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2011

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Articles 931 - 960 of 1064

Full-Text Articles in Biology

On The Theory Of Evolution Versus The Concept Of Evolution: Three Observations, Guillermo Paz-Y-Miño C, Avelina Espinosa Jan 2011

On The Theory Of Evolution Versus The Concept Of Evolution: Three Observations, Guillermo Paz-Y-Miño C, Avelina Espinosa

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Here we address three misconceptions stated by Rice et al. in their observations of our article Paz-y-Miño and Espinosa (Evo Edu Outreach 2:655–675, 2009), published in this journal. The five authors titled their note “The Theory of Evolution is Not an Explanation for the Origin of Life.” First, we argue that it is fallacious to believe that because the formulation of the theory of evolution, as conceived in the 1800s, did not include an explanation for the origin of life, nor of the universe, the concept of evolution would not allow us to hypothesize the possible beginnings of …


Improving Understanding Of Endocrine-Active Compounds In Pulp And Paper Mill Condensates Using A Mummichog (Fundulus Heteroclitus) Bioassay, Robert John Gary Rutherford Jan 2011

Improving Understanding Of Endocrine-Active Compounds In Pulp And Paper Mill Condensates Using A Mummichog (Fundulus Heteroclitus) Bioassay, Robert John Gary Rutherford

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Since the late 1990s an investigation of cause (IOC) study at Irving Pulp and Paper Ltd (IPP), a bleached kraft mill in Saint John, NB, Canada, has successfully identified an in-mill waste stream (5th effect evaporator condensates) as containing endocrine disrupting substances (EDSs). These EDSs affect levels of reproductive steroids in a native estuarine fish, the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). To confirm the minimal concentration at which whole condensates impact reproductive endpoints, adult mummichog were exposed to 2% and 4% (v/v) whole condensates for 14 days. Plasma testosterone was significantly depressed in males in the 4% (v/v) treatment, confirming …


Protein Replacement Therapy Partially Corrects The Cholesterol-Storage Phenotype In A Mouse Model Of Niemann-Pict Type C2 Disease, Gitte Krogh Nielsen, Frederik Dagnaes-Hansen, Ida Elisabeth Holm, Steve Meaney, Derek Symula, Niels Trolle Andersen, Christian Wurtz Heegaard Jan 2011

Protein Replacement Therapy Partially Corrects The Cholesterol-Storage Phenotype In A Mouse Model Of Niemann-Pict Type C2 Disease, Gitte Krogh Nielsen, Frederik Dagnaes-Hansen, Ida Elisabeth Holm, Steve Meaney, Derek Symula, Niels Trolle Andersen, Christian Wurtz Heegaard

Articles

Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) disease is a fatal autosomal recessive neurovisceral degenerative disorder characterized by late endosomal-lysosomal sequestration of low-density lipoprotein derived cholesterol. The breach in intracellular cholesterol homeostasis is caused by deficiency of functional NPC2, a soluble sterol binding protein targeted to the lysosomes by binding the mannose-6-phosphate receptor. As currently there is no effective treatment for the disorder, we have investigated the efficacy of NPC2 replacement therapy in a murine gene-trap model of NPC2-disease generated on the 129P2/OlaHsd genetic background. NPC2 was purified from bovine milk and its functional competence assured in NPC2-deficient fibroblasts using the specific cholesterol …


Quantification Of Unfractionated Heparin In Human Plasma And Whole Blood By Means Of Novel Fluorogenic Anti-Fxa Assays, Vanessa Castro-Lopez, Leanne F. Harris, James S. O'Donnell, Anthony J. Killard Jan 2011

Quantification Of Unfractionated Heparin In Human Plasma And Whole Blood By Means Of Novel Fluorogenic Anti-Fxa Assays, Vanessa Castro-Lopez, Leanne F. Harris, James S. O'Donnell, Anthony J. Killard

Articles

Novel and sensitive plate-based fluorogenic anti-factor Xa (FXa) assays were investigated to quantify unfractionated heparin (UFH) in human plasma and whole blood within the therapeutic ranges of 0–1.6 U/mL and 0–0.8 U/mL, respectively. Two fluorogenic anti-FXa assay methods were defined for low (0–0.6 U/mL) and high (0.6–1.2 U/mL) pharmacologically relevant UFH concentration ranges in pooled human plasma. In both cases significant differences were observed at intervals of 0.2 U/mL (P < 0.05). The semi-logarithmic plots of the calibration curves in the low and high UFH range were both fitted to linear regressions with correlation coefficients of 0.96 and >0.99, respectively. The assay was also optimized for whole blood which was capable of differentiating UFH concentrations at intervals of 0.2 U/mL (P < 0.05) in the range of 0–0.4 U/mL. The statistically different results were fitted to a linear regression with a correlation coefficient of >0.99. The results obtained in this study …


Analysis Of The Performance Of Peanut Fame In A Single Cylinder Idi Engine And Investigations Of Neat Methyl Ester Influence On Fuel Quality, Jeffery Lewis Jan 2011

Analysis Of The Performance Of Peanut Fame In A Single Cylinder Idi Engine And Investigations Of Neat Methyl Ester Influence On Fuel Quality, Jeffery Lewis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Author's abstract: To meet evolving standards set forth by the U.S. EPA and U.S. Energy Policy it is necessary to consider a variety of feedstock for biofuels synthesis and to understand the role individual fatty acids contribute to the overall performance. It is the belief of the authors that excess peanut production would provide an excellent source for high quality biodiesel feedstock, and the complete property and combustion analysis of the fatty acid components will provide insight for future biofuel developments. The preliminary investigations of the project focused on the combustion performance and thermal efficiency of peanut FAME and its …


The Ecology Of Disturbances And Global Change In The Montane Grasslands Of The Nilgiris, South India, Madhusudan P. Srinivasan Jan 2011

The Ecology Of Disturbances And Global Change In The Montane Grasslands Of The Nilgiris, South India, Madhusudan P. Srinivasan

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Biodiversity rich regions worldwide face threats from various global change agents. This research quantifies environmental influences on vegetation, and the impacts of exotic woody plant invasion and anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition in a global biodiversity hotspot. The study was conducted in the montane grasslands of the Nilgiris, Western Ghats, and outlines potential management options for this region. Specifically, I examined (1) the role of environmental factors in influencing native plant distribution and ecosystem properties, (2) the status and impact of exotic shrub (Scotch broom, henceforth broom) invasion, (3) the role of disturbances in the success of broom, (4) the role …


Phenolic Constituents From Garcinia Intermedia And Related Species, Ulyana Muñoz Acuña Jan 2011

Phenolic Constituents From Garcinia Intermedia And Related Species, Ulyana Muñoz Acuña

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Antioxidants from plants scavenge free radicals and prevent reactive oxygen species from having damaging effects in common ailments such as inflammation, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. As part of our ongoing studies of antioxidants from tropical edible fruits, we have studied Garcinia intermedia (Pittier) Hammel [synonym: Rheedia edulis (Seem.) Planch. & Triana], native to Central America. In the fruits the following compounds were identified: guttiferone A, guttiferone E, xanthochymol, fukugetin, volkensiflavone and fukugeside. A new compound was tentatively identified in the fruits of this species. The antioxidant activity of guttiferone A in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was IC50 = 46 μM. …


The Role Of The Nr4a Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nor1 In Vascular Cells And Atherosclerosis, Yue Zhao Jan 2011

The Role Of The Nr4a Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nor1 In Vascular Cells And Atherosclerosis, Yue Zhao

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The neuron-derived orphan receptor 1 (NOR1) belongs to the NR4A nuclear receptor subfamily. As an immediate early response gene, NOR1 is rapidly induced by a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological signals. Functional studies demonstrate NOR1 as a constitutively active ligand-independent nuclear receptor whose transcriptional activity is dependent on both expression level and posttranslational modifications. To date, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated a pivotal role of NOR1 in the transcriptional control of metabolism and the development of cardiovascular diseases.

In this dissertation, we demonstrate NOR1 expression in endothelial cells and sub-endothelial cells of human atherosclerotic lesions. In response …


Effects Of Corticosterone And Ethanol Co-Exposure On Hippocampal Toxicity: Potential Role For The Nmda Nr2b Subunit, Tracy Renee Butler Jan 2011

Effects Of Corticosterone And Ethanol Co-Exposure On Hippocampal Toxicity: Potential Role For The Nmda Nr2b Subunit, Tracy Renee Butler

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure produces neuroadaptations within the NMDA receptor system and alterations in HPA axis functioning that contribute to neurodegeneration during ethanol withdrawal (EWD). Chronic EtOH exposure and EWD, as well as corticosteroids, also promote increased synthesis and release of polyamines, which allosterically potentiate NMDA receptor open-channel time at the NR2B subunit. The current studies investigated effects of 10 day EtOH and corticosterone (CORT) co-exposure on toxicity during EWD in rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, and alterations in function and/or density of the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor that may mediate CORT-potentiation of toxicity during EWD. We hypothesized …


Gene Expression Regulators Lin-11 And Let-711, In Modulating The Rate Of Aging And Lifespan, In C. Elegans., Tseten Yeshi Jamling Jan 2011

Gene Expression Regulators Lin-11 And Let-711, In Modulating The Rate Of Aging And Lifespan, In C. Elegans., Tseten Yeshi Jamling

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

lin-11 and let-711 are early-developmental gene expression regulators with no previously known roles in aging regulation. Yet, they show strong aging-correlated expression profiles (Lund, Tedesco et al. 2002). lin-11 is strongly upregulated in very old worm populations, and let-711 is progressively downregulated in aging worm populations. Microarray studies were performed to identify their genome-wide targets, which were then subjected to further lifespan and genetic analysis to investigate their role in C. elegans aging.

The results indicate that the target pools of both lin-11 and let-711 are enriched for aging genes, since a significant number of tested genes increased lifespan. This …


Evaluation Of The Antioxidant And Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities Of Arnebia Densiflora Ledeb., İlkay Orhan, F. Sezer Şenol, Ufuk Koca, Tuğba Erçeti̇n, Gülnur Toker Jan 2011

Evaluation Of The Antioxidant And Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities Of Arnebia Densiflora Ledeb., İlkay Orhan, F. Sezer Şenol, Ufuk Koca, Tuğba Erçeti̇n, Gülnur Toker

Turkish Journal of Biology

Arnebia densiflora Ledeb. (Boraginaceae), a medicinal plant growing in Turkey, has been reported to contain a well-known red pigment, shikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative. In the current study, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of the root, stem, and flowers of the plant, as well as shikonin, were investigated. AChE inhibition was tested using an ELISA microplate reader at 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 µg mL^{-1}. Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test and the Fe+2-ferrozine test system for metal chelating power. The results indicated that the …


Chromosome Aberrations Induced By Curcumin And Aloin In Allium Cepa L. Root Meristem Cells, Loganathan Palanikumar, Irulappan Ragunathan, Natarajan Panneerselvam Jan 2011

Chromosome Aberrations Induced By Curcumin And Aloin In Allium Cepa L. Root Meristem Cells, Loganathan Palanikumar, Irulappan Ragunathan, Natarajan Panneerselvam

Turkish Journal of Biology

To date, a variety of plant compounds have been studied extensively with regard to anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-genotoxic activity. Nevertheless, very few of them have been studied in terms of clastogenicity. In the present study the clastogenic activity of curcumin (the active component of turmeric) and aloin (the active component of aloe) was evaluated at doses of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 µg/mL for 4, 8, and 12 h. Both curcumin and aloin had significant dose- and time-dependent clastogenic effects on the test plant system (Allium cepa L.). Compared to curcumin, aloin was more clastogenic. Clastogenic activity was …


Isolation And Identification Of Trichoderma Species From Different Habitats And Their Use For Bioconversion Of Solid Waste, Ahsanur Rahman, Most. Ferdousi Begum, Matiur Rahman, M. A. Bari, G.N.M. Illias, M. Firoz Alam Jan 2011

Isolation And Identification Of Trichoderma Species From Different Habitats And Their Use For Bioconversion Of Solid Waste, Ahsanur Rahman, Most. Ferdousi Begum, Matiur Rahman, M. A. Bari, G.N.M. Illias, M. Firoz Alam

Turkish Journal of Biology

The native population of Trichoderma species collected from different habitats was quantified and characterised. The identified strains are T. harzianum (IMI-392432, 392433, 392434); T. pseudokoningii (IMI-392431) and T. virens (IMI-392430). Out of five strains, T. harzianum was the most common in all of the habitats. Colony forming units (cfu's) of Trichoderma species varied significantly (P = 0.05) in different habitats and were positively correlated with the physico-chemical characteristics of the habitat. Trichoderma was found to have adapted to an acidic habitat. In testing for an efficient bioconversion agent, T. harzianum (IMI-392432) was found to be the most effective in kitchen …


The Antioxidant And Dna Protection Potential Of Indian Tribal Medicinal Plants, Gunjan Guha, Venkatadri Rajkumar, Lazar Mathew, Rangasamy Ashok Kumar Jan 2011

The Antioxidant And Dna Protection Potential Of Indian Tribal Medicinal Plants, Gunjan Guha, Venkatadri Rajkumar, Lazar Mathew, Rangasamy Ashok Kumar

Turkish Journal of Biology

Prevention and treatment of various degenerative diseases using traditional medicines is increasingly generating interest, especially in geriatric clinical research. This study aimed to evaluate the free-radical scavenging properties and potential to prevent DNA damage (from oxidative stress) of 56 extracts (polar and non-polar) from 14 medicinal plants (from 12 families) used by diverse Indian tribes and ethnic groups. Although widely known for traditional uses, these plants have not been extensively used for clinical purposes. Scavenging of DPPH^{\bullet} radical by all the extracts was evaluated to estimate their antioxidant potential and rank them accordingly. Extracts occupying the top 10 ranks were …


Spectrum And Frequency Of Macromutations Induced In Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.), Aijaz A. Wani Jan 2011

Spectrum And Frequency Of Macromutations Induced In Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.), Aijaz A. Wani

Turkish Journal of Biology

The present investigation was undertaken to study the frequency and spectrum of morphological mutants induced by gamma rays and EMS in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The seeds of 2 varieties of chickpea, Pusa-212 and Pusa-372, were treated with gamma rays (150 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, and 400 Gy), EMS (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%) and combination treatments (200Gy+0.2%EMS, 300Gy+0.2%EMS, 200Gy+0.3%EMS, and 300 Gy+0.3%EMS). The M2 population was carefully screened for various viable macromutations. A wide spectrum of viable morphological mutations affecting almost all parts of the plant were isolated in the M2 generation. The most striking mutants isolated included …


Total Phenolic Contents And Antioxidant Activities Of Prangos Lindl. (Umbelliferae) Species Growing In Konya Province (Turkey), Jehad Ahmed, Ayşegül Güvenç, Nurgün Küçükboyaci, Ayşe Baldemi̇r, Maksut Coşkun Jan 2011

Total Phenolic Contents And Antioxidant Activities Of Prangos Lindl. (Umbelliferae) Species Growing In Konya Province (Turkey), Jehad Ahmed, Ayşegül Güvenç, Nurgün Küçükboyaci, Ayşe Baldemi̇r, Maksut Coşkun

Turkish Journal of Biology

Prangos species are widely used as medicinal plants in Turkey, and 14 species of this genus grow naturally in Anatolia. In the present study, the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the water and methanol (MeOH) extracts obtained from the root, herb, and fruits of 4 species of Prangos (Prangos ferulacea, P. heyniae, P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and P. uechtritzii) collected in Konya province were compared. The phenolic contents of the samples were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol reagent. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were studied by qualitative DPPH^. (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) assay to detect the free radical scavenging activity and by …


Molecular Cloning, Characterization, And Expression Analysis Of A Gene Encoding A Ran Binding Protein (Ranbp) In Cucumis Melo L., Mehmet Cengi̇z Baloğlu, Florence Negre-Zakharov, Hüseyi̇n Avni̇ Öktem, Ayşe Meral Yücel Jan 2011

Molecular Cloning, Characterization, And Expression Analysis Of A Gene Encoding A Ran Binding Protein (Ranbp) In Cucumis Melo L., Mehmet Cengi̇z Baloğlu, Florence Negre-Zakharov, Hüseyi̇n Avni̇ Öktem, Ayşe Meral Yücel

Turkish Journal of Biology

Ran binding proteins (RanBPs) are highly conserved members of the GTP-binding protein family that are involved in nuclear protein export between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In this study, a CmRanBP gene from a melon was isolated (Cucumis melo L.) using the RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) method. The 778 basepair long melon, with a RanBP cDNA encoding consisting of 197 amino acids (22.2 kDa protein), was characterized (GenBank accession no: EU853459). The predicted amino acid sequence of CmRanBP was found to be 70% identical to VvRanBP, PtRanBP, and RcRanBP from Vitis vinifera, Populus trichocarpa, and Ricinus communis, respectively. …


Biochemical Response Of Olea Europaea Cv. Gemlik To Short-Term Salt Stress, Mehmet Ali̇ Demi̇ral, Deni̇z Aktaş Uygun, Murat Uygun, Erkan Kasirğa, Ari̇fe Alev Karagözler Jan 2011

Biochemical Response Of Olea Europaea Cv. Gemlik To Short-Term Salt Stress, Mehmet Ali̇ Demi̇ral, Deni̇z Aktaş Uygun, Murat Uygun, Erkan Kasirğa, Ari̇fe Alev Karagözler

Turkish Journal of Biology

One-year-old olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Gemlik) seedlings were exposed to increasing levels of salinity in pot culture. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 6 replicates. Dry matter (DM) percentage, sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) concentrations, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, reducing power (RP), total phenolic content (TPC), and proline (PRO) content were determined in the leaves of the plants. The results showed that the olive plant used physiological and biochemical mechanisms consecutively to alleviate the effects of salt stress. The type of mechanism used was related to the severity of the salt stress. Salinity-induced …


Biochemical Identification And Numerical Taxonomy Of Aeromonas Spp. Isolated From Food Samples In Turkey, Belgi̇n Erdem, Ergi̇n Kari̇ptaş, Eli̇f Çi̇l, Kami̇l Işik Jan 2011

Biochemical Identification And Numerical Taxonomy Of Aeromonas Spp. Isolated From Food Samples In Turkey, Belgi̇n Erdem, Ergi̇n Kari̇ptaş, Eli̇f Çi̇l, Kami̇l Işik

Turkish Journal of Biology

Numerical taxonomy was used to analyze phenotypic data obtained from 126 new isolates of Aeromonas strains taken from red meat, raw chicken, minced meat, and fish samples. Each strain was tested for 86 characters but only the final data including 63 characters were analysed using the S_{SM} coefficients and the UPGMA clustering algorithm. At S_{SM} values of => 83%, the strains clustered into 10 aggregate groups consisting of 7 major (5 and up strains) and 3 minor (2-4 strains), and 5 single member clusters, each of which was identified as A. hydrophila, A. caviae, and A. sobria, respectively. It was …


Numerical Classification Of Streptomycetes Isolated From Karstic Caves In Turkey, Mustafa Yamaç, Kami̇l Işik, Nevzat Şahi̇n Jan 2011

Numerical Classification Of Streptomycetes Isolated From Karstic Caves In Turkey, Mustafa Yamaç, Kami̇l Işik, Nevzat Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Biology

In the present study, a total of 290 actinomycetes isolates were obtained from 19 karstic caves in Turkey. Out of these, 131 were chosen for numerical classification studies according to their morphology and pigmentation properties. Representative isolates were compared with the reference Streptomyces strains based on their various taxonomic characteristics such as biochemical, physiological, nutritional, and morphological, totalling 134 unit characters. The data were evaluated using simple matching coefficients (S_{SM}), and clustering achieved using the Complete algorithm by X-Taxon and NTSys-pc programs. The test strains were assigned to 9 major (5-11 strains), 18 minor (2-4 strains), and 31 single membered …


Preliminary Studies On Antiinflammatory, Antipyretic, And Antidiarrhoeal Properties Of Evolvulus Alsinoides, U.M.Dhana Lekshmi, P.Neelakanta Reddy Jan 2011

Preliminary Studies On Antiinflammatory, Antipyretic, And Antidiarrhoeal Properties Of Evolvulus Alsinoides, U.M.Dhana Lekshmi, P.Neelakanta Reddy

Turkish Journal of Biology

The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Evolvulus alsinoides L. (Convolvulaceae) was investigated for antiinflammatory, antipyretic and antidiarrhoeal properties in female albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out to confirm the presence of active chemical constituents in the plant extract, and the result showed a positive report for the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. The pharmacological result showed that the ethanolic extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight caused a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of hyperpyrexia induced by Brewer's yeast in rats. The extract also elicited marked antidiarrhoeal activity against castor oil-induced diarrhoea at a dose of 500 mg/kg. This study has proved scientifically the ancient claim that the whole plant of Evolvulus alsinoides has antiinflammatory, antipyretic and antidiarrhoeal activities.


Investigation Of Legionella Pneumophila And Free Living Amoebas In The Domestic Hot Water Systems In İstanbul, Di̇lara Meryem Burak, Zuhal Zeybek Jan 2011

Investigation Of Legionella Pneumophila And Free Living Amoebas In The Domestic Hot Water Systems In İstanbul, Di̇lara Meryem Burak, Zuhal Zeybek

Turkish Journal of Biology

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila), known to cause legionnaires' disease, has been found in various aquatic environments and man-made water systems. Free living amoebas (FLAs) live in the same environments and can cause infections such as encephalitis, keratitis. Moreover, FLAs play a major role in L. pneumophila transmission. In the present study, the presence of L. pneumophila and FLAs was examined in water and swab samples obtained from shower heads (hot water) in 61 houses in İstanbul. Nonnutrient agar (NNA) was used for isolation of FLAs in all samples and buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE) agar with addition of glycine, vancomycine, …


Utilization Of Cytochrome Oxidase I In Cephus Pygmeus (L.) (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), Ertan Mahi̇r Korkmaz, Mahi̇r Budak, Hasan Hüseyi̇n Başibüyük Jan 2011

Utilization Of Cytochrome Oxidase I In Cephus Pygmeus (L.) (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), Ertan Mahi̇r Korkmaz, Mahi̇r Budak, Hasan Hüseyi̇n Başibüyük

Turkish Journal of Biology

The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene region of Cephus pygmeus (L.) (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) was characterized at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. The partial sequence (687 bp) of the gene was determined and compared with other cephids and insect species at both the nucleic acid and amino acid sequence levels. The examined fragment was placed at an equal distance to both ends of the gene and consisted of 13 structural regions. The 5' end of the partial COI gene was more informative than the 3' end at the intraspecific level. Pairwise sequence divergences ranged from 0.15% to 1.17% at …


The Effects Of Leptin Hormone On Locomotor Activity In Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus Auratus), Bülent Gündüz, Alper Karakaş Jan 2011

The Effects Of Leptin Hormone On Locomotor Activity In Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus Auratus), Bülent Gündüz, Alper Karakaş

Turkish Journal of Biology

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) generates and controls the circadian rhythms in mammals including the rhythm of locomotor activity. Leptin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue that informs the brain about the fat stores. SCN neurons express leptin receptors. Here we investigated the effects of 3 different leptin administrations on the locomotor activity of the Syrian hamsters maintained in constant darkness. Animals were intraperitoneally (ip) injected (4 µg/kg), subcutaneously (sc) infused (4 µg/kg), or intra-SCN infused (0.4 µg/kg) with leptin for 3 days at circadian time 10 whereas the controls received saline (0.9% NaCl) at the same time in order …


The Vocal Behaviors Of North American River Otters (Lontra Canadensis) Individual Differences And Shared Repertoires, Carla Almonte Jan 2011

The Vocal Behaviors Of North American River Otters (Lontra Canadensis) Individual Differences And Shared Repertoires, Carla Almonte

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The current information on the vocal repertoire of the North American River Otter is very limited. To date there have been no direct studies conducted on their repertories. In this study, I examined the vocal behavior of 12 captive river otters. The discriminant function analysis suggests that river otters have 4 distinct call types with 7 sub-call types and one call the whistle is unique to one group of pups. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis comparing acoustical structures shows strong evidence for the presence of individuality with some individuals showing greater differences in comparison to the others. I also examined …


Genetic, Morphological And Ecological Relationships Among Populations Of The Clam Shrimp, Caenestheriella Gynecia, Jonelle Orridge Jan 2011

Genetic, Morphological And Ecological Relationships Among Populations Of The Clam Shrimp, Caenestheriella Gynecia, Jonelle Orridge

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Little is known about the ecology of the clam shrimp, Caenestheriella gynecia. Caenestheriella gynecia was first discovered in 1939 in a single pool in Oxford, Ohio. Schmidt and Kiviat (2007) reported four new localities of C. gynecia in New York and New Jersey, three within the Hudson Valley of New York and one in northeastern New Jersey. Caenestheriella gynecia may have originated from a very small founder population due possibly to unusual dispersal vectors from its natural range to the west, in Ohio. Egg samples and hatched individuals were obtained from all study sites and specimens were raised in …


The Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Inositol Pathway Mutants, Daniel Antonio Colon Hidalgo, Marlene Murray-Nseula Jan 2011

The Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids On Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Inositol Pathway Mutants, Daniel Antonio Colon Hidalgo, Marlene Murray-Nseula

Honors Theses

Bipolar disease is a severe and chronic debilitating mental disorder affecting 1-3% of the population. Omega-3-fatty acids have been shown to relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder and are not associated with the negative side effects of lithium and valproate, two of the commonly used drugs for treating this condition. The mechanism of action of omega-3-fatty acids remains unknown. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine if, like lithium and valproate, omega-3-fatty acids affect inositol metabolism. This was accomplished by investigating the effect of the omega-3-fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA) on the growth of inositol pathway mutants. To measure …


Mutation Of The Hof1 Pest Domain Affects Cytokinesis In Budding Yeast, Katherine E. Stockstill Jan 2011

Mutation Of The Hof1 Pest Domain Affects Cytokinesis In Budding Yeast, Katherine E. Stockstill

Masters Theses

"Cytokinesis is the division of a cell into two daughter cells. Cytokinesis failure results in polyploidy, which may contribute to tumorigenesis or cause cell death. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein Hof1, which is required for efficient cytokinesis, is phosphorylated during mitosis. The hypothesis that MEN (mitotic exit network) dependent phosphorylation regulates Hof1 degradation, triggering completion of cytokinesis was tested. Hof1 contains a PEST sequence, which is rich in proline, glutamic acid, serine, and threonine, and is believed to be involved in protein degradation. To test the hypothesis, we created two non-phosphorylatable mutants of the Hof1 PEST domain tagged with GFP. The …


Assessing The Effects Of Pollutant Exposure On Sharks: A Biomarker Approach, Christina J. Walker Jan 2011

Assessing The Effects Of Pollutant Exposure On Sharks: A Biomarker Approach, Christina J. Walker

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Many hydrophobic environmental pollutants have been shown to bioaccumulate and biomagnify at high levels in sharks due to their high liver lipid content, high trophic level, and life history characteristics. Studies have demonstrated that the levels of pollutants present in shark tissues can not only exceed the recommended levels for human consumption, but that, in some cases, they are also greater than the threshold for physiological effect in other aquatic species. However, few studies to date have investigated the biological effect of environmental exposure to contaminants in sharks. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate, through the use …


Characterization Of Basigin And The Interaction Between Embigin And Monocarboxylate Transporter-1, -2, And -4 (Mct1, Mct2, Mct4) In The Mouse Brain, L Nicole Little Jan 2011

Characterization Of Basigin And The Interaction Between Embigin And Monocarboxylate Transporter-1, -2, And -4 (Mct1, Mct2, Mct4) In The Mouse Brain, L Nicole Little

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Basigin and Embigin are members of the immunoglobulin superfamily that function as cell adhesion molecules. Studies of Basigin null mice revealed reproductive sterility, increased pain sensitivity, and blindness. It is thought that the mechanism causing blindness involves misexpression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in the absence of Basigin. It is known that the transmembrane domain of Basigin interacts with MCT1. In the absence of Basigin, MCT1 does not localize to the plasma membrane of expressing cells and photoreceptor function is disrupted. Studies of the Basigin null mouse brain suggest that MCT1 is properly expressed, which suggests a separate mechanism causes …