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Articles 1 - 30 of 40
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Analysis Of Spore Shape Determination In Streptomyces, Ning Sun
Analysis Of Spore Shape Determination In Streptomyces, Ning Sun
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Streptomycetes are Gram-positive, soil-dwelling bacteria that possess a complex life cycle with the alternation of vegetative mycelium, aerial mycelium, and spores. Streptomyces. coelicolor spore maturation is a complex process that involves spore shape metamorphosis from cylindrical pre-spores into ellipsoid spores, but the details of this process have remained enigmatic. Previously, our lab identified a novel gene ssdA that might play a role in spore shape determination using a transposon-based insertion mutagenesis in S. coelicolor. In this study, I isolated a S. coelicolor ssdA-null mutant that showed increased colony hydrophobicity and misshapen spores in sizes and shapes, confirming the …
The Role Of The Circadian Clock In The Intestinal Epithelium During Health, Regeneration, And Tumourigenesis, Kyle Stokes
The Role Of The Circadian Clock In The Intestinal Epithelium During Health, Regeneration, And Tumourigenesis, Kyle Stokes
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The Earth’s axial rotation subjects its surface to constant periods of light and dark, this is known as photoperiod. Many organisms have adapted their physiology in accordance with this environmental constant by generating 24h rhythms in their physiological functions; these are known as circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are controlled by an endogenous time-keeping mechanism known as the circadian clock. Over 40% of the genome in mice and over 80% of the genome in primates has been shown to have 24h rhythms in transcription. The disruption of circadian rhythms through shiftwork, jetlag, or exposure to light at night is associated with …
Computational And Biochemical Characterizations Of Anhydrobiosis-Related Intrinsically Disordered Proteins., Brett R. Janis
Computational And Biochemical Characterizations Of Anhydrobiosis-Related Intrinsically Disordered Proteins., Brett R. Janis
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Anhydrobiosis is the remarkable phenomenon of “life without water”. It is a common technique found in plant seeds, and a rare technique utilized by some animals to temporarily stop the clock of life and enter a stasis for up to several millennia by removing all of their cellular water. If this phenomenon can be replicated, then biological and medical materials could be stored at ambient temperatures for centuries, which would address research challenges as well as enhance the availability of medicine in areas of the world where refrigeration, freezing, and cold-chain infrastructure are not developed or infeasible. Furthermore, modifying crop …
The Role Of The Nkr-P1b:Clr-B Inhibitory Axis In Nk Cell-Mediated Tumour Immunosurveillance, Abd El Aziz Hendy
The Role Of The Nkr-P1b:Clr-B Inhibitory Axis In Nk Cell-Mediated Tumour Immunosurveillance, Abd El Aziz Hendy
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system which do not require prior priming to target infected or altered-self cells, such as tumour cells. The basic functions of NK cells include cytotoxicity and cytokine production. These cells possess numerous activating and inhibitory receptors which regulate their function based on a signalling balance. In mice, NK cells possess NKR-P1B inhibitory receptors which recognize the C-type lectin-related protein-b (Clr-b) ligand. This ligand is present on healthy self cells and may be used by cancer cells to evade NK cell effector functions. The disruption of the NKR-P1B:Clr-b axis has been …
An Integrated Approach To Understanding Anthonomus Eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): An Exotic Pest Of Greenhouse And Field Pepper Crops, Diana Catalina Fernandez
An Integrated Approach To Understanding Anthonomus Eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): An Exotic Pest Of Greenhouse And Field Pepper Crops, Diana Catalina Fernandez
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Anthonomus eugenii, the pepper weevil is an important pest of cultivated pepper plants (Capsicum spp.). The weevil is originally from Mexico, but it is present in Central America, the Caribbean, and southern United States. Additionally, it was present and eradicated in the Netherlands, Italy, and western Canada in British Columbia. However, sporadic outbreaks occur during the pepper growing season in southern Ontario, which has prompted further investigation of its biology and management. My dissertation investigates the genetics, physiology and ecology of the pepper weevil and its implications for prevention, management, and potential establishment in southern Ontario. I investigated …
The Effects Of Probiotic Therapy On Stress Coping Styles Of Triploid Juvenile Farmed Chinook Salmon, Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha, Brendyn M. St. Louis
The Effects Of Probiotic Therapy On Stress Coping Styles Of Triploid Juvenile Farmed Chinook Salmon, Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha, Brendyn M. St. Louis
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Triploid salmon – fish with three sets of chromosomes – are regularly used in aquaculture as they are functionally sterile and therefore avoid the decline in flesh quality associated with sexual maturation. However, triploid fish exhibit many immune, behavioural, and physiological drawbacks which reduce their condition and survival in aquaculture environments. My research examines the effects of probiotic treatment to promote behavioural and stress-related (termed ‘coping styles’) traits more suited for aquaculture environments in triploid fish with the ultimate goal of increasing fish yield. In this study, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) crosses were developed in a 3x3 and 3x2 design, …
A Network-Based Approach For Computational Drug Repurposing On Cancer Data, Ann Reba, Thomas Alexander
A Network-Based Approach For Computational Drug Repurposing On Cancer Data, Ann Reba, Thomas Alexander
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In this thesis, we are interested in finding the best drugs that can be repurposed for the disease and able to find the adverse effects such drugs that are FDA-Approved. Developing an effective drug can be a time-consuming and expensive crucible method. Network-based machine learning methods are used for predicting a given drug for A that can be used for B. It aims at finding new indications for already existing drugs and therefore increases the available therapeutic choices at a fraction of the cost of new drug development. The perturbation gene expression data corresponding to the MCF7 cell line was …
Does It Take A Community To Save A Species? Examining The Use Of Community Interactions To Restore Unionid Species At Risk, Roland Adriaan Eveleens
Does It Take A Community To Save A Species? Examining The Use Of Community Interactions To Restore Unionid Species At Risk, Roland Adriaan Eveleens
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems are complex. Knowledge from community ecology, conservation biology, and restoration ecology was integrated to interrogate the role of species interactions involving freshwater mussels (order Unionida) as keystone species. Freshwater mussels require host fish and provide ecosystem functions for other species throughout aquatic and riparian ecosystems, yet conservation efforts remain focused on focal mussel species or host fish associations. My thesis explored species co-occurrences within mussel and benthic macroinvertebrate community assemblages, and systematically reviewed the published literature to assess the breadth and reported effectiveness of mussel restoration. Community analyses confirmed species co-occurrences across environmental …
Parasites And Sexual Selection In A Sexually Dichromatic Toad, Nicole Erin Shangi
Parasites And Sexual Selection In A Sexually Dichromatic Toad, Nicole Erin Shangi
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Parasitism is among the most common and successful life history strategies on Earth, leading to constant coevolution between parasites and hosts. Parasites continuously pressure hosts to evolve more effective parasite resistance, fueling interest in the relationships between expression of sexually selected host ornamentation and parasite resistance. By studying parasite-mediated sexual selection we gain unique insights into the evolution of animal traits. In this thesis, I attempt to further our understanding of a sexually dichromatic neotropical anuran by studying its parasites in the context of sexual selection. Firstly, in the General Introduction (Chapter 1), I reviewed important background information key to …
The Function And Evolution Of Wood-Warbler Flight Calls (Parulidae), Zach G. Gayk
The Function And Evolution Of Wood-Warbler Flight Calls (Parulidae), Zach G. Gayk
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Animals produce vocalizations to communicate with territorial rivals, to communicate with potential mates, to alert others of predators, or to stay in contact with other animals. To date, little research has focused on the vocalizations that animals use to communicate during migration. Many birds produce flight calls, which are short calls given by migratory birds on the wing. The function of flight calls is poorly understood but they are thought to help migrants maintain contact with other individuals during movements between breeding grounds and wintering grounds. Across four data chapters in my dissertation, I investigated the function and evolution of …
Illuminating Corneal Nerve Injury: Analysis Of Neuronal Phenotypes Following Acute And Chronic Corneal Nerve Injury, Cara Sullivan
Illuminating Corneal Nerve Injury: Analysis Of Neuronal Phenotypes Following Acute And Chronic Corneal Nerve Injury, Cara Sullivan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The cornea is uniquely avascular, transparent, and densely innervated with a highly complex and rapidly adapting sensory system. Combined with the tear film coating its surface, it is the first line of protection for the visual system. Clear vision provides tremendous survival advantage and thus uses long evolved and highly conserved mechanisms within the corneal protective barrier to preserve its function. Corneal nerves have a critical role in maintaining corneal homeostasis, initiating blinking, and tearing circuits to block potentially damaging environmental insults, and for engaging rapid-response regeneration programs. Many of these critical molecular mechanisms have been broadly characterized over the …
Using Predator Vocalizations To Deter Raccoon Predation On Nests Of Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys Terrapin), Colleen Elizabeth Naeger
Using Predator Vocalizations To Deter Raccoon Predation On Nests Of Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys Terrapin), Colleen Elizabeth Naeger
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
Seasonal Habitat Use Of Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys Terrapin) In North Inlet, Winyah Bay, Georgetown, South Carolina, Danielle Elizabeth Capella
Seasonal Habitat Use Of Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys Terrapin) In North Inlet, Winyah Bay, Georgetown, South Carolina, Danielle Elizabeth Capella
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
The Influence Of Incubation Conditions On Oxygen Consumption During The Development Of Pantherophis Guttatus, Celeste Gallardo
The Influence Of Incubation Conditions On Oxygen Consumption During The Development Of Pantherophis Guttatus, Celeste Gallardo
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The flexible shell of some oviparous reptiles has led to differences in nutrient mobilization and water relations when compared to their rigid-shelled counterparts. Flexible-shelled eggs gain more water during development, and because of the shell structure, yolk calcium content is higher than that of eggshells. When water availability is altered for reptiles with flexible-shelled eggs, differences in both energy and nutrient utilization are observed. This study was designed to determine the baseline metabolic rate during development for the snake, Pantherophis guttatus under normal conditions, and to observe how changes in eggshell calcium and water availability impact embryonic oxygen consumption. Eggshell …
The Effects Of Acid Rain Mitigation Efforts On The Behaviour-Dependent Movement Of Migrating Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar, L.) Smolts, Omar Salem Taboun
The Effects Of Acid Rain Mitigation Efforts On The Behaviour-Dependent Movement Of Migrating Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar, L.) Smolts, Omar Salem Taboun
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Acidification has led to changes in the chemistry of fresh waters and has impacted the survival of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), an endangered anadromous fish species. Liming, which has been implemented to restore freshwater ecosystems, has been demonstrated to restore a suitable pH for Atlantic Salmon, however, it remained unknown to what extent liming can restore the underlying behavioural traits and migration behaviour of smolts. We captured 116 smolts from two freshwater river treatments in Nova Scotia, Canada: acidified Little River (n=17) and lime-treated West River (n=99). We performed stream-side behavioural assays and discerned five behavioural metrics: (1) …
Neuroinflammation, Peripheral Inflammation And Gut Microbiome Profiles In Male Mice From Two Proposed Mouse Models Of Social Behavior Deficits, Sarah Parkinson
Neuroinflammation, Peripheral Inflammation And Gut Microbiome Profiles In Male Mice From Two Proposed Mouse Models Of Social Behavior Deficits, Sarah Parkinson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social deficits and repetitive actions. A communication pathway exists between the brain and gut called the gut-brain axis. It is thought that gut bacteria can secrete signaling molecules, triggering inflammation across the body. These studies attempt to determine if markers are expressed in two mouse models of ASD behaviors, BTBR and a valproic acid model. Immunohistochemistry of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 from male mouse brain tissue showed no microglial activation in any group. Cytokine analysis did exhibit an increase in interleukin 1 (IL-1) in male adult mice only. …
Examining The Links Between Environmental Variation, Foraging Behaviour And Foraging Success In An Arctic Seabird, Alyssa Eby
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Arctic regions are experiencing increasing variability in inter-annual sea ice dynamics ultimately impacting marine Arctic ecosystems. Arctic-breeding seabirds, such as thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) are thus likely to be negatively impacted by fluctuating environmental conditions through its influence on prey availability. Additional extrinsic factors (colony size and chick demand) and intrinsic factors (sex) are also likely to impact foraging behaviour and success of murres in combination with environmental conditions. First, we tested the effect of colony size on colony sensitivity to environmental change at two low Arctic colonies of varying sizes, Coats Island, Nunavut and Digges Island, Nunavut …
Lexicographic Sensitivity Functions For Nonsmooth Models In Mathematical Biology, Matthew D. Ackley
Lexicographic Sensitivity Functions For Nonsmooth Models In Mathematical Biology, Matthew D. Ackley
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) may be used to model a wide variety of real-world phenomena in biology and engineering. Classical sensitivity theory is well-established and concerns itself with quantifying the responsiveness of such models to changes in parameter values. By performing a sensitivity analysis, a variety of insights can be gained into a model (and hence, the real-world system that it represents); in particular, the information gained can uncover a system's most important aspects, for use in design, control or optimization of the system. However, while the results of such analysis are desirable, the approach that classical theory …
Development Of A Habitat Model For An Endemic Leuciscid, The Sandhills Chub (Semotilus Lumbee), Garrett Mitchell Herigan
Development Of A Habitat Model For An Endemic Leuciscid, The Sandhills Chub (Semotilus Lumbee), Garrett Mitchell Herigan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
Marine Aquaculture In Maine: Understanding Diverse Perspectives And Interactions At Multiple Scales, Melissa L. Britsch
Marine Aquaculture In Maine: Understanding Diverse Perspectives And Interactions At Multiple Scales, Melissa L. Britsch
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Coastal oceans are changing and experiencing increased use. The social and ecological benefits of healthy coastal oceans are well documented and include habitats for marine species, storm protection, and recreational opportunities (MEA, 2005). As the impacts of human activities are recognized, questions about how ocean spaces should be used are becoming more common. These questions are complex and involve many tradeoffs. Understanding the values people hold about uses, and how activities and ecosystems overlap, is critical for weighing tradeoffs and improving future management. I use the northeastern U.S. state of Maine to study human interactions with coastal oceans. Maine is …
Effects Of Anthropogenic Light And Noise On Anuran Breeding Behavior, Ashley Kobisk
Effects Of Anthropogenic Light And Noise On Anuran Breeding Behavior, Ashley Kobisk
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The natural environment can be negatively impacted by a variety of human activities, including the production of artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise. Recent studies suggest that pollution from anthropogenic light and noise alters animal behavior. Despite being highly nocturnal and vocal animals, little attention has been given to anurans and the effects artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise have on their behavior. This study investigated the effects of artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise on anuran breeding systems in eastern Texas. Specifically, this study investigated whether (1) artificial light and anthropogenic noise altered calling behavior in …
The Bees Of Two Sites In The Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas, With A Consideration Of The Effects Of A Rare Flooding Event, Archie Ray Sauls Jr.
The Bees Of Two Sites In The Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas, With A Consideration Of The Effects Of A Rare Flooding Event, Archie Ray Sauls Jr.
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Native bees are an important part of terrestrial ecosystems due to their coevolution with flowering plants. This study catalogued the bee fauna of two sandyland sites in the Big Thicket National Preserve and assessed whether a community was impacted by a historic hurricane-induced flooding event. It was hypothesized that a change in diversity metrics would be evident following the flood. Datasets were analyzed for differences in species richness, abundance, evenness, and Shannon’s diversity. Similarities between datasets were also assessed using the multivariate tests analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) and similarity of percentages (SIMPER). At two sites over two years of sampling …
Harmful Algal Blooms In The Ohio River: Spatial And Temporal Differences., Bevin Hardy
Harmful Algal Blooms In The Ohio River: Spatial And Temporal Differences., Bevin Hardy
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has been increasing across the globe, especially in river ecosystems. Although more common in lakes, more HABs have been reported in rivers in the past decade, particularly in the Ohio River. In 2019, a HAB stretched 200 to 300 miles throughout the Ohio River from September to October. Samples were collected for the duration of the 2019 bloom (August-October) in the McAlpine Pool in Louisville, KY to compare microcystis toxin (microcystin) concentrations on a temporal and spatial scale. Different habitats (bay, creek, river) were sampled throughout the bloom, and two additional sampling days, …
Identification Of Loci Influencing Teosinte Crossing Barrier 1 (Tcb1) Efficacy In Maize By Quantitative Trait Loci (Qtl) Mapping And Genome-Wide Association Study (Gwas), Namrata Maharjan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Pollen cross-contamination has been a major problem for maize breeders. Various mechanical methods applied to avoid the contaminations are ineffective. The genetic factors related to maize fertilization can be used to develop an effective method to prevent pollen contamination. Pollen rejection ability controlled by Teosinte crossing barrier 1 (Tcb1) is such a genetic system. Silks possessing dominant Tcb1-s reject pollen possessing the recessive allele (tcb1). Successful fertilization occurs when Tcb1-s pollen falls upon tcb1 silks. The efficacy of dominant Tcb1-s was, however, reduced when repeatedly backcross with maize inbred lines, which suggests that there are modifiers to Tcb1-s. To find …
Pollinator Ecology In Agroecosystems Of Eastern South Dakota, Isabela Beatriz Vilella-Arnizaut
Pollinator Ecology In Agroecosystems Of Eastern South Dakota, Isabela Beatriz Vilella-Arnizaut
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Community structure contributes to ecosystem persistence and stability. To understand the mechanisms underlying pollination and community stability of natural areas in a human influenced landscape, a better understanding of the interaction patterns between plants and pollinators in disturbed landscapes is needed. Furthermore, understanding the potential conservation value in green spaces such as botanical gardens could assist in preserving and bolstering plant-pollinator interactions. Our study takes place in the Northern Great Plains which still retains extensive tracts of remnant temperate grassland habitat within a matrix of varying land-uses. First, we used a network-based approach to quantify how temperate grassland attributes and …
The Effects Of Saline Soil On Microbiome And The Isolation Of Root-Associated Microbes To Relieve Salinity Stress, Duncan Jakubowski
The Effects Of Saline Soil On Microbiome And The Isolation Of Root-Associated Microbes To Relieve Salinity Stress, Duncan Jakubowski
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Increasing levels of salinity in once-viable lands for crop production is a serious and growing problem in the Northern Great Plains. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of saline soil on the microbial composition of plant roots and bulk soil, to measure metabolic changes in plant roots from saline soil, to determine the viability of root-associated microbes as inoculants to increase stress tolerance in plants, as well as determine the impact of saline soil on nitrogen cycling genes linked to greenhouse gas production. This study hypothesizes that high soil salinity levels have a significant impact on …
Optimized Microbial Recombinant Production Of Hiv-1 Anti-Envelope Antibody Fragments With Applications To Single Particle Tracking Of Virus Assembly, Merissa Michelle Bruns
Optimized Microbial Recombinant Production Of Hiv-1 Anti-Envelope Antibody Fragments With Applications To Single Particle Tracking Of Virus Assembly, Merissa Michelle Bruns
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In my findings, I have established a set series of protocols to recombinantly produce, purify and apply various fluorescent probes in vitro for the fluorescent labeling and study of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) protein during HIV viral assembly. There remains insufficient knowledge about the molecular dynamics and interactions of HIV-1 Env protein with its counterpart, Gag, on the inner host cell surface during assembly of a mature virus particle. There also remains an insufficient amount of data for the understanding and clarification of the mechanism of action of a known host cell HIV-1 restriction factor, …
Understanding Patterns And Functional Impacts Of An Invasive Tree And Its Biological Control In A Riparian System, Annie L. Henry
Understanding Patterns And Functional Impacts Of An Invasive Tree And Its Biological Control In A Riparian System, Annie L. Henry
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Invasive species have become an inextricable part of the landscape, particularly in riparian plant communities, and removal is often a key component of restoration programs. Biological control (biocontrol) is a method of removal that is often both efficient and effective. However, the impact of biocontrol on target species and indirect effects from invasive species removal can be hard to predict. While monitoring the impact of invasive species removal usually involves some species-based assessment such as changes in diversity, historically dominant species or native species, these strategies do not typically provide insight into the mechanisms underlying plant community response to removal. …
Development Of Endoplasmic Reticulum Targeted Probes And Red Fluorescent Probes For Detecting Zinc, Drew Maslar
Development Of Endoplasmic Reticulum Targeted Probes And Red Fluorescent Probes For Detecting Zinc, Drew Maslar
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Zinc (Zn2+) is the second most abundant transition metal in the body and is important in various biological functions. Fluorescent sensors based on circularly permuted fluorescent proteins (cpFPs) have been previously made to detect labile, or unbound, Zn2+ within the cytoplasm of cells. These sensors have proven invaluable for studying Zn2+, however, these sensors are limited to their use in the cytoplasm and by the fact that only green cpFP have been utilized to create fluorescent Zn2+ sensors. In this thesis, we use a combination of peptide targeting sequences, site-directed mutagenesis, and rational design …
Bio-Inspired Materials For Electrochemical Sensors, Matthew Joseph Hummel
Bio-Inspired Materials For Electrochemical Sensors, Matthew Joseph Hummel
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Electrochemical biosensors are a rapidly growing research area that has greatly improved its specificity, accuracy, and precision in the detection of biomolecules in contemporary literature and industry alike. Typically, these systems exist in a three-electrode conformation with a working electrode functioning as the anode, a counter electrode functioning as the cathode, and a reference electrode allowing for the control of potential in the system. The method by which these sensors work is through the sharing of electrons via redox reactions with the target molecule and the working electrode or modifications on its surface. By exploiting the function of biomaterials that …