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Full-Text Articles in Biology

Mir125a As Molecular Target Of Vitamin D Mediated Inhibition Of Cd4+ T Cell Differentiation Into Th17 Cells In Mrl/Lpr Lupus-Prone Mice, Miranda Hilt Apr 2023

Mir125a As Molecular Target Of Vitamin D Mediated Inhibition Of Cd4+ T Cell Differentiation Into Th17 Cells In Mrl/Lpr Lupus-Prone Mice, Miranda Hilt

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

The dynamic function of vitamin D in an array of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and its implication in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has been the topic of much recent scholarship. Here I attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanism of vitamin D-mediated inhibition of the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into pro-inflammatory Th17 cells in MRL/lpr lupus prone mice by investigating how miR-125a expression is affected by dietary modulation of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). MRL/MpJ and MRL/lpr mice were split into three experimental groups and fed specially formulated diets that varied in their concentrations of vitamin D. …


The Effects Of Leaf Litter On Predation Cue Response In Gray Tree Frog Tadpoles, Hyla Versicolor, Dani Mccauley Apr 2020

The Effects Of Leaf Litter On Predation Cue Response In Gray Tree Frog Tadpoles, Hyla Versicolor, Dani Mccauley

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Plant litter is an important resource for consumers, particularly in freshwater environments where it influences the development processes of larval amphibians. Leaf litter alters the physiochemical environment by lowering dissolved oxygen while increasing nitrogen, tannin, and phenolic acid levels. Many anuran species show plastic responses to the threat of predation. This is communicated through a kairomone when a tadpole is consumed, allowing surviving tadpoles to alter their behavior and morphology to evade predators. The purpose of this study was to analyze the interactive effects of leaf litter and predation on gray treefrog tadpoles (Hyla versicolor). The chemical output of the …


Effects Of Polystrene Foam On The Growth And Development Of Darkling Beetles (Tenebrio Molitor), Nick Langlois Apr 2019

Effects Of Polystrene Foam On The Growth And Development Of Darkling Beetles (Tenebrio Molitor), Nick Langlois

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

The growing field of entomoremediation explores the use of insects and other invertebrates as biological agents for the natural removal of hazardous substances, and recent research has investigated the potential for using mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) to digest and decompose polystyrene. Two experiments conducted over two years tested the tolerance of mealworm populations to the inclusion of polystyrene in their diet, and the ability of these diets to support multi-generational populations. The first experiment compared mealworms raised on a diet of 100% polystyrene foam with mealworms raised on a control diet of wheat bran and potatoes. The second experiment …


Characterization Of Developmental Genes In Streptomyces, Erin Orr Apr 2019

Characterization Of Developmental Genes In Streptomyces, Erin Orr

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Characterization of two developmental genes in Streptomyces was carried out by different genetic manipulation techniques in two different species. The construction of an overexpression mutant for a gene encoding a putative c-di-GMP binding protein in Streptomyces scabies was started. This gene was found to be a homologue of a protein that was found to bind to c-di-GMP in a protein binding assay that consisted of streptavidin coated beads and biotinylated c-di-GMP. Attempts at cloning the gene encoding this protein into an overexpression construct were made. Another developmental gene was also investigated. Gene disruption by PCR targeting was used to isolate …


Ecological Correlates With Dioecy In The Flora Of A Tropical Premontane Wet Forest In Costa Rica., Breanne Held Apr 2017

Ecological Correlates With Dioecy In The Flora Of A Tropical Premontane Wet Forest In Costa Rica., Breanne Held

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

There is a considerable disagreement about the selective forces that have led to the evolution of dioecy (i.e., the condition of having separate male and female flowers on separate plants). Historically, selection to enforce outcrossing has been the primary explanation despite there being little empirical evidence. Hence, many scientist argue that the selection of dioecy is driven by ecological traits that influence male and female fitness and seed dispersal. The objective of this study was to examine the association between plant sexual system (particularly, dioecy) with various ecological traits for the flora of a tropical premontane wet forest in Costa …


Feasibility Study Of Biogas Generated Electricity For The Austin E. Knowlton Center For Equine Science At Otterbein University, Jillian Strimbu Apr 2016

Feasibility Study Of Biogas Generated Electricity For The Austin E. Knowlton Center For Equine Science At Otterbein University, Jillian Strimbu

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Manure removal is an important issue for Otterbein University’s Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science. Evaluating alternative methods for manure removal at Otterbein is essential for both economic and green energy initiatives. Two companies who manufacture waste to energy systems, SEaB Energy and Bioferm Energy Systems, were contacted regarding the feasibility for the small-scale anaerobic digesters that they currently market (the Muckbuster and EUCOlino, respectively). Quasar Energy Corporation was also contacted as a possible off-site manure disposal option at their Zanesville large-scale dry digestion facility. Both the Muckbuster and EUCOlino options were determined to be economically infeasible for Otterbein …