Life Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Bacterial Inoculants On The Fermentation, Aerobic Stability And Rumen Degradability Characteristics Of Wheat Silages, Eki̇n Sucu, İsmai̇l Fi̇lya

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was carried out to determine the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants on the fermentation, aerobic stability and in situ rumen degradability characteristics of wheat silages. Wheat was harvested at the early dough stage. Inoculant-1188 (Pioneer^{®}, USA) and Sil-All (Alltech, UK) were used as LAB inoculants. Inoculants were applied to silages at 1.5 x 10^6 cfu/g levels. Wheat material was ensiled in 1.5-l special anaerobic jars, equipped with a lid enabling gas release only. Three jars from each group were sampled for chemical and microbiological analysis 2, 4, 8, 15 and 50 days after ensiling. At the …

Effect Of The Hatching Month As An Environmental Factor On The Hatching Features Of Bronze Turkeys, Mahi̇ye Özçeli̇k, Harun Ceri̇t, Fi̇kri̇ye Ekmen, İsmet Doğan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hatching month on the hatching features of Bronze turkeys, and to determine the suitable months for hatching. For this purpose, the hatching records of Bronze turkeys raised in the Bingöl Beekeeping and Turkey Production Station from 1998 to 2003 were used. Egg fertility and hatchability of both total eggs and of fertile eggs were investigated, and it was found that the effect of hatching month on all 3 variables was statistically significant. The results regarding all 3 variables were lower in June as compared to the other months investigated. …

In Vitro Effects Of Prostaglandin F_{2a} And Metamizol On The Motility Of Diluted Bull Semen, İzzet Karahan, Gaffari̇ Türk, Seyfetti̇n Gür

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The purpose of the present study was to investigate in vitro effects of prostaglandin F_2 alpha (PGF_{2a}) and metamizol on the motility of diluted bull semen during short-term storage at 4 ºC. In this study, 3 healthy adult Brown-Swiss bulls, each 3 years old, were used. Semen samples were collected with an artificial vagina. Samples were taken from each bull twice a week over the course of 3 weeks (6 samples per bull). One millilitre of semen was removed from each sample for the determination of semen volume, mass activity, initial motility, sperm concentration, and abnormal sperm rate. The remainder …

Serological Detection Of Listeriosis At A Farm, M. Kazim Börkü, Kerem Ural, Serkal Gazyağci, Yunusemre Özkanlar, Cahi̇t Babür, Selçuk Kiliç

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Sera of 50 goats, 3 horses, 1 dog, and 6 herdsmen were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against Listeria monocytogenes by the Osebold agglutination assay on a commercial farm in Akyurt, Ankara. Some of the goats exhibited clinical signs such as apathy, unilateral facial paralysis, incoordination, and abortion. Of the goat samples, 23 (46%) were seropositive and 10 (20%) were at the level of the suspected titer and 17 (34%) were below the cut-off titer in this assay. All horses, the dog and 5 herdsmen were seropositive. The analysis of cerebro-spinal fluid, taken from an agonic goat whose antibody …

Growth Performance And Metabolic Profile Of Chios Lambs Prevented From Colostrum Intake And Artificially Reared On A Calf Milk Replacer, Kemal Öztabak, Aysel Özpinar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of artificial rearing on growth performance and metabolism of lambs as measured by some key blood metabolite parameters. A total of 20 Chios lambs were used. Newborn twin and triplet lambs were divided into 2 groups. The first-born lambs of twins or triplets formed the artificially reared (AR) group. The other lambs formed the ewe-reared (ER) group. Blood samples were taken from lambs of both groups during the first 24 h after birth and at weeks 1, 2, and 3. Effects of rearing method on plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea, …

The Effects Of Different Light Intensities On Early Life Development Of Sharpsnout Seabream (Diplodus Puntazzo, Cetti, 1777) Larvae, Ali̇ Yildirim Korkut, Şahi̇n Saka, Kürşat Firat

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The effect of different levels of illumination in the early life development stage of sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) larvae was examined. It was determined that illumination affected the relationships between total length and digestive tube length, total length and oil globule volume, and total length and yolk sac volume. The difference in the development of total length of the larvae kept in the dark and in other lighting conditions (30-450 lx) was significant (P < 0.05); however, it was determined that digestive tube development, yolk sac utilisation, and oil globule absorption differences of the larvae were not significant (P > 0.05). As for the covariance test, while the relationship between total length and oil globule volume was not significantly (P > 0.05) different between Group A (dark) …

The Effect Of Emamectin Benzoate In The Control Of Lernanthropus Kroyeri (Van Beneden, 1851) (Lernanthropidae) Infestations In Cultured Sea Bass, Dicentrarchus Labrax (Linnaeus, 1758), Erol Tokşen, Haşmet Çağirgan, Tansel T. Tanrikul, Hülya Saygi

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Five different dose groups were formed to evaluate the efficacy of emamectin benzoate as a treatment for Lernanthropus kroyeri (van Beneden, 1851) infestation in cultured sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L.). Emamectin benzoate was administered in-feed at doses of 0 (control), 10, 25, 50, and 100 µg kg^{-1} biomass day-1 for 7 consecutive days. Parasites were counted on days 7, 14, and 21, and comparisons were made to untreated control fish. Seawater temperature was 16-16.5 °C. Treatment with emamectin benzoate was effective against larval and mature stages of L. kroyeri. The number of L. kroyeri in the control fish increased by …

Virulence Factors Of Enterococcus Faecium And Enterococcus Faecalis Strains Isolated From Humans And Pets, Ti̇mur Gülhan, Abdulbaki̇ Aksakal, İsmai̇l Hakki Eki̇n, Serap Savaşan, Banur Boynukara

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The virulence factors of 146 Enterococcus faecium and 32 Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from faecal samples of humans, dogs, and cats were investigated. In total, 178 strains were examined by gelatinase (GelE), aggregation substance (AS), cytolysin, and slide haemagglutination tests. The results of detected virulence factors of E. faecium and E. faecalis strains were: GelE: 17.1% vs. 37.5%; AS: 13% vs. 12.5%; cytolysin: 7.5% vs. 12.5%; haemagglutination activities with rabbit erythrocytes: 9.6% vs. 9.4%; haemagglutination activities with human erythrocytes: 17.1% vs. 21.9%, respectively.

Determination Of Optimum Pre-Slaughter Feed Withdrawal Time In Broiler Chickens And Its Effect On Meat Yield, Microbiological Composition Of Gut Content And Microbiological Quality Of The Carcass, Erol Şengör, Mehmet Yardimci, Belgi̇n Siriken, Zehra A. Bozkurt, Mustafa Tekerli̇, Beytullah Kenar, E. Hesna Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study aimed to determine the optimum time of pre-slaughter feed withdrawal for broiler chickens to maintain profitable and hygienic meat production and to determine its effect on the meat yield, microbiological structure of gut content and microbiological quality of the carcass. A total of 100 birds were allocated to 4 identical 2 m^2 pens in a commercial broiler house, each pen housing 25 birds. The feed withdrawal durations were 18 h (group 1), 12 h (group 2), 6 h (group 3) and 0 h (group 4). The percentage live weight loss increased as the feed withdrawal period increased (P < 0.05). The meat yield in group 4 was lower than that in the other groups (P < 0.05). Full gizzard weight in group 1 was lower than that in groups 3 and 4, and group 2 parameters were lower than group 4 parameters (P < 0.05). Salmonella positive carcasses numbered 1 in group 1, 1 in group 2, 0 in group 3 and 2 in group 4. The only significant difference found among the groups was for coliform bacteria. The coliform count in group 1 (7.54 ± 0.100) was significantly different from that in group 2 (7.00 ± 0.159) and group 3 (7.08 ± 0.169) (P < 0.05).

Ultrasonographic Monitoring Of Follicular Development, Ovulation And Corpora Lutea Formation In A Bitch, Kemal Eker, M. Rifat Salmanoğlu

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Follicular development, ovulation and corpora lutea formation in a bitch were monitored daily by ultrasonography using a 8-MHz linear transducer. These findings were compared with vaginal cytology and changes in the peripheral serum concentrations of oestradiol-17\beta and progesterone. The follicles were identified as anechoic spherical structures on day 6 of prooestrus. The numbers of follicles imaged on day 6 of prooestrus were 3 on the left ovary and 3 on the right ovary. The average follicular size was 0.67 ± 0.06 cm on the right ovary and 0.48 ± 0.02 cm on the left ovary during the follicular phase. Apparent …

An Analysis Of Trap And Translocation Of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoleus Virginianus) Within The Enclosed Park Area Of Duke Farms, Hillsborough, New Jersey, December 2000 To March 2003, Christopher D. Aquila

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Translocation to manage overabundant wildlife populations, (in particularly Odocoileus spp.), is generally viewed as an acceptable method of wildlife removal where more aggressive methods (i.e. hunting, sharp shooting) are not considered viable options, in heavily developed urban areas and residential subdivisions.

From December 2000 to March 2003,1 conducted a large scale White-tailed Deer 0Odocoileus virginianus) translocation study on a 259 ha (640 acres) site at Duke Farms m Hillsborough, New Jersey, a location with high public visitation, over 100 employees, and a significant building infrastructure. Subsequently at the time of the study, the site was not conducive to any of …

The Antiviral Action Of Common Household Disinfectants And Antiseptics Against Murine Hepatitis Virus, Christine Bernadette Dellanno

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) infected over 8,000 people and killed 784 leaving many questions concerning the effectiveness of common household disinfectants and antiseptics at preventing viral transmission. In order to determine how well standard disinfectants and detergents were at eliminating viral particles from surfaces, the antiviral action of triclosan, pine oil, bleach, chloroxylenol and quaternary ammonium compound/ethanol based products were assayed against Murine Hepatitis Virus (MHV), a virus genetically similar to SARS. Using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for the virucidal assay, it was determined that alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate in 79% ethanol …

The Complex Links Between Governance And Biodiversity, C. Barrett, C. Gibson, B. Hoffman, Mathew D. Mccubbins

Faculty Scholarship

We argue that two problems weaken the claims of those who link corruption and the exploitation of natural resources. The first is conceptual. Studies that use national level indicators of corruption fail to note that corruption comes in many forms, at multiple levels, and may or may not affect resource use. Without a clear causal model of the mechanism by which corruption affects resources, one should treat with caution any estimated relationship between corruption and the state of natural resources. The second problem is methodological: Simple models linking corruption measures and natural resource use typically do not account for other …

Behavioural Genetics In Criminal Cases: Past, Present And Future, Nita A. Farahany, William Bernet

Faculty Scholarship

Researchers studying human behavioral genetics have made significant scientific progress in enhancing our understanding of the relative contributions of genetics and the environment in observed variations in human behavior. Quickly outpacing the advances in the science are its applications in the criminal justice system. Already, human behavioral genetics research has been introduced in the U.S. criminal justice system, and its use will only become more prevalent. This essay discusses the recent historical use of behavioral genetics in criminal cases, recent advances in two gene variants of particular interest in the criminal law, MAOA and SLC6A4, the recent expert testimony on …

Maternal Condition And Facultative Sex Ratios In Populations With Overlapping Generations., L.E. Schwanz, J.G. Bragg, Eric Charnov

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

Facultative investment in offspring sex is related to maternal condition in many organisms. In mammals, empirical support for condition-dependent sex allocation is equivocal, and there is some doubt as to theoretical expectations. Much theory has been developed to make predictions for condition-dependent sex ratios in populations with discrete generations. However, the extension of these predictions to populations with overlapping generations (OLGs; e.g., mammals) has been limited, leaving doubt as to the specific prediction for maternal-condition-dependent sex ratios in mammals. We develop a population genetics model that incorporates maternal effects on multiple offspring fitness components in a population with OLGs. Using …

The Offspring-Size/Clutch-Size Trade-Off In Mammals., Eric Charnov, S.K.M. Ernest

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

The Smith-Fretwell model for optimal offspring size assumes the existence of an inverse proportional relationship (i.e., trade-off) between the number of offspring and the amount of resources invested in an individual offspring; virtually all of the many models derived from theirs make the same trade-off assumption. Over the last 30 years it has become apparent that the predicted proportionality is often not observed when evaluated across species. We develop a general allometric approach to correct for size-related differences in the resources available for reproduction. Using data on mammals, we demonstrate that the predicted inverse proportional relationship between number of offspring …

An Examination Of Seasonal Growth And Survivorship Of Sigmodon Hispidus In Southeastern Virginia, Heather Alyssa Green

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A reexamination of specific population dynamic aspects of Sigmodon hispidus, the hispid cotton rat, is necessary in order to gain additional knowledge and perspective on this species in its northernmost distribution on the east coast of the United States. Previous studies of Virginia cotton rats were based on data from necropsies, which do not allow for the determination of certain population characteristics, such as density, growth, and survival. General population trends and rates of growth and survival in males and females throughout the seasons in Virginia will also provide a basis for comparison with populations of cotton rats in …

Isolation And Functional Mapping Of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Tax Oncoprotein Dna-Damage Complexes, Sarah Saionz Durkin

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) is a transforming retrovirus which causes Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Cellular transformation can be caused by a single viral trans-activating protein, Tax. Tax may contribute to transformation through interaction with components of the DNA damage response pathway, promoting cellular genomic instability. We examined cellular Tax complexes in an effort to elucidate potential protein-protein interactions that can model the Tax-induced molecular events.

We also investigated the role of post-translational modification in regulating Tax function. We employed a direct physical analysis of Tax complexes isolated from mammalian …

Structure-Function Studies Of The Camp-Dependent Protein Kinase In Vitro And In Intact Cells, Gary Z. Morris

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

There are 518 protein kinase genes in the human genome; this constitutes about 1.7% of all human genes. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) serves as the prototypic model for the study of kinases because it contains a conserved catalytic core shared with all eukaryotic kinases, it is the simplest kinase, and it is one of the best-characterized serine/threonine kinases. PKA is ubiquitous in mammals and regulates multiple physiological mechanisms such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, cell motility, energy metabolism, and gene transcription through a well-defined intracellular signaling pathway. While PKA clearly has a central physiological role it is still unclear …

The Use Of Proteomic Technologies To Identify Serum Glycoproteins For The Early Detection Of Liver And Prostate Cancers, Elizabeth Ellen Schwegler

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

The application of proteomic technologies to identify serum glycoproteins is an emerging technique to identify new biomarkers indicative of disease severity. Many of these newly evolving protein-profiling methodologies have evolved from previous global protein expression profiling studies such as those involving SELDI-TOF-MS technologies. Though the SELDI approach could distinguish disease from normal by utilizing protein patterns as shown herein with the HCC study of chapter II, it was unable to offer sequence information on the selected peaks, and did not have the ability to analyze the entire dynamic range of the serum/plasma proteome. To address these deficiencies, new strategies that …

A Comparison Of Logging And Fire Disturbance On Biophysical Attributes Of The Northern Jarrah Forest, Alexander W. Watson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Ecologically sustainable forest management (ESFM) serves dual purposes: 1) to ensure the conservation of biodiversity, and 2) in production forest (forest managed for the production of timber and woodchips), to maintain an economically viable timber industry in perpetuity. A central axiom of ESFM is that any manipulation of a forest ecosystem should emulate the `natural' disturbance patterns of the forest. This is based on the assumption that forest communities have evolved with endogenous disturbance regimes and will be better able to cope if exogenous disturbance (e.g., logging) remains within natural levels and spatial and temporal bounds of intensity. The objective …

Effects Of Elevated Atmospheric Co₂ On Scrub-Oak Root Carbon Pools And Soil Microbial Processes, Alisha Lea Pagel Brown

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The levels of atmospheric CO₂ are rising and this affects the growth of plants and the ecosystems in which they reside. Plants take up additional C from the atmosphere and have potential to sequester C in the soil. I investigated the sequestration of C belowground and the microbial processes that control C retention in the soil. This study was conducted in a Florida scrub-oak ecosystem, where CO₂ levels have been elevated to twice ambient since 1996 in open top chambers. There were eight replicates of ambient CO₂ chambers and eight replicates of twice-ambient CO₂ levels. The …

Early Mediators Of Cutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: A Mouse Model, Christopher Rogers Pruitt

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic tissue injuries present an enormous problem to both patients and healthcare professionals, and yet little is definitively known as to the underlying pathophysiology. While there are numerous comorbidities associated with these wounds, a unifying theme has been proposed to be the repetitive incidence of ischemia reperfusion injury.A mouse model of cyclic ischemia reperfusion was employed to examine the initiation events in the pathology of chronic wounds. Mice were subjected to eight hours of magnetic skin compression via four cycles of two-hours ischemia and thirty minutes of reperfusion. The presence of neutrophil markers of oxidative stress and inflammation such as …

Stretch-Dependant Tonic Force Maintenance In Rabbit Epigastric Artery, Krystina Michelle Berg

Theses and Dissertations

The contractile state of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays a key role in blood pressure regulation. Abnormal VSM contractility characterizes hypertension and understanding the regulatory mechanisms of VSM may provide some insights to specific treatment of hypertension. Upon muscle stimulation, Ca2+, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, crossbridge cycling rates and force increase to high levels, but with time, force is maintained while all other parameters of muscle activation fall to low levels. Thus, contraction is divided temporally into early (phasic) and late (tonic) phases, as determined by the underlying regulatory mechanism. Muscles with more phasic characteristics have a higher peak …

Inhibition Of Margination And Diapedesis Of Neutrophils By Protein Synthesis Blockade, Phyllis V. Acquah

Theses and Dissertations

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), an age-old clinical problem facing the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units of all health systems, is a common debilitating lung condition consequent upon severe systemic inflammation. Although several studies have gone into understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease thus making way for new advances in treatment strategies, there seems to be no known study tailored to its prevention. Neutrophil extravasation within the tissues during inflammation is the hallmark of this syndrome. Our study sought to block excessive neutrophil infiltration by inhibiting the biosynthesis of some essential proteins necessary for the process. In …

Characterization Of The Rank Ligand Positive Giant Cell Found In The Interfacial Membrane, Patrick Emerson Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Aseptic osteolysis is a major complication to total joint arthroplasty requiring several thousand people a year to have to undergo revisions of their joint prosthesis. The formation of the interfacial membrane has been associated with aseptic osteolysis leading to the failure of all types of total joints. Recent evidence suggests that RANKL, a potent activator of bone reabsorption, is present in the interfacial membrane. Prior research in this laboratory to determine the source of RANKL in the interfacial membrane has revealed the presence of intense areas of RANKL concentration in the membrane. These areas of RANKL concentration correspond to multiple …

The Effects Of Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers On Mean Arterial Pressure, Arteriolar Diameter, And Nitric Oxide In The Microcirculation, Veronique C. Hionis

Theses and Dissertations

In the US today, blood transfusion is safer than ever. Nevertheless, the century-old quest for a suitable blood substitute persists. The elimination of unwanted side effects, especially transfusion-transmitted diseases, the problems and high cost factor involved in collecting and storing human blood, the pending worldwide shortages, and the need for compatibility testing are the driving forces contributing towards the development of blood substitutes. The leading research is focusing on hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), which are limited in clinical application due to the pressor effect they induce. In this study, the mechanisms through which HBOCs affect mean arterial pressure (MAP), arteriolar …

Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase Type-Ii Associates With Flightless-I To Influence Its Nuclear Localization, Matthew Edward Seward

Theses and Dissertations

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type-II (CaMK-II) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase regulated by Ca2+ and Calmodulin. It is a highly conserved and broadly expressed enzyme and has a unique structure and dynamic regulation. It has the ability to remain active in the absence of Ca 2+ as a result of Ca2+ dependent autophosphorylation. CaMK-II phospliorylates proteins involved in neurotransmitter secretion, long term potentiation, cytoskeletal dynamics, gene transcription, and cell motility. To support existing and identify new intracellular roles of CaMK-II, potential binding partners were identified. This was accomplished by transfecting and purifying "FLAG-tagged" CaMK-II's (α, βE, δC, and δE). CaMK-II associated …

The Effect Of Adding Drag-Reducing Polymers To Resuscitation Fluid During Hemorrhagic Shock On Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation, Geoffrey C. Alexander

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have shown an increase in survival when a minute amount of drag-reducing polymers were added to a resuscitation fluid. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of adding a minute amount of the drag-reducing polymer polyethylene glycol to a resuscitation fluid, on the microcirculation of skeletal muscle during a volume-controlled hemorrhage model. The spinotrapezius muscle in twelve male Sprague Dawley rats was exteriorized for microvascular measurements of the arterioles. The diameters of the three levels of arterioles, interstitial fluid PO2, and RBC velocity in the feed arteriole were measured. Flow in the feed arteriole was …

Transforming Growth Factor-Β1 (Tgf-Β1) Induces Mast Cell Apoptosis, Farnaz Norozian

Theses and Dissertations

Mast cells are potent effectors of the inflammatory response, playing an important role in atopy, bacterial immunity, and animal models of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. Hence controlling mast cell numbers and responsiveness is essential for preventing inflammatory disease. This work demonstrated that the cytokine TGF-β1 is a potent inducer of mast cell apoptosis, a finding that was consistent for cultured mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, peritoneal mast cells, and human mast cells. Cell death appeared to be the result of TGF-mediated repression of IL-3 receptor expression and function, leading to mitochondria1 damage and activation of an apoptotic cascade …