Life Sciences Commons^™

An Analysis Of A Measure Of Productivity In Mule Deer Populations, Ronald J. Ryel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the fall proportion of fawns among fawns and does in a mule deer population and two measures of productivity, the spring recruitment rate and the reproductive performance as measured in the fall. The spring recruitment rate was defined to be the number of fawns per doe which were recruited into the population at 1 year of age. The reproductive performance was defined to be the number of fawns produced per doe 2 years or older which survive to a specified time. The relationships between these quantities were measured by …

The 160-Acre Limitation And Economies Of Size: A Case Study In The Uintah Basin, Thomas C. Hatch

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the economies of size in farming in the Roosevelt-Myton area of the Uintah Basin and to assess their impact on the financial viability of different size farms. This information will be useful in recommending changes to reclamation law.

Farmer interviews were used to obtain costs of production for 160, 320, 640, and 1280 acre farms. The field data were entered into the Oklahoma State Budget Generator to provide the necessary cost breakdown. This in formation was used to derive a curve approximating the long run average cost curve and to determine the …

Lactation And Weaning Weight Relationships In Hereford And Simmental-Hereford Cows In Southern Utah, William E. Zimmerman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Lactation and weaning weight relationships were studied in 37 cows grazing Southern Utah irrigated pastures during the summer of 1979. The herd included 23 Hereford cows ranging in age from 2 to 12 years and 14 Simmental-Hereford half-blood cows aged 3 to 9 years. The suckling calves were sired by Hereford bulls.

The average daily milk yield of 6.16 kg was affected by the cow breed. Simmental-Hereford cows produced 7.11 kg of milk per day, while the Herefords produced 5.21 kg per day. Milk production declined with increased days in lactation. The decline was linear in the Simmental- Hereford cows …

Determination Of The Temperature Response Curves For Abscisic Acid And Its Derivatives In Economically Important Horticultural Crops, Jaleh Daie

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Part I

Four-week old tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings were exposed to different constant temperatures of 15, 25, 35, or 45 C. To determine the effect of temperature on Abscisic Acid (ABA) young and old leaves were harvested at 0, 6, 12, 24, or 48 h and free, hydrolyzable and total ABA were measured using gas liquid chromatographic methods. Temperature had a significant effect on free, hydrolyzable and total ABA in both young and old leaves. Time had a significant effect as a cubic function on all ABA measurements in old leaves but in young leaves a significant effect …

Ultrastructural Localization Of Solanidine In Potato Tubers, Shau-Ron Han

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Solanine, the green substance in potato, Solanum tuberosum L., tubers, is a toxic glycoalkaloid that is a potential human health hazard. To control the formation of this glycoalkaloid a greater understanding of its site of synthesis is needed. Labelling of solanidine, a direct precursor in the biosynthesis of solanine, with digitonin may indirectly locate the site of solanine synthesis in tubers. A study using ultrastructural cytochemical techniques was initiated to explore this possibility.

Sprouted tips and peridermal complex (periderm and cortex) tissue were fixed three different ways: (1) glutaraldehyde only, (2) osmium tetroxide and glutaraldehyde, and (3) glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide-digitonin mixture. …

Iron And Zinc Deficiencies In Selected Calcareous Soils Of Southern Utah, E. Frank Schnitzer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The response of field corn to iron and zinc fertilization was studied using a split plot experimental design in Millard County, Utah, in cooperation with the Utah State University Extension Agent and a local farmer. mainplot treatment applications consisted, on an acre basis, of (1) 5 tons of sulfuric acid, (2) 1 ton sulfuric acid, (3) 1.8 tons gypsum, (4) check plot. Subplot treatments were (1) Fe at 5 lbs/Ac, (2) Zn at 10 lbs/Ac, (3) Fe and Zn at 5 and 10 lb / Ac, respectively, (4) check plot. The iron and zinc applications were essentially rendered unavailable by …

Activities Of Domestic Sheep On Central Utah Ranges, J. Daniel Rodgers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The range sheep industry, economically important to Utah and to the United States, produces needed food and fiber from much of the less productive land. Improved management will depend on more knowledge of the range ecosystem. Research to determine the time spent by sheep in activities of differing energy demands and to determine what factors affect sheep activity was completed on Utah ranges.

The research was conducted in central Utah on foothill range near Eureka and on mountain range near Scofield. Rambouillet sheep were loosely herded on the sagebrush-aspen areas on mountain range and were unherded on foothill range where …

Inhibition Of Synaptosomal Biogenic Amine Transport By A Diverse Group Of Neurotoxic Chemicals, William M. Bracken

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Synaptosomal membrane functions were monitored, after in vitro exposure to select environmental pollutants, in synaptosomal preparations originating from rat cerebral cortices. The uptake of NE and 5HT into the synaptosomes was monitored as was the K⁺-dependent phosphate activity of the membrane. CH₃HgCl, Hg(NO₃)₂, CdCl₂, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), paraoxon, acrylamide and Kepone were the test chemicals whose effects were studied.

CH₃HgCl, Hg(NO₃)₂ and Kepone had the greatest inhibitory effects on NE and 5HT uptake. The concentrations producing 50 percent inhibition (IC₅₀) were 1.4 x 10 …

Optimum Enzyme Treatment For Liberation And Assay Of Pantothenic Acid In Blood, Jan Pearson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A great deal of variability has been evident in reported pantothenic acid blood values. The purpose of the study was to establish optimum enzyme treatment for liberation and assay of pantothenic acid in blood and sera.

There were eight major findings. First, it was found that there was an active pantetheinase in sera, negating the need for hog kidney peptidase or pigeon liver enzyme in whole blood. The second finding (related to the first) indicated that there was significant autolysis of the peptidase bond between the pantothenic acid and cysteamine moieties of coenzyme A in whole blood. The third finding …

Economic Impacts Of Public Grazing Reductions In The Livestock Industry With Emphasis On Utah, Deevon Bailey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this paper was to determine the immediate impact of reductions in public grazing on livestock production in the United States. This was accomplished by the use of linear programming techniques. Different grazing reduction simulations were utilized to determine the short and long run effects of across-the-board reductions in public grazing.

The United States was divided into 13 regions. The 11 western states were considered as individual regions. Special emphasis was placed on the effects of grazing reduction on Utah. The availability and utilization of feed and livestock products during a "normal year", 1978, were considered in this …

Common Use Grazing Studies On Southern Utah Summer Range, Al F. Schlundt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two common use grazing trials were conducted during two summer grazing seasons (1978-1979) on a typical shrubby grassland site on the Kolab Terrace, about 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Cedar City, Utah, at an elevation of about 8500 feet (2600 m). Two animal units of ewes with lambs, or cows with calves, or both were stocked in each of six, one-acre (0.39 ha) pastures. A five to one substitution ratio provided two single-species and one mixed (five ewes with lambs and one cow with calf) livestock treatments replicated twice. The pastures were grazed for nine days during which time …

Reproductive Success Of The White-Faced Ibis: The Effects Of Pesticides And Colony Characteristics, Benjamin B. Steele

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Reproductive success of white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi) was measured in nine colonies on marshes in northern Utah during 1979. The effects of pesticides and characteristics of colonies and sub-colonies on reproductive success were examined.

DDE was present in all 80 eggs sampled and had a geometric mean concentration of 1.25 ppm. Shell thickness of 176 eggs was 4.3 percent below pre-1945 thickness. Shell thickness was weakly correlated with residues of DDT, DDE, Dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide. Residues of these four pesticides were all correlated with each other. However, because of the stronger correlations between shell thickness and two …

The Effects Of A Calcium Pectinate Film Upon Shrinkage, Palatability And Surface Microbial Growth On Carcasses And Selected Beef And Poultry Cuts, Clifford Arthur Stubbs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A process in which low methoxyl pectin is applied to the surface of meat carcasses and poultry to reduce shrinkage, maintain color and improve shelf life was evaluated. A 3.0 percent aqueous low methoxyl pectin (acidified with 1.4 percent acetic acid if required) was applied to beef, lamb and turkey carcasses by spraying and caused to form a gel coating by overspraying with a 3.5 percent calcium chloride salt solution.

Turkey carcasses treated with acidified pectin or acidified pectin after 3.0 percent acetic acid dip for 30 seconds were not significantly improved in shelf life over carcasses which were acid …

Pantothenic Acid Status In An Elderly Population, Nedra K. Christensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

There has been insufficient data available for suggesting a recommended dietary allowance for pantothenic acid in the elderly population. The purpose of this study was to determine the average dietary intake of pantothenic acid and correlate it with urinary excretions and the blood levels of this vitamin to assess the pantothenic acid status of the elderly population.

A seven day diet record was obtained from 65 non-institutionalized and 26 institutionalized persons over 65 years of age assessed to be free of chronic diseases. A 24 hour urine specimen and a fasting blood sample was obtained from each study participant. An …

Pesticide Exposure Studies: Direct And Indirect Detection Of Absorption Of 2,4-D And Pronamide Herbicides In The Guinea Pig And Occupationally Exposed Workers, Ibrahim A.R. Al-Jabery

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A simple high pressure liquid chromatography procedure was used to determine 2,4-D and pronamide exposure in spraymen and their dermal absorption and excretion in guinea pigs.

Results of dermal application of these herbicides to guinea pigs demonstrated a strong correlation between the applied dermal dose and the urinary residue excretion over the dosage range tested. As the dosage was increased, the urinary excretion of residues was also increased. However, the excretion of 2,4-D amine mixture following dermal treatment of guinea pigs was prolonged as compared to that of pronamide.

Residue levels of these compounds were also determined to estimate skin …

The Development Of Methodology For Gas Liquid Chromatographic Determination Of Plant Sugars In Maturing Reed Canarygrass, Allan Scott Bittner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was concerned with development of chromatographic methods suitable for determination of plant sugars. The resultant methodology was applied to the comprehensive study of plant carbohydrates as they vary during plant growth. Plant cell walls were isolated with boiling water followed by delignification with acid chlorite. The soluble portions were hydrolyzed with 2N sulfuric acid and the total sugars and individual monosaccharides were quantified using gas chromatography and colorimetry. The insoluble residues were hydrolyzed with 72% sulfuric acid followed by dilution with water to 2N and further hydrolysis. The effects of duration of delignification and acid hydrolysis were interpreted …

A Computer Simulation Study Of Blood Cholinesterase Inhibition In Parathion Treated Rats, Scott Christopher Hennes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A computer simulation model of blood cholinesterase inhibition in rats resulting from a single oral or dermal dose of parathion was developed and tested. The model consists of a set of non-linear differential equations describing the absorption, distribution and metabolism of parathion and the kinetics of inhibition and reactivation of erythrocyte and plasma cholinesterase. The equations are numerically integrated to produce the time-course of each of the cholinesterase activities of the blood. The model was tested for validity by a comparison of the activities predicted by the model to values determined experimentally in male rats. The model successfully simulated plasma …

Leptophos Metabolism In The Rat: An In Vivo Study Of Oxidative Versus Conjugative Modes Of Metabolism, David Richard Hampson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objectives of this research were to examine the metabolism in vivo of the pesticide leptophos in the rat under normal conditions and during inhibition of the mixed-function oxidases and during depletion of glutathione. Glutathione is a cofactor in the conjugation reactions of the glutathione-S-transferases. Both the mixed-function oxidase system and the glutathione-S-transferases have been shown to be important in the biotransformation of other organophosphate pesticides.

Urinary metabolites of leptophos were extracted, derivatized and subsequently analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The methods used to analyze for alkyl phosphonates were subject to several shortcomings and modifications of the original procedure were necessary. …

Evaluation Of Six Strains Of Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri) Stocked As Fingerlings In Porcupine Reservoir, Utah, Mark Hudy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Different strains of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), Ten Sleep, Sand Creek, Beitey, Shepherd-of-the-Hills, New Zealand, Fish Lake-Desmet, Desmet, were compared for survival to the creel, growth and catchability after being stocked in a fluctuating 80 ha Utah reservoir. Fish were stocked in the spring and fall as fingerlings and monitored by creel censusing, gill netting and electrofishing. Fish were tagged with coded wire snout tags prior to stocking. An angler opinion survey was conducted to determine angler satisfaction with numbers and size of fish caught.

Regardless of strain, spring stocking was superior to fall stocking in survival to …

The Effects Of Tri-O-Tolyl Phosphate (Totp) On The Immune System Of Mice, Craig R. Brinkerhoff

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

TOTP is a prevalent industrial and environmental contaminant which has been shown to be a neurotoxic agent. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of this compound on the immune system. Several techniques were employed to test the humoral as well as cellular effects. Male Swiss Webster mice were administered by gastric gavage with three doses of TOTP (5, 50, and 500 mg/kg) and one dose TMTP (50 mg/kg) in corn oil once a week for 13 weeks. Control animals were given corn oil alone.

Lymphocyte transformation was determined on cultures of splenic cells obtained from animals sacrificed at …

Habitat Manipulation For The Reestablishment Of The Utah Prairie Dog In Capitol Reef National Park, Rodney L. Player

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah prairie dogs were transplanted onto the site of a former colony located on Jones Bench in the northwestern corner of Capitol Reef National Park. Shrubs on Jones Bench were significantly taller than those found on active colonies of Ut ah prairie dogs located nearby on the Awapa Plateau. Therefore, the Jones Bench site offered an opportunity to test the hypothesis that shrub height is a major inhibitory factor on occupation of sites by prairie dogs. Four sites of 5 ha each were delimited on Jones Bench prior to the transplanting o~ animals. Vegetation treatments were carried out on three …

Characteristics And Genesis Of Some Soils Of The Upper Terraces Of Lake Bonneville, Mohammad Ali Haji Mirsadeghi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The genesis and characteristics of the Timpanogos, Hillfield, and Sterling soils and an unnamed Mollisol (soil formed on north-slope) on the east part of Cache Valley were studied in order to determine (1) why the soil morphology is not chronologically related to the geomorphic surface and (2) why different soils have developed on these surfaces, even though the soil forming factors appear similar.

The particle size distribution of the upper horizons of the Timpanogos, Hillfield, and unnamed Mollisol pedons are relatively similar. These soils developed from stratified deposits with granulimetric composition in which 75 to 90 percent of the grains …

Competencies Needed For Careers In Ornamental Horticulture In Utah, Dennis George Bahen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of the study was to present descriptive data bout the industry, determine the importance of the competencies needed for job entry, and assess the manpower needs of the ornamental horticulture industry in Utah.

The identified population of 576 ornamental horticulture enterprises was categorized into seven areas of specialization: Arborists (4.5%), Maintenance of Landscapes (10.8%), Landscape Construction (18.6%), Golf Courses (13.5%), Greenhouse Production (5.4%), Florist-Plant Shops (30.9%) and Garden Center-Nurseries (16.3%).

The data were collected by a survey-questionnaire. One hundred and sixteen ornamental horticulture enterprises responded to the survey. This amounted to 38% of the industry sampled and 20% …

Rangeland Resource Inventory Of The Six-County Area Of Utah, Verl L. Bagley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The intent of this study is to estimate rangeland acreages, forage production, and potential forage production in Utah's Six-County Area (Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne Counties). Acreages were classified by range site, climatic zone and by stage of plant community succession. Range site production data collected since 1953 by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service on Utah's rangelands provided a basis for estimating both present and potential forage production.

Carbon Isotope Ratios Of Soil Organic Matter And Their Use In Assessing Community Composition Changes In Curlew Valley, Utah, Ronald S. Dzurec

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Stable carbon isotope ratios of soils, roots and litter along transects stretching from nearly monospecific stands of Ceratoides lanata, a species possessing C₃ photosynthesis, to nearly monospecific stands of Atriplex confertifolia, a species possessing C₄ photosynthesis, were analyzed to determine if changes in the relative dominance of the shrubs have occurred in salt-desert communities. The 𝛿¹³C value , which reflects the proportion of ¹²C and ¹³C in a sample of plant tissue, can be used to distinguish between C₃ and C₄ species. Atriolex confertifolia and Ceratoides lanata have 𝛿^{13 …}

Comparison Of The Mineralogy And Morphology Of Some Cambic And Argillic Horizons In Soils Of Northern Utah, Randal Jay Southard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The mineralogy and morphology of a soil with a cambic horizon (Stingal) and a soil with an argillic horizon (Hansel), occurring in northern Utah, were studied. Pedons representing the central concept of each of the soils were sampled by genetic horizon for laboratory analyses. Particle- size distribution, calcium carbonate equivalent, cation-exchange capacity, organic carbon , and the mineralogy of the silt, coarse clay, and fine clay fractions were determined. Thin sections of the soils were examined with a petrographic microscope. Selected peds were observed using a scanning electron microscope, and elemental analyses were made with an x-ray analyzer.

The two …

Total Solar Irradiance And Weather Systems Along 40 Degrees North Latitude In The Rocky Mountains, Jeffrey A. Secrest

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study addresses the availability of total solar irradiance at the earth's surface during varying weather conditions. Two years of irradiance and meteorological data were collected at mountain and valley sites along 40° North latitude in the Rocky Mountains of Utah and Colorado.

Generalized cases of recurring seasonal weather episodes and the associated total irradiance are identified and discussed, including local mesoscale phenomena (orographic clouds, valley fog, etc.) unique to mountainous regions. The generalized cases can be useful in long-range energy assessment planning. The east and west slopes of the Rocky Mountains are shown to have similar annual average solar …

Habitat Use By Breeding Waterfowl Of Several Utah Marshes, Paul M. Suchanek

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Habitat use by waterfowl (breeding pairs and broods) of several Utah marshes was studied during 1978 and 1979. A number of ponds found on 5 different marshes located near Great Salt Lake were studied. Perimeter, area, depth, and emergent vegetative type were measured on each pond. Waterfowl use of the ponds was determined using a fixed point observation system. Multiple regression was used to analyze the relationships between the measured habitat variables and waterfowl use.

Area of the pond was the variable most strongly related to both pair and brood use. Perimeter was highly correlated to area, but a calculated …

Job Competencies, Employment Demands, And Perceived Training Needs In Production Agriculture In Utah, James O. Summers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study was limited to 165 farmers involved in various segments of production agriculture in the state of Utah. County agents and vocational agriculture teachers in each county nominated these farmers as candidates according to their respective farming operations.

The following six defined areas of production agriculture were used as selection criteria to insure equal input in the study: Beef, Dairy, Swine, Sheep, Poultry, and Crops. All farmers were surveyed by means of persona l interviews conducted by either county agents or vocational agriculture instructors in their respective counties. The surveying instrument used was developed through a thorough review of …

Evaluation Of A Wescor Dew Point Microvoltmeter Model Hr 33t For Measuring Water Activity In Foods, Ranga N. Kidambi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Wescor Dew Point Microvoltmeter, Model HR 33T, together with a Wescor C-52 sample chamber, was used to measure water activities between a_w 1.0 and a_w 0.60. Because of temperature gradient problems, the sample chamber was mounted in a styrofoam insulation box constructed so that the chamber could be opened and the sample replaced while it remained inside the closed insulation box. The standard psychrometric procedure was used for samples with a_w between 1 and 0.94. A modified procedure was used for samples dryer than a_w 0.94. The sample chamber was first loaded with water, and …