolated distributions within the county and 2) assess the current conservation status of P. gibbus and P. versutus. Each study site was characterized by a one-time assessment of floodplain width, stream width, water velocity, stream depth and assessment of …

Functionalization, Characterization, And Applications Of Diamond Particles, Modification Of Planar Silicon, And Chemoetrics Analysis Of Ms Data, Li Yang

Theses and Dissertations

In spite of the stablility (lack of reactivity) of diamond powder, I have developed a method for tethering alkyl chains and polymers to deuterium/hydrogen-terminated diamond. One method is through ether linkages via thermolysis of di-tert-amyl peroxide (DTAP). This reaction with DTAP has also been applied to grow polymers on the diamond surface. The other method is atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), which was applied to grow polystyrene at the surface of diamond. Both polystyrene-modified diamond and sulfonated polystyrene-modified diamond can be prepared by either method, and can be used for solid phase extraction. Diamond stationary phases are stable under basic …

The First Attachment And Post-Functionalization Of Polybutadiene And Thio-Click Functionalized Polybutadiene On H-Terminated Si(111), Todd Devere Wickard

Theses and Dissertations

I report the attachment of polymers with pendant vinyl groups to hydrogen-terminated silicon(111) (Si(111)-H) under mild conditions. 1,2-addition polybutadiene (Mw 3200-3500) was attached to Si(111)-H at room temperature with visible light. I also report the partial functionalization, in solution, of 1,2-addition polybutadiene with various thiols using thiol-click chemistry. These compounds bind to Si(111)-H via visible light activation. The partially functionalized polybutadienes allow further functionalization at the surface through unreacted carbon-carbon double bonds. Surfaces were characterized with contact angle goniometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Development Of A Prone Bridge Test As A Measurement Of Abdominal Stability In Healthy Adults, Joel D. Reece

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract This study sought to develop an interval prone bridge fitness test to assess core stabilization in healthy adults (ages 18–39 years). Participants performed a prone bridge maneuver in alternating 15-sec work and 5-sec rest intervals with participants' RPE scores (0–10) recorded at the end of each work interval. The RPE score reported after 95 sec (RPE-95) was used to predict total interval prone bridge endurance time along with participants' self-reported level of physical activity (PA; sedentary = 0, low active = 1, active = 2, very active = 3). Multiple linear regression was employed to generate the following prediction …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of High-Resistance Cycle Training And Leg Press On The Wingate Anaerobic Test, Strength, And Time-Trial Performance, Aaron W. Stites

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare high-resistance cycle training (HRCT) with resistance training (RT), and their effects on Wingate anaerobic test watt max (Wmax) and watt average (Wave), strength (improvement in 1 repetition max [RM]), and time-trial performance. Twenty-five healthy college-age untrained male subjects were randomly assigned to the HRCT (n=10), RT (n=10), or control (n=5) group. All subjects completed pre and posttesting for the leg press (LP), 30 s Wingate anaerobic test, and 15-min time-trial. Subjects also completed familiarization tests prior to pretesting in the Wingate anaerobic test and 15-min time-trial. HRCT and RT subjects trained 2x/wk …

In Vitro Toxicity Of Silver Nanoparticles In Human Lung Epithelial Cells, Christina R. Kearns

Theses and Dissertations

Nanotechnology is quickly becoming incorporated into everyday products and uses. Silver nanoparticles, specifically, are being used in commercial products, to include aerosols. The purpose of this research was to determine whether silver nanoparticles are toxic to human lung epithelial cells. Different types (coated vs. uncoated), concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) and sizes (coated 5 and 80nm, uncoated 10 and 80nm) of silver nanoparticles were used during this study. Toxicity measurements were completed through in vitro techniques. Another study was also completed on toxicity mechanisms by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated. Results showed that silver nanoparticles induce …

The Use Of Spider Webs As Passive Bioaerosol Collectors, Daniel I. Mattei

Theses and Dissertations

In this experiment, spider webs demonstrated their suitability as passive bioaerosol collectors. For spider webs to be considered suitable passive collectors webs had to satisfy three basic conditions; (1) collection of microorganisms without discrimination based on species or size, (2) collection under variable environmental conditions, and (3) saturation avoidance in the presence of strong microbial launching sources. Four field sampling locations were used, a waste water treatment facility, a commercial garden center, a secluded state park area, and a parking garage. Microscopy cover glass slides were used as the collection instrument. The methodology assured sterility during collection and promoted in …

A Comparison Of The U.S. Air Force Fitness Test And Sister Services' Combat-Oriented Fitness Tests, Thomas E. Worden

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores how the United States Air Force Physical Fitness Test (AFPFT) events compare to sister-services' physical fitness test events with respect to their predictability of combat capability. Multiple regression tools, non-parametric analyses, and chi² contingency table hypothesis testing were utilized to test hypotheses about performances and determine associations between involved variables. AFPFT scores had minimal predictability (adj R² 0.2045) [but improved when raw data replaced scoring sheets, pushups have no maximum, and abdominal circumference and age are removed (adj R² 0.7703)]. Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) predicts higher combat capability (p-value 0.0208). The best two-event …

The Effect Touches, Post Touches, And Dribbles Have On Offense For Men's Division I Basketball, Kim T. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effects touches per play, post touches per play, and dribbles to end a play (DEP) have on points per play, field goal percentage, turnovers, and fouls. This was done to provide empirical evidence on anecdotal theories held by coaches concerning ball movement, dribbles, and post touches. The data collected were statistically analyzed using Bayesian hierarchical models. This study reports some intriguing trends. First, exceeding nine passes and three dribbles to end a play results in a decrease in points per play and field goal percentage. Second, up to three dribbles into …

Biogeography Of The Livebearing Fish Poecilia Gillii In Costa Rica: Are Phylogeographic Breaks Congruent With Fish Community Boundaries?, Jared Benjamin Lee

Theses and Dissertations

One of the original goals of phylogeography was to use genetic data to identify historical events that might contribute to breaks among biotic communities. In this study, we examine the phylogeography of a common livebearing fish (Poecilia gillii) from Costa Rica. Our goal was to see if phylogeographic breaks in this species were congruent with previously-defined boundaries among four fish community provinces. We hypothesized that if abiotic factors influence both community boundaries and genetic structuring in P. gillii then we would find four monophyletic clades within our focal species that were geographically separated along community boundary lines. Similarly, we expected …

Small Mammals In Portions Of Great Basin National Park Susceptible To Groundwater Withdrawal: Diversity And Stable Isotope Perspectives, Bryan T. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

To support population growth in Las Vegas, Nevada, large scale increases in groundwater pumping are planned across the state. This pumping could affect riparian areas in Great Basin National Park by lowering groundwater levels, reducing stream flows, and xerifying riparian vegetation. Great Basin National Park (GBNP) is mandated to manage its resources unimpaired for future generations. Loss of biodiversity is unacceptable under this mandate. If groundwater levels are reduced beyond a threshold, aquatic and riparian diversity would be lost, but the effects on small mammal communities are less clear. To provide baseline information and to consider the effects of groundwater …

Polymer Microfluidic Devices For Bioanalysis, Xuefei Sun

Theses and Dissertations

Polymeric microchips have received increasing attention in chemical analysis because polymers have attractive properties, such as low cost, ease of fabrication, biocompatibility and high flexibility. However, commercial polymers usually exhibit analyte adsorption on their surfaces, which can interfere with microfluidic transport in, for example, chemical separations such as chromatography or electrophoresis. Usually, surface modification is required to eliminate this problem. To perform stable and durable surface modification, a new polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMAMMA) was prepared for microchip fabrication, which provides epoxy groups on the surface. Whole surface atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and in-channel ATRP approaches were employed to …

The Treatment Effect Of Cryotherapy, Compression, A Tobacco Poultice, And The Polymem Sportswrap R On An Experimentally Induced Bruise, Jeremy R. Hawkins

Theses and Dissertations

Context: It is common practice to treat musculoskeletal injury acutely with cryotherapy with compression. A tobacco poultice and the SportsWrap are touted as effective acute care treatments, yet are unproven. Objective: Compare four treatments (cryotherapy with compression, compression alone, a tobacco poultice, and the SportsWrap) of an experimentally induced bruise to determine their effectiveness at limiting bruise formation, thereby decreasing overall bruise duration. Design: Randomized, controlled, blinded trial. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: 64 male participants (height: 180.2±6.4cm, weight: 78.0±16.2kg, age: 22.1±2.8yrs) volunteered. Participants committed to not exercise during participation and were free of medication affecting coagulation or inflammation at least …

Role Of Rock And Pkc In Regulation Of Contraction Of Permeabilized Femoral Arterial Smooth Muscle, Brendan Browne

Theses and Dissertations

KCl is traditionally used as a stimulus to examine the role of increases in cytosolic Ca2+ on the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. KCl bypasses GPCR activation, thereby avoiding activation of additional cell signaling systems, such as phospholipase C and PKC that are inherent to Gaq and Ga12/13 stimulation. GPCR activation causes Ca2+ sensitization (greater force for a given increase in Ca2+) by a ROCK- and PKC-dependent inhibition of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase. Recent studies have demonstrated that KCl can also produce Ca2+ sensitization, implying that Ca2+ itself may induce Ca2+ sensitization. To test the hypothesis that Ca2+ can …

Diversity Of Insects From The Vespidae Family In Three Ecological Niches (Forest, Forest Border, And Agricultural Area) In Six Communities In The Coroico And Coripata Municipalities, Department Of La Paz, Edwin Zapata Mayta

Theses and Dissertations

The Vespidae family (order Hymenoptera) is comprised of 4500 species of wasps in 268 genera and 7 subfamilies. These wasps prey upon a wide range of insects, including Lepidopteran caterpillars. Because of their low prey specificity, the use of Vespid wasps in biological control programs is limited. However, in their natural habitat, they play a role in controlling populations of some pest species. This study was conducted in six different communities in the department of La Paz within the municipalities of Coroico and Coripata. Three ecological niches were selected in each community: 1) the forest, 2) the edge of the …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Saka Or Suncho (Viguera Pascensis) In The Feeding Of Guinea Pigs (Cavia Aparea Porcellus) In The Community Of Sococoni, Muñecas Province, La Paz, Boris Rodriguez Peñaranda

Theses and Dissertations

The following work was conducted in the community of Socononi, La Paz, in which we analyzed the effects of three different portions of saka or suncho (viguera pascensis) during the growth, and fattening stages in guinea pigs (cavia aparea porcellus). We used 32 mestizo guinea pigs (improved Peruvian creole breed) weaned 21 days after birth. Four treatments were administrated to the 32 animals (16 males and 16 females), the treatments were the following: (R0) or witness, consisting of corn alone, (R2) consisting of 30% of saka, (R3) consisting of 50% of saka, and (R4) consisting of 70% saka. The variables …

Effect Of Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels On Urushiol Production In Toxicodendron Radicans And Toxicodendron Toxicarium, Meredith Gilbert

Theses and Dissertations

It is hypothesized that global warming is at least partially due to increased greenhouse gases, one of which is carbon dioxide. An increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide has been shown to stimulate higher rates of plant productivity, including the production of plant toxins like urushiol. Urushiol, a secondary plant compound produced in members of the Anacardiaceae family, causes dermatitis in sensitive individuals. An increase in urushiol production could increase the reactivity of certain individuals to plants like poison oak and poison ivy. To determine how elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide would effect urushiol production, 16 samples of poison ivy …

Metabolic Effect Of Three Protein Levels In The Nutrition Of Alpacas (Lama Pacus) In The Experimental Station Of Brigham Young University, Rolando Freddy Uruña Tito

Theses and Dissertations

This study had the principal objective of evaluating the metabolic effect of three protein levels in the nutrition of Alpacas (Lama pacus) in the experimental stations of Brigham Young University, located in the city of Provo, Utah, U.S.A at an altitude of 13696 m.a.s.l., and geographically located at 40°12’ north latitude, and 111°43’ west longitude. The climatic characteristics of the state of Utah, particularly in the city of Provo, during the current season registered the following: 4°C of minimum average temperature, 11.4°C of an average mean temperature, and 19°C of maximum average temperature, 55% of relative humidity, and a mean …

Diversity And Abundance Of Insects From The Reduviidae And Pentatomidae Families In Three Ecological Niches Of Six Communities In The Coroico And Coripata Municipalities, Department Of La Paz, Fernando Miguel Manrique Mamani

Theses and Dissertations

The Hemiptera order has 23,000 species that are distributed among many families. Two of these are the Pentatomidae and Reduviidae families. The aim of this study was to identify the different species of insects from the Reduviidae and Pentatomidae families as well as each species’ abundance in three ecological niches (forest, forest edge, and farm land). The study was conducted in six communities of Los Yungas, La Paz (Carmen Pampa, San Pablo, San Juan de la Miel, Altuspata, Choro Alto, and Choro). In each community, three Malaise traps were installed in the three ecological niches (forest, forest edge, and farm …

Production Of The Edible Mushroom (Agaricus Sp.) Under Laboratory Conditions For Their Multiplication In Different Culture Media, Mercedes Victoria Galeón Alcón

Theses and Dissertations

Edible mushroom production has two different stages: the vegetative stage and the fruiting stage. The vegetative phase is performed in a biotechnology laboratory and covers the technique for obtaining “spawns”, which parameters include the multiplication and reproduction of the mycelium. The fruiting phase begins with the appearance of edible mushrooms and includes everything that occurs outside the laboratory. In our country, production of edible mushrooms is limited and generally unknown. So, in this study, the vegetative phase was divided into two stages and conducted in the laboratory. Stage 1: We inoculated spores and implants of the edible mushroom species Agaricus …

Concentration Of Metabolites And Behavior Of Live Weight In Llamas (Lama Glama) Fed With Natural Grass And Barley During Gestation, Postpartum, And New Born Phases In Turco, Department Of Oruro, Eduardo Ticona Benique

Theses and Dissertations

The llama, a potential socioeconomic resource in the Bolivian highlands, faces serious nutritional deficiencies during the gestational and postpartum stages that negatively affect production. This study was conducted at the Tika Huta Experimental Center in the Llachu community of the Oruro prefecture. Our objectives were to determine metabolite concentration in blood plasma as well as live weight performance of pregnant and postpartum female llamas. Adult and juvenile llamas were fed diets of either plain natural grass or natural grass combined with 0.4 kg of barley hay. In addition, we determined metabolite concentrations in blood plasma and live weight performance of …

Zoometric Measures In Llamas (Lama Glama) Of Rural Families In The T'Olar And Pajonal Natural Grazing Fields Of The Municipality Santiago De Machaca - Department Of La Paz, Eloy Tuco Cano

Theses and Dissertations

Llamas have provided, and continue to provide, fiber, meat, skins, fertilizer and transport for the Andean people. In addition, they are part of the traditional and religious culture of the Aymara and the Quechua. Both are currently unaware of the productive qualities of llamas, especially those related to meat production, which is the principle product responsible for generating greater income for farmers. For this reason, 554 llamas were evaluated from a total of 3,693 in 2005. The llamas came from T’olar and Pajonal grasslands in the Santiago de Machaca region of La Paz, Bolivia and represented males and females from …

Identification And Characterization Of Prevotella Intermedia 17 Toll-Like Receptor 2 Ligands, Jamie Feng-Hsia Yuan

Theses and Dissertations

Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent human diseases affecting millions of individuals. Bacteria are the trigger of the host response that then results in initiation and progression of periodontal disease. The interactions between the host and the bacteria, although very complex and intricate, are not well understood. Species of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria implicated in the development of periodontal disease include Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. The goal of our study was to identify P. intermedia surface proteins interacting with TLR2 receptor. Using Cy5-labeled surface proteins we identified multiple proteins using our capture assay. The interaction of three …

Invertebrate Colonization And Plant Architecture: The Influence Of Two Non-Native Milfoil Species, Elizabeth W. Rielly

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the complexity and surface area of a macrophyte’s

structure has an influence on invertebrate colonization, and to determine the influence of two non-native species on invertebrate colonization. Three plant architectures were compared. Floating leaved plants were represented by the following species: Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea odorata, and Brasenia schreberi. Moderately dissected leaved plants were represented by Potamogeton natans, and highly dissected leaved plants were represented by two non-native species, Myriophyllum spicatum and Myriophyllum heterophyllum. The number of invertebrates/g dry biomass and the number of individuals/m², diversity, evenness, and richness were calculated for …

Spatial And Temporal Variability Of Macroinvertyebrate Communities In Vernal Pools On The Coastal Plain Of Virginia, Shrijeeta Ganguly

Theses and Dissertations

Vernal pools are often defined as seasonal pools that typically are inundated beginning in the winter and then drying out completely in summer. Though evidence of spatial and temporal variability in the macroinvertebrate communities of vernal pools has been found in previous studies, it has not been studied extensively. The primary objective of this study was to determine the extent of variability in the macroinvertebrate communities within vernal pools closely situated in a forested landscape. An effort was made to explain this variability with respect to certain physiochemical environmental variables of the pools. Significant variability was observed in the macroinvertebrate …

Identification Of Camk-Ii Protein Targets In Tissue Culture And Zebrafish Embryos Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Alexandra Myers

Theses and Dissertations

Calcium (Ca2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase 2 (CaMK-II) is one member of a family of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases that responds to intracellular Ca2+ signals (Hudmon, A. and H. Schulman (2002)). CaMK-II is a multifunctional regulator of transcription, cell cycle progression, cell motility and neuronal development. (Wang, C., et al. (2008), Easley, C. A. IV, et al. (2008), Osterhoff, M., et al. (2003), Faison, M. O., et al. (2002)). Recently, CaMK-II has been shown to be important in the early development of vertebrates. In developing zebrafish, disruption of CaMK-II expression has been shown to induce phenotypes similar to those documented in several human diseases. …

Towards The Total Synthesis Of Thioviridamide: Thiyl Radical Approach To The Beta-Thioenamide Linkage Formation, Jung-Hoon Kang

Theses and Dissertations

We developed an approach to the β-thioenamide linkage contained in the S-(2-aminovinyl)cysteine (avCys) residue of thioviridamide.1,2 Kinetic and thermodynamic control of radical additions of thiols to ynamides were studied for the formation of β-thioenamide linkage. Thiyl radicals are electrophilic and ynamides are electron-rich alkynes. This complementary polarity of the radical and acceptor increases the likelihood of a successful radical addition reaction. Because little is known about these types of compounds (β-thioenamides), we were unsure what kinds of yields and stereoselectivities (cis vs. trans) to expect. The adduct stability is another issue to consider. Fortunately, under typical radical addition conditions, the …

Comparison Of Two Training Programs On Acceleration Out Of The Break In American Football, Micah Adam Alba

Theses and Dissertations

Athletes of American football need the ability to stop, start, and reach top speed in an efficient manner. Football players on the defensive side of the ball require the skill of stopping a backward run and accelerating to a forward run. This action is termed the break. Football players receive year-round training in an effort to improve performance. Yet, many times, these athletes may not focus specifically on the muscular systems that are unique to the position they play. The law of specificity states that the more specific the training is for the action required, the more beneficial the outcome. …

Does Shape Predict Performance? An Analysis Of Morphology And Swimming Performance In Great Basin Fishes, John R. Aedo

Theses and Dissertations

Swimming performance strongly influences fitness in aquatic organisms and is closely tied to external body morphology. Although this connection has been closely examined at the individual and species level, few studies have focused on this relationship as it pertains to functional group assemblages. Using functional groups based on similarities in habitat use and morphology, I tested the hypothesis that swimming performance can be reliably predicted by functional group composition. I measured swimming performance as burst speed using a simulated predator attack and as prolonged speed using a step-endurance test in a laboratory flume. I measured morphology using geometric morphometric techniques. …

Effects Of Metal Protoporphyrins On Burn Wound Conversion, Katie Braun

Theses and Dissertations

A murine model was utilized to test the influence of heavy metal protoporphyrins on burn conversion, heme oxygenase – 1 (HO-1) expression, and inflammation. Heavy metal protoporphyrins, such as cobalt protoporphyrin (Co PP) and tin protoporphyrin (Sn PP), were used to influence the heme oxygenase activity. The effects of these heavy metal protoporphyrins on burn wound conversion were examined using a burn comb model in rats. In addition to assessing the extent of conversion, HO-1 expression and parameters of inflammation were also examined in the area of injury (interspace region) subject to conversion. These studies demonstrate proof in principal that …