Thesis (M.S.)--University of Akron, Dept. of Biology, 2007. / "December, 2007." Title from electronic thesis title page (viewed 02/23/2008) Advisor, Francisco Moore; Co-Advisor, Brian Bagatto; Committee members, Peter Niewiarowski, Joel Duff; Department Chair, Bruce Cushing; Dean of the College, Ronald Levant; Dean of the Graduate School, George R. Newkome. Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis draws upon recent, art historical scholarship in iconography and semiotics to identify and analyze key images in an iconographic program associated with murals, paintings, and posters related to the Austin, Texas music venue, the Armadillo World Headquarters, 1970-1980. Resources include South Austin Museum of Popular Culture, the Center for American History at the University of Texas, Austin, personal communications, and publications concerning the artists, music and history of Austin and the Armadillo World Headquarters. There are five chapters as follows: Introduction, History of the Armadillo World Headquarters, Analysis of the Armadillo Mural and Freddie King Painting, Analysis of Posters for the Grand Opening and the Michael Murphey Cosmic Cowboy Concert, and Conclusion.

The acquisition of cellular adhesion machinery likely represented a key factor in the evolutionary transition from unicellular to multicellular organisms. Within metazoa, cellular adhesion is an integral aspect of organismal integrity through its regulation of a wide range of processes, including tissue patterning, cellular proliferation, and migration. As such, dysregulation of adhesion has been linked to diverse pathologies including cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. At the molecular level, adhesion is mediated by specific transmembrane cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and intracellular complexes that create a dynamic link between the extracellular milieu and the intracellular cytoskeleton. At the sequence level, immunoglobulin domains act to mediate homo- and heterophilic interactions among CAMs and thus adhesion between neighboring cells. LIGs, a family of Ig-containing proteins that contain Leucine-rich repeats, represent candidates for novel CAMs with functions in axonal regeneration and synaptic pathfinding - all of which are highly dependent on cellular adhesion. In Drosophila, two LIG family members, Kekkon1 (Kek1) and Kekkon5 (Kek5) have been been implicated in EGF signaling, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein signaling as well as cellular adhesion, respectively. To investigate the putative role of Kek5 as a CAM, characterization of Kek5 activity was carried out at the cellular and molecular level. From this it was discovered that Kek5 is able to induce a dramatic upregulation of the adherens junction component Armadillo, in addition to epithelial extrusion and cell enlargement. Together, the studies presented within support a model in which Kek5 acts in a homophilic fashion to upregulate Arm and that this activity is functionally separable from other observed effects (epithelial extrusion and cell enlargement).

No description available.

Four populations of nine-banded armadillos, Dasypus novemcinctus, were investigated in the south-central United States in order to assess genetic variation in an isolated population (Electric Island, Lake Hamilton, Garland County, Arkansas); a semi-isolated population (Arkansas Post, Arkansas County, Arkansas), and two free ranging populations (southern Arkansas and central Texas). A 233 basepair sequence of the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced in individuals from each population. Individuals and populations were compared to assess relatedness among populations and individuals. Higher sequence diversity was detected in the semi-isolated population, while lower sequence diversity was observed in the isolated and free ranging populations. Overall, all populations exhibited low genetic variation when compared to genetic variation for other mammals. The results support the hypothesis that rapid range expansion combined with the organism's unique reproductive strategies have promulgated low genetic variation in the North American populations of nine-banded armadillos.

Genetic, ecological, and environmental variation within and among populations of hosts and pathogens can influence local susceptibility of hosts and transmission rates of pathogens. These complex interactions can lead to geographic variation in the prevalence of pathogens. The interaction between leprosy and nine-banded armadillos in the southeastern U.S. provides an opportunity to examine the genetic, ecological, and environmental factors contributing to the variation in pathogen prevalence on a large geographic scale. Using genotypic data for loci associated with the immune response to leprosy and for anonymous loci, we have assessed the population structure of armadillo populations across the southern U.S. Additional statistical tests were used to assess any significant differences between functional and anonymous loci that indicate selection. Our results suggest that local adaptation does not influence the geographic distribution of leprosy in armadillo populations and that very little genetic variation can be attributed to differences among host populations.

La maladie d'Alzheimer (MA) est une fonne de démence caractérisée par une dégénérescence des cellules nerveuses et une perte des fonctions synaptiques. Une des causes majeures de la forme familiale de la MA serait la présence de mutations dans le gène codant poin la préséniline 1 (PSI). Des études antérieures ont confirmé l'interaction de PSI avec la Neural-Plakophilin-Related Armadillo Protein (NPRAP), une protéine neuronale dont la deletion du gène est impliquée dans le syndrome du Cri-du-Chat et entraîne des déficits cognitifs importants. Le rôle fonctionnel de cette interaction reste inconnu. Puisque les souris nulles NPRAP présentent des déficits cognitifs importants et des défauts synaptiques, nous supposons que NPRAP contribue au phénotype de pertes synaptiques associées aux mutations de PSI dans la MA. Le but de ce projet était d'élucider la voie moléculaire de NPRAP en identifiant ses partenaires biochimiques afin de caractériser son rôle putatif dans les voies de signalisation de la MA. Le système de double hybride en levures a été utilisé afin de confirmer l'interaction de partenaires biochimiques de NPRAP identifiés lors d'im criblage d'une banque d'ADNc spécifiques du cerveau hiunain. Les candidats retenus ont été clones dans des vecteurs d'expression mammaliens afin de confirmer leur expression dans des cellules HEK293T. La technique de co-iimnunoprécipitation en co-transfectant les protéines hypothétiques avec NPRAP a été utilisée afin d'appuyer les résultats obtenus en levure. Panni les quatre protéines candidates retenues, seule l'interaction de deux protéines avec NPRAP a été confinnée en levure, soient la tubulin beta2B (TUBB2B) et une protéine hypothétique dont le gène est situé sur le chromosome 8. L'expression de la protéine hypothétique n'a pu être confirmée dans les cellules HEK293T. La TUBB2B semble être exprimée dans le même modèle cellulaire, mais n'interagit pas avec NPRAP lorsque co-iimnunoprécipitée. D'autres expériences sont nécessaires afin de vérifier les interactions ht vitro. Une clarification de la voie de signalisation de NPRAP permettrait de comprendre comment son interaction avec PSI peut être associée à la MA.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-09-25T12:23:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Raynner Rilke Duarte Barboza.pdf: 1650632 bytes, checksum: 348f5180de4d3fd395120b1b20a6cbc0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-09-17 / This study addressed to obtain general information from the residents of five municipalities in the semi-arid region of Paraiba State (Campina Grande, Monteiro, São Mamede, Sousa, Sumé) about their knowledge on the ecological and behavioral (feeding, reproduction, habitat, predation and use) of two specimens of armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) and (Dasypus novemcinctus) that occurs in that area, as well as to describe and analyze the cinegetic activities and purposes of game hunting carried on these two species, seeking support conservation and management measures. Data collection was obtained through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Among the qualitative methods: free interviews, semi-structured interviews, snow ball technique and guided tours were used; the quantitative data were done on simple averages and percentages in Microsoft ® Excel software and analyzed using the calculation of Fidelity Level (FL). Data were analyzed by an emic/ethics approach in which traditional knowledge were compared with those involved and/or related to the literature. 177 men and 37 women were contacted, whose ages ranged from 16 to 77 years. The results showed that the information regarding the foraging, ecological niche and reproduction were described in a very elucidating way by most of the interviewees, demonstrating a deep knowledge and perception on the ecology and biology of the two species of armadillos studied. Such levels of perception are directly linked to regional and cultural issues of each locality and the practices of creation of those animals in captivity also. The main hunting techniques and capture of those animals were: firearms, with dogs, the use of wire-dog and bucket with water. The people of the semi-arid of Paraiba use the E. sexcinctus and D. novemcinctus such in the local gastronomy, as for medicinal and magical-religious purposes, which were documented in this work for the treatment of 10 conditions or diseases: asthma, earache, wounds, furunculosis, deafness, blocked nose, insect bites, rheumatism, and varicose veins and warts. The practice of recreational and commercial hunting was documented in this research by the residents of the studied localities. From a conservation perspective, the techniques and methods of game described in this work can bring major impacts on population dynamics of these two species of armadillos. Additional studies on the activities of hunting will be useful to contribute to proposals for rules and laws that may regulate the controlled hunting in each region and for implementation of management plans and sustainable use of these species. / Este trabalho teve como objetivo geral obter informações junto a moradores de cinco municípios do semi-árido do Estado da Paraíba (Campina Grande, Monteiro, São Mamede, Sousa, Sumé) acerca dos conhecimentos ecológicos e comportamentais (alimentação, reprodução, habitat, predação e utilização) que os mesmos possuem sobre os tatus-peba (Euphractus sexcinctus) e tatus verdadeiros (Dasypus novemcinctus), bem como analisar e descrever as atividades cinegéticas e finalidades da caça exercida sobre essas duas espécies de tatus, visando subsidiar medidas de conservação e manejo. Para obtenção dos dados, utilizou-se uma combinação de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos. Dentre os métodos qualitativos, destacam-se: entrevistas livres, semi-estruturadas, bola de neve ou snow Ball em inglês e turnês guiadas já os dados quantitativos foram trabalhados em médias e porcentagens simples no software Microsoft® Excel e analisados por meio do cálculo do Nível de Fidelidade (FL). Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de uma abordagem emicista/eticista, na qual os conhecimentos tradicionais foram comparados com aqueles correspondentes e/ou correlacionados na literatura científica. Foram contactados 177 homens e 37 mulheres com atividades relacionadas aos tatus, cujas idades variaram de 16 a 77 anos. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que as informações referentes à alimentação, nicho ecológico e reprodução foram descritas de maneira muito elucidativa pela maioria dos entrevistados, demonstrando um profundo conhecimento e percepção sobre a ecologia e biologia das duas espécies de tatus estudadas. Tais níveis de percepção estão diretamente associados a questões regionais e culturais de cada localidade bem como as práticas de criação desses animais em cativeiro. As principais técnicas de caça e captura desses animais foram: Caça com armas de fogo, com cães e o uso de armadilhas como tatuzeiras ou pebeiras, também conhecidas como cachorro-de-arame; e Balde com água. Os povos do semi-árido paraibano utilizam os E. sexcinctus e D. novemcinctus tanto na gastronomia local como para fins medicinais e mágico-religiosos, onde foram documentados usos para o tratamento de 10 condições ou doenças: asma, dor de ouvido, ferimentos, furunculoses, mouquidão, nariz entupido, picadas de insetos, reumatismo, varizes e verrugas. Destaca-se nessa pesquisa o registro da caça para fins recreacionais e comercial por parte dos moradores das localidades estudadas. Sob uma ótica conservacionista, as técnicas e modalidades de caça descritas nesse trabalho podem trazer grandes impactos na dinâmica populacional dessas duas espécies de tatus. Estudos adicionais relativos a atividades de caça serão úteis de modo a contribuir com propostas de normas e leis que possam regular a caça controlada em cada região bem como para implementação de planos de manejo e uso sustentável dessas espécies.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:31:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_samara_nunes_gomes.pdf: 1205459 bytes, checksum: 4b65ad22706005a16a5b41efac9fe550 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-10-08 / Armadillos belong to the order Cingulata and are included in the superorder Xenarthra, which also belong to sloths and anteaters, hairy members of the order, which were restricted to the Neotropical region, occurring mainly in South America. Popularly known as nine banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus occurs in the southern United States to South America, with wide distribution in Brazil. They are of great importance in the epidemiology of parasitc diseases, and potential disseminators of zoonoses. Since knowledge of helminths is important because it may assist in making decisions on future actions preservationists, as well as parasite control programs in these animals in captivity in zoos, therefore, the objective was to identify the helminths that parasitize Dasypus novemcinctus, in southern Rio Grande do Sul. The experiment consisted of examining 30 specimens of D. novemcinctus from the municipalities of Arambaré, Camaquã, Cristal, São Lourenço do Sul, Capão do Leão e Pinheiro Machado, taken with the permission of SISBIO / RS and trampled on the access roads to these towns. The animals were necropsied, had their organs removed, individually and separately analyzed by stereomicroscope to collect helminths. Parasites of the phylum Nematoda were identified as Bairdascaris dasypodina, Schneidernema retusa, Aspidodera ansirupa, A. binansata, A. fasciata, Physaloptera sp., Dipetalonema sp., Capillaria sp., Moennigia lutzi, M. Moennigi and M. filamentosus. Most nematodes were found in the small intestine, except for aspidoderids and S. retusa, which were present in the cecum. The cestode found was Mathevotaenia sp. and the acanthocephalan, Centrorhynchus sp. parasitizing both the small intestine. All nematodes are being cited for the first time in this host, in Rio Grande do Sul and cestode and acanthocephalan parasite have their first record in Dasypus novemcinctus in Brazil. / Os tatus pertencem à ordem Cingulata e estão incluídos na superordem Xenarthra, à qual pertencem também as preguiças e os tamanduás, membros da ordem Pilosa, sendo restritos à região Neotropical e ocorrem predominantemente na América do Sul. Conhecido popularmente como tatu-galinha, Dasypus novemcinctus ocorre do sul dos Estados Unidos até a América do Sul, com ampla distribuição no Brasil. São de grande importância na epidemiologia de doenças parasitárias, sendo possíveis disseminadores de zoonoses. O conhecimento dos helmintos é importante, pois poderá auxiliar na tomada de decisões em ações preservacionistas, como em programas de controle parasitário destes animais quando em cativeiro nos zoológicos. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os helmintos que parasitam Dasypus novemcinctus, no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. O experimento constou do exame de 30 espécimes de D. novemcinctus provenientes dos municípios de Arambaré, Camaquã, Cristal, São Lourenço do Sul, Pelotas, Capão do Leão e Pinheiro Machado, capturados mediante a autorização do SISBIO/RS bem como atropelados nas rodovias de acesso a esses municípios. Os animais foram necropsiados, tiveram seus órgãos retirados, individualizados e analisados separadamente ao estereomicroscópio para a coleta de helmintos. Os parasitos do Filo Nematoda foram: Bairdascaris dasypodina, Schneidernema retusa, Aspidodera ansirupa, A. binansata, A. fasciata, Physaloptera sp., Dipetalonema sp., Capillaria sp., Moennigia lutzi, M. moennigi e M. filamentosus. A maioria dos nematóides foi encontrada no intestino delgado, com exceção dos aspidoderídeos e de S. retusa, que estavam presentes no ceco. Da Classe Cestoda foi encontrado Mathevotaenia sp. e do Filo Acanthocephala, Centrorhynchus sp., ambos parasitando o intestino delgado. Todos os nematóides estão sendo citados pela primeira vez, neste hospedeiro, no Rio Grande do Sul e o cestóide e o acantocéfalo têm seu primeiro registro parasitando Dasypus novemcinctus no Brasil.

No description available.