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A Mouse Holder For Awake Functional Imaging In Unanesthetized Mice: Applications In 31p Spectroscopy, Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies, And Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Lindsay C Fadel, Ivany V Patel, Jonathan Romero, I-Chih Tan, Shelli R Kesler, Vikram Rao, S A Amali S Subasinghe, Russell S Ray, Jason T Yustein, Matthew J Allen, Brian W Gibson, Justin J Verlinden, Stanley Fayn, Nicole Ruggiero, Caitlyn Ortiz, Elizabeth Hipskind, Aaron Feng, Chijindu Iheanacho, Alex Wang, Robia G Pautler

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Anesthesia is often used in preclinical imaging studies that incorporate mouse or rat models. However, multiple reports indicate that anesthesia has significant physiological impacts. Thus, there has been great interest in performing imaging studies in awake, unanesthetized animals to obtain accurate results without the confounding physiological effects of anesthesia. Here, we describe a newly designed mouse holder that is interfaceable with existing MRI systems and enables awake in vivo mouse imaging. This holder significantly reduces head movement of the awake animal compared to previously designed holders and allows for the acquisition of improved anatomical images. In addition to applications in …

The Association Of Cuzd1 And Stat5 In Adipocytes, Zachary Wigger

LSU Master's Theses

Obesity is a metabolic disorder that has turned into a global epidemic over the past few decades. Adipocyte dysfunction brought on by obesity can lead to increased risk of metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Knowing how adipocytes function to regulate metabolic homeostasis is critical. CUZD1 (CUB and Zona Pellucida-like Domain-containing protein 1) has not been studied in the context of adipocyte biology but could play a role in several metabolic processes. CUZD1 has been suggested to be a biomarker for several inflammatory diseases and cancers but little functional data has been published. There …

Anticipating Infection: How Parasitism Risk Changes Animal Physiology, Patricia C. Lopes

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

1. Uninfected animals can attempt to prevent parasitism in many ways. Behavioural avoidance of parasitized conspecifics, for instance, is documented in several species.
2. Interactions with parasitized conspecifics can also, however, lead to physiological changes in uninfected animals, an effect that is much less well studied, and consequently, less well understood. The way in which exposure to parasitism risk changes the physiology of uninfected animals and the impacts of those changes on animal fitness remain a significant gap in knowledge.
3. Determining how the disease environment experienced by animals impacts their physiology, survival and reproduction has major implications for our knowledge of how …

Chemically Induced Phytoextraction Of Lead (Pb) Contaminated Soil By Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.), Assisted With Bap And Nta Applications, Genna Hart

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

The accumulation of lead (Pb) deposits in soil is a growing global concern. Phytoextraction of Pb-contaminated soil can be enhanced by soil chelation to increase the bioavailability of Pb. In the initial study nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) 5mM, the alkylpolyglucoside (APG) Triton X-100 (2%), and nano-silica were applied to switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) growing in 5L pots of Pb-contaminated soil. The second experiment used 10mM NTA, the alkylpolyglycoside Triton X-100 (2%), foliar application of the plant growth regulator 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) twice per week, Triple-12® nutrients, and Infuse™ a soil fungicide which were applied to switchgrass Plants were grown in a controlled …

The Influence Of Land Coverage And Soil Chemical Factors On Soil Bacterial Community Diversity And Structure In Cedartown, Ga, Usa, Jake Smith

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

Heavy metals pose serious threats to organisms due to their mobility and solubility in soil. Bacteria communities are vulnerable to heavy metal stress, but the response of different bacterial groups may vary depending on the level and type of heavy metal contamination. When subjected to heavy metal stress, many bacterial species or populations may become extirpated, while some may survive to form the foundations of a new microbial community. A study of the bacterial community at a lead (Pb) contaminated study site in Cedartown, GA, found that the microbiome in the Pb contaminated soil had significantly lower species richness. But …

Heavy Metal Distribution Across Three Georgia Estuaries Using Coastal Sharks As Sentinel Species, Allyson Stiles

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

Estuaries are transitional environments that play key roles in coastal ecosystem functioning by providing essential habitats to ecologically important plant and animal species. Estuaries are exposed to a number of anthropogenic impacts, including heavy metal contamination from human activities. However, few studies have examined heavy metal distribution within Georgia’s estuaries and how intact salt marsh ecosystems could play a role in filtering and sequestering contaminants, such as Mercury (Hg). This thesis examined blood total mercury (THg) concentrations of four coastal shark species and concentrations of five heavy metals (Hg, As, Cr, Cu, and Pb) within the water and sediments of …

A New Spin On The Bacterial Flagellum: Its Normal Niche And Displacement, Alan L. Gillen

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek observed individual living cells for the first time in history in 1674. Two years later, he noted microbes with long, thin appendages protruding from globular cells that seemed to provide locomotion, like “little feet” as they moved in drops of water. He gave credit to God in his writings over these new moving wonders. These appendages are now known as flagella (fig. 1), meaning “little whips” (from Latin).

More than 300 years later, Dr. Michael J. Behe used the flagellum and its nanomotor to introduce the concept of “irreducible complexity”—the idea that a structure is so complex …

Antimicrobial And Cytotoxic Properties Of Extracts From Over-Seasoned Worm-Casts Of The Earthworm Hyperiodrilus Africanus Beddard, 1891, Stephen Olugbemiga Owa, David Adeiza Otohinoyi, Theresa Ibibia Edewor-Ikupoyi, Adeolu Adeola Taiwo, Jenifer Akhere Okosun, Yvonne Oluchi Akujobi, Damilola Grace Oyewale, Tomilola Debby Olaolu, Damilare Emmanuel Rotimi, Osarenkhoe Omorefosa Osemwegie, Oluyomi Stephen Adeyemi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

⦁ Background: Despite the continuous interest in the search for therapeutic agents, little attention has been given to the medicinal relevance of earthworm casts, with even less interest in over-seasoned worm-casts. Therefore, this study determined the phytochemical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of over-seasoned worm-casts of the earthworm Hyperiodrilus africanus (Eudrilidae). Methods: The earthworm casts were extracted with n-hexane, ethanol, and water and the crude extracts were evaluated for the presence of chemical constituents and antimicrobial properties. Cytotoxicity was inferred from the antimitotic effects of the extracts on the radicles of germinating seeds of Sorghum bicolor. Results: The chemical constituent determinations …

A Review On The Ethnobotanical, Phytochemistry, And Pharmacological Activities Of Aristolochia Longa L., Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo, Matthew Iyobhebhe, Bukola Atunwa, Adebola Busola Ojo

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Aristolochia longa L. is a plant native to Algeria and Morocco that has been used by the locals to combat different arrays of infections and diseases found among them. This particular plant is well-known for its therapeutic qualities that could be traced back to the presence of many effective phytochemicals that have been extrapolated from the different parts of the plant, like the leaves and roots: flavonoids, saponins, tannins, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, β-carotenes, limonenes, and palmitic acids. This plant has been identified in different research articles to be able to manage diseases effectively because it possesses some pharmacological attributes such as; …

Assessing The Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Amf) Community Associated With Sea Oats Along The Georgia Coast At Jekyll And Tybee Islands, Kylie Stover

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

Coastal sand dunes are fragile ecosystems that serve as natural defenses to protect the adjacent mainland by absorbing the impacts and energy from severe storms. Different efforts have been taken to restore coastal sand dunes, focusing on foredunes. However, there are many strategies involved with coastal restoration and one superior technique has not been found to be the best. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) supply a range of limiting nutrients (N, P, Fe, and Zn) to the host plant while improving dune stability. This study aimed to assess and compare the diversity of the indigenous AMF community associated with sea oats …

Signatures Of Genome Evolution In Two Divergent Lizard Species From Texas, Jose A. Maldonado

Biology Dissertations - Archive

The continual reduction of the cost of high-throughput sequencing is now making it feasible to sequence large genomic and transcriptomic datasets for non-model organisms. Many of these under study non-model organisms have no available molecular data available. Yet, many of these organisms are of interest for their usefulness in addressing long-standing unanswered questions in the field of evolutionary biology or of conservational concern and need immediate intervention. Now we can quickly generate large datasets for these organisms, and here we generate two large datasets for lizards that are both of in interest in the genus Holbrookia and Aspidoscelis. In chapter …

Elucidating The Molecular Genetic Basis Of Behaviors Related To The Loser Effect, Marquerite Alizabeth Herzog

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Across the animal kingdom, when individuals experience social defeat (losing an aggressive conflict with a conspecific), it elicits stereotypical loser behavior such as isolation or submissiveness. In many species, social defeat is a precursor to the "loser effect" (LE), the propensity for individuals who lose a contest to lose subsequent competitions. Experiments in rodent systems reveal physiological consequences of social defeat and loser behaviors, but underlying genetic mechanisms of the LE remain elusive. Furthermore, of the recent studies investigating gene expression changes associated with social defeat, there is little focus on the recovery of LE, wherein some animals naturally exit …

Microbial Diversity And Immunogenetics Of Whiptail Lizards (Aspidoscelis), Kathleen Currie

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Whiptail lizards of the genus Aspidoscelis are a complex of both sexual and asexual species with distributions in the United States, Mexico, and Central America. The parthenogenetic lineages arose through hybridization events between divergent sexual species; further backcrossing of the diploid parthenogens to the parentals is possible, and even hybridization with a third species produce triploid lineages. Here, we leverage the unique biology of whiptail lizards to evaluate and compare gut microbial communities between reproductive modes, investigate whether host genetic variation correlates with microbial diversity, and characterize MHC class II beta genes.

Niche And Dispersal Effects On Biodiversity, Community Composition And Species Co-Occurrences In Stream Ecosystems, Joseph Leonardo Mruzek

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Niche and dispersal processes are major ecological drivers of freshwater communities but their relative roles across latitudinal gradients, scales, and organismal groups are not well understood. Thus, we performed three studies with sub-continental datasets of stream algae, insects, and fish. In chapter 2 we predicted that: i) niche processes would dominate at high latitudes due to increased climatic stress, consistent with the physiological tolerance hypothesis and the Dobzhansky-MacArthur hypothesis and ii) dispersal limitation would prevail at low latitudes due to narrower niches and smaller range sizes, consistent with the dispersal-ecological specialization tradeoff hypothesis, the latitude-niche breadth hypothesis, and Rapoport’s rule. …

Characterization Of Microbotryum Lychnidis-Dioicae Secreted Effector Proteins That Manipulate Its Host Plant, Silene Latifolia., Ming-Chang Tsai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The smut fungal species Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae is an obligate phytopathogen colonizing the plant host, Silene latifolia. A significant feature of M. lychnidis-dioicae infection is that the fungus can replace pollen on the anthers of susceptible host plants with fungal teliospores, thus earning the fungus the name: anther smut disease of flowers. The fungus synthesizes and secretes effector proteins into the cells of the plant host during infection, and the protein-protein interactions may interfere with and modify metabolism, plant development, and gene expression of the host to allow fungal colonization. Two potential fungal effector proteins, MVLG_06175 and MVLG_05122, were identified …

Investigating Gene Expression Changes In Daphnia: The Role Of Ems-Induced Mutations And Reproductive Modes, Marelize Snyman

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Gene expression variation is a common source of phenotypic variation between species. Understanding how changes in gene expression are associated with a particular phenotype will aid in understanding the molecular basis and evolution of complex traits. For the first chapter, I investigated the role that changes in gene expression play in the origin of obligate parthenogenesis using the microcrustacean Daphnia pulex. I conducted a genome-wide differential expression and splicing analysis comparing early subitaneous and early resting egg production in OP D. pulex isolates to investigate the genes and mechanisms underlying these parthenogenetic modes. Results from the KEGG pathway and GO …

Phenology Effects On Productivity And Hatching-Asynchrony Of American Kestrels (Falco Sparverius) Across A Continent, Kathleen R. Callery, Sarah E. Schulwitz, Anjolene R. Hunt, Jason M. Winiarski, Christopher J. W. Mcclure, Richard A. Fischer, Julie A. Heath

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Optimal reproductive performance occurs when birds time reproduction to coincide with peak food availability. Deviation from optimal timing, or mismatch, can affect productivity, though birds may mediate some mismatch effects by altering their incubation behavior. We studied the consequences of nesting timing (i.e., clutch initiation relative to an index of spring start) on productivity across the breeding range of American kestrels (Falco sparverius) in the United States and southern Canada, and associations between nesting timing, incubation behavior, and hatching asynchrony. We used observations from long-term nest box monitoring, remote trail cameras, and community-scientist-based programs to obtain data on …

The Susceptibility For Recreational Boating To Serve As A Vector For Harmful Algal Blooms, John Michael Thraen

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

To combat the spread of invasive and nuisance aquatic species, recreational boating has many recommendations and regulations in place for boaters to properly treat their boats in between uses in separate locations. While protection procedures are in place for preventing the spread of invasive mussel and plant species, there is no sufficient procedure in regard to the spread of cyanobacterial species. The objective of this study was to investigate whether common drying procedures employed in these treatment practices were capable of additionally preventing the spread of cyanobacterial species so as they may help prevent the spread of algal blooms throughout …

Regional-Scale Climate-Induced Variation In Ant Physiology And Morphology, Daniel E. Murphy

Biology Theses

The biology of ectotherms such as insects is influenced by ambient thermal conditions. Ants are a ubiquitous and ecologically important group of insects and are well-established as bioindicators of thermal conditions. Ants are sensitive to the thermal extremes that vary with latitude, elevation, and land use, and these thermal gradients influence their spatial and temporal distributions. As a result, ants have evolved physiological and morphological thermal adaptations in response to the thermal environment of their habitats. These adaptations include increased physiological and morphological tolerance for temperature extremes. In Western New York (WNY), temperatures are temporally and spatially heterogeneous, changing with …

Evaluating The Impact Of Intersecting Research And Outreach Marine Science Programs On Elementary And Undergraduate Students, Randi J. Sims

All Theses

Climate change is one of the most destructive forces our ocean is currently experiencing. Despite this, many students are not taught the basics of climate change science and ocean literacy in public school systems. My work seeks to combat these deficits through educational experiences in marine science for undergraduate and local elementary students through three studies incorporating marine-science based research and outreach. (1) Through undergraduate marine science research and outreach, students enrolled for long durations or with positive mentorship increased their conceptual understanding of marine science concepts, altered their attitudes towards climate change and science, and were more likely to …

The Presence And Distribution Of Crotoxin In The Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus Lepidus), Jade Mellor

All Theses

Crotoxin and its homologs (hereafter all referred to as CTx) is a highly lethal heterodimeric beta-neurotoxin found in pitvipers (Crotalinae) and is the main driver of neurotoxic venom phenotypes (Type II). In contrast, hemorrhagic venom phenotypes (Type I) are characterized by high snake venom metalloproteinase expression and low toxicity. Although many rattlesnake species have been classified as either Type I or Type II, population level variation in venom phenotype has also been documented in several species. The presence or absence of CTx is the main component of this variation in venom phenotype and has been most widely studied in large-bodied …

Effects Of Ahcc On The Interaction Between T And B Lymphocytes, Sajina Poudel

Theses (2016-Present)

AHCC is a beta-glucan derived from the shiitake mushroom. It is used as an immune supplement and is known to boost the immune system. The mechanisms involved are increased lymphocyte proliferation and reduction of inflammation. The effects have been well studied in T cells. However, factors produced by T cells that affect B cells have not been studied. In this study, we explored the gene products stimulated by the AHCC exposure in T lymphocytes which play a role in B cell function. Data from a prior gene array experiment were used to delineate the effects of AHCC on the interaction …

An Overview Of The Extracurricular Polysaccaride Production Of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria, Olujimi Babajide Olowokere

Theses (2016-Present)

The study focuses on a comprehensive review of lactic acid bacteria and their production of extracellular polysaccharide substrates (EPS). Two important factors are addressed in the work; and these are 1) identification of LAB stains found in the commercially sold daily milk, 2) significant factors impacting polysaccharide production. Motivation behind these focus points is to allow further inquiries and studies on exploring these strains of bacteria for human wellness promotion. With microbial EPS production being a recent interest of study among healthcare and food industries sectors, new species of bacteria are extensively exploited for further investigation to improve human health, …

Screening Tcf19 And Kif18b To Determine Co-Regulation With Mybl1 In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patient Tissues, Tyra Sharda Ivory

Theses (2016-Present)

The aggressive behavior in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is due to genetic signaling events, which call for the comprehensive analyses of genes differentially regulated in the cancers. Our laboratory previously found that MYBL1 was over-expressed in a fraction of the TNBC, compared to some luminal, and other breast cancer subtypes. The MYBL1 gene is a proto-oncogene that serves as a strong transcriptional activator. The gene is involved in signaling events related to cell cycle signaling, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, all which are differentially regulated in cancers. Because MYBL1 is a transcription regulator, involved in cancer-related mechanisms and differentially expressed in …

Tau-Dependent Neurodegeneration And Alleviation By Etas®50, Clifford Tyree Castleberry

Theses (2016-Present)

Brain growth factors are a broad group of molecules that enable the brain to adapt to stress. In a study on Alzheimer’s mice (APP), we tested the role of an asparagus supplement, ETAS®50, to mitigate the stress caused by the Alzheimer’s condition in this mouse model. Gene expression data revealed regulation of genes related to neuronal growth and function, such as tau, which were severely stressed in the APP mice to be alleviated.

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, July & August 2022, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Volume 3, Issue 5

Page 1 Dean's Message
Page 2 Awards & Recognition
Page 3 Resources for Student Success
Page 4 Welcome to New Faculty & Staff
Page 5 Summer Activities in CNS
Page 9 Celebrating the lives of those who touched the College
Page 10 Media Coverage of CNS
Page 12 Open PRAIRIE Data
Page 13 Snaps from he start of the semester
Page 14 Science as Art Competition

Activational Vs. Organizational Effects Of Sex Steroids And Their Role In The Evolution Of Reproductive Behavior: Looking To Foot-Flagging Frogs And Beyond, Nigel K. Anderson, Sarah E. Goodwin, Eric R. Schuppe, Allexandrya Dawn, Doris Preininger, Lisa A. Mangiamele, Matthew J. Fuxjager

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Sex steroids play an important role in regulation of the vertebrate reproductive phenotype. This is because sex steroids not only activate sexual behaviors that mediate copulation, courtship, and aggression, but they also help guide the development of neural and muscular systems that underlie these traits. Many biologists have therefore described the effects of sex steroid action on reproductive behavior as both “activational” and “organizational,” respectively. Here, we focus on these phenomena from an evolutionary standpoint, highlighting that we know relatively little about the way that organizational effects evolve in the natural world to support the adaptation and diversification of reproductive …

Investigating Conserved Mechanisms For Embryonic Eye Regrowth In Xenopus Laevis, Cindy Kha

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Regeneration is a complex process to replace or restore tissue after damage. However, animals vary in their ability to regenerate tissue, and humans are limited in their abilities. Understanding how regeneration occurs in highly regenerative vertebrates, such as in Xenopus laevis frogs will lead to defining common regeneration mechanisms. In recent years, eye regeneration research in Xenopus laevis tadpoles provided new promising insight into the mechanisms necessary for repair of damaged eye tissue. Much progress has been made towards understanding the regenerative capability of the complex eye since Xenopus tadpoles can regenerate mature eye tissues, including: the optic nerve, retina, …

Drought Tolerance Of Artemisia Tridentata In Response To Herbivory And Mycorrhizal Colonization, Mathew Geisler

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Interactions with other organisms can affect a plant’s ability to cope with drought. The re-establishment of Artemisia tridentata, a keystone species of the sagebrush steppe, is often limited by summer drought. This study investigated the effect of two biotic factors, herbivory and symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), on the drought tolerance of Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush) seedlings. For this purpose, I conducted two separate but concurrent field experiments. The herbivory experiment had three treatments: seedlings without tree protectors and seedlings within Vexar or metal-mesh tree protectors. In the mycorrhizal experiment, all seedlings were within metal-mesh …

Cytochrome C: A Potential Early Biomarker Of Diabetic Retinopathy, Ileana G. Villarreal

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular disease which appears in patients who experience progression of diabetes mellitus over a continuous period. Oftentimes, patients go undiagnosed due to the fact that there is no way to determine when the exact moment a patient develops diabetic retinopathy. Ophthalmologists and other eye specialists diagnose a patient with diabetic retinopathy once the patient begins to show progressed symptoms of the disease. Various experiments have been previously performed to increase our knowledge of the connection of diabetic retinopathy and early biomarkers of the disease. Several studies have determined the effects of diabetic retinopathy and apoptosis with …