Life Sciences Commons^™

Plants Lack The Functional Neurotransmitters And Signaling Pathways Required For Sentience In Animals, David G. Robinson, Michael R. Blatt, Andreas Draguhn, Lincoln Taiz, Jon Mallatt

Animal Sentience

We cannot agree with Segundo-Ortin and Calvo that plants are sentient organisms. We have critically examined several aspects of their target article, and find their claims are not supported by the published evidence. We address these claims in sections on whether plants have a ‘neurobiology’ analogous to that of animal nervous systems, including neurotransmitters and synaptic receptors that respond to anesthetics; and whether plant signaling resembles neural transmission. For the latter, we especially consider the unique way plants signal their responses to wounding. Although the plant vascular system has been compared to the animal nervous system, animal blood vessels would …

Fish_Tracking_Receiver_Locations_Molokini.Xlsx, Kevin Weng

Data

Locations of Vemco acoustic tracking receivers used to monitor fish movements. For the publication:https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0283683Decreased tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic positively affects reef fish in a high use marine protected areaKevin C. Weng1*, Alan M. Friedlander2,3, Laura Gajdzik4, Whitney Goodell2,3, Russell T. Sparks4 1 Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, 1375 Greate Road, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA2 Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, Department of Biology, University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai`i, USA3 Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, District of Columbia, USA4 Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, Hawai`i, …

Diver_Survey_Fhus_Dar_Fish_Data_Molokini.Xlsx, Kevin Weng

Data

Diver surveys of fish community at Molokini.For the publication:https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0283683Decreased tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic positively affects reef fish in a high use marine protected areaKevin C. Weng1*, Alan M. Friedlander2,3, Laura Gajdzik4, Whitney Goodell2,3, Russell T. Sparks4 1 Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, 1375 Greate Road, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA2 Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, Department of Biology, University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai`i, USA3 Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, District of Columbia, USA4 Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, Hawai`i, USA

A Comparison Of Candidate Banker Plants For Management Of Pests In Lettuce, Brian N. Hogg, Erik H. Nelson, Kent M. Daane

Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Faculty Scholarship

Agricultural systems are often lacking in resources for natural enemies. Providing alternative prey can help natural enemies persist through periods of low pest abundance, although this approach has been rarely commercially implemented in open field crops. In this study, we tested the potential of eight plant species to provide alternative prey to natural enemies in lettuce fields over a 2-yr period. Results showed that the tested plants would not act as sources of the lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri Mosley (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the primary lettuce pest. Of the banker plants tested, barley contained high numbers of non-lettuce aphids and appeared to …

Peer-Supervision Of Nursing Professionals: A Shield Against Burnout, Kyle Gamache, Sarah Gamache, Joseph Robillard

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Burnout is a major risk in healthcare professions and is a significant contributor to the current nursing shortage. Strategies to combat burnout of healthcare professionals are in desperate need. The purpose of this project is to introduce the clinical peer supervision model as a method to alleviate burnout in nursing professionals.

Approach: Eight nurses from in-patient settings participated in a peer-supervision support group, modeled after existing European nursing and mental health provider-support protocols. To assess the effect of this intervention, qualitative data analysis was conducted on the transcripts of session and the results described. All participants reported statistically high …

Deficit Irrigation Management For Irrigated Corn In Nebraska: Economically Viable?, Lia Nogueira, Cory Walters, Emily O'Donnell, Wesley Peterson, Suat Irmak

Cornhusker Economics

In this study we determine the economic value of deficit irrigation management using both technological and methodological advancements. The use of soil moisture probes represents the technological improvement. We provide improvements in the methodology as follows. Regarding data, we employ a field-size study, instead of plots, where the irrigation decision is determined by the moisture level in the soil measured through a soil moisture probe. Regarding the understanding of the yield response to water, although we examine the commonly used quadratic function, we improve upon this specification by also examining an alternative response function, the linear response stochastic plateau. Our …

Physiological Measurements Pre/Post Ultra-Marathon Distance Race, Karolina Zavisiute, Scott Richmond, Chad Kerksick, Kyle Sunderland, Petey Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Endurance running events like 100 miles distance races are becoming more popular. Humans are eager to explore their limits by challenging themselves to run 100 miles distance races. However, there are many research gaps still exist to fully understand the impact on the body that 100 miles endurance event has.

The aim of this study was to measure and analyze the impact of the 100 miles endurance race among recreational runners. Ten male recreational runners (age 36.6 ± 14.1) were screened before and after completing 100 miles distance running event in Missouri. Test screening included VO2 max, RMR, BIA, Ultrasound …

Changes In Hamstring Muscle Thickness And Pennation Angle Following Nordic Exercise In A Post-Surgical Acl Patient: A Case Study, Aaliyah M. Moore, Petey W. Mumford

2023 Student Academic Showcase

This study aims to utilize ultrasound imaging to investigate the effects of Nordic hamstring exercise on a post-surgical ACL rugby patient who had a hamstring tear in the contralateral leg of his ACL tear. The study will also examine any changes in the patient's ACL leg hamstring compared to the torn hamstring leg. The patient's Biodex test results will also be incorporated to determine if there is a correlation between muscle thickness and pennation angle changes. Ultrasound scans were taken 2 months, 4 months and will be taken again at 6 months post-surgery, following biodex assessments. Ultrasound images have shown …

Female Swimmers Exhibit Greater Isometric Force Symmetry Across The Shoulder Girdle Than Male Swimmers, Lyssa Wood, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test was developed to measure force across the shoulder girdle. This test can be used to assess symmetry and potential injury risk in upper-body sports. The purpose was to determine the differences in the supine-to-prone ratio of isometric shoulder force production between male and female swimmers. Forty-five Lindenwood swimmers (F=23, M=22) participated in this cross-sectional study. Athletes performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions in both the supine and the prone laying position with arms straight and shoulders abducted 135˚ (“Y”). Female simmers had an higher average ratio (76.5%±13.5%) compared to males (68.1%±11.2%) independent of the arm tested. …

Peak Torque Ratios Of Hamstrings To Quadriceps Do Not Differ Between Positions Or Angular Velocities In Female Collegiate Rugby Athletes, Amanda Ware, Ava L. Denner, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The relative strength of hamstrings to quadriceps (H:Q) is an important measure for determining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk, which is more prevalent in female athletes. The purpose was to examine H:Q at varying angular velocities in different position of female college rugby athletes. The dominant leg of forty-seven female college rugby athletes was evaluated via isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s, and 300 deg/s. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q. H:Q was not significantly different between positions. Additionally, there were no significant changes in H:Q at different angular velocities independent of position. These …

Hamstrings To Quadriceps Peak Torque Ratios Are Similar Between Positions In Male College Rugby Athletes, Ava Denner, Amanda Ware, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Decreased hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength (H:Q) is a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose was to determine the H:Q at varying angular velocities in male college rugby athletes. Thirty-eight male college rugby athletes volunteered for this study. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q in the dominant leg with isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s. There was no significant difference among position groups in peak torques, regardless of speed. H:Q was significantly lower at 60 deg/s compared to all other velocities. While H:Q does beneficially increase …

Arm Isometric Force Production In Ncaa Softball Players Is Greater In The Dominant Arm Independent Of Arm Angle, Nicole Henson, Kyle Sunderland

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Arm Isometric Force Production in NCAA Softball Players is Greater in the Dominant Arm Independent of Arm Angle

N. Henson1, M. Gersch1, K. Sunderland1

1Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, College of Science, Technology, and Health, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO, USA

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is used to examine strength symmetry between dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Our purpose was to examine shoulder isometric force production in college softball players at two arm angles. Seventeen college softball players performed bilateral isometric shoulder contractions on dual force plates while laying prone with arms straight and shoulders at 135˚ (“Y”) and 180˚ …

Identifying Risk Of Acl Injury In Collegiate Male Rugby Players Across A Single Training Year, Caleb Small, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

The purpose of this study to examine collegiate male rugby players’ susceptibility for sustaining an ACL injury over the course of an entire season using the biodex strength assessment, standardized functional movement screen, and Y-balance test. Participants included five male collegiate rugby players who play in the back line ranging from age eighteen through twenty-three. Baseline testing was conducted during preseason training and re-assessed every four weeks throughout the entire season. Assessment measures remained the same throughout all testing trials, in addition to a subjective patient questionnaire. Following data collection, three out of the five participants showed deficiency of hamstring …

Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Addison Haddock, Chad Welsh

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium that has developed resistance to several previously adequate treatments. This is a growing health crisis in the United States, particularly in hospitals where vulnerable individuals are at increased risk of exposure and infection. The scientists challenging this issue are investigating the processes driving the bacterium’s drug resistant nature in hopes of discovering effective treatment strategies. However, as the bacterium continues to evolve and acquire new mutations over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to combat. The emergence and persistent spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in healthcare settings pose a hazard to society, emphasizing the …

The Effect Of Gibberellin On Millett, Lauren Dale-Derks, Jasmine Ward, Mackenzie Wilson, Chloe Turasky, Michael Fitzgerald, Mackenzie Holmes, Maxwell Mason, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

We are testing the effects of gibberellic acid on millet plants to determine if the mutation that caused them to be dwarf plants are gibberellin deficient or if the gibberellin response system is affected. In order to determine this, we will apply gibberellin solution to the millet plants and observe their growth or lack of growth. The dwarf mutant millet plants that are gibberellin would show growth like those with no mutation, and the millet plants that have a mutation in the gibberellin response system would not demonstrate any growth since they would be unable to process the gibberellin. The …

Dwarfism On Dwarf Millets, Andrew Martin, Anna Carter, Ryan Eckerman, Danian Castillo, Caleb Horton, Mellissa Magathlan, Anthony Landrigan, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Our research team studied the effect of Dwarf mutations on Millet plant growth. To study these effects a plant hormone named Gibberellin was periodically added to the plants. Gibberellin is a hormone used in plants to grow, elongate, and flower the plant stems. With the addition of Gibberellin to millet plants, we compared the elongation of Millet stem length (cm) to the Millet wild-type generations. We hypothesized the implementation of Gibberellin would boost the growth rate and size of dwarf mutated millet.

The Effect Of Gibberellic Acid Treatment On The Growth Of Dwarf Setaria Mutations, Audrianna Torrey, Mariana Gutierrez, Shelby Nolde, Agnes Adams, Andrés Acuña, Maia Busi, Hannah Edwards, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Dwarfism is a common mutation found in many organisms and Setaria (millets) is no different. In millets and other plants, a reduction or complete lack of production of necessary hormones such as Gibberellic acid (GA), auxin, or Brassinosteroid can cause a mutant’s vertical and sometimes outward growth to be significantly reduced when compared to a wild type of the same variety. A typical solution to this mutation is the application of a hormone solution to allow the plant’s cells and organs to have access to the hormones needed to continue growing at an average rate. We decided to test an …

Plant Hormone Addition On Mutant Millets, Taylor Stroup, Michael Mosier, Hannah Appleget, Kat Townsend, Delaney Lentz, Jose Vargas, Liam Bentein, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

In this experiment we tested the effects of adding plant hormones to dwarf mutant millet plants that were either non-responsive to this hormone or did not make the hormone naturally. Measurements were taken on a consistent basis to determine how much growth had been affected by the addition of the plant hormone gibberellins, as well as the growth on our control plants that did not receive this hormone addition. Based on prior research, this hormone as said above is crucial in stem elongation and primary growth of plants. The results of this experiment will help to determine which type of …

The Effects Of Gibberellin On Dwarf Plants, Jacob Matschiner, Ondrej Dusa, Connor Jokerst, Sophia Hungerford, Jacob Matschiner, Taylor Duran, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

In this study, conducted by the students above, gibberellic acid was added to both dwarf and wild-type Setaria Viridis seedlings. Applying gibberellic acid to the dwarf plants was testing to see if there was a direct effect on gibberellic acid to the heights (in cm) of the seedlings. The wild-type seeds were also tested in order to see if there is an effect of them also. Gibberellic acid was applied to a group of dwarf and wild-type seedling, there was an additional group of seedlings that were also just treated to normal conditions (simply just watering) as a control group. …

Gibberellin Application On Dwarf Strains Of Millets, Jadyn Collins, Sydney Rarick, Gabrielle Russina, Micah Duffield, Belle Erhardt, Joaquin Fontan, Joshua Neely

2023 Student Academic Showcase

Gibberellin is a plant hormone that stimulates cell growth. This hormone was added to three types of dwarf and normal millets, Setaria Viridis, in a 1,000-ppm gibberellic acid form. Dwarf millets are plants that grow at an abnormally shorter stature than the rest of their species. After this was added the dwarf height rate was taken and observed for any change in height. If the dwarf plants had an increase in growth, it is plausible that the dwarf mutation is due to its inability to produce gibberellin. While if there was no difference in plant growth it's plausible that the …

Assessment Of Muscular Anatomical And Physiological Development During Injury Rehabilitation, Nicholas Andrews, Petey Mumford, Lauren Tighe

2023 Student Academic Showcase

After an injury occurs, there are many physiological regressions that occur. These regressions lead to altered muscle thickness, muscle length, strength and power potentials, motor recruitment, and neuromuscular control. These variables are further exacerbated if the given injury requires surgical intervention. Rehabilitation aids in reducing these regressions and is important both pre-surgery and post-surgery when intervention beyond rehabilitation is needed. Ultrasound imaging can be utilized to monitor the progression of a muscle's specific muscles anatomy. The muscles of interest are dependent upon the injury, The purpose of this study is to monitor short-term muscular adaptations to establish their importance in …

How Registered Dietitians Can Prevent Foodborne Illness In Long Term Care Facilities, Amanda Albright

Undergraduate Research Conference

The role of a Registered Dietitian (RD) in long-term care facilities (LTCF) is to maintain the nutritional status of their patients by building appropriate diets, advocating for the patient with their doctors, ensuring proper caloric intake, and providing patient education on the relationship between a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle (2022, RD Nutrition Consultants, LLC). Before a RD is able to help ensure proper nutrition for the patient they must the make sure the meal was safely prepared as well as obtained and will not cause any unintentional harm to the patient by causing a foodborne illness. Countless hours …

Air Pollutants Around An Animal Feed Processing Facility In Nacogdoches, Tx: A Study On Their Effect On Local Outdoor Air Quality, Reyna Burns, Remigio Casanova, Cari Mitchell, Caroline Moore, Kaylee Zirlott

Undergraduate Research Conference

In this exploratory study, different odorous compounds were measured near TFP Nutrition to better understand the impact of odor on local outdoor air quality. TFP Nutrition produces pet feed, livestock feed, and agricultural fertilizer for local brand Lone Star Feeds. It is known in the Nacogdoches area for producing powerful odors near its facilities. It is in the downtown area of the city and in proximity to an elementary school, recreational softball fields, and residential homes. Odors can be connected to the presence of air pollutants. This study on air quality was performed to quantify this data on odors for …

Baking Without Gluten: Maximizing Nutrition Without Compromising Appeal, Callie Dunkerson

Undergraduate Research Conference

The purpose of the current study was to determine the appropriate adjustments needed to transform an ordinary muffin recipe into gluten-free (GF) muffins made with flaxseed meal (FM). Two batches of muffins were made, but all-purpose flour was replaced with FM, rice flour (RF), and xanthan gum in the experimental recipe. Participants conducted a sensory evaluation on both muffins. The GF muffin tasted similar to the control (C) but did not align with the C texture. This study illustrates the impact of GF flour components on baked goods and evidences the ability to create healthful and delicious alternatives for individuals …

Coexistence Of Three Stream Dwelling Cyprinid: The Blacktail (Cyprinella Venusta), Blackspot (Notropis Atrocaudalis) And Sabine (N. Sabinae), In Urban Streams In East Texas, Eli Torrez

Undergraduate Research Conference

We examined the population structure of three sympatric shiners Blacktail shiner Cyprinella venusta Blackspot shiner Notropis atrocaudalis and Sabine shiner N sabinae in the La Nana Banita stream complex system in east Texas during three seasons of 2022 and three habitat types ( riffles, and runs) Overall, the three species occurred together in similar habitats during the spring season when habitats were connected Despite the severe 2022 summer fall drought, populations of Blacktail Shiner dominated in the stream habitats However, Sabine shiner, which showed affinity for riffles, declined in occurrence in summer and fall, when riffles were absent due to …

Natural Product Biosynthesis Through Biotechnological And Fermentation Approaches, Hassan Sher

Student Research Symposium

Natural products as a source of medicine have long been attractive due to the huge structural diversity and promising biological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antitumor, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic as well as antioxidant properties. Discovery of novel and modified natural products is the need of this modern era. To expand the chemical diversity in natural products and to increase the production titers of natural products, researchers have come up with various solutions: heterologous expression, cocultivation, fermentation engineering, isolation of new species, and strain engineering/improvement. o-Coumaric acid and p-coumaric acid are phenolic antioxidants found in various plant sources. These also serve …

Nitrogen Use Efficiency And Soil Health Indicators In Corn Silage Production In A Semi-Arid Environment, Phearen Miller

Student Research Symposium

The world faces the challenge of increasing food production while reducing the impact of excess reactive nitrogen (N) in the environment. A field study was conducted at USU Greenville farm in northern Utah since 2012 to examine the effects of different N sources in corn silage under semi-arid conditions. The study used a randomized complete block design with four blocks and four treatments: control (no nitrogen) (denoted as Control), low ammonium sulfate (AS 112 kg N/ha) (denoted as AS100), high ammonium sulfate (AS 224 kg N/ha) (denoted as AS200), and steer manure compost (224 kg total N/ha) (denoted as Compost). …

Glycosylation Of Anti-Tb Agent Chlorflavonin For Combating Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Jie Ren

Student Research Symposium

More than two billion people were infected by the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in 2020. However, during the past 50 years, the first-line (isoniazid, delamanid, and rifampicin) and second-line (capreomycin, streptomycin, and cycloserine) therapies have remained unchanged with disadvantages such as long treatment periods and severe side effects. The slow development of anti-TB drugs cannot combat the fast development of drug resistant M. tuberculosis strains from multidrug-resistant (MDR) into extensively drug resistant (XDR), which further hinders the World Health Organization’s goal to end the global TB pandemic by the year 2035. Flavonoids are a type of natural product with …

Does Diet Effect The Brain?, Janna Hart

Student Research Symposium

Short-chain fatty acids are biomolecules produced from bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the gut. Short-chain fatty acids are used in the gut to supply energy and reduce inflammation but are also believed to have effects on the brain. While we do not know how short-chain fatty acids affect the brain and behavior, recent research has led to the idea of using dietary changes as a treatment for mental health disorders. In my research, we aimed to visualize where short-chain fatty acids act in the brain with a particular focus on neural immune cells called microglia and the neurons that …

The Effect Of Acute Creatine Supplementation On Non-Invasive Assessment Of Vascular Function Using Flow-Mediated Dilation, Carson Carruthers

Undergraduate Research Competition

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species within the vasculature has been shown to contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction, an early biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants and supplements with antioxidative properties, could be increasingly important in reversing the progression of cardiovascular disease. While creatine monohydrate is commonly used as a fitness supplement to promote increases in muscular strength, recent studies have shown that creatine may act as an antioxidant, thereby improving vascular health. Traditional loading doses of creatine require 7-10 days of 20 g (4 x 5 g/day). However, it may be possible to see the vascular health benefits with a smaller, …