Life Sciences Commons^™

Pollinator Communities At The Onu Biological Sanctuary Relative To Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Stephanie Clark

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Many species of pollinators around the world have seen a population decline in recent years. Causes of these declines have been linked to several factors such as climate change, pesticide usage, and habitat loss. While previous Olivet Nazarene University research has analyzed the bee community at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and some of the savanna areas in Northeast Illinois surrounding Olivet, little is known about the new Swanberg Biological Sanctuary, owned by Olivet, or what butterflies are present in this region of Illinois. We utilized the 13 established transects throughout Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as well as six new transects …

Impact Of Ampa (Aminomethylphosphonic Acid) On The Fertility Of Live Bearing Fish, Stephen Nicholas Alvarado

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Increases in metabolic disorders, fertility issues, and population numbers have led researchers to begin investigations into pesticides for the likelihood that their introduction into the agricultural industry as well as the permeation of these chemicals into natural habitats has been a contributing factor to the prevalence of these issues. Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) has been one of the dominant prospective chemicals for investigation for its prevalence and infiltration into both food products as well as within environmental reservoirs. As the research into whether these pesticide breakdown products have the potential to act as metabolic inhibitors or hormonal disruptors further research is …

Survey Of The Performance Of Gold Nanoparticles Within An Ssdna-Stabilized Biosensor For The Detection Of Hg2+, Madalyn Zagajowski

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Methods

5 nm AuNPs were synthesized by combining solutions of HAuCl4 and sodium citrate, followed by dropwise addition of NaBH4 solution and aging for 24 hours. Additionally, Hg-bound poly(30)T ssDNA oligos were prepared by incubating with HgCl2 solution, with exonuclease I being added to denature unbound DNA. Aliquots of the AuNP solution were then treated with the ssDNA, either Hg-bound or non-Hg bound, and UV-vis and fluorescence spectra were taken of the samples with a Shimadzu UV-1280 spectrophotometer and a Hitachi F-2500 fluorescence spectrophotometer.

Results & Discussion

The UV-vis spectral data of the non-Hg bound AuNP/ssDNA complex samples did not …

The Protective Effects Of Anthocyanins On Neurons, Abigail Lynn

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are debilitating neurodegenerative diseases that are largely thought to be exacerbated, and perhaps even caused, by oxidative stress in and around neurons. At the same time, there has been increased research in the field of nutrition and how the foods we eat impact our short- and long-term health. These combined interests have resulted in fascinating studies that have found certain foods, namely plants, can have a variety of medicinal benefits.....The purpose of this study is to determine if plant extracts that have high levels of certain phytonutrients can increase the activity of cellular enzymes that reduce oxidative …

Comparing Pollinator Communities: Onu’S Swanberg Sanctuary V. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Stephanie Clark

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Pollinators play a key role in both ecosystem diversity and agricultural productivity [1]. Declines for pollinators have been seen across the globe and have been linked to agriculture and urbanization [2]. Several species in Illinois have declined so severely, they are now endangered or of significant conservation concern [1]. Past ONU students have collected data on the bees in Northeast IL. However, there is no data for what species are at the Sanctuary. This study will provide baseline data for future studies and by comparing with Midewin, a mature restoration, we can gain an understanding of distinctiveness.

Analysis Of Botulinum Toxin A And Interacting Proteins In Skeletal Muscle Cells: An Investigation Into The Mechanisms Of Botulinum Toxin A As A Treatment For Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome, Lauren Kee

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Background: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition in which muscle tissue expands against the surrounding fascia during activity and is compressed along with the nerves and blood vessels within the muscle compartment, leading to abnormally high intracompartmental pressure (ICP) and debilitating pain. Treatment typically includes fasciotomy, which results in significant levels of CECS recurrence; however, botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection has recently been seen to decrease both ICP and pain through an unknown mechanism with little to no recurrence.

Methods: In this study, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E₂ receptor 4 (EP4), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), …

Finding The Balance​ The Effects Of Α-Cyclodextrin, 2-Hydroxypropyl-Β-Cyclodextrin, And Cholesterol Bacteroides Vulgatus And Clostridium Bolteae​, Bethany Weaver

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease that is characterized by the hardening of arteries through the formation of cholesterol plaques. Cyclodextrins could potentially treat atherosclerosis by shrinking plaques. These cyclic oligosaccharides can make complexes with cholesterol but have also shown toxic side effects. This study looked for potential negative effects of cyclodextrins and cholesterol on gut bacteria. It was hypothesized that Bacteroides vulgatus will have decreased growth when grown in broth with cholesterol. In contrast, Clostridium bolteae will have decreased growth when grown in broth with cyclodextrins. Due to the fact that these bacteria are anaerobic, Clostridium bolteae and Bacteroides vulgatus …

Impact Analysis On The Invasive Oriental Weather Loach (Misgurnus Anguillicaudatus) In The Grant Creek And Prairie Creek Watersheds At Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Adam Vanhaitsma

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

In 2014, the invasive Oriental weather loach was found in the Prairie Creek wetland at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. While little is known about the Oriental weather loach and its impact on freshwater ecosystems it has become a widespread invasive species. Being the first to investigate the impact of the Oriental weather loach on the Grant Creek and Prairie Creek watersheds at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, we set traps for specimens from early June till late July in both watersheds. Each loach that was caught was euthanized and dissected in order to understand what the Oriental weather loaches are eating …

Measuring The Decrement Times Of Volatile Anesthetics In Drosophila Melanogaster Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Jason Tolley

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Background

Model organisms are widely used in research, especially in the context of complex situations. One model organism that has been widely used is the common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (D. mel). D. mel are most commonly used in the context of genetics, but they have also been widely used in research focusing on general anesthetics. One value that has not been measured in D. mel, however, as it relates to general anesthetics, is the decrement times. This is what was the present research set out to determine.

Methods

The anesthetics studied in this research were isoflurane …

Study Of Blood Viscosity With Added Sodium Nitrate And Temperature Variance: A Potential Therapy To Regulate Blood Flow After Induced Hypothermia, Brianna Munnich

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

The human body has natural systems for vasodilation which are fueled by nitric oxide production, but in cases of cardiac disfunction and stress nitric oxide can be inhibited. In this study, nitric oxide was studied as a mediator for the blood rush experienced from the warming after induced hypothermia. Nitric oxide (NO) was introduced through sodium nitrate, which was aimed to reduce the speed and turbulence of blood flow through interaction between NO and the active site of hemoglobin. A viscometer was used to examine the rate of blood flow, while the temperature was varied to simulate the conditions of …

Prospects Of An Astrotourism Site In Namibia, Chris Stone

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Namibia has significant potential as an astrotourism destination. A handful of sites are already utilizing the region’s clear, dark skies to draw tourists and establish a viable business model. These sites include the Gamsberg Observatory, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Hakos Guest Farm, and Tivoli Astrofarm. The establishment of future professional astronomical research facilities on the Gamsberg Mountain Plateau will also likely add to the attraction of tourists interested in viewing Namibia’s dark skies. The best months for astronomical observing in Namibia are the dry winter months between June and September, which correspond to peak seasonal visits for hunting …

The Community Composition Of Bark And Wood Boring Beetles In Woodland And Endangered Midwestern Oak Savanna Habitats, Tanner Senti

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

The economic and ecological significance of many exotic and native outbreaking species of Scolytine beetles is well understood, however much less is known of most other native Scolytine and woodboring beetles, particularly in the American Midwest. Further, very few studies have focused on oak ecosystems, particularly endangered oak savannas. To investigate the woodboring beetle communities of Midwestern oak savannas we selected a high-quality remnant black oak savanna and adjacent woodland site in Northeastern Illinois. We trapped for 12 weeks from late May to August. Overall, 4.5 times more beetles were found in savanna than woodland sites. There was also greater …

Assessing The Stability And Distribution Of A Newly Discovered Endangered Bumble Bee Population In Northeastern Illinois, Barbara Locascio

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Many species of bumble bees (Bombus spp.) have been declining in abundance across North America. In the Midwest declines, including that of B. affinis, recently listed as a federally endangered species, are attributed to several factors including habitat loss. Native tallgrass prairies could be ideal areas for Bombus spp. communities to sustain populations, due to native floral resources. However, few studies have been done to determine this. Our objective was to determine the stability and consistency of B. affinis populations at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and to investigate whether Goose Lake Prairie, a nearby prairie remnant, …

Protective Effects Of The Novel Phytonutrient S7 Against Intestinal Tight Junction Disruption: Composition Matters, Erin E. Olson, Alexi L. Zastrow, Daniel R. Sharda

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

The prevalence of intestinal inflammatory diseases is increasing, and pharmacologic agents for intervention are currently limited. Preserving epithelial tight junction (TJ) integrity and preventing underlying immune cell activation by intestinal bacteria are key targets for abrogating the perpetual inflammatory cycle that plagues these diseases. Phytonutrients have shown promise for their ability to reduce cellular inflammation, but the extent of their efficacy in an intestinal model of inflammation is not well understood. Here, we hypothesized that S7, a novel phytonutrient derived from extracts rich in curcuminoids and catechins, would reduce immune cell inflammation and preserve TJ integrity in an in vitro …

Foraging Behavior Of Red-Headed Woodpeckers In Endangered Black Oak Savanna Habitat, Mike J. King

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

The objective of this study was to determine the role of black oak savanna habitat on red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) foraging behavior. Through the development of a foraging ethogram, the recording of foraging behavior times, and the collection of habitat data we were able to assess if any patterns existed between foraging and black oak savanna habitat. Comparison of our data in black oak savannas to that of others in woodland suggests that foraging behavior may differ between habitat types. Tree species did appear to impact the proportion of certain foraging behaviors, however further study is needed to more fully …

Survey Of The Critically Endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus Affinis) At Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, (Usda-Fs) Ill., Anne Hughes

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are important pollinators of many plants around the world. Recent declines in populations and range(s) of Bombus spp. are attributed to habitat loss, pesticide use and invasive pathogens. Four species have undergone notable declines in Illinois, with one, the rusty patched bumble bee (B. affinis), recently being listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Prairie restoration over the past 20 years at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, a 20,000 acre preserve near Wilmington, IL, has resulted in much florally rich prairie habitat, yet no comprehensive survey for B. affinis has been conducted, despite known populations in …

Hexavalent Chromium Toxicity On Human Epithelial Cells And Protection By Ascorbic Acid And Epigallocatechin Gallate, Timmy Mayotte

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Hexavalent chromium or Cr(VI) is a known carcinogen in human beings, though the exact mechanism of carcinogenicity is still unknown. The same chemical compound is also found at varying levels in the water sources of more than 200 million Americans. While the government currently regulates total chromium levels, they have yet to determine a permissible exposure limit for Cr(VI). There is currently no method of preventative treatment for the chemical. The focus of this study was to determine the mechanism of carcinogenicity of Cr(VI) as well as confirm the viability of antioxidants as a preventative treatment. Because of Cr(VI)’s strong …

Study Of Alpha Mangostin As A Chemoprotective Agent For Breast Cancer Via Activation Of The P53 Pathway, Vanessa Van Oost

Pence-Boyce STEM Student Scholarship

Breast carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women and causes over 400,000 deaths yearly worldwide. Current treatments such as chemotherapy are not selective for cancerous tissues but are destructive to normal tissues as well. This causes a range of side effects including pain, nausea, hair loss, weakness, and more. Inactivation of p53 is an almost universal mutation within human cancer cells. The ability to activate the p53 pathway which protects cells from tumor formation is lost in 50% of cancers. Due to the prevalence of this mutation, p53 is a uniquely valuable target for applied research. Alpha mangostin …