Aligning Best Practices In Student Success And Career Preparedness: An Exploratory Study To Establish Pathways To Stem Careers For Undergraduate Minority Students,
2019
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Aligning Best Practices In Student Success And Career Preparedness: An Exploratory Study To Establish Pathways To Stem Careers For Undergraduate Minority Students, Kimberly D. Kendricks, Anthony A. Arment, K. V. Nedunuri, Cadance A. Lowell
Journal of Research in Technical Careers
Undergraduate minority retention and graduation rates in STEM disciplines is a nationally recognized challenge for workforce growth and diversification. The Benjamin Banneker Scholars Program (BBSP) was a five-year undergraduate study developed to increase minority student retention and graduation rates at an HBCU. The program structure utilized a family model as a vehicle to orient students to the demands of college. Program activities integrated best K-12 practices and workforce skillsets to increase academic preparedness and career readiness. Findings revealed that a familial atmosphere improved academic performance, increased undergraduate research, and generated positive perceptions of faculty mentoring. Retention rates among BBSP participants …
The Role Of The Igf-1/Akt/Mtor Pathway On Tibialis Anterior Muscle Hypertrophy During Regeneration In Cardiotoxin-Induced Injury In Adult Mice,
2019
University of Puget Sound
The Role Of The Igf-1/Akt/Mtor Pathway On Tibialis Anterior Muscle Hypertrophy During Regeneration In Cardiotoxin-Induced Injury In Adult Mice, Cambria Kasten, Jung A. Kim Phd
Summer Research
The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of genes in the IGF-1-mediated pathway involved in protein synthesis and degradation on muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced injury, which may be causing muscle hypertrophy. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and western blots were used to quantify expression of degradation and synthesis markers respectively. Absolute and relative tibialis anterior (TA) muscle weights were significantly greater than the respective control after 2-, 3-, and 4-weeks CTX. There were no significant differences in gene expression of atrogin-1, MuRF-1, or myostatin between the CTX-injured and the Control TA muscle at the 2-, …
The Effects Of A Ketone Body On Synaptic Transmission,
2019
University of Kentucky
The Effects Of A Ketone Body On Synaptic Transmission, Alexandra Elizabeth Stanback
Theses and Dissertations--Biology
The ketogenic diet is commonly used to control epilepsy, especially in cases when medications cannot. The diet typically consists of high fat, low carb, and adequate protein and produces a metabolite called acetoacetate. Seizure activity is characterized by glutamate excitotoxicity and therefore glutamate regulation is a point of research for control of these disorders. Acetoacetate is heavily implicated as the primary molecule responsible for decreasing glutamate in the synapse; it is believed that acetoacetate interferes with the transport of glutamate into the synaptic vesicles. The effects on synaptic transmission at glutamatergic synapses was studied in relation to the ketogenic diet …
Distribution, Hybridization, And Taxonomic Status Of Two-Lined Salamanders (Eurycea Bislineata Complex) In Virginia And West Virginia,
2019
Liberty University
Distribution, Hybridization, And Taxonomic Status Of Two-Lined Salamanders (Eurycea Bislineata Complex) In Virginia And West Virginia, Paul W. Sattler, Timothy R. Brophy
Faculty Publications and Presentations
We used three diagnostic protein markers to examine salamanders of the Eurycea bislineata complex at 80 localities in Virginia and West Virginia. Two groups were strongly differentiated and met at a narrow contact zone. Rare hybridization was observed as well as limited introgression up to 5 km north and 10 km south of the contact zone. At the contact zone, 1% F1, 2% F2, 32% backcross, and 66% parental genotypes were observed. This pattern of parapatric distribution with limited hybridization and introgression argues for the recognition of Eurycea bislineata and E. cirrigera as separate species.
Regional-Scale Environmental Resistance To Non-Native Ant Invasion,
2019
State University of New York College at Buffalo - Buffalo State College
Regional-Scale Environmental Resistance To Non-Native Ant Invasion, Robert Warren
Biology Faculty Datasets
A successful invasion of novel habitat requires that non-native organisms overcome native abiotic and biotic resistance. Non-native species can overcome abiotic resistance if they arrive with traits well-suited for the invaded habitat or if they can rapidly acclimate or adapt. Non-native species may co-exist with native species if they require novel, underused resources or if they can out-compete similar native species. We investigated abiotic and biotic resistance to the progression of a Brachyponera chinensis invasion in the southeastern U.S. relative to the dominant native woodland ant (Aphaenogaster). We used observational data from long-term plots along the elevation gradient …
Non-Native Ant Invader Displaces Native Ants But Facilitates Non-Predatory Invertebrates,
2019
Buffalo State College
Non-Native Ant Invader Displaces Native Ants But Facilitates Non-Predatory Invertebrates, Robert Warren, Madeson C. Goodman
Biology Faculty Datasets
Many invasive ants, such as the European fire ant (Myrmica rubra), are particularly successful invaders due to their ability to form multi-nest, multi-queen 'supercolonies' that appear to displace native invertebrates in invaded regions. Myrmica rubra has invaded many areas in the Northeastern United States, including Western New York. Myrmica rubra invasion corresponds with decreases in native invertebrates, particularly ants, an effect which may be attributable to direct displacement, or because M. rubra prefers habitat unsuitable for native ants. We surveyed Western New York parklands to investigate native ant and non-ant invertebrate abundance in M. rubra-invaded and …
Analysis Of The Thermal Stability Of A Diverse Panel Of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Rsv) Strains,
2019
Butler University
Analysis Of The Thermal Stability Of A Diverse Panel Of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Rsv) Strains, Darby Deford
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory pathogen of young infants and the elderly and is associated with upper and lower respiratory disease. Vaccine development for RSV has been hindered by poor immunogenicity in target populations, genetic and physical instabilities, and a legacy of vaccine-enhanced disease. The fusion and attachment proteins of RSV, F and G, have been seen to be responsible for inducing the majority of neutralizing antibodies. However, little remains known about how differences in RSV F and G affect virus replication and stability. In this thesis, we proposed to examine the replication and thermal stability of …
Soil Health Indicators And Sustainable Practices On Indy Urban Farms: An Investigation Of Ecosystem Functionality,
2019
Butler University
Soil Health Indicators And Sustainable Practices On Indy Urban Farms: An Investigation Of Ecosystem Functionality, Rebecca Lewis
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection
Urban agriculture is capable of restoring ecosystem services like food production, recreation, and clean soil and water to cities. Urban farms in particular can help relieve pressure for areas with limited food access, also known as food desserts. This is especially important to the community of Indianapolis because the city is tied for the most food desert areas within a U.S. metropolitan area. To help a community, an urban farm must have healthy, nutrient rich soils. Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient for plants when it comes to growth and development. Plants cannot produce nitrogen; they acquire the mineral by …
Expression-Based Cell Lineage Analysis In Drosophila Through A Course-Based Research Experience For Early Undergraduates,
2019
Loyola Marymount University
Expression-Based Cell Lineage Analysis In Drosophila Through A Course-Based Research Experience For Early Undergraduates, Cory J. Evans
Biology Faculty Works
A variety of genetic techniques have been devised to determine cell lineage relationships during tissue development. Some of these systems monitor cell lineages spatially and/or temporally without regard to gene expression by the cells, whereas others correlate gene expression with the lineage under study. The GAL4 Technique for Real-time and Clonal Expression (G-TRACE) system allows for rapid, fluorescent protein-based visualization of both current and past GAL4 expression patterns and is therefore amenable to genome-wide expression-based lineage screens. Here we describe the results from such a screen, performed by undergraduate students of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Undergraduate Research …
Laboratory Acclimation To Autumn-Like Conditions Induces Freeze Tolerance In The Spring Field Cricket Gryllus Veletis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae),
2019
Western University
Laboratory Acclimation To Autumn-Like Conditions Induces Freeze Tolerance In The Spring Field Cricket Gryllus Veletis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), Jantina Toxopeus, Alexander H. Mckinnon, Tomáš Štětina, Kurtis F. Turnbull, Brent J Sinclair
Biology Publications
Many temperate insects encounter temperatures low enough to freeze their body fluids. Remarkably, some insects are freeze-tolerant, surviving this internal ice formation. However, the mechanisms underlying freeze tolerance are not well-understood, in part due to a lack of tractable model organisms. We describe a novel laboratory model to study insect freeze tolerance, the spring field cricket Gryllus veletis (Orthopera: Gryllidae). Following acclimation to six weeks of decreasing temperature and photoperiod, G. veletis become freeze-tolerant, similar to those exposed to natural autumn conditions in London, Ontario, Canada. Acclimated crickets suppress their metabolic rate by c. 33%, and survive freezing for up …
Assessing Combinability Of Phylogenomic Data Using Bayes Factors,
2019
University of Connecticut
Assessing Combinability Of Phylogenomic Data Using Bayes Factors, Suman Neupane, Karolina Fucikova, Louise A. Lewis, Lynn Kuo, Ming-Hui Chen, Paul O. Lewis
Biological and Physical Sciences Department Faculty Works
With the rapid reduction in sequencing costs of high-throughput genomic data, it has become commonplace to use hundreds of genes to infer phylogeny of any study system. While sampling a large number of genes has given us a tremendous opportunity to uncover previously unknown relationships and improve phylogenetic resolution, it also presents us with new challenges when the phylogenetic signal is confused by differences in the evolutionary histories of sampled genes. Given the incorporation of accurate marginal likelihood estimation methods into popular Bayesian software programs, it is natural to consider using the Bayes Factor (BF) to compare different partition models …
Do Humans Possess The Capability To Regenerate?,
2019
Touro College
Do Humans Possess The Capability To Regenerate?, Chasha Wuensch
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Urodele amphibians, including newts and salamanders, are amongst the most commonly studied research models for regeneration. The ability to regenerate, however, is not limited to amphibians, and the regenerative process has been observed in mammals as well. This paper discusses methods by which amphibians and mammals regenerate to lend insights into human regenerative mechanisms and regenerative potential. A focus is placed on the urodele and murine digit tip models, both of which share critical regenerative stages including wound healing, histolysis, and blastema formation. Formation of the blastema proved to be a crucial process necessary for regeneration, and is responsible for …
Capsacin And Analgesia,
2019
Touro College
Capsacin And Analgesia, Mimi Kornwasser
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Capsaicin is the active compound responsible for the pungency of hot chilli. Research has discovered its ability to desensitize peripheral nociceptive fibers which is useful in treating chronic pain disorders, specifically neuropathic pain syndromes. Capsaicin treatment comes in a variety of mediums including patches and creams and has been clinically proven to bring relief to patients with disorders such as post herpetic neuralgia, chronic regional pain syndrome and HIV related neuralgia. Exciting new forms of treatment are also in development and promise breakthroughs in the near future in this relatively young field of capsaicin-based analgesia.
Dentistry: Are Stem Cells The Future?,
2019
Touro College
Dentistry: Are Stem Cells The Future?, Tova Zemel
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Stem cell research is currently advancing in every area of medicine. New information about regenerating stem cells is being uncovered on a daily basis. An area of stem cells that has not been focused on until recently is the use of dental stem cells. The objective of this paper is to elucidate the most current research about dental stem cells. Much of what is discussed in this paper has not been implemented yet, and is still in clinical trials. Dental stem cells are important because they could be an alternative way of treating caries, performing root canals, and other traumas …
Car T-Cell Therapy For Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,
2019
Touro College
Car T-Cell Therapy For Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Esther Langner
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Despite all the available therapies, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) remains extremely difficult to eradicate. Current available therapies, which include chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants, tend to be more successful in treating children than adults. While adults are more likely than children to relapse after treatment, the most common cause of treatment failure in children is also relapse. Improved outcomes for all ALL patients may depend upon new immunotherapies, specifically CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy extracts a patient’s own T-cells and modifies them with a CD19 antigen. This modification allows the new T-cells to recognize and kill cancer cells …
The Effects Of Rf-Emf On The Child Brain,
2019
Touro College
The Effects Of Rf-Emf On The Child Brain, Aaron Skaist
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
It has long been debated whether or not cell phones have a deleterious effect on the brain. Recent studies indicate that the electro-magnetic field emitted by cell phones called RF-EMF is linked to cancer. Guidelines created to limit the exposure have not been changed since 1981 and do not consider children. The mechanism thought to cause cancer is reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause the creation of micronuclei. RF-EMF poses a greater threat to children than adults. This is due to the major anatomical differences between the head of a child and an adult. The skull of a child is …
Does In-Vitro Fertilization Increase The Risk For Birth Defects?,
2019
Touro College
Does In-Vitro Fertilization Increase The Risk For Birth Defects?, Tehila Tropper
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Since 1978 when the first “petri dish” baby was born, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been used as a tool to give couples struggling with infertility the opportunity to have children. Using this method of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), the woman is given medication to stimulate her ovaries for the maturation of multiple eggs, which are then retrieved via needle aspiration, fertilized in a petri dish, and inserted in the uterus with the hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy. Many times IVF is completed with another technique known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where the sperm is injected straight into the …
Triggers Of Spermatogenesis,
2019
Touro College
Triggers Of Spermatogenesis, Moses Bibi
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Of the 7% of men affected with infertility, about 54% suffer from pre-testicular and/or testicular factor induced azoospermia/ oligospermia. This agenesis of spermatozoa has been the subject of much andrology research over the past 50 years, with a particular focus in the triggers of spermatogenesis. While much of their work is limited to murine populations, researchers have put a lot of emphasis on the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche as the source of the trigger(s). By following physiological patterns exhibited in the seminiferous epithelium, researchers have been able to detect distinct morphological stages that correlate with spermatogonial germ-line action. Different …
Degeneration Of Rods And Cones In Retinitis Pigmentosa,
2019
Touro College
Degeneration Of Rods And Cones In Retinitis Pigmentosa, Rachel Stern
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Retinitis Pigmentosa, most commonly characterized by night blindness and loss of peripheral vision, is a rare genetically inherited group of diseases affecting the retina of the eye. It is estimated that 1 in 4000 people in the USA are affected by some form of the disease. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), is caused by a mutation or change in one or more of 55 genes. There are many causes to this disease as RP presents with many different symptoms and biological effects on the eye. These are then grouped together because they share a common result, deterioration of vision. Presently, there is …
Should Subclinical Hypothyroidism Be Treated?,
2019
Touro College
Should Subclinical Hypothyroidism Be Treated?, Rachel Kaufman
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Subclinical Hypothyroidism, SCH, has been detected with increasing frequency in recent years and has brought about major controversies regarding management and treatment [Meier et al., 2001]. The condition is characterized as having a high concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone, yet normal thyroid hormone levels and is often asymptomatic. Scientific articles retrieved from various databases helped determine some of the long term risk factors associated with SCH, including progression to overt hypothyroidism, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric complications and reproductive malfunctions. Studies determining the clinical and metabolic effects of L-thyroxine hormone replacement therapy on symptoms and potential risks of SCH …
