Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die ausführliche histomorphologische Charakterisierung der endometrialen Funktionsmorphologie sowie die Darstellung der Ki-67 Antigen, Östrogen- und Progesteronrezeptor-Expression am Endometrium zyklischer und azyklischer Maultierstuten unter Einbeziehung klinischer und endokrinologischer Daten. Die Ergebnisse sollten mit den zu diesem Thema bereits vorliegenden Erkenntnissen bei der Pferdestute verglichen werden. Zu diesem Zweck wurden 97 Endometriumbioptate von sechs klinisch-gynäkologisch gesunden Maultierstuten im Alter von 13 bis 23 Jahren (immun-)histologisch ausgewertet. Die Bioptate waren zuvor in Abständen von zwei bis zehn Tagen und über einen Zeitraum von 4 Monaten (April bis August 2004), im Fall einer Stute von sieben Monaten (April bis November 2004) entnommen worden. Für jedes der Tiere lagen detaillierte Informationen über die klinisch-gynäkologischen Befunde und die Serumhormonkonzentrationen zu den entsprechenden Entnahmezeitpunkten vor (BARTMANN et al. 2008). Vorberichtlich zeigen zwei der Tiere im Untersuchungszeitraum ein unregelmäßiges Zyklusgeschehen mit ovariellen Funktionskörpern sowie variablen Serumöstradiol- und –progesteronkonzentrationen, bei vier Maultieren wird klinisch eine Azyklie mit inaktiven Ovarien sowie niedrigen, wenig schwankenden Serumhormonwerten dokumentiert. Bei den Tieren der zyklischen Gruppe (n=2) variiert die endometriale Funktionsmorphologie sehr stark. In nahezu allen untersuchten Endometriumbioptaten findet sich eine ausgeprägte endometriale Fehldifferenzierung. Diese kann anhand ihres Erscheinungsbildes nach den bei der Pferdestute bekannten histomorphologischen Kriterien (HÄFNER 1999, SCHOON et al. 1999b) eingeteilt werden. Sie tritt bei den untersuchten Maultieren als irreguläre glanduläre oder aber als irreguläre und ungleichmäßige glanduläre Differenzierung in Erscheinung und wird mit einem inaktiven, sekretorischen oder proliferativen Grundcharakter vorgefunden. Maultierstute 1 zeigt im Untersuchungszeitraum eine variable endometriale Proliferationsaktivität (Marker Ki-67 Antigen), bei Maultierstute 2 ist sie konstant schwach ausgeprägt. Es lässt sich kein charakteristisches, zyklusphasenabhängiges, positiv an die Steroidhormonrezeptorexpression gekoppeltes Expressionsmuster, wie es bei der Pferdestute bekannt ist, nachweisen. Die ER- und PR-Expression zeigt bei den zyklischen Maultierstuten ein sehr variables Bild (insbesondere Maultierstute 1), welches dem bei zyklierenden Pferdestuten während der physiologischen Decksaison nicht entspricht. Aufgrund der Diskrepanz zwischen klinischen Daten, Serumhormonkonzentrationen, endometrialer Funktionsmorphologie und Hormonrezeptorstatus bei den zyklischen Maultierstuten kann festgestellt werden, dass es bei den untersuchten Tieren nicht möglich ist, anhand der morphologisch-funktionellen Gegebenheiten am Endometrium auf den klinischen Zyklusstand zu schließen und vice versa. Die erhobenen Befunde sind in ihrer Gesamtheit am ehesten vergleichbar mit den Verhältnissen bei Pferdestuten in den Übergangszyklen zwischen Winteranöstrus und physiologischer Decksaison. Bei der Gruppe der azyklischen Maultiere (n=4) findet sich in allen untersuchten Endometriumbioptaten eine inaktive endometriale Funktionsmorphologie. Diese passt grundsätzlich zu dem klinischen Vorbericht der Azyklie mit inaktiven Ovarien und niedrigen, wenig schwankenden Serumöstradiol- und -progesteronkonzentrationen. In der Mehrzahl der Bioptate liegt eine Irregularität der glandulären Epithelien vor und in einigen Fällen treten hyperplastische und hypersekretorische Drüsenareale auf. Diese Befunde können, anlehnend an die Erkenntnisse bei der Pferdestute, als Kennzeichen einer endometrialen Fehldifferenzierung interpretiert werden (HÄFNER 1999, SCHOON et al. 1999b). Im Zusammenhang mit der schwachen endometrialen Proliferationsaktivität und der variablen ER- und PR-Expression lässt sich eine deutliche Ähnlichkeit zu den Befunden bei Pferdestuten im Winteranöstrus bzw. im Anöstrus während der physiologischen Decksaison finden (AUPPERLE et al. 2003, GOCKELN et al. 2006). Die möglichen Ursachen der endometrialen Fehldifferenzierung bei den Maultierstuten können im Rahmen der durchgeführten Untersuchungen nicht abschließend geklärt werden. Es ist jedoch denkbar, dass, analog zur Pferdestute, eine ovariell oder zentral bedingte Dysregulation und/oder eine Störung auf der Effektor/Rezeptor-Ebene vorliegen können. Die Hauptursache für die Infertilität bei Maultierstuten besteht in den chromosomal bedingten Störungen im Ablauf der Meiose der Keimzellen (WODSEDALEK 1916). Aufgrund der eigenen Untersuchungsergebnisse kann jedoch angenommen werden, dass die diagnostizierte endometriale Fehldifferenzierung, die variable Steroidhormonrezeptor-Expression sowie das Vorliegen degenerativer endometrialer Alterationen, z.B. der Endometrose, in Anlehnung an die Erkenntnisse bei der Pferdestute, zusätzliche Faktoren darstellen könnten, die zur Unfruchtbarkeit der Maultiere beitragen. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit beruhen jedoch lediglich auf der Untersuchung von sechs Maultierstuten und sollten aus diesem Grund nicht unkritisch auf die Gesamtpopulation der Maultiere übertragen werden. Weitere Verlaufsuntersuchungen an einem größeren Tiergut in verschiedenen Altersgruppen inkl. Betrachtung der Hypophysenhormone FSH und LH könnten zur Aufklärung der Ursache sowie der Bedeutung der endometrialen Fehldifferenzierung für die Infertilität beim Maultier beitragen. / The aim of the present study was a detailed histomorphological characterization of the functional morphology and the evaluation of Ki-67 antigen, estrogen and progesterone receptor expression patterns in the endometrium of cyclic and non-cyclic mule mares, with respect to clinical and endocrinological data. The results were to be compared with corresponding observations in the endometrium of horse mares. For this purpose 97 endometrial biopsies from six clinically and gynaecologically healthy mule mares, aged between 13 and 23 years, were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. The biopsies were taken in intervals from two up to ten days over a period of four months (April to August 2004), in one mare over seven months (April to November 2004). Detailed information was given about clinical and gynaecological findings. The serum hormone concentrations for each day of biopsy sampling were determined (BARTMANN et al. 2008). According to the clinical record two of the animals show an erratic estrous cycle associated with the occurrence of corpora lutea and follicles on the ovaries during the whole period of investigation. Additionally, variable plasma estrogen and progesterone values are found. Four mules reveal acyclia including inactive ovaries and constant low serum hormone levels. In the animals of the cyclic group (n=2) the endometrial functional morphology varies to a great extend. In almost every investigated endometrial biopsy a marked endometrial maldifferentiation can be detected. It is classified according to common histomorphological criteria used for the endometrium of horse mares (HÄFNER 1999, SCHOON et al. 1999b). Endometrial maldifferentiation of the mules investigated occurs as irregular glandular or irregular and unequal differentiation and appeares in combination with a proliferative, secretory or inactive functional morphology. Mule 1 shows variable and mule 2 constant low endometrial Ki-67 expression patterns during the period of investigation. In contrast to horses, no characteristic, stage of cycle- or steroid hormone receptor expression-dependent proliferation activity can be observed with the mule mares of the present study. The expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors is highly variable in the animals of the cyclic group (especially in mule 1). These findings do not correspond to the ones in horse mares during the physiological breeding season. Due to the discrepancy between clinical data, serum hormone values, endometrial functional morphology and hormone receptor expression in the investigated mules, a conclusion from the clinical stage of cycle to morpho-functional conditions in the endometrium and vice versa seems to be impossible. The results of the present study are most likely comparable with findings in horse mares during the transitional period between winter anestrus and the physiological breeding season. The mules of the acyclic group (n=4) reveal an inactive endometrial functional morphology in all investigated endometrial biopsies. This finding basically corresponds to the clinical record of acyclia associated with inactive ovaries and rather constant serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations. In the case of these animals a majority of the investigated endometria show irregular glandular epithelia. In some areas hyperplastic and hypersecretory glands can be seen. According to observations in horse mares these findings can be interpreted as signs of endometrial maldifferentiation (HÄFNER 1999, SCHOON et al. 1999b). In connection with the weak proliferation activity and the variable ER- and PR-expression patterns seen in the acyclic mules, these results resemble findings in horses during winter anestrus or anestrus during the breeding season (AUPPERLE et al. 2003, GOCKELN et al. 2006). Within the present study the possible reasons for endometrial maldifferentiation in mules could not be finally evaluated. But it seems possible that, like in horse mares, an ovarian or central dysregulation and/or dysfunction regarding the level of receptors and effectors could play a certain role. Infertility in she-mules is mainly due to the chromosomal abnormalities during meiosis of germ cells (WODSEDALEK 1916). According to the findings in horse mares, the results of this investigation indicate that the diagnosed endometrial maldifferentiation, the variable expression of steroid hormone receptors and the presence of endometrial degenerative lesions (e.g. endometrosis) could be additional factors that possibly lead to sterility in mule mares, too. Due to the small number of individuals examined in this study, the results should not uncritically be applied to the whole population of mules. Further clinical, histological and immunohistochemical investigations, including the pituitary hormones FSH and LH as well as the use of a larger number of animals at different stages of age, could lead to a better understanding of the causes of endometrial maldifferentiation and its relevance for the infertility in mules.

Thesis (M.A.)--Western Washington University, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 29, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Washington State University, 2004. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on May 22, 2005). Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis emphasizes on investigating the relationship between the quality attributes and service oriented architecture (SOA). Due to quality attributes requirements drive the design of software architecture, it is necessary to maintain the positive quality of SOA and improve the negative quality of SOA. This thesis gives an introduction to SOA, Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) and MULE. Then, it covers information on quality of systems and tactics for achieving each quality attribute. Finally, we discuss the quality of SOA in detail, and illustrate how to set up a SOA and how to improve its quality using a case of an order for supermarket. / Order of supermarket

Habitat use by mule deer, particularly in relation to use by cattle and by California bighorn sheep on the bighorn winter-spring ranges of Flatiron Mountain was studied from January 1968 through November 1969. Observations were made of (1) food habits, (2) forage production and utilization, (3) the effect of spring and summer utilization on subsequent forage production and (4) spatial and temporal distribution of range use. The results indicate that competition for forage between the native ungulates, deer and sheep, is largely obviated by differential habitat use. This may point to long term evolutionary ecological niche specialization. Some competition for forage occurs for a short period in the early spring when both ungulate species seek succulent new grass, the supply of which is at first limited. Cattle use of the winter-spring ranges was excessive and the diets of cattle and the native ungulates are similar, with the exception that utilization of grass by deer was less. Range use by cattle contributed to intra-specific cattle-deer competition on the grasslands in the spring and cattle-bighorn competition on the grasslands during the winter. The study of spring range utilization indicated that deer use was not detrimental to the 1969 annual forage production in areas used by deer. Spring range utilization by bighorn or bighorn in combination with deer reduced the standing crop of forage produced on the Agropyron spicatum dominated winter-spring ranges. Sheep utilization on South Slope during the summer, when forage growth was declining, further reduced the amount of forage available to the wintering bighorn population. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

Knowledge of the diet of wildlife can aid wildlife biologists to better understand how a species functions within a given ecosystem. Numerous studies have identified various avenues to examine diet for species throughout the world. Wildlife biologists have used diet composition variables as a means to better understand habitat use and aid in the management and conservation of mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus. The complexity of deer diet is still unknown, and local wildlife management agencies could improve conservation strategies with more information regarding the breadth of plant selection in deer diet. Researchers have used non-invasive methods, such as microhistology via fecal analyses, to assess diet composition for mule deer. However, microhistology has several drawbacks that include accuracy in identification and differentiation of plant species, and even genus, as well as determination of accurate proportions of taxa ingested. Genetic techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), present new avenues for analyzing herbivore diets, especially through the amplification and analyses of specific regions of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). Additionally, few studies have directly compared microhistological and NGS diet analyses results for any wildlife species. My objectives were to compare diet composition results of both microhistological and NGS diet analyses through estimating diet richness, taxonomic resolution, percent diet, and frequency of occurrence of plant taxa across samples. Mule deer fecal samples were collected on the Navajo Nation from summer and winter ranges of two distinct mule deer populations, Chuska and Carrizo. I found far greater richness and resolution from NGS of plant taxa through the identification of a greater number of species and genera among all populations, within seasons. Upon testing both methods for both populations, no significant agreement was identified for percent of families identified in the diet with both methods, across all samples. I found trends of positive correlation in the occurrence of families between both methods for Carrizo summer diet, as well as among genera and families in Carrizo winter diet. Upon further statistical analyses, I found no significant positive correlation in the occurrence of genera and families identified with both methods among all samples. Genetic techniques may present innovative methods for determining mule deer diet in various ecosystems, and may also be applied to a broad range of herbivore diet studies.

Translocation of wildlife has become common practice for wildlife managers charged with management of animals on increasingly modified landscapes. Translocation can be used to reduce population density in the source area, supplement existing populations, reestablish extirpated populations, and establish new populations. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are a species of great interest to the public in western North America. Although translocations have been used to manage mule deer, very little has been done to document the outcomes of this management practice. The purpose of this research was to evaluate movement, site fidelity, space use, and survival of translocated mule deer in relation to the timing of release (early versus late winter) and to provide managers with information useful in judging the relative value of translocation as a management strategy for this species. We captured 102 mule deer in January and March 2013 and translocated them from winter range near Parowan, UT, to winter range along the Pahvant Mountain Range near Holden, UT (approximately 144 km north of the capture location). Each deer was fitted with a radio transmitter (21 GPS collars, 81 VHF collars) prior to release to document outcomes. In January 2013 and 2014 we also captured and marked a total of 70 resident deer (non-translocated deer; 9 GPS collars, 61 VHF collars) to serve as a reference group within our study area. Following release, we monitored deer weekly through March 2015. We found that translocated deer had lower annual survival rates than resident deer during the first year following release, but similar annual survival rates to resident deer during the second year following release. Additionally, we found that age strongly influenced the survival of translocated deer; young deer (e.g., 2.5 year olds) were more than twice as likely to survive the initial year following translocation than old deer (e.g., 7.5 year olds). We also found that translocated deer had larger home ranges compared to resident deer during the first and second years following release. However, the average size of translocated deer home ranges decreased from year 1 to year 2 following release. Despite these large home ranges and extended movements during the summer months, most surviving deer (96 %) returned (within < 30 km) to winter range where they were released. We found no difference in movement, site fidelity, or survival for transplanted deer released in January and March. Based on our findings, wildlife managers that elect to translocate mule deer should not expect a difference in survival between early and late winter releases, but will likely see high site fidelity, higher survival rates during the second year following translocation (compared to the first year), and higher survival rates for younger deer compared to older deer.

Checking stations operated during the deer hunting season serve a two-fold purpose. It has long been recognized that such inspection stations aid greatly in the enforcement of hunting laws through the detection of illegal practices, and in many cases have been set up with this as a primary purpose. A more far reaching objective, however, is the collection of information to aid in the solution of the problems of maintenance of the range and the deer herd, and determination of the quality and quantity of the deer removal.

During the summer of 1976, five tame, trained mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) were used to determine botanical composition and relative preference of mule deer diets on five habitat segments in the lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) ecosystem of northeastern Utah. Diets were statistically analyzed according to estimated we1ghL consumption per unit of time spent feeding on the different segments. Habitat segments sampled were: clearcut forest, dry and wet meadow, mature forest, and stagnated forest. Diets differed between segments mainly because of differences in plant species available and their abundance. The diets in the non-forested segments averaged over 90 percent forbs,while in the forested segments forbs were only 65 percent of the diet. Differences are attributed to the low availability of forbs in the forested segments which are composed of over 90 percent browse, mainly grouse whortleberry (Vaccinium scoparium). Grasses and sedges were an insignificant part of the diet on all segments. Dietary differences based on forage classes were unimportant within the three non-forested segments as were diet differences within the two forested segments. Dietary differences based on estimated weight consumed per unit of time spent feeding were significantly different between all segments except the dry and wet meadow. The segments were thus ranked according to their importance as feeding areas for mule deer: 1. clearcut forest, 2. dry and wet meadow, 3. mature forest, and 4. stagnated forest. There was no apparent difference between diet composition computed from weight estimates and that computed based on bite counts for the first part of the summer. However, when mushrooms began growing and were eaten during the last part of the summer, comparisons of percent composition of diet derived from bite counts with that from estimated weights showed major differences. Especially was this true for diets from forested segments which had a larger proportion of mushrooms available in the community.

Free water can be a limiting factor to wildlife in arid regions of the world. In the western United States, management agencies have installed numerous, expensive wildlife water developments (e.g. catchments, guzzlers, wells) to: 1) increase the distribution or density of target species, 2) influence animal movements, and 3) mitigate for the loss of available free water. Despite over 50 years as an active management practice, water developments have become controversial for several species. We lack an integrated understanding of the ways free water influences animal populations. In particular, we have not meshed understanding of evolutionary adaptations that reduce the need for free water and behavioral constraints that may limit use of otherwise available free water with management practices. I propose a conceptual framework for understanding more generally how, when, and where wildlife water developments are likely to benefit wildlife species. I argue that the following five elements are fundamental to an integrated understanding: 1) consideration of the variable nature in time and space of available free water, 2) location and availability of pre-formed and/or metabolic water, 3) seasonal temperature and precipitation patterns that influence the physiological need for water, 4) behavioral constraints that limit use of otherwise available free water, and 5) proper spacing of water sources for target species. I developed this framework from work done primarily with chukars (Alectoris chukar). I also report supporting evidence from research with mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Chukars demonstrated a spatial response to available free water when estimates of dietary moisture content were < 40%. Mule deer photo counts were reduced at water sources with small-perimeter fencing, suggesting increased predation risk caused mule deer to behaviorally avoid use of otherwise available free water. When all five framework elements are considered, I found strong evidence that wildlife water developments have benefited some chukar populations. Historic chukar counts suggested a population benefit following installation of wildlife water developments. Experimental removal of access to free water caused increased movements and decreased survival of adult chukars.