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The Power Of Citizen Science: Overcoming The Knowledge Gap Of The Marine Mammal Diversity In The Bay Islands Of Honduras, Gloria Joo Ryung Oh

Honors Theses

Preservation of regional biological diversity requires an understanding of the inhabiting species. However, species surveys are often difficult due to a a lack of resources.  This study utilized citizen science, which involves the use of non-scientists for data collection, to summarize the marine mammal sightings  in the Bay Islands of Honduras (BIH). After data filtration, thirteen species of marine mammals were identified in the 509 observations records, of which 92% originated from citizen science sources.  These included four species that did not have a previous record in the BIH, two of which were first reports for the country of Honduras: …

Upregulation Of Cell Surface Glycoproteins In Correlation With Kshv Lana In The Kaposi Sarcoma Tumor Microenvironment, Sara R. Privatt, Owen Ngalamika, Jianshui Zhang, Qinsheng Li, Charles Wood, John T. West

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

HIV-associated epidemic Kaposi sarcoma (EpKS) remains one of the most prevalent cancers in sub-Saharan Africa despite the widespread uptake of anti-retroviral therapy and HIV-1 suppression. In an effort to define potential therapeutic targets against KS tumors, we analyzed previously published KS bulk tumor transcriptomics to identify cell surface biomarkers. In addition to upregulated gene expression (>6-fold) in the EpKS tumor microenvironment, biomarkers were selected for correlation with KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) expression. The cell surface glycoprotein genes identified were KDR, FLT4, ADAM12, UNC5A, ZP2, and OX40, as well as the endothelial lineage determinants Prox-1 and CD34. Each protein …

Locomotor Biomechanics In Stream Gobies, Rhinogobius Sp.: Functional Performance Of Waterfall-Climbing Behavior, Ernest W. Murphy

Student Scholar Showcase

Gobiidae is the taxonomic classification of a large fish family comprising over 2,000 species. A few goby species have the unique ability of scaling waterfalls using pelvic fins that are fused into a suction disc (pelvic sucker) located on the ventral side of the body, aiding them in upstream migration to freshwater feeding and reproduction locations. This study aimed to investigate the locomotor biomechanics of Rhinogobius goby fish due to the lack of literature in the area. In particular, climbing performance variables (pressure differential, force, endurance, and kinematics of attachment), pelvic sucker fatigability, and ontogenetic patterns of physical development and …

The Application Of Microbial Source Tracking To Aid In Site Prioritization For Remediation In Lower Michigan, John J. Hart

Masters Theses

Non-point source fecal pollution is a threat to both the environment and public health. Climate change, aging infrastructure, and intensified agricultural practices are predicted to accentuate this issue. In Michigan, due to the high instance of aging infrastructure and intensified agriculture, non-point source fecal pollution has caused many waterbodies to exceed the state standards posing a risk to recreational activities and source water. Due to this threat, there is an increased effort to identify and remediate these sources. My study focused on improving the identification of non-point source fecal pollution through a combination of culture-based and molecular fecal indicator bacteria …

Role Of Microorganisms In Communication Between Soil And Plants, Domenico Prisa

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Microbial population in the rhizosphere establishes a number of important interactions with plants, whose study is crucial in perspective of sustainable agricultural production. Studies on various plant crops have revealed that, despite the complex microbial biodiversity of the soil, the bacterial microbiome is characterised by multiple functionalities. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, underlying the interactions between plants and the microbiome, could enable better development of plants, related to the beneficial action of microorganisms. Therefore, this review aims to describe the characteristics of the rhizosphere microbiome with the interactions that occur between soil and roots, as well as the …

Svip Dependent Tubular Lysosomal Restoration: A New Direction In Vcp Diseases, Ankita Basu

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Multisystem Proteinopathy-1 (MSP-1) is a rare, autosomal dominant, degenerative disease resulting from single amino acid mis-sense mutations in the AAA+ ATPase, Valosin containing protein (VCP). Patients with VCP mutations vary widely in their pathology and clinical penetrance, making it difficult to devise effective treatment strategies. To investigate the pathology of VCP- related disease, we engineered CRISPR knock-in Drosophila models for nine MSP-1 associated VCP mutations. These mutant animals mimic human MSP-1 disease phenotypes, including progressive mobility decline and accumulation of protein aggregates, making them excellent models to study the pathology of VCP associated mutations and test potential treatment strategies. At …

Cell-Penetrating Peptides For Use In Development Of Transgenic Plants, Betty Revon Liu, Chi Wei Chen, Yue-Wern Huang, Han Jung Lee

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Genetically Modified Plants and Crops Can Contribute to Remarkable Increase in Global Food Supply, with Improved Yield and Resistance to Plant Diseases or Insect Pests. the Development of Biotechnology Introducing Exogenous Nucleic Acids in Transgenic Plants is Important for Plant Health Management. Different Genetic Engineering Methods for DNA Delivery, Such as Biolistic Methods, Agrobacterium Tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation, and Other Physicochemical Methods Have Been Developed to Improve Translocation Across the Plasma Membrane and Cell Wall in Plants. Recently, the Peptide-Based Gene Delivery System, Mediated by Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs), Has Been Regarded as a Promising Non-Viral Tool for Efficient and Stable Gene Transfection …

The Coastal Monitor: Vol. 10 No. 1, John Tanacredi Ph.D.

The Coastal Monitor

New Year’s Day has always been, for me, a time to reflect and project into the near future. Nature’s influence on us all certainly tops my listing with several environmental concerns. For example, the frequency and intensity of hurricanes to Long Island. A decade has passed since Superstorm Sandy re-opened the “Old Inlet” on Long Island which now has mostly naturally closed. So, the new year immediately prompts me to assess the previous year’s Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 system, with winds exceeding 150 mph, which had considerable impact in Florida, and then proceeded north resulting in over 2 inches …

Effects Of Withania Somnifera On Zebrafish, Diyari Bekhtyar

Student Works

Withania somnifera (commonly known as Ashwagandha), is a plant in which its root powder is sold as a dietary supplement. It is being commonly used as an anti-anxiety supplement to combat stress. While the sale of Withania somnifera is widely accessible and available throughout the U.S., it is concerning that a number of teens and young adults are taking this supplement without consulting a physician. Previous studies and claims conclude that Withania somnifera has both neuroprotective and antiinflammatory properties in human neuronal cells. We have chosen to test Withania somnifera’s effects on early embryonic development using Danio rerio, zebrafish, as …

How Does Sediment Organic Matter Content Mediate The Effects Of Chironomid Larvae On Benthic Greenhouse Gas Fluxes, Mark Tierney

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

Some aquatic macroinvertebrates, including larval midges (Chironomidae), can increase wetland sediment nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes. Chironomids ingest denitrifying bacteria and bioirrigate their U-shaped burrows which can subject these bacteria to rapidly alternating oxic and anoxic conditions that can produce N₂O. Through this same process, chironomids may also modulate methane (CH₄) fluxes. Although previous studies have demonstrated the potential for chironomids to enhance N₂O flux, most have only incorporated low levels of organic matter (OM). In this study, three densities of Chironomus riparius larvae (0m², 9,000m², 18,000m²) …

Does Stress Physiology Mediate Disease Resistance In The Arizona Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma Mavortium Nebulosum)?, Megan Zerger

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

Amphibian biodiversity has greatly diminished in recent years due to disease. Panzootic pathogenic fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes the deadly disease chytridiomycosis (chytrid), a primary driver of catastrophic global amphibian declines and extinctions. The pathogenesis of chytrid is still unclear, as certain species and individuals within a species are differentially affected. Susceptibility and mortality of Bd are influenced by prolonged chronic stress. Prolonged glucocorticoid activity deleteriously affects many of the same physiological processes as Bd infections, and corticosterone is the primary glucocorticoid released by amphibians in response to stress. Thus, the objective of our study is to assess …

Changes In Aboveground Biomass Of Ammophila Breviligulata Are Influenced By Disturbance Along A Climatic Gradient., Vincent Cafazo

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

Coastal dunes are important geographic features that protect shorelines from erosion while supporting unique plant and animal biodiversity. The ecosystem engineering plant Ammophila breviligulata is particularly important for coastal dune development because of its ability to trap sediment and build up dunes. Understanding how environment conditions affect functional traits of this plant is an important first step towards protecting coastal dunes and improving their conservation. Our hypothesis in this study was that we would see a decrease in aboveground functional traits of A. breviligulata with increasing climatic and nutrient stress. In July 2022, we identified four different sites along the …

Seroton-Ing Down The Stress: Serotonergic Activity In Response To Predators In Threespined Stickleback (Gasterosteus Aculeatus), Michaela M. Rogers

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

Animals constantly face stress in the environment due to rapid human-induced changes. A strong interest lies in the evolution of coping mechanisms that can help organisms deal with and respond to these stressors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is highly conserved across taxonomic groups and is upregulated in response to a broad range of stressors, including predator exposure. Serotonin upregulation can help organisms cope with the threat of a predator by decreasing fear and anxiety. Previous studies have shown an increase in serotonergic activity following acute predator exposures in mice, rats, and fish after only one exposure, but less is …

Assessing The Health And Behavioral Effects Of Turtle Racing On Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene Carolina), Michelle K. Weaver

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

Turtle racing involves the public capturing largely wild-caught box turtles (Terrapene spp.) and racing them at standalone events or at races incorporated into larger family events (e.g., festivals). These turtle races are legal in most states because of a lack of regulations and/or funding to enforce regulations that may exist. Moreover, we lack information on the potential effects (e.g., disease transmission, survival, movements, and general health) of races on the turtles that could help support the implementation of regulations. Our objective was to understand the short-term and long-term health and behavioral effects of turtle races on eastern box turtles (Terrapene …

Late Cretaceous Marine Vertebrates From The Tarrant Formation, Tarrant County, Texas U.S.A, Aaron Johnson, Kenshu Shimada

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

The Tarrant Formation (middle Cenomanian: ca. 96 million years ago) is a stratigraphic member of the Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Group in Texas, U.S.A., and consists of calcareous sandstone formed near the East Texas Embayment of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway, an epicontinental seaway in North America. We examined vertebrate fossils from the Tarrant Formation based on specimens collected through surface collecting and bulk sampling from three localities in Tarrant County, Texas, including the type locality of a pachyrhizodontid fish, Polcynichthys lloydhilli. Our preliminary examination shows that the fossil fauna includes shark species such as Ptychodus anonymous, Archaeolamna sp., …

Habitiat Structure And Ecomorphology Of Fishes In Neotropical Blackwater Creeks., Devya Hemraj-Naraine

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

Freshwater ecosystems provide habitat for a diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. However, anthropogenic activities like mining and pollution alters aquatic habitats and the ecosystem services they provide. In South America, which hosts one quarter of all freshwater fish species, aquatic habitats are under considerable encroachment from human development. We surveyed nine blackwater creeks tributary to the Demarara River along a major Highway in Guyana to determine whether fish morphology and community structure correlate with habitat characteristics among sites with different degrees of human impact. Twenty-three morphological traits were measured on 3-5 adult specimens of each species. The most abundant …

Repeatability And Distribution Of Behavior Types Over Time And Across Populations In Free-Ranging Adult And Juvenile Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene Ornata), Abigail Trautman

2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference

As studies continue to investigate inter-individual variation, it is becoming increasingly evident that individual animals have their own unique behavior type (personality; repeatable behaviors over time and context) that persists throughout their life. Behavior is simply different forms of motion, and a behavior type influences which motions (behaviors) are most likely to be on display. Behavioral types can influence resource acquisition, predation risk, and mating opportunities and thus can directly influence the fitness of any given individual. In this study, we examine the behavior types of free-ranging adult ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata), including their repeatability and variation …

Postnatal Developmental Trends In Membrane Excitability And Bk Channel Function In The Rodent Hippocampus, Michael S. Hunsberger

Dissertations (1934 -)

This dissertation outlines the postnatal development of excitability as well as expression and function of BK potassium channels in hippocampal neurons. I used patch clamp electrophysiology to measure how neuronal action potential waveforms and action potential firing frequencies change in early development, and how pharmacological blockade of BK channels affects these properties in hippocampal neurons. I also describe how the protein expression of the BK channel pore-forming α subunit and mRNA expression of different variants of the pore forming α subunit and auxiliary beta-4 subunit changes with development. I demonstrate in both cultured rat hippocampal neurons across the first seven …

Using Podcasts To Bring National Estuarine Research Reserves Into The Classroom For Grades 6-12, Kaitlyn M. Dirr

Senior Theses

In a typical classroom setting, there are significant challenges to exposing students to concepts related to earth sciences and the environment. These challenges are exacerbated when conveying lessons about geographic areas with limited access, such as oceans and coastlines (Louv, 2010). It is now more important than ever for environmental education to improve and adapt to our changing world. Educators may have the opportunity to bring these subjects to life by using media content such as podcasts to introduce students to new places and the scientists, managers and educators that work in those spaces. In the United States, there exists …

Effects Of Heavy Metal Uptake On Growth, Chlorophyll Content, And Calcium Oxalate Crystals In Lemna Minor (Duckweed), Olivia F. Miller

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Lemna minor L., duckweed, is a common aquatic plant used for the phytoremediation of wastewater. Heavy metal contamination poses a significant issue, and numerous studies have been conducted on the efficiency of L. minor’s hyperaccumulation ability of these metals. Calcium oxalate crystals are an important aspect of the growth and development of L. minor, but how they are influenced by the uptake of heavy metal has not been extensively studied. This study aims to determine the effects that lead, cadmium, and copper have on the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, vegetative growth, and chlorophyll a and b content on L. …

Positive And Relaxed Selective Pressures Have Both Strongly Influenced The Evolution Of Cryonotothenioid Fishes During Their Radiation In The Freezing Southern Ocean, Kevin T. Bilyk, Xuan Zhuang, Chiara Papetti

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Evolution in the chronic cold of the Southern Ocean has had a profound influence on the physiology of cryonotothenioid fishes. However, the suite of genetic changes underlying the physiological gains and losses in these fishes is still poorly surveyed. By identifying the genomic signatures of selection, this study aims to identify the functional classes of genes that have been changed following two major physiological transitions: the onset of freezing temperatures and the loss of hemoproteins. Looking at the changes that followed the onset of freezing temperatures, positive selective pressure was found among a set of broadly acting gene regulatory factors, …

Effects Of Actin-Destabilizing Drugs On Motor Function In Drosophila Melanogaster, Caden Sullivan

Honors Theses

Actin dynamics influence many cellular processes including neural connectivity and function. One way to better understand and study the regulation of these dynamics is to manipulate actin dynamics and observe the effects in motor function as a proxy to changes on the neuromuscular junctions in developing neural tissue. On that line, this investigation hypothesized that changing the actin dynamics during development via drug manipulation results in observable effects in locomotion. One of the common actin regulatory drugs used throughout the literature includes Latrunculin A, which was used in this study. Methods included applying this actin destabilizing drug on developing wildtype …

Life Line Spring 2023, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this Issue:

Feathered Friends Living on Campus; The Hidden Mussels of the Olentangy River; Early Assurance Program Students Graduate from HCOM; Students Present at American Society for Microbiology Microbe 2022 Meeting; Environmental Science Upgrades Its Remote Monitoring Capabilities; Speed!; UK Students Visit Local Attractions; That's a Lottl Axolotls.

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. …

Effects Of Habitat Management On Rodent Diversity, Abundance, And Virus Infection Dynamics, Nathaniel Mull, Amy Schexnayder, Abigail Stolt, Tarja Sironen, Kristian M. Forbes

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

As anthropogenic factors continue to degrade natural areas, habitat management is needed to restore and maintain biodiversity. However, the impacts of different habitat management regimes on ecosystems have largely focused on vegetation analyses, with limited evaluation of downstream effects on wildlife. We compared the effects of grassland management regimes (prescribed burning, cutting/haying, or no active management) on rodent communities and the viruses they hosted. Rodents were trapped in 13 existing grassland sites in Northwest Arkansas, USA during 2020 and 2021. Rodent blood samples were screened for antibodies against three common rodent-borne virus groups: orthohantaviruses, arenaviruses, and orthopoxviruses. We captured 616 …

Challenges In Forecasting Antimicrobial Resistance, Sen Pei, Seth Blumberg, Jaime Cascante Vega, Tal Robin, Yue Zhang, Richard J. Medford, Bijaya Adhikari, Jeffrey Shaman

Research on Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to human health. Since the 2000s, computational tools for predicting infectious diseases have been greatly advanced; however, efforts to develop real-time forecasting models for antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AMROs) have been absent. In this perspective, we discuss the utility of AMRO forecasting at different scales, highlight the challenges in this field, and suggest future research priorities. We also discuss challenges in scientific understanding, access to high-quality data, model calibration, and implementation and evaluation of forecasting models. We further highlight the need to initiate research on AMRO forecasting using currently available data and resources to galvanize the …

The Possible Role For Basigin Receptor Function In The Induction Of Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression In Human Endometrial Stromal Cells, Amy Abel

All NMU Master's Theses

10-15% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility. The leading cause of infertility is implantation failure. Molecular communication in precise time and space between an implanting embryo and a receptive uterus is essential for successful implantation. Basigin has been shown to have vital functions within the implantation process. Basigin is best known for inducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Basigin has been shown to induce MMP expression in vitro in human endometrial stromal cell lines (HESC). Understanding how basigin induces matrix metalloproteinases within normal cellular conditions will help researchers understand how these signaling cascades flow in the framework of implantation. …

The Status Of Invasive Dusky Slug (Arion) Species In The Upper Great Lakes: A Molecular Approach, Olivia W. Hall

All NMU Master's Theses

I update the distribution of two cryptic slug species, Arion fuscus and Arion subfuscus, in the Upper Great Lakes of the United States using molecular identification methods. Arion fuscus has not previously been reported in the literature in this region, and Arion subfuscus has previously been reported as abundant. However, all previous distribution studies were determined using visual identification tools, which can result in misidentification between cryptic species. To molecularly re-examine these distribution maps, I used a mitochondrial ribosomal subunit 16S PCR amplification and subsequent SSpI and MfeI restriction enzyme digest to identify slug specimens. I collected slugs in …

Evidence That The Inner Nuclear Membrane Is A Functional Β1-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Platform In Astrocytes, Kelsey Benton

Dissertations (1934 -)

The noradrenergic system exerts powerful modulatory influences over fundamental brain processes including attention, arousal, learning, and memory by activating adrenergic receptors on neuronal and glial cells. In addition to triggering rapid, transient changes in cellular physiology that drive short-term behavioral actions, these G-protein-coupled receptors also initiate delayed, long-lasting changes in cellular function by regulating gene expression. For example, in astrocytes, norepinephrine-induced activation of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) rapidly induces glucose mobilization from glycogen stores, while simultaneously initiating delayed changes in the expression of glycogen storage genes. Regulation of gene expression requires adrenergic receptor-initiated intracellular signals to reach the nuclear compartment. To …

Altered Motivation & Dopamine Subcircuit Plasticity Unique To Sex During Protracted Opioid Withdrawal, Devan Marc Gomez

Dissertations (1934 -)

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with enduring psychological withdrawal symptoms believed to contribute to drug abuse. Amongst these are shifts in motivational states, wherein pursuit of drug consumption exceeds that of non-drug rewards, reinforcing escalated opioid use and relapse vulnerability. A critical regulator of behavioral reinforcement, the mesoaccumbal dopamine system is thought to be both necessary and sufficient for opioid motivation. However, previous research into its involvement in opioid withdrawal has been limited to acute rather than protracted timepoints, global neuroadaptations rather than those in subcircuits, and overwhelmingly focused on males over females. Using a rodent model of self-administration …