Life Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Mutations In The Arabidopsis Apetela (Ap3) Gene, Hazel R. Frans, Tara Phelps-Durr

SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days

The purpose of this research is to understand the molecular functioning of the Arabidopsis thaliana Apetela (Ap3) gene. We created mutations in two sites of the gene, AP3-3 and AP3-5. These are predicted to change AP3 protein structure, which may result in a mutated flower. Analyzing the effects of new mutations allows an understanding of protein formation both in plants and humans.

Investigating Scube3 Nuclear Localization In Presence Of Doxorubicin Treatment In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells, Lillian Ergle

Merge

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) is a glycosylated secreted protein. Prior to its secretion, SCUBE3 localizes in the cytoplasm. We observed that SCUBE3 protein trans-localized to the nucleus following Doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. DOX is one of the strongest chemotherapeutic agents and the first-line drug used in breast cancer treatment. SCUBE3 structural analysis showed that it lacks a DNA binding domain. Based on this observation and other preliminary data, we hypothesized that nuclear SCUBE3 protein promotes the survival of cells against Doxorubicin treatment. To investigate this hypothesis, we made a wild-type construct and three constructs with mutated nuclear localization sequences …

Ungrading: Reflections Through A Feminist Pedagogical Lens, Erin M. Eggleston, Shelby Kimmel

Feminist Pedagogy

Ungrading is a pedagogical approach in which no grades are given on any assignments. Instead, students are provided with many opportunities to submit work and gain feedback. The goal is to shift student focus from achieving a grade to growth as a learner and a person. As instructors, our ungrading approach utilized personalized learning plans, checkpoint reflections, and student-professor learning conferences to put agency in the hands of our students. We employed this method in upper-level biology and computer science courses and provide critical reflections here regarding our experiences and the connections between this approach and feminist STEM pedagogy tenets. …

Deep Learning Image Analysis To Isolate And Characterize Different Stages Of S-Phase In Human Cells, Kevin A. Boyd, Rudranil Mitra, John Santerre, Christopher L. Sansam

SMU Data Science Review

Abstract. This research used deep learning for image analysis by isolating and characterizing distinct DNA replication patterns in human cells. By leveraging high-resolution microscopy images of multiple cells stained with 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), a replication marker, this analysis utilized Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to perform image segmentation and to provide robust and reliable classification results. First multiple cells in a field of focus were identified using a pretrained CNN called Cellpose. After identifying the location of each cell in the image a python script was created to crop out each cell into individual .tif files. After careful annotation, a CNN was …

Predicting Stage Progression In Binet Stage A Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Salem H. Alshemmari, Mazyad Almazyad, Ahmed Alsarraf, Anita Kunhikrishnan, Asha M. Isaac, Andy Kaempf

Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy

Introduction: the variable clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and the lack of consensus on follow-up and treatment strategies have necessitated a prognostic model for identifying high-risk patients at the time of diagnosis. Methods: this study involved a retrospective analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics of 212 patients diagnosed with Binet stage A CLL and thus eligible for risk stratification by both the International Prognostic Score for Early-stage CLL (IPS-E) and the alternative IPS-E (AIPS-E). We evaluated the applicability of these prognostic indices in our young, Middle Eastern cohort (median age 59 at diagnosis). Results: during a study period …

Leafy Sea Dragon, Phycodurus Sp., Kennedi X. Light

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Artist Statement

Leafy sea dragons, Phycodurus sp. are part of the Syngnathidae family. Syngnathidae is a genus made up of seahorses, pipefishes, and sea dragons. All three of the species are known to have beautiful patterning. However, leafy sea dragons got their name from their leafy appendages like their fins and limbs. The reason I chose to draw a leafy sea dragon is due to my own interest in astrobiology. Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe and astrobiologists look for signs of life within the universe. I would like to be an astrobiologist one day and focus …

The Florida Scrub-Jay, Emily Hill

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Artist Statement

The Florida Scrub-Jay is a digital scientific illustration of Aphelocoma coerulescens, the only native bird species endemic to Florida. This piece celebrates the natural beauty of the Florida scrub-jay and its key features that allow it to thrive in scrub habitats. These habitats are threatened by anthropogenic activity and climate change, leading to the fragmentation, degradation, or eventual loss of these areas. Through this artwork, I hope to emphasize the importance of conservation and inspire viewers to appreciate and protect this bird species.

Every stroke and color choice were carefully considered to accurately depict the bird’s physical attributes. …

Can Tilt Be Used To Teach Study Tactics? A Case Study In A Biology Classroom, Anne Jacobs

Perspectives In Learning

Recently, there has been a movement encouraging instructors in higher education to use the Transparency in Teaching and Learning (TILT) framework when designing assignments. This framework helps instructors clarify their expectations and evaluation criteria. Making assignments more transparent may result in greater student success. However, it is less clear how this framework can be applied to classes that use exams as a main method of assessing student learning. One option might be to use a TILTed assignment to introduce students to learning tools to improve their studying. I did this by giving students in an introductory biology class an assignment …

Uncovering A Natural History Mystery At The University Of Akron, Gary M. Holliday, Lara Roketenetz

Proceedings from the Document Academy

Students were engaged in a combination of detective work, biology, archives, art, and education/outreach to prepare a collection of taxidermied birds donated to the University of Akron by the Rhodes family in the early 1900s for public access and exhibition. Students had the opportunity to learn from leading experts regarding the historical significance of biological collections, proper preservation protocols, digitizing and archival practices, and the urgency of science education and communication for a public audience. Many campus and community partners were involved, including experts from local museums and nature centers.

A Study Of Multiple Sclerosis, Christine Chen

The Cardinal Edge

No abstract provided.

Students Interest And Thoughts On Stem, Chrisitine Girtain

STEM Month

I am Juan Sebastian Bohorquez Mora, I am a sophomore student at Toms River High School North. I am interested in biofuels because I believe they are a good option to replace fossil fuels. I am also interested in duckweed because biofuels are made out of crops, and people need to eat those crops. That’s when duckweed comes in and it can be used as a feedstock for ethanol production which is a biofuel. Bioethanol is a type of biofuel and it is derived from the corn’s starch. Instead of making ethanol from the corn’s starch, we can use duckweed …

Socio-Economic Factors Of Environmental Problems, Manzura Kamalova, D. Shakenov

Karakalpak Scientific Journal

People consciously and intensively rebuild their nature according to their own needs, creating rural and urban areas in which they live. People care about the quality of life in the context of the unity of nature and culture. Social is a relatively new discipline that deals with urban space and environmental issues. One way to imagine what is beneficial to people is to find out what is economically best for the person. The article examines the economic factors that form the attitude towards social ecology in Kazakhstan. The article concludes that society should cooperate to achieve common things, both for …

Research On Characteristics, Development Trend And Funding Countermeasures Of Biology, Jie Chen, Jing Qu, Zhiyong Lou, Bing Zhu, Le Kang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Strengthening the research in biology aimed at national strategic needs and major scientific frontier issues is conducive to giving full play to the strategic supporting role of biological research for national economic development and the promotion of international competitiveness. This article combs the basic characteristics and development trend of biology, summarizes the practical experience of international biological research funding, and analyzes the outstanding problems in biological research in China, such as incomplete layout, lack of sustainable and stable support, and insufficient funding for top talents and teams. By referring to the international practical experience, it puts forward policy suggestions to …

Molecular Characterization Of Proteus Spp. From Patients Admitted To Hospitals In Erbil City, Treska Dh. Kamil, Sanaria F. Jarjes

Polytechnic Journal

The study was carried out to detect the identity of Proteus spp. isolated from various clinical specimens in Erbil City by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Specimens were of urine, wounds swabs, burn swabs, vaginal swabs, ear swabs, eye swabs, and sputum. Fifty-one Proteus isolates, (47) Proteus mirabilis, and (4) Proteus vulgaris, were undergone PCR assay using specific primers, targeting the genes ureR and Urease C (ureC), that encode for urease enzyme as a virulence factor of Proteus species. It was found that all isolates of Proteus mirabilis yielded positive result for ureR gene with an amplicon length of 225 …

Effect Of Fenugreek Seeds In Maternal Diet On Some Features Of Newborn Pups In Albino Mice, Karim R. Hamad

Polytechnic Journal

Introduction: Fenugreek seeds have got interest of researchers for their positive effects on laboratory animals and human being, including their effects on reproductive system. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 5% raw fenugreek seed and its boiled aqueous extract containing diet on adult female mice, for 2 weeks before mating, to evaluate fertility, and some features of newborn pups. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 adult female mice randomly and equally were divided into three groups. Group I: Control, Group II: Female mice treated with 5% raw fenugreek seed containing diet, and Group III: Female mice …

Molecular Characterization Of Proteus Spp. From Patients Admitted To Hospitals In Erbil City, Treska Dh. Kamil, Sanaria F. Jarjes

Polytechnic Journal

The study was carried out to detect the identity of Proteus spp. isolated from various clinical specimens in Erbil City by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Specimens were of urine, wounds swabs, burn swabs, vaginal swabs, ear swabs, eye swabs, and sputum. Fifty-one Proteus isolates, (47) Proteus mirabilis, and (4) Proteus vulgaris, were undergone PCR assay using specific primers, targeting the genes ureR and Urease C (ureC), that encode for urease enzyme as a virulence factor of Proteus species. It was found that all isolates of Proteus mirabilis yielded positive result for ureR gene with an amplicon length of 225 …

Effect Of Fenugreek Seeds In Maternal Diet On Some Features Of Newborn Pups In Albino Mice, Karim R. Hamad

Polytechnic Journal

Introduction: Fenugreek seeds have got interest of researchers for their positive effects on laboratory animals and human being, including their effects on reproductive system. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 5% raw fenugreek seed and its boiled aqueous extract containing diet on adult female mice, for 2 weeks before mating, to evaluate fertility, and some features of newborn pups. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 adult female mice randomly and equally were divided into three groups. Group I: Control, Group II: Female mice treated with 5% raw fenugreek seed containing diet, and Group III: Female mice …

Molecular Characterization Of Proteus Spp. From Patients Admitted To Hospitals In Erbil City, Treska Dh. Kamil, Sanaria F. Jarjes

Polytechnic Journal

The study was carried out to detect the identity of Proteus spp. isolated from various clinical specimens in Erbil City by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Specimens were of urine, wounds swabs, burn swabs, vaginal swabs, ear swabs, eye swabs, and sputum. Fifty-one Proteus isolates, (47) Proteus mirabilis, and (4) Proteus vulgaris, were undergone PCR assay using specific primers, targeting the genes ureR and Urease C (ureC), that encode for urease enzyme as a virulence factor of Proteus species. It was found that all isolates of Proteus mirabilis yielded positive result for ureR gene with an amplicon length of 225 …

Effect Of Fenugreek Seeds In Maternal Diet On Some Features Of Newborn Pups In Albino Mice, Karim R. Hamad

Polytechnic Journal

Introduction: Fenugreek seeds have got interest of researchers for their positive effects on laboratory animals and human being, including their effects on reproductive system. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 5% raw fenugreek seed and its boiled aqueous extract containing diet on adult female mice, for 2 weeks before mating, to evaluate fertility, and some features of newborn pups. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 adult female mice randomly and equally were divided into three groups. Group I: Control, Group II: Female mice treated with 5% raw fenugreek seed containing diet, and Group III: Female mice …

Molecular Characterization Of Proteus Spp. From Patients Admitted To Hospitals In Erbil City, Treska Dh. Kamil, Sanaria F. Jarjes

Polytechnic Journal

The study was carried out to detect the identity of Proteus spp. isolated from various clinical specimens in Erbil City by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Specimens were of urine, wounds swabs, burn swabs, vaginal swabs, ear swabs, eye swabs, and sputum. Fifty-one Proteus isolates, (47) Proteus mirabilis, and (4) Proteus vulgaris, were undergone PCR assay using specific primers, targeting the genes ureR and Urease C (ureC), that encode for urease enzyme as a virulence factor of Proteus species. It was found that all isolates of Proteus mirabilis yielded positive result for ureR gene with an amplicon length of 225 …

Effect Of Fenugreek Seeds In Maternal Diet On Some Features Of Newborn Pups In Albino Mice, Karim R. Hamad

Polytechnic Journal

Introduction: Fenugreek seeds have got interest of researchers for their positive effects on laboratory animals and human being, including their effects on reproductive system. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 5% raw fenugreek seed and its boiled aqueous extract containing diet on adult female mice, for 2 weeks before mating, to evaluate fertility, and some features of newborn pups. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 adult female mice randomly and equally were divided into three groups. Group I: Control, Group II: Female mice treated with 5% raw fenugreek seed containing diet, and Group III: Female mice …

Summer To Autumn Population Of Wild Eumaeus Atala On The Ft. Lauderdale Campus Of Nova Southeastern University, Alexandra M. Lens

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Eumaeus atala is an endangered tropical butterfly native to the Caribbean and some parts of Florida, USA. Following population reductions primarily due to habitat loss, E. atala populations are now increasing due to conservation efforts of its cycad host plants, especially Zamia integrifolia (coontie). The purpose of this study was to observe, document, and measure the population of wild E. atala on the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida campus of Nova Southeastern University where landscaping use of host plants supports a natural population of E. atala. Forty-four host plants located in two different sites were observed for 14 weeks. One site …

Influence Of Flipped Learning Strategy On High School Students’ Learning Outcomes In Biology In Osun State, Mutahir Oluwafemi Abanikannda

Frameless

The study was conducted to investigate the influence of flipped learning strategy on high school students’ learning outcomes in Biology in Osun State. The study adopted a descriptive survey and respondents used for the study were three hundred and fifty (350) students were randomly selected from twelve (12) High Schools in Osun State. The study consists of one research question and one research hypothesis. The instrument used to obtain information on this research was an inventory. Frequency counts and percentages with mean deviation was the descriptive statistics used. The research findings revealed that flipped learning strategy has a positive influence …

Impact Of Seawall Type On Mollusc Size And Diversity In South Water Caye Belize: A Case Study, Morgan O. Orand, Ginger R. Fisher

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

The size and diversity of molluscs on and in front of artificial and natural sea walls in the tropical rocky intertidal of South Water Caye, Belize were investigated with the intent of determining the suitability of artificial surfaces to replace natural seawalls. Four seawalls, three artificial and one natural, were observed over a period of eight days. Mollusc size did not change based on distance from the wall for any of the walls. However, there were some significant differences in the species and number of molluscs in front of each wall as well as on the walls themselves. Measures of …

Black And White Health Disparities: Racial Bias In American Healthcare, Yasmeen Almomani

Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Connections

This paper explores the historical implications of race in American society that have led to implicit racism in the healthcare system. Racial bias in healthcare against Black people is a factor in the health disparities between Black and white people in America, such as the gap in life expectancy, infant death, and maternal mortality. Black people are more likely to report racial discrimination from healthcare providers, which is a reason for the decreased quality of care received. The past justifications of slavery, the Tuskegee syphilis study, and the medical experimentations on Black women are horrifying but were considered acceptable in …

Green Synthesis Of Bioactive Cuo@Fe3o4@Walnut Shell Nanocomposite Using Crataegus Azarolus Var. Aronia L. Extract And Its Antivasoconstrictive Action On Rat’S Aortic Smooth Muscle, Sarbast A. Mahmud

Polytechnic Journal

The antioxidant potential of Crataegus azarolus Var. aronia aqueous extract was used as reducing and stabilizing media to the green synthesis of bioactive CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell nanocomposite (NCs). The ability of the plant extract as bioreducing medium was proved using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. While, the structural identification of synthesized CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs was proved using the scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, elemental mapping, and point analysis. Then, the antivasoconstriction effects of CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs (5*10−2 mg/ml) and (1*10−1 mg/ml) on rats isolated thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells were studied. Green synthesized CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs showed effective antivasoconstriction …

Genetic Diversity Among Ten Maize Genotypes Using Simple Sequence Repeat Dna Markers, Sebar D. Abdulazeez, Sakar A. Kakarash, Namam B. Ismael

Polytechnic Journal

Genetic diversity among ten maize genotypes (seven inbred lines and three testers) was investigated using ten simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Primers (bnlg128, bnlg1839, Umc1117, bnlg1144, and bnlg1152) generated the highest number of bands (4 bands) for inbred lines while the primer bnlg128 showing the highest number of bands (3 bands) for testers. The primer bnlg128 shows the highest effective number of alleles (ne) for inbred lines and testers. Among the studied primer bnlg1839 in inbred lines and primer bnlg128 in testers showed the maximum polymorphism information content (PIC) and the greatest diversity. Using UPGMA cluster analysis, the seven inbred lines …

Study The Effects Of Formaldehyde And Xylene Vapor On Lung And Testicular Tissue With Sperm Morphology Of Adult Albino Rats, Trefa F. Ismail, Galawezh O. Othman, Naznaz H. Othman, Ban A. Hassan

Polytechnic Journal

Formalin is widely used chemical substance in industry and medicine (as tissue fixative and disinfectant). It contains reactive molecules which have been known for its cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, xylene used in histological techniques during preparation of tissue and has different toxic effects on tissues. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of formaldehyde and xylene inhalation on albino rat’s lung and testes. Fifteen adult male rats were used in this study; the rats were divided randomly into three groups (A, B, and C). Group (A) comprises the control group, whereas the rats in the Group (B) were exposed …

Green Synthesis Of Bioactive Cuo@Fe3o4@Walnut Shell Nanocomposite Using Crataegus Azarolus Var. Aronia L. Extract And Its Antivasoconstrictive Action On Rat’S Aortic Smooth Muscle, Sarbast A. Mahmud

Polytechnic Journal

The antioxidant potential of Crataegus azarolus Var. aronia aqueous extract was used as reducing and stabilizing media to the green synthesis of bioactive CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell nanocomposite (NCs). The ability of the plant extract as bioreducing medium was proved using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. While, the structural identification of synthesized CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs was proved using the scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, elemental mapping, and point analysis. Then, the antivasoconstriction effects of CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs (5*10−2 mg/ml) and (1*10−1 mg/ml) on rats isolated thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells were studied. Green synthesized CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs showed effective antivasoconstriction …

Genetic Diversity Among Ten Maize Genotypes Using Simple Sequence Repeat Dna Markers, Sebar D. Abdulazeez, Sakar A. Kakarash, Namam B. Ismael

Polytechnic Journal

Genetic diversity among ten maize genotypes (seven inbred lines and three testers) was investigated using ten simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Primers (bnlg128, bnlg1839, Umc1117, bnlg1144, and bnlg1152) generated the highest number of bands (4 bands) for inbred lines while the primer bnlg128 showing the highest number of bands (3 bands) for testers. The primer bnlg128 shows the highest effective number of alleles (ne) for inbred lines and testers. Among the studied primer bnlg1839 in inbred lines and primer bnlg128 in testers showed the maximum polymorphism information content (PIC) and the greatest diversity. Using UPGMA cluster analysis, the seven inbred lines …