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Full-Text Articles in Biology

Wolbachia Infection In Gall Associated Insect Communities In Illinois And Indiana, Jakeb Watts Jan 2023

Wolbachia Infection In Gall Associated Insect Communities In Illinois And Indiana, Jakeb Watts

Masters Theses

Wolbachia is a maternally inherited, gram-negative bacterium and has been found to be associated with up to 60% of all insects, frequently resulting in male-killing, feminization, and cytoplasmic incompatibility in the hosts. Gall wasps and other gall-forming insects induce on various host plants abnormal tissue growths, or plant galls, with distinct morphology. They are considered as obligatory parasites to their host plant. The presence of Wolbachia infection in gall wasp populations in North America has not been extensively documented. Given the strong influence on host reproduction, not knowing Wolbachia infection in insect populations prevents the understanding of how populations are …


Effects Of Wastewater Effluent On Fish Fin Morphology Of Larval Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas) And Swimming Performance Of Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus Bubalus), Seth Michael Bogue Jan 2021

Effects Of Wastewater Effluent On Fish Fin Morphology Of Larval Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas) And Swimming Performance Of Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus Bubalus), Seth Michael Bogue

Masters Theses

The Sangamon River flows across central Illinois and is mostly free flowing except in the city of Decatur where it is impounded to form Lake Decatur. The Sanitary District of Decatur (SDD) is located approximately three miles downstream of the Lake Decatur dam. For a significant portion of the year, the stretch of the Sangamon River downstream of SDD is dominated by effluent due to limited discharge from the Lake Decatur dam. This has resulted in heavy nutrient loading, most notably phosphorus, and elevated levels of nickel and other compounds in the downstream section of the river. Smallmouth buffalo ( …


Bigheaded Carp Spatial Reproductive Dynamics And Population Genetics In Large River Tributaries, Samuel J. Schaick Jan 2020

Bigheaded Carp Spatial Reproductive Dynamics And Population Genetics In Large River Tributaries, Samuel J. Schaick

Masters Theses

Fisheries managers are devoting considerable effort, time, and funding towards limiting the spread of invasive Bighead and Silver (bigheaded) Carp. A better understanding of factors that influence spatial patterns of bigheaded carp reproduction can help fisheries managers prevent their spread. To examine factors that influence spatial patterns of reproduction, we sampled ichthyoplankton using drift nets and larval push nets in three tributaries of the Illinois and Wabash Rivers March-September 2016-2018. We compared relative abundances of bigheaded carp eggs and larvae among tributaries using catch per unit effort (CPUE). Abiotic data were analyzed from individual study tributaries and pooled among tributaries …


Dam Effects On Freshwater Mussel Growth And Recruitment In A Midwestern Stream, Taylor Lyndon Fagin Jan 2020

Dam Effects On Freshwater Mussel Growth And Recruitment In A Midwestern Stream, Taylor Lyndon Fagin

Masters Theses

There have been many studies that examine the negative impact of dams on freshwater mussel populations. However, recent studies suggest that some dams may create more suitable growing conditions immediately below some dams. This study’s main objectives were to 1) document where faster growth of mussels is found in relation to the Charleston Dam, 2) determine if sites with faster growth have higher recruitment and 3) investigate which water quality variable(s) could be correlated with faster growth. Live Corbicula sp. were set in cages in multiple sites at varying distances from the dam and shells of two native mussel species …


Seasonal Variation In Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Of The Bluegill Sunfish, Lepomis Macrochirus, From A Shallow Midwest River, Derick Isaac Lamptey Jan 2020

Seasonal Variation In Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Of The Bluegill Sunfish, Lepomis Macrochirus, From A Shallow Midwest River, Derick Isaac Lamptey

Masters Theses

As average global temperature increase, the frequency and magnitude of extreme temperatures in shallow aquatic ecosystems are more ubiquitous. In order to understand how these changing thermal regimes affect aquatic ectotherms, it is essential to develop studies evaluating the response of ectotherms to seasonal fluctuating thermal regimes. Previous studies on fluctuating temperature regimes have reported an increased physiological stress leading to morphological, behavioral and biochemical adaptations. From the latter, the adaptive capacity and seasonal performance associated with optimal function of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) are key for species persistence. However, studies on this matter are scarce. This study explores …


Monitoring Temporal Trends In Catostomidae Larvae In Large Sized River Tributaries, Kellie Nicole Hanser Jan 2020

Monitoring Temporal Trends In Catostomidae Larvae In Large Sized River Tributaries, Kellie Nicole Hanser

Masters Theses

Large river ecosystems can support a complex network of tributaries that provide optimal habitat for fish reproduction. Anthropogenic alteration of rivers and tributaries has been shown to have adverse effects on river fish communities, but few studies have focused on the effects river regulation may have on the reproduction of native suckers (Family Catostomidae). In this study, I evaluated differences in biotic and abiotic factors associated with catostomid reproduction between tributaries of an altered and free-flowing river. I conducted ichthyoplankton sampling using drift nets and larval push nets in tributaries of the Illinois River, which is regulated for navigation, and …


Comparison Of The Effects Of Growing-Season Burns And Dormant-Season Burns On Vegetation Structure And Grassland Bird Diversity In East-Central Illinois Prairies, Joseph Lee Boise Jan 2020

Comparison Of The Effects Of Growing-Season Burns And Dormant-Season Burns On Vegetation Structure And Grassland Bird Diversity In East-Central Illinois Prairies, Joseph Lee Boise

Masters Theses

For managed grasslands, prescribed burns are a method to manage species composition by preventing crowding by bunch grasses and woody encroachment. While dormant-season (spring) burns are routinely performed, managers have recently introduced growing-season (late summer/fall) burns to prairies in east-central Illinois. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dormant-season and growingseason burns on vegetation structure and associated avian diversity. Specifically, objectives were to determine if: (1) Growing-season burns increase bird diversity or density of rare/declining species relative to dormant season burns; (2) Growing-season burns cause more bare ground to open and reduce litter and woody species …


Reprograming Neuronal Cells By Overexpression Of Fibroblast-Specific Transcription Factors, Abdulmohsen Alanazi Jan 2020

Reprograming Neuronal Cells By Overexpression Of Fibroblast-Specific Transcription Factors, Abdulmohsen Alanazi

Masters Theses

In mammals, a complex system of regulatory signals distinguishes tissues, structures and functions. Combinations of transcription factors and co-factors regulate activation and repression of genes that result in cellular differentiation. Whole genome arrays allow the monitoring of genomic expression in specific tissues. Fibroblast microarray studies have shown candidate genes that may be involved in fibroblast identification, including genes that express transcription factors Prrx1, Snai2 and Twist1. A previous study showed that the Prrx1 and Snai2 could reactivate a fibroblast phenotype in hybrid cells that had lost fibroblast identity. Furthermore, overexpression of these factors in liver-derived cells strongly repressed liver gene …


An Assessment Of Night Time And Seasonal Electrofishing In The Lower Wabash River, Eric Christopher Hine Jan 2019

An Assessment Of Night Time And Seasonal Electrofishing In The Lower Wabash River, Eric Christopher Hine

Masters Theses

Large rivers are highly important systems; being exploited both commercially and recreationally. Because of this usage by humans, close monitoring of the ecology of theses rivers is of the utmost importance. The Long-Term Electrofishing project (LTEF) monitors the fish communities of the Illinois, Mississippi, Wabash, and Ohio rivers using day time, pulsed-DC electrofishing during the late Spring through the early Fall each year. Given that previous studies have noted diel and seasonal changes in catch and composition of fish communities, the addition of night time electrofishing may be beneficial to the overarching goals of the LTEF. This study sought to …


Demographics And Seasonal Abundance Of Sportfish In Three Thermal Habitats Of Coffeen Lake, Anthony Paul Porreca Dec 2012

Demographics And Seasonal Abundance Of Sportfish In Three Thermal Habitats Of Coffeen Lake, Anthony Paul Porreca

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Effect Of Reservoir Discharge And Sanitary Effluent On An Urban Stream, Daniel Hiatt Jan 2012

Effect Of Reservoir Discharge And Sanitary Effluent On An Urban Stream, Daniel Hiatt

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Egg Recognition And Cowbird Egg Ejection Behavior In The American Robin (Turdus Migratorius), Allison Karlien Lang Jan 2012

Egg Recognition And Cowbird Egg Ejection Behavior In The American Robin (Turdus Migratorius), Allison Karlien Lang

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Comparison Of Silver Carp Population Demographics In An Impounded And A Free Flowing River, Jason G. Stuck Jan 2012

Comparison Of Silver Carp Population Demographics In An Impounded And A Free Flowing River, Jason G. Stuck

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Feeding Behavior Of Nestling Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis) In East-Central Illinois, Amanda Lamb Jan 2012

Feeding Behavior Of Nestling Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis) In East-Central Illinois, Amanda Lamb

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Linking The Colonization Rate Of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (Vam) To Species Dynamics In Succession, Jie Luo Jan 2012

Linking The Colonization Rate Of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (Vam) To Species Dynamics In Succession, Jie Luo

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Whatchu Breathin'?: Sick Building Syndrome And Seasonal Occurrence Of Fungi, Jessica Stapleton Jan 2012

Whatchu Breathin'?: Sick Building Syndrome And Seasonal Occurrence Of Fungi, Jessica Stapleton

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Bioavailability, Bioaccumulation, And Trophic Transfer Of Trace Metals In The Tims Branch-Steed Pond Tributary, Paul Gethyn Edwards Jan 2012

Bioavailability, Bioaccumulation, And Trophic Transfer Of Trace Metals In The Tims Branch-Steed Pond Tributary, Paul Gethyn Edwards

Masters Theses

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) is a 777 km2 former nuclear weapon material production and current research facility located along the Savannah River in west-central South Carolina. In 1954, direct environmental discharges were released from "M-Area", a fuel and aluminum-clad Uranium (U) nuclear reactor target manufacturing facility through a drainage ditch into the Tims Branch-Steed Pond water system. The wastewater discharges released into Tims Branch contained large volumes of inorganic wastes including depleted and natural U, aluminum (Al), and Nickel (Ni) along with smaller quantities of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and …


Population Demographics Of White Crappie In Three Illinois Reservoirs, Candice Marie Miller Jan 2012

Population Demographics Of White Crappie In Three Illinois Reservoirs, Candice Marie Miller

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Interactions Of Diet And Behavior In A Death-Feigning Snake (Heterodon Nasicus), Andrew Michael Durso Jan 2011

Interactions Of Diet And Behavior In A Death-Feigning Snake (Heterodon Nasicus), Andrew Michael Durso

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


A Functional Genomics Approach To Analyze Two Methionine-[Gamma]-Lyase Orthologs In "Ferroplasma Acidarmanus" Using In Vitro Enzyme Assays, Md. A. Wadud Khan Jan 2011

A Functional Genomics Approach To Analyze Two Methionine-[Gamma]-Lyase Orthologs In "Ferroplasma Acidarmanus" Using In Vitro Enzyme Assays, Md. A. Wadud Khan

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


The Evolution Of Leaf Anatomy In Badiera (Polygalaceae), Laura Brauer Jan 2011

The Evolution Of Leaf Anatomy In Badiera (Polygalaceae), Laura Brauer

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Analysis Of Extinction Of Fibroblast-Specific Gene Expression In Somatic Hepatic Hybrids Using Cdna Microarray Technology, Sushma K. Shrestha Jan 2011

Analysis Of Extinction Of Fibroblast-Specific Gene Expression In Somatic Hepatic Hybrids Using Cdna Microarray Technology, Sushma K. Shrestha

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Social Dimensions Of Lake Ecology: Stakeholder Perception Surveys Used To Design Effective Lake Management Plans, Laurie Nannini Jan 2011

Social Dimensions Of Lake Ecology: Stakeholder Perception Surveys Used To Design Effective Lake Management Plans, Laurie Nannini

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Estrogen Promotes Neurite Outgrowth In Olfactory Epithelial Explant Cultures Through The Estrogen Receptor, Apryl E. Pooley Jan 2011

Estrogen Promotes Neurite Outgrowth In Olfactory Epithelial Explant Cultures Through The Estrogen Receptor, Apryl E. Pooley

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Is Anthropogenic Habitat Change The Driving Force Of Rapid Evolution Of Southeastern U.S. Coastal Deer Populations?, Nicole L. Storm Jan 2011

Is Anthropogenic Habitat Change The Driving Force Of Rapid Evolution Of Southeastern U.S. Coastal Deer Populations?, Nicole L. Storm

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Population Ecotoxicology Of The Common Snapping Turtle In Agriculturally Impacted Lotic Ecosystems, Derrick L. Douros Jan 2010

Population Ecotoxicology Of The Common Snapping Turtle In Agriculturally Impacted Lotic Ecosystems, Derrick L. Douros

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Effects Of Forest Edges On Population Dynamics In A Successional System, Kimberly Anne Lang Jan 2010

Effects Of Forest Edges On Population Dynamics In A Successional System, Kimberly Anne Lang

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


A Model Cost Analysis Comparing Solar, Wind And Geothermal Energies, Including Alternatives To Changing Energy Sources, Using Texas Households And Weather, Kimberly Speed Jan 2010

A Model Cost Analysis Comparing Solar, Wind And Geothermal Energies, Including Alternatives To Changing Energy Sources, Using Texas Households And Weather, Kimberly Speed

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


Does Evolutionary Exposure Mediate Allelopathic Effects?, Nikki Leigh Pisula Jan 2010

Does Evolutionary Exposure Mediate Allelopathic Effects?, Nikki Leigh Pisula

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.


A Spatially Explicit Model To Predict Radiocesium Body Burdens In White-Tailed Deer On The Department Of Energy's Savannah River Site, Christopher W. Bobryk Jan 2010

A Spatially Explicit Model To Predict Radiocesium Body Burdens In White-Tailed Deer On The Department Of Energy's Savannah River Site, Christopher W. Bobryk

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.